Spring Day FOTD with Lise Watier Pastel Power

Since Wednesday was the official first day of Spring here in the Northern Hemisphere, it was only apropos to pull out my Lise Watier Spring 2013 Pastel Power goodies for a FOTD. For swatches and my review of the Pastel Power collection visit this post.

Products used: 

1. Apply coral shade from Lise Watier Pastel Power Quartet over entire eyelid;
2. Apply light grey shade to brow bone;
3. Apply teal shade to outer V and crease;
4. Use pale blue shade to blend the teal shade into the coral and light grey;
5. Line upper lash line with Clio Urban Khaki liquid liner;
6. Line lower lash line with Lise Watier Vert Sarcelle Eye Shine liner;
7. Lise Watier Pink Powder blush on cheeks;
8. Lise Watier Corail Punch and Gosh Cool Lip Jam in 104 on lips;

Lise Watier Pastel Power Spring 2013 Collection - swatches and review

Hellooooo lovelies! Happy New Year!!!
Did everyone have a good holiday season? Ours involved family, friends, turducken, fireball whisky and Backstreet Boys karaoke.
Anyway, now that all the festivities are over, it means Spring will be here soon right? So let's talk about some Spring collections! Back in November of last year (yes I am THAT behind!), Lise Watier previewed their Spring 2013 collection amid fois gras filled macarons and berry mousse served in lipstick tubes.

The collection is titled Pastel Power, and is said to be inspired by the elegance and pureness of small flowers reminiscent of Spring. I love the look that was created for this collection, it's not the traditional sweet pastel look as the eyes remain quite strong, also I am a total sucker for teal eyes and lightly flushed cheeks! I was told that the look was achieved with the Quatuor Pastel Power Eyeshadow Quartet and the Pink Powder blush.

Quatuor Pastel Power Eyeshadow Quartet

CAN$36 Limited Edition.

If you've ever had to work with pastel eyeshadows before, you'll know how much of a pain they can be. The ones I've encountered have all had weird chalky textures and poor pigmentation, this quad proves that pastel eyeshadow needn't have any of those bad qualities! Lise Watier have somehow managed to create pastel eyeshadows that have a smooth buttery texture and excellent colour pay off, all the while retaining that ethereal dream-like quality of pastels. The texture of this quad felt very similar to the Les Cognacs quad that was released with the Millesime collection, and like that quad, this one can also be used wet or dry. 

I also like how the shadows all have a slight pearlescent/shimmery finish which makes them easier to wear than a flat matte pastel. Lasting time is a solid 8-9 hours with primer.

Pink Powder Blush
CAN$30. Limited Edition.
This is the most beautiful blush I have seen in a really really long time (possibly ever!) and is, in my opinion, the star item of this collection. The embossing is absolutely gorgeous and, as far as I can tell, the sakura blossom pattern goes all the way through. I've been using mine almost non-stop since I've received it and the embossing is still very apparent.
The blush itself consists of a matte, mid-tone, blue pink base with light, beigey-pink flowers that act as a highlighter. The flowers have a gold pearl/shimmer finish that gives the blush a lovely glow when swirled together but does not enhance pores
Texture is smooth and very finely milled. I use a fluffier brush as it is quite heavily pigmented, intensity can be built by layering. Lasting time is around 6-7 hours.
Even if you get nothing else from this collection, get this blush! It is beautiful to look at and the colour is universally flattering.

Rouge Plumpissimo Lipstick in Corail Punch
CAN$21. New shade.
I am SO glad that Lise Watier has finally ditched that awful liquorice scent from their Rouge Plumpissimo line, instead, they now share the same cake-like scent as their Rouge Gourmand line.
This lipstick has a frost finish which is not the most flattering finish around as it emphasises lip lines and dry lips like crazy. Texture is smooth and applies easily. I felt the formula was slightly drying on my lips. Wear time is around 3 hours without any intense drinking or eating.
If this had a creme or satin finish I would probably like it more but as it is that last photo just makes me want to scrub my lips with a Brillo pad.

Eye Shine liner in Vert Sarcelle
CAN$19. New shade.
I am a HUGE fan of the Black Gold Eye Shine that was released with Lise Watier's Glamour Rose holiday collection so I was thrilled to find out that a new shade would be released with this Spring collection. Vert Sarcelle, like its name implies, is a blackened teal with a slight metallic sheen. The formula is smooth and applies without any tugging. Colour is rich and it lasts all day on my waterline without any smudging.
The colour isn't as exciting as Black Gold and I can't help but wish they'd included a bit more oomph (gold or teal flecks maybe?) but nonetheless a good quality teal pencil is hard to find and so this a welcome addition to my collection.

Nail Lacquer in Power Punch
CAN$13 Limited Edition.
A new, limited edition, shade in Lise Watier's innovative light cap bottle. Cream finish and lasts about 3-4 days on me. Kind of a boring colour imho but if you are into conservative, easy to wear nail colours then this one is quite pretty. I just personally need fireworks when it comes to my nails.

The collection will be available for purchase in February 2013 online at www.lisewatier.com and at select Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs.

Lise Watier Winter 2012 Glamour Rose collection swatches & review

Winter is coming.
Actually, Winter is already here for those who live north of the wall border. Vancouver was uncharacteristically warm and sunny for the first week of October, but Thanksgiving brought around the grey skies and incessant rain which will probably let up sometime around June of next year.
Ah well, at least Winter heralds the beginning of the Holiday season and with it, all the Holiday and Winter releases from the various beauty houses.
Lise Watier teased me relentlessly with their Winter 2012 Glamourose catalogue, the promo imagery is tres Madonna circa La Isla Bonita no? Anyway, I finally got around to swatching and reviewing the samples I received.

"The Rose, the queen of flowers, is blossoming into a collection of refined shades and products. This flower is the inspiration behind this new Lise Watier collection, a symbol of beauty, love and femininity."

Palette Glamour Rose in Vert Minuit
Price: $45
Lise Watier sez: "A trio of eyeshadows, half cream half powder, that comes with an embossed rose shaped blush and a matching blush brush."
Nunu sez: The Vert Minuit palette consists of 3 pearl finish eyeshadows in white, khaki and black, and a matte pink blush. The eyeshadows are all soft and finely milled, however, the pigmentation and texture is not on par with their awesome Aquarella quads. Of the 3, the khaki was the most pigmented and applied the smoothest, the black was slightly chalky but still pigmented and the white swatched the poorest. I didn't really feel the "half cream" part of the formula, in fact, the shadows kick up quite a bit of dust when used. I suggest wearing these with a primer or a base, as their intensity fades rather significantly without one. The blusher is cool toned and has decent pigmentation, however, it applies a bit too powdery for my liking.
The cover art on the palette is beautifully ornate and I wonder why they went with a cardboard packaging which cheapens the whole effect.

Illuminating Face & Body Powder
Price: $35
Lise Watier sez: "This versatile powder is ideal for illuminating the neckline with a soft pearly shade, or for adding a touch of glimmer on the eyelids and cheeks"
Nunu sez: The beautiful embossing on this powder reminded me so much of the beauty powders from MAC'S A Rose Romance. I didn't notice any colour being imparted by this powder, top swatch is heavily done with a sponge applicator and bottom swatch was done with a domed powder brush. Imparts a lovely glow without being overly frosty. Thumbs up for this one.

Luxurious Satin Finish Eyeshadow in Gold
Price: $24
Lise Watier sez: "New formula combines exceptional brightness and silky texture that can be worn alone or over another eyeshadow for a more intense and brilliant look."
Nunu sez: I got quite tanned during my time in Hawai'i and as a result have taken to wearing warmer shades of makeup, much to the consternation of the Other Tine. The formula is much nicer than that of the shadows in the Glamour Rose palette, it is smooth, and pigmented and doesn't kick up any dust. This is a really pretty light gold and I look forward to pairing it with a cranberry shade for the Holiday season.

Eye Shine eyeliner pencil in Black Gold
Price: $18
Lise Watier sez: "Two new shades featuring micro-glitter have been added to the line of eyeliners renown for their soft texture and metallic lustre. "
Nunu sez: This is my favourite product from this collection! I ended up using it before I took photos for this review. Bad blogger! But it is so gorgeous and I just couldn't resist xD.
Don't let the words "micro-glitter" deter you, this pencil applies silky smooth, is extremely pigmented and lasts all day. The glitter shows up as a uniform metallic gleam and the result is sultry glamour instead of Ke$ha. The colour reminds me a lot of L'Oreal's Infallible Eyeshadow in Cosmic Black, it's got that same bronzey-golden sheen in a black base and I love using it on my lower lash line. Ugh, SO MUCH LOVE!!

Rouge Plumpissimo Lipstick in Glamour Rose
Price: $21
Lise Watier sez: "Perfect for an irresistibly plumped look with a highly pigmented rich pink colour"
Nunu sez: I have reviewed their Rouge Plumpissimo lipsticks before here and I am happy to report that they no longer have that odd licorice smell!! In fact, they now appear to have the same yummy cake smell as their Rouge Gourmand lipsticks. The formula is not exactly moisturising, but it's not really drying either, it wears comfortably on my lips on its own but I would recommend lipbalm underneath. It's a lovely bright cerise shade which fades to a lovely stain and I was able to get a good 5 hours wear from it.

The collection, which includes a few more pieces, will be available from November 2012 to January 2013. If you are Canadian, London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart carry the line, or you can order online from lisewatier.com.
Ok, now I am going to crawl back into my cocoon of blankets. Revive when necessary with copious amounts of heavily spiked egg nog.

African Violet FOTD

So it appears that I haven't done a purple FOTD yet on this here blog. SHOCKING!! Must be remedied immediately!!
Other than being my favourite colour, purple is also universally flattering and I've been told by various beauty industry insiders that it will be THE colour this Autumn.
I used the Stila In The Moment palette that I reviewed back in this post.

Products used:

Eyes:

• Lise Watier Crayon Jumbo in Peche Melba as all over base;
• Stila Instinct (top row first from left) all over lid;
• Glance (top row middle) from middle of lid to outer corner;
• Improvise (top row second from right) outer corner and crease;
• Blend;
• Improvise on outer half of lower lash line;
• Tetra (Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner) on upper lash line;

Face:

• Lise Watier Havana Baked Bronzer as contour;
• The Body Shop Roseflower blush on apples of cheeks;

Lips:

• Benefit Jing-a-ling lipstick;
• Essence Candy Bar lipgloss

In other news, I have decided to run and join the circus:

and bake cookies:

Lise Watier Summer Sunset collection for Summer 2012 FOTD

I am really really late with my review of this collection, but seeing as how both Summer and this collection only arrived on my doorstep 2 weeks ago, now is as good a time as any.
The Summer Sunset collection launched back in May of this year and consists of 2 new limited edition eyeshadow palettes in Tropical and Paradis ($38), a limited edition bronzing powder palette ($35), a new Duo Glam Rouge Infini lipstick duo in Rose Ombre Glam ($27), 3 limited edition Crystal Drops glosses in Tangerine, Dragon Fruit, and Smoothie ($18), 2 limited edition shades of nail polish in Tangerine and Dragon Fruit ($12.50), 3 new Jumbo Crayons in Peche Melba, Sunshine and Moonlight, Havana baked bronzer, 3-in-1 Miracle Primer in Bronze, Sun Smart Tinted Universal UV Shield, Gold Liquid Silk, and the limited edition Summer Sunset EDT.
Like most other Summer releases, Lise Watier's Summer Sunset collection is heavy on bronze and shimmer. The bronzing powder palette and the Havana baked bronzer offer similar effects - warmth with a golden sheen - so buy one or the other. I'm currently ridiculously tan and enjoy using them interchangeably as a bronzer and as a contour powder.
The eyeshadow and bronzing powder come in a colourful clam shell clutch which can be reused as a wallet.  The eyeshadows are very soft and finely milled, however, they are rather crumbly and nowhere near as pigmented or as buttery as the shadows found in their quads. They lasted a whole day over a Jumbo Crayon base.
I know some people find the Crystal Drops glosses to be too sheer but I love how glossy they made my lips and Tangerine was surprisingly pigmented on me!
Whilst I didn't particularly enjoy their Neiges EDT (it smells like highly perfumed soap on me), the Summer Sunset EDT definitely won me over as I'm a sucker for fresh florals.
I love the concept of a stain and lipstick in one package, however, the Duo Glam Rouge Infini lipstick duo was a severe disappointment. The stain part of it wasn't too bad, the lipstick part was just awful. The matte finish emphasised every single lip line and dry patch I had, and as if that wasn't enough, it also dried my lips out something terrible and shares the same weird liquorice taste as their Plumpissimo line.
Summer Sunset is available now at Lisewatier.com, Thebay.com, and in stores and online at Londondrugs.com

Products used: Crystal Drops Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss in Tangerine; Summer Sunset Bronzing Powder; Crayon Jumbo in Peche Melba; Havana All Over Baked Bronzer; Summer Sunset Eyeshadow Palette in Tropical; Annabelle Smoothliner in Jade; MaxFactor 2000 Calorie mascara; NYX Concealer In A Jar; Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation; and GOSH Effects Powder in Bottle

Peche Melba as base. Tropical palette: light gold shadow from inner corner to middle of lid; green shadow from middle of lid to outer corner; blend dark brown shadow into crease. Line upper and lower lash line with Annabelle Jade, pat Gosh Bottle over Jade liner. Contour cheeks using Havana bronzer. Use peach and pink stripes from Summer Sunset Bronzing palette as blusher. Finish with Crystal Drops gloss.

Swatches of Summer Sunset eyeshadow palette in Tropical:

Lise Watier Fall 2012 Millésime collection review

According to the Lise Watier press release, the Millésime collection is inspired by vintage wine collections, the art of wine and other liquors. Yes people, a collection inspired by booze, what could possibly be better?

Les Cognacs Eyeshadow Quartet
Damage: CAN$36

Lise Watier sez: "Two harmonies of four eyeshadows, that combine the look of both cream and powder textures, offer a silky finish, ultimate shine and durability."
Nunu sez: Two limited edition quads which will be coming out with the Millesime collection, Les Cognacs, consisting of brown shades aimed at those with warmer undertones, and Les Vins, consisting of purple shades aimed at those with cooler undertones. The quality of this quad was simply outstanding. There was no chalkiness or fall-out, just smooth buttery goodness. To me, these eyeshadows have a slightly "wet" feel to them. All of the above swatches are just from 1 swipe. I had no problems with the shadows lasting for a whole day.

Duo Shadow & Glitter
Damage: CAN$25
Lise Watier sez: "Two new shades of this product combine both the iridescence of a pearl cream eyeshadow and the shine of micro-glitters."
Nunu sez: Two new shades, Plum Star and Brown Amber will become available with the Millesime collection. Plum Star will join the permanent line whilst Brown Amber is a limited edition. The cream eyeshadow acts as a base for the glitter, how little or how much glitter you apply depends on your own personal preference. Pack it over the entire lid for some Boom Boom Pow or add it just to the lashline for a more wearable look. Lise Watier even designed a special brush with a silicone head for precise glitter application. I don't own that brush so I had to resort to patting it on with my fingers and it did get rather messy. I didn't notice any subsequent glitter fallout other than those from the initial application. The texture of the cream base feels really similar to the MUFE Aqua Cream shadows. It is light, non-greasy and pigmentation can be built up. Unfortunately I am a contact lens wearer who is also prone to rubbing her eyes, and as a result I am not a fan of glitter near the eyes. I will definitely use the cream base part though!
To see these in action visit my Millesime event post.

Rouge Gourmand Lipstick
Damage: CAN$20
Lise Watier sez: "An ultra-comfortable creamy formula that provides fuller lips is now offered in a new shade of dark red shiraz. Its formula is enriched with Maxi-lip that moisturises and softens lips."
Nunu sez: The colour I received was called Shiraz and is a darkened purplish red - a bruised berry if you will. It is definitely not a colour I would've pick for myself for fear of looking like Elvira, Mistress of The Dark, however, Ashley tried it on at the Millesime event and totally rocked it! It is definitely an Autumn colour and can be made more wearable sheered out as a lip stain. Whilst the colour looks frosty in the tube but doesn't apply frosty, on lips it has a slight shimmer. The Rouge Gourmand line of lipsticks all smell like food!! It smells like cake with some kind of fruit. The formula applies very smoothly and didn't dry my lips out. Lasting time was around 4 hours.

Crayon Kajal
Damage: CAN$16
Lise Watier sez: "Specially designed to precisely emphasise the inner line of the lower eyelid for a look that has unparalleled intensity."
Nunu sez: I received the shade "Noir Bleu", literally translated as "Black Blue". Imagine a blackcurrant! On me it swatched mostly black with the blue peeking through around the edges. Black based shades tend to undergo a strange phenomenon on my skin whereby they just show up as black. The Other Tine reckons that because I'm so pale, I'm essentially a White Hole from which dark colours cannot escape.
Now that I'm older and have put the goth phase behind me (don't ask), I have strayed away from black eyeliners in favour of navy and plum coloured liners. Their effects are not as harsh as black liners yet they still provide the needed definition. I wore this liner on my water-line for 6+ hours and it did not budge at all. This is quite a feat I assure you.

Lise Watier Millesime products will be available in stores in August 2012.

Lise Watier Millésimé

Last week was a bit of an oddball week for me, if I wasn't attending a PR event I was attending a personal social event. Usually I go home immediately after work to hold whichever one of their paws that my cats allow me the honour of holding while they sleep. If they're feeling particularly generous, they'll even condone to eat a few treats out of my hands!

Lise Watier kindly invited me to a fun night of vino and makeup in celebration of their 40th (!!) anniversary. In addition, they also took the opportunity to showcase their Autumn/Fall 2012 colour cosmetics collection.

Yah, you heard me, AUTUMN!! Dude it's only June...and the temperatures haven't even hit the 20s yet...please don't suggest that Autumn is coming soon... Unfortunately the weather that day only seemed to exacerbate my fears - twas yet another gloomy and rainy day in Vancouver. Ah well, if the catwalk trends are anything to go by, at least this Autumn will feature my favourite colour, so that's something to look forward to. Not that I ever look forward to Winter.

Allons-y!

The event was held at Uva - a trendy little wine bar in downtown Vancouver. Uva means grape in Italian. 

Rachel, Lise Watier's PR specialist est très français and has legs as long as I am tall. Herve Leger obviously had her in mind when he designed those bandage dresses.

Lise Watier's Millesime collection is inspired by wine!

Yessss!!! Purples are in!!!!

I LOVE the makeup in this photo, I'll definitely have to copy it!

Bling fans will be happy to know that there will be 2 new additions to Lise Watier's Duo Shadow & Glitter range! Plum Star will join the permanent line and Brown Amber will be limited edition.

Alison and I were both excited about the addition of creme blushes to the line.

New limited edition quads for Fall. Les Vins (purples) for cool tones and Les Cognacs (browns) for warm tones.

Neiges EDT was released in 1999 by Lise Watier. It is a floral scent with notes of magnolia, orange blossom, musk, jasmine, hyacinth, woods, lily-of-the-valley and rose.

Ms. Watier herself.

Brown Amber Duo Shadow & Glitter in action:

Lise Watier demo booth:

Brown Amber Duo Shadow & Glitter:

Lise Watier makeup artist Chelsea Chute working her magic on Alison.

Alison got Plum Star Duo Shadow & Glitter

Gorgeous!

Ashley got cat eye liner and a statement lip 

Close-up of Ashley's cat eye liner:

Uva's sommelier educating us on the wines that we will soon be tasting:

Happy bloggers!

Products from Lise Watier that you can look forward to seeing:

Merci beaucoup et joyeaux 40e anniversaire Lise Watier!