Beauty

LANCOME La Palettes Des Reves Eyeshadow Palette and Le Dual Kohl Pencil Eyeliner Brun Glace Review and Swatch

January 3, 2017

I haven’t bought any makeup from Lancôme for a very long time(except for their mascaras), and from the past Paris En Rose holiday collection, there were several items released that I just couldn’t let go. I pursued the Lancome La Palettes Des Reves Eyeshadow Palette very hard as it was sold out at most stores, but you can still get it here and will be restocked here soon! The collection is stunning, and I also picked up the Le Duo Kohl Pencil Eyeliner which is also an essential everyday product for me.

I am absolutely besotted with this eye shadow palette, and I can honestly look at these beautiful colours non-stop. Despite its festive packaging, the actual product and the mix of lovely neutral colours is what I would go for all year around, and makes it a perfect palette for everyday use. The quality of all the eye shadows is also amazing. All shades are buttery soft, silky smooth and non-powdery, so there is no fallout during application. The palette has one matte colour, and the rest is in shimmer that is not over-the-top but still adds a wash of satin sheen to the eyes. Colour payoff and finish varies (see color description), and takes about 1 to 2 swipes to show the true colors on the eyes with a primer underneath.

Swatch and Color Description

Top Left: A matte vanilla

Top Middle: A high shimmer peach color with a hint of foil finish

Top Right: A soft shimmer taupe

Bottom Left: Shimmery silver white (slightly sparkly at some angles)

Bottom Middle: Shimmery Rosy Pink (slightly sparkly at some angles)

Bottom Right: Semi-matte charcoal black

The Le Dual Kohl Dual End Eye Pencil in Brun Glace is a product that I’ve been searching for a very long time. Since I only wear shimmery champagne and soft bronze colours along the lower lash lines, and having two of my all-time favourite colours in one pencil is a must have product for me. I adored it so much so I even acquired a back-up of it – one on my vanity, and one in my makeup bag. The formula is intense, creamy and applies silky smooth without tugging the skin.

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Labels: EYELINER • EYESHADOW • LANCOME • PENCIL EYELINER

Charlotte Tilbury Film Noir Nights Makeup Kit Review – Matte Revolution Lipstick Opium Noir and Eyeliner Bedroom Black

December 22, 2016

The Charlotte Tilbury Film Noir Nights Makeup Kit is taking festive makeup to another level. Every holiday season we have seen all the brands offer pretty gift sets to attract more customers, but I have never seen such a beautiful and unique gift box with vintage Hollywood glamor. The set includes Charlotte Tilbury’s best-seller Rock N Kohl eyeliner in Bedroom Black and her latest LE matte revolution lipstick Opium Noir. Just for the lipstick which is exclusive to this set and the box (which I will keep), it is worthwhile getting the set in my opinion.

The presentation of the box is inspired by the vintage vanity mirror. The box lights up upon opening, with 6 mini lights around the mirror. The mirror is also decent sized which is enough to show the whole face, and with the bright light, it makes it such a pro makeup mirror that gives you a very clear view of your makeup even in the dark!

The matte revolution lipstick from CT is one of my favorite matte formulas amongst all the brands. It glides on silky smooth, even and mostly importantly non-drying. It gives a matte finish with a hint of sheen. The color Opium Noir (LE) from this set is blowing me away. I thought it would look too vampy on me when I saw it from the tube, but once it’s applied, it translates to the most flattering vampy red with an edge. The beauty of this color is that it makes a statement but it is also flattering and wearable. I am completely obsessed with this color!

The Rock N Kohl Eyeliner in Bedroom Black is a jet black eye liner that glides on silky smooth, creamy and doesn’t tug the delicate skin. The texture is creamy enough for smudging for creating smokey eyes, and once it’s set, the color stays put all day without smudging. It is also super pigmented so one swipe gives a clean and sharp line. Overall I can’t stop gushing about the formula of this eyeliner, and I do wish they have it in more brown and coppery colors!

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Labels: Charlotte Tilbury • EYELINER • Holiday 2016 Collection • LIPSTICK

Cle De Peau Beaute Essential Correcting Refiner Review

December 17, 2016

Cle De Peau Beaute is one ultra-prestige skincare line that I am always curious about. Unfortunately, Cle De Peau is not available in Australia, and buying them online from overseas is also not an easy job. After hearing lots and lots of raves on one of their star products – the Essential Correcting Refiner (also available here), I finally managed to get my hands on it a while ago, and I love it to bits as a gentle clarifying toner for re-texturizing and pore refining my combo skin.

It is specifically formulated for treating the pores and skin congestion (black and white heads). It can be used on all skin types (except for very dry), and the philosophy is to balance the water and oil level of your skin to keep the pores clean and clear for a refined complexion. I know many of us suffer from combo skin (oily and dry at the same time), and this little purple bottle of water may be your perfect solution to treat two skin issues at the same time.

The lotion has three key ingredients. The super hyaluronic acid for hydration, and refining and illuminating complex for retexturing the skin for a smooth and radiant complexion, as well as oil absorbing powder for oil controlling all day. It also contains alcohol (as with most famous Japanese essence lotions such as the SKII, Kose Sekkisei Lotion or Albion Skin Conditioner which I also adore), and I personally don’t mind it as my skin is not allergic to it.

I have used products with absorbing powder before, and I wasn’t so impressed as I find them quite drying. With the Cle De Peau, it is hydrating and clarifying at the same time, and most importantly it clarifies and deep cleanses the pores. For the application, give the bottle a good shake, then pat the lotion onto the skin. Immediately your skin feels hydrated, refreshed and incredibly velvety smooth, and the complexion appears more even-looking and refined with a semi-matte finish. For treating the problematic areas such as the nose and chin, I then wet a cotton pad with the lotion, and wipe the cotton pad in a circular motion, and you will see it dissolve the dirt and oil on the surface. Over time, this product helps to unclog the pores and minimize the white/blackheads.

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Labels: CLE DE PEAU • SKINCARE

My picks for the best neutral colors from Tom Ford Lips and Boys 2016 – Evan, Ashton, Julian and Addison

December 13, 2016

Everyone swooned over the 26 new shades of Tom Ford’s Lips and Boys 2016 released this November. Yes they are pricey for a mini lipstick, but they are Tom Ford – the epitome of the most luxurious lipstick in the world and worth the splurge for a few shades. After going through all the colors, I ordered Evan and Ashton online (bought here in Australia), and they are so beautiful and exactly what I expected. In this post, I am also sharing the swatch for Julian and Addison (from the previous release) which I had never shown on the blog before.

I have covered the review for Tom Ford Lipsticks in tons of other posts, so this post will mainly be showing the swatches. See my review for the other shades of Lips and Boys.

Evan (matte) – A true matte brown nude. Absolutely head over heels with this color!

Ashton (satin) – Another must-have new discovery for me. It is a medium rosey brownish pink that reminds me of my newly found HG lip color Givenchy Le Rouge 105 (reviewed here).

Julian (cream) – A cool medium pink with mauve undertone. If you think it might pull too cool on you, you can wear it on top of a pink-peach lip liner which is beautiful.

Addison (cream) – A medium peachy pink that is very similar to the famous Tom Ford Pink Dusk.

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Labels: LIPSTICK • Tom Ford

Chanel Les de Mini Travel Brushes 2016 Review

December 10, 2016

I have been looking for a perfect set of travel brushes for a very long time, and finally, I was able to get my hands on the uber luxurious Les Mini De Chanel Travel Brush Set 2016. Chanel only releases mini brush sets (LE) for the Holidays, and they tend to sell out fast every year. I have had travel brush sets from MAC (which I do not recommend), and this Chanel is of much better quality and feels more luxurious! This set is now sold out at most stores but you can still buy them at Chanel Online (also available here in Australia).

The mini brush set comes with a signature pouch, and decent sized Chanel mirror and a set of 5 exclusive brushes including powder, foundation, 2 eyeshadow and 1 lip brush. This set pretty much covers all the essential brushes that I need when I travel, also I probably will carry another spare blush and eyeshadow blending brush. Having this set has greatly downsized the amount of beauty items that I need to bring with me.

All 5 brushes are of superior quality and the bristles actually are of the same quality and feel as Chanel’s original sized brushes, unlike MAC where their mini brushes are made of less superior hair compared to the MAC full sized

Brush Description (from right to left as in the above pic)

1. Powder brush (natural hair) – This is one of my favorite brushes from the set. The brush is so big and full of volume for a “mini brush”. The brush is round and tapered, and the bristles feel soft and fluffy, which is good for applying loose and compact powder.

2. Foundation brush (synthetic hair) – Compared to the previous releases, this set has an exclusive foundation brush in an innovative shape that had never been seen from Chanel before. Everyone is very interested in this spiral brush. I was told by the Chanel SA that it is designed for applying makeup primer as well as the liquid foundation. Simply pour the liquid foundation/primer to the center hole of the brush, and swirl over the face for an even and flawless finish. It is an interesting design, and the finish is on par with a kabuki brush.

3. Smudge and Blending brush (natural hair) – Has a tapered dome shape, and is great for applying, blending and smudging the eye shadows. Size is similar to the Chanel brush #19 (reviewed here) and the legendary Suqqu M brush. (reviewed here).

4. Contour Eyeshadow brush (natural hair) – Similar to a pencil brush. It has a slim tapered brush head and is great for precise application and working around the corners. Can be used with powder or cream eye shadows.

5. Lip brush (synthetic hair) – It has a flat shape and the size is just perfect for a precise and controlled application.

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Labels: BRUSHES • CHANEL

Products loving now for achieving the perfect party-ready skin!

December 7, 2016

It is the time of the year where everybody has lots of social gatherings planned, and we all want to look at our best! I have been good with my diet (trying to eat very clean food so I can fit into my party dresses and look less bloated), and most importantly I picked up some skincare products and tools that will instantly transform the appearance and texture of the skin to a better condition, and preps my skin to be party-ready (radiant and smooth).

Baby Quasar MD Plus – Salon therapies definitely give you an instant skin transformation, but they are pricey and requires down time. At-home beauty tools are always a cheaper option to try, and they are far more effective than solely relying on the skincare. My latest addition is the Baby Quasar MD Plus. I have had it a few times in salons, and I finally decided to get the home version. It is not cheap, but I like the result it delivers and it is a gentle tool to use. It emits 4 different wavelengths that deeply penetrate, stimulates collagen reproduction and over a short time your skin appears firmer with an improved density. I will do a full review on the tool soon, but in summary, this tool makes my skin appear plumped up and more youthful looking with a glow instantly.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate – Still my HG exfoliator. I use it more intensively 2 weeks before the events/parties. It makes my skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom, and prevents congestion from clogging up.

GlamGlow TingleExfoliate Treatment – Another HG skincare item. A deep cleaning and clarifying mask that brightens and detoxifies the skin. Skin looks ultra clear and luminous after use!

Cle De Peau Essential Correcting Refiner – Best of the best pore refining lotion in the market! Full review coming soon

SKII Facial Treatment Essence – Alternating Cle De Peau with SKII, this famous highly concentrated Pitera liquid lotion deeply hydrates, clarifies and brightens for achieving crystal clear skin.

Suqqu Massage & Mask Creme – Face lift in a jar and is equivalent to the result of having a facial. It is a nourishing and moisturizing mask that gets rid of water retention, instantly creates a slimmer and more toned jaws and lifted cheeks and eyes following the enclosed GANKIN massage techniques.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream – Best seller from Charlotte Tilbury that she uses on Celebs and models before events. It cheats the appearance of 8 hours sleep and gives a plumped, glowing, youthful dewy complexion in a flash!

Chanel Le Lift Cream – Reviewed here. My go-to moisturizer for recontouring and refining the complexion.

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Labels: BABY QUASAR • Beauty Tools • CHANEL • Charlotte Tilbury • CLE DE PEAU • GLAMGLOW • Kate Somerville • SKII • SKINCARE • SUQQU

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Palette Review and Swatch

December 4, 2016

I have been showcasing this beautiful Hourglass Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Palette (bought here with free international shipping) a lot on my insta lately. The marble packaging totally captured my heart. I have lots of individual Hourglass ambient lighting powder, as well as the Ambient Lighting palette. Since this palette comes in 6 new never-before-released shades, that makes a wonderful excuse for me to add it to my stash.

Basically, the ambient powder adds a soft lit-within glow to the face. All powders are not fully matte, but they are also less shimmery than a traditional shimmer product. It imparts a luminous glow to the face that looks good with all age groups (unlike the ultra glamorous finish that you see on Insta which may not look good in real life!), and all powders go on semi-translucent with a tinge of color so it would look flattering on all skin tones. The application is fool-proof as the pigment is soft and easy to blend, and the powder does not enhance the pores.

The palette contains 1 finishing powder, 2 blushes, and 1 bronzer and 1 highlighter. All of them contain very fine micro shimmer that does not look visible on the face.

Surreal Light: A sheer nude finish powder that goes on translucent on my NC15/20 skin tone. I like to use it to set my makeup over the center of the face. It instantly brightens, and makes the face look more dimensional and lifted as the powder reflects light softly, as well as controlling the oil all day long.

2. Surreal Bronze Light: A neutral tan shade. Great for creating a subtle contour, and adding warmth to the face.

3. Surreal Glow: A pale peachy pink blush that looks very delicate on the skin. Can also be used as a highlighter depending on your skin tone.

4. Surreal Effect: A cool, pink rose fused with a soft, warm peach for a pop of flattering color. Goes on quite bright and adds a flush of color to the cheeks.

5. Surreal Strobe Light: A glimmering golden peach powder, and can also be used wet for an intense highlight.

Under the sun

Swatch

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Labels: BLUSH • BRONZER • CONTOUR • HIGHLIGHTER • HOURGLASS

ARTIS Brush Review – Oval 6 and Circle 1R Elite Mirror Finish

November 27, 2016

As a beauty blogger, I am always intrigued by new and innovative products. Since the Artis brushes look very much state of the art, and the price point is acceptable for a high-end range, I decided to give them a try. My first order consisted of two most essential brushes for me – the Oval 6 Brush as a foundation brush , and Circle 1R for eyeshadow blending. The performance of these brushes has completely blown me away and surpassed my expectations. I have a fair share in premium brushes such as Suqqu and Tom Ford, but I have never used brushes that deliver such wonderful pro results in a very easy way.

The Artis Brush comes in 4 different designs. I have them in the Elite Mirror Finish design from Net-A-Porter, which has the handle made of silver metal in mirror finish with a white rubber in the middle for easy grip. NAP also carries the brushes in an ultra glamorous gold design and the Elite Smoke design in silvery grey color. Neiman Marcus carries their own exclusive line – the Artis Fluenta that comes in a completely different handle design (with the same brush heads). At the moment Neiman Marcus is offering SPEND and RECEIVE Gift Cards up to $750 (more details at the bottom of the post) from their Cyber Monday deal with eligible beauty purchase including the Artis brush.

Each Artis brush comes in an individual box with full instructions on the back. The look of the brush is beautiful in an expensive way and futuristic. All bush is made of their patented velvet soft CosmeFibre bristles, that is revolutionary engineered fiber made for applying cosmetic and makeup products. The bristle is very fine (finer than the synthetic flat top brush) and is extremely dense and feels soft. All of their brushes can be used with products of different textures such as cream or powder based, and each brush can be used for different purposes.

The Oval 6 Brush (fluenta version here) is recommended to use with foundation, blush, bronzer and concealer. I personally think it is the most amazing for applying foundation, as it is the perfect size and shape, and it gives an airbrushed and flawless finish with all types of foundations. It has an oval design (about the same size as a conventional kabuki foundation brush) with a flat top head. Unlike any other foundation brush, this brush gives a completely streak-free finish, and in the mean time it doesn’t sheer down the coverage and opacity of the foundation as with a beauty blender or sponge. Normally it would take me at least 2 and 3 different ways to achieve the same result as with only this brush! Can’t gush enough about it.

The Oval 6 also works well with other cream-based products such as concealer or cream blush for the face. As with powder blush, it works great with a sheer blush. For a vibrant blush, it is not the most ideal tool for me as it picks up a little too much pigment due to the density of the brush.

It didn’t love using the Oval 6 for powder application as much as with cream-based products, surprisingly with the Circle 1R brush (Fluenta version here), it has once again blown me away for applying and blending powder eye shadows over the crease area. This brush has a dome tapered tip that gives a softer finish. The application is like a breeze. All you need is to dip the brush into a neutral color, and swipe it across the crease area and it gives a perfectly blended pro result! It leaves no harsh edges, no patches. Another must-have brush that I highly recommend.

The shape of the brush is quite versatile, as you can use it for the eyes for either blending or shading, and it is even ideal as lip and concealer brush.

Bottom Line: Pure love. I love them so much so I have bought several more brushes from the range. Will be reviewing them in the near future. My friends have been asking me what Artis brush should they get, and I highly recommend to them the 5 brush set because they are of better value and they will not let you down. If you really just want to get one or two brushes, then 6 and 1R are the most versatile from the range in my opinion.

Here is the Cyber Monday Deal from Neiman Marcus

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Labels: ARTIS BRUSH • BRUSHES

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