Hall of Fame - Dior Eyeshadow

While I was configuring my drugstore eye post from yesterday, I realized that I have some definite holy grail, all-time favorites from high end brands because these were the ones I kept referencing and comparing everything to. These are the ones that set the bar that I judge from. I have a definite few favorite brands, but there are three that I go back to time and time again. I will talk about the other two soon, but I wanted to start with Dior first. I started using Dior products back when I was in college and have been hooked ever since. I remember the first palette was a limited edition one with plums and light pinks. I practically wiped it clean. These Dior 5 Color Eyeshadow palettes have been my absolute must haves ever since. The packaging is beautiful. They come in a velvet pouch with the Dior name embossed on the top. The actual compact has the 'CD' initials underneath this clear blue overlay that is reflective and gorgeous with the "Dior" name layered on top in silver. Basically, it's really nice. The inside of the compact has a layout to fit five eyeshadow colors. I love that they're embossed with stitch lines like a quilted bag or something. And when you look at the shapes of the outer four spaces, they look like cut diamonds. Like you could place it on top of a ring. That should hook in every girl right there, huh? But, it doesn't stop there. The colors are long lasting and nicely pigmented. They blend effortlessly and the shimmers are of the most beautiful. It's really fine and elegant. What makes these staples for me is that I can get a really complete look out of these palettes. The color combinations are designed really well that I get use of every shade and I can create a few iterations of a look in one palette. No color ever goes to waste for me in these. And, I always hit pan and finish these up which always really says a lot for someone who has so much makeup. Rosy Tan is my favorite from the permanent line. It looks basic, but it's so beautiful for a feminine neutral look. I always look forward to limited releases too. I hope they come out with some great ones for holiday!

Kisses, J

Hall of Fame - Chanel Lip Glosses

Anyone who knows anything about me will know that I am a lipgloss fanatic! Lipstick? Eh. Lipgloss? Yes!! I'll admit something now and never again. I probably have one too many glosses. OK OK, you got me. Like thirty too many! Sigh. It's such an addiction. From high end to the drugstore I've tried numerous brands, but I have to say that Chanel are my absolute, hands down, no doubt about it, all time favorites. When a girl has about fifty lip glosses, finishing one is like a miracle. Chanel has given me many miracles. No joke. I repurchase and repurchase. The color selection is quite good and they're always coming out with limited edition shades every season. Only thing I hate about the limited edition shades is that I fall in love and then I can't ever buy it again! First world problems I tell you.

Aside from the beautifully classic packaging that really just cannot be denied, the formula is just perfect. Great consistency, long lasting and when it does start to wear off, it wears off evenly. Huge plus because I hate when it gets patchy or you've lost all the gloss in the middle of your lips and have a weird rim around the outer edges. These never do that to me. Even the darker colors. They're not at all sticky. The shimmer is always pretty and not chunky or overbearing. The packaging never fails, I've never had one leak or fall apart. And the applicator applies just the right amount of gloss in one dip. Love love love!

On a small departure, I did pick up one of the new Chanel Cream Blushes last weekend and am loving it! I think it might be the runner up to my YSL favorite. The texture is cream to velvet finish. They have no shimmer in any of them which keeps them all quite natural looking and flattering. Very pretty. If you haven't already seen my post on cream blushes and are interested, click here.

HALL OF FAME: Lollia Hand Cream

Am I the only one who's beyond picky with hand creams? Ugh, I hate it when they're super greasy and you feel like you want to wash your hands or rub it off. I have to admit that when I came across this Lollia hand cream, I only bought it because it looked so pretty. I'm a sucker for nice packaging - don't judge. The hand painted florals and the pretty paper box. I had to have it. Now, this isn't the most expensive thing on the planet, but for a hand cream, it's on the pricier side at $25. I have repurchased this repeatedly nonetheless because I haven't felt a better hand cream yet. It's so luxurious feeling and sinks right into your skin leaving it feeling moisturized, but not greasy (happy dance!). And, a little goes a long way so the tube usually lasts me quite a while. They have a few scents, but 'Breathe' is my favorite. If you want to take a leap of faith and just trust me on this one, you can find it online at Lollia. As for finding it in person I've only ever seen them in Anthropologie so if you happen to be around one of them, sample it out. You won't regret it. If anything, you'll have soft hands for the rest of the day thanks to me. You are most welcome.

Image via www.lollialife.com

Talk soon.

p.s. This is the first in an ongoing series I'm starting called "Hall of Fame" where I talk about products that I absolutely love and have repurchased several times. My "I cannot live without you" products.