Review: Chanel "Ligne Graphique" Liquid Eyeliner

My latest beauty obsession? Chanel's new liquid eyeliner, Ligne Graphique.

Back in high school, I was never a fan of eyeliner; perhaps because so many girls would heavily rim their entire eyes... which was a racoon-y look that kinda terrified me, to be totally honest. hah. So I stayed away from it for years, not having any idea of how to apply it... and not knowing how much I'd love it now.

Oddly enough, liquid eyeliner has actually become a staple in my daily beauty routine for the past couple years. It first began with Urban Decay's 24-7 liquid liner, then I moved onto NARS, and now Chanel. While liquid liner definitely requires a steady hand and a bit of trial and error, it can completely change the shape of your eyes. I'm a fan of the winged eye at the moment, going after the whole Italian bombshell/Sophia Loren sort of look.

As much as I loved Urban Decay and NARS, Chanel beats them by a mile. Ligne Graphique's noir formula is super black and densely pigmented, with a shiny finish that lasts all day. The brush tip is tiny and precise, which allows for a steady stroke that can get super close to the lashline. This makes it a bit more tricky because of the dip ink-style application, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty effortless. At $34, it's definitely one of the most expensive liquid liners on the market, but I feel like it's completely worth it because of the pigment and longevity. The packaging is sleek and pretty, just as you'd expect from any Chanel product. So happy with this product, and had to share!

What I'm Loving Right Now...

 

This little Herve Leger number

I went into the boutique with my new fashionisto friend, Jarod, who insisted I try this bandage dress on. Besos to him, because as he predicted, this dress fit me like a glove. It's funny, because I was actually really hesitant to try this on, but I've never worn anything that loved my Spanish genes more.

 Chanel Glossimer in Volupte

This color is new for Chanel's spring '12 lineup, and is yet another example of why I love the upcoming season. Volupte is the perfect coral shade, but it goes on very sheer. It adds just a slight coral tint in a perfect glossy finish, which I love. Pair it with a neutral face and dark lashes, and you've got a fresh, natural look for spring. Just my style!

My little love, Zadie

Zadiebug is moving closer! The fact that I'll be able to see my niece (and sister and brother-in-law) more often is pretty much the best news ever. Love her so much!

Have a fabulous week!

Look Book: Pre-Fall 2011

While my style is very feminine (my dress collection is expanding at a ridiculous rate), I also really enjoy putting together classic and casual (read: comfortable) ensembles. If I'm not in a dress, I love dressing up the basics (jeans, cotton tees, etc.) with more interesting accent pieces. As shown below, I've done that by mixing classic accessories and costume jewelry with a very laidback pre-fall outfit.

While I'm all about mixing high-end with affordable brands, there are certain pieces that I've personally found worth the investment:

Denim

A great-fitting pair of dark denim jeans are such a staple in a woman's wardrobe, and you will get many wears from them over time. Designer denim can be tricky to get right, so it's particularly important that you know your body before shopping. Do a bit of research online, and learn which brands tend to cater towards your shape. While my upper half is smaller, I have super long legs and a bit of Kardashian Syndrome. William Rast and Citizens of Humanity almost always work for me, but I've rarely found a pair of True Religions that hug my hips just right (they tend to be rigid and cut very straight). Denim shopping is very much like the old Goldilocks story: it may take a few tries, but it's SO worth it to find a pair that fit just right. My perfect pair at the moment: Citizens of Humanity's Avedon skinny jeans (Faith wash).

Shoes and Bags

While I'm not saying that every bag or pair of shoes you own needs to be an investment piece, I find myself amazed at how much use I've gotten out of my higher quality pieces. Obviously, budgets may not always allow you to invest in classic pieces, and thankfully, there are many alternative options available for getting a similar look at a fraction of the cost. However, if you are able to afford a classic piece (i.e., a traditional Chanel tote, Christian Louboutin's classic pumps, etc.), go for styles and colors that will last the test of time. Black, brown, and nude are colors I typically gravitate towards anyway, but they're almost always my choices when I am contemplating pricier bags or shoes. Love how easy it is to spice up the most casual outfits with just the switch of a bag or a pair of killer shoes.

 

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Sneak Peek: More LA Photography

Want to see more?

California Glamour on the Behance Network

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Sneak Peek: My LA Photography

To hold you over until I upload my photo set to my Behance portfolio... =)

California Love

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Fashion Eval: CHANEL (S/S and PRE-FALL '11)

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011

Chanel's Paris-Byzance Pre-Fall 2011 was just released, and although I can't say I'm a huge fan of this particular capsule, I think there are some definite things to be taken from it. Many of the pieces are very unstructured and done in thick wool and tweed, something I'm not very impressed with. However, the Boho/Grecian styling really needs to be mentioned. Love the combination of black and gold used in this collection; it's a combination that I wear on a constant basis and can never get enough of. The richly colored ornate jewelry is interesting as well. I loved the messy Grecian updo look that Lagerfeld used this season, adding the right mix of messiness and sexiness to an otherwise very visually heavy collection.

Here are my picks from the collection:

 Love the structured coats paired with slim pants and messy updos. Very wearable and imitable look.

 While the first look has a very conservative cut, the styling makes it work. The bib necklace, gold chain belt, and Grecian headband transform a 90's-looking dress into something a bit more fresh. The second look has an artistic, eclectic element that I love.

Chanel S/S 2011

 While I'm always a Lagerfeld lover, I prefer his flirtier spring/summer/resort lines over his moodier fall and winter lines.

 These two looks encompass warm-weather Chanel perfectly. Love the mix of the black floral prints with the trademark tweed, done in a modern cut. I like the combination of the tiny shorts with the more conservative tops. It's sexy and young, but not crass. Always think it's better balance to pick one and bare either more leg OR cleavage.

Black. Classic, and yet interesting cuts. The strap detail on the dress is gorg.

 

The light denim is awful. But the sight of beautiful daddy and baby in matching Chanel blazers? SO sweet.

Chanel's Glossimer (& Bargain Alternatives!)

 I've been a fan of Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimers for years now, and they were actually my first venture into high-end makeup back in high school.  They've always been extremely pricey at $27 a gloss, but I don't have to repurchase these often despite using them daily. I love Glossimers because they're unscented, and come in absolutely gorgeous colors and finishes. I've tried quite a few shades, but these three below are the ones that I'd consider the best purchases.