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

Fall’s Favorite Sweater

November 23, 2016

I wanted to do a sales pick post, then I realised that everything I wore in this OOTD is all on sale now (except for the bag)! Here is another plush and ribbed oversized sweater by 3.1 Phillip Lim that I loved so much in the cold months, and it is on sale on Shopbop since they are offering up to 25% off for all full-priced and sale items with code GOBIG16! Another great pick is my workhorse suede ankle boots from Stuart Weitzman which I swear are the comfiest boots with heels (more comfy than Rag and Bone!).

Sweater – 3.1 Philip Lim

Skirt – Carven

Boots – Stuart Weitzman (30% marked down)

Sunglasses – Tom Ford (bought here)

Bag – Chanel (similar here)

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Labels: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM • BAG • CARVEN • CHANEL • Fashion • OOTD • SHOES • SHOP • STUART WEITZMAN

Chanel Libre Holiday 2016 Collection – Joues Contraste Blush Hyperfresh and Rouge Allure Gloss Super Nude Review and Swatch

November 10, 2016

Continuing with my review for the Chanel Libre Holiday 2016 collection. The Chanel Velvet Nail Polish Pink Rubber was reviewed here, and today’s post is for the Joues Contraste Blush in Hyperfresh and the Rouge Allure Gloss in Super Nude. These were the only two makeup items I picked up from the collection. I bought them in a heartbeat as soon as I saw them in the store. Both colors are very pretty, and most importantly, they look very flattering when they are applied and are great for everyday use rather than being limited to a festival makeup.

Hyperfresh is an ultra vibrant warm pink blush. Chanel is known for their subtle and elegant color payoff, but every now and then, they make the most vibrant and rich hues that you can’t miss such as this color. There is very subtle shimmer in it, but once applied the shimmer is not detectable on the skin. As usual, it gives a lovely flush of pink color with a soft glow. Since it’s ultra pigmented, I would suggest using a very soft and fluffy brush (such as the HG Suqqu Cheek Brush) for the application.

Hyperfresh is a vibrant neutral pink color with a hint of coral undertone. It may look like a hot pink blush from the picture but once it is applied the warmth comes through.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you would know that I have been obsessed with nude to brown lips lately. The Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss in Super Nude is perfection. I was wowed by how flattering it looked on me for a nude color. I would describe it as a medium beige shade with a peachy undertone so it doesn’t wash you out. To me, this color is right on trend but also elegant, and is easy to wear.

As for the formula, in general, the Rouge Gloss has a lovely moisturizing and creamy consistency, and you can find a detailed review here for other colors. It goes on semi-opaque in a high shine finish and gives a plump effect.

Super Nude Swatch

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Labels: BLUSH • CHANEL • Holiday 2016 Collection • LIP GLOSS

Chanel Le Lift Serum and Cream Review

November 5, 2016

It is very clear that my biggest skincare obsession now is fighting against gravity. I am a firm believer in that if we start caring for our skin from an early age for preventative purposes, we can delay the skin from sagging and aging relatively. The Chanel Le Lift range is my current favorite because the products really work. I was given a couple of samples of the Le Lift Cream when it was first launched, and I loved it so much, so I bought a full-size jar, as well as the Le Lift Serum for the best optimum result.

LE Lift CREAM RICHE (bought here in Australia)– It is housed in a weighty black glass jar, and comes in 3 different textures – fine, normal and riche.

Since I have dry skin, I go for the rich version which works well for my skin in winter. It actually doesn’t feel that rich compared to other well-known heavy duty moisturizers such as La Mer Cream or Fresh Creme Ancienne. It has a lightweight creamy texture and absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy, but it still leaves a nice moist and soft touch to the skin. It makes your skin appear smooth and radiant and works wonderfully as a makeup base for the day. I have been using it every day, and it keeps the skin well moisturized even in the season transition time.

As for firming, it is a mini ‘face-lift’ in a jar for a quick fix for getting rid of morning puffiness, as well as making the face shape appear more toned and lifted. Since it has a nice slip consistency, you can massage the product in an upward motion for 1-2 minutes. If I apply this product liberally, I notice an instant tightening effect around the cheeks and jaws, and the contour appears more defined with a more V-shaped face. The lines around the nose are also less visible. Overall, I am impressed with this moisturizer and will re-purchase!

LE LIFT SERUM

I would give 9/10 to the moisturizer, and 7/10 to the serum. One pet peeve is that it is packed in a plastic bottle which does not equate to the high price tag. It has a milky texture, and feels lightweight and absorbs completely into the skin upon application. It adds mild hydration to the skin and makes the skin appear more plumped. There might be some long-term benefits over a period of use (which is hard to measure anyway), but for delivering an instant result, the moisturizer is more superior for lifting. I feel the serum is giving an anti-oxidant and hydration boost to the skin and supplements the moisturizer for achieving the best firming and anti-aging results.

Bottom Line: I am very pleased with the result they deliver, as I see an improvement in my skin in the texture and firmness from using the Le Lift Range. Overall they are worth looking into if you are after firming skincare products that really work. Once I finish the serum, I will try out the new Chanel V-Flash which is already launched in the US but not yet in Australia.

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Labels: CHANEL • SKINCARE

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!

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Labels: CHANEL • Holiday 2016 Collection • NAIL POLISH

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.

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

The Best Eye Brow Pencils I have used

October 8, 2016

A makeup chat with girlfriends leads to this topic today – which makeup item I cannot live without, and my answer is the brow pencil without any hesitation. It is one boring makeup product but critically essential. In this post, I am sharing some of the best and my favorite brow pencils I have used.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Taupe – Comes with a grooming brush on the other end. A beautiful taupe brow pencil that is neither too brown nor too gray. The slanted triangular tip is a new favorite, as it is very easy to define and sculpt the brow shape as well as the arches with this design, and you can also control the thickness/thinness of the strokes. It has nice pigmentation and it lasts about 6-7 hours on me.

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in 3 (bought here in Australia) – Very similar to the Anastasia that also has a slanted triangular shaped tip, except that the color leans more of a warm brown on me. It is slightly more pigmented and only takes about a few seconds to fill out the whole brow. Both the formula and design are very pleasant to use, and big thumbs up for its outstanding long wear performance (about 7-8 hours).

Chanel Crayon Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in 30 Brun Naturel (comes with a sharpener, link here in Australia) – Love it. I bought this after hearing some celeb makeup artists rave about it. It is pigmented in a medium to hard formula so it still gives a soft finish for the brows without looking ‘drawn on’. It glides on easily, and the lasting power is about 6-7 hours on me.

IT Brow Power Super Skinny in Universal Taupe (bought here in Australia) – This pencil has an ultra fine micro-tip that is designed to create hair-like strokes. It is pigmented and hard enough for mimicking real brow hair and it gives a natural looking result. The downfall is that since it is so skinny it takes a while to fill out the entire brow compared to the normal sized tip. I normally like to use it for defining the brow head in an upward motion.

Kanebo COFFRET D’OR Brow Designer in Light Brown – Very similar to my holy grail Shu Uemura brow liner that has been discontinued. It has a medium round tip that gives a quick and precise application and a natural finish. I particularly like the sponge applicator at the other end as I can use it to smudge the color and the edge for a softer finish. It is really convenient and a must-have brow pencil for me in the makeup bag.

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner – One of my old holy grails that I have been using for years but unfortunately it’s been discounted, and has now been replaced by the Brow Sword. I got this in Seal Brown color as I think this is the most perfect taupe color for brows, so I’ve included it in this post for color reference.

Generally speaking, if you prefer soft look brows, then go for the pointed tip such as the Chanel. The triangular shaped pencil makes the brows look more defined and sharp.

Swatch

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Labels: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS • BENEFIT • BROW • BROW PENCIL • CHANEL • IT COSMETICS • Shu Uemura

If I Could Only Have One Sweater

October 1, 2016

Though the weather is getting warmer in Australia, I couldn’t help but pick up this cozy Acne Studios Deborah Sweater recently as soon as i saw it online. It is oversized, chunky, ribbed with slightly puffy sleeves – it’s such an everyday easy-to-wear style but so-on point with the silhouette. I love it so much that I really want to get the grey piece as well! Size-wise, for a boxy fit or layering, stay true to your size, otherwise go down a size for a more fitted look.