Cleopatra Eyes - A Review of NARS Eye Paint in Mozambique

It has been one of my goals in life to practice and perfect that inimitable, seductive gaze that the ancients spoke of. Many ancient texts place a great deal of significance on the intoxicating qualities of seductive eyes, and if there is one ancient beauty secret that has lived on through the ages, it is the legendary Cat Eye.The ancients are clear that Cleopatra, the queen of the Cat Eye, was not a natural beauty (at least according to the Roman standard of beauty) - therefore, she painstakingly applied and perfected her methods of seduction, which included the meticulous application of cosmetics that elevated her fairly plain features to the status of goddess-like.You see,often times legendary beauty is created through the art of artifice. 

Which brings me to my latest cosmetic purchase: NARS Eye Paint in Mozambique - a creamy, matte olive green. I usually stick to neutral eyes, but when I found this on deep discount via Amazon, I decided to give it a shot. I used a MAC concealer brush to apply Mozambique straight to my lids, and after a tiny amount of blending, I finished with black eyeliner. The formula sets fairly quickly and dries down to a soft matte velvet texture. The color payoff is amazingly vibrant, and it doesn't oxidize or flake, which I greatly appreciate. I actually slept in it to see how it would hold up by morning, and all I can say is that this stuff is a must-have for makeup that is low maintenance! No touch-ups, no muss, no fuss. I absolutely adore the creamy formula (no pulling, streaking or chalkiness) and the shade Mozambique.Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the formula - I can see this being a staple in summertime - I just wish that NARS would come out with more matte colors...

Comrade Von Pussycat

Femme Fatale Basics: The Spy Coat

Marlene Dietrich

There are few thing I love more than a good coat, and the spy coat is my absolute favorite! From a French New Wave worthy creme brulee colored cotton to a matte soot colored leather version fit for a film noir femme, there is a spy coat for every moment of the day. The classic beige hue is perfect for those cool Spring days sitting at the sidewalk cafe with friends. A rich cognac color in sumptuously soft leather is perfect for crisp Autumn days out walking in the city park, sipping hot cocoa and arm in arm with your lover. A glossy patent leather in the deepest of blacks is perfect for a glamorous night out at the discoteque - especially with a slick of blood red lipstick and disco ball inspired eyeliner! A beautiful, high quality coat can be expensive, but it is well worth the investment. A great coat can make you look instantly polished, regardless of what is underneath - which is great if you need to quickly run to the store and have no time for primping!

(Left) Marlene Dietrich, (Center) Brigitte Bardot, (Right) Joan Crawford

Although there are many modern versions available, buying a vintage piece carries along with it a deep satisfaction knowing that no one else will have your exact same coat. Also, if you are a hopeless romantic (like I am!), the patina of age, even a few stains and scratches, means that the piece has a story - something particularly irresistible to most of us dreamers... 

Here are a few of my favorite vintage spy coats from Etsy:

Vintage 1970's spy coat in delicious cognac leather via Etsy

Vintage Pierre Cardin dark chestnut corduroy spy coat with patent leather accents via Etsy

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent classic spy coat via Etsy - tres French New Wave!

Now for a modern interpretation of the classic spy coat:

Doesn't Penelope make leather look so elegant and effortless?

Comrade Von Pussycat