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PLUMES PRECIEUSES De Chanel Holiday 2014 Collection – Joues Contraste Blush CARESSE and Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadow Envol Reivew and Swatch

October 27, 2014

It is no secret that Chanel makes my heart flutter. I wasn’t planning to get that many items from the PLUMES PRECIEUSES De CHANEL Holiday 2014 Collection, but I succumbed when I saw them in real life. They are simply stunning and all look very flattering on my skin tone with the items I picked. Today’s review is for the Chanel Joues Contraste Blush CARESSE 180 and the Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadow Envol 847.

I won’t go into the details of the texture of Joues Contraste Blush as they have been reviewed many times on my blog. In short they are ‘baked’ to perfection – very smooth, finely milled and easy to apply. CARESSE looked like a plain pale peach with micro silver shimmer from the pan, but once I tried it on my face I just couldn’t let it go. It shows up as a soft wash of coral peach with a hint of rose-gold undertone with the signature Chanel soft glow that gives a youthful, glowy and plumped effect. This color made me appear a lot more revived as soon as I had it on my face after a long day of work, and I knew I had to bring it home and it will be the workhorse blush as part my everyday makeup items. It has medium opacity and it can be applied sheer or layered for more color.

The Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadow in Envol is another must buy item from this collection for the neutral makeup lovers. The color is very similar to the CARESSE blush, but more translucent and shimmery with a stronger undertone of rose gold. It provides a soft and shimmery wash of color which serves as a good wash for the eyelid, as well as for highlighting purpose. The color, wearability and its versatility makes this a worthy purchase. I have mentioned that I adore the formulation of the Illusion D’Ombre cream eyeshadow – the cushiony soft texture makes it easy to apply and blend, and the shimmery finish is neither metallic nor frosty. The longevity is also outstanding. I have had cream eye shadows from other brands which were purchased around the same time as my first few Chanel Illusion D’ombre, and they have all dried up since then, except for the Chanel ones which are still performing as good as they were new.

Swatch

Left: Caresse Sheer Swatch, Middle Caresse Heavy Swatch, Right Envol

Closer look

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Labels: BLUSH • CHANEL • EYESHADOW • Holiday 2014 Collection

Tom Ford 2014 Fall Makeup Collection – My Picks

September 14, 2014

I am so excited to show you my recent purchase of the Tom Ford Fall 2014 Collection! After seeing the Tom Ford 2014 Fall makeup reviews and pictures trickling on the internet , I couldn’t wait until November to buy them in Australia. So as soon as I saw the collection available online including the highly coveted Eye Shadow Quad in Nude Dip, I placed my order through ShopandBox which is a parcel forwarding online service company that helps you to shop anything globally (not just from one country). My experience with them has been wonderful. The entire purchase process was simple and quick – I sent them the links where I wanted to purchase and they pretty much placed the order for me within hours after confirmation. The communication has been extremely prompt and friendly so I highly recommend this company if there is any thing you’d like to source that aren’t available in your country!

I bought all of these at Harvey Nichols through ShopandBox which is the only shop that has Nude Dip online. The Contouring Color Cheek Duo in Stroke and the Lip Color in Twist of Fate can be found at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus which is currently running a Beauty Event.

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Labels: BLUSH • EYESHADOW • LIPSTICK • SHOP • Tom Ford

Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush Review and Swatches – POP, FLESH, ATTITUDE and SKIN

August 31, 2014

Giorgio Armani has revamped their iconic Sheer Blush this year with the old range being discontinued. The new range is called Cheek Fabric Blush and I picked up the pinks 500 POP and 507 FLESH, and the peachy pinks 306 ATTITUDE and 502 SKIN. I love their Sheer Blushes for the quality, but I am also pleased to see this new range as they certainly look more appealing in the aspect of packaging as well as color choices.

The new Cheek Fabric Blush is housed in a glossy black lacquer case with an incase mirror. First impression was that it is a lot smaller than the previous version – it only has 4 grams of product whereas the Sheer Blush was 6 grams. The con is that it retails for the same price but you get much less product (as with everything else these days…), and the pro is that it is more compact and portable to carry.

It has the silkiest and smoothest texture you can ever get from a blush, and it is ultra finely milled as with all Armani makeup so it looks very light and easy to blend on the skin. In terms of finish, the Cheek Fabric applies slightly more vibrant and brighter, so if you think the old range was too sheer you will be happy with the color payoff of this one. It retains its signature seamless flush of color look with a lit-from-within soft glow, which means it wold never look patchy and heavy with a visible edge line/border.

The new colors that I picked are quite similar to the old ones (as you can see in my below swatches). Nevertheless they are really beautiful everyday colors (particuarly the pinks), and I am sure I will get frequent use out of these.

500 POP (Limited Edition) is an angelic matte milky pink with no shimmer. Compared to Sheer Blush 12 it leans more of a neutral pale pink, and can be used either as blush for fair complexion, or as an overall beauty powder that gives a sheer wash of soft pink glow to the cheeks.

507 FLESH is a bright candy pink with micro gold shimmer which doesn’t show up on the skin. This is a must-have color from this new collection for me!

306 ATTITUDE is a bright peachy pink with silver shimmer. The color is similar to Sheer Blush 10 but leans slightly more coral. This is a universally flattering color that would look lovely on anyone (think about Nars Orgasm…)

502 SKIN is a softer version of peachy pinky with micro silver shimmer. It looks very similar to Sheer Blush 02 in the pan but goes on more vibrant and has a stronger pink undertone.

This is a FOTD/Selfie wearing the Cheek Fabric 502 SKIN which was taken with my new selfie camera CASIO TR35. If you follow me on Instagram you would know I just spent a ridiculous amount of money on this camera. It wasn’t love at first sight as I had really high expectations on it but I am starting to love it more and more as I get to know how to operate this camera better. I will definitely post a proper review for the camera in the coming weeks.

Overall the new range has better color pay off and feel silkier than the Sheer Blushes. The quality difference is not that significant compared to the Sheer Blush as they were already superior to begin with, however they are worthy to collect as the new generation blush from Giorgio Armani. The Cheek Fabric is available at Nordstrom, and you can still get hold of the Sheer Blushes on Neiman Marcus online in the US.

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Labels: BLUSH • FOTD • Giorgio Armani • SELFIE

Chanel Notes De Printemps – Cream Blush Intonation 69 Review, Swatches and FOTDs

January 7, 2014

I fell in love with Chanel Cream Blush since my first purchase when they were just released (see my review for Affinite and Revelation), and the Intonation 69 (LE) from Chanel Notes de Printemps Spring 2014 Makeup Collection is the third addition to my collection. The formulation of the blush is top notch for a cream blush in the market and works great for any skin type.

Intonation is a bright rosy pink with coral undertone. It looks quite bright and red in the pan, and when it is applied on the skin sheer, it shows up more coral pink. I did a comparison against Affinite as they look similar, and as you can see from the swatch below that Intonation is warmer and more coral, which makes it flattering on any skin tone. It is very pigmented so a small dab of the product is suffice to achieve a natural finish. As with all the Chanel cream blush, Intonation applies and sets into the skin beautifully – it adheres to the skin seamlessly without settling into the pores and stays put for a minimum of 5-6 hours.

Left: Intonation Right: Affinite

FOTD:

Eyes: Chanel Raffinement Eyeshadow Quad from Spring 2013

Cheeks: Chanel Cream Blush Intonation

Lips: Chanel Rouge Coco in Triomphe 60 (reviewed here)

Bottom Line: Spring makeup is all about wearing some pretty and natural flush of colors on the cheeks and lips, and this cream blush (available here or here) is a must have if you are shopping for a new blush this season.

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Labels: BLUSH • CHANEL • FOTD

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 86 Discretion Review and Swatch

October 9, 2013

I popped into the Chanel Makeup studio to check out the new Vitalumiere Compact Douceur. To my surprise I also spotted two new Joues Contraste Blushes 85 Evocation and 86 Discretion just being released. In the end I decided to pass on the powder foundation as it just feels too dry for my desert-dry skin at the moment, but I couldn’t resist the beautiful Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 86 Discretion.

The texture of Discretion reminds me of Fleur De Lotus that was released as part of the Le Blanc Collection last year (reviewed here) – it feels noticeably more buttery softer than the other JC of baked version in the permanent line. Even though the color is very light, the color payoff is greater than I expected. I only needed 1 to 2 swipes for the color to show on my face, as opposed to multiple swipes needed with other JC blushes that have a harder texture.

The color is also quite interesting. It looks like a pale baby pink with iridescent micro shimmer in the pan. When it is applied it shows up as a pale pink with a hint of coral undertone. As you can see in my comparison swatches below, going by that Narcisse is a true baby pink, Discretion is more warm and brighter. As with most Chanel JC, the finish of Discretion is natural and soft with a lit within glow, and you will never go overboard with this blush.

Bottom Line: A must have pretty and soft pink blush from Chanel in my opinion.

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Labels: BLUSH • CHANEL

Le Blush Cream de Chanel 65 Affinite and 63 Revelation Review, Swatches and FOTD

September 29, 2013

I finally get back into the swing of shopping and wearing makeup again! And my first purchase since my “break” was the Le Blush Cream De Chanel in 65 AFFINITE and 63 REVELATION. I wore these on several occasions and I absolutely adore them. They are now becoming one of my top three favorite cream blushes – on par with my Addiction Cheek Sticks and the Stila Convertibles.

My thought on these cream blushes is that the texture would go well with every skin type. The cream blush is extremely finely milled so it doesn’t settle into the pores. And it is extremely easy to blend into a natural and even finish. I only need a tiny dab of it to create a natural flush of color on the cheeks. The finish strikes a perfect balance between creamy and powdery (see the comparison swatch below), and it sets into the skin seamlessly without enhancing dry patches and pores.

There is no surprise that I picked up two of the most popular pink shades from the range. The must-have 65 AFFINITE which has been out of stock for a long time, and the 63 REVELATION that goes with any makeup look all year round.

65 AFFINITE is a bright strawberry pink with a hint of blue undertone that sets into a semi-matte finish. If you think the color looks quite ordinary when it is swatched on hand, then you should give it a try on the face. It’s one of those ‘magical’ bright pink shades that instantly transforms a dull and lifeless complexion into a fresh and youthful looking one.

63 REVELATION is a warm peachy pink. It is a no brainer soft pink shade that is easy to wear when you are on the go.

Comparison Swatches with Addiction Cheek Stick Amazing; Stila Convertible Gerbera, YSL Cream Blush 9 (reviewed here), Stila Convertible Lillium

FOTD 1 wearing shade 65 AFFINITE

FOTD 2 wearing shade 63 REVELATION

Other products used:

RMK Foundation, Lunasol Summer Eyes 2013, YSL Lipstick PINK IN PARIS in FOTD 1, and CORAIL INCANDESCENT in FOTD 2 (reviewed here)

Bottom Line: If these blushes can make me look like ‘have slept for 8 hours’ (which indeed I only sleep less than 5 hours a day…), then they really are doing something magical that’s worth the splurge. I bought the Chanel Cream Blush at David Jones for $60 each. Both shades are available here in the US. You can also get them from Harrods with international shipping and VAT Tax deduction available.

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Labels: BLUSH • CHANEL • FOTD • YSL

Les Merveilleuses Laduree Summer 2013 Collection – Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 101 and 102 Blushes Reviews, Swatches and FOTDs

July 3, 2013

The Les Merveilleuses LADUREE makeup collection has caused a stir when it was first released in Japan about a year ago, and many girls fell head over heels with their French-inspired packaging and their dreamy line of products. I have been resisting the temptation for so long…until I spotted the new Les Merveilleuses by Laduree Summer 2013 Collection. It was love at first sight for the two new Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 101 and 102 Blushes released as part of the collection for me. Everything about this blush is calling my name!

Firstly let’s talk about the packaging. As with most Japanese makeup, the blush and the case are sold separately. The design of the case is on the vintage-side with a Victorian flair. I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of anything vintage…but they are growing on me in an inexplicable way and they do look ‘more appealing’ in real life!

The mirrored-case is made of plastic but it feels quite sturdy. There are two compartments with a brush included.

On to the most exciting part of the review – the blush itself! As you can see, the blush has a beautiful marbled design of different colors. It is very densely packed with a velvety texture, with absolutely no powder debris fall on to the side of the pan when swirling a brush over it. Pigmentation is moderate (as with most Japanese makeup), which means 2-3 swipes is enough for the color to show on my face (NC15).

101 is a neutral pink mixed with of watermelon pink and ivory. Mixing them it gives a wash of perfect soft neutral pink (leans slightly cool on my cool tone skin) that is very girly and fresh.

102 is a peach color mixed with muted lavender and tangerine. Mixing them gives a luminous wash of soft peachy pink, which is the most versatile color for most complexions.

Les Merveilleuses LADUREE Pressed Cheek Color Swatches: Left 101 Right 102

FOTD 1 – wearing Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 101

FOTD 2 – wearing Mixed Pressed Cheek Color 102

Other products used:

1. Cle De Peau Brightening Enhancer Base (reviewed here)

2. YSL Rouge Volupte 13 Peach Passion in FOTD 2

3. Addiction Sugar Rusk Eye Palette (reviewed here)

4. Shu Uemura Eye Brow Pencil Seal Brown

5. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation

6. Dolly Wink False Eye Lashes 01 Dolly Sweet

7. YSL Glossy Stain 15 Rose Vinyl in FOTD 1

8. Shu Uemura Precise Volume Waterproof Mascara

The Les Merveilleuses LADURE Mixed Pressed Cheek Color LE 101 and 102 can be purchased here.

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Labels: BLUSH • CHANTECAILLE • FALSE LASHES • FOTD • Les Merveilleuses Laduree • YSL

Dior Summer 2013 Collection – Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo 002 Coral Glow Review, Swatch and FOTD

May 10, 2013

The summer 2013 makeup collection has started rolling out across major department stores in Australia. I really wanted to check out the products in person so I made an effort to go to the store and waddled along each counter. After a major debating of “Do I really need this blue/green color”, I only got one product in the end which is the beautiful and wearable Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo 002 Coral Glow from its Summer 2013 collection. I probably will pass on the rest of the Dior and Chanel collections as the color theme of this year is not so appealing to me though they are beautiful to look at.

The Dior Paradise Duo Coral Glow is a stunner as well as it makes a very practical bronzer/blush duo for everyday use. There are 2 colors to choose from and I picked the coral color (instead of pink) as I always love the healthy look of a hint of bronzer with coral cheeks for a sun-kissed look. It comes with an uber cute mini kabuki brush which is very soft and fluffy for its size. The texture is absolutely superb – buttery soft and richly pigmented. Compared to the blush duo from Dior’s Spring Cherie Bow Collection, I much prefer this one as the texture is softer and smoother. I liked the Cherie Bow blush initially (when it was brand new), but I found there was a change in the texture after it was opened for some time, and now it has become chalky and dry which was disappointing! Anyhow, the quality of this is fantastic and I believe it will stay good for a very long time.

The color of the bronzing powder is very wearable for my NC15-20 skin tone. It doesn’t look completely matte in the pan, but when it is applied it blends into my skin naturally without making me look too tanned or orange. It can be used either as a contour product if applied sheer, or as a bronzer for a touch of sun-kissed look. The color of the blush is pink coral with a hint of watermelon undertone. I absolutely adore this color, as it instantly adds a pop of fresh and summery color with a youthful glow to the face. I have been reaching for it everyday and it lasts on me the whole day.

Left and right mixed

ON ME: Applied the bronzing powder underneath the cheekbones, as well as along the jaw lines. And applied the blush slightly above the apple of the cheeks.

Bottom Line: One of the must have blush/bronzer product to have amongst all the summer 2013 collections! I bought the Dior Paradise Duo for $82 in Australia. It is available on here or here in the US, or on Harrods with international shipping available with 20% off VAT deductions at the checkout.

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Labels: BLUSH • DIOR • FOTD

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