Let's talk about it: NARS Bento Box Lip Set

This is an open thread about one of the most sought-after (at least in theory) products of the season- the Nars Bento Box lip set.

When I first received the press release about the limited edition Bento Box I did several things:
1.Got a serious case of the Covet
2. Added my name to the wait list on Nars website
3. More coveting
4. Reminded myself that Nars might be my least favorite brand when it comes to lipsticks.
5. Told myself to shut up. Coveting resumed.
6. Pondered the $125 price tag. Can it be worth it?
7. Deciding it probably isn't.
8. Wondering if I'm missing something.

Now here we are a month later. The set is available from Nars website as well as from Barneys, Neiman and Saks. It hasn't sold out yet though it's been out for a week now and supposedly there are only 1000 Bento Boxes in the US market (1000 more will be offered in the UK). I'm still looking at the photo and trying to figure it out.

The colors are pretty straight forward- one is a gorgeous red, the other is a dark pink. The Japanese aesthetics and the concept of lipstick in a cup you slowly apply with handcrafted tools are elegant and appealing. It says "luxury", which is probably why the Bento Box is so attractive to me. In theory.

Now, NARS promised the lipsticks are a new formula enriched with vitamin E, which is a very good thing considering their regular lipsticks are much too dry for me. Still, are they on the same level as Kanebo Sensai,  Cle de Peau and Tom Ford? Is the packaging really worth the price hike? And what about the brush? It looks  like a cousin of my beloved Nars Yachiyo blush brush with its hand-spun black wisteria handle. I use lip brushes quite often, but this is one brush category I never found a huge difference between top and mid-level brands as long as they're thick enough. Besides, if I were to drop top dollars on a special lip brush I'd probably go with this one:

That's the Kolinsky large craftsman lip brush from Hakuhodo, a real Japanese brand that makes professional makeup brushes (hakuhodousa.com).  Their entire Japanese Tradition series is on my wish list as well as the red-handled S100- they look exquisite and will probably get a lot more use than any two lipsticks in a cup.

What do you think: are you buying the set? Have you seen it in person? How do you feel about this product in general? Please share any thoughts you have about this.

Photos: NARS and hakuhodousa.com

Let's talk about it: NARS Bento Box Lip Set

This is an open thread about one of the most sought-after (at least in theory) products of the season- the Nars Bento Box lip set.

When I first received the press release about the limited edition Bento Box I did several things:
1.Got a serious case of the Covet
2. Added my name to the wait list on Nars website
3. More coveting
4. Reminded myself that Nars might be my least favorite brand when it comes to lipsticks.
5. Told myself to shut up. Coveting resumed.
6. Pondered the $125 price tag. Can it be worth it?
7. Deciding it probably isn't.
8. Wondering if I'm missing something.

Now here we are a month later. The set is available from Nars website as well as from Barneys, Neiman and Saks. It hasn't sold out yet though it's been out for a week now and supposedly there are only 1000 Bento Boxes in the US market (1000 more will be offered in the UK). I'm still looking at the photo and trying to figure it out.

The colors are pretty straight forward- one is a gorgeous red, the other is a dark pink. The Japanese aesthetics and the concept of lipstick in a cup you slowly apply with handcrafted tools are elegant and appealing. It says "luxury", which is probably why the Bento Box is so attractive to me. In theory.

Now, NARS promised the lipsticks are a new formula enriched with vitamin E, which is a very good thing considering their regular lipsticks are much too dry for me. Still, are they on the same level as Kanebo Sensai,  Cle de Peau and Tom Ford? Is the packaging really worth the price hike? And what about the brush? It looks  like a cousin of my beloved Nars Yachiyo blush brush with its hand-spun black wisteria handle. I use lip brushes quite often, but this is one brush category I never found a huge difference between top and mid-level brands as long as they're thick enough. Besides, if I were to drop top dollars on a special lip brush I'd probably go with this one:

That's the Kolinsky large craftsman lip brush from Hakuhodo, a real Japanese brand that makes professional makeup brushes (hakuhodousa.com).  Their entire Japanese Tradition series is on my wish list as well as the red-handled S100- they look exquisite and will probably get a lot more use than any two lipsticks in a cup.

What do you think: are you buying the set? Have you seen it in person? How do you feel about this product in general? Please share any thoughts you have about this.

Photos: NARS and hakuhodousa.com

Let's talk about it: NARS Bento Box Lip Set

This is an open thread about one of the most sought-after (at least in theory) products of the season- the Nars Bento Box lip set.

When I first received the press release about the limited edition Bento Box I did several things:
1.Got a serious case of the Covet
2. Added my name to the wait list on Nars website
3. More coveting
4. Reminded myself that Nars might be my least favorite brand when it comes to lipsticks.
5. Told myself to shut up. Coveting resumed.
6. Pondered the $125 price tag. Can it be worth it?
7. Deciding it probably isn't.
8. Wondering if I'm missing something.

Now here we are a month later. The set is available from Nars website as well as from Barneys, Neiman and Saks. It hasn't sold out yet though it's been out for a week now and supposedly there are only 1000 Bento Boxes in the US market (1000 more will be offered in the UK). I'm still looking at the photo and trying to figure it out.

The colors are pretty straight forward- one is a gorgeous red, the other is a dark pink. The Japanese aesthetics and the concept of lipstick in a cup you slowly apply with handcrafted tools are elegant and appealing. It says "luxury", which is probably why the Bento Box is so attractive to me. In theory.

Now, NARS promised the lipsticks are a new formula enriched with vitamin E, which is a very good thing considering their regular lipsticks are much too dry for me. Still, are they on the same level as Kanebo Sensai,  Cle de Peau and Tom Ford? Is the packaging really worth the price hike? And what about the brush? It looks  like a cousin of my beloved Nars Yachiyo blush brush with its hand-spun black wisteria handle. I use lip brushes quite often, but this is one brush category I never found a huge difference between top and mid-level brands as long as they're thick enough. Besides, if I were to drop top dollars on a special lip brush I'd probably go with this one:

That's the Kolinsky large craftsman lip brush from Hakuhodo, a real Japanese brand that makes professional makeup brushes (hakuhodousa.com).  Their entire Japanese Tradition series is on my wish list as well as the red-handled S100- they look exquisite and will probably get a lot more use than any two lipsticks in a cup.

What do you think: are you buying the set? Have you seen it in person? How do you feel about this product in general? Please share any thoughts you have about this.

Photos: NARS and hakuhodousa.com

Let's Talk About: To Prime Or Not To Prime

I made a remark here last week about the importance of using primers and received a few comments from readers who find face primers too slippery or oily and quite counterproductive- if the primer slides off one's face so will the rest of the makeup. Not a good idea, right?

The thing is that there many (many!) types of primers on the market, including some more suitable for oily skin. I know some people can't deal with silicones and I've had one experience with a face primer that clogged my pores. Even among silicone primers not all are created equal- some are thicker than others. And then there are the non-silicone primers: mattifying, brighteners and others. My favorites are from Shiseido, Cle de Peau and Laura Mercier.

The question is: Do you prime? Why or why not? Did you try but gave up on them? Please share your experience, recommendations and/or any requests.

Photo of Greta Garbo, 1928, myvintagevogue.com

Let's Talk About: To Prime Or Not To Prime

I made a remark here last week about the importance of using primers and received a few comments from readers who find face primers too slippery or oily and quite counterproductive- if the primer slides off one's face so will the rest of the makeup. Not a good idea, right?

The thing is that there many (many!) types of primers on the market, including some more suitable for oily skin. I know some people can't deal with silicones and I've had one experience with a face primer that clogged my pores. Even among silicone primers not all are created equal- some are thicker than others. And then there are the non-silicone primers: mattifying, brighteners and others. My favorites are from Shiseido, Cle de Peau and Laura Mercier.

The question is: Do you prime? Why or why not? Did you try but gave up on them? Please share your experience, recommendations and/or any requests.

Photo of Greta Garbo, 1928, myvintagevogue.com

Let's Talk About: To Prime Or Not To Prime

I made a remark here last week about the importance of using primers and received a few comments from readers who find face primers too slippery or oily and quite counterproductive- if the primer slides off one's face so will the rest of the makeup. Not a good idea, right?

The thing is that there many (many!) types of primers on the market, including some more suitable for oily skin. I know some people can't deal with silicones and I've had one experience with a face primer that clogged my pores. Even among silicone primers not all are created equal- some are thicker than others. And then there are the non-silicone primers: mattifying, brighteners and others. My favorites are from Shiseido, Cle de Peau and Laura Mercier.

The question is: Do you prime? Why or why not? Did you try but gave up on them? Please share your experience, recommendations and/or any requests.

Photo of Greta Garbo, 1928, myvintagevogue.com

Let's talk about it: Replacing a favorite perfume

One of the most frequent help requests I get is about finding an alternative for discontinued or beloved perfumes. I know the pain even though it's been almost twenty years since I had a signature scent. I may be polyfragmorouse but there are enough true loves in my collection and several of them are no longer with us, hence the stash of backup bottles.

Among the ones readers mourn are all the classic true chypres on all their oakmossy goodness. These are the hardest to replace, since IFRA has made sure no one uses enough oakmoss to make a difference. Tom Ford has discontinued his beautiful Moss Breches, which would have been my first recommendation. My current suggestion is to try the natural and indie perfumers. From Tauer's Un Rose Chypree to various creations from Ayala Moriel, Anya's Garden, Ava Luxe and others. Nothing is exactly like Mitsouko or Chanel 19 in original formula, but there are several gorgeous perfumes that would appeal to chypre lovers.

Then there such lovelies like Organza Indecence, Jil Sander No. 4, Fendi (original, though it actually belongs with the chypres above), Magie Noir, some of the classic Jean Patou perfumes... the list goes on and on. My opinion? Move on. If you don't like the weaker form of the current Jil Sander No 4 (available as an Ulta exclusive) try exploring  floral perfumes by Ormonde Jayne, Serge Lutens and Tom Ford, but don't expect them to be the same. They're excellent and very satisfying in their own right. Fans of Organza Indecence have a good chance of enjoying  Musc Ravageur (Frederic Malle) and should give Ormonde Jayne's woodier creations a chance: try Ormonde Woman and Orris Noir. Speaking of Ormonde Jayne, Tolu is a big boned floriental that could give some of the classic 80s scent a very good run for their money.

Many lament the death of the original Chloe as we used to know it. Add to that the disappearance of Mahora and Michelle (Balenciaga) and we have some huge gaps to fill in the white flower department. While recommending Fracas is a no-brainer, there's also Uncle Serge's Datura Noir (I can't stand this Lutens but it's divine on my mother). You might also like Rubj by Swiss perfumer Vero Kern, Frederic Malle Carnal Flower and Tubereuse 1 from Histoires de Parfums.

Mona di Orio creates bold and beautiful fragrances that aren't afraid to smell like real perfumes. They have an animalic feel and a rare backbone. They are the exact opposite of the shower fresh trend and are not to be missed if you're a fan of yesteryear scents. While exploring this style, also check Vero's Onda, anything by Parfumerie Generale (Querelle comes to mind), Parfum d'Empire and Robert Piguet.

I know this doesn't even come close to covering everything, which is where you come in. Let's talk about it:
Do you have any recommendations, questions and requests? Please share your ideas, brilliant finds and heartaches. Do you have a list of goners and acceptable substitutions? If not, let's start one here.

Photo: stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Let's talk about it: Replacing a favorite perfume

One of the most frequent help requests I get is about finding an alternative for discontinued or beloved perfumes. I know the pain even though it's been almost twenty years since I had a signature scent. I may be polyfragmorouse but there are enough true loves in my collection and several of them are no longer with us, hence the stash of backup bottles.

Among the ones readers mourn are all the classic true chypres on all their oakmossy goodness. These are the hardest to replace, since IFRA has made sure no one uses enough oakmoss to make a difference. Tom Ford has discontinued his beautiful Moss Breches, which would have been my first recommendation. My current suggestion is to try the natural and indie perfumers. From Tauer's Un Rose Chypree to various creations from Ayala Moriel, Anya's Garden, Ava Luxe and others. Nothing is exactly like Mitsouko or Chanel 19 in original formula, but there are several gorgeous perfumes that would appeal to chypre lovers.

Then there such lovelies like Organza Indecence, Jil Sander No. 4, Fendi (original, though it actually belongs with the chypres above), Magie Noir, some of the classic Jean Patou perfumes... the list goes on and on. My opinion? Move on. If you don't like the weaker form of the current Jil Sander No 4 (available as an Ulta exclusive) try exploring  floral perfumes by Ormonde Jayne, Serge Lutens and Tom Ford, but don't expect them to be the same. They're excellent and very satisfying in their own right. Fans of Organza Indecence have a good chance of enjoying  Musc Ravageur (Frederic Malle) and should give Ormonde Jayne's woodier creations a chance: try Ormonde Woman and Orris Noir. Speaking of Ormonde Jayne, Tolu is a big boned floriental that could give some of the classic 80s scent a very good run for their money.

Many lament the death of the original Chloe as we used to know it. Add to that the disappearance of Mahora and Michelle (Balenciaga) and we have some huge gaps to fill in the white flower department. While recommending Fracas is a no-brainer, there's also Uncle Serge's Datura Noir (I can't stand this Lutens but it's divine on my mother). You might also like Rubj by Swiss perfumer Vero Kern, Frederic Malle Carnal Flower and Tubereuse 1 from Histoires de Parfums.

Mona di Orio creates bold and beautiful fragrances that aren't afraid to smell like real perfumes. They have an animalic feel and a rare backbone. They are the exact opposite of the shower fresh trend and are not to be missed if you're a fan of yesteryear scents. While exploring this style, also check Vero's Onda, anything by Parfumerie Generale (Querelle comes to mind), Parfum d'Empire and Robert Piguet.

I know this doesn't even come close to covering everything, which is where you come in. Let's talk about it:
Do you have any recommendations, questions and requests? Please share your ideas, brilliant finds and heartaches. Do you have a list of goners and acceptable substitutions? If not, let's start one here.

Photo: stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Let's talk about it: Replacing a favorite perfume

One of the most frequent help requests I get is about finding an alternative for discontinued or beloved perfumes. I know the pain even though it's been almost twenty years since I had a signature scent. I may be polyfragmorouse but there are enough true loves in my collection and several of them are no longer with us, hence the stash of backup bottles.

Among the ones readers mourn are all the classic true chypres on all their oakmossy goodness. These are the hardest to replace, since IFRA has made sure no one uses enough oakmoss to make a difference. Tom Ford has discontinued his beautiful Moss Breches, which would have been my first recommendation. My current suggestion is to try the natural and indie perfumers. From Tauer's Un Rose Chypree to various creations from Ayala Moriel, Anya's Garden, Ava Luxe and others. Nothing is exactly like Mitsouko or Chanel 19 in original formula, but there are several gorgeous perfumes that would appeal to chypre lovers.

Then there such lovelies like Organza Indecence, Jil Sander No. 4, Fendi (original, though it actually belongs with the chypres above), Magie Noir, some of the classic Jean Patou perfumes... the list goes on and on. My opinion? Move on. If you don't like the weaker form of the current Jil Sander No 4 (available as an Ulta exclusive) try exploring  floral perfumes by Ormonde Jayne, Serge Lutens and Tom Ford, but don't expect them to be the same. They're excellent and very satisfying in their own right. Fans of Organza Indecence have a good chance of enjoying  Musc Ravageur (Frederic Malle) and should give Ormonde Jayne's woodier creations a chance: try Ormonde Woman and Orris Noir. Speaking of Ormonde Jayne, Tolu is a big boned floriental that could give some of the classic 80s scent a very good run for their money.

Many lament the death of the original Chloe as we used to know it. Add to that the disappearance of Mahora and Michelle (Balenciaga) and we have some huge gaps to fill in the white flower department. While recommending Fracas is a no-brainer, there's also Uncle Serge's Datura Noir (I can't stand this Lutens but it's divine on my mother). You might also like Rubj by Swiss perfumer Vero Kern, Frederic Malle Carnal Flower and Tubereuse 1 from Histoires de Parfums.

Mona di Orio creates bold and beautiful fragrances that aren't afraid to smell like real perfumes. They have an animalic feel and a rare backbone. They are the exact opposite of the shower fresh trend and are not to be missed if you're a fan of yesteryear scents. While exploring this style, also check Vero's Onda, anything by Parfumerie Generale (Querelle comes to mind), Parfum d'Empire and Robert Piguet.

I know this doesn't even come close to covering everything, which is where you come in. Let's talk about it:
Do you have any recommendations, questions and requests? Please share your ideas, brilliant finds and heartaches. Do you have a list of goners and acceptable substitutions? If not, let's start one here.

Photo: stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Let's Talk About: Packing

Some people know how to travel in style. I'm not one of them. They pack the absolute essentials into chic little luggage and go their merry way looking like Audrey Hepburn, arriving at their destination half a world away as graceful and fresh-faced as they left. Me? I get stressed. I make lists. I panic. The husband retrieves our humongous suitcases from the basement. They are blue and marked with so many cat scratches there's no chance anyone else would mistake them for his at the baggage claim.

Then it's time to fill them up. Which I do, trying to fit too much of my earthly belongings in there for a three day trip or the entire content of my closets if going away for a couple of weeks. And the shoes. Oh, the shoes! How many pairs do I need? Should I take both the gold and the silver strappy sandals? And what goes with the raspberry colored Missoni dress? Did I pack that dress? Why did I pack this dress? I bet Audrey never packed the wrong dress.

Audrey has also never had to display her essentials in a plastic ziplock bag. Having your eye drops, La Mer and mouthwash ready for inspection in that baggy can never feel stylish. I keep these items at the absolute minimum, checking in everything I don't absolutely need for the flight. I also separate non-regulated makeup items like powders and pencils into a makeup bag (that matches my travel tote). It makes me feel a bit better not to pull them out of the ziplock when the time comes to put on my face before landing.

So, let's talk about it: Do you travel light? How many pairs of shoes do you pack for a week or two away? What's in your plastic baggy? When it comes to perfume, do you pack full bottles or decants and samples? If you have any great travel tips and secrets, please share them.

Photos: myvintagevogue.com

Let's Talk About: Packing

Some people know how to travel in style. I'm not one of them. They pack the absolute essentials into chic little luggage and go their merry way looking like Audrey Hepburn, arriving at their destination half a world away as graceful and fresh-faced as they left. Me? I get stressed. I make lists. I panic. The husband retrieves our humongous suitcases from the basement. They are blue and marked with so many cat scratches there's no chance anyone else would mistake them for his at the baggage claim.

Then it's time to fill them up. Which I do, trying to fit too much of my earthly belongings in there for a three day trip or the entire content of my closets if going away for a couple of weeks. And the shoes. Oh, the shoes! How many pairs do I need? Should I take both the gold and the silver strappy sandals? And what goes with the raspberry colored Missoni dress? Did I pack that dress? Why did I pack this dress? I bet Audrey never packed the wrong dress.

Audrey has also never had to display her essentials in a plastic ziplock bag. Having your eye drops, La Mer and mouthwash ready for inspection in that baggy can never feel stylish. I keep these items at the absolute minimum, checking in everything I don't absolutely need for the flight. I also separate non-regulated makeup items like powders and pencils into a makeup bag (that matches my travel tote). It makes me feel a bit better not to pull them out of the ziplock when the time comes to put on my face before landing.

So, let's talk about it: Do you travel light? How many pairs of shoes do you pack for a week or two away? What's in your plastic baggy? When it comes to perfume, do you pack full bottles or decants and samples? If you have any great travel tips and secrets, please share them.

Photos: myvintagevogue.com

Let's Talk About: Packing

Some people know how to travel in style. I'm not one of them. They pack the absolute essentials into chic little luggage and go their merry way looking like Audrey Hepburn, arriving at their destination half a world away as graceful and fresh-faced as they left. Me? I get stressed. I make lists. I panic. The husband retrieves our humongous suitcases from the basement. They are blue and marked with so many cat scratches there's no chance anyone else would mistake them for his at the baggage claim.

Then it's time to fill them up. Which I do, trying to fit too much of my earthly belongings in there for a three day trip or the entire content of my closets if going away for a couple of weeks. And the shoes. Oh, the shoes! How many pairs do I need? Should I take both the gold and the silver strappy sandals? And what goes with the raspberry colored Missoni dress? Did I pack that dress? Why did I pack this dress? I bet Audrey never packed the wrong dress.

Audrey has also never had to display her essentials in a plastic ziplock bag. Having your eye drops, La Mer and mouthwash ready for inspection in that baggy can never feel stylish. I keep these items at the absolute minimum, checking in everything I don't absolutely need for the flight. I also separate non-regulated makeup items like powders and pencils into a makeup bag (that matches my travel tote). It makes me feel a bit better not to pull them out of the ziplock when the time comes to put on my face before landing.

So, let's talk about it: Do you travel light? How many pairs of shoes do you pack for a week or two away? What's in your plastic baggy? When it comes to perfume, do you pack full bottles or decants and samples? If you have any great travel tips and secrets, please share them.

Photos: myvintagevogue.com

Open Thread: How High Maintenance Are You?

Your answers the other day to the open thread about high maintenance products- items that are more work than they're worth, made me think about the subject of high maintenance in general. One doesn't become a beauty blogger without being very into everything making and cosmetics and greatly enjoying it. So yes, I'm definitely high maintenance. To a point.

A big part of this beauty obsession is the desire to know as much as possible about the subject, have the best items on hand and do it right, which to me means getting results in the most efficient way. As much as I love color and everything pretty, my right brain and left brain have always been at war, maintaining a weird status quo. It's a curse, really, because it means I don't go all the way with either. I need both logic and creativity in my life. But I digress. Back to the high maintenance topic.

While I spend far less time and energy on my hair than you'd guess, and I prefer a simple yet effective skin care routine, I like taking my time with makeup. Mixing, blending and applying colors to the best of my abilities, planning looks and playing with new items. It's fun. Yet, I can be quick and efficient when needed, do a "five minute face" in less than that time, or do my best with a liquid concealer, black eyeliner and a red lip gloss if things are truly dire.

I never ever leave the house without perfume, though.

So, how high maintenance are you? What are the steps you never skip? How quick can you be? Any shortcuts you take in a pinch?

Photo of actress Ann Sheridan from stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Open Thread: How High Maintenance Are You?

Your answers the other day to the open thread about high maintenance products- items that are more work than they're worth, made me think about the subject of high maintenance in general. One doesn't become a beauty blogger without being very into everything making and cosmetics and greatly enjoying it. So yes, I'm definitely high maintenance. To a point.

A big part of this beauty obsession is the desire to know as much as possible about the subject, have the best items on hand and do it right, which to me means getting results in the most efficient way. As much as I love color and everything pretty, my right brain and left brain have always been at war, maintaining a weird status quo. It's a curse, really, because it means I don't go all the way with either. I need both logic and creativity in my life. But I digress. Back to the high maintenance topic.

While I spend far less time and energy on my hair than you'd guess, and I prefer a simple yet effective skin care routine, I like taking my time with makeup. Mixing, blending and applying colors to the best of my abilities, planning looks and playing with new items. It's fun. Yet, I can be quick and efficient when needed, do a "five minute face" in less than that time, or do my best with a liquid concealer, black eyeliner and a red lip gloss if things are truly dire.

I never ever leave the house without perfume, though.

So, how high maintenance are you? What are the steps you never skip? How quick can you be? Any shortcuts you take in a pinch?

Photo of actress Ann Sheridan from stirredstraightup.blogspot.com

Open Thread: How High Maintenance Are You?

Your answers the other day to the open thread about high maintenance products- items that are more work than they're worth, made me think about the subject of high maintenance in general. One doesn't become a beauty blogger without being very into everything making and cosmetics and greatly enjoying it. So yes, I'm definitely high maintenance. To a point.

A big part of this beauty obsession is the desire to know as much as possible about the subject, have the best items on hand and do it right, which to me means getting results in the most efficient way. As much as I love color and everything pretty, my right brain and left brain have always been at war, maintaining a weird status quo. It's a curse, really, because it means I don't go all the way with either. I need both logic and creativity in my life. But I digress. Back to the high maintenance topic.

While I spend far less time and energy on my hair than you'd guess, and I prefer a simple yet effective skin care routine, I like taking my time with makeup. Mixing, blending and applying colors to the best of my abilities, planning looks and playing with new items. It's fun. Yet, I can be quick and efficient when needed, do a "five minute face" in less than that time, or do my best with a liquid concealer, black eyeliner and a red lip gloss if things are truly dire.

I never ever leave the house without perfume, though.

So, how high maintenance are you? What are the steps you never skip? How quick can you be? Any shortcuts you take in a pinch?

Photo of actress Ann Sheridan from stirredstraightup.blogspot.com