October Empties

Cottage Argan Oil Shower Gel

Like the brand; disliked this scent, which is far too overpowering for me.

Verdict: Leave it!

Avène Hydrance Optimale Légère

I've been using it regularly for the past couple of years, especially in Spring-Summer. I enjoy it then; but for Autum-Winter, I feel the light version is not enough. Although I could buy the richer version, I decided to change for a while, as I've been tired of its scent; also I sometimes feel it's difficult to sink in, probably because of the SPF which layers upon the skin.

Would love to try a sheer city block (SPF) for a change...

Verdict: Love it!

Gemey-Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

I began to really enjoy it at least a month after opening. I love the volumized lashes but still natural effect it gives. No clumps. However I am still amazed because this wand really hurts my eyes (and that is saying a lot, since I consider I am far from brutal when it comes to making myself up). Even with a gentle light hand, the wand is too harsh; especially when compared to other brands (Dior, Clinique...) or any other wand from Gemey (Colossal).

Verdict: Leave it! Altough the final effect is near perfect, I have no pleasure in being extra careful with my movements each morning.

Review // Blue Jasmine

Forget what you think you know of Allen's style. Although he is a great comedy director, he is fantastic at comedy drama. If you have been a fan of Match Point, Blue Jasmine is for you.

The movie depicts some life moments of the wife of a millionaire, from riches to rags... 

I loved the clever montage, which shows in parallel her past and present life: it begins when she is at her lowest (shabby present) and her highest (glorious past). Then, the trajectory of past and present are reversed: in the past her perfect life knows a meltdown, while her present seems to improve as she foresees a possible remarriage.

Cate Blanchett might have found her best role: she is beautiful, stunning, radiant. She plays to perfection the society woman, who is going crazy confronted to the shabby way of life of her sister.

In the end, who's lucky, who's unlucky in life? Don't we say money can't buy happiness...

Blue Jasmine by Woody Allen

New Stuff #16

Cattier Organic Green Clay Mint Mask / Lovea Organic Argan Oil

Head & Shoulders Citrus Shampoo / Toni & Guy Cleanse Volume Shampoo

Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis Cologne

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm / Chubby Sticks Intense in Curviest Caramel & Mightiest Maraschino  / High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

Review // Georges Braque @ Grand Palais, Paris

I have been blown away by the quality of the Braque exhibition, as a huge amount of Braque's works has been gathered.

It is amazing to see all the different painting periods he explored: he was influenced by fauvism and was the forerunner of cubism (as Matisse named it); the techniques, the colours...

This event is clearly a must-see this season, if you would like to discover a major artist of the past century.

Georges Braque @ Grand Palais, Paris

18 September 2013 - 6 January 2014

Review // Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder #10

As I nearly finished my MAC face powder, I wanted to try a new one and took advantage of my Italian trip to get this newest Chanel powder, whose shade #10 isn't sold in France. Bad start...

CONS

- All shades aren't available worldwide. Chanel, Why?

- It is perfumed with the signature Chanel scent: although it smells luxurious, it's also possibly irritating for sensitive skin.

- It's eye-wateringly expensive for a compact face powder: 48,50€ in France. But as I don't change my face powder very often, I was willing to invest (in duty free).

PROS

- The luxurious packaging, which is faithful to the Chanel elegance. For a change, the compact was released in beige, instead of the usual black colour: nice change; it's perfect in my book.

- It comes with a nice half-moon brush; although I don't use it, it may come in handy.

- This powder has a very finely milled silky texture; it's almost imperceptible on the skin.

- It does provide a healthy glow, as suggest its name; not too shiny, not to flat. I personally use the lightest shade as an overall face powder. I like it so much I am actually tempted to buy a darker shade to use as a bronzer (which is its supposedly prime purpose I think).

Verdict: Love it! I might be tempted to invest in a darker shade.