Makeup Review: NARS Lipsticks

Have you tried these cult favourite lipsticks yet? If not, where have you been? NARS lipsticks are a staple in every makeup artist stash & should be for any lipstick lover out there whether professional or new to makeup :)

Francois Nars started his business with just 12 lipsticks back in 1994, and today they are a part of most makeup artists makeup list, not to mention loved by everyone else as well. One of the world's most well known artists, Francois Nars had etched himself a permanent place in the beauty/ makeup scene.

NARS lipsticks

Nars lipsticks come in four different finishes; semi-matte which provides long wear and full coverage. Satin finish which again is long wearing with smooth silky colour. Sheer finish that has a blend of ingredients to improve condition of lips, and a lightweight translucent formula with long lasting pigments. There's also metallic and shimmer finishes in these categories.

NARS lipsticks left to right; "Damage", "Russian Doll" & "Shrinagar"

 Enriched with vitamin E to nourish lips and keep them hydrated, these glide on effortlessly creating a smooth finish and lips that look magnificent. You may also want to pair these lipsticks up with a NARS lip pencil or any of your choice to ensure pigmented longer wear throughout the day, or to blend with different colour lip pencils for dimension and depth with any of the finishes.

NARS lipsticks left to right; "Beautiful Liar", "Senorita" & "Flaming Dust"

The shade for these are broad.. from innocent nudes to sinful bold deep colours, to the not so vanilla type of shades. There's something for everyone lipstick finish preferences and every skin tone.

NARS lipsticks retail for $28.00 USD on www.narscosmetics.com & www.sephora.com and
$35.00 CAD on www.sephora.ca

Check it out if you are looking to add good quality lipsticks to your collection!

I hope you all enjoyed this review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com

Book Review/Recommendation: "The Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson

There's only less than a handful of books that have had me perturbed and fascinated me all at the same time. Equally compelled to read and give up from exasperation....

"The Gargoyle" is a very well written story, the attention to detail and the way in which the author weaves the story is incredible. A New York Times bestseller as well a Globe & Mail bestseller, Canadian Author Andrew Davidsons first novel has left quite the mark in the novel scene. Seductive...graphic...out of the ordinary. 

As always, I wont give out the plot or anything...my book review/recommendations aren't about telling everyone what it was all about play by play but to generally talk about it and recommend it to whoever would be interested. I will say this novel is more for advanced/more mature readers, just because it is detailed, the storyline is adult themed, no real R rated moments but definately not for young teenagers... but be your own judge or if you are a parent/guardian or teacher... read it first to assess if you'd think its to the reading & maturity level of the juvenile. I'd safely say 18 yrs + is a good age start off...

So in keeping with that in mind, what I will say about the story to give you a idea of what to expect is that its a mysterious story about a man who is a patient and a mysterious woman brought together by forces or destiny? (read it to find out)... the entire book builds upon a story slowly. If you're an impatient reader where you need to know the point to the whole story before halfway then this is not the book that does that & it may be difficult for you... however I highly recommend you take your time and read this book at your own pace. Its so worth it!

The author has very skillfully written this story...a wonderful blend of mystery, love, goth, history and a touch of fantasy. Its such a unique blend of genres so stunningly put together.... it makes you itch to know where its leading to & the stories embedded into the main plot is just as amazing. I have to be honest, I took a couple short breaks reading this book... this was the longest time period I had ever taken to read a book - and I can read one, a good thick size in 5-7 days. My reasons weren't solely because of the storytelling style but other outside factors as well, so make note of that.
This book is only 468 pages, with a few more about the story behind this novel being written. Despite driving me nutts not knowing or being able to put my finger on what or where this story is leading, I am so incredibly glad I stuck it out and read the whole thing. I don't give up that easily! 

When you reach towards the end you will understand the entire story and how it all led up, why the need for all the meticulous detail etc & so on. This is a beautifully written story that will stun you when you reach the end, catch your breath, feel like it answered everything and left many more unanswered questions...

You can purchase this book in paperback for $21.00 CAD in store or $17.05 CAD online on www.chapters.indigo.ca , for $11.75 at Barnes & Noble, also can be purchased from www.amazon.com or www.amazon.ca .....or any other local book store!

I hope you all enjoyed this review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com

Makeup Review: Urban Decay Moondust Palette

If  you remotely like any bit of sparkle and glitter to your look at times, this new Urban Decay Moondust palette is a dream come true :)

As you all might already know, Urban Decay offers "moondust's" (high impact glittery eyeshadows) in singles for a while now, and every glitter junkie's prayers were answered when they came out with this palette a month or so ago. If you have a special occasion, a night out or just want to be glamorous for no specific reason because that's how you roll....this palette needs to be in your beauty arsenal! :D

Urban Decay Moondust Palette Cardboard Packaging

These moondust eyeshadows are a formula that incorporates intense sparkle and stunning shine that goes on so smoothly without any chunk.  It feels like a cream but goes on the eyelids like a powder. The glitter is microfine & has 3-D metallic finishes to them. Also the formula has to be one of the most brilliant luster infused eyeshadow Ive come across yet... Now that's saying a lot!

Urban Decay Moondust Palette 

Lets talk just a bit about the packaging first. The packaging is amazing, the cardboard box has a galaxy theme backdrop with "Moondust" written across in hologram raised foil lettering. The palette itself has a charcoal glittery textured surface with the word "Moondust" cut into the surface with reflective backdrop. Inside you will find a nice big hinged mirror to use that stays in place the angle you set it, which can come in quite handy if you don't have a mirror around to do your makeup.

This palette features 8 new shades of moondust eyeshadows exclusive to this palette, not available in singles yet. Colours include; "Specter" soft pink with tonal sparkle. "Element" a peach with pink shift & sparkle. "Magnetic" purple with blue sparkle. "Vivid" vibrant green with tonal sparkle. "Granite" black with multi colour sparkle. "Lithium" brown with iridescent 3-D sparkle. "Vega" bright blue with tonal sparkle. "Galaxy" smokey blue-grey with iridescent 3-D sparkle.

Urban Decay Moondust Palette

Formulated without parabens, sulphates and phthalates, this palette is available for $70.00 CAD on www.sephora.ca & www.urbandecay.ca  and $49.00 USD on www.sephora.com & www.urbandecay.com 

Go check this out at your local urban decay or sephora, see it, swatch it, love it! You won't be disappointed! :) 

I hope you all enjoyed this review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com

Makeup Review: Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow

One of the most artistic and distinct packaging I have ever seen, not to mention the quality of the products.. if you haven't checked out the Kat Von D makeup line yet, you need to!!

Kat Von D is a tattoo artist and a tv star, she swept into the beauty world in 2008 with Sephora and hasn't stopped since. Her makeup line has grown into an extension of her artistic abilities which are phenomenal, combining tattoo artistry into makeup. The result? Beautiful rock n' roll/ dash of goth and old Hollywood style products that are a piece of art and work even better. Ive been a fan of her line she began her line, and I can't say I've ever been disappointed!

Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadows

One of her best creations is her array of eyeshadows. Can one have enough eyeshadows? Nope. In this post we'll specifically will be looking into her Metal Crush Eyeshadows. They come in single pans, they're quite big and will last a long time - unless you're one of those that would wear it every single day 365 days a year then yeah there will be a dent in it lol.

This eyeshadow is formulated for maximum pigment and long wear. Kat Von D has developed it using "Colour Soaked Concentrate" a technique in which pigment saturated powders undergo a tumbling process which softens and smooths the particles until the eyeshadow has a creamy texture and a glistens producing the maximum possible levels of colouring & pearlescence with a metal finish.

Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadows left: "Black No.1", middle: "Doce", right: "Static Age".

They come in 11 brilliant shades, something to satisfy everyones shine addiction.
Colours available are: "Thunderstruck" metallic pearl. "Static Age" metallic silver. "Black No.1" metallic gunmetal. "Paranoid" metallic cobalt. "Danzig" metallic violet. "Iggy" metallic mermaid green. "Electric Warrior" metallic citron green. "Thrasher" metallic gold. "Synergy" metallic bronze. "Doce" metallic copper. "Raw Power" metallic mahogany.

Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow left: "Danzig", middle: "Iggy", right: "Paranoid".

These eyeshadows are formulated without parabens. Also the entire line is cruelty free.
You can purchase these for $25.00 CAD on www.sephora.ca or $21.00 USD on www.sephora.com & www.katvondbeauty.com

I hope you all enjoyed this review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com

Makeup Review: Charlotte Tilbury Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise

If you haven't already heard of Charlotte Tilbury...my only question is; Where have you been? Taking the makeup scene by storm, Charlotte Tilbury's makeup line instantly gained the "coveted" stamp, and why not? Charlotte Tilbury was already a leading makeup artist in the global makeup industry for over 20 years. 

Although I'd love to rant and rave about absolutely every single item in her lineup all in one go, this post will be about her single eyeshadows "Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise". Now you must be thinking ..a single eyeshadow... what could possibly be amazing about One.Single.Eyeshadow? Well let me tell you, its more than worth all the hype! These are the single eyeshadows that you got to have... no questions, no argument. 

If you have to splurge on a 'single' eyeshadow, out of the many equally wonderful brands out there, I highly recommend this one. However, if shimmery goodness is really not your cup of tea, then of course this wont be for you.

Charlotte Tilbury's Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise Eyeshadow & Eye Pencil Package

This is the eyeshadow you wear to special events, to a night out with friends or a special someone, or just because you want your eyes to look extraordinary ;) I would definately rock these eyeshadows daytime or night time, but hey that's just me, that's how I roll! But you do you and wear it according to your preferences :) 

Charlotte's inspiration was the eyes of wild cats, that shine and glimmer in the night. Her aim was to give the eyes a sultry feminine look, providing dimension and intensity resulting in a 3D effect. These eye shadows were also made to enhance luminosity, diffuse light & add radiance. In addition theres blackout pigment which gives a stunning metallic effect. The shimmer in each of the 4 colours available are amazing. They glisten with the light, and not much light is required for it to shine either.

Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise in "On the Prowl" & Rock N' Kohl eye pencil in "Supernova"

"Midnight Seduction" & pencil "Sapphire Sex"

Each eyeshadow package comes with a matching mini Rock N' Kohl eye pencil. These pencils are perfectly pigmented, goes on effortlessly and long lasting. Each also has been perfectly matched in colour combination with the eyeshadow it comes with. Take note these mini Rock N' Kohl eye pencils are not available individually however there are other wonderful colours available in full size! The packaging is sturdy and compact, it also has a mini mirror inside eyeshadow compact to touch up eyeshadow or eye pencil if you'd like to, or generally apply product itself. You aren't required to use the eye pencil, the eyeshadow can be used alone or with eye pencil, and if you like just use the eye pencil going from day to night looks by amping it up in the way that suits you best! :)

"The Huntress" & pencil "Amber Moon"

Colours available; each colour has a recommendation for a certain eye colour, you don't have to follow this, every colour goes on every eye colour, the recommendation is only to let you know what will enhance your eye colour more. 
First off is "On the Prowl" described as an antiqued, pearl flecked aubergine, compliments green eyes. Rock N' Kohl pencil paired up with this one is "Supernova" a smoke plum.
Second is "Midnight Seduction" sparkling midnight blue hue, compliments brown eyes. Rock N' Kohl pencil in "Sapphire Sex" shimmering azure.
Third is, "Silver Leapord" a glittering gunmetal grey, compliments blue eyes. Rock N' Kohl pencil in "Black Magic" an intense petrol shade. Last but not least, "The Huntress" a smokey golden bronze, compliments hazel eyes. Rock N' Kohl pencil in "Amber Moon" rich amber shade.

Application wise, use your finger or a synthetic brush for these eyeshadows. Add little or more to suit the amount of colour/shimmer drama that you would like to go for. The colours available will suit anyone from more porcelain/fair skin tones to darker skin tones :)

Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise "Silver Leapord" & Rock N' Kohl eye pencil in "Black Magic"

These retail for CAD $48.00 or USD $39.00 prices are also available in a few other currencies as well. Visit www.charlottetilbury.com , www.holtrenfrew.com , www.beautylish.com or www.nordstrom.com

I hope you all enjoyed this review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com

Makeup Review: Urban Decay Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

If there's one company that you want to go to for amazing eyeshadows in an array of colours, stop at Urban Decay my friends, this brand wont disappoint you !

Urban Decay never disappoints, their eyeshadows are legendary and hats off to their team for always coming up with amazing unique vivid colours. This is a palette you'll want to have if you like playing with colour. For those individuals starting off working with colour eyeshadows or haven't got any colour palettes, this is a good one to start with since it contains a wide spectrum (haha see how I did that?) of colours.

Urban Decay Urban Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

So the box and packaging is just as pretty as the palette itself. It comes in a cardboard box, pretty standard, as you can see below it has beautiful rainbow labelling. Inside, the packaging of the palette itself is sturdy. It has Urban Decay's signature jeweled "UD" lettering & laser cut filigree sides...black on black letting the colours of the eyeshadows stand out on its own. The lid itself comes off completely and does have a full mirror which you can easily prop up to use. If you are done with the eyeshadows in this palette, Urban Decay has made another use for it, you can take the tray out and its velvet lined inside, to use as a storage for jewellery or whatever you wish to put in there :) How useful and recyclable is that?

Urban Decay Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

Now lets get to the main part, the gorgeous eyeshadows! This palette has 15 stunning colours, 5 are new shades, 4 top selling shades from pre existing collection and 6 shades brought back from past palettes :) Every eyeshadow in here is blended with Urban Decay's "Pigment Infusion System", their own concoction of ingredients which gives their shadows its velvet texture, blendability, intense colour payoff and long wear. Personally...if i haven't said this before in previous posts, Urban Decay's shadows are one of the best in the market... there's a lot of brands out there now, but safely said they're definitely in the top 10 for me, if not top 5 ;)

Colours included are, from left to right: First row; "Protest" olive/golden green shimmer, "Junkie" mix between green and teal shimmer, "Deep End" bright teal shimmer. Second row; "Madness"bright metallic blue with blue micro shimmer, "Evidence" deep navy blue shimmer, "Prank" deep matte navy blue with turquoise shimmer. Third row; "Omen" bright metallic purple with blue shift, "Flashback" bright deep purple with pink sparkle, "Voodoo" metallic purple shimmer with purple micro glitter. Fourth row; "Flatline" metallic pale pink. "Bordello" pale mauve shimmer with gold micro glitter, "Backlash" bright pink with orange pearl. Fifth row; "Daybreak" soft golden brown with sliver glitter, "Burn" medium golden brown shimmer, "West" deep metallic brown shimmer.

Urban Decay Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

These are formulated without Parabens* and I highly recommend anyone... beginner, collector or lover of all colours to get your hands on this palette. Truly one that should be in every woman's makeup stash! Use Urban Decays eye primer or any eye primer to get maximum wear :)

They sell for $65.00 CAD on www.sephora.ca and $55.00 USD on www.sephora.com You can also find them at www.urbandecay.com & www.urbandecay.ca

I hope you all enjoyed this review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com

Jewels: Aquamarines

Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone, named after the Latin word aqua, for "Water" and marinus for "of the sea", are part of the beryl group of minerals and are the official birthstone for those individuals born in the month of March, zodiac sign Pisces. It has breathtaking hues of faint light sky blue to blue/green to an intense blue, depending on grade of stone and from where it is mined.

Aquamarine Gemstone in Pear Cut

Gemological Properties/Sources:
These have a Moh's hardness of 7.5 - 8, their colour resulting from iron impurities within beryl crystal. Like other beryls they are durable and hard with excellent transparity and clarity, the best quality ones are transparent and eye clean. Some carry inclusions, a trademark of the Beryl family. Ones with inclusions are just as beautiful and valuable depending also on size and colour etc.

An intense and dark blue hue is the most coveted and valuable compared to the lighter Aquamarines however it is also rare. Colour would be the predominant evaluating criteria followed closely by the cut of the gemstone, lighter colour hue doesn't diminish the worth, as most people prefer the lighter ones.Some Aquamarines are heat treated to enhance colour, however this does not mean all are. Heating diminished unwanted green or yellowish tinges to the stone.

These gemstones are available in both faceted and cabochon cuts. The most preferred cut is the Emerald Cut - Emerald step cut, although other shapes cuts are just as fancied , just depends on the person and their style! :)
As for origin and sources, Brazil leads the way for Aquamarine mining. Other sources are India which is gaining quite the lead in becoming the biggest suppliers. They are also found in Australia, Myanmar (Burma), China, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as the USA.

The largest find of gemstone quality aquamarine dates back to 1910 when the "Minas Gerais" mine in Marambaya, Brazil, unearthed a stone of 243 lb (110.5 kg), 18 inches (48.5 cm) long and 15.5 inches in diameter, that was cut into many gemstones with a total weight of more than 100,000 carats. The 'Dom Pedro', weighing 26 kg and cut in Idhar- Oberstein, Germany in 1992 by the gemstone designer Bernd Munsteiner, is the largest single piece of aquamarine to have ever been cut.

Aquamarine Gemstone in natural state, tumbled smooth.

Mythology Meanings:
Aquamarine evokes the purity of crystalline waters, and the exhilaration and relaxation of the sea. It is calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust and letting go. In ancient lore, for Greeks and Romans, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, and was regarded by sailors as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness and protection against the dangers of the sea & sea sickness. Since traditionally used as a amulet stone by those who are at sea. Romans also associated this stone with Neptune, King of the Sea, a Roman God and a stone of young love. Ancient Egyptians put Aquamarine crystals in tombs for the journey to the afterlife an along with other ancient cultures such as Sumerian, Judaism this gemstone symbolized courage, happiness and everlasting youth.
In medieval times Aquamarine was thought to smooth over married relationships and bring love back to an estranged couple which has carried over time as well. Used also as a fortune telling/oracle stone in those times and as well as an antidote to poison, simply by wearing one.

Present day considered a stone of eternal youth and happiness. Today it protects all who travel by, over, or near water, and opens the channels of clear and heartfelt communication , also believed to have a soothing influence on relationships, especially in marriage. Its power to ensure a long and happy marriage makes it an excellent stone to give on anniversaries. 

Aquamarine Gemstone in Emerald Cut

Metaphysical Meaning/Properties:
It has a long list of positive influences. In Ayurveda (India's Ancient Medical Scriptures) its recommended that aquamarine reduces dullness of mind, promotes happiness and intelligence, enhances the power of speech, and improves memory. This tone also had Venus-like qualities, it is good for marred couples to wear aquamarine to enhance love in their relationship. Recommended that Aquamarine should be set in silver and worn on the little finger.Aquamarines are also said enhance communication and foresight. This 5th Blue Chakra - Throat Chakra is said to stimulate the ability to communicate ones deepest truths, and all about tuning your creative identity and self expression through communication. Physically, this Chakra keeps the throat, mouth and thyroid in healthy balance. Spiritually, supports creativity, truthfulness and exercising your own true will. The colour blue for this Chakra stands for tranquility, trust and intuition. Green is also the colour of the 4th Chakra- The Heart Chakra, therefore the greener Aquamarines will assist you in speak or create from the heart.

Aquamarine Cleaning & Care:
Even though these stones are very durable, they still require care and attention. Its best to avoid working with harsh chemicals when wearing one, and to prevent scratching store separately from other gemstones and jewelry. Use simple soapy water to clean, making sure all soap is rinsed out and dry with soft cloths. My recommendation is to store them in a piece of soft fabric or fabric line pouch or box to protect the stone. Keep away from high temperatures, spraying perfume or hairsprays on them, I'd put my Aquamarine jewellery on after getting fully ready, as I would recommend with any gemstone jewellery.

I hope you all enjoyed this informative/review/recommendation! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com