Review: Chanel les 4 ombres Prelude - Elegant chic fall eyeshadow

Chanel Prelude ($56 for 0.24 oz) is a stunning eyeshadow recently released from Chanel Fall 2011 collection. Fortunately, it's added to the permanent line. Woo-hoo! I don't need a backup.

Prelude contains a multi-colored shimmery cool taupe, a cool creamy ivory, a satin plummy taupe and a satin tan champagne. Phew! The color of this quint is so delicate and complexed that it's hard to find the exact dupes. You can find many taupe/tan scheme in the market but the delicacy of this particular quint separates it from the rest. The plum shade adds an interesting touch to this otherwise-ordinary taupe palette. Although Prelude certainly leans cool, it compliments my warm complexion beautifully thanks to the that tan shade.

I love how Prelude has diverse finish - matte, satin, shimmery. I find this type of palette the easiest to work with since the it automatically adds dimensions to your eyes.

Once applied over an eye primer, all the shades stay fresh the whole day. I prefer a more opaque base like Laura Mercier Eye Basics for maximum intensity since Prelude is soft and neutral. Prelude is my fall go-to palette- quick, easy, and elegant. It's appropriate for work, school, interview, parties etc... I can't think of a single occasion when Prelude falls out of place. A must-have!

Terrific reviews of Prelude on Cafe Makeup and Temptalia.

Review: Paul and Joe Beaute Fall 2011 - #074 Empire State Color Powder CS

Buttery smooth, buidable and long wearing, Empire State ($24 for 0.1 oz) stays true to the reputation of P&J eyeshadow. It contains a light shimmery yellow and a matte sheer deep grey. The yellow shade is more opaque and smooth than the grey. I found the grey shade a bit chalky. But I'm so glad it has matte finish. Two shimmery shadows in one place bores me. All in all, Empire State stays in the sheer sides of shadow kingdom. It will flatter lighter skintones better for this reason. Medium skintone beauty will still love it because of the grey and beautiful color combination.

I use a pencil brush to apply Empire State because the grey shade stripe is too tiny for a regular eyelid brush like MAC 239. Sponge-tipped applicators works wonderfully and handily as well. You're not just paying for the ridiculously adorable packaging but also good quality.

Empire State pairs extremely well with Soho Lipstick C! To tone down Soho and give it some shine, I top it with Sailor's Delight.

Review: Paul and Joe Beaute Fall 2011 - # 072 Soho Lipstick C

Paul and Joe Soho Lipstick C ($22 for 0.11 oz) is a vibrant orange shade that scream summer rather than fall. It's sheer and surprisingly wearable but buildable. When applied with 3 layers, it becomes opaque. I think Soho is very much like a sheerer version of Rouge d'Armani 401, a vibrant orange.

The texture is creamy, moisturizing and stay put. It's very similar to the feel of Dior Addict lipticks. The signature chrysanthemum is engraved onto the body of the lipstick. Such an exquisite design! I think it compliments medium skintone better than light skintone. A little bit of white teeth would help too. But you can always intensify or attenuate the brightness of the color as you wish.

You can swab the container between limited edition lipsticks.

Quick comparison with a few other orange/coral lipsticks and lipgloss.

I love the creamy texture of Soho! Plus you can always sheer it down if you're color-shied or play it up for fun bold looks.

Paul and Joe Beaute @ Beautyhabit.com

This is my first shopping trip at Beautyhabit.com. I must admit they give me the happiest makeup purchase I’ve made online. My Paul and Joe package arrived the next day after I placed my order. Isn’t that sweet? Though I must acknowledge the fact that their store is local, it is FAST I tell you.

The goodies came in bunch!

My actual order

My order after unboxed. Sworn!

Besides my order, I received 2 gifts with purchase, a 100- blotting-paper box and an emery board, which I expected. What surprised me was that personalized hand-written thank you note. And they didn’t just say blah blah blah, they gave me a coupon for my next purchase and 4 samples. I love how the discount will end in the next 25 days, rather than next week like many other types of what-so-called discount. It gives you some time to explore the site before you open your wallet.

 Gift with Purchase of $75 or more of Paul and Joe Beaute

The personal writing is at the back of this card. Sweet! 

My order came safe and sound, no scratch, perfect quality. Given my absolute satisfaction, the next shopping cart will be checked out in the matter of days. Two thumbs up for Beautyhabit.com!