La Couleur Infallible - Sahara Treasure

I reeeeeally want the Armani Eyes to Kill shadows. I almost succumbed at Holt's, but couldn't quite resign myself to the outrageous US/Canadian price difference (32$ versus 42$).

As it happends, I dropped by my local Jean Coutu and got a bunch of the l'Oréal La Couleur Infallible eyeshadows instead, including the Sahara Treasure featured below. I can't compare the formula with any kind of scientific exactitude, since I don't own any of the Armani versions, but seeing as they are sister companies, I can't imagine the difference in quality being that stupendous, especially considering the specific nature of the product. (Though the Armani colors are by far more complex and intriguing, without a doubt.)

I just need to say that I am FASCINATED by the texture on these things. It's just so bizarre. Creamy, but crumbly? Kinda slick, but feels like a powder, sort of? I just want to moosh my fingers into it (and have, as you can see in the bottom picture). Honestly, I think half the appeal of these is the unusual texture.

Though they also get good marks in the performance department. I really dig how these can be applied very sheer, like a fine glimmery wash, or can be layered up for some intense metallic glitz. I have a feeling these missed their calling as the Disco era's most versatile product - fairy AND fierce glamazon.

I don't find these quite hold up to the 24-hour claim. There is a small but noticeable bit of fading after 8-10 hours when worn alone. Over primer though, they get a full day with no problems. I didn't get any creasing from them either way, which is certainly an achievement for anything trying to get one up on my eyelids.

In natural light they look more neutral and champagne-y.

In sunlight and under artificial light, both the gold tones and the metallic finish comes out more.

This is probably one of the more user-friendly of the shades currently available, a neutral gold/champagne beige. One of those shades that is the answer to a lazy (or late-running!) morning. Smooth a little on the lid for a brightening effect, slap on some mascara and you're out the door looking chic and cheery. If your office is very conservative, it can still be used to highlight the inner corner of the eye. It can even be used as a base, to add some peekaboo shimmer under a staid taupe.

Availability: Most drugstores, like Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix/SDM and Walmart. (From what I can tell, the colors seem to have different names in the US, and may possibly be altogether different shades. I could only find this shade on the Canadian site, and it was not listed either on drugstore.com or Target.) Price is anywhere between 6$ and 12$ CAD.

Pros: Build-able, versatile texture. Can be worn alone or as a base, or blended with other Infallible shadows. Super-easy to apply and use, perfect for rushed mornings. This color in particular has a good balance of warm and cool to be easily flattering.

Cons: May require a primer for added longevity. Does not live up to the 24-hour claim for me, though it does feel very comfortable.

(I purchased this item at Jean Coutu.)

Lise Watier Blush-On Powder - Libertine

I have a crazy infatuation with blush, bordering on the unseemly. Though I don't have the mental fortitude to go on a five month blush ban as Tracy over at Beauty Reflections did, I have tried to limit my blush buying lately. So let's pretend that the blush I got at the Lise Watier warehouse sale counts as an example of my blush thrift, since it was 50% off. Ok? Ok.

This is my first experience with the Blush-On Powders, and I thought I would start with a color that generally works very well on me - the soft peachy-pink, Nars Orgasm-type shade, in this case called "Libertine". (What is it about that kind of color that seems to evoke sexual innuendo?)

The packaging is fairly sleek and simple, with a good-sized mirror. The inclusion of a brush underneath the pan is not really necessary, even if it is relatively soft and will do in a pinch.

In some lighting Libertine looks like a warm, medium pink, in others the peachy undertones come out more clearly. Though it's not super obvious in the pan, the blush does have a fine golden shimmer throughout, which reads more on the skin. I find it less shimmery than Orgasm though. It's the kind of shade that tends to enliven light-to-medium skin, and looks particularly nice in the summer.

The texture is silky, smooth and just a smidge dry - not powdery, but it feels light as opposed to buttery and dense. This makes application easy, and longevity a bit more difficult. Libertine can be kept sheer or built up, and looks lovely and natural either way due to the airiness of the powder. However, this also means that it is best applied over a foundation or primer of some sort. With its light texture, it can wear away more quickly than you might like.

Indirect natural light.

Artificial light.

Direct sunlight.

Availability: Part of the permanent collection, Libertine is available at most Pharmaprix/SDM locations, as well as The Bay. It can also be purchased from Lise Watier, and from Naimie's in the US. Price is 25$ CAD.

Pros: Very flattering color, brightening without being too warm or too much. Smooth, airy texture makes for a silky finish and natural application. Goes from sheer to intense easily.

Cons: Tends to fly away unless applied over a foundation or primer, compromising length of wear.

(I purchased this item from Lise Watier.)

Beautyhabit Promo Code

If you've been dying to try Rouge Bunny Rouge, now is a great time. Beautyhabit is offering a wonderful, if unexpected promotion in celebration of the Queen's Jubilee:

Antonia Burrel, SteamCream, This Works, Penhaligon’s, Eve Lom, Suti, Balm Balm, Elemental Herbology, Neom, Mason Pearson, Papier Poudre, Aromatherapy Associates, Jo Wood Organics, The Jersey Cow, Lightfoot’s, Miller Harris, Mitchell and Peach, Molton Brown, Potter & Moore, St. James, Real Hair London, Solonge Azagury Partridge, and, of course, Rouge Bunny Rouge.

If you're curious about Rouge Bunny Rouge, I did review some of their eyeshadows in this post.

I think I'm going to take advantage and pick up some of the blushes from RBR, and maybe finally try one of the Steam Creams. 

What about you guys?

(Beautyhabit does ship to Canada.)