Nars Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set-Preview pic

I didn't get a chance to organize all the pics for the Nars Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set....so just a preview pic for now~

More to come....

Nars Holiday Gift Set - Mie and Hanamichi

I couldn't wait for the Nars Holiday sets to start arriving. I spotted them at Lord and Taylor online but hit a snafu in trying to place my order, luckily there were available in stores as well so I was able to pick them up during the Friends and Family event. The holiday sets come in black paper boxes with a red band.

First up is the Soft Shadow Pencil Set called Mie. I love the colors of the Soft Shadow Pencils, I haven't tested out the longivity of the pencils although judging from the creaminess, a primer is a must-have :)

L->R: Angle Noir, Tall Tale, Magic Moon, Skorpios, Palladium, and Ballet Russes

Full size Soft Touch Pencil is 0.1 oz, 3g
Mini Pencil is .07 oz, 2g



Swatches~



L->R: Angle Noir, Tall Tale, Magic Moon, Skorpios, Palladium, and Ballet Russes

The other gorgeous item is the Hanamichi Palette:

It comes in its own pouch with a silk tie


There is a mini kabuki brush included


Size comparison against a full size soft touch pencil





Swatches (indoor light, no flash)- I'll try to have deeper swatches soon, but I was trying to not mar the design just yet.



L->R: Background color, golden flower, black flower and red flower

The first two colors reminded me of the Exotic Dance duo so here's a comparison pic:

Top:Exotic Dance
Bottom: Hanamichi
Exotic Dance has more shine to it so the colors are a bit brighter than the ones in the Hanamichi palette in which the finish is more flat.

So far, I think both items are lovely gifts (for yourself or others). I think Mie is more fun especially if you like color. The Hanamichi palette has a gorgeous presentation but I'm still trying to figure out how to maximize use of a red shadow, although for now I'll just enjoy the prettiness :)

Nars Holiday 2011-Color Collection

Here are items from Nars Holiday Color collection. It's a nice collection, the only letdown for me was the trio-the promo pics seem so awesome but when applied it's just not as vibrant. Anyway here's what I picked up:

Arabian Night Trio
(I wished the colors really did apply like it looks in the pan)

Swatches:

Much like other Night Series shadows-the Arabian Nights colors look very sooty when applied dry and without primer.

Ponderosa Cream Shadow
(I always think of the word "steak" when I hear Ponderosa)

Swatches:



L->R: Ponderosa, Arabian Night trio over Ponderosa
The cream shadow definitely helped to bring out the glittery color more in the Arabian Night Shadows although all three still looked very similar.


Top row: Ponderosa and Arabian Night over Poderosa
Bottom Row: Arabian Night dry swatches

The new multiple in G Spot was an item I wasn't sure if I would pick up but once I swatched it, I really liked the color for fall. It has a subtle shimmer and the color a pretty rosey color (not as brown as the picture looks)


My weakness in life is colored eyeliners:

Top: Campo di Fiori
Bottom: St. Marks Place

Swatches:

L->R: St. Marks, Campo di Fiori and G Spot (light swatch)

And the last item is the Mandchourie eyeshadow duo
(shimmery golden olive blue and matte navy):


Dry swatches

Swatch on the right is the shimmer shade layered over the matte shade. I'm still undecided about this duo. The shadows felt smooth but color payoff was a bit iffy. I'll have to play with it more and test it with some primer :)

So, the cream shadow, eyeliners and multiple were hits for me but the trio and duo haven't quite won me over. I wished the trio wasn't black based and showed up as the pan color. I'm also debating on the Joyous Red lip color. I'm normally not a red lip wearer but I liked that it fell on the more warm brick vibe which I think I could pull off more easily for daytime. All items are now available on sephora.com and narscosmetics.com and I've spotted them in store at various counters too.

Chanel Holiday 2011-A few product pics

I got the chance to meet with the lovely Macnunu and Asiyakei today. We made trip to Saks and found that the new holiday items from Chanel were available. Here's just a few quick product pics of what I purchased~

Luminère Sculptée de Chanel Highlighting powder


Closer look at the gorgeous embossing


Glossimer in Sweet Beige


Ombre Essentielle in Beige Lamé on top and Glossimer in Sweet Beige


Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Brun Rosé blush


Will try to have more pics and swatches up soon!