Worth it? Chanel La Vernis Nail Color

There is something so iconic and chic about Chanel.  Cosmetics, clothing, accessories - they're all as glam as you can get.  Chanel La Vernis nail polish is supposed to be long-lasting and chip resistant.  There are of course also gorgeous shades from the lightest roses to baby blue.  At $23 a bottle, it's not cheap. 
But is it really a grande dame of nail polish as well?  I've been tempted to try it and would love to hear your experiences.

Worth it?

Enter to win free Bare Escentuals makeup and a makeup artist for your wedding from @100layercake

I don't wear makeup and yet have come to love Bare Escentuals. Smooth coverage, non-cakeiness, SPF15 - yep, good stuff indeed. So good I wore it when I did my own wedding makeup. Well that and Laura Mercier moisturizer just in case. I'll write about my makeup soon for people who want easy makeup and don't know much about it like me.

I even received the Starter Kit as a bridal shower gift. Holla. Yep, I've brought it to London.

I'd love for one of my blogger buddies to enter to win free makeup and a makeup artist for your wedding from Bare Escentuals.
Just enter here.

Tarte Cosmetics 40% off - August 17 - August 24

Tarte cheek stain was a strong contender for my blush (I used Stila convertible color since I already owned it and it looked great).
Tarte still has a great array of wedding ready makeup including:

• Cheek stain for $30 - loving liquid blushes now for the easy application

• Brightening wand - $22 - great way to lighten up those eyes (got something similar after, darn!)

• Concealer - $19 - for the flawless finish

Use FF09 for 40% off from August 17 - August 24.
Free shipping if you buy over $60 of products.

DIY Makeup tutorials

Aahh, the power of Youtube. Gotta love that video directory behemoth. I found a few makeup tutorials today and am more confident about doing my own makeup.

Makeup by TiffanyD has two main tutorials where she applies makeup (as she would on a bride) on her sister. I would probably do less eye shadow blending, but liked how her videos showed a good chronology of makeup applications. Panacea81 also has a brief tutorial on a "sweet and innocent" look.
Here are some random photos with the natural and rosy look I'm going for.

I'm planning on doing my own bridal makeup because:

1. I have been brought up to not wear much makeup and be natural - something I want to carry to my wedding day
2. One of my best friends did her own makeup and she looked fab
3. I live in NYC where good makeup artists are $250 and up. Not so chic 'n cheap.
   

Ok, I've accepted. The two obvious and glaring cons:

1. I may not have all the requisite materials/tools
2. I may not know how to do it properly

Issue two can be solved through the aforementioned videos and practice. Good makeup/tools will take time but that's when you need to start bargain hunting! My tips are simple:
- Look for online and offline promotions
- Ask makeup artists for their tips

I obtained a Stila eyeshadow brush free with purchase a while ago when they opened at Macy's Herald Square (the counter is now unfortunately closed). Many counters also frequently offer gifts with purchase so you can obtain great trials and travel sets.
I obtained a Stila eyeliner brush for $6 and $100 makeup set for $12 at Beautycrunch (sign up for notices for sales!). Good 'ol eBay also seems to have tons of tools and makeups.

I had a few mini trials at Sephora (mama of all bakeup stores) and Bare Escentuals (highly recommend their mineral makeup). I have been looking for a good foundation and the makeup artists there recommended Revlon Anti-Aging, Bare Escentuals, and HD foundation.

I still have to trial and buy a few things, but I will certainly pass along my picks soon!