Beauty

Chanel Libre Holiday 2016 Collection – Velvet Nail Colour Pink Rubber Swatch and Review

November 3, 2016

I haven’t bought new makeup from Chanel for a while, as I felt their past few collections just fell short of my expectations and the colors did not appeal to me. Really pleased to see that the Chanel Libre Holiday 2016 Collection brought me back again! This collection is not boring, and the products and the color theme are wearable for me. The items I picked up include the LE travel brush kit (been longing for a set of Chanel mini brushes for years!), the breathtaking Blush in Hyperfresh , and super polished Rouge Allure Gloss in Super Nude, and last not least, the VELVET Nail Colour in Pink Rubber (LE) – The entire holiday collection is available here in Australia.

It was love at first sight with this nail polish, as it is so right on point. Velvet is the big trend this season, and I just love how Chanel translates fashion to beauty. Pink Rubber is a pale ballerina pink nail color with a hint of salmon peachy pink undertone to it. On the nails, it looks very polished and clean, yet unique and edgy with the special velvet finish. The formula is relatively smooth (but not as nice as with a gloss formula) and opaque. The first coat is streaky, but you can achieve an even and streak-free finish with 2 thick coats. Drying time is phenomenal, as my nails were fully dried within 5 minutes without any additional fast drying topcoats.

Swatched with 2 coats

Compared to the traditional matte finish, the velvet finish is more gel-like and opaque which reminds me of the buffed acrylic nails before having any nail colour applied.

Here is a picture of my picks for the Libre Collection so stay tuned for more reviews to come!

{ 3 comments }

Labels: CHANEL • Holiday 2016 Collection • NAIL POLISH

DIOR Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion Foundation Review and Swatch

November 1, 2016

Dior has had several cushion foundation releases over the past 2 years, and their latest is the Total Capture Dreamskin Perfect Cushion Foundation with SPF50. Since I am a big fan of their Capture Totale Dreamskin Serum, which is the best daytime serum I have used from all the high-end beauty brands in the $100ish price range, I had to get my hands on this cushion foundation. It is on the high price end, but the good news is that it comes with a refill!

Dior claims that it is a hybrid of skin care and makeup that visibly improves pores, redness and shine, and leaving skin looking flawless and luminous. It boasts the same skincare ingredients as in the serum, so it works as a skincare and makeup that nourishes, protects as well as enhances your skin continuously throughout the day.

I have been using it for the past two weeks, and my conclusion is that it is more of a skin perfector with the benefit of cushion foundation. It has the most hydrating (but not creamy) and lightweight formula compared to the others. The texture is ultra fine, and it melds into the skin as soon as you stamp the sponge. For the application, there is no sweeping and blending required, and it leaves absolutely no traces of makeup. The formula is so hydrating that it almost feels like I am spraying a hydrating mist, and it instantly makes the complexion appear more plump and dewy and takes away all the dry skin patches and fine lines. It also leaves a semi-matte finish with radiance and dewiness that looks like your-skin-but-better. The formula would work particularly well in humid weather condition as it controls oil and shine, as opposed to the other more creamy cushion foundations that tends to crease during the day.

It blurs out the pores and evens out the skin tone exceptionally well for such a lightweight and silicone-free product. I am very impressed with how poreless, fine and smooth the skin texture looks with this product. The only shortfall is that it has quite a sheer coverage compared to the other brands such as YSL (reviewed here) and Sulwhasoo (reviewed here). It doesn’t cover the freckles nor the acne marks. For a flawless yet natural finish, I would suggest to apply a layer of tinted base first, then apply this cushion on top.

Formula comparison

YSL Fusion Ink Cushion – most opaque with the best coverage

Sulashoo Perfecting Cushion – most creamy with a medium coverage

Dior Dreamskin Cushion – most hydrating with the best staying power, and works the best for oil control with a sheer coverage

Swatch comparison

I bought the Dior Cushion in shade 10.

Bottom Line: If you prefer coverage, this product does not deliver unless you combine it with other complexion products. I see it as a skincare product with a sheer coverage that I can use any time of the day to hydrate, refresh and even out my complexion. On the other hand, If you have good skin with little skin concern, and after a ‘no-makeup’ feel, then this product alone will make your skin look like absolute perfection.

{ 11 comments }

Labels: CUSHION FOUNDATION • DIOR • foundation

My Favorite Hero Products from My Current Skincare Regime

October 26, 2016

Here is a quick rundown on some of my favorite products from my current skincare regime. Overall I am very pleased with the results, as my skin has been looking radiant and clear with a natural glow from within all the time – like I have had 8 hours of sleep every day! The texture is smooth and supple which also makes the makeup look and sit better on my skin.

1. Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Refining Cleansing Oil – It’s very easy and quick to remove the most stubborn and waterproof makeup thoroughly with this oil, without feeling rich and greasy on the skin. Reviewed here.

2. SKII Facial Treatment Essence (bought here in Australia) – One of my holy grails as the first step after cleansing. Been using it on and off over the past ten years, and the formula is great for all skin types, as well as all year around.

3. Chanel Le Lift Serum and Cream – Effectively and noticeably firm, and lift the skin. It gives a more lifted contour and reduces morning puffiness. Loving the range and will post a full review soon.

4. La Mer The Concentrate – Miracle in a bottle. It significantly reduces the appearance scarring, and repairs and rejuvenates the skin rapidly!

5. Creme de La Mer Moisturizing Cream – Holy grail moisturizer that I have been using over a decade! I go for the original cream formula in winter and prefer the new soft formula during the summer time.

6. La Mer Reparative Face Sun Lotion SPF30 – My favorite morning lightweight sunscreen that I use as my morning moisturizer. It has the same luxury smooth texture as a moisturizer that makes the skin super soft and supple without the sunscreen grease.

7. Le Weekend De Chanel – Really like the one-step skincare system from Chanel, particularly from a busy mommy perspective. I use this product in place of all other products every weekend. It is packed with glycolic acid complex so it is great for exfoliating, detoxifying the skin for a more clear and smooth complexion.

8. Philosophy Microdelivery Overnight Peel – Whenever I feel that my skin is starting to feel ‘rough’ and the makeup looks like it’s just sitting on top of the skin, I use the peel and it removes the dead skin cells and reveals new skin with finer texture. Reviewed here.

9.GLAMGLOW YouthMud – Another great deep cleanse mask for unclogging the pores, boosting radiance and smoothing out the skin. This gives you a ‘facial-like’ result that transforms the luminosity of your skin after only one use.

{ 5 comments }

Labels: CHANEL • GLAMGLOW • LA MER • My Favorites • Philosophy • Shu Uemura • SKII • SKINCARE

Makeup Tutorial – Ombre Peach and Brown Lip Color

October 24, 2016

Hoping everyone had a good weekend. I happened to have some spare time, so I took the opportunity and made a tutorial. I have always been asked by my readers to post more tutorials on the blog, so today I wanted to share my current favorite way of wearing the brown lips. I adore the brown lip color which is trending everywhere now, but if you find that the color is too retro and grown-up for you, then I think mixing it with a soft peach color makes it more pretty and youthful.

Products Used:

MAC Naked Liner / 2. Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Salmon / 3. Kat Von D Lolita (reviewed here) / 4. Hakuhodo Lip Brush (my HG!)

Step by Step Guide

{ 7 comments }

Labels: BOBBI BROWN • HAKUHODO BRUSH • Kat Von D • MAC • TUTORIAL

What’s on my wishlist

October 20, 2016

As the holiday is approaching, my wishlist is becoming uncontrollably bigger. Here is a quick post sharing the makeup items that are currently on the top of my wishlist. I’ve already acquired some items on the list, but haven’t had a chance to post a review yet.

1. Tom Ford Orchid Collection – I want everything especially the Night Bloom Powder. It is already released in the US,and will be launching in Australia on the 30th October. Pencil this important date in!

2. Tom Ford Holiday 2016 Collection – Absolutely divine. My picks are the Soleil Eye & Cheek Palette, and the limited edition brush sets!

3. Becca Blushed with Light Palette – I like this palette more than the Jaclyn Hill cheek palette as the colors are more neutral and wearable for me.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Muse Palette – Love the Dolce Vita palette from CT, and this is my second palette that caught my attention from the brand (review coming soon). Available here in Australia.

5. Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet – Just bought them from David Jones online, and love the colors and finish so much. Review coming soon

6. By Terry Impearlious Ombre Blackstar Gift Collection – Such a good value for 5 amazing eye shadow pencils in beautiful neutral colors. Available here worldwide.

7. Suqqu Holiday 2016 Kit A (Japan exclusive) – I always prefer the Japan releases than the UK releases for Suqqu.

8. Suqqu Extra Rich Cream Foundation – Can’t wait to get my hands on this new foundation.

9. Marc Jacobs Beauty Face and Eye Palette (LE) – Perfection for neutral lovers!

{ 5 comments }

Labels: Holiday 2016 Collection • SHOP • WISHLIST

Givenchy Le Rouge Semi-Matte Lipstick Review and Swatch – 105 Brun Vintage and 106 Nude Guipure

October 18, 2016

Givenchy was one beauty brand that had been off my radar until I consistently saw people raving about their lip products, so I decided to test them out at Sephora recently. The unsurprising outcome was that I liked the Givenchy Le Rouge Semi-Matte Lipstick so much, it was a case of limiting myself to 2 colors only, so I picked up the shades 105 Brun Vintage and 106 Nude Guipure which are all neutral MLBB with a hint of brown undertone.

The packaging of these lipsticks is beyond luxurious and gorgeous. Love the genuine leather tube, and the ultra-modern silver metal case, and it feels so sturdy and weighty in hand. I didn’t think any brand could beat the lipstick packaging of Tom Ford, but Givenchy is on par.

Le Rouge is a rich and creamy lipstick that applies silky smooth, streak-free with a medium slip feel, and it feels lightweight on the lips. It has a good coverage and applies true to its color with one to two strokes only, and it gives a semi-matte finish with a satiny sheen. If you think the full matte lipstick formula is too drying for your lips, then I highly recommend the semi-matte formula. The Le Rouge feels moisturizing, and it fills the dry lines and gives the lips a more plump look, but you still achieve this retro matte finish. For a precise application, I like to use a lip brush such as the Artis Circle 1 as shown in the fist picture

105 Brun Vintage is an MLLB medium muted rose color with a hint of brown undertone. Definitely a very easy-to-wear and flattering color for most complexions.

106 Nude Guipure is a medium brown nude lip color with a rosy beige undertone. It’s very easy to pull off for a brown nude color without looking too nude and pale.

Group Swatch

{ 3 comments }

Labels: GIVENCHY • LIPSTICK

Philosophy The Microdelivery Overnight Peels Review

October 14, 2016

I always like to include a peel product in my skincare regime, and lately, I’ve been using the Philosophy The Microdelivery Overnight Peel. I like the results of peels from the salon, with at-home kits, as they are much gentler. I’ve been trialing with different brands, and so far I like the Philosophy the most (the result is nearly on par my favorite the La Prairie Cellular 3 Minute Peel), but based on result vs. value, this is a good option.

Why Peel?

As mentioned in my previous skincare posts, once you’ve passed the age of 28, your skin metabolism rate goes down by a lot. A normal skin renewal cycle is probably 14 days, but my skin is acting sluggish and hardly does any self-renewal. Peel is for peeling the dead skin cells in a more intensive way than an exfoliator, so it reveals newer skin hence it makes your skin appear smoother and with finer pores. It is also great for fading superficial pigmentations at the top debris layer.

How to Use

The overnight kit includes a liquid peel solution as step 1, and a night gel as step 2, with a small bag of cotton pads. For the application, you saturate the pads with the solution and wipe it on your face in a circular motion then leave it for 2 minutes. Then you apply a thick layer of the night gel which is a hydrating leave-in sleeping mask. The peel solution contains alpha/beta hydroxy acid and feels quite gentle and doesn’t sting nor irritate my skin. The night gel has a jelly-like texture, and it is designed to hydrate, soothe and restore your skin from potential irritation that may occur from the peel overnight. You can also add your preferred moisturizer on top.

The Result

As with most at-home peels I have used, the only noticeable result is having the skin look more smooth, glowing and luminous the next day. Peel is used for long-term results, as it helps to renew the skin at a quicker pace. I am more than half way through this kit, and overall the texture of my skin appeared more refined, even and clarified, with less congestion and more clean pores.

{ 3 comments }

Labels: Philosophy • SKINCARE

Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo Review and Swatch – Lush & Libido and Kink & Kisses

October 10, 2016

I haven’t bought any new blushes for a while, as there wasn’t anything exciting until the launch of Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo. I knew I would like them as soon as I saw pictures starting to trickle around on the internet, and they certainly did not disappoint when I finally got them on my hands. The colors I picked were Lush & Libido and Kink & Kisses, and they were bought on Sephora AU Online. The current stocks are quite limited as they are selling out really fast.

Marc Jacobs Beauty is certainly a relatively new beauty brand that is growing on me. As you can see my collection is growing, and I still have a big wish list for them – currently eyeing on this to-die-for palette which is not available in Australia yet! The Air Blush comes in its signature black and round compact case. What sold me to these blushes is because of this short clip – it looked so promising and as I read the info, I found that this blush was made with a new ingredient called Japanese Airy Powder with a process called Soufflage (French for “air-whipped”). How intriguing!

The Air Blush definitely lived up to my high expectations after putting it to the test. It has a buttery and silky soft texture, and it imparts a soft natural luminous glow to the cheeks. The finely-milled airy pigments are almost undetectable on the skin, as it goes on ultra lightweight like a feather and gives a super natural flush of color. It blends effortlessly with no visible edge. The finish is beyond pretty – it doesn’t have any shimmer to it but it still adds a touch of satiny radiance which makes your cheeks pop and plump that look very youthful.

The multi-striped colors give a dimension to the color. I like the thoughtful design as there is enough separation between the light and the darker colors, so you can add one or the other color more for your preferred finish.