Wishing for...

Writing about Chanel, I just realized that on my Wish List, with an existence of its own and perpetually self-generating, this foundation got its way in.

The reason cannot be rational, as I have in current use no less than 4 foundations (3 Dior and 1 MAC) and another 3 which are waiting to be at least opened...perhaps at testing, it will turn out to be unsuitable for my skin and it will automatically self-erase from the List. :)

Elegant, Classic, Chanel (2)

Chance - if I remember correctly, my first impression of this perfume is that it was just another version of Coco Mademoiselle. The difference between the two perfumes becomes noticeable only a few hours after applying. The sweet floral notes (rose and mimosa) are missing from this fragrance, and what remains on my skin is a strong citric note, blended with base woody, patchouli notes. It's a very nice combination in the end, but not ideal for me. It's a looong lasting perfume, just like any Chanel perfume. It can be worn during warmer days, in the spring-summer or even beginning of autumn, excellent for the office.

Rate 10/10.

Beaute Initiale Energizing Multi-protection Cream SPF 15 - from Chanel Beaute Initiale range of moisturizers, I think that only the eye cream is still left (and I'm going to talk about it in one of the future posts). This cream was apparently taken out last year (?) and the only reason might be that it didn't rise to expectations, correct? In short, the cream was hydrating and was an excellent makeup base, although, while using it, I noticed some small skin problems (clogged pores!). I didn't identify any other significant skin changes, be they for the better or worse :). Minuses: in my case, there was no skin firming or improvement of luminosity, and for a simple moisturizer the price is simply too high. Jar packaging is totally not indicated.

Rate 7/10.

Teint Innocence - or another one of the Chanel discontinued products. I don't really understand why this one was not continued (or was it replaced by Vitalumiere, or another one of the Chanel foundations?). The formula was very silky, easy to apply, with a semi-matte, natural finish, of light to medium coverage. Perfect for combination to oily skin. Its resistance was very good, with an SPF adequate for lower sun intensity /exposure days. While I used it, I had no significant skin problem. Minuses: SPF could have been higher, appropriate for summer time as well. Using the liquid right out of the bottle can be difficult and it would have been for the best if it came with a pump.

Rate 9/10.

Getting ready for spring (2)

Continuing the list of things that need to be considered when spring comes, we return to small adjustments in the cosmetics we use:

3. Hydrated skin: count on exfoliation and good hydration products.
Chemical exfoliation can be performed using a diversity of products, containing AHA, BHA acids or retinoids, or you can turn to mechanical exfoliation, using creams or gel, including small gentle abrasive components. Each woman's ideal product can only be identified by testing, taking into account skin specifics.

Personally, I prefer dermatological products for this process. For a gentle, chemical exfoliation  Effaclar Duo by Roche Posay, for a more effective, but harsh treatment: a retinoid product, or, for mechanical exfoliation: face scrub: Exfoliant Doux Aromatique aux 3 Roses, from Nuxe, alternating with the thermoactive masque Aroma Perfection.

In what concerns hydration, I cannot stop from always testing new products (obvious from my reviews), but over time, I gradually turned to serums, as they rapidly sink into the skin, not leaving that awful  and unaesthetic shine on your face. At the moment, I have to say that I'm pretty happy with a Galenic serum, Ophycee - Elixir jeunesse supreme (I promise a review later on). 

Handbag Museum

As I was saying in previous post, some objects become legendary, like Chanel handbags, and considering  that, I want to let you know that in Seoul the Handbag Museum is now open (Simone Handbag Museum), and the famous handbag could actually be seen up-close.

The building, which presents itself in a very interesting shape (as you can very well notice), holds an impressive handbag collection, some of the oldest ones dating as far back as 1500. The collection could either be seen by visiting the museum, or virtually (not with the same effect though), here.

In the image below, you can see some of the newer models, a beautiful mix of colors, shapes and sizes, the result of modern designers.

Because Seoul might seem a little far off, the good news is that in Holland - Amsterdam, there is another handbag museum, The Museum of Bags and Purses. Here too, you can have the oportunity to see, by time period, a diversity of models, one more interesting than the other! 

Voila, examples of designer bags which became famous:

Elegant, Classic, Chanel (1)

The little black dress, tweed suit, quilted leather bag and the first designer fragrance ever, these are a few of the key elements of the Coco Chanel legacy. These items mark feminist emancipation and are relevant both by conveyed inspired attitude as well by setting ground rules for eternal classic. Or in other words, what does the image below suggest you? :)

The minimalist style, combined sometimes with trend setting elements has "suffered" dramatic changes over time, especially under creative executive director, the one and only, world wide recognizable, Karl Lagerfeld. His last collection, which I invited you to see in one of my previous posts, brings in foreground both Goth accents by poise and cut (wide shoulders and impression of elongated neck, long and rich materials for dresses and shoes, feathers as accessories, etc) as well as contrasting light elements (shiny and glittery fabrics, sequin materials). In order to better visualize, I insert some of the haute couture assembles which I especially liked.

Consecrated as a luxury brand, firstly by clothing, accessories and jewelry line, imposing an innovative and yet classic style, Chanel holds its own in what concerns cosmetics as well. Their fragrances are unequaled and, with few exceptions only, I can say that I tried/had them all and fully enjoyed.
In my opinion, the star fragrance remains, for the moment, Coco Mademoiselle, whose recent image is none other than Keira Knightley. 

Coco Mademoiselle - speaking for myself, I just cannot not have a bottle of this perfume in my closet, be it open or not. Lacking it simply brings me to a genuine panic attack :). It's one of the perfumes that fits me like a glove and is in top 5 perfumes which I HAVE TO HAVE always! The smell superbly debuts with citric notes, followed by a splendid pleading of roses and mimosa. These middle notes mingle wonderfully with base notes, predominant patchouli in my case. The smell lasts and lasts on my skin at least until the following day. Sometimes I can smell it in my hair, even a few days later...

Rate 10/10.

Getting ready for spring (1)

Isn't it so that, that together with the coming of spring, women everywhere feel the need to revise their makeup bag, change eyeshadow colors, lipstick shades and the perfume? I don't want to mention clothing or shoes, which suddenly, with the first rays of light, seem to be "worn out" and who doesn't want a new wardrobe?! :)
This is why, the best way of getting into shape is best to debut with serious shopping sessions, of any kind: window shopping, in store browsing, trying on clothes at changing cabins: blouses, t-shirts, jackets, skirts, pants, dresses, for at least 3 hours, and it would count as an hour of spinning (but more pleasantly spent) :).

In what concerns cosmetics, I'd say the rules are pretty simple, as seasons change.
1. New elements to take into consideration: trending right now are the following eyeliner shades: green, emerald or lighter, navy blue or teal, for a plus o eye luminosity. During the day, it's best to be worn with natural eyeshadow makeup.

2. What should remain in the makeup bag: the favorite foundation (best with a natural finish for sunny days), concealer, black eyeliner (classic, of course), mascara and a light fixing powder. In lipstick matters, all pastels must move in: corals, warm and fresh pinks, colors which highlight and enhance lip volume.

Undisputable, Estee Lauder (3)

Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher - Honestly, I don't really remember the reason I bought this serum for. I think that at the moment, all I wanted was to have a luminous, fresh and silky complexion, better than a baby's! What I can say right now is that this product could be easily be included in the additional products category, not indispensable to having a refined looking and feeling skin. This effect could be obtained by other means. But anyway, the serum does well in hydrating and improving skin texture, thanks to the silicon compounds. I didn't have any problems using it and so, I consider it suitable for combination, acne prone skin. I recommend it to all perfectionist girls out there :). Minuses: high price :(
Rate 9/10. 

Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo - Clearly, these eyeshadows could be categorized as elegant. They're easy to apply, fine textured, relatively resistant even without the proper base. The color palette is typical to Estee Lauder, and this could be characterized as CONSERVATIVE. In other words, they are destined to women who use makeup daily at work, and their charm is obtained by the subtle game of lights and shadows (wearing a more natural look). Minuses: I haven't detected any yet.

Rate 10/10.

Lash Primer Plus - If nature does not generously endow us, why shouldn't we try and do it ourselves, by compensating our identified "flaws"? Let's go further, and say that we made some mistake and bought a mascara (rather expensive one), which didn't deliver us the dreamy eyelashes we hoped for, and which you just cannot toss away! This primer does its job. At least in my case, it worked perfectly. I applied it on the lashes, and a few seconds later I applied the mascara (1 or 2 layers will do), and, voila, the volume shocking eyelashes in front of my eyes! :) Minuses: Not identified yet.

Rate 10/10.