Savvy Thinker » Chanel http://savvythinker.com thinking about life, playing with makeup Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:15:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 FOTD AL eyes + AL lips http://savvythinker.com/fotd-al-eyes-al-lips/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-al-eyes-al-lips/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:21:19 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3481

Finally! I'm current -- this is my FOTD today. I wanted to wear the same eye colors as yesterday.

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Comparing two lower lash mascaras one is Tarte; the other is Guerlain's Le2.
AL concealer.

Back to trying to use up the discontinued Chanel foundation. Primed with Laura Mercier. My usual sparkly mix of powder, then SCA Hyaluronic as a bronzer.

Blush: AL Dolly

I'm trying uploading directly vs. using Photobucket. The images are smaller. But it is a lot faster for me except for waiting for it to upload into wordpress.

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Lips: AL Gala + AL Pinafore (on each lip, then smooshed) + rimmed and topped in center with Beauté Paramour Love this color!

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Day 2 into Arbonne:
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And we finally have some rain around here -- all the ponds are low. I'm going to enjoy the rain!

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, go here.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-18 11:27:19.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-al-eyes-al-lips/feed/ 0 Comparing 3 green perfumes http://savvythinker.com/comparing-3-green-perfumes/ http://savvythinker.com/comparing-3-green-perfumes/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:44:08 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=6613

I've been hankering for greens in fragrances lately, so I thought I'd do a comparison of 3 that I particularly love. I wore one on each wrist and the third on my forearm. I wanted to see how they wore throughout the day, how other people perceived them, which lasted the longest, and which was my favorite among them.

Chanel # 19 was introduced in 1970. (I have a mini bottle from one of the sets, so this was dabbed.) It's notes include (and I don't smell the tuberose):

bergamot, neroli and tuberose, vetiver, leather and musk.

or

* With floral and green notes of Neroli from Grasse and Galbanum from Iran
* Combines with May Roses and Irises from Florence
* A cypress tone with a subtle and woody note of Vetiver

Vent Vert by Balmain was created in 1947. I have both the vintage version and the more modern version, but for this comparison I used the vintage. It is a spray.

Original:
Top Notes: Galbanum, Citrus, Gardenia, Peach
Middle Notes: Rose, Muguet, Hyacinth, Orrs, Jasmin
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Vetiver, Styrax, Musk

Top Notes: Greens, orange blossom, lemon, lime, basil
Heart Notes: Rose, galbanum, lily of the valley, freesia, hyacinth, tagetes, ylang-ylang, violet
Base Notes: Oakmoss, sandalwood, sage, iris, amber, musk

Ma Griffe by Carven was introduced in 1946, but to me, it still is timeless. At one time it was close to a signature fragrance for me. The gardenia and other florals in it are not particularly strong. In many ways it reminds me of Guerlain's Chamade, perhaps because of all the galbanum. This bottle is also vintage and a spray.

Top Notes: Gardenia, greens, galbanum, aldehydes, clary sage
Heart Notes: Jasmine, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, orris, ylang-ylang
Base Notes: Styrax, oakmoss, cinnamon, musk, benzoin, labdanum

Over the course of several days, I applied the fragrances in the same manner and refreshed throughout the day.

My take
They sure are similar!

Which lasted the longest?
Between Vent Vert and Chanel No 19, the Chanel was longer lasting. I tried to apply the same amount to each wrist, though they were in different formats. Both started out essentially the same, equally strong, and both had odd top notes, because both are vintage. But that burned off quickly. I was surprised that even in the beginning they were alike.

I applied more of the Ma Griffe because I applied that to my forearm and transferred it to the other forearm. It lasted about as long as the Vent Vert, maybe a tad longer.

What do they smell like?
Vent Vert and Chanel No 19 are both crisp greens. Ma Griffe is a bit softer.

I brought some fresh flowers into the house this week and cut their stems before putting them in water. I had all 3 of my girls smell the cut edges of the stems because that is the scent that most fragrance houses are trying to put into their fragrances to capture the real essence of cut flowers. Honestly, I could have worn the stems, they were so fragrant, though I bet people would have wondered about me!

Who liked what?
Book Girl didn't like Ma Griffe. She felt it smelled 'old.' I told her it wouldn't as soon as it settled down. It is grownup, though. By contrast, Cathy's favorite was Ma Griffe, which is also mine. None that I asked could smell a lot of difference between the Vent Vert or Chanel No 19.

So there you have it! If you are looking for greens in a fragrance, you can look into these, and you won't go wrong with any of them. It all depends on what you like best on you and the price point.

Have you worn any of these?
Is one your favorite?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-05-03 06:12:23.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/comparing-3-green-perfumes/feed/ 0 FOTD Arbonne + MAC lip liner http://savvythinker.com/fotd-arbonne-mac-lip-liner/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-arbonne-mac-lip-liner/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:08:46 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=4132

I received my Arbonne order yesterday. I ordered (and received) 1 more eye shadow to complete my shadow box, as well as tinted moisturizer, so I wanted to try them out, even though I had thought to do AL mineral foundation spritzing the brush with water -- will do that tomorrow or lighten the tinted moisturizer in one step.

FYI is Arbonne's line for teens or young adults ("young individuals"), but the products are suitable for all ages. There are tinted moisturizers; glosses; cream shadows (not in a tube); and 4 different fragrances in shower gel, small spray, body cream, and sugar scrub. I tried the fragrances because, as you know, I love fragrance. More on those in another post. Shari told me how much she loves the tinted moisturizer, so I decided to try it. It looks good on her!

Eyes: Arbonne, except where noted, using new eye shape.
Base: Nude Frost (not Arbonne)(cream in a pot)
Lids: First used the soft gray (I think it might be matte). Then used lime green on top of the gray and alone under lower lash line. I wanted to know if the soft gray looked good by itself (it did) and whether it showed up enough (it did.) And I felt it would deepen the impact of the lime. (It did.) In a way it was like using a dark base instead of a skin tone one, but instead of it being cream, it was powder. In RL it looks more lime than it does in the picture.
Crease: Used lighter purple at top edges.
Mascara: Arbonne, 2 step
Brows: Merle Norman powder
Wet lined left lower: Sephora White; right lower: MAC white -- the MAC is much whiter and brighter; for a more natural look, choose the Sephora, for a more highlighted look, choose the MAC.
Lined top and lower: Tidal Wave, gel liner (not Arbonne) -- This is just a beautiful blue and blends nicely with the lime.
Lined again top and lower: Lancome Micro Palettes -- white (but really sheer) with silver -- I like this to drift down and around under my eyes some to extend the optical illusion of my eyes.
Concealer: Guerlain

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Primer: Forgot
Foundation: Arbonne FYI Light tinted moisturizer -- this is a neat product that came recommended by Shari. It is a tad too dark on me. Comparing it to the Arbonne foundation that I use, the foundation is a tad lighter and pinker. I think this would be sufficient foundation and moisture for a lot of people. I used the RE9 moisturizer first.
Highlight all over face: Chanel liquid -- this made it a tad lighter -- could accomplish the same thing by mixing with regular moisturizer before applying or by mixing this with the tinted moisturizer and applying as one step.
Powder: My sparkly mix
Blush: Arbonne, light pink
Highlight: Guerlain Butterfly perles -- got it as a gwp -- really great color!
Bronzer: Arbonne -- Shari uses this on top of the tinted moisturizer (she uses light-medium tinted moisturizer, 1 shade darker than me.) I'm not sure if she uses powder or if the bronzer is her powder. Shari? The bronzer comes in a large solid compact, but applies softer than the SCA hyaluronic powder, which is very hard so it is difficult to get much product.

Update: Sherri says:

I always use powder to set my makeup and then I bronze.

Lips: Arbonne Prep and Plump Gleam + MAC lip liner, more at my LOTD post.

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I'm happy with the look. It takes me longer to write it up than it does to apply it.

Do you use a tinted moisturizer?
Mary Kay makes a very nice one too. My MK consultant uses tinted moisturizer under her MK mineral foundation. It looks good on her.

If you use tinted moisturizer, do you use it with your regular moisturizer or by itself as the only moisturizer?

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, just ask.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-07-22 12:02:52.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-arbonne-mac-lip-liner/feed/ 1 FOTD NYX +MAC +Too Faced+ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-nyx-mac-too-faced/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-nyx-mac-too-faced/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:11:03 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3110

This is the 3rd NYX trio palette in my amazingly cheap NYX haul.

Eyes:
TS 30 Baby Pink, White Pearl, Baby Blue
These are more my colors than yesterday's!
Base: Lancome pink cream
Pink on my lids; Blue in the crease and lined under lower lashes; White on brow bone.
Brows: Prescriptive pencil -- has a super thin lead, easy to use
Lined top: Lancome Blueberry wand
Tightlined Lined lower: Tidal Wave gel liner
Lined top and lower: Prestige Denim pencil
Mascara: Lancome Hypnose on upper; Tarte Bottom up on lower

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Primer: Smashbox purple
Foundation: L'oreal N1
Rouge: Chanel stick
Powder: my sparkly mix + BE Mineral Veil as bronzer
Over powder: Benefit Georgia Peach
Blush: MAC Moon River
Concealer: Dior Skinflash

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Lips: I liked this really well!
Too Faced Pink Diamond Gloss from their super Vintage sale
Rimmed with: MAC Baby Sparks Dazzler gloss

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I was happy with the way this turned out. The color was nice with my denim top. And much more to my taste than yesterday.

What do you think?
Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-23 20:48:30.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-nyx-mac-too-faced/feed/ 1 FOTD Chanel eyes http://savvythinker.com/fotd-chanel-eyes-2/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-chanel-eyes-2/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:48:45 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=4368

Catching up on looks
Sunday August 9
Eyes: Chanel Ors Violines Quad, only the purples
Blush: Chanel Cherry, one of my faves
Lips and some eye: Lancome No Moderation Ombre Trio, purple shadows and gloss

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I promise not to get so far behind -- if possible!

Karin

Originally posted 2009-08-18 17:15:47.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-chanel-eyes-2/feed/ 0 How many X hundred dollar creams can a woman use? http://savvythinker.com/how-many-x-hundred-dollar-creams-can-a-woman-use/ http://savvythinker.com/how-many-x-hundred-dollar-creams-can-a-woman-use/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:19:44 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/2007/10/19/how-many-x-hundred-dollar-creams-can-a-woman-use/

What's a woman to do when the newest high tech face creams are running several hundred dollars each? And how is one to choose one over another, if one is staving off the knife?

Honestly, are they all worth that kind of money? Chanel, La Prairie, Shiseido, Clea de Peau all have their moving-up-to-$500-each creams. Some need to be layered just to have enough moisture -- what's the use of that. And how does one compare an expensive cream by Chanel with a more expensive cream by Chanel sold only in a few select stores? or a Clea de Peau cream with another Clea de Peau cream? Do you think the SAs really know?

Are they old enough to have really given them a run for their money?

Well, the only fair way would be to use one on one side of one's face and the other on the other. Then you could tell folks why you appear only half-rested.

Surely some of this is hype and some is reality and some is making you feel the more expensive, the better it works. But is it true?

Perhaps there are equally good things from other much less expensive drug store lines, all of which say they use their own labs to come up with new things. And maybe if the truth were known, the differences are in the packaging as the labs may be supplying to several lines owned by a parent company.

Believe it or not, it was Avon that changed some of the creams many years ago when they first brought in alpha-hydroxy. And theirs is still one of the best. They have one of the best facilities for research and development of any company.

So, what's your favorite face cream? Do you think it works? Would you spend that kind of money on a face cream? or do you reserve that for shoes or handbags or perfumes or airline tickets? How many mega creams do you own and use? (or owned and used up)?

What's your favorite recommendations?

How much of beauty is from within and how much from taking care of ourselves? (I have a couple of friends who are proud that they do nothing, and it shows. How much of that is laziness or frugality? Or not being able to see without one's glasses?)

If I didn't use something on my skin, it would hurt in a couple of days from dryness. That's not a bad thing, when it has caused me to continue to take care of my face. But I sure don't want to spend money for the proverbial Emperor's new clothes. They ought to sell mini-jars so you could test them at home.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-10-19 12:57:14.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/how-many-x-hundred-dollar-creams-can-a-woman-use/feed/ 0 Serums that work — or not http://savvythinker.com/serums-that-work-or-not/ http://savvythinker.com/serums-that-work-or-not/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:19:35 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=6258

Here are some thoughts on various types of serums and the links to posts where I have written more specifically. Some of the serums are pricing their way out of my price point. There are actually some that are over $1000 being marketed in Japan. I suspect some are worth it; others are not.

Whenever possible, let a beauty advisor put some on your skin. See if it is possible to get a small amount to try at home before you commit to a big purchase.

This is only a partial list, as I have thought of them. I will continue to update, as I think of it.

Body Serum
Arbonne has a wonderful body serum and body lotion. You can find my review at the above link.

Facial Serums
There are also serums targeted for eyes.
Anti-Wrinkle
La Prairie CELLULAR Retexturizing Booster
This just might be a miracle product. Whenever I apply it, I see immediate results. I generally use it for several days at a time, then I give it a rest and use it again when I see the need. It is expensive, but it really works. I think it works better than Renova. Price: $185.00 | 30 ml / 1.0 oz. (Unfortunately, it's possible this is no longer available. I have not tried any of the comparible LP serums to see if a newer one is as good.)

Serums with Vitamin C
Many companies have C-serums because they work. I have used C products for years. Mary Kay is one of the companies that has just added a C formula. If you can't beat them, join them. The important thing is to find a C serum that works for you, then use it.

Here's a partial list of companies that have C-serums: Awake, MK, Aromaleigh (generic), Lancome, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Avon, Lumene. Choose the link above to see my thoughts on each.

Arbonne has a number of excellent serums, including lifting, RE9 (with C), and Revelage (whitening) I won't be without the lifting or the whitening.

Avon has been a leader in skin care, very innovative. They were the first line to come out with an alpha-hydroxy -- and it made a big difference in my skin. Their anew products are excellent. I do not care for either of their pump serums that they had a couple of years ago, because they smelled so bad. I recommend smelling them before buying to see if they still smell. I didn't notice a huge difference like I did with their alpha-hydroxy products. Some of their products are targeted by age.

Beauticontrol
Beauticontrol makes several serums that I like. Some are targeted for 30's, 40's, and 50's skin. I've liked Regeneration Gold for years. It's a two step process that mixes when you pump it. It used to be that one was red, the other white. Now one is green, the other white. I do not know if it is the same product. Regeneration Platinum Plus is supposed to be the next step up, but it rolls on my skin, so I use it only on my neck and chest and bought more of the Regeneration Gold. They make C products, but I've not tried them as I have others that I am using at the moment.

Chanel Serums
Chanel makes a number of serums, and they are all excellent. It depends on your price point and your skin concerns. Sublimage products kept me moist even in the dryness of Las Vegas, using no other moisturizers layered in. The Radiance line has an excellent hydrating serum. As an aside, I did not care for Sublimage eye cream.

Clarins
I have used Super Restorative Serum. I likely might buy it again. I like what it says it does; I'm not sure I saw it doing it. I tended to use it more for hydrating than anything else. When I opened the container, when it seemed empty, there were still several days worth of product left. I put it in a small jar and used it to the last drop.

On the whole I like Clarins products, so I suspect their other serums would be good too. Their beauty advisers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help you. They are good about giving small samples to try.

Cle de Peau serums
Cle de Peau is the high end Shiseido line. CdP makes a number of serums, and they all feel good. I'm not sure how to choose one over the other. I have one. I'm not convinced it does anything particularly, but that might be because I tend to use others that I have.

Dior Serums
Dior makes some excellent serums. Capture Totale and HydrAction are two that I have tried. Capture Totale came highly recommended by a woman in NYC who swears by it.

Guerlain serums
Orchidee Imperiale is their highest, newest line. It is excellent. Super Aqua-Serum came highly recommended on the strength of one older woman who works for Guerlain whose skin is exceptionally beautiful. It's a toss up which is better. Take your pick. They also have Success Future and Substantific serums. I get my Guerlain from Claire at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Call 702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com

Hydrating serums
La Prairie CELLULAR HYDRATING SERUM is an excellent hydrator, one of the very best. It is lightweight. It works by binding moisture to the skin and restoring the skin's natural moisture barrier. A little goes a long ways and it stays fresh in the bottle. I use it generally on very cold days or whenever my face feels like it needs more moisture from the inside out. Price: $185.00

La Prairie Serums
Like Chanel, these are excellent, and it depends on your price point. I have not tried the latest lines.

Shiseido serums
Shiseido has a number of serums that are all excellent. Again, it depends on your price point and what you are hoping to accomplish.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It's in my rotation of C products.

Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.

Viviane Woodard
I've used these products since I was 18. They have a number of serums, including specialized ones to use at night. Their day time serums are very good and moderately priced. The evening ones really give your skin a boost. They are used only periodically. Unlike ones by La Prairie that are also used only occasionally, these will not break the bank. Likely they perform different functions, but they help the skin.

Whitening serums
Many companies offer whitening serums. They started first in Asian countries. It's not surprising that Shiseido has one. If you want to break up an age spot the fastest possible way, then your best bet is laser. Be sure to use SPF every day along with these.
Arbonne Revelage is an excellent whitener, which works by breaking up dark spots from below and keeping them from forming from the top.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Even Complexion Essence
I consider this more of a preventative, than a curative. I want to see faster results. I have no patience.

What serums do you know, use and love?
As I think of more, I will update.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-28 20:49:42.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/serums-that-work-or-not/feed/ 0 FOTD Tues Meow AL Fyrinnae http://savvythinker.com/fotd-tues-meow-al-fyrinnae/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-tues-meow-al-fyrinnae/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:52:27 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=2843

I'm running behind, as you can see, but here is my look for Tuesday.

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Eyes:
Lids: Meow IdealEyes Cat got your tongue? light pink
Crease: AL Spring Solstice Bellflower purple orchid
Pencil Lined top: Clarins Midnight Flash, great purple, now discontinued
Pencil lined lower: Fyrinnae Iimmortalitythen more Bellflower below that
Brows: Clinique pencil
Mascara Upper: BE Buxom; lower: Stiletto

Primer AL
Foundation 2 Chanels to compare
Rouge under powder: Nars The Multiple Riviera
Powder: my sparkly mix, then BE mineral veil as bronzer
Blush: Meow
Lips: NYX Round Gloss Ballerina Pink 36

This was such a pretty, soft look. I felt like spring even though winter is giving us a last hurrah! It's going to be in the low 40s here tomorrow morning! What do you think?

What are you doing with your makeup to feel more spring-like?
Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-07 23:51:16.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-tues-meow-al-fyrinnae/feed/ 0 FOTD Thursday Chanel eyes + http://savvythinker.com/fotd-thursday-chanel-eyes/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-thursday-chanel-eyes/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:30:28 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3776

Chanel Les Quatre eye shadow Sublimes: Marine, Beige Rose, Granite, Clear Blue
I rarely use this set, but I should use it more often. I originally bought it because I didn't have anything in this color family. All my blues were more of a normal blue.

This set leans toward teal. If you make an X, the upper right and lower left are both light shades, though I've never worn them alone, say, for day. Thinking about it, I wonder why, and want to do it sometime soon.

The opposite line, are two darks, very dark and extremely dark. One looks black-blue; the other looks black-black-blue. They would be very dramatic if used for evening -- or even to achieve a goth look.

You can see where I laid the lines. I used the lighter of the two dark blues to dryline the bottom. The darkest to dryline the top.

Arbonne mascara, 2 step. La Prairie brow pencil. Dior skinflash concealer with a touch of Arbonne in the outer corners.

Chanel foundation; my sparkly powder mix, followed by BE mineral veil sort of like a bronzer.

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Highlight: Benefit Georgia
Blush: YSL # 19, also used as a bronzer

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Lips: NYX Aphrodite + rimmed with Beauté Paramour (and a touch in the center.)

What do you think?

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, go here.
Karin

Originally posted 2009-06-19 13:51:54.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-thursday-chanel-eyes/feed/ 0 FOTD Meow Eyes, AL blush, Milani lip gloss http://savvythinker.com/fotd-meow-eyes-al-blush-milani-lip-gloss/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-meow-eyes-al-blush-milani-lip-gloss/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:13:44 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=1921

Trying out Meow eyes again today, but different colors.

Used my new fiber optic AL brush again. Love this brush. Get one! I will do a review in the next few days. I used it for everything except the outer corners. It makes application a snap!

In the order of application:
Base: Avon light purple cream; my golden beige sparkle
Crease: IdealEyes Anti-Social Purrl
Outer corners: VandalEyes Pole Dancing
Inner corners: ScandalEyes Nicole S (I used this yesterday too).
Mascara top: compared two Guerlains; the one is the dual ended one.

This is a pretty container:

Lined bottom MAC: graphblack in waterline; earthline below it.
Mascara lower: the tiny brush for lower lashes from the dual ended.
Drylined: ScandalEyes Feral
Brows: Clinique pencil

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Cheeks:
AL Breathless rocks sonic rouge (great color)
Using a fiber optic brush -- I took about 3 grains; 2 would have been enough.

Later I updated my lips with Cover Girl Incredifull lipstick (see my review tomorrow.)

Cover Girl Incredifull 928

Primer(s)
Today I used Guerlain Meteorites Perles Light Diffusing Perfecting Primer

over a bit of Smashbox primer, under Chanel foundation. The Guerlain is wonderful for correcting a foundation that needs a little help. The Chanel alone is a bit yellow. I wish I could still get the foundation that they discontinued. That color was perfect!

And, of course, my mix of glimmer powder over the foundation. You can find the recipe under Savvy Thinker quick find or here.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-03-14 16:16:16.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-meow-eyes-al-blush-milani-lip-gloss/feed/ 0