Nars, nars everywhere...

Let me confess that I am addicted to Nars Cosmetics in a way that I have never experienced before. The last time I dabbled with using only one line of cosmetics, it was mostly driven by cute packaging. Right now, Nars has got me in a vise grip. Great packaging (even though blushes and duo eyeshadows all look the same, they feel great in your hand and have fantastic little mirrors), unbelievable pigments, and fun color names equal everything I want in a product line right now-oh, and for the last 3 seasons.

The new summer collection is fantastic. My sister-in-law wanted to show me the new creme eyeshadow she bought, so she dragged me over to the counter on a recent shopping trip for my husband's birthday. My eye was drawn to a gorgeous deep teal/silver sparkle shadow single. I bought it on the spot. They had literally just started selling the new collection that day! (I know- junkie, much?)

This color, Tropic, would give many women terrible flashbacks to pearly blue eyeshadow in the 80s. Please, do yourself a favor and try it on. It looks bright and frightening in the package but goes on smoky, deep and downright sophisticated. Layer it over a pale blue cream shadow and it pops (and lasts all day). The silver sparkle is muted-suitable for women of any age.

Also for eyes is the Scorching Sun shadow duo. Nars describes it as 'glazed apricot and radiant orange'. They are indeed very bright. Before I discovered the Isolde duo (copper shimmer and ginger shimmer), I would have been very intimidated by such warm colors. Now all I want to do is play with them!

For lips, there's a new lip pencil in Tonga (an amber pink) and a complementary lip gloss in Belize (pinkish mauve and slight gold glitter). The combo makes for a very pretty pale mouth - perfect when going with a very dramatic bright eye.

I skipped trying the new lipsticks in Falbala (bronze rose) and Outsider (a true copper - like the bottom of a sauce pan). Metallic lips at my age are just not cute.

Since I'm still so new to the bronzer scene, I was pleased to see that their new Irresistiblement bronze is a pale terracotta that doesn't look like dirt on my pale skin. I still don't like powder bronzers as much as my Guerlain Terracotta spray - but this one is lovely.

Speaking of faces, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Penny Lane (nude pink) cream blush. I have always looked at blush as something that only adds color - this one tones down my rosy cheeks and makes me look more evened out without having to wear foundation or tinted moisturizer. I keep this little number in my purse at all times.

I like that Nars also features existing colors with their new collections. Rated R, a bright lime green and electric blue duo always looked like a color that was out of my palette. Not so! I had a blast with it last night - who knew you could make electric blue eyeshadow subtle and pretty? I've been entertained for days with my new paints - this doesn't even scratch the surface! Stay tuned...

Current addiction: Chanel fragrances

At the Nordy's spring trend show, I learned that Chanel was coming out with a more day-friendly version of their famous No. 5- the Eau Premiere. After doing my usual research, I was thrilled to find that this scent comes in an enormous 5 oz bottle for a mere $125- a steal as far as Chanel is concerned. I held out on purchasing it until the Nordy's fragrance show, since I'd get a discount and someone was lovely enough to give me a Nordy's gift card.

I also had been lusting after the Coco Mademoiselle Touche Scintillante - a gel formula with a suble gold shimmer. It's been featured in all my magazines, so I was dying to try it. Little did I know that my beloved No. 5 was also worked into a gel fragrance - the Elixir Sensuelle. These formulas are a great way for someone to get their feet wet with Chanel. The fragrances are warmer and more subtle AND they're only $65/bottle. My husband has always liked all my Chanel fragrances, but he has requested that I never wear the No. 5 Elixir Sensuelle unless I am with him. (I am unable to keep the grin off my face as I type that.)

I have been remiss again...

.. But I have a good excuse. I did get married a few months ago and, while it didn't interfere with my product gathering, I have been slammed at my day job and at home.. So, I hope you'll bear with me while I get back in the habit of writing daily.