Makeup Review: Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

By now, I think everyone who stays on top of top beauty products knows that their collection of makeup is not complete without some Urban Decay products :) I love this brand for many many reasons... and for the most recent addition the Naked Smoky palette.

Can anyone even get away with not having their palettes? I think not. These have become a staple in most beauty junkies stash. Lets delve into the details about the new Naked Smoky shall we...
The first thing, the packaging! Oh my.. I love Urban Decay's innovative packaging... they know how to catch the eye. Its sleek, unique and well ..pretty! The packaging on this palette features a wafts of smoke on top of lid, mainly shades of grey (hehehe wink wink) with a translucent base, a full size mirror and a magnetic closure. The case has been crafted outstandingly keeping the idea of "Smoky" very well in mind. Very Original. 

In it you will find 12 shades that are neutral in their description to create various smoky eye effects.There's 9 never before seen shades and 3 exclusive ones from past palettes. To me there's 4 shades more glittery, 4 that are micro shimmer or satin and 4 matte colours, that how I would categorize them. Each shade is made using Urban Decay's "pigment infusion system" fusing smooth texture, blend ability, stay power & intense coloration. There are endless variations with these shades, from more lighter romantic smoky eyes to your intense seductive smoky eye looks ;) This palette also comes with a double ended brush, where one side is a tapered crease brush and the other end is a smudging brush & a lookbook the explains how to achieve four different types of smoky eyes in detail. Product and instructions for beginners or those who want a step by step  information. 

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

Colours included are (left to right); 
High - champagne shimmer with micro glitter
Dirtysweet - medium bronze (I say light golden colour)
Radar - metallic taupe with iridescent micro glitter (I say medium brown) 
Armor - metallic silver/taupe sparkle (I say warm grey/taupe sparkle
Slanted - light metallic grey (I say towards satin finish, cool medium grey with shimmer)
Dagger - medium charcoal micro shimmer (for some reason I see a hint* of blue in it, in some angles)
Black Market - jet black satin
Smolder - deep plum taupe satin
Password - cool taupe matte 
Whiskey - rich brown matte
Combust - neutral soft pink matte 
Thirteen - light beige satin (I say matte with slightest sheen) 

I see this palette as a must have. All the way from beginners venturing into more high end makeup, to your everyday woman or man who loves a great smoky eye look. It has a sultry, sexy & steamy idea to it.. that's how I personally view smoky eyes ;) I absolutely love this palette, its good to have all these shades to create various smoked up eyes in one palette, very convenient especially to travel with. Urban Decay knows how to successfully put an idea/feeling into a tangible product. So if you haven't purchased this lovely thing already, go do yourself a favour... :D

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 Ghost Bride" by Yangsze Choo

Browsing through one of my favourite stores a few months ago, Chapters, I found this book featured in the staff picks section and a Indigo spotlight. What interested me in this novel was that it was a storyline based on Asian culture. I happen to like story lines that goes into a cultural setting etc, and thank goodness my knack for picking books randomly is still going strong ;)

This is a beautifully written story is set back in 1893 in Colonial Malaya, its a mixture of Chinese folklore, ancient customs, adventure, superstitions and romance. I don't like giving the entire plot away on my reviews, giving those who would like to read it some suspense in it & a prompt to go read it. Without saying too much, the story is set around a girl who gets a proposal for marriage, but not of the normal kind. Its from a family seeking a bride for their recently deceased son. It's a coming of age story, about taking leaps of faith & secrets all entwined into the afterlife beliefs of the Chinese culture.The rest I'll leave for you readers to go find out ;)

I recommend this book for anyone who does like reading historical/cultural novels. You will want to read it to the end to find out the suspense's, and it does not disappoint. I give it a 8.5 out of 10 scale.(Yes I use a larger scale :) Don't get me wrong about the 1.5 points that are missing hehe, this is a great book, however I need to be critical of the rating I give it based on other absolutely gripping novels out there. For me this is a high score!

Elegantly detailed, I had a movie reel going on in my head while reading this. In my opinion when a  book can give great descriptions to the point where you are reading & its turning into visual inside your head with your imagination... its officially a good book! Its not a fast paced book take note, if you're expecting "boom boom boom pow" hehe then this is not your novel. The Ghost Bride takes its time to play out & is laid back in unfolding. Yet it is a page turner!
This author has done a fantastic job in weaving a visual through words. This is Yangsze Choo's debut novel, and I must say I'm looking forward to what stories this author has to offer us in the future!

A wonderful novel to anyones collection of reads, pick it up at your local bookstore! A few stores to purchase from or if you rather would like a detailed synopsis: www.chapters.indigo.ca  www.chapters.indigo.com  www.blackbondbooks.com (an independent Vancouver bookstore chain).

I hope you all enjoy this recommendation/review!! 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: Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Lip Gel

There are so many lipsticks on the market, whether they are high end or drugstore. Some are fabulous, there's the really good ones, some "meh"/does the job and of course the "uhh no!" ones. I categorize this lipstick as one of the really good to fabulous ones.

Marc Jacobs beauty launched August 2013.  Established previously in the fashion world as a well known fashion designer, and among many other things he was the creative director for Louis Vuitton at one point before launching his own independent lines.

Marc Jacobs style is to create clean & simple styles with sophistication, and he certainly carried that onto his beauty line. The Lovemarc Lip Gel showcases his classic sleek black & silver magnetic casing. I personally like magnetic cases so that you don't have to worry if you snapped the lid back on. I know that's a small detail but details do matter ;) 
The lipstick itself is a gelled formula which combines creaminess with silkiness, pure pigments and is long wearing. There's also plumping pigments in it to increase volume & reduce the signs of aging for your lips. Special ingredients wise, this formula has myrrh extract and vitamin E for anti aging & monoi butter (cream made from the Tiare flower) for richness and moisturization.

Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Lip Gel in "Little Pretty"

In my point of view, for lipsticks to be a 'cut above' these days it has to offer key ingredients that assist in making the skin better in some way. A little bit goes a long way, so even if its just lipstick which you may not even wear all day but only for a limited amount of time, there has to be an element in the formula that gives you a little extra something. 

I found this lipstick formula to be hydrating and very well pigmented delivering creamy colour payoff. It's not waxy like traditional lipsticks, and also has a light vanilla scent to it. It comes in 16 brilliant pigmented shades, from neutrals, pinks, reds, deep reds & a purple one. 

Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Lip Gel in "Showstopper"

Lovemarc Lip Gel lipstick retails for $30 USD on http://www.marcjacobsbeauty.com/product/lovemarc-lip-gel.do this is the best option. There's what I'm assuming is a limited time promotion on their site for a trio of your favourite shades for $70. Use code "Lipkit" at checkout :)

On a side note, I did find a Sephora page on google that says it sells the Lovemarc Lip Gel's however it is out of stock at the moment and it only listed 4 colours, each $30 USD also. The Lovemarc Lip Gel's do not show up as products available in Sephora :S Amazon would carry it, but they do mark up the prices so if you feel like paying more go ahead, but the Marc Jacobs site is easier :) 

I recommend this lipstick to those who would like a high end lip colour that is long wearing with good pigmentation, won't dry out your lips and has those extra ingredients to better your skin :) Those with dryer lips will benefit much more from this formula :)

Enjoy!! and 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

Travel Review: Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Howe Sound, British Columbia, Canada.

One of my favourite places to go here in B.C. is Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Its one of those places that no matter the season or weather, it is absolutely beautiful. This place has a certain tranquility to it that I love so much, having raw nature all around you is something else. From being surrounded by snow capped mountains, rock faces, forests, and of course the water. 

 History: Translated from French (port d'eau) to English "Porteau" it means "Water's Gate". Dating back to 1908 when John F. Deeks was mining the extensive sands & gravel pits to supply Vancouver, a short distance away. Employees lived here until the start of the Depression. There was housing for them, tennis courts, a schoolhouse, and ferry service from the Union Steamship Company.

Porteau Cove is situated at the most southerly fjord in North America (Howe Sound). You can access this park by taking why 99 north from West Vancouver to Sea to Sky highway, the park is on your left hand side. The highway itself is very scenic and you will pass by other communities, parks & tourist attractions (which I will post on as well, labelled with Howe Sound incorporated in post title... stay tuned ;) This park is a marine conservation area, so its very important to note not to disturb or handle any marine life in the area. 

The scene at Porteau Cove changes with season and weather...on cold/cloudy days you may see low tufts of clouds float by and sometimes there's fog which gives a whole different ambiance to the place. On these types of days you will note the water takes on a minty colour. In warmer weather you can see the water ranging from a bright aqua, emerald and of course shiny blue waters as you go along the highway :)

What's there to do? Porteau Cove offers a variety of amenities, activities & facilities. One the best is the waterfront camping grounds. That's right.. you heard me...the campgrounds are situated right off the ocean ... its amazing. Not only can you have the experience of being in a forested area, the mountains around you..but you get the water too! 
Some of the activities available are; 
- canoeing and kayaking, nearest rentals are available in Squamish town few minutes down the hwy.
- cycling. exercise caution always keeping to trails & roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in B.C.
- fishing (outside park boundary, you can fish for salmon & bottom feeders (i.e.: Cod) in ocean area. Fishing or angling in B.C  does require proper licence. 
-hiking
- scuba diving. There's several man made reefs & two sunken vessels to explore with a diversity of marine species along shore and underwater.
- swimming. Surrounded by rock/pebble beach for ocean swimming.
- wildlife viewing. There's the occasional seal, marine waterfowl, and some rare times..Orca's who venture in.
- windsurfing & kite boarding. Howe Sound has strong winds, which is perfect for these sports.
- winter recreation. Winter camping is available however services are limited.

Facilities available: 
- boat launch. There are two paved double- wide boat launches. Boats are prohibited in the dive area. (Tide, wind and weather conditions can change suddenly in Howe Sound.  Use caution while boating or swimming in the area).
- cabin/huts/yurts & Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy cabins.
- campfires
- drinking water
- electrical hookups
- picnic areas
- portable propane campfire rental
- pit or flush toilets
- sani station/dump
- showers
- vehicle accessible camping
- walk in wilderness camping
- wheelchair access
- winter camping

For more details & fee inquiries please visit:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/porteau/
http://seatoskyparks.com/parks/porteau-cove/

I hope this sparked an interest in any of you international or local travellers into visiting this place. I assure you, you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy!! and 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

Fragrance Review: Bleu De CHANEL for Men

I don't know about anyone else, but theres nothing more attractive than a man in a nice crisp suit and a captivating cologne. Theres not too many men's cologne's that I like personally, since most of the readily available/common ones tend to smell alike...but there are a few that top my list. I couldn't imagine anyone not finding these fragrances wonderful, but we all have different tastes.. and here's mine :)

Trust me when I note a men's cologne saying it could make women follow him around, or make that one special woman swoon...hehe. Bleu De Chanel is that one! I found this cologne to be sensual and fresh at the same time. Let me explain why ;) The description of this cologne on smell is woody, with amber and musky notes. Now when most people read that our instinct is to think heavy & harsh, but this cologne although made with those notes has a certain crispness to it. It doesn't have the traditional 'musk' smell that we are used to smelling. It also has ambery dry cedar notes (which is probably the crisp note I smell) along with New Caledonian Sandalwood. Who thought of this? These notes go so well together!

The packaging is simple yet sophisticated. A dark blue bottle houses this evocative concoction of a smell, very masculine, very nice :) This is for the modern classy man, a multifaceted man.
This cologne comes in a Eau de Toilette & Eau de Parfum. The difference?
Eau de Toilette is known to be the same concentration as Eau de Cologne, can contain up to 10% aromatic essence. The top note, the first scents released by the perfume is dominant...making it refreshing when its applied however it evaporates/fades away quicker. This one is better for summer where you'd want to reapply to freshen up your scent.
With Eau de Parfum, it is the strongest form of scent usually available in stores & has 15% pure essence. The top notes dies away & the middle notes/heart notes of a perfume become more noticeable. This makes it perfect to spray on hair or clothing (keep in mind what fabric you're spraying on please!) and because it is less intense than perfume extract, this makes it more affordable, lasts longer & comes in smaller sizes.

CHANEL is known to make amazing fragrances that are timeless and have become masters in their visual depictions/descriptions of their scents. Most of which are iconic. I believe this is one of those colognes that every man should try out or at least the women in their lives should make them try it out! hehehe ;) Do have a wiff next time you're in the fragrance section of your choice in store. I hope you will be delighted as I was!

Enjoy!! and 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

SkinCare Review: Peter Thomas Roth Anti Aging Cleansing Gel

Okay everyone, things are about to get real around here :) I hope you all know by now that I don't recommend anything unless its been tried & test by yours truly....and of course if it wasn't fantastic at doing what its supposed to then I won't even bother putting up.

So let me do all women & men a favour and lets talk about this facial cleanser shall we? We all have tried hoards of products, spent a lot of money trying to target one issue on our faces or another...& for some of us "lucky" ones its a whole bunch of them. Ive personally spend years on trying to find face products that wouldn't strip my skin, help with acne, make it radiant, smoother and well make my skin look nicer really! 

Finding the line Peter Thomas Roth was a game changer to me. At one of my Sephora hoarding days, they had a set of PTR products as samples in a kit so I decided to grab it with my points & see how it goes. I honestly had no expectations from it, since I hadn't heard of this brand before. That was approximately 2 years ago! This facial cleanser... OH MY GOODNESS! It cleared up my acne, (I have a combination skin type so its oily & dry on some days, it really does its own thing.) Before using this cleanser I would have multiple blemishes erupt on my face, from huge ones to those annoying tiny zits. Since using this cleanser, my face does not erupt with multiple areas of acne, its brighter, smoother, more radiant. It doesn't mean I never get blemishes anymore (Ladies you will still get your hormonal breakout every month, if that's how your body works - you know what I'm talking about ;) whenever I do get my occasional breakouts but this cleanser does help it to go away faster & heal. This has been my experience personally, understand that for each of us our chemistry is different and results that I get may not be the exact results you get. 

I know what you all are thinking... its an Anti Aging cleanser. I know! However its oil free, there's glycolic acid (AHA) which exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes natural skin cell turnover and it has salicylic acid (BHA) helps to absorb sebum within the pores and prevents future breakouts. So even though this cleanser is targeted for anti aging, it has acne preventative ingredients. It also dissolves makeup (I use this cleanser to wash off my makeup) and emulsifies oil on your face.

This cleanser is recommended for combination, oily, acne, normal, dry & sun damaged skin types. This product is not recommended for those with sensitive skin, eczema, seborrhea, rosacea or Retin-A users. Being a clinical skincare line so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under lets say 18 yrs of age. However you can make your decisions, my reasoning for saying that is because teenagers skin & body's are at a growing state and will change as they grow, in fact mostly everyone facial skin will change; its needs, texture & type over time.

This is a great cleanser from this brand to begin with. I would recommend trying it for a month or a bit more just to give it a good amount of time for you to really see the results. Use it alone - no other cleanser so you can see if it works for you.

You can find this brand at: peterthomasroth.com , sephora.com , ulta.com ,  www.qvc.com & www.nordstrom.com to name a few sites or visit in-store.

Give this a try everyone! There are other cleansers from this line if you feel you need another or a different targeted one, I'll put the reviews up on those soon as well! I hope you all enjoyed this review and will be interested in trying this product. If you do try it, let me know how it goes! I'd love to hear from you :)

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

Makeup Review: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow

Armani eyeshadow... sounds pretty good huh? Well I'm going to have to say its pretty darn amazing! These eyeshadow pots come in 15 shades on giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com and 9 shades online Sephora.com Any other store you have near you may have select shades.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Eyeshadow in #6

This is a smooth, powder/cream like textured formula, very silky & is described to be a non flaking, non creasing & sweat proof 24hr wear. Apply onto eyelids with your favorite eyeshadow brush dry or wet, it can also be applied simply with fingertips :) If you have normal skin type you can put this eyeshadow on as is, but if you tend to have a combo or oily skin type, just to be on the safe side use an eyeshadow primer! :)

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Eyeshadow in #4

Giorgio Armani as a brand is all about superior quality, elegance & simplicity. I found these eye shadows to be exactly how it was described. It's very pigmented, glided on very smoothly & the colours are multifaceted and so beautiful. These are shimmery,  they have no glitter. Each colour is a mix of two or three colours or shades and turn out to be multifaceted colors when mixed up.

They retail at about $33/34 USD on the Armani site. At Sephora they are $42 CAD. Yes they are pricey however I do believe you get what you pay for. There are some good drugstore eye shadows, but what sets them apart from a high end brand is the ingredient, high end brands use more expensive & innovative ingredients in their products. For example this eyeshadow uses a hybrid formula consisting of a 40% translucent non greasy oils fused with 60% high intensity pearls to deliver high voltage color pay off.. Also it incorporates Color-Fill  - high resistance bi-polymer to aid eyeshadow to adhere to eyelids creating that crease/flake/sweat proof wear I mentioned earlier.

Giorgrio Armani Eyes To Kill Eyeshadow in #1 (blue & gold) & #3 (purple & gold) 

I really recommend trying these out if you have the opportunity to splurge on yourself or if you're just looking for an amazing high end eyeshadow :) If you have any questions or comments please feel free to comment below or email me directly. I'd love to hear from you!

Enjoy!
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com