Chanel #39 Raffinement quad (spring 2013)

First I have to admit that I wasn't really blown away with the Chanel collection for Spring 2013. It seems simular to their other spring collections that have been released so far.

But there were 2 things that I was curious about, the Raffinement quad and La Favorite Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick (which I will review another time) which I both got from this collection.

Chanel Raffinement quad

For those who don't know, there are 2 version of Chanel quads. The baked European version and the regular powder version that is sold in the USA.

I have the baked version of Chanel Enigma and hated it which makes me decide to get the US version to see if it's really that much better.

Chanel Raffinement quad- back

And yes I came to the conclusion it's 1000x better than the baked versions. I will swatch both of them to see how they differ in texture and pigmentation at the end of this post.

Now about Raffinement, this palette contains the typical Chanel neutral shades with taupes, browns and plums and reminds me a lot of the popular Kaska Beige but not as warm.

Texture is smooth, buttery and quite pigmented which I didn't really expect. It was almost too powdery and left a bit of a residue when I swatched it.
But it applies like a dream and blends heavenly on the eyelids. No need to say I'm in love with the US versions of the Chanel quads and will definitely be investing in more of them in the future.

Chanel Raffinement- close up

Although it looks dark and warm in the pan, it swatches surprisingly a bit cooler than I expected.

So I made swatches of some other quads that I think would be helpful. One of them is the baked version of the Chanel Enigma quad and the other one will be the Tom Ford Enchanted quad which I heard was kind of simular .

Chanel Raffinement swatches

Chanel Enigma quad (baked EU version)

As seen on the pics above, the baked Chanel quads lack pigmentation and the texture is so dry that you really have to pack the colour on your eyelids.

But since they are baked, it's possible to use them wet (which I really suggest) to make the colours more vibrant and long lasting.

Tom Ford Enchanted quad

The Tom Ford Enchanted palette is a slightly cooler version of Raffinement although the texture isn't as smooth as the Chanel one.

Best part is that Raffinement is not limited edition (thank you Chanel!) and will still be available for those who are thinking of getting this quad at a later date.

Chanel Raffinement quad retails for $59 USD/ 49,50 EUR and can be purchased at any Chanel counter and online on their website.

Burberry #10 Hydrangea Pink blush (spring 2013)

Burberry fans, hold on tight! Burberry has finally released a bright blush colour! *gasp*

For Spring 2013, there were 2 ne w blushes released and one of them is called Hydrangea Pink. When I first saw the promo pics, I wasn't convinced but since it's a bright cool toned pink and I'm also such a blush h00r  of course I had to get it.

The packaging is just the same as the regular blushes, a sturdy metal case that will not break as easily as a plastic one.

The Burberry logo is also imprinted in the blush which is typical for all Burberry items (including clothing) which gives it a luxurious touch to it. 

Burberry Hydrangea Pink 

Burberry Hydrangea Pink- Back

Texture is like the rest of the blushes very smooth and silky. Pigmentation is great and can be sheered out of build up to the desired effect.

Here is Hydrangea Pink compared to other colours that might be simular. I must say that Tom Ford Narcissist is a very close dupe although I prefer the texuture of Burberry.

From L to R: Burberry Hydrangea Pink- Kevyn Aucoin Myracle- Addiction

Amazing cheek stick- Tom Ford Narcissist

My inital thoughts, is it a very unique colour? No I'm sure there are other simular colours out there but if you love the Burberry texture, this is definitely worth getting.

Generally I found that the shade range of Burberry blushes is pretty basic but it's the sublime texture that makes people want to buy them.
Women who are looking for safe neutrals that can be worn on an everyday basis are the typical targeted customers of Burberry.

Burberry blushes retails for $42 USD/ 36 EUR and can be purchased at their counters at Nordstroms, Harrods and Saks and also online on their website.

Bare Escentuals The Star Treatment eyeshadow palette.

When I heard Bare Escentuals is releasing pressed eyeshadows, I was surprised and mildly curious. Then I heard that they came out with a whole palette filled with pressed eyeshadows and of course I had to try it. Not that I need another eyeshadow palette.

The Star Treatment palette

The Star Treatment palette was originally released for the fall/holiday collection and contains 8 eyeshadows and a mini eye primer.

The colours are definitely more to the safe neutral side of the colour spectrum. Maybe a bit boring for some but it makes a great workhorse for workdays.

The Star Treatment palette- back

The case is made from a sturdy silvery metal and is perfect for travelling. The only thing is that it will show any fingerprints on it but the surface is smooth (like a mirror) and is very easy to clean in case it gets dirty.

The quality of the eyeshadows are surprisingly good. Since I wasn't the biggest fan of their loose eyeshadows, this palette has won me over with the smooth, buttery (almost to the point of being too powdery) and very pigmented texture.

These eyeshadows do not fade during the day and will last all day even without wearing a good eye primer.

Their mini eye primer that was included with this palette reminds me of UDPP but with a thicker consistancy. Works amazingly with these eyeshadows and helps to make the colours a bit more vibrant.

Here are swatches I made to give an accurate idea of how the colours like look when applied on the skin.

First row (from L to R): VIP- Connoisseur- Carte Blanche- Ritzy

Second row (from L to R): Kudos- Bragging Rights- Elitist- Extravagance

The Star Treatment palette was limited edition from the fall/holiday collection and retails for $40 UDS/ 40 EUR.

Bare Escentuals can be purchased online on their website and at their counters at Sephora (US, France), Selfridges (UK), etc...

KIKO Color Fever palette #04 Daring Fire Hues

Ok I know I promised to make up for my absence awhile ago so let's just get started shall we?

Kiko cosmetics is one of the brands that has intrigued me for awhile. Although it is considered a drugstore brand, it's not readily availble everywhere.

It is an European brand, more particularly KIKO was founded in Bergamo (Italy). One of the interesting thing about this brand is that they don't advertise like most drugstore brands do (like for example L'Oreal), which permits KIKO to be competitive on prices, avoiding to get them higher. Customers are ensured just by passing the word. This way people are more motivated to try the brand or go into one of their shops if they walk pass one.

There are not many actual KIKO shops but they do exists in big cities like Milan (Italy), Bordeaux (France), Berlin (Germany), Lisbon (Portugal), London (United Kingdom) and Barcelona (Spain). They have a store locator on their website that you can check to see if you are near a KIKO store.

But enough history, the product that I wanted to review is one of the Color Fever palette, specically #04 Daring Fire Hues.

Kiko #04 Daring Fire Hues

Kiko #04 Daring Fire Hues- Back

KIKO is known for their bright colours (although they do many neutral shades as well) so of course my eye got caught by this palette, #04 Daring Fire Hues.

It's one of the most daring palettes in this range with the bright red, purple, orange and a soft pinky beige shade. Definitely not a neutral palette but this makes it more interesting.
The colours seem to be in contrast with each other which makes it a challenge to wear them. Whatever colour combination you make with this palette, it will surely draw attention to your eyes and will not be boring at all to look at.

The first thing that has to be said are that all of these eyeshadows in the palette are baked. Yes you read it right, all of them are BAKED!

When hearing the word 'baked', I imagine something like the Chanel eyeshadow quads that are sold in Europe which are baked as well and therefore hard and dry and not pigmented at all.

Let me assure you that this is absolutely not the case with these Color Fever palettes.
They have a smooth texture and although thecolours aren't opaque like most regular powder eyeshadows, it's definitely buildable and applies very evenly.

The finish isn't completely matte but more of a gorgeous satiny finish that will illuminate your eyes when wearing these colours. Over a decent eye primer, they will last all day on your eyelid.

Here are some swatches that shows how vibrant the colours are. 

Swatches in natural lighting

Swatches indoors

The Color Fever palettes were limited edition unfortunately and can not be found on their website anymore. In case KIKO will be releasing these palettes again in the future, I highly suggest to pick one up and try them for yourself. 

KIKO cosmetics can be purchased online (if you live in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal or the UK) and in their stores as well.