Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette {Golden Shock}

Dior released their holiday collection a few weeks ago and this palette was calling my name.  The Dior 5 Couleurs palette in Golden Shock ($60) is absolutely breath taking.  It is a mix of plums, mauves, and golds.  These shades look great on all eye colors.  The shadows are pigmented and creamy.  They blend well.  I usually find that there is a dud in the shadows and this palette is no exception.  The middle shadow just doesn't perform that well.  It is a bit hard for a brush to pick up.  It's easier to use a finger but even so it takes a few swipes to get the pigmentation you want.  The other fours shades are amazing though.  I especially love the top two.  They are great for a smoky eye.  

I really think this palette is gorgeous and overall I am happy with the way it performs.  Right now this is out of stock on Dior.com but you can still find it at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.



What has your favorite holiday eyeshadow palette been ??? 



Love,
City Styles 

Diorskin Star Foundation {10 Ivory}

Dior recently released their new Diorskin Star Foundation ($50).  I was browsing in Bloomingdale's when I spotted it.  I immediately knew it had to be mine.  Dior claims this foundation is brightening, diffuses light, and reduces the appearance of dark spots and redness.  I have been testing it out for a week and have some thoughts. 

I like the consistency of this foundation.  It doesn't feel heavy or cakey on your skin.  It sits nicely.  I do wear a primer underneath (my Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel).  The coverage is nice.  I would say it's a medium coverage and you can build it up a bit.  I like all these factors.  But, what I don't like is the fact that it wears off in a few hours.  The first time I wore this, within 4 or 5 hours my foundation was  breaking down, especially in the chin area.  So, the next day I tried it with a good primer and powder and it lasted longer about 7 to 8 hours, which is more to my liking.  But, I still want a 10 to 12 hour wear.  My average work day is 10 hours plus the hour before I get to work.  So, this will have to be a weekend foundation because I really like the dewy look it gives me and the coverage.   

Have you tried this foundation yet ??  What do you think ??


Love,
City Styles 

Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadows {Callisto & Subra}

Nars recently released their Dual Intensity Eyeshadows.  There are twelve shades in all and each goes for $29.  I was in Bloomingdale's the other day and picked up two, Subra and Callisto.  Subra is a reddish, purple shade with a slight shimmer to it.  Callisto is a light lilac, champagne shade with a good amount a shimmer to it.  And when I say shimmer I don't mean wearing a disco ball on your eye lid.  I just mean a sophisticated shimmer that doesn't make you like you think it's halloween.  

These shadows can be worn dry or wet.  If you are going for a more intense look I would definitely use them with some Mac Fix +.  These shadows are long lasting (8 or more hours with a primer) and have great pigmentation.  And they have a cream like texture but go on like a powder.  The go on smoothly and blend like a dream.  I can't wait to get my hands on a few more shades!  I'm thinking Himalia and Dione.       

Have you tried these eyeshadows yet ??

Love, 

City Styles

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light

For my birthday Daria took me to Macy's to get color matched to the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light.  She has it and love, love, loves it so, she wanted me to try it too.  The sales associate matched me to Intensity 1.0, which is a light creamy beige.  It looks a little dark but, once it is sheered out on my face is looks great!  Estee Lauder claims this foundation can be worn for 15 hours and keep your oils at bay.  I can't say I have worn this for more then 15 hours but, I have worn it for 10+ hours and it looks great!  I do use a setting powder (La Mer) when I know I'll be out in the heat all day but, if I am just heading to work I skip it.  My natural shine comes through after 5 or so hours of wear but, nothing to crazy.  I love to use my beauty blender with this foundation.  It gives me an overall even finish and has great coverage.  This has been my go to foundation on crazy hot, humid days.  It stays in place all day.  So if you have oily combo skin like my self I would totally check this out.  It has great coverage like a heavy foundation but, feels light on the skin like a bb cream. 

  

What is your favorite summer foundation ??

Love, 

City Styles 

May Favorites

May has come and gone and June is almost upon us.  It is crazy how fast this year is going.  Another month and it'll be my birthday and in a month and half my blog will turn 1!!  I really can't believe that.  This month I have been loving a lot of new products that I have picked up.

But, first let me tell you about an old fav that I'm going to have to restock pretty soon.  The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla.  I have been using this to death lately.  I have been going the no makeup, makeup route lately and I use this just on my redness and few acne scars.  And then on top I dust my La Mer powder in Creme.  This stuff is amazing!! I ordered this within the past month or so and it has become a staple.  I use it to set my makeup and to give my face a little bit of coverage.  I have been using a Hakuhodo B002 with this powder.  It is one of the softest brushes I own and is so easy to use with the La Mer.  When I need more coverage, say if I am going out to dinner, I have been using my Chantecaille Just Skin in Vanilla.  This is a tinted moisturizer that gives great coverage.  It evens out my skin tone so well and leaves a nice dewy look.  And for some dimension I have been mixing in the Clarin's Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 01 Rose.  This gives my skin a nice glow.  It isn't the best smelling but, once you mix it with your foundation the smell goes away.
I have embraced my paleness and really haven't been using bronzer lately but, I have been using the Tom Ford blush in Flush.  This gives me such a nice flush and really makes me look awake.  It is slightly shimmery but, you couldn't tell unless you were inches away from my face.  And for highlight I have been using Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight.  This is such a cult favorite and I totally understand why.  It just makes my face glow.  To put candlelight on I have been using the Hakuhodo B5521.  This brush is great for highlight.  It is tapered and makes it extra easy to put highlight on my cheek bones and run down my nose.  For eyes I have been love, love, loving my Armani Eyes to Kill in 9.  It is a beautiful champagne, gold color.  I have been wearing this all over my eyes and popping Naked into the crease.  For mascara I have been experimenting with Chanel's Le Volume de Chanel.  I have a love/hate relationship with this.  Sometimes I love the way it looks and sometimes it is just to gloopy.  I think it needs to dry out a little bit more and I will truly love this.  And lastly my Chanel Eastern Lights has been a staple.  I think this great on so many different skin tones and just looks so crisp and clean.


What are your May favorites ??

Love,
City Styles 

Dior Eyeshadow Palette Transat Edition {Sundeck}

Blue eyed girls beware, you will need this palette!!!!  Dior recently released this quint in Sundeck.  It is the most gorgeous palette I've ever owned.  I have reached for it almost everyday since I layer eyes on it.  And for me that's pretty big.  I love the rich chocolate brown for my crease and outer corner and the champagne and gold are great for all over the eye.  The only shade that is a bit mehhhh is the highlight in the upper left hand corner.  It does nothing for me.  It is a bit chalky and has no pigment.  But, I forgive Dior because the rest are ah-mazing.  They are so creamy and pigmented and very easy to work with.  This review is short but, very sweet.  Go get it before it's gone.    

   

Have you tried this palette yet ??  What are your favorite palettes for your eye color ??

Love,
City Styles 

Armani Cheek Fabric Blush {507 Flesh}

Armani has recently launched their new Cheek Fabric Blushes and Sun Fabric Bronzers.  These were launched to take the place of the Sheer Blushes and Bronzers that are being discontinued.  I stopped by my local counter and picked up one of the blushes in 507 Flesh.  It is a beautiful blue based bright pink.  It looks like the perfect color for summer.  All together there are 8 new shades that are highly pigmented which is the total opposite of the Sheer Blushes.  The Cheek Fabric Blushes are light weight put pack a punch when applied to the cheek.  All the shades have a shimmer to them but, when applied the shimmer gives a luminous glow.  

I have yet to pick up one of the Sun Fabric Bronzers but, don't doubt that you will see a review on one in the future.  Overall I really enjoy this blush.  It has the same light weight texture as the older blushes but, has much more pigment.  And, of course, I love the sleek black packaging.  

     

Armani Cheek Fabric blush in 507 compared to Dior Rosy Glow, Bobbi Brown Peony, and Nars Desire.  As you can see Desire and 507 are very similar. 

Side note - the numbering on these blushes is a bit confusing so be sure to check your box when buying! 

Have you tried these blushes yet ??

Love, 

City Styles 

YSL BLEUS LUMIERE La Laque {Bleu Celadon}

YSL's Summer 2014 Collection, Blue Lumiere, was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's fascination with the blue sea.  Two new polishes came out with this collection, Bleu Celadon and Bleu Cyclades.  Bleu Celadon was just calling my name so I had to pick it up.  It is a beautiful light blue shade that pulls a bit green.  I absolutely love a good light blue polish and it is actually much different then anything in my collection.  I used two light coats of polish and topped it off with Seche Vite.  It lasted about 4 days with minimal chipping.  I really enjoy YSL polish and the brush.  The brush is a bit fatter then Essie but, thinner then Dior.  It makes it very easy to apply.  

No Flash 

Flash 

Compared to Essie Mint Candy Apple, Where's My Chauffeur, and In the Cabana.  

As you can see, Bleu Celadon is more lighter and has more blue in it.  

I picked this up at my local Bloomingdales, but you can also find it on yslbeautyus.com, Nordstrom,  and Saks. 

What is your favorite color of nail polish ??  Do you own any YSL ??

Love, 

City Styles  

Chanel Summer 2014 Illusion D'Ombre {New Moon & Mirage}

Chanel's Summer Collection released three new Illusion D'ombres, Mirage, New Moon(LE), and Utopia(LE).  I passed on Utopia.  It is a beautiful light purple shade that would look killer on brown eyes but, I knew that I was not going to get much use out of it.  These are actually my first Illusion D'ombres.  I have heard such good things about them and these colors are just stunning.

New Moon (on left) is this gorgeous reddish brown shade.  I am always drawn to these shades because they look so amazing with blue eye.  Mirage is more of an aged copper penny shade.  They are both highly pigmented and full of shimmer.  Good shimmer though.  The Illusion D'Ombres have this amazing whipped like texture.  I actually like the better then a cream shadow.  I love to apply these using my fingers or my Bobbi Brown cream shadow brush.  These are better layered lightly then heavily packed on.

Chanel New Moon & Mirage compared to Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Moon River (LE), Smashbox Cream shadow in Gemstone, MAC Handwritten, L'oreal Infalliable in Bronzed Taupe, and MAC Mulch. 

I am totally loving these two shades and think they are quite unique to Chanel and my collection.  They stay on the eyes all day (I do use a primer) and only start to crease towards the end of the night. Illusion D'ombres retail for $36.  You can find these on Chanel.com and most department store counters.  I found mine at Macy's.


Have you tried any of the Illusion D'ombres ??  And do you like the texture of them ??

Love,
City Styles 

Chanel Summer 2014 Le Vernis {Eastern Light, Sweet Liliac, Tuttu Frutti, & Pink Tonic}

Chanel's Summer Collection features four new Le Vernis shades, Sweet Lilac, Pink Tonic, Tutti Frutti, and Mirabella.  It also features one repromote, Eastern Light.  I skipped in Mirabella because it was more of a orangey shade and I wasn't a big fan.   

Eastern Light is a pure white.  It kind of reminds me of white out but, of course better.  I am loving white nails right now but, this is so streaky and seriously takes a life time to put on.  I went and had my nails done with this the other day and the poor girl re-did a few of my nails because it was streaky.  I love Chanel and this color just wish it was more opaque.  

Sweet Lilac is such a beautiful purple.  It is actually pretty different from all my purple polishes.  It actually pulls more pink then purple.  YSL Rose Scabiosa is almost a dupe.  Except Rose Scabiosa is a slight more pink. 

Tutti Frutti (anyone else think of Craig Ferguson when reading this name, no just me, okay) is a gorgeous deep coral shade.  It actually has micro fine shimmers in it but, when transferred to the nails you can't tell at all. 

Pink Tonic is the ultimate pink.  It kind of reminds me of Barbie.  It is very similar to Dior's Bonheur but, just a slight bit darker. To the naked eye you'd probably think they were the same but, a trained beauty enthusiast can tell and say we need both! 

Overall I am really loving all the shades.  They will definitely be in rotation this summer and will look good with a tan (not like I'll really get one).  Each bottle sells for $27 and can be found at Chanel.com and most department store counters.  I found mine at Macy's but, I also saw the display at Bloomingdale's.  

Have you tried any of the new summer shades ??  What is your favorite shade ??

Love, 

City Styles 

~All manicures have two coats of polish~

Current Wishlist !

I always have a running wish list of the products I really want to try. These are currently the top 5 I've been lusting over.

1.  I've been looking for a bag to replace my Neverfull and I love how sleek this Mansur Gavriel looks and I love the pop of color it has on the inside.

2. I don't own anything from Guerlain and I want to change that, like ASAP.  This Rouge G is absolutely gorgeous and the limited edition packaging has me drooling.

3. I was recently looking at The Beauty Lookbook's review on these new Armani Cheek Fabric Blushes and I knew I had to have a few.  They seem so pigmented and beautiful.

4. Ever since I saw thebombshellsuite talk about this La Mer loose powder I knew I would have to give it a try.  I just started to  get into powders and I think I'll really enjoy this.

5.  Laura from Buy Now, Blog Later has raved about this Chantecaille Just Skin foundation for what seems like forever.  My skin has recently been changing from a dry desert to a McDonalds French fry so I think I might enjoy this light weight tinted mositurizer.

What is on your wish list ??

Love,
City Styles

PS - I might have bought the Chantecaille Just Skin yesterday ... Oops . 

Spring Blush Picks !

Last week I shared my favorite spring blushes on Instagram and I though hey that is a great idea for a post!  There are four blushes I reach for the most during this time of year.  First is Nars Final Cut.  This is the newest to my collection but, I love how it has a slight orange coral tint to it rather then a pink coral tint.  This looks great on fair skin.  Next up is Breathless from Buxom.  Hands down this is my absolute favorite.  It is the perfect shade of coral and it gives you a beautiful flush.  Dior Rosy Glow is a gorgeous light pink that adjusts to your skin tone.  This would be flattering on all skin tones.  And lastly is Burberry's Hydrangea Pink.  This packs a punch.  It is the most pigmented blush out of the four and I love to wear this to special events.  It gives my cheeks great color and looks great in pictures.  

What are your favorite spring blushes ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick {Infamous}

I was walking by the Estee Lauder counter and was intrigued by these new lipsticks.  I normally don't buy makeup from Estee Lauder but, hey these looked great so why not.  I swatched a few shades and landed on this one, Infamous.  All of the Pure Color Envy lipsticks are highly pigmented but, this one was calling my name.  It's a rich, bright pink that suits my fair complexion very well.   It is ultra hydrating and doesn't make me feel like I need a lip balm once it has worn off a bit.  It lasts on my lips around 3/4 hours depending on what I am eating or drinking.   And, I am in love with the packaging.  It is sleek and rectangular (which I love) and it has a magnetic closure.  Something about a magnetic closure just screams luxury to me.  Now at $30 a pop these are up there with Dior Extreme lipsticks and Burberry lipsticks.  I believe the Color Envy lipsticks are just as good in quality.  I have very much been enjoying this formula and am thinking about going back and getting one or two more !  You can find them at most department stores.  I bought mine at Macy's.  Or you can order online from Estee Lauder.  

What has been your favorite lipstick lately ??  And what lipstick formula do you just hate ??

Love,
City Styles 

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara !

Let's just start out by saying that this mascara is extreme!!  The name says it all, Sumptuous Extreme Mascara!  I first got this mascara as a sample and was blown away so I knew I had to pick up the full size.  The bristles on this are amazing and make your lashes grow.  I love the way it makes me look like I am wearing falsies when I am not.  And btw I hate wearing falsies.  Anyone else??  Anywho, this mascara does not flake nor does it transfer onto my under eye area.  It is extremely black and is not too wet of a formula.  I love the L'oreal Voluminous but, the formula is extremely wet.  It retails for $26 which is a bit pricey but, Estee Lauder always has some gift with purchase going on so I think it can be worth it. 

What is your go to mascara at the moment ??

Love,
City Styles 

Top 10 Beauty Shops in NYC !

I have lived in New York my whole life.  Technically speaking I do live in New York City since I live in Queens.  But if someone says I am going to the city I know they mean Manhattan, not the other four boroughs.  And yes there are other cities out there but, New York is the only one that counts.  Sorry but, really I'm not.  I started this beauty journey about five years ago and so happy I did.  In those five years I have shopped many a place for my beauty bits and wanted to share with you my top 10 places to go.  NYC has so much to offer and so many places to shop that it can be overwhelming to those visiting.  I hope this helps!    

 Barney's New York, located on Madison Ave and 61st street.
If you are looking for luxury than you have come to the right place.  Barney's has such a high class feel when you walk through the doors.  I would not say that this is my day to day stop but, I do like to pop my head in every once and awhile.  They have everything from Armani, Givenchy, Bobbi Brown, to By Terry, Tatcha, Eve Lom, and Claudio Riaz.  The sales girls are very nice and I've never had in issue when looking through the counters.  I definitely like to come here for my more luxurious purchases.  
   

Bloomingdale's, located on Lexington Ave. and 59th street.

The little brown bag.   That is exactly what comes to mind when I hear Bloomingdale's.  I love the makeup floor here.  It is all black and white marble and just looks gorgeous.  Bloomingdale's carries Aerin, Bumble & Bumble, Chanel, Clarins, Dior, Jo Malone, La Prairie, Nars, YSL, and many more.  I love the Kiehls section.  The sales people really know what they are talking about and give out a large amount of samples.  Plus, they really don't pressure you into buying anything you don't want too.



Bergdorf Goodman, located on 5th Ave and 59th street.

Bergdorf's is right next to The Plaza and Central Park.  It is so gorgeous on the outside and of course the inside.  Bergdorf's also just screams luxury to me and carries some of the best makeup brands including, Aerin, Cle de Peau, Dior, Edward Bess, La Prairie, Le Metier de Beaute, and Trish McEvoy.  I recently picked something from Edward Bess and will be showing you guys soon.  Bergdorf's has this adorable lavender shopping bag that I just can't seem to throw away. 

 



Saks Fifth Avenue, located on 5th Ave and 49th street.

There are three places I shop the most in the city and this is my third shopped place.  I love Saks.  It is located right across from Rockefeller Center and right next to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  They carry Burberry, Armani, Tom Ford, Chanel, YSL, Dior, Cle de Peau, and Laura Mercier.  The sales people are some of the nicest sales people out there and really know what they are talking about.  This is my go to place for Tom Ford, Armani, and Burberry.  And right now they have a Beauty event going on!  If you spend $100 you get a free tote with samples and if you spend $250 you get a tote and a makeup with even more samples.  Isn't that a girls dream!  And to be honest it is pretty easy to spend that much.

  



Macy's, located on 7th Ave and 34th street.

My second most shopped store.  I know Macy's like the back of my hand.  And let me tell you that no matter what time of day it is Macy's is jam packed full of people.  They just revamped their makeup area and it looks so amazing.  This Macy's carries Chanel, MAC, Dior, Lancôme, Clinique, Clarins, D&G, YSL, La Mer, Shiseido, and Laura Mercier.  They also have Hermes and Jo Malone fragrances.  I am truly loving the new layout and the new brands they have.  This is my go to place for Chanel.



Blue Mercury, located on Broadway and 17th street.

Blue Mercury is the cutest beauty boutique.  It has a mix of makeup and skincare.  I think they focus a bit more on skincare.  They carry brands like Jo Malone, La Mer, Diptyque, Bobbi Brown, Kiehls, Oribe, Phyto, and Laura Mercier.  I have been in there a few times and the sales girls are great and let you look around without being on top of you.  They are friendly and give great help.  And it is pretty quiet, which is nice in a crazy busy city.



Sephora Union Square, located on 17th street and Park Ave.
My most shopped beauty place ever!!!  Now I have gone to my share of Sephora's.  And I mean my share (I am a VIB Rouge) but, Union Square is my favorite.  It has such an open floor plan and is so spacious.  They are also fully stocked.  I have never gone there looking for something and left empty handed because they did not have it.  That is my biggest pet peeve with Sephora.  A lot of them just do not have enough stock and that gets me crazy.  And a huge plus about this Sephora is they carry Armani, D&G, Ellis Faas, Koh Gen Do, and Edward Bess.  Unfortunately Edward Bess will soon be leaving Sephora so stock up now!  I just cannot say enough good things about shopping here.  You will totally leave with a smile on your face.
  

Aesop, located on University Place and 9th street.

Aesop has a great range of skincare, hair care, and body care.  Most of their products are plant based and high in antioxidants.  They believe in people having great skin.  Their Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque and Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm are some of the best.



C.O. Bigelow, located on 6th Ave and 8th street.

C.O. Bigelow is like a hole in the wall but, an amazing hole in the wall.  It is one of the oldest drugstores in America.  When you walk in you are inundated with just the best of the best beauty products.  They carry Oribe, Bumble & Bumble, By Terry, Butter London, Deborah Lippmann, Ellis Faas, Jane Iredale, Kate Somerville, Lipstick Queen, and Tocca.  And you know what the best part is?  If you live in the neighborhood you can still get your prescriptions filled there.  I just find that so cute and quaint.

  



Space NK, located on Greene Street off of Spring Street.
To be honest I just recently started to shop here but may I say it is just amazing.  They have such a great range of products and the sales girls are so nice.  Space NK carries Kevyn Aucoin, Nars, By Terry, Chantecaille, Oribe, Diptyque, Lipstick Queen, Laura Mercier, Hourglass, Jin Soon, Ellis Faas, Malin + Goetz, and so much more.  If you are ever in New York you really must visit.  I love an open floor plan and a large spacious area when I am shopping for beauty products and this gives you just that.  I have gone later on in the evening and I pretty much have the place to myself. 



I hope you enjoyed this little shopping guide !!  Let me know what your favorite beauty placed to shop are !!

Love,
City Styles