Things men never have to think of: Lipstick
Was there not a person among her that could pull out a Lifesaver covered Kleenex and help the poor woman?
Tom Ford Black Orchid Collection – launching wk Sept 20th
I’m seduced by style, luxury, exclusivity, and glamour, qualities that are hard to find in our disposable society ~ Tom Ford
Tom Ford’s Black Orchid Collection – (Photo in the same vein as a Ford-ish ad look, eh?)
The Tom Ford counter amped up the event with a chocolate tasting (truffles and drink). It was delicious and sexy.
Saks had a very limited pre-launch of 20 signed sets. Behold!
The set contains the first solid perfume for the Tom Ford line and it doesn’t disappoint. I love solids because scents tend to have better staying power and the concentration always smells deeper, richer. If you haven’t tried Black Orchid before, it is a Patchouli and Vanilla blend. It sounds strong, and it is. Even so, it is a scent liked from adults down to my five year old son.
Tom Ford’s Black Orchid lipstick is and wears much darker than photographed. The light pulls the raisin running through it, but on the lips it appears nearly black. Indoors, this reminds me of Chanel’s Vamp.
Last but not least, the Black Orchid nail lacquer. Thin, dries quickly. Very pretty creme.
If you like Clinique’s Black Honey line, you will love the color of Black Orchid nails & lips. In that vein, I am a little disappointed that neither feel completely new. A dusting of gold, something, would have made this a bit different. All in all, the choosen shade is beautiful, comfortable and very wearable.
Check online and in stores in coming weeks for the launch to grab your own set. Who can resist Tom Ford?
World Aids Day – Let’s Call It A Night
***CHICAGO: MAC Cosmetics sponsored event 12/2/09 – Sushi & Drinks See Below***
Yes, yes. Tuesday was World Aids Day, but what does that mean?
For many of us, it was a day like any other. For those of us who have lost someone to Aids, every day we carry in our hearts the memories and love for people we’ve lost to this aggressive disease. Why single a day out? Because it calls us to act upon those memories toward a greater good.
Two easy ways you can help fundraise by barely lifting a finger yourself:
1) “Say Red” MIX & MINGLE: In Chicago? On Wednesday, December 2rd you can enjoy a FREE mixer put on in part by the fabulous Patrice of Afrobella. Fabulous Sushi and drinks, silent auctions and beauty swag bags surround this evening of Cocktails and Conversation. This is an Aids fundraiser for local organization Project Vida, and featured speaker is Emmy award winning activist Rae Lewis-Thornton.
Ai Sushi Restaurant & Lounge
358 W. ONTARIO
CHICAGO, IL 60610
CHICAGO, IL 60610
$5 martinis ALL night, $4 sushi until 7pm.
Come on out, eat, drink, dish, and let’s call it a night on Aids.
2) PUCKER UP: MAC Cosmetics has a loooong history supporting Aids research. 100% of the purchase price for Viva Glam lipsticks ($14) go toward the MAC Aids Fund. Fergie is the most recent goddess for the campaign, and Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are selected for the next campaign, “From Our Lips”. Over $130 million have been raised since Viva Glam was started in 1994.
Lady Gaga for Elle Magazine will front MAC’s next Viva Glam campaign.
Makeup by billy b Hair by Syd Curry Photographer Tom Munro
I’ve known co-workers and acquaintances that have died at young ages, but the memory that saddens me the most is of a little girl named Happiness. Many years ago I had a chance to help build a children’s home in South Africa. Internet is not a dependable form of communication there, but after a long effort there was a reunion of sorts. The home was the first to house children that had been abandoned, and soon, Aids orphans. Happiness was one of the original children to be housed in the new building, and her name was fitting. For some reason she took a liking to me and would visit everyday. She had a blinding smile and was so lovely-I wanted to adopt her. She was one of the first people I asked about when reconnecting, and I was heartbroken to find out last year that she had died from Aids. Although the home helps children that have HIV and Aids, she contracted this later on. She was not the only one.
I still have her little entry in my book. She will always be in my heart, and I will always be thinking and praying for her children and remaining family. 
What can the rest of us do? Certainly there are the big, looming issues. Directly volunteering. Caring. Friending. But what if you can’t wrap yourself around that idea?
We should all do what we can. Two options benefit you directly and put the wheels in motion for the organizations and people that CAN work directly. If your job isn’t on the front lines, than support with pride!
Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick and Lacque – Must Have
I have no camera, which makes this a little tricky right now, but a post is better than no post.
And I have to tell you about Chanel’s latest in their lip line.
Do you remember the little sample lipsticks that used to come with, possibly Avon? They were small and white and so adorable! I’ve regretted throwing mine out, wishing I had kept them even if product was old.
So imagine my joy when Chanel brought out the same mini size for their Rouge Allure sampler. Holding the color Fabulous, these smaller than pinkie sized lipsticks are miniature replicas. Rouge Allure Lipstick is a super emollient, gorgeously cased beauty (there is a spring/push action that opens the case on the full sized version which is very clever). A special touch is that “Chanel” is stamped onto the side of the lippie.
Chanel also offers the Rouge Allure Laque, a combination lipstick in a gloss version. I have always been more of a fan of the lipgloss as lipstick, and find this the perfect formulation for long lasting wear, beautiful color, and the perfect touch of shine. The Lacque is destined to become my favorite of all time. I did not find one shade to be unflattering. They seemed to have managed to create a line that is complimentary with almost all skin types. My favorites? Coromandel (coral red) and Dragon (true red). These are two colors I have not worn in ages because they tend to age people unless matched perfectly. Chanel has surpassed all expectation with this line. Rush down to your local Chanel counter or buy online to experience this for yourself, as the product is selling quickly.
Reflecting on Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect
I am a fiend for lip glosses, and Dior Ultra Gloss Reflect is one of the top brands out there that just do. it. for. me.
My current favorite is Lurex Plum, a taupe/plum filled with shimmer without being gritty. The brush allows for easy pull from the bottle, and superior accuracy in application. The color is so flattering.
Upon application, it is a very unique look, completely smoothing out the lips. I find this product doesn’t migrate and lasts quite a long time for a simple gloss. It has low stick and extreme shine. For wear, I tend to wipe all gloss off before eating anyway, but it performs well when drinking from a straw. By the time it is ready for re-application, there still remains a soft shade and some sparkle.
I love applying this gloss.
Just a note, but I would try these out before you buy. While all of the colors were pretty, I could see how many of them would be too transparent once put on the lips. I think that is one reason Lurex Plum is so fab, because it seems to be a coat of shimmering latex. Very obvious.
Dior makes glossing divine with product and stunning packaging. Select cream or shimmer (I prefer the unique shine myself) at Sephora.
Urban Decay – Confession of Love
Use code FNFF1 for 30% savings on all product at Urban Decay until 8/20
Think back, back, back to the 90’s when Demi Moore startled the world with (among other things) a manicure of Chanel Vamp. At the time, this black/red color seemed so improper, so envelope pushing! The thrill of being naughty, yet nice, inspired gorgeous knockoffs from Essie and Revlon, and then, a second reissue of Vamp from Chanel.
This fall we move back in time to the dark lips of yore, and ladies, Urban Decay has captured Vamp in a tube. It may not be an exact shade match, but the color is such a breathtaking mixture of berry & black you’ll get the chills as you recognize a groundbreaking color introduction.
The looks are extreme this fall – nude, goth. This lipstick is so pronounced you can get a little of both looks because you’ll want to go light on the eyes. How to describe it? Rich, juicy, shiny, sexy. It makes lips look like fruit waiting to be bitten. It is that tempting.
Confession by Urban Decay sells for $22 and comes in an unusual package with a “love dagger” you can accessorize with metal casing. It is one in a collection including Oil Slick (sheer black w/sparkle). Even if you think you can’t carry a dark lip, you absolutely should try this shade. The hue is almost universally flattering.
Seeking perfection? Exfoliate and use a lip primer to get the smoothest base for application. This product is around a 6 out of 10 for opacity, so rough patches show through.
Find it at www.urbandecay.com and www.sephora.com
