Chanel Metamorphose - Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad - L'Été Papillon de Chanel Summer 2013 - Photos, Review, Swatches, FOTD

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad - Metamorphose (available here) - $59

One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer.  Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results -- in even extreme climates.  Dermatologist tested.  Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad in Metamorphose is part of theL'Été Papillon de Chanel makeup collection for summer 2013.

On my eyes:  Chanel Metamorphose Eyeshadow Quad
Used the pale teal (upper left) shadow all over lids.
Darker blue (lower right) shadow used on outer corner and along lashline.
(Scroll down for additional makeup details.)

Metamorphose is a limited edition eyeshadow quad - part of the L'Été Papillon de Chanel Summer 2013 makeup collection.  The blues and green that are such a predominant part of this nature-inspired (specifically, butterflies) collection show up in this quad too.  This eyeshadow quad is a bit different in that the eyeshadows are baked - not the usual powder versions that are sold in the US, but this version is common in other parts of the world, like back home in India.  Perhaps to help differentiate, the individual eyeshadows are round, not the usual squares.  Enoughhhhh about the dull details - scroll on for a closer look at the quad.

Chanel Metamorphose Eyeshadow Quad - L'Été Papillon de Chanel Summer 2013
That little plastic cover goes on the shadows.  Keep that safe 'cos the shadows
tend to fly around and can create quite a mess all over the quad.
Also included with the eyeshadows are 2 sponge applicators.

The eyeshadows in this quad are all quite soft and pigmented with a pearlescent-shimmery finish.  No matte shade in this quad which might be a bit of a disappointment to some.  On to the texture of the shadows:  The colors are all quite true to what you see in the pan and soft and pigmented - on swatches.  That doesn't necessarily translate to the eyelids.  Using a brush to apply these, like one would with regular eyeshadow, just gives a patchy/sheer application, and the colors disappear in no time from the eyelids.  It is better to use a slightly dampened brush to apply these, but I feel the moisture on the eyeshadows is eventually going to cause them to harden and maybe even spoil faster (that's just my opinion).  I use my fingers to apply them - this is my personal makeup, and I sanitize my fingers before touching the makeup - patting them on to the lids and using a brush only around the edges and with a very, very light touch.  None of that windshield wiper/buffing around in circles and whatever else it is that the YouTube gurus teach :P :P   Also, some color does end up falling from finger/brush on to my undereye area, so I do my eye makeup first and the base makeup (or at least the concealer) following that.  Anyway, here's a look at the swatches:

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad Metamorphose - L'Été Papillon de Chanel Summer 2013
Swatches (starting from top left and going anticlockwise)
These eyeshadows have been swatched dry, but I had just moisturized my hand so the shadows stick on to the skin better, almost similar to how they would be if used wet or over a sticky base like a paint pot or pencil eyeliner.  Dry swatches look similar but a little more powdery. 

On my eyes:  Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Metamorphose
Used the yellowish-green shade (lower left) all over lid.
Dark blue (lower right) slightly dampened and used as a liner - thicker at outer corner.
 Additional makeup used:  Eyes:  Smashbox Onyx black eyeliner along waterline/tightline.
Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Black
Face:  NARS Tinted Moisturizer in Annapurna/Concealer - YSL Touche Eclat 4.5
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz and Chanel Joues Contraste Espiegle
Lips:  Givenchy Brun Createur lipstick topped with Chanel Glossimer Envoulee

If you stuck through my long rant about what not to like about these eyeshadows, well here's the "hit" part of it - I do like the colors, and used over an appropriate base - primer and/or an eyeliner - the colors do stick around the whole day.  I also like that I can control the application - sheerer for a softer day time look and layering on for a more vibrant look, perhaps for later on in the day.  I liked the quad enough to not send it back to Chanel (and they have free returns), but I definitely won't recommend this if you haven't tried one of these before, and if you are new to Chanel, the single eyeshadows are the best.  Metamorphose is only available at Chanel online (in the US), but you could always check the texture of any of the other baked quads in store before deciding on buying this.

Metamorphose is not that unique in its color combinations, epecially if you have some of the older Chanel quads.  Here's a look at the two that I have - Lagons and Bird of Paradise - and I already have similar colors in both of these.  I suspect Lilium (reviewed HERE by The Non Blonde) might supply the greenish-yellow color in this quad.  Here's a look at the quads and some swatches:

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quads - Comparisons
Lagons, Bird of Paradise, and Metamorphose (all baked versions)

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quads - Comparisons
Metamorphose, Bird of Paradise, Lagons
The shadows are swatched dry - on dry skin - hence the powdery/patchy texture.

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad - Metamorphose - Ingredients

More from the L'Été Papillon de Chanel Summer 2013 Makeup Collection:
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - Pygmalion
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - Idylle
Chanel Le Vernis - Bel-Argus

Burt's Bees Shea and Honey Sugar Scrub

Burt's Bees Honey and Shea Sugar Scrub (available here) - $13.00

When your skin—or life—starts to feel a little dull, polish your body with this delectably indulgent sugar scrub. Humming with the warm scent of Honey and Shea, Ground Almonds and Aloe Leaf Juice combine to gently scrub skin smooth. Leaving your skin irresistibly smooth and oh-so soft. It’s the simple way to brighten both your skin and day.  Indulges skin with Sugar, Honey and Shea Butter scent, scrubs and smoothes then softens with Almonds and Aloe Leaf Juice, exfoliates with Ground Almonds and Sugar.

Burt's Bees Shea and Honey Sugar Scrub

I am convinced I have the craziest skin ever - it's dry all over my body and so prone to getting all oily and acne-d on my face.  I can never figure out how that works, but I am not complaining too much - it's just another excuse to stock up on lotions and potions!  To sort out the dry bits and corners, I love trying out body butters and scrubs, and Burt's Bees Honey and Shea Sugar Scrub with coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil and the scrubby power of sugar and almonds is my new skincare favorite.  This scrub comes in a wide-mouthed tub and would last me about 2 weeks if I were to use this daily (I don't - about twice a week at the most).  To keep the product clean, I use a dry spoon to scoop out the scrub and take care not to get any water into the product.  The scrub itself is a brownish, wet (with oil), sugary mixture with a few scattered specks - not sure what they are, probably almond skin.

This sweet-smelling scrub looks a little dryish in the tub, but I find the sugar-oil ratio just right when used on slightly damp skin.  The mixture is a little crumbly, and bits do tend to fall off as I am applying this, but it's not so much that I find it unnecessary wastage.  This a gentle scrub, but I find this a little harsh if used with too much pressure and/or on dry skin.  The scrub is easy to wash off and leaves behind a slight oily residue on the skin.  Normal skin types can skip a moisturizer afterwards, but I have superdry skin, and by the time I am done toweling, I don't mind a little extra lotion just to seal in the moisture.  I do use this as an all-over body scrub, but I don't stick to a regular routine with it (too lazy), and I use this more often as a foot scrub.  With just one use, I found my feet smoother and moisturized enough to continue using this on an almost daily basis.  Needless to say -  happy feet ever since! :D

Overall, the Burt's Bees Shea and Honey Sugar Scrub is a fabulous drugstore buy, especially if you are looking for products with natural skincare ingredients.  I use this as a body/hand/foot scrub and always assumed that's what this is, but I have read reviews where people use this on the face.  I have oily-combination/sensitive skin on my face, and personally, at least for me, I would think this is too harsh and perhaps a bit too oily for use on the face.  Because of the oil content in the scrub, it can leave the bathtub/bathroom floors a little slippery, and I have to soap-clean the bathtub after I am done - and that's the one big reason why I don't use the scrub more often :P

Burt's Bees Shea and Honey Sugar Scrub - Ingredients

MORE FROM BURT'S BEES:
Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter
Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo and Conditioner
Burt's Bees Hand Salve
Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme
Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract  
Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion 
Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm in a Tin

Chanel Le Vernis Bel-Argus 667 - L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013

Chanel Le Vernis Bel-Argus (available here) - $27

Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour. Applies evenly without streaking.  All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free.  Chanel nail polish Bel-Argus is part of the L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection for Summer 2013.

Chanel Nail Polish Bel Argus 667

L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013

Chanel Le Vernis in Bel-Argus (667) is one of the three limited edition nail polish colors released as part of the L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013.  This collection features bright, vibrant colors inspired by butterflies, and the nail colors are perhaps the best reflection of the theme.  Bel-Argus is a vibrant, deep blue that flashes to a bright, electric blue as it catches the light.  This is definitely a metallic shade and not one I would recommend if your favorite color in the world is a pastel pink.  The formula is fantastic for a metallic shade like this, and while my clumsy oaf application means some brush strokes will show through, anyone with a steady hand and better skills would find it quite easy to get a flawless finish.  Two coats are perfect for a smooth, opaque finish, but the polish does need a good half an hour, at least, of drying time to ensure no accidental dents later on (though it feels dry to touch sooner).  Scroll on for more photos.

Chanel Bel-Argus is a bright, bold color - a vivid blue that is just a tiny bit out of my comfort zone.  Oddly though, I like it.  I loved it in the bottle, and I like it on my nails.  This won't be the sort of color that I would wear to lunch with my parents - my mom would hate it and would never stop telling me that - and definitely not a color that would be flattering under the cold white fluorescent lighting in an office, but Bel-Argus would be an easy way to add a pop of color on a bright summer day.  It's like a bright pink lipstick or the little flick of a winged liner, but so much easier since it's on my hands.  Of course, my husband hates this color, second only to yellow (which he REALLY hates)!

Chanel Nail Polish Bel-Argus (667) - L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013 - Ingredients

Chanel Nail Polish Bel Argus 667 - Ingredients

L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013

MORE FROM THE L'ETE PAPILLON DE CHANEL MAKEUP COLLECTION:
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Idylle
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Pygmalion

Kate Walsh The Boyfriend Eau de Parfum (Sampler Review)

Kate Walsh Boyfriend and Billionaire Boyfriend Eau de Parfum (available here) - You don't need a boyfriend to have Boyfriend, the new fragrance created by "Private Practice" star Kate Walsh. Inspired by the longing felt for her boyfriend's warm scent, Boyfriend combines muguet, dark plum, myrrh, and night blooming jasmine to create a seductive floral fragrance. Topped off with amber and woody musk, this intoxicating scent includes all the notes that make your eyes roll — just like him.

Kate Walsh Perfumes - Billionaire Boyfriend and Boyfriend
Eau de Parfum Spray - Samples from Sephora

This is yet another sampler review thanks to the stockpile of Sephora samplers that I have.  I have never been a huge fan of celebrity perfumes.  They just seem like hyped, hastily-thought-out mixtures made just to cash in on some celebrity's moment of fame.  True, there are some that get good reviews (SJP), but I have my doubts on how much time, effort, and personal connection a celebrity really does have with what is touted as his/her perfume.  Anyway, moving on to the Kate Walsh fragrance, here's an extract from the marketing story:  Actress Kate Walsh wanted to capture the scent of a guy on a girl: a man's cologne mixed with perfume, the smell that lingers on the skin. This fragrance evokes memories of that time after he has left for the day when she gently awakes in a bed that's still warmly redolent of "boyfriend."

To start with, I really, really do not like the name (or the story that goes with it).  Boyfriend is odd enough, and then there is Billionaire Boyfriend!  Putting aside my issues with the name, and I agree I am kind of weird that way, I do like the Billionaire Boyfriend (:P :P) and have used up quite a few vials.  I would label this an winter/evening perfume - a heavier floral-oriental fragrance that smells wayy more sophisticated than I had imagined it to be.  This is nicely rounded perfume with no harsh notes, and while it is a stronger fragrance, I do not find it too overbearing.  The staying power isn't too bad, lasts almost the whole day on my skin, softening down with woody notes as it dries down.  The Boyfriend (minus the money), on the other hand, I don't like.  It seems to me like a subdued/watered-down version of Angel with a cloying sweetness to it.  The smell doesn't last very long on my skin, and that's about the only good thing I have to say about this fragrance.  This does seem to be the more popular version, though, going by the reviews on Sephora, and I much prefer the glass bottle packaging of this perfume to the blingy, metal one of the billionaire.

I don't like either of these Boyfriends enough to buy a full size bottle, but between the two I prefer the Billionaire - now, if only they would change the name to something a little less cheesy!

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - Pygmalion - Review, Photos, Swatches, FOTD (L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013)

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Pygmalion (available here) - $34

The next chapter in the brilliant Rouge Coco Shine story:  Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Colour Lipshine, an innovative formula with intensified pigments to take colour and sheen to a new level of vibrancy. Sheer, shiny, colour-rich shades are effortlessly chic, infinitely wearable.  Hydratendre Complex softens and plumps lips for a healthier, fuller appearance.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Pygmalion is part of the newly released L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection for Summer 2013.  While the collection focuses predominantly on the eyes with a new range of cream eyeshadow sticks and an eyeshadow quad, it also features two limited edition shades of Rouge Coco Shines - the hydrating, sheer lip colors from Chanel - Pygmalion and Idylle.  Pygmalion is described as a sheer raspberry, and while it does look pretty much that way in the tube, the color sheers to a lovely, warm coral pink on application.  The formula is superbly moisturizing - much better than a lot of lip balms I have tried.  Scroll on for photos, swatches, and more.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - Pygmalion - Swatches/FOTD
L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection for Summer 2013

Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Pygmalion is a warm pink with hints of coral-red to it.  Because it is a sheer lip color, the underlying natural lip color does affect the color that ultimately shows through.  On my lips, this leans more pink, but this might look more coral on lighter lips.  Pygmalion is quite pigmented for an RCS, and it leaves behind a pretty tint on the lips even after the glossy sheer color wears off.  I get about 1 to 2 hours of wear with the Rouge Coco Shines, but my lips feel fabulous the whole day long!  Pygmalion is a definite must-have (and perhaps a backup) from the L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - Pygmalion - Ingredients
L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection for Summer 2013

Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - Idylle 457 - Review, Photos, Swatches, FOTD - (L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013)

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Idylle (available here) - $34

Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Colour Lipshine is an innovative formula with intensified pigments to take colour and sheen to a new level of vibrancy.  Sheer, shiny, colour-rich shades are effortlessly chic, infinitely wearable.  Hydratendre Complex softens and plumps lips for a healthier, fuller appearance.  Idylle is part of the  L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection for Summer 2013.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Idylle is a limited edition color released as part of the newly launched summer 2013 makeup collection - L'Ete Papillon de Chanel.  This collection draws inspiration from the vibrant colors of butterflies and features some bright, summer colors.  Idylle, though, is an exception.  This is a soft peach color, and being a Rouge Coco Shine, Idylle is also very sheer.  It looks a pale peach when swatched quite heavily on my hands and translates to almost colorless on my lips, leaving just a barely there milky wash of color.  As I was taking photos for this post, I noticed some slight shimmmer in the lipstick, but it's hardly anything and definitely nonexistent on swatches.  Scroll on for photos, swatches, and more.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Idylle - Swatches/FOTD
L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection for Summer 2013

As I mentioned earlier with Rouge Coco Shine in Idylle, there really is nothing to show in terms of color payoff on my lips.  I have very pigmented lips, and this is definitely not the sort of color I should be picking.  On someone with lighter/clearer lips, I guess Idylle would be a lovely soft hint of peach and a perfect pick for a no-makeup look.  The formula is beyond fabulous in terms of hydration and is far superior to so many lip balms I have tried.  In fact, that's just how I will be using Idylle - as a very posh lip balm!  For me, this is a color I shouldn't have bothered buying.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Idylle - Ingredients
L'Ete Papillon de Chanel Makeup Collection Summer 2013

Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover - Go from Fierce to Fresh-Faced...Fast!  Oil-free, dual phase formula leaves no greasy residue.  Quick dissolving power with no harsh rubbing.  Revolutionary quickbreak formula instantly removes even the most stubborn makeup.  Dual-phase formula breaks up even longwear and waterproof makeup, and removes instantly.  Oil-free.  Ophthalmologist tested.  Allergy tested. Safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.  For best results, shake well.  Apply with a cotton pad or tissue, then wipe across closed lids and lashes to remove eye makeup.  Gently rinse with warm water.

I have been using the Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover for a while and almost forgot about reviewing it until now.  This is a biphase makeup remover - translation, there are two layers of liquid in this floating over each other, and you need to give the bottle a good shake and ensure this is mixed before use.  I use this as directed, dispensing a generous amount on to a cotton square, holding it in place to let the makeup soak a bit, and then sliding it off and taking off the makeup.

The Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover does an awesome job of removing my eye makeup.  I don't use much waterproof makeup, and the only product that I can test this claim on is UD Glide-On eyeliner.  Maybelline Clean Express has no difficulty that that off.  I do find this a gentle/mild product, and I would recommend just holding the cotton square soaked in the remover pressed on the lids just for a teeny bit so the makeup gets soaked and slides off easier, instead of trying to rub the makeup out.  This does leave a bit of an oily residue, and sometimes it can accidentally get into my eyes and cause an oily irritating film - but I haven't had any eye irritation with this so far, and everything gets washed away easily when I wash my face.  This would definitely be my pick for a good drugstore eye makeup remover.

Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover - Ingredients

Yves Saint Laurent Saharienne Heat Summer 2013 Makeup Collection - Swatches Only

Yves Saint Laurent Saharienne Heat Summer Look 2013 Makeup Collection (available here) - Between sky and sand, a subtle mix of violet, coral and scintillating bronze glimmer in the twilight of the Saharan Desert. Dazzling sun rays fall upon the YSL woman like a golden caress across her tanned body.

 Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Wet Dry Eyeshadow Palette - No 13 and No. 20 - Swatches

Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Wet Dry Eyeshadow Palette - No 20 - Swatches

Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Wet Dry Eyeshadow Palette - No 13 - Swatches

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain - Swatches
14 Fuchsia Dore and 31 Corail Alla Prima

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain - Swatches
14 Fuchsia Dore and 31 Corail Alla Prima

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder - Swatches
No. 10 Terre Ambree, No. 20 Terre Ocree, No. 30 Halee

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder - Swatches
No. 10 Terre Ambree, No. 20 Terre Ocree, No. 30 Halee

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer - Swatches
14 Violine Surrealiste, 36 Vert D'Orient, 37 Taupe Mauresque

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2013 Makeup Collection
La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer - Swatches
36 Vert D'Orient, 14 Violine Surrealiste, 37 Taupe Mauresque

All swatches taken under natural lighting - no flash. Links provided for information only and are NOT affiliate links.