Distracting myself from Chanel with a little Tom Ford

Every few months or so I get an irrational itch to buy something I definitely don't need, like a lipstick or blush or eyeshadow that's "missing" from my vanity (and by missing I mean it's probably 90% similar to something I already own). That urge will come down hard and remain an obsession until I inevitably pull the trigger.

At the moment, I'm consumed by the Chanel Top Coat Eyeshadow Veil that's released for fall. The idea of a gossamer, barely there hint of shimmer kind of eye is very appealing to me, but this particular product is really hard to gauge over the Internet. The bloggers I like have praised it for what it purports to be: a shimmering veil of light over the lids, but their swatches look disappointing. Somehow I remain undeterred, and visited two Chanel stores to see it in person.

In real life, they were... alright. The perfect version of this would be shimmering microglitter that looks almost wet on lids, but don't crease (yes, one can dream). The Chanel Top Coat Eyeshadow Veil had the shimmer, had the microglitter, but also had some chunkier bits. The effect is honestly quite dreamy over other eyeshadows, but on its own it's not quite what I had in mind. The colors on offer — white and pewter — were also not my cup of tea.

To deter myself from purchasing it, I dug into my own stash and unearthed the Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze. The powder portion of the duo is a fine gold shimmer with glitter bits. It shall do instead for this fall season.





I applied just the powder all over lids in the photos above. You can visit this old Instagram post for a fully bronze look. I'm still on the lookout for an eyeshadow that'll give me that shimmering wet editorial look that won't crease. If you find one, let me know.

Alas, that original itch, far from being scratched, was satisfied by another rogue Chanel purchase.

Products used in this post:
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense in Medium Pink
Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze
THREE Mesmerizing Performance Eyeliner Pencil 10
Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam (you can get $10 off as a new customer with this link)
Glossier Haloscope in Quartz
THREE Lyrical Lip Bloom 16

Larger Than Life 20s Makeup

I went to a Gatsby-inspired party some time ago! Makeup was the only thing I didn't have to scramble for to fit into the theme (the headband was generously lent to me by a co-worker, earrings are by Dannijo). Since I've been on a minimalistic binge, I actually wasn't used to the look – there was so much makeup on my face! My lazy self sometimes looks back at this picture and sighs, this is how you look when you try, Xiao.



The 20s was about being over the top: huge smokey eyes, red/wine heart-shaped lips, pale but flawless skin. As usual, a complete list of what I used to create the look is at the end of the post, but here are the highlights - I used LMdB Nouvelle Vague on my eyes, layering from top to bottom. With a flat eyeshadow brush, I dipped into the soot black shade and ran the tip along my bottom lash line, blending furiously.

For the lips, I used a combination of lip pencil and lip brush to achieve the pointed edges. Just carefully outline the shape you want – I over-lined mine on the cupid's bow just a tad to get it nice and sharp. The color is Chanel Rouge Allure Rouge Noir.

Though truth be told, while I prepped and primed liberally, the makeup didn't last super long on the dance floor. I suppose that's what dark rooms (and drinks) are for though, right?

Products Used:
Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge #2
Burberry Fresh Glow Fluid Base
Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur in Light/Medium
Le Métier de Beauté Eye Brightening and Setting Powder in Revive
Le Métier de Beauté Creme Fresh Tint in Mystique
Le Métier de Beauté Nouvelle Vague
Guerlain Meteorites Perles d'azur
Benefit Dandelion
NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base
Guerlain Noir G Mascara
Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner #13C
Chanel Rouge Allure Rouge Noir

Suqqu Spring 2013: EX-13 Ginusudama

Several pieces of the Suqqu spring collection landed on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago, courtesy of a (well placed) loved one in London. I didn't find many of the US releases this season exciting and haven't been making new purchases, so the package was a welcome dose of beauty. I've mentioned on Twitter some time ago that I've largely weaned myself off the need to buy and own lots of things, but it's always nice getting something pretty in the mail.

A review of the spring palettes would not be complete without mention of this different, duochrome-ish white-silver packaging (as opposed to the usual black). I assume it is an allusion to the color of pearls, as the products from the entire spring collection ends with the word pearl (genius, I am).

Swatched clockwise from the top left, Ginusudama contains a pearlescent pink, a bronze-copper, an ivory, and a decidedly duochrome purple-gray. Though really, those are crude words to describe the colors above. Each shade flickers and changes slightly in the light. The formula, if you can believe, is even more buttery smooth compared to the regular quads. It's pigmented but light – you can't overwhelm the eyes with this palette, no matter how much you pile on.

The Look

For the look above, I used the palette in the most generic way possible. White as under brow and inner corner highlight, pink all over then layered with the copper, and purple-gray shade as liner. Because the color palette was so light, I knew I couldn't rely on my go-to nude. I reached for a shade I've never tested before, NARS Velvet Gloss in New Lover, and was surprised that it complemented the look very nicely indeed. Perhaps it's in the coolness of the shades? Nevertheless, that's a friendly pink added to the trusted stash, and we all know doesn't happen very often.

Suqqu EX-13 Ginusudama is available at ichibankao.com in the US, albeit with a high markup.

Products Used:
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream in Light Medium
RMS "Un" Cover-Up in #22
Suqqu Balancing Eyebrow in Moss Green
Suqqu EX-13 Ginusudama Blend Color Eyeshadow
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner in 08 Eye On
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Guerlain Blush G Sakura (Asia Exclusive)
NARS Velvet Gloss in New Lover

Spring Butterfly Makeup

L-R: Addiction Twig, Suqqu Mizuaoi

Not even gonna lie, the "butterfly" part was coined by the editors of Harper's Bazaar to describe the below, taken at Roberto Cavalli's Fall 2012 runway show. To my dismay, I don't have purple or green eyeshadow that vibrant, but as usual I took matters in my own hands and cobbled up a look with what I had. I only noticed after editing that the result is similar to the Rouge Bunny Rouge look I did a couple months ago, with slight adjustments to placement.

I wish I used a brighter green. Can we just imagine that the dark green I used on my lids was brighter and popped (I hate using that word, but in this context it's really apt) more? Would have made this more interesting.

Anyway, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. I covered my eyelids and my bottom lash line with the green eyeshadow. For the blueish lilac shade, I stuck my brush by the side of my nose bridge and blended the shade into the lid, stopping just before it touches the eyebrows. The definition achieved by the model above is envy-inducing—alas, I have no such nose.

For the outer half, I used the purple brown shade from the Suqqu Mizuaoi quad (sadly discontinued) and blended it into the two colors. I lined both top and bottom lash line with a black liner, then applied mascara. For the finishing touch, I dipped a liner brush into the white and highlighted the inner corners of my eyes.

While the makeup on the rest of the model's face was kept bland, I added just a hint of pink on my cheeks (the trick is a really fluffy powder brush, a light pink blush, and an even lighter hand), then highlighted on top of my cheekbones and down the center of my nose. I also went for lipstick that didn't wash me out.

Oh! I tested a new trick to applying foundation. I sprayed a mist between every layer. Basically, mist –> foundation –> mist –> powder -> mist. The aim was to create dewy-looking skin.

The Look






Products Used:
Rouge Bunny Rouge Time Defying Foundation in Wheat Cream
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light
Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist
Guerlain Perles du Paradis Meteorites
Benefit Dandelion Blush
RMS Living Luminizer
Suqqu Balancing Eyebrow Palette in Moss Green
Suqqu Mizuaoi
Addiction Twig Eyeshadow
Pop Beauty Peak Performance Mascara in Blackest Black
Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer in #201

An Ode to NYFW

An ode to creativity. I hesitate to use the word trend, but there were a few shows this season (and last) that featured the floating crease line look. I know I have lopsided eyes and all but I've been itching to try it, so I did.

Since the emphasis was on the eyes, everything else was left (mostly) bare. I applied foundation and powdered myself down, then set to highlighting: all over eyelids, above cheekbones, down the nose, above cupid's bow.

For the eyes, I used a thin, firm blending/application brush (Shu Uemura Kolinsky Brush 5r. Honestly, I'm not sure what category this falls under) and swept the light blue shade (MAC Parisian Skies) just above my crease line. I lightly dipped the brush into the darker blue (Shu Uemura ME Blue 650, old formula) and with the first point of the contact from the outer corner, went over the line again. With a black liquid liner, I lined just the bottom of my lashes. It's a little hard to explain – it's not really visible, but it makes a difference.

A light sweep of soft peach blush and swipe of nude lip, and that's it!

The above was one of my first attempts at nail art. Let's just say it gets better. Base nails were painted in RGB Pink.

Products Used:
Chantecaille 'Future Skin' Foundation in Camomile
Guerlain 'Meteorites' Illuminating and Mattifying Face Powder 02 Teint Beige
Shu Uemura P Light Pink 315
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
MAC Parisian Skies Eyeshadow
Shu Uemura ME Blue 650
Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liner in Noir
Chanel Joues Contraste Tempting Beige
NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Buenos Aires
RGB Pink

(Red Carpet) Editorial: Blue Rimmed Smokey Eye

Let me preface this post with a panicked statement: a portion of my bottom lash line is beginning to be impervious to eye makeup. Eek!

Anyway, I don't usually do awards season coverage on Messy Wands because, and let's be honest here, celebrities usually play it safe on the red carpet. We got excited about things like "Celeb X wearing pink lips!" when we did awards coverage at my previous internships, just because they usually accentuate only one feature, if any.

But I had a thing for Berenice Marlohe ever since I saw her "disappearing eyeshadow" in Skyfall. Throughout her scene in the casino, I barely heard anything she said to James Bond, because I was concentrating on how the gold eyeshadow on her lids only appeared when she blinked. It was mesmerizing, like she was simultaneously wearing two looks.

Since then, I've taken extra notice of her red carpet appearances. It is a pleasure to report that Berenice never seems to have boring makeup. She has a penchant for incredibly bold smokey eyes (see The Non Blonde's post)‚ I usually don't agree with over-lining the under eye area, but it works on her.

The above picture shows Berenice at one of her recent red carpet appearances where she sported a navy blue-rimmed smokey eye. Below, I attempted to recreate the look (allowing for the fact that my eye shape is totally different from hers, of course):

Berenice has a set of very defined eyebrows, so I was careful to emphasize my own with an eyebrow pencil. For the eye look, I began by tight-lining both the upper and lower lash line as a base for the navy blue shadow to build on. From there, I used a flat-headed brush (think a liner brush but with more hair), applied the shadow close to the lash line, then fluffed it out using flicking motions. I was careful to maintain an almond shape so it didn't extend too much toward the eyebrows. I did the same for the bottom lash line.

It may not have been the best look for me, considering I couldn't replicate her long lashes. I applied a couple coats of mascara and attempted to do the bottom (to no results), but you are welcome to try if you, lucky one, have bottom lashes!

The rest of the face is simple: foundation, ample amounts of concealer under the eye, nude lipstick, and the lightest application of peach blush to the apples of the cheeks.

The Look

I hope you enjoy!

This post is part of BlogHer's Celebrity Beauty Trends editorial series, made possible by Olay.

Paul & Joe Spring 2013 Collection

The Paul & Joe Spring Collection is so full of whimsy and cute. I knew this even before I went to the counter; I've seen the press releases. Yet, there remained much squeeing and dancing little jigs in front of the SA, who thankfully was already familiar with my ways. There are elephants on that lipstick, guys, tell me you can resist.

Alright. On to the formalities:

Paul & Joe Pressed Powder CS 001 Swirl

I didn't take a picture of the powder because there was a seal over this product and it wasn't a tester so I couldn't mess with it. Think pastel green, pink, cream, and white in a dense lollipop swirl. It makes for an understated highlighter that's definitely much less glittery than what I've come to expect from the brand. This is a good thing.

L-R: Eye Color CS 082 Calliope, 083 Montmartre, 084 La Belle Epoque

L-R: Eye Color CS 082 Calliope, 083 Montmartre

084 La Belle Epoque

L-R: Lipstick Refill CS 078 Carousel, 079 Merry-Go-Round, 080 Manège

In case you missed it, Paul & Joe announced last fall that they will start selling their lipstick components in two parts, which means you'll have to purchase the bullet and the tube separately. This amounts to a $2 increase in their (complete) lipstick prices, but as compensation, the company doles out mega-cute limited edition lipstick bullets to soothe the pain off that couple extra dollars.

I had to. I just had to. Nevermind that the color is fantastic and I don't actually own a fuchsia lipstick (and notice the carousel horse detail printed on it!), there are elephants on the tube. That is, unabashedly, my real reason for buying it.

Paul & Joe Spring is already available online at beautyhabit.com. Alternatively, you could give my friend Alex Runciman who works at the P&J counter a call at 212.872.8648. I swatched and purchased the above at Bergdorf Goodman.

Clinique Chubby Stick for Eyes

Perhaps you've heard about the Clinique Chubby Stick, arguably the most popular item to come from the company since the 3-step system. While we know it originally to be a lightweight lip tint, the Chubby Stick has actually evolved into a franchise, with a recently released intense lip version and in February, the eye version.

The Clinique shadows are pigmented, smooth, and easy to blend, which I never thought I would say about cream eye pencils. I did not experience creasing or fading and they last impressively long even without a primer.

I applied the shadow below (Whopping Willow) exactly the way I did here, using the exact same tool. Recently, I've been needing to simplify my regimen for travel while still looking presentable, and I find that cream eye pencils offer the best of both worlds. One simple stick allows me to achieve a decent look, and when the formula is as good as this, it actually becomes a pleasure to apply (unlike this).

In short, when this launches in February (for $16 apiece), everyone should head to a counter and play and then wave your fist at me because then you'll want to have one (or four) of your own.

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration.

Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in 090 Fishnet Black

Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in Fishnet Black ($30) is a new, I wanna say, thingamajig the brand introduced for spring. It is a double-sided eye pen housing two eyeshadows of different textures intended for layering. One side is basically a cream stick, while the other is a sponge that dispenses a sheer wash of color.

L-R: spongey side, creamy side

both layered

While the creamy side can stand alone (apply onto lid, then use finger to gently smudge out for a simple smokey eye), the sheer spongey end of the stick barely shows up on the skin. I had to pack on the pigment for it to show up in the photo above.

The duo makes for a beautiful smokey eye, but it takes much effort to achieve. In my mind, the main uses for a product like this is: 1) to simplify things for beginners or 2) as a one-stick-fits-all for travel/easy touch ups throughout the day. However, this duo is not particularly easy to work with. It actually takes me less time to do a smokey eye with eyeshadow compared to using the duo, because I have to carefully apply and blend out the cream, then rigorously pat down the eyeshadow to smoke it out. The only good thing is since so little pigment comes out of the spongey side, you create a natural smoked out gradient.

Also, while I believe most of us already wear primer as a necessary step in our routine, I think it's worth mentioning that this eyeshadow will not last on oily lids without a primer. By the end of the night, my right lid was completely mangled.

That said, with some patience and practice it could be a really good traveling companion. You won't achieve terribly sophisticated looks, but it is decent for a quick smokey eye, especially when you won't need a brush!

I received my Fishnet Black Twin Set from my internship and a quick search online suggests it's not for sale at the usual department stores, so I'm not entirely sure where you can go to purchase it. When I swatched the collection at Saks, I only saw the pink and gray duos. Perhaps this is an as yet released Sephora exclusive?

Products Used:
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light
Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm
Guerlain Météorites Perles du Paradis
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in 090 Fishnet Black
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Waterproof Eye Pencil in Black #1
Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
Korres Lip Butter in Quince