The Eye Balm Intense

La Mer

To start the review, I feel as though I should mention a brief history of this product. So, as you may know, The Eye Balm was the predecessor to The Eye Balm Intense. Out of the entirety of La Mer's product range, The Eye Balm was always one of their underachievers. The packaging was a bit awkward, and it didn't really stand out amidst the other heavy-hitting options. In fact, The Eye Balm became notorious for being a hit or miss product for people (there didn't seem to be a middle-ground, and it was pretty clear why this was). In fact, it scored in the mid-three range on MakeupAlley.com out of 175 reviews, which is a very average rating (and a veritable loss in the world of high end cosmetics). For these reasons, I am not surprised that La Mer decided to discontinue The Eye Balm and come out with a bit more innovative and substantial replacement...that being the brand new Eye Balm Intense.

From what I can tell from comparing these two eye balms (The Eye Balm and The Eye Balm Intense), I have a feeling that the newer version will fare a bit better. There are many similarities between the original Eye Balm and this second generation eye balm. The color is the same (a dash of Green #5), and the consistency is fairly similar (slippery, light, and creamy). However, the product has been reformulated with what I would consider significantly higher quality ingredients. For one, there are no parabens in The Eye Balm Intense, whereas the eye balm had one form of the most common four paraben types (though in a rather small quantity). Secondly, The Eye Balm Intense now features an assortment of La Mer's newest trademarked formulations like the De-Puff Ferment which derives from Deep Sea Red Algae.

Having experienced both the original Eye Balm (discontinued) and The Eye Balm Intense (introduced in 2010), I do believe that the latter is a bit more potent, and in my opinion, it seems like a bit of a hybrid between the old Eye Balm and The Eye Concentrate.

The Eye Balm Intense is moderately thick in terms of texture and is absorbed very rapidly. The eye cream is also extremely emollient, and a tiny bit covers a very large area. It doesn't really have an artificial or added scent to speak of (a major plus). Any scent that you may detect would thus be a derivative of the actual ingredients. The greenish cream also leaves a non-greasy or a non-filmy coating of the product around your eyes, so if you do apply makeup, I don't believe a concealer will encounter issues with the use of The Eye Balm Intense (i.e. streaking, migrating, clumping, etc.). Users of the original Eye Balm experienced major issues with not being able to use concealers or any other facial makeup product near the eye area. I believe this issue has been addressed with the reformulation, as this was a major drawback of the original formulation. Still, you will want to wait, as with most eye creams, about five minutes before applying anything on top of The Eye Balm Intense. As with La Mer’s The Eye Concentrate, The Eye Balm Intense comes with La Mer's proprietary silver-tipped applicator, which cools skin on contact to help stimulate mircocirculation.

Who is The Eye Balm Intense best for? I would say it is most adequately suited for those with dry, extra dry, combination/dry, and normal skin types, as long as you apply The Eye Balm Intense and then follow it up with a facial moisturizer that works around the eye area. In my case, I would follow the eye cream with a small dose of the Crème de la Mer, although the use of the CDLM is not absolutely necessary (many others would work just as effectively, so don’t listen to the sales assistants). However, an eye cream should not require two steps, and there are many better options out there for us dry/normal skin types. If you have combination/oily, oily, sensitive, or super sensitive skin, this is a great eye cream for you. For people who often experience eye puffiness from the use of an eye cream (assuming that you are applying the cream correctly), this is a product that will not offend. For people with heavy allergies, this eye cream is also superb. In fact, it is perhaps the most ideal eye cream on the market for those with various sensitivities. With that being said, The Eye Balm Intense is more of a starter eye cream, and I certainly would not recommend it for someone who is looking for an intensive anti-aging regime. The Eye Balm Intense would be ideal for those in their 20s, 30s, and early-40s. Anyone with more ‘mature’ skin would fare better with La Mer’s The Eye Concentrate or another anti-aging eye cream. As far as application goes (refer to my companion video review as well for proper application techniques):

1. Starting at the temple, sweep the applicator underneath the eye towards the nose.

2. Circle the area above the brow.

3. Finish by gliding the applicator back to the temple.

I have a feeling that La Mer will eventually take a hint from the major trends in the skin care industry and convert this product's packaging into a chic tube or pump dispenser (I see that they have switched their sample products over from jars to air-tight tubes—good for them). Until then, I don't find the jar medium to be offensive, especially as it pertains to hygiene or the maintenance of the product’s active ingredients. The Eye Balm Intense is an opaque glass jar that does stay fairly air tight and blocks the product from damaging UV rays.

Size - .05 oz.
*Price - $145.00

Master Corrector

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani’s website regards its master corrector as a, "Corrective concealer in four color-balancing shades designed to target specific complexion concerns. Exclusive micro-fil technology allows for targeted correction, visibly concealing imperfections while light-reflecting pearls impart a halo of light imparting a seamless, flawless facial canvas." For the first time, I agree with all of the claims made by a product’s manufacturer.

I use the Master Corrector in the shade Orange (#2). Although the color is not a true orange (it is more of a beige, peach, salmon-orange), it is perfect for immediately neutralizing any blue, purple, and brown tones that may occur under the eye area (although it can be used anywhere on the face). The #2 shade is said to be best for targeting “olive or darker skin tones to conceal under-eye circles, freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.” I am not sure if I agree with the “olive or darker skin tones” bit, as this corrector works wonderfully on my pale skin (refer to the demo in the companion video review) and would likely work on almost any skin tone.

Unlike most color correctors, the corrector from Giorgio Armani does not leave an offensive tint after use. Instead, the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector effectively neutralizes the color and then blends in with the skin tone seamlessly. The staying power of this corrector is also rather exceptional. You may choose to dust a small amount of your favorite powder to set the corrector, but this stage is not necessary to increase the length of wear or to set the product from smudging or migrating all over the face. Common sense applies to this aspect of the corrector, as always, so if you have extremely oily skin, you will want to take measures to keep excessive oils at bay.

The Giorgio Armani Master Correctors are truly professional quality and ideal for those who require (or desire) light to medium correction of their skin tone problems. From my perspective, the only real drawback is the poor packaging, as the expensive corrector spills into the cap a bit, thus running the risk of waste. Still, the corrector’s light texture makes it perfect for blending and also minimizes the potential for creasing, and since you require so little of the product each time, it will last you for months if not years. Additionally, I have noticed that you don't really need a skin toned concealer to hide the orangey tint of the corrector, but an additional layer of coverage might be a good precaution to take only if you have a concealer that you really like (in my case, Chantecaille’s Bio Lift Concealer), otherwise you can definitely pull off applying the corrector by itself onto bare skin. If your skin tone is notably pale, you will most likely need to apply a concealer over the corrector.

The best ways to apply this:

The Giorgio Armani Master Corrector will always be applied directly to the face with the tiny wand/brush that is included in the tube. However, for the sake of blending, you may use one of the following four methods:

1) I always use my finger despite the fact that I generally prefer brushes—for whatever reason the finger is particularly suited for use with this corrector.
2) You could certainly use a small fluffy brush (e.g. the M.A.C. 224 brush) or a variety of appropriate brushes.
3) I have received feedback from others that the Beauty Blender is their tool of choice for use with the Master Corrector.
4) Finally, you could use a cosmetic sponge (it seems that a wedge would work best) to press in and blend the corrector.

Indeed, some may think that color correction is just one step too many for a daily routine, but it certainly makes a considerable difference in the end. Unlike other correctors, I think you can easily add this into your routine with about 30 seconds required per eye. Oh, and I must also note that the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector is one of the highest rated cosmetic items on MakeupAlley.com. The product scored a very high 4.9 out of 5 with 100% of respondents indicating they would repurchase.

*Price - $36.00

Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder

GUERLAIN

I acknowledge that a $74.00 price tag for almost any cosmetic product (especially a bronzing powder) is likely to arouse some immediate reactions. As usual, many will dismiss the product outright as overpriced, frivolous, decadent...... Another group will consider the merits of the product and tuck away any desire for the product for another day (or scribble down the name onto yet another wish list). A third group will insist to have a hands-on moment with the product before contemplating the splurge. A final group will simply purchase the product for the “Guerlain” name or due to the draw of the “Terracotta” line (regarded widely as having produced some of the finest bronzers on the market). Personally, I find myself drifting back and forth between the three latter groups. However, when it came to the 4 Seasons Bronzer, I was genuinely moved and, as a result, insisted on owning the product. I will admit, the mention of pure gold caught my attention from the start (although the presence of gold is, for the most part, a gimmick), but the promises of a dimensional, bronzy, and sculptural glow was what sealed the deal for me—plus I am admittedly obsessed with finding the perfect bronzer (in whatever manifestation) after purchasing and trying approximately two dozen of the “top” bronzers. Capped off with a decently protective SPF 10, I was sold.

Sephora.com describes Guerlain’s Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder as, “A tailor-made bronzing powder with pure gold and SPF 10.” In addition to this description, the company argues that, “As the seasons change from winter through summer, women find that the tone of their complexion and their bronzing needs change as well. From the ultimate authority in bronzing comes Terracotta 4 Seasons: a variation in four steps to sculpt your tan all year long. The perfect gradation of caramelized tones, Terracotta 4 Seasons features four wonderfully matte shades to blend together to match every desire, skin tone, or season for an authentic tan and an incredibly natural result. With endless possibilities for combining and layering, this new powder is essential for sculpting a perfectly tanned complexion. Its secret to unprecedented luminosity lies in the formula enriched with pure gold that plays within the four tones for a tan that maintains radiance, no matter what the season.”

The shade I purchased was ‘Brunettes,’ which consists of four bronzy shades. These colors are separated into quadrants and consist of a light tan, a medium tan, a deep bronze, and a (very) dark tan. I admit that I made the mistake of purchasing the ‘Brunettes’ shade because, well, I am a brunette. It seems like an understandable mistake, as I could have never predicted the shades to be as dark as they were. In hindsight, I would have been much better suited with the ‘Blondes’ version of this bronzer, but I have been able to make do with the Brunettes (suck it up, right?). Despite three of the four shades being a tad too dark for my fair skin, I am still struck by the realistic color effects that one can create with the 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder. If you have ever had a bronzing powder from the Terracotta line, you will be familiar with the shades of bronze that the 4 Seasons bronzer uses (a tad ruddy, never orangey). Indeed, the coppery, bronzy, peachy, reddish, brown colors come off quite well in terms of their ability to mimic an authentic tan. Plus, this bronzer is matte, which adds to the realistic effect it can create. However, it still takes a bit of practice to master this bronzer. Due to its four distinct colors, it is possible to create some fantastic illusions in terms of one’s ability to engineer a highly defined and sculptural bronzy look. Of course, this attempt can quickly turn sour, as poor blending or awkward color placement could thwart one’s dream of the perfect bronzed effect. Still, if ever there were a bronzer to offer what no other bronzer has, the 4 Seasons bronzing powder seems to be it. In fact, many makeup artists use this bronzer for the many ‘tricks’ up its sleeve. Place the darkest shades onto contour zones and blend them seamlessly into the slightly lighter shades to highlight, contour, and chisel the face to sheer excellency.

To get a standard bronzed effect, one could run an angled brush, a typical powder brush, or a kabuki brush through the four caramelized tones and dust it onto the face. This type of effect is actually rather becoming. Although a true matte finish, there does seem to be a subtle luminosity to the powder. This luminosity is not shimmer (and it certainly isn’t glitter), but there is a radiance achieved that is not typical of strictly matte powders (Guerlain claims that the glow is due to the gold). Perhaps the gold is micronized to a point where it actually does enhance the otherwise matte caramel shades. Either way, the subtle luminosity is, dare I say, a tad sublime. With that being said, I do believe it would be easy to apply a bit too much of this bronzer and end up looking ‘overdone’ or ‘muddy’ (i.e. the worst nightmare of any bronzer). Nevertheless, Guerlain still have the most finely milled powders in the business, which helps one create a streak-less, non-caked effect time after time. On this note, the bronzer is one of the most blendable bronzers I have ever used. In many ways, it mimics a cream bronzer on the skin in that one has the option to keep blending it until the desired effect is perfectly in place (by the way, this bronzer would also double as a brilliant eye shadow for those who seek the natural, contoured, and, well, ‘shadowed’ effect). Although the bronzing powder can be blended for quite some time, I have noticed that it ultimately sets and stays in place very well (which is an effect unique to this bronzer from my experience), and as one would expect with a super-luxury bronzing powder, the Guerlain 4 Seasons really latches onto the skin and gives durable color for the better part of 24 hours. Although I adore, for example, my NARS Laguna bronzer, I have noticed that it tends to wipe away much more easily.

Finally, I must mention the packaging, for the packaging is this bronzer’s first line of defense…and what a defense! Just look at it! I would be hesitant to ever throw this compact away, even years after the bronzer has faded away. Two final words of warning—for those with oily skin, you will need to take extra precautions with this bronzer (a mattifying primer seems to be a must). For those with dry patches on their faces or small bumps (e.g. Keratosis pilaris), the risk of having this super-fine powder latch onto these irritations is a valid concern, so take special care and I think you will really love this bronzer!

Size .35 oz.

*Price - $74.00

No. 1 Perfume Spray for Men

 BY Clive Christian

I pondered over the most appropriate way to write a review for “the world’s most expensive perfume” for quite some time. On one hand, Clive Christian’s No. 1 Perfume Spray for Men confronts one with its off-putting and shamelessly ostentatious title. Still, I am willing to overlook the marketing tactics at play and assess the scent on its own merits. The context around the 2001 launch of No. 1 involves a celebrated heritage that extends all the way back to 1872. In 1999, the British perfume house acquired the Crown Perfumery, which allowed the label to use the likeness of the royal crown (the heavy golden crown topper). The tradition of creating luxury perfumes from the most exotic and natural ingredients continues today at Clive Christian, with No. 1 being its most outstanding example of sated decadence, wealth, and curiosity.

No. 1 Perfume Spray for Men (mine is the 50ml bottle, not the 30ml pure perfume) is widely recognized as the world’s most expensive perfume. Whether or not it actually is the priciest fragrance on the market, this slogan has been trumpeted far and wide and there is no turning back now. The company’s own selling-points aside, the fragrance is actually quite sensual and intimate. At its core, No. 1 is an oriental as well as an amber fragrance. While one may immediately think of several dozen fragrances that fit this genre, No. 1 adds some unique twists that are easy on the nose. However, it may not be the twists that make No. 1 so special—to me, it seems to be the way in which the notes are blended into consummate symmetry.

The top notes in No. 1 consist of bergamot, lime, Sicilian mandarin, cardamom, nutmeg, and thyme. The heart notes consist of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, and heliotrope. Finally, the base notes consist of cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, ambery woods, and vanilla. While the caliber of the component ingredients may be of the utmost quality (in terms of rarity, the jury is still out), it is up to the consumer to decide if a 50ml bottle is worth the $865.00 price tag. Indeed, I have fraternized with my share of people who are quick to purchase something simply for sheer fact that it is the most expensive of its kind available, but I still have a difficult time wrapping my head around how this concept of such expressive opulence would translate to No. 1.

The only other Clive Christian scent I own is 1872 Perfume Spray for Men, which is a spicy-citrus fragrance. Compared to 1872, No. 1 is much more dimensional and much more versatile. My first impressions of No. 1 were, as the marketing team likely intended, wrought with considerable feelings of confidence (perhaps a little danger) and a soupçon of intrigue. At the first whiff of this frag, a characteristically feminine quality emerges (perhaps even an older feminine quality), but not one that would dissuade even the most manly of men from wearing No. 1. The powdery and floral aroma lingers lightly (but with a sense of constancy and resolve that I find charming), but as the scent begins to dry down, the composition melds into a softly blended floral with a touch of vetiver, amber, and spice. Unfortunately, the sillage is nothing short of languorous, but No. 1 remains tight to the skin for many hours, which adds to its intimate ‘come-hither’ quality.

Onto the daunting (but legitimate) question of whether or not Clive Christian’s No. 1 is ‘worth’ the splurge. In my mind, the answer will come down to one’s own dogma concerning ‘value.’ Perhaps to the most sophisticated of noses, one could fear being exposed in the midst of attempting to dupe No. 1 with one of Prada’s (very) similar scents, but this seems like an unlikely scenario. In the real world, however, I cannot help but relegate Clive Christian fragrances to a world in which mega millionaires have become unapologetically blasé toward the value of the dollar. Still, for those who have the funds to play hard, I would bet that a gentleman who is confident in his own skin would put the $800+ toward a new car or a new boat (or personal aircraft or luxury timepiece…). In other words, it would be hard to envision No. 1 awakening an effect so enticing that the surrender of one’s plastic would turn imminent. Customers in this luxury market have seen it all and have done it all. While the draw of the fragrance may be quite deep, soothing, and sensual, No. 1 may very well lack the star power to appeal to those beyond the few who yearn to commemorate their wealth and flaunt their earthly successes.

*Price

1.6 oz. -- $865.00

TOBACCO VANILLE

Eau de Parfum

BY TOM FORD

Tobacco Vanille was the first Private Blend fragrance I ever purchased from Tom Ford. In hindsight, I am thankful that my first experience with the line was catered by such unmitigated profusion. But seriously, had I begun with, oh I don’t know, Black Violet, I may have not been as interested in exploring the full array of Ford’s scents. Although not my favorite of the Private Blends, Tobacco Vanille is certainly up there with a few of the best, and it has certainly found its place in my fragrance catalogue.

Tobacco Vanille is described as, “A modern take on an old-world men's club. A smooth oriental, Tobacco Vanille opens immediately with opulent essences of tobacco leaf and aromatic spice notes. The heart unfolds with creamy tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla and cocoa, and finishes with a dry fruit accord enriched with sweet wood sap.”

One moment, Tobacco Vanille strikes me with its punch of ‘good old country living’, but in a type of blow that is quickly unsettled by a conflagration of tobacco leaves fastidiously dunked in the finest (and thickest) of vanilla syrups. In mere moments, I envision myself seated around a campfire toasting marshmallows, but in a campsite closed in by the same urban jungle that had made Tobacco Vanille such a suave and gourmand blend. Proving itself to be greatly dissimilar to countrified living once again, Tobacco Vanille has a point to make, and though this point is perhaps unremittingly dense, the point is made with great haste.

Tobacco Vanille’s two powerhouse ingredients unite to bring about a robust, authoritative, and dominant chord, sending one through a rayless and humid tobacco cellar, only to turn up in the warm and vanilla laden tract of cherries, prunes, and figs. The entire journey almost seems to be a moist one, and it is difficult to descry any smoke apart from the initial flare-up. For this reason, one may be led to believe that this is a year-round fragrance, but it quickly transforms into something tremendously synthetic when any heat is applied. Living in Southern California, I find that this scent sits on the shelf day after day. But when the weather takes a dive, I am eager to grab for this honey-colored brew. If you choose to purchase Tobacco Vanille, go for the smallest bottle offered, and still be prepared to have it a part of your fragrance collection for decades to come.

*Price: 
3.4 oz. - $260.00

8.4 oz. - $465.00

PURPLE PATCHOULI

Eau de Parfum

BY TOM FORD

*2007

*A Shared Fragrance

This fragrance is perhaps most aptly personified by that one ‘abnormal’ family member you unfailingly happen upon at family functions. Purple Patchouli is not merely idiosyncratic, it is outright bizarre (almost encumberingly so), and everyone you go near is going to feel it. Could this be the reason Purple Patchouli was discontinued? Well, that’s for you to decide.

Purple Patchouli is described as a “60's inspired floral woody fragrance opens with an elegant orchid accord and wet, succulent citrus notes. The heart blends noir leather and a signature purple patchouli accord with exotic spices, supported by the intense depth of amber, Peru balsam and vetiver.”

While it may not strike one as strange for an infant to trade moods on a dime, the bipolar aura of Purple Patchouli will thrust anyone of legal age through a sugarland of rotting fruit adorned with the innocently candied bodies of violets plucked during their prime. In mere moments, you will find yourself in a dark and ominous wooded forest sweltering with oriental spices—a bit fleeting, maybe even a bit skanky. Can you see why this might not be right for the office?

While pleasant spices emerge as the fragrance charges onward, the sillage (unfortunately) drops off exponentially. It’s basically like having your cake right in front of you and not being able to eat it…or maybe getting only one bite. “Gross, it’s the wrong flavor of chocolate!”

Purple Patchouli is only “purple” because it contains winsome, bubbly violet notes. Purple Patchouli is only “patchouli” because…well, I’m not entirely sure why. In fact, the patchouli seems few and far between. Instead, the scent goes in an entirely different direction that even its own namesake neglects to acknowledge.

I can’t imagine there are many folks who are sufficiently brooding enough to pull off Purple Patchouli, as its requisite call for ‘effervescent charm’ is sharply enforced. But if there is such a person, this may be the scent for them. Caveat Emptor: Stay clear of Purple Patchouli if you have been dubbed by your peers as a hopeless impulse buyer or you will be caught with your pants around your ankles. This creation requires a lot of thought before you will be ready to dive in head first. The water may not be as deep as it seems.

AMBER ABSOLUTE

Eau de Parfum

BY TOM FORD

*2007

*A Shared Fragrance (Unisex)

My first inclination after smelling Amber Absolute for the first time was to dismiss it as an overbearing and starkly linear amber scent. Nevertheless, I prefer to give each fragrance a fair shake, so I chose to go along for the ride that Amber Absolute had in store for me.

Amber Absolute is described as, “A hallmark Private Blend fragrance. Amber Absolute is a honey-colored scent infused with the purest form of amber, joined by a tenacious refrain of African incense, labdanum, rich woods and a touch of vanilla bean.”

Once you smell Amber Absolute, it is clear that the amber is laden in quite the dash incense. Whether or not this sounds like your cup of tea, it is undeniable that Amber Absolute dons a smoky and shadowy persona, one that may even be fodder for further inquiry as the scent’s bulky and syrupy quality take on parched and sweltering peppers. This scent is extremely dry (and a smidge dusty perhaps) and it will leave even the most cracked terrains feeling somewhat outdone.

Like a few other of Tom Ford’s Private Blends, Amber Absolute has a very lengthy projection. For the most part, what you smell from the opening is what you get. Amber Absolute is…well…absolutely amber, and the fragrance remains in this vein for the extent of its campaign.

Granted, the dry amber does smooth out as the scent progresses—creating a rather rewarding finish to a discourteous opening—but the powerhouse amber stays strong and almost adopts a gourmand quality with splintery scraps of caramel cutting through a fairly unadulterated center.

Your thoughts on Amber Absolute will rest entirely on how you relate to the amber genre. Amber Absolute is on the verge of a one-note fragrance, which may be a disappointment to those shelling out the cash for a Tom Ford Private Blend. However, for an amber fragrance, Amber Absolute is of notable quality. To me, the faint and protracted development of the scent into a gentle and vanillic drydown makes Amber Absolute worth the try. However, I do not have plans to purchase a full size for a while at least, as my tiny roller ball will likely last for months.

*Price: 1.7 oz - $190.00

Chantecaille Bio Lift Concealer

The World’s Most Expensive Concealer?

On Chantecaille’s website, the following features are listed about their Bio Lift Concealer:

-		Anti-wrinkle hexapeptide relaxes existing lines and prevents others from forming
-		Surrounding color stick creates smooth, natural coverage for dark circles and blemishes
-		Botanical Squalane, Soybean and Vitamin E provide moisturizing treatment
-		Non-chemical SPF 10

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Price: $66.00
Size of product: .07oz / 2g

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Chantecaille’s Bio Lift Concealer is a two-in-one stick concealer. The outer ring is an extremely soft and creamy concealer. The inner core is a line-smoothing hexapeptide gel cream.

You may ask: What, Michael, does hexpeptide mean?

A hexapeptide, in short, is a peptide with six amino acid residues. Basically, a peptide is a compound formed by one or more amino acids linked together by covalent bonds. All humans have peptides in their bodies and since peptides are related to proteins, one may view peptides as a sort of building block to life. Once peptide chains reach a certain length they become a protein. Still, as many ingredients in cosmetics, it is unclear what kind of short-term (and especially long-term) benefits one ought to expect with the topical application of peptides. It could be a gimmick, but it could turn out to be valid. Only time will tell.

As you will see in the companion video, I apply the product directly to my eye area. Although some may cringe at this application technique, the product glides over the eye well area like a gentle breeze dusting a grassy plain. In all seriousness, the product is highly emollient and creamy, which ensures an extremely dewy (and thus natural) look. Furthermore, the moisturizing core makes the concealer stay looking fresh and new for the entire duration it is worn (within reason, of course). It is important to note that the concealer will begin to fade after several hours, and is probably at its best within the first four hours.

While one is correct to expect the Bio Lift Concealer to replace the need for an eye cream, I would say that it could indeed replace one’s morning eye cream. With this concealer, it is not necessary to apply an eye cream and then a concealer, as most would typically do with other under eye concealers. While you will feel a nice moisturizing and plumping effect (Chantecaille is a very high-end cosmetics line and is renowned line for its line of skin care products), it may do little to diminish any of your lines in this area. As with most moisturizing products (this one has a nice Squalane concentration), it will plump very fine lines, which will help to diminish the appearance of these lines temporarily (after all, it is still a cosmetic).

The emollient shine created by the concealer looks subtle and natural (not glossy, not matte), but I would not recommend for someone with oily skin (especially one with oily lids…that would be a disaster). I apply the concealer directly around the entire eye area and smooth it out with a fluffy blender brush. If you want to get 5-10% more coverage, use your finger.

I called a major department store (let’s say it rhymes with Semen Carcus…lol) that sells Chantecaille and asked them about the Bio Lift Concealer. The product is actually sold as a natural alternative to more phony looking concealers in that it covers in a very organic and pleasant way. In other words, it doesn’t mask dark circles. Rather, the Bio Lift Concealer diffuses the appearance of dark circles with a bright and light-reflecting effect that is imperceptible from one’s real skin (I absolutely agree with this claim). If you have very little darkness under your eyes, and want a product that will enhance your look (or if you don’t like wearing makeup but want a small pick-me-up), this is the concealer for you. It is seriously my favorite concealer to date, and it fits my own cosmetic vision perfectly…natural, fresh, lively, young…the list goes on—A product with light, natural coverage and moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients—Sign me up!

I think I got lucky when picking a color (I am in the shade chamomile); however, I hear that it is best to get color matched in person because choosing the perfect color with this concealer can make the difference between pure perfection and outright disappointment. The Bio Lift Concealer will not crack, it will not fall into fine lines, it will not crease. Of course, depending on one’s eye anatomy (i.e. the presence of any irregularities from a standard eye shape), you may experience very subtle creasing. If you see creasing start to appear, simply smooth it out with your finger or a brush and you are ready to go. Lastly, this concealer can be paired under another concealer. I also believe it can be used with a more liquid like corrector such as Giorgio Armani’s Master Corrector (I have a video on the GA corrector as well if you missed it).

Chantecaille’s Bio Lift Concealer is a must have for men who desire a concealer (for whatever reason) for a variety of reasons. It would be an especially perfect purchase for a groom to be. It would also be ideal for a guy who wants to look his best for a date, at a job, at an event, etc. The options are endless, and this product is really tailored for easy use and for achieving a perfect/natural finish. Truly, many women desire this as well. Oh, and did I mention the chic metallic packaging?!

NOIR DE NOIR

Eau de Parfum

By Tom Ford

*2007

*A Shared Fragrance (Unisex)

*Currently In Production

I am fully prepared to make the audacious claim that this is my absolute favorite scent from Tom Ford—a lofty assertion, I know—but let me explain myself.

Noir de Noir is a very up-market, high-street scent that oozes decadence and pointed affluence. Wearing it almost reminds one of wearing a patent leather tuxedo or some other (almost gratuitously) slick attire along with the latest pair of must have designer shades.

Noir de Noir is described as, “A dark chypre oriental, this scent opens with an earthy mantle of richly woven saffron, black rose and black truffle, with hints of floralcy. Underneath, vanilla, patchouli, oud wood and tree moss soften the intensity, making the scent a sensual experience.”

It would be easy to make the mistake of overapplying Noir de Noir, which will invariably ruin one’s first impression. Furthermore, one may be struck by a certain feminine mystique upon first whiff. Depending on one’s own beliefs on powerful rose notes, however, Noir de Noir might come off as exuding a uniquely masculine sensibility. Either way, it is critical to keep in mind that this scent is all about its rose note.

To me, Noir de Noir lifts off with rose, saffron, and oud. The rose and the saffron are carried forth through a fantasy of smoke and raspberry. Together, these accords bring a sense of mystery that is actually quite tantalizing and strong—one that refuses to compromise by appearing overly synthetic. Searching high and low to decipher the secret to Noir de Noir, one will inevitably lose one’s way as the adumbral accords unfurl into a sensual (and perhaps a tad libidinous) black truffle note.

Noir de Noir is a smooth fragrance in that it has no acute corners or thorny angles. The scent strikes a certain chord that is far from lacking depth or harmony, made consummate with dark caramel, vanilla, tobacco lead, woods, rum, and vanilla that burst forth in a sort of melodic harmony that turns out to be quite the spectacle. I wouldn’t hesitate to place Noir de Noir in a top 10 most alluring or ‘beautiful’ scents. However, if you dislike rose, this is not the right scent for you.

The longevity of Noir de Noir may exceed one’s expectations, as it will certainly tarry about for the better part of six hours. Unlike some of Tom Ford’s Private Blends, Noir de Noir does not sit close to the skin (at first), and it projects rather well. The main drawback, however, is the scent’s versatility. Noir de Noir is certainly not a versatile scent that can translate smoothly from day to night, bedroom to boardroom. Still, this doesn’t detract from this sensational creation, and the ‘to be treasured’ aura of Noir de Noir certainly brings me back for more.

*Price

1.7 oz - $190.00

8.4 oz - $465.00 (pictured)