Chanel Parfum Fragrance Wardrobe

Hello Divas!

Live life to the fullest and be thankful for every precious moment.

I have a blessed life and pretty amazing friends.  Over the Holiday break, a good friend of mine gifted me a mini Chanel Parfum Fragrance Wardrobe and I was beyond estatic.  If you have been reading this blog, you know that I love Chanel Parfums.  Coco Mademoiselle is my signature scent and I do love the classic scent of Chanel No. 5.  It never goes out of style.  This set includes Chanel classics such as:

Chanel No. 5

Coco Mademoiselle

Allure

Chanel No. 19

Coco

Of course, No. 5 and Mademoiselle are no brainers for me.  I had never smelled Coco or No. 19 but I heard Coco was another signature Chanel scent that one must own.  I had previously tried Allure before and it is a lighter flirtier scent than the rest of the parfums in the set.  My new love is Coco.  It is intense but has a very subtle sexy lingering scent.  I am definitely going to rock Coco for a minute.  I did not like No. 19.  It is too strong and masculine for me.

I have never owned pure Parfum before, so this was a real treat.  What I did learn quickly is pure Parfum is very potent.  If you use more than a few drops, you will drown yourself and other people with the scent.  I put on one too many drops of Chanel No. 5 and I thought I was going to throw up.  Two maybe three drops is more than enough!

Because of the pure potency of the parfums, this set will last me a very long time.  Like I said two maybe  three drops is enough.  The miniature bottles come with stoppers and all you have to do is dab the stopper behind your ears and on your pulse points and you are done. Love it!

Each miniature bottle contains .12 ounces of parfum and the set retails for $110.00.  Considering the longevity of the scents and the variety this is a true steal!  It is available at Nordstroms.

Toodles!

Anne Hathaway at the NYC Premiere of Love and Other Drugs

for the nyc premiere of the new film, Love and Other Drugs, celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee created a makeup look for Anne Hathaway that was "beautiful but approachable" to compliment her winter white gown.



Chanel Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup applied over Hydramax + Active Serum (also Chanel) gave Anne's skin a pretty, dewy finish. her fabulous eye look was created using a mixture of silvery and pale gold creme shadow from the Nars Thebes Duo Cream Shadow Palette as well as Chanel Eclat Lumiere in Beige Rose to lift the brow bone. Kate lined Anne's eyes close to the lashline, softly smudged it, then added feathery strip lashes before applying mascara.

to complete the look, Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Cristal Rose (new for spring '11, available in january) was used on Anne's lips. Kate says, "i love this color as it is transparent enough to see your own lip colour behind it, but will not be moved! it also has a transparent gloss which you can use to add moisture throughout the evening.”

xo

Chanel Coco Rouge Noir Lipstick: Diva Red!

Hello Divas!

I hope your week has started wonderfully! I saw a bumper sticker and I have to get it. It states: Life is Good! And it is!

For the next 30 day, my luxetips writer, Chamele, will give you guys her best 30 beauty and fashion tips to celebrate her 30th birthday.  She is a diva and has the best tips, so sit back and enjoy!

 

 

Hey Luxe Divas! It's Chamele, the Luxe Shopaholic at her best.

 

I am 30 days out from my 30th birthday, and  I am trying to make piece with that fact by centering positive activities around the number. Everything I am doing in the next month centers around the number 30 - 30 minutes of meditation, 30 minutes of reading my Bible, and  LuxeDiva has allowed me to do the next 30 posts. I am psyched about this. The next 30 posts will center around my ultimate birthday wish list, including but not limited to beauty products. Hopefully, I can help you score some good deals and indulge yourselves a bit.

 

First on my list is the Coco Rouge Noir  lipstick. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding this past August, and I found myself in Bloomies shopping for a new face. Ha! The lovely Pamela Pimpleton assisted me. I told her I was interested in the Coco Rouge lipstick (as I had never purchased any Chanel makeup. Shame.). Boy was I excited. Yes, I had found a comparable color at a slightly less expensive price (Revlon 015 Grape), but nothing beat the moisture packed into that 3 inch tube of Coco Rouge. The lipstick felt like butter going on my lips. My lips are rather full; thus, I at this time of year I need as much moisture as I can muster.

 

I also like the richness of color in the Rouge Noir. It is a deep plum, a very popular color for lips this fall. Rouge Noir is a glam color that gives an old Hollywood feel to your nightwear and when used sparingly and amped up with a little gloss can be flaunted during the day as well.  I am looking forward to wearing mine with a full skirted halter dress to a my  friend's upcoming fall wedding.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Comparing Chanel Paradoxal and Barry M Dusky Mauve

Barry M's recent nail polish releases haven't really interested me in any way, but as soon as I saw Dusky Mauve, I knew I had to pick up for its resemblance to Chanel Paradoxal nail polish. A few blogs have pointed out this dupe already, but since I haven't managed to find any comparative swatches yet, I thought I would do some myself to show you guys just how close they are to one another. In the pictures above, I am wearing Chanel's Paradoxal on my index and middle finger, and Barry M's Dusky Mauve on my ring and little finger. I realise the photos are minuscule, but so far they look absolutely identical to one another right?



There is a hidden shimmer in both Paradoxal and Dusky Mauve that can only be captured in really bright light or flash photography. I hope the above comparison depicts just how similar they are to one another. I really don't think there are any differences between the two to be honest - at least none that my eyes can detect. I used two coats of polish for Paradoxal, and three for Dusky Mauve because I experienced a little cuticle drag on my ring finger.

All in all definitely worth checking out for those still holding out Paradoxal. I also posted about a great dupe to Chanel's Particuliere nail polish a while ago if you missed it (here)!

Comparing Chanel Particulière and Claire's 019

As promised yesterday, here are the comparison pictures of the two polish on my nails. In both photos, Chanel Particulière is on the index and middle finger, and Claire's 019? (they don't seem to have proper names for their polishes here in the UK) on the ring and little finger. I realise the pictures are tiny, but I am sparing you all from the terrible condition my cuticles are in right now. I wore this manicure around for a few days, and nobody could tell the difference - even after I pointed it out to them.


I took a bunch more photos in all sorts of different lighting to best depict their differences because there is one (albeit very subtle). Bearing in mind that it does have a thicker, more opaque formula which applies much more heavily than the Chanel, Claire's is a tad darker and a smidgen more brown. I think this is the most obvious in the photo on the right.

Now the colour comparisons are out of the way, I want to move onto the formula, application, and general durability. Like I mentioned above, Claire's has a much thicker and opaque formula than the Chanel which can leave brush strokes if one is not working quickly (particularly on the second coat). Personally, I prefer the formula of Claire's because I could get away with only one coat whereas I need at least two with Particulière for an even application. However Chanel's thinner formula does make it much easier to work with. As to how they perform on my nails; both starts to show tip wear after a couple of days. I would love to say that Claire's have a terrible formula which chips after half an hour, but it lasts just as well as the Chanel (which isn't saying much IMO).

And lastly, a bottle of Claire's 019 costs £2.25. Chanel's Particulière is somewhere in the region of £16.50.

First look at Chanel Particulière's £2.25 dupe

A heads up for anyone still looking for Chanel's Particulière nail polish that was released earlier this year. Don't pay ridiculous prices on eBay, and head down to Claire's instead. I won't be able to post swatch comparisons until tomorrow as I am super busy today, but trust me when I say that they are virtually identical to one another.

Summer Scent Tip: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Body Lotion

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a Fantabulous Day!

This humid 100 degree heat makes me think of creative ways to smell fabulous despite the sweat. I sweat a lot and I can't stand it. But I digress.  After a few days battling the heat, I realized my regular Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de parfum was not holding up.  So instead of using the parfum, I decided to only use the body lotion of the scent.  The best move I have made in a long time.  The body lotion is a very intense version of the Ea de parfum and it lasts all day long.  It is also a great moisturizing lotion.  My skin stays hydrated and I smell like a high end french parfum shop.  I get so many compliments when I wear the body lotion.  The scent lingers and is not too overpowering.  So while I am sweating away in this unbelievable heat, my body is sweating Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle and I smell delicious!  LOL!

Do you wear your favorite scent's body lotion instead of the parfum?  What body lotion scent do you love the most?

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! CVS Sales and More!

Hello Divas!

I hope your week has been fantastic!  It is cold again in Atlanta, in the 20s!! Whoo!

Well it is Fun Fridays and time to talk about things that are fun....like shopping! LOL!

My favorite drugstore, CVS, is having some great sales on Make-Up.  All Rimmel Cosmetics are buy one get one 50% off.  Select Loreal Products are $5 with a CVS card.  Revlon has a sale on its Photo Ready Foundation.  This foundation is all the rage and I can't wait to try it out! It is only $12 with a CVS card. 

Although I have tons of makeup, I feel like I need new make-up.  You have to keep it new and fresh!  Currently I am having a pink obsession and I want the perfect pink lip gloss or lip stick.  Pink just makes me think of Spring and Sundresses! I am going to check out the colors below this weekend.

Lancome Bronze Heat.  A bronzy-pink color. Love it!

Mac Cosmetics Viva Glam GaGa. A true pink! Love the packaging!

Chanel's Rouge Coco Lipstick in Mademoiselle.  A dark luxurious pink!

I am trying all 3 and will get one or maybe two. We will see. Which one you think would look best on me?  I have an idea, but I will try them first!

Toodles!

Hot Bargain Find of the Week: OPI's Hey! Get In Lime

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is fab and beautiful!

Remember I told you guys about this fab and chic nail salon, Polished Beauty Lounge?  Well while there, I received a pedicure and I chose this cool and tres chic color, OPI's Hey! Get in Lime!  It is just too gorgeous. So gorgeous that I have been frantically trying to find it.  I don't think OPI discontinued this color (the horror!) anymore. However, I did find it on Amazon for about $8! Score!

Doesn't it put you in the mood for spring?  Wearing this color makes me dream of park picnics, beautiful sandals, big big shades, and gorgeous sundresses. Love!

This shade is very very similar to Chanel's Jade which was all the rage when it debuted this past fall.  However, Chanel's Jade retails for about $23 and I believe is sold out.   OPI's Hey! Get in Lime retails for $8. Not bad.

12 Days of Luxetips Before Christmas! Day Three: Holiday Mani/Pedi

Hello Divas!

How was your day? I hope it was simply wonderful!

Day Three in our 12 Days of Luxetips Before Christmas Series focuses on beautiful holiday mani/pedis. Although it may be too cold to show your toes, pampering yourself with a mani/pedi is a must during the holidays!

I recommend short but well manicured nails during the holiday season. All of the cool dark and sparkly holiday nail polishes look fantastic on short nails. Here are some of my favorite holiday colors:

Essie's Wicked. A rich dark deep wine. I simply love it! A cult classic.

OPI's Sapphire in the Snow. A rich purple. OPI has the best colors.

Revlon's Vixen. The less expensive version of Chanel's Vamp. Love!

Chanel's Trapeze. A taupish silver metallic that is all the rage for the holidays. Chanel polishes are a bit expensive, but they do set the trends. HOT!


Toodles!

Borghese Nail Lacquer Carnevale Grape: Like Chanel's Vendetta But Less Expensive

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is wonderful! How is the weather in your area? The other night it was 25 degrees in Atlanta. Wow!

I have been lusting after Chanel's Vendetta nail polish for a few weeks. It is a rich dark purple that looks either black or like a deep wine depending on how the light hits it. Gorgeous! Recently I was browsing the aisle of my favorite CVS, and discovered Borghese Carnevale Grape nail polish. Divas it is a direct dupe of Chanel's Vendetta! It is the same deep dark purple with an insane shine! Believe me Divas the shine and color is insane. It is so intense. Love it! In addition all Borghese nail polishes contain Acqua di Vita Complex which helps restore essential moisture balance to your nails. But the best thing about this nail polish is that it is only $7.99! Chanel's Vendetta retails for $23! Woot!

Chanel Vendetta

Borghese Carnevale Grape


You can purchase Borghese Carnevale Grape nail polish online here or at any CVS.

Toodles!

I Need This in My Life: Chanel Kid Suede Platform Pump with Pearls

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is simply wonderful!

Look at these shoes! Have you ever seen anything more beautiful? I heart you Chanel.

Fun Fridays! How to Prepare for a day on the Beach!

Hello Divas!

It is Memorial Day Weekend! Whoohoo! Time for barbecues, shorts, and the beach! Whatever you do this weekend be safe but have a blast!

Now one of my favorite places in the world is the beach. Half of my dad's family is from Melbourne, FL so I have been going to beach since I was 5 years old. Love it! I know many of you Divas will visit a beach this weekend. So I have come up with some "beach beauty" tips to keep you looking fabulous while protecting your skin from the sun! Check them out!

1. In order to achieve a gorgeous tan, you must prepare your skin. I have said this before, I have a medium-dark skintone, but I love to get a tan. Why? Because my skin looks so luminous when I get a tan. So I always use a good sugar scrub and loofah to exfoliate my skin before going to the beach. Exfoliation will remove dead skin and your skin will tan much easier and even. The Body Shop has the best sugar scrubs for your body. They exfoliate but are super hydrating. Love them!

2. Next, make sure you have a very very good sunscreen. You need one for your body and one for you face. In addition, my philosophy is the more SPF the better. For the body and face, try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100. I know...100! It is non-greasy, so it won't clog your pores. Plus it is lightweight, sweatproof, and waterproof! It retails for only $12.


3. Make sure to wear big sunnies to shield your eyes from the sun. Make sure your sunnies have 100% UAV/UAB protection. Of course they have to be big and fabulous! I have been eyeing these Chanel Pearl Shades for the past month. I need them.

4. Get a pedicure before going to the beach. Remember, your toes will be on display for the world to see!

5. Also have tons of water...laying out in the sun can cause dehydration. Keep yourself hydrated!

6. Lastly, have a fabulous swimsuit. I am saving my money to buy a Shoshanna swimsuit. I am slim but heavy chested. So I always have a problem finding a bikini that fits. Shoshanna suits are great for heavy chested girls like me, (they offer lots of support) and they are stylish and adorable. This is my pick! So cute!

Toodles!

I Heart Make-Up Bags

Hello Divas!

I am glad today is Friday. How about you? What a week! Well I was cleaning and organizing my beauty closet...which is actually all the space underneath my bathroom sink, (lol!) and I realized that I had a stash of make up bags. Now if you are a make up junkie like me, you know that carrying a make up bag is ESSENTIAL. I have make up bags in different sizes, textures, and colors. Basically, I have a make up bag to suit every occassion and fancy!
Right now I am rocking my small and compact leather Helena Rubinstein make-up bag I received as a gift with purchase in 2000! Obviously well made and just too fab! I use this make up bag when I do not want my make up bag to take up too much space in my purse. I also have a red suede Chanel make up bag I received as a gift when purchasing my Chanel No. 5 perfume collection. I just love the texture and the bright red color is so fashionable. I carry this make-up bag when I am rocking my hobo shoulder bag. I also received this too fabulous make up bag/clutch from Mac when purchasing a set of make up brushes. I actually pair this clutch with a cool short summer frock when going out on the town. Too cute! And ladies in tribute to the make-up bag, I have included several bags in different price ranges and styles for your viewing pleasure.

Toodles!

1. Soho Leopard Dome Purse Kit. This bag is only 6.99. This make-up bag features a removable furry button, so you can keep this in your purse as a make up bag or add the button and use as a small purse! You can purchase this bag here.


2. Sonia Kashuk Double-Zip Foldover Make-up Bag. Only 9.99 at Target! I just love the colors. Purchase it here or at Target.


3. Jemma Kidd Must Have Cosmetic Bag. Check out this HOT pink make-up bag! It retails for $30.00. You can purchase this bag at Neiman Marcus or online here.