L'Oréal x Balmain Colour Riche Matte Lipstick, Winter 2017

New Release: L’Oréal × Balmain (Colour Riche Matte Lipstick)

2017-11-162017-11-15 fivezero3 Comments

I don’t usually post new releases that are unrelated to nail polish, but I do make the occasional exception when my interest is piqued.

I first heard about this collaboration between L’Oréal and Balmain via Austria-based Dandygal back in October. She picked up quite a few of these in the more unique shades, so you can visit her blog for swatches and reviews!

At the time, I remarked that we rarely get the cool collections in Canada.

But lo and behold, they have arrived! Not only that, but you can order them online in Canada, directly from L’Oréal. They are C$18 each, and shipping is free on orders of $50+. (Personally, I think I’ll wait to see if these turn up in stores.)

The new, limited edition collection consists of twelve high-fashion shades of matte lipstick. The casing is also slightly different, with colors and patterns reminiscent of semi-precious stones: to my mind, lapis lazuli, onyx, and malachite.

From L’Oréal:

Introducing 12 new edgy, matte shades encased within an exclusive pack, designed by Olivier Rousteing. 12 lip colours designed to embody 3 femininities: Glamazone, Rock & Couture. Shades for every woman, no matter her origin, no matter her tribe. The formula is infused with pure pigments and camellia oil, to give our richest colour and most moisturizing matte finish.

“No matter your origin, no matter your tribe come together, be seen,
be heard, united, we are all invincible, because we are all worth it”
—Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director, Balmain

(That’s Olivier Rousteing in the middle of the banner at the top, by the way.)

The twelve shades are divided equally into four “femininities” or “tribes”: Glamazone, Rock, and Couture:

National Fragrance Day: 20 Favorite Bottle Designs in My Perfume Collection

2017-03-21 fivezero5 Comments

It’s National Fragrance Day! To celebrate, I’ve compiled a list of favorite perfume bottles in my collection. I’ve previously done a list of perfumes I want just for the bottles, so I thought this would be a fun one to do, as well.

I’m not wearing any of these scents today, though. Test driving ’90s classic Tommy Girl (which comes in a perfectly serviceable bottle, but it’s certainly not one of my favorites).

ANNICK GOUTAL Heure Exquise EDP — Image: annickgoutal.com

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ANNICK GOUTAL — Heure Exquise & Les Nuits d’Hadrien

Many of Annick Goutal’s fragrances come in this signature bottle and tagged with a ribbon and a card. The style is old-fashioned and very beautiful. The glass bottle’s ribbing is reminiscent of gathered tulle.

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BADGLEY MISCHKA — Badgley Mischka (2006)

Happy National Fragrance Day! A Roundup of Some Old Faves

2016-03-212016-03-21 fivezero26 Comments

It’s National Fragrance Day, and I though I rarely post about perfume, I thought I’d share five of my favorites in honor of the event.

Balmain Jolie Madame edt

Jolie Madame is a bit of an oldie, and has recently been discontinued by Balmain. They do seem to be in the process of revamping their fragrance lineup, so one can only hope that they will restore Jolie Madame to their library. I only own the newer version of Jolie Madame, and not the 1953 vintage that was created by Germaine Cellier. (Within the last ten years or so, many fragrances have required reformulation thanks to the EU’s stringent IRFA regulations.) Still, I think it smells wonderful, kind of like the inside of a chic lady’s leather handbag. It contains many notes, but I mostly get leather, violet, tobacco, and vetiver. I try to use it a lot more sparingly now, since it’s been discontinued. I’m thinking of just spritzing it into some of my handbags and enjoying it that way!