Beauty

Tom Ford Soleil Color Collection – Soleil Contouring Compact, Bicoastal Sheer Cheek Duo, Ultra Rich Lip Color Review, Swatch and FOTD

June 12, 2016

Believe it or not, Tom Ford Soleil Color is the only 2016 summer collection that I picked up this year! (yep I skipped the Chanel..and many others) Normally summer collection involves lots of bright colors and bronzers which are not of my best interest, so for me it’s the easiest season that I can save my money from lol! With the exception of the always breathtaking release from Tom Ford. I managed to pick up some highly popular items including two beautiful face palettes – the Contouring Compact (limited edition) and Bicoastal Sheer Cheek Duo, and one lip color in Les Mepris on the first day of release. The entire collection is available on David Jones Online in Australia.

The Soleil Contouring Compact in The Afternooner is beyond gorgeous. If you own the Illuminating Powder Duo (reviewed here), you will love this palette too, as it includes a highlighter and a bronzer that are just as gorgeous as the duos, with an additional blush that makes this palette very versatile and practical to use. I won’t go into the details of the quality in this post, as they are always consistent with Tom Ford’s items from the past and permanent collections which I have reviewed many times. Overall Tom Ford is known for their cream-like powder based makeup with an ultra buttery and smooth texture for an effortless application.

Color description:

Highlighter: A soft nude shimmer highlighter with a pale gold undertone. On the swatch it leans slightly warm. However on my cool toned NC15 complexion, I am glad that it doesn’t pull too warm on me as some other golden highlighters do. I normally apply a sheer layer on top of the cheekbone, and it goes on translucent and gives a beautiful natural looking glow.

Blush: A semi-matte coral pink blush that gives a pretty flush of color and looks flattering on any skin tones.

Bronzer: A semi-matte sable brown color that compliments my skin-tone. It particularly goes well with the blush and highlighter – when all three colors are applied, they give a harmonious and sophisticated finish. The bronzer looks great for contouring the cheekbone, or dust a little all over the face for a bit of sun-kissed look. The color is too warm for my complexion as a real contouring product for the jaws and nose.

Swatch

The Tom Ford Bicoastal Sheer Cheek Duo is another palette not to be missed from the collection! It’s my kind of blush color that I can wear all year around. It has the two prettiest shades of pink in different finishes housed in the signature TF white and gold compact. On the top is a baby peachy pink shimmer highlighter. The blush at the bottom is a semi-matte rosy pink. I like to mix the two colors together for a natural and pretty glowy effect . Both colors go on sheer, so I prefer to use a dense powder blush for application, and they can be easily build up to a more vibrant finish.

Group Swatch

Tom Ford released two sets of lip color collections in this release. I passed on the entire Moisturecore Lip Colors as I just did not like the finish on me. With the white tube Ultra Rich Lip Color, I have an eternal affinity with them. They are beautifully packaged, feel luxurious with a creamy and silky formula. I only picked up the color Les Mepris so far, but in the back of my mind I kept on thinking about Purple Noon and Revolve Around Me which are more edgy colors. Les Mepris is a go-to pretty pink coral color that is universally flattering for all complexions. It goes well with any makeup look, and it instantly brightens up my complexion for a youthful appeal.

Sharing some of my FOTDs wearing the Soleil Compact with all three colors applied and Lip Color Les Mepris.

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Labels: BLUSH • FOTD • HIGHLIGHTER • LIPSTICK • Tom Ford

YSL Le Cushion Foundation Encre De Peau Fusion Ink Review and Swatch

June 8, 2016

Finally posting a review for the much raved Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Le Cushion Foundation Encre De Peau Fusion Ink. Cushion foundation has been around in Asia for years and it finally got picked up in the west, as we are seeing waves of western beauty brands such YSL, Bobbi Brown, Clinique etc launching their versions. One thing to note is that the YSL Cushion is made in Korea, but both the packaging and formula is much better than what you can find from most local Korean brands. I have been using it everyday for weeks and I am very convinced that I will re-purchase this over and over!

The YSL Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation is Asia Exclusive, and is also available in Australia which retails for $88 including the case, and you can also purchase the refill individually for $57. If you want to skimp you can purchase the refill only and fit it into other cushion compacts (not all compacts fit so you need to do a bit of research). But I highly recommend you not to miss this gorgeous black and gold case! Different to a normal bottled foundation, cushion foundation will start to dry out over 6 months as it is not completely vacuumed, so it’s best to use the product within several months after opening. I also find that a standard sized cushion foundation lasts about 2 month of daily use, as opposed to a bottle foundation which normally last me years. A tip for you is that you can flip the cushion to get more product out from the other side.

Ever since I posted a picture of this foundation on my Instagram, I received a lot of questions about how is this different to the other cushion foundations on the market.

– Most cushion foundations I have used have a very diluted opacity with sheer coverage. The YSL has a more creamy and opaque consistency that offers sheer to medium coverage with a weightless feel. This is a true foundation with coverage that is on par with any sheer to medium liquid foundation – it covers up pores and mild imperfections, and evens out skin tone beautifully.

– A little product goes a long way, as I only need to gently dab the applicator onto the cushion, and it is enough to do half of the face. For application, the enclosed flat sponge is still the best tool for applying cushion foundation, as it is designed for patting it into the skin for the most natural and seamless finish (don’t blend!). I’ve tried applying it with different foundation brushes and rectangle sponges but the results were not the same.

– Most cushion foundation gives a very dewy finish and is more suitable for normal to dry skin. The YSL also feels hydrating and fresh, but gives a creamy semi-matte finish with a soft glow that doesn’t look artificial. It makes the complexion look very clean, and this formula also works better for people with normal to oily skin as it does not crease as easily as with other more dewy formulas. I have normal to dry skin, without the loose powder and this foundation will hold for 4-5 hours. I normally dust a little powder just over my t-zone and the foundation lasts a whole day with a little oil coming through in an indoor environment. No oxidation as well!

– Also loving the fact it has SPF 23 and PA+++

lots of product from a gentle dab

The only flaw with the foundation is that the sponge applicator is not the softest.

I bought the foundation in shade 10 which is the brightest shade. It has mostly a neutral undertone with tiny a hint of pink. I am normally MAC NC15, YSL B20, and this shade runs true to its color as it is a tad brighter than the B20 range in YSL foundations. On me there is a slight brightening effect for my NC15 complexion, but it’s not making me look pale.

Here is a swatch comparison with YSL Touche Eclat Foundation in BR20 (the old formula – reviewed here), YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B20 (reviewed here), and Sulwhasoo Cushion Foundation in shade 21 (reviewed here).

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Labels: foundation • YSL

Skincare products that I am loving lately

June 1, 2016

Sharing some of my favorite skincare products of late. I go through lots of products at the same time, and once in a while, I like to do a round-up post on some of the products that I enjoy using.

NARs Multi Action Hydrating Toner – A lovely hydrating and refreshing toner in watery gel consistency, with some brightening properties that help to combat the formation of pigmentation. I bought the toner because I really like its sleek and minimum packaging, and its’ reasonably priced for such a large bottle. I enjoy using it in hot weather when my skin is not so dry, and it feels refreshing, lightweight and it mildly hydrates the skin. It also helps to clarify and deep clean the pores – If I apply this toner with a cotton pad even after washing my face with cleansers, sometimes there is still dirt and makeup residues left on the pad. It reminds me of the famous Clinique Clarifying Toner, but this is an alcohol free, and a much gentler and hydrating version of it.

Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus: I was a little skeptical about introducing retinol into my regime. My dermatologist highly recommended me to incorporate this 0.5% retinol serum nightly to start with, after I complained that I noticed some pores on my face becoming raindrop shaped which is clearly a sign of aging. I finally started using it about a month ago, and all I can say is what have I been missing out on all these years!! It has made a huge difference to my skin texture, as it truly visibly refines the pores over a period of one week. My complexion is looking more even, refined and the pores are more cleared, which in a way has improved the appearance of the pores. Retinol is also great for anti-aging, so if you start to see fine lines this is also a great product to consider. Not much firming and lifting effect from using it. Next on my to-try list will be the Chantecaillie Retinol Intense +.

Sulwhasoo Activating Serum: Reviewed here! Love this super hydrating and soothing serum which also helps to boost the benefits of other skincare products. The high concentration of ginseng also helps with blood circulation for a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Chanel Sublimage Regenerating Mask: As the mercury is dropping drastically in Australia, I am starting to appreciate this ultra nourishing mask more and more. You can see my full review here. In short, it’s a lovely luxury ultra moisturizing mask with anti-aging and regeneration benefits. It’s particularly great for those who are seeking the convenience of just using one product overnight (as a sleeping mask), and it gives you radiant, fully re-charged skin the next day.

Chantecaille Fruit and Acids Mask: This is an oldie but goodie which I really like to use once a week for exfoliating, clarifying the skin for a clearer complexion. It contains grapefruit and flower acids which help to take off the dead skin cells and re-texturises. It’s very gentle, and the result is instant to a brighter, more even-toned, radiant complexion after one use.

Fresh Youth Preserve Serum: Last but not least, I can’t believe this lovely serum from Fresh is discontinued. It’s hydrating, lightweight and is absorbed into the skin immediately. Just a really lovely serum to use in the morning, and helps the makeup go on nicely. And the best thing about it is that it smells exactly like the Fresh Soy Cleanser – like heaven! I’m addicted to the smell of all Fresh skincare products!

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Labels: CHANEL • CHANTECAILLE • FRESH • JAN MARINI • NARS • SKINCARE • SULWHASOO

Hooray to New SUQQU! Blend Colour Eyeshadow EX31 and Creamy Glow Lipstick EX21 Review and Swatch

May 29, 2016

This summer Suqqu has released an exclusive collection for Selfridges UK only. I was thrilled to receive the limited edition blend Colour Eyeshadow EX31 and the gorgeous Creamy Glow Lipstick EX21. Long time readers would know how much I am obsessed with Suqqu, and they are my most loved and treasured makeup collection.

As with most summer makeup collections, the Suqqu Blend Colour Eye Shadow EX31 is a more colorful palette than the usual color themes from other seasons. First thought of the palette was that the burst of orange eye shadow was definitely not in my comfort zone. However after playing with the palette for a few weeks, my worry was eased as the rest of the 3 neutral colors were extremely easy to work with, and they helped to ‘soften’ the pop of orange and make it more flattering. I am not the most creative person with colorful bright eye shadows, so I googled for orange matte eye shadow inspirations, and I found some really great looks that I thought I’d share. It is actually getting more fun to wear this palette, and my preferred application is to softly apply the orange shade over the crease area, then apply and blend the golden shade over all the lid (similar to look 1).

The quality of this palette is consistent with the permanent line. It contains 3 matte and 1 shimmer shades. Suqqu’s matte eye shadow is the best of the best – they are very smooth and even to apply and blend like a dream. Their shimmer eye shadow is also no exceptions – silky buttery smooth with a beautiful satin sheen. All the shades in this palette are very highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.

Color Description (clockwise)

soft shimmer gold

matte off white

matte dark chocolate brown

matte burnt orange

Swatch

On to the Creamy Glow EX21 Lipstick, which is my holy grail lipstick out of all the brands I have (more review here). Suqqu’s lipsticks have the most nourishing, hydrating formula, and it has a lightweight, creamy and silky consistency without being overly slippery. It gives the most plumping, and hydrating effect to the lips immediately after application, and keeps the lips moist for hours. EX-21 is an ultra pigmented bright raspberry pink with a hint of plummy undertone in full coat. The color becomes more of a soft rosy pink for a sheer coat, and it looks more soft and girly.

Full coat

Sheer coat – applied with a lip brush

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Labels: EYESHADOW • LIPSTICK • SUQQU

Makeup News – Sephora AU 15% off Everything Deal!

May 23, 2016

It definitely wasn’t in my plan to post another makeup deal, but I really wanted to share this exciting offer from Sephora AU that his happening now! Take 15% off EVERYTHING for first time online order for 3 days only, use code TAKE15. We have always seen some great deals in the US Sephora, and it has finally happened in Australia! Sephora has many brands exclusive to themselves in Australia, such as my current favorite Kat Von D – just ordered their liquid lipsticks! Also loving all the lip products from BITE Beauty and NudeStix. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contouring Kit is a must-have, and also really loving some products from IT Cosmetics. The wish/shopping list just goes on and on..

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Labels: SHOP

APOT.CARE OPTILASH Lash Enhancing Serum Review

May 21, 2016

Here is a quick review of the APOT.CARE OPTILASH Lash Enhancing Serum this weekend! I have never reviewed any eyelash growth products on this blog, but I have actually used many different brands in the past. So before I dive into the review for this brand, I thought I’d give a quick rundown on what I have used in the past and how effective they were. Most of the eyelash growth products I’ve used give improved results to some extent, but the most important factor to consider is how “safe” it is to your eyes as there were some effective products pulled from the market due to controversial ingredients.

In terms of results, I was the most impressed with RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner (available here in Australia). It is very effective and truly makes your lashes much thicker and longer after 2 weeks. This is the product that gives me the best results, as it probably increases the volume and length by 50%. However it always starts to agitate my sensitive eyes (they become more dry, gritty and itchy) after 2-3 weeks. I have to stop using it for a week for my eyes to ‘heal’, and then instead of applying it everyday I can only use it for few days a week to maintain the result. At this pace one tube can last me almost 6 months.

RapidLash Enhancing Serum – Not a bad product for half the price of RevitaLash! I can see my lashes grow longer and thicker after 2-3 weeks, but the result is not astonishing – I would say this product gives 30% of improvement. It also irritates my eyes the same way as with RevitaLash.

Latisse – The most famous eye lash growth serum. I have tried very hard to get hold of this product in Australia. The result was as good as with RevitalLash, however the irritation to my eyes was so bad to a point that I had to visit an eye doctor for prescription eyedrops! It’s not a product that I will touch again.

The reason I wanted to give a full review for the OPTILASH is because this is the only effective serum that I have used with absolutely no irritation to my eyes! The formula has been ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested, and I am glad that it truly worked for me without any side effects! It works the same as any other lash serums – just apply along the upper lash lash once a day, and don’t worry about the lower lash line as the product will get to it when you blink your eyes. I started to see my lashes became thicker after about a week into using it, and the optimum result is seen after 3 weeks as my lashes are about 40% thicker, fuller and longer than. As the brand promised, this is a very gentle yet effective formula. It doesn’t sting if it gets into my eyes, and I have been using it for more than a month now with no discomfort experienced. The other bonus is that the price tag is much more friendly.

Other information about Optilash

– Made in France

– Optilash is prostaglandin-free, prostaglandin derivative-free, hormone derivative free.

– Optilash enhancing serum formula is suitable for sensitive eyes, and can be used even with contact lenses.

– Optilash can be used by pregnant women

With all the products above, I did not experience darkening of the skin around my eyes.

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Labels: APOT.CARE • SKINCARE

Makeup News!

May 16, 2016

Here is another round of exciting makeup launches happening in Australia.

1. First of all, the highly anticipated Tom Ford Soleil Color Summer 2016 Collection was finally launched in Australia at David Jones yesterday. No surprise that some of the popular items were sold-out within the first hour again in the store, including the Soleil Contouring Compact and Sheer Color Duo, the good news is that they are still available online! If you already know what to get from the collection then I highly suggest ordering them online, as the Tom Ford counter in the Sydney shop is just getting way too crowded lately.

2. The stunning YSL Le Cushion Foundation is also in the store now! I didn’t think Australia would receive this product, so I already had my friend purchase it for me from overseas. Absolutely loving it, and the packaging is just to-die-for. (review coming soon this week).

3. If you love Cushion foundation, another brand worth checking out is the Shu Uemura Blanc Chroma Cushion Foundation. I am besotted with their foundation and the super cute cushion blushes, (yes another review to come soon!). In short their coverage is the best of all the cushion foundations I have used (as good as a medium coverage foundation), while it looks very luminous and dewy on the skin.

4. Last but not least, really pleased to find out that Sephora AU now carries Edward Bess! My favorite from the line is their luxury eye brush! Also the latest Kat Von D liquid lipsticks are not to be missed if you like the current trend of matte lips.

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Labels: EDWARD BESS • Kat Von D • SHOP • Shu Uemura • Tom Ford • YSL

Two Korean Skincare Favorites – Sulwhasoo First Activating Serum and Snowise EX Brightening Mask Review

May 14, 2016

If you are not the most enthuastic korean beauty fan, you will probably be confused of what brand and products to get as they all look and sound the same, and some can be a little gimmicky (at least to me!). One brand that guarantees premium quality and a luxury user experience would be the top rated Sulwhasoo. I haven’t tried that many products from the brand, but so far everything I have used has blown me away, including the Perfecting Cushion Foundation (reviewed here – the best cushion foundation in the market!), the ultra nourishing Gingseng Renewing Cream for the driest skin (packed with high concentration of ginseng), and my latest additions were the First Care Activating Serum and the Snowise EX Brightening Mask reviewed in this post.

Long time readers would know that my all time favorite masks has always been the SKII , and it has now been officially replaced by the Sulwhasoo Brightening Mask (currently on backorder at Nordstrom!). I ran out of paper masks when I was holidaying in Hawaii, so I shopped around and decided to give the Sulwhasoo a try. The next day I went back to the same counter and purchased two more boxes as they were so good!

The mask is for hydrating and brightening use, and it does both jobs exceptionally well. The main ingredient is the fermented ginseng essence, which gives a “treatment equivalent” result. For brightening, it claims that it will leave your skin luminous and more translucent than ever after just a single use. Most paper masks always make your skin appear brighter after use, but the difference with this mask is that the immediate brightening effect is better, and leaves your skin appearing visibly more translucent, youthful and even-toned after use. The brightening effect is also prolonged for a few days. If you have the budget of using the mask 3 times a week, they will dramatically improve the tone and luminosity of your skin from deep within more so than makeup products. I was literally sun-baking everyday for 2 weeks when I was in Hawaii, I used the mask every 2 days and my complexion became even brighter (existing freckles did not darken) after my holiday so I was very pleased! It also helps to hydrate and plump up your skin. If you have normal to dry skin, this mask is sufficient for keeping your skin hydrated with some anti-aging benefits. If you have very dry skin, I think the SK-II is still a better option.

The sheet mask has the ‘skin-like’ paper-gel texture, and it is extremely thin and completely adheres to the face regardless of your face shape (no bubbles!). The mask is fully soaked with milky essence, and it stays moist for up to 30 minutes. I normally leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes for the optimum result.

The Sulwhasoo SA also successfully convinced me to purchase their best seller the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum. We all know the Koreans have the most complex skincare system, and this product is designed to be used as the first product of the entire skincare regime. It is a serum which helps to deeply hydrate, plump the skin immediately, as well as for boosting other skincare products for ultimate results. The purpose of this product is very similar to the famous Lancome Genifique. It has a honey colored consistency with a soothing herbal smell, feels lightweight and non sticky and is absorbed in to the skin immediately. It is very hydrating, especially if you feel your skin is becoming accustomed to the products you are using for a while, this boosting serum helps to give them a kick and offers extra moisturizing effect. Even on its own without using any other serums, it’s a lovely gentle serum that helps to replenish essential moisture and nutrients for all skin types and suitable for all age groups.

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Labels: MASK • SKINCARE • SULWHASOO

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