Clarins Splendours Color Quartet & Liner Eye Palette - Review

So technically this palette was released for Summer (I know I know, I'm a little late. It happens). I had seen it online and it was one of those things that I kept looking at over and over again, but it somehow kept getting pushed aside. I've never tried anything from Clarins. I've heard a lot about some of their skincare products, but not much about their makeup. This palette was just so gorgeous though, I kept going back to look at it! It has this intriguing embossed aztec looking pattern on the lid of the compact that has a reddish bronze overlay on top of it that gives it this beautiful casing and reflection. Then I looked at the shadow colors and those are just so my colors. As you can see, this purchase may have come a little late, but I went ahead and finally purchased this and I'm so excited.

NARS | Guy Bourdin - Review

Hey hey hey. So many brands release holiday collections it's sensory overload. Seriously. But when I saw that NARS was doing a collection inspired by Guy Bourdin, I was so excited. I love art and photography and Guy Bourdin has some amazing photography. Known for his bold imagery with vibrant colors, his work is a perfect pairing with NARS. Not to mention his work is very provocative and sexy. It's seriously a match made in heaven and I really think NARS did this one justice. Very rich and vibrant colors. Ugh, I just can't even describe. It's so nice for the edgy girl that's not afraid to be bold and out there.

Favorites - October

Hey everyone. OK, I know this is late. Like really late. But better late than never, right?! October was a month of new favorite and some old favorites coming back around. I'd say, let's not fuss much with an intro and just jump right into what I have been obsessed with in October. Click through for my thoughts on each….

Marc Jacobs - Lolita - Review

If you've been around here for a little while, you'll know that I purchased quite a few of the Marc Jacobs Beauty items. I have been loving the shadows and blushes so much, but when I saw The Lolita palette, I thought - I have so many neutral palettes. Why bother? Especially being that the line has some beautiful fun and rich colors to play with, right? Then, slowly, little by little, inch by inch, I was leaning towards buying this palette. I'd put it in my cart and then take it out. I'd swatch it in the store, debate in my head and convince myself out of the purchase. Finally I jumped the gun and did it on a whim. I am so so so happy I did. I will quickly say that I've heard a lot of complaints about the price tag, but you're getting 7 high end eyeshadows here so I think that's pretty in line with other brands in that price tier. Anyways, this really is a beautiful neutral palette and I believe it's very worth it. The colors are just perfect. I really appreciate that they aren't too warm or bronzy. They're a bit more cool, but not too cool so I think this could work for any skin tone. I'm personally obsessed with the shimmery light pink shade in the palette. It's gorgeous! I have been using it on the eyelid or in the inner corner and it just brightens up your eyes. The other great thing about this is that the three shades on the left hand side are matte, the middle shade is a frosty glittery shade (beautiful to layer on top of the other shadows for an extra pop on a night out) and the three shades on the right are gorgeous fine shimmery shades. The shadows are greatly pigmented and buttery smooth. They blend really easily as well. I have nothing bad to say about this. Honest. Scouts honor. Oh, and shall I rave about the packaging? I mean. It's just. Sexy, right?!

Click through for swatches. 

Let's Get Inspired! - Gold Trend

So, unless you've been under a rock, you'll know that Fashion week happened a few weeks ago and I've been loving looking through all the makeup looks going down the runways. Of course these are Spring 2014 trends, but seeing all the gold on the runways totally has me wanting it NOW! The Dior show had amazing gold looks. I love pulling inspiration images and seeing a vibe all in one place. I could probably make inspiration boards/collages all day long. OK, back to what I was saying. What was I saying? Oh, yes. Gold is obviously trending for spring, but I kind of think that gold and metallics in general are perfection all year round. It's so bold, but in a cool and oddly subtle way. It definitely makes a statement, but not in the way cobalt blue eyeshadow does. You catch my drift? Yeah. So, I'm totally obsessed with metallics and golds all the time. I do think that the way you translate it might vary throughout the year. Not all golds are created equal. During the Fall/Autumn seasons, I love the darker and dirtier golds. The antiqued looking gold that isn't super bright is the way to go.

I pulled a few of my personal favorite picks that I think are great to wear this season. M.A.C's Old Gold pigment (if you're unfamiliar with pigments, they are just loose powder shadows with intense pigmentation) is a beautiful antiqued looking gold. It almost has a slight greenish undertone to it which keeps it looking a little patina'd and more Fall appropriate. It would be beautiful just on it's own as a wash across the eyelids. And if you read my last post, you'll already know that I'm obsessing over the Lancome Artliners. They are just brilliant and so easy to use. They released a gold color and I'm so in love. I can't get enough of gold liners. I think it's so chic to use a gold liner on bare eyelids with just mascara. My other love is gold nails. Illamasqua's Swinger nail varnish is a really good one. It's got a really good glitter in it that fully coats the nails. What's perfect about this for Fall is that it has a bit of a dirty silvery gold mixed in with a classic gold which gives it a little edge. 

Those are definitely the golds I'll be reaching for this season. What about you? What sort of golds do you like in the Fall? Or what other things are inspiring you from the runway?

On a side note, I wanted to mention a few things. I'm currently on a business trip in North Carolina. I really enjoying it here. Everyone is so friendly and sweet. Ah, and the trees. I love all the big old trees. You don't get that so much in LA around the city. I am, however, sad that the leaves haven't really started to change color. I was really hoping to be here just in time to see the bright reds, oranges and yellows. Oh well. Anyways, with all that being said, I am still trying to upload a few more posts this week, but bear with me as I try to figure out wifi (since it's only working on my bathroom counter...wth). I have also noticed a few more followers coming around this week and I really appreciate it. I don't think it will ever get old to see people coming to visit my little blog. Always puts a smile on my face. Thanks all! Hope to see you soon!!

xoxo. Kisses, J

Inspiration images from Garance Dore, Honestly WTF and Pinterest