Excellent Makeup .com

Shadowing It - Lip Experiment #1

2010-03-04T08:35:00.005+08:00

I've seen others do it. I've heard others tried it. My BFF told me to do it.

I hope your minds are off the gutter... i am talking about using an eyeshadow as a lip product and finishing it with a clear gloss!

I've tried it and I love it.

Today's Lip Experiment is Paradisco

I used:

MAC Paradisco eyeshadow - a gorgeous peach with gold infused specks

MAC clear lipglass - i tell you this thing is super sticky which makes it last all day (almost)

I really enjoyed this experiment and totally loving the results and I received 2 compliments. I think this is how MAC Lollipop Loving should look like instead - much prettier.

I think tomorrow I'll try MAC Rice Paper or MAC Cranberry :) I think I've unfolded a new fad for MsChikee :) I'll keep you posted with me lip experiments

Hair Experiment #1

2010-02-14T11:59:00.008+08:00

Happy Valentines and Happy Chinese New Year to you!

It's a lonely vday for me this year because of the sad LDR situation but internet is there so bleh! No Dramas! This year .... is all about happiness and spreading it!

Speaking of happiness, i was very bored with my hair and I dont have the time to go to my hairdresser to have something done so i opted for some little experiment to make me happy :P

Timing is essential so what occassion(s) could I pick more appropriate for this tiny experiment? Valentines day because I'd like to look pretty and in control hahahaha and chinese new year - for a fresh start :)

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of my "before" hair but picture this - it's somewhat turning orange due to the colour fading from the intense Australian sun and also you can see massive regrowth.

I picked up this tiny box... Garnier Permanent Colour Cream in shade 401 (Intense Deep Brown)

And here is what I got :)

My hair is naturally straight but I styled it like this for the occassion :) I like the colour and I wish I got 2 boxes but it's OK for a first try. Maybe in 6 weeks or so I'll pick up the same shade and get 2 :)

Also it's my first time to use Garnier hair colour - blame SJP for convincing me - but I find it pretty much the same as other cream based DYI hair colouring thing. And for the price you pay I think the results are far more OK than just plain "acceptable". But we'll see in a few days how this will react in the sun :)

I am thinking of cutting my mane too... hhhmmm decision decision..

Until my next experiment, have a great day!

Perfect Marriage :)

2010-02-13T12:20:00.000+08:00

That is between Lipgloss and Lipstick :)

Anyone who follows this blog knows that I am all about nude lips :) Going to work? nude lips! Running errands? nude lips! Going out? nude lips!

It has become my staple and I've been mix and matching my lippies and I've found a match made in heaven!

Take Rimmel's Nude Delight and pair it with MAC Partial to Pink (cremesheen glass) and you get the creamiest pink/peach/nude lips ever!

It brightens your face in a way that people warms up to you because you look sooo ..... fresh? not the right word i guess but it bring out some "softness" and "feminine-ness" that is soooooo girly?

I am bad in describing it but if you've got these lippies then marry them up and see the results :)

I would say that MAC Partial to Pink is the best lipgloss I've got since MAC Love Nectar. I wish they make it permanent soon :)

What's your match made in heaven lip combo?

Product Review: MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara

2010-02-10T08:04:00.000+08:00

Ok, let me start by saying that I fought long and hard to like this product. I mean everyone I know in the beauty community told me that this is the "best" mascara out there. I went to Singapore to get the mascara and was told that this is out of stock world wide. Then another friend went to S'pore and found it and got me 1.

I was soooo happy when i first got it and I told myself that I'll only use it on special occassion. But ManFriend at that time open it thinking it's his and obviuosly I have to start counting my 6M expiry date from the day you open the product... so I have to use it ;)

First Impression:
1. Brush looks superb and huge for tiny eyes
2. the Formulation is not too thick - you can see it through the bristles of the brush
3. the length of the mascara is quite long compared to normal ones
4. the packaging is very classy (in my opinion)

Disappointment #1 It gave me panda eyes!

like i said the brush is huge and no matter how careful i am in applying mascara that brush still gets my lid but this is not the issue really, it's the "after a few hours" thing is the issue.

the mascara formulation is great. my lashes looks perfect after 1 coat and even more in 2 coats! It's sooo dark and long and thick. I was IMPRESSED already.

so with my new mascara, off i went to a friends bday. On my arrival at their place, the soon to be wife told me "you have some smudge hun". I ran to the bathroom and to my horror I had smudges on both lids and under eye! PANDA-Eyes!!!

Lesson of the day: better use a mascara base i thought.

Disappointment # 2

with Panda-eyes still in my head, my next attempt to like the mascara is a trip to the mall. I wack my Shiseido Mascara base on and then apply the MUFE mascara.

The intensity is better (of course) and my eyes really opened up. Once again I am IMPRESSED and a little bit worried about panda eyes.

So off i went to the mall and after an 1 hr, i went to find a mirror and to my horror once again, i've got panda-eyes!!

I was soooo heartbroken. I thought even with mascara base it's not working.

I was almost conviced that it's not meant for me and I am already going to get me a new mascara that i know works for me.

Lesson of the day: don't lose hope

Hope # 1

after 2 weeks of not using it, i decided to try again and see if this time i'll love it.

it was a cool day compared to the heat wave we've been having 2 weeks ago.

I had my mascara base on then MUFE HD.
I totally forgot to check myself on the mirror until it was lunch time when i remembered! I ran to the bathroom to check my panda-eyes and to my surprise! NO PANDA-EYES!!

I thought WOW! this is hope.

Hope # 2

the following week i decided to use it again. I thought i'll wack on some nice eyeshadow this time and do the full eye thing.

7 hrs later - everything is still in place and no panda eyes!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

1. MUFE Smoky Lash mascara can be considered one the best. Not my holy grail but definitely one of the good ones. It's very dramatic and intense which is ideal for small eyes so it really opens up. I can actually see flirtatious lashes!

2. MUFE Smoky Lash mascara is not friends with heat and humidity. I do get panda eyes when the temperature is above 35 deg C. In heat and humidity it melts together with my makeup.

3. You have to use a mascara base - it stays put more - at least for me :)

4. It's a pain to remove so you have to use a eye makeup remover.

5. will i repurchase? - well maybe... right now it's not easily accessible where i am living but if given a chance to be somewhere with MUFE store and probably :)

In and Out (Jan-Feb Edition)

2010-02-09T10:56:00.003+08:00

the queenbee of In and Out (Lollipop26) has spoken hence this post :)

IN

1. my new place - it's cozy and very home-y :) i am still renting but still i can't help myself but create this tiny place as my home

2. Revlon's Red nail polish - I love love love this polish! i was "told" that Christian Louboutin used this polish to decide which red to go for :) true or not, I really love this red polish. it's a classic red (in my opinion) and reminds me of Twilight....(beeep!) there i said it, it reminds me of twilight that's why i love it.

3. MAC Cherish and Rimmel Nude Delight - 2 of my nude lipsticks that always make me happy when i apply it :) i get compliments galore :)

4. Lanvin Eclat de Arpege perfume - i can spray this 100x a day and never get dizzy or tired of it. maybe not in winter but right now, this is what wakes up my senses in the morning :)

5. countdown to my 30th - well it's around 4 months more until my 30th but the countdown now begins! and this is purely on getting my "savings" up so i can get that "bag" that i sooooo wanted to get :)

6. LDR (long distance relationship) - as much as i am not a fan - i am now in a long distance relationship. i miss my partner so much and at the same time i am happy to be able to experience living on my own :) it's going to be hard but it's going to be rewarding :) i heard from someone that "you have to be your ownself first before becoming somebody else's wife"

OUT

1. moving houses - it's a pain and very stressful. you have to have great set of friends to help you and I do (i've got great friends) and i love them dearly :)

2. having no internet - i can't imagine how i survived 10 years ago without it - but then again 10 years ago all i know is IRC and yahoo so there wasn't a "need" to be constantly online. but it's different now!! I am hoping i get connected asap!

2.1 my TiVo isn't recording too due to no internet scenario! boohoo! so i've been missing out on The Hills, Vampire Diaries and Oprah!

3. missing my other half - it's really hard :'(

4. summer - i am over it and i am just waiting for fall and then winter wooopeee!

What's yours?

Finally found a dupe!

2010-02-08T16:37:00.003+08:00

Have you seen Sephora by OPI Metro Chic swatches online and decided you want it but you don't have sephora where you live?

Did you try online shopping only to know that your country rejects any nail polish packages? ie Australian Post?!

Have you perused every nail polish aisles hoping you'll find a dupe and fail?

If you answered YES on all of that then *high five* to you!

We are on the same boat!!

Here is some good news:

I MsChikee of Excellent Makeup dot Com hereby announce that I have found a dupe for Sephora by OPI Metro Chic nail polish!!!!!!!

Woooppee!!

It's by Kit Cosmetics and it's called Wild Ride. It is very very very similar to Metro Chic. It's purple-grey-brownish aka "dirt" colour which is what Metro Chic is!

It's not really a cheap dupe but it's cheaper than OPI nail polish :) (Note: I am talking about Australian Prices here).

OPI Nail polish is sold $19.95 AUD in David Jones stores and Kit Cosmetics nail polish is sold at $15.95 AUD.

It's not cheap I tell you but worth the money if you're into "dirt" coloured polishes! Thanks to gift vouchers I was able to score one. :)

What other nail polish are you dying to get your hands on but you couldn't find it in your area?

PS.

Kit Cosmetics is also available in Myer Stores :)

Gone Fishing :)

2010-01-27T08:13:00.000+08:00

I am just in the middle of moving houses and as usual my internet is being transferred too.

I'll be back with more posts and reviews as soon as i am connected back to the world wide web.

Until then, I hope you are all doing fine :)

New Love: MAC Cherish

2010-01-15T07:54:00.004+08:00

I will trully cherish this one! :P So after watching MakeupbyTiffanyD's video where she mentioned about Back2Mac-ing (new word!) expired lipglosses and all that gross-yucky business! I decided that it's time for some of my lipglosses to go back to mother MAC :P

I have a few lipglosses that are not even half way but i know for sure it's expired.

A few things to check:

Smell - if it smells like a crayon then chances are it's expired. (i am talking MAC lipglosses here)

Texture - you'll see that oil separates from the colour and it is stickier than normal

Date - if it's been sitting in your drawer for more 12M then time to let go. Some girls chuck them out at 6M.

So i've got 3 lipglosses that were expired and 3 other MAC items that I've used up and just waiting for my Back 2 MAC.

What lipstick did i get? surprise surprise! another nude lipstick :) -- MAC Satin lippie in Cherish

I am really into nude lipstick these days and this is one is another new love. My Rimmel one is more nude/peach while this one is nude/brown/pink and both are equally flattering to me skintone (NC42). Satin finish is my next favourite after cremesheen :)

Here's how it looks like on my lips:

I think I've been good. This is my first MAC non-purchase in 2010. I hope to be just doing this for a while... just Back 2 Mac-ing :) but you'll never know..

ManFriend - if you're reading this, gifts are still welcome :P miss you!

New Love: Rimmel's Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight

2010-01-11T09:00:00.000+08:00

"oh nude lips! how i love thee!"

I am totally converted to nude lips thanks to Lollipop26 and hundreds of other women on the YouTube beauty community.

For a while I was on pink/peach lipsticks and lipglosses. I was obsessed with it and it's the first thing I try on every time I am at a makeup counter.

And now I am into Nude lipsticks.

I bought a few and most of them left me looking dead like Revlon's Smooth Nude - pretty but didn't work on me :(

Anyway, I think I found my nude lipstick :)

Lo and behold....Rimmel's Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight

I am NC42 in complexion and my lips are quite pigmented (reddish/brown) and this by far is the best nude that is flattering to my skin and lips complexion :)

I can say that it's more peach/nude which is a little bit warmer hence more "lively" as oppose to looking dead which is what a nude lip can do (sometimes).

It's very moisturing and glossy enough to just use it on its own or pair with a complimenting lipgloss.

The only down side for me is the smell ... it's very baby powder / rose scented! It actually reminds me of Kenzo Flower perfume :) so it's not really bad. I think I am just used to MAC's vanilla scent on lippies.

This is sold in most chemist across Australia, Target, Kmart, Big W and Priceline for $13.49 AUD.

Will I repurchase? --- YES.

Product Review: Palmer's Line Smoothing Eye Cream

2010-01-08T16:07:00.008+08:00

I've finished my eye cream - remember this post? I think it was about 3 weeks ago when I chucked it out.

Question! What am I using now?

I am using this one.. Palmer's Line Smoothing Eye Cream - Rich anti-wrinkle eye cream

If you're familiar with this brand, you'll know that they are best known for removing stretch marks. This product totally took me by surprise. I was just at Priceline doing my usual routine (browsing the aisles on my lunch break) when I spotted this together with other Palmer's skin care products. I was sooo intrigued because it was new released at that time and they were having some promo.

New Release + Promo + free stuff = MsChikee spending money

What do I think?

Packaging

I actually love the packaging because i don't have to stick my finger in i, you jsut need to squeeze the product out. My last eye cream was a pump and I LOVED it due to the same reason - very hygienic.

Consistency

It's very thick (rich) compared to my last one. You can compare this to Kiehl's avocado cream in consistency. So if you're one of those ladies that hates thick eye creams then stop reading now :P

Even though it's thick, it sinks in the skin quickly.

It's has peptide complex and retinol which combats wrinkles :) (good stuff I tell you)

Smell

If you've used Palmer's lotions before it has that cocoa scent to it. This is one doesn't have that. It has a scent but I am terrible in describing it - let me try - it's not sweet and it's not cocoa and it's not medicinal - let's just say it's an OK smell :) it won't kill you.. :P

Price

Very affordable. I think it's only $12.95 but that was the promo price so I am not sure how much it is. I don't think it will be uberly priced.

Do I see results?

After 3 weeks of using it day and night, i can say that it's improved my under eye area.

I feel that the skin is not as fragile as it was and as for the my fine lines - well they are still fine lines. I think i need to use it for a few more weeks or months :)

I dont have crows feet just yet so I can't comment on that.

Will I repurchased?

Yes unless i find something else that I'd like to try.

This product really surprised me. I wouldn't even think twice of buying if it wasn't for the promo and the sign "New Release" :) So i am glad I bought it.

In Australia, you can get it in Priceline outlets :)

Product Review: Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate

2010-01-05T10:00:00.000+08:00

I got this little pot over Christmas or maybe just before New Year. We have our major sales on 26th December and we call it Boxing Day. I can say that this is our equivalent of Black Friday :)

So since most of the stuff are on sale I thought why not?

Why buy this?

I was watching MakeupbyTiffanyD video on 2009 Favourites and she raved about this lip butter. I then searched on YouTube who has it and watched some other vids. I also went and searched blogs reviews on this baby and I was convinced to try it.

Why Pomegranate?

I am not a fan of the fruit but this one is the cutest pink and most natural looking on my lips.

"A buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish. The combination of Shea butter adn Rice wax offers deep hydration and softness. Ideal for chapped lips" - Korres Natural Products

That's how it looks like on my lips... it's a bit blurry but you can see the colour.. (I really need to get a new camera.. or a new iPhone :P)

The Verdict

OK, I want to LOVE this product so much but I can't.... I only LIKE it.

I like it for the colour pay off on my lips - very natually pink

I like it for the scent - it's not overpoweringly sweet

I like it for the size of the pot - so tiny it can fit on my coin purse

I like it for the prize - it's not that cheap but it's still less from what I expected it to be.

I CAN'T Love it because..

it's not hydrating contrary to what they promise.

my lips flake out after I apply it. It's like one of those lipsticks that dries out your lips after a few minutes or so.

Sad to say that I am not entirely satisfied with this product and will not repurchase in the future.

If you're interested - i got this at Kit Cosmetics - for $17.50AUD

Aims for 2010 :)

2010-01-04T17:05:00.000+08:00

First of all - Happy New Year!

let me just say that it feels good to have a clean slate for the year.. at least on purchases.
I am happy to report that my last makeup purchase was on 31/12/2009 :)

for 2010 I have the following aims:

1. Save, save, save. It's going to be tough year for me financially speaking (unless i win some kind of lottery). I've got some personal projects going on and some holidays planned and a big 3-0 bday celebration... so yeah save, save, save.

2. Use most of my makeup - i told myself that there 3 ways that i am getting new makeup; first, if it's a gift; second is if it's given to me by the company; and third is Back 2 Mac programme :)

3. Do more makeup gigs to enhance my skills. probably do some proper lessons and get a proper certificate. that is if i really want to pursue makeup as a career more than a hobby.. it's still a big jump for me.

4. Be healthier. I hope to get back in Pilates and walking and just eating healthy.

5. Invest only on good quality clothing pieces. This way I am saving more because I know the item is going to last me for years.

6. Smile, sleep and drink water more.

7. Learn a new language. Haven't decided which one yet but i am choosing between Arabic and Spanish :)

8. Do more EOTD or FOTD or Review blog posts

9. maybe some IPL treatments :)

10. Stay happy and positive and make 2010 better than 2009 :) (i can just say listen more and talk less)

What are you aims/goals/resolutions?

Makeup Giveaway Contest #1 - Winner is....

2010-01-01T02:00:00.000+08:00

Giveaway #1 - MAC Colour Form - Warm Eyes Palette

According to Random.org, comment 10 wins :)

The winner is --- Saucy.eff.baby

To you Saucy.eff.baby - please email me your mailing details at mschikee(at)gmail(dot)com

Thank you everyone for joining and I wish all a very Happy New Year. All the best for 2010 :)

New Love: Lanvin Arpege D'Eclat

2009-12-23T15:28:00.004+08:00

This is my ultimate favourite perfume at the moment and will be for a while. This reminds me of a perfect summer back when my mum's was around.

I first smelled it from a friend. I interrogated her so much to know what she's wearing and she told me I couldn't find it in Australia! Luckily I was going to a holiday at that time and I know duty free will never let me down and that's where I got a small size of it.

It's almost finished now but I have a new one (100ml) so I am not that sad that this tiny one is going soon :)

It contains the following notes (from Lanvin):

Top Notes: Sicilian Lemon Leaves, Green Lilac

Heart Notes: Wisteria blossom, Green Tea Leaves, Peach Blossom, Red Peony, Chinese Osmanthus

Base Notes: White Cedar of Lebanon, Sweet Musk, Precious Amber

i love it sooooo much and so as other people who gives me compliments.

Another interesting fact about this perfume is the bottle - if you look closely the logo on the bottle is a "mother-daughter" holding hands.

When i first saw it my heart just skipped a beat and i got teary eyes. There was sooo much love in the logo and that made me miss my mum more.

I searched for the meaning why Lanvin is using that logo and if you visit Lanvin.com - it was describe:

"In 1927, Jeanne Lanvn created Arpege by love for her daughter Marguerite...."

That fact melted my heart.

What's your favourite perfume?

Skincare Routine (updated) - Blog edition

2009-12-20T11:11:00.003+08:00

Yes, I've updated my skin care (slightly). I still use my ol' time faves but i've added some new products that I am inlove with :)

Disclaimer: Products used are purchased by myself and tested to work on my skin type. I don't in any way claim that this will work necessarily for everyone's skin so please take caution when trying these products.

My update skincare routine:

Let's start from Left to Right, shall we?

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator - my current favourite exfoliator! There's nothing really different if you compare it with St Ive's Apricot scrub. MAC's one is definitely something new, something refreshing hence the whole new love for it. I am not ditching my St Ives and will definitely go back to it once my volcanic ash is all used up. Both products are great and do the job. I think price wise I consider volcanic ash a splurge :)

Usage: I use this 1x to 2x a week. The max is 3x a week but nothing more than that.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 - This is my second tube! This helped my skin clear and got rid of those nasty break outs. I love the minty feeling it leaves when you rinse it off your face. In my experience, if i have an impending break out then i use this as as mask. It lifts the break out and heals it gradually. It's not a 1-time-heal-all type. I use it daily until the break out is cleared out.
My skin is combination normal to oily - T-Zone is my enemy and i get my hormonal break out around the chin and nose area. This product has salicylic acid so if you're allergic to it then please stay away.

Usage: I use this every other day in the morning as my second cleanser and everyday if i have a break out lurking around. I use it as mask once my break out is on the surface.

Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion - my ol' time fave. I've been using this for 7 years now and I always come back to if I slightly go off trying other products. I've used and loved the Clinique 3 step but I've only kept this moisturiser as the cleanser and toner were too drying to my skin.

Usage: I use it 2x a day after cleansing my face.

This Works Eye serum - I love this product!! I love that it's a pump and that's in a bottle packaging. As for hydration and clearing dark under eyes it's great but I don't think it works for fine lines which I am starting to notice. I am almost done with this which brings me to my new hunt for an eye cream :)

Usage: 2x a day - morning and night. This keeps your under eye concealer in place as well :)

Clinique Superdefense 25+ - my new sun protection. I love this product and will definitely repurchase over and over. BTW, i don't use this as my only sun protection. If i am going to be under the sun in a long period of time the I use a proper sun block :)

Usage: Every morning after my dramatically different lotion.

Philosophy Purity - MY NEW FAVE CLEANSER! It melts your makeup away! even your stubborn mascara without stinging your eyes. It's lavender scented and it's creamy. I am can say that this is way better than my Shu Uemura cleansing oil. I love love love this product. It tones your skin too :)

Usage: 2x a day (morning and night) - this is my initial cleanser :)

Faceshop's Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask - i love this product and I am happy that it works well with my skin. I haven't found any sleeping mask that is white-sheets friendly too and this one is definitely the one.

Usage: ad hoc - i use it when i need to a little boost the next day :)

There is one thing missing - it's NIGHT CREAM. i haven't found a good one yet so i'll let you know once I find it. If you have any suggestions please let me know :)

waiting in vain

2009-12-11T17:08:00.002+08:00

This lipgloss just doesn't want to finish! I mean I lost and found it, then lost it again and after a few months I found it again. Then I lost it again then I found it again! Never ending cycle and note that we're talking 1 lipgloss!

Here is the culprit, MAC Love Nectar. This is my favourite at one time until I found new ones but I always go back to using it and loving it (after i find it) and now I am just over it. I just want it to finish so i can move on and use up other lipglosses.

I am currently doing a Project 10 pan but only lip products. I've been using up lip balms, lipglosses, lipsticks on a daily basis and it's just never ending. On one hand I love that it's not used up yet but then on another hand I just want to get it of it but not waste it.

Have you had this dilemma?

PS: apologies on the photo - my iPhone is ancient.

my hair's new BFF :)

2009-12-09T21:45:00.003+08:00

I just recently had my hair trimmed. It was very long (up to my waist) and was giving me trouble plus it's very dry on the ends (yuck!) So I had it trimmed. :)

Now here's when my hair's BFF comes in...

My hair looks soooo amazingly healthy and shiny after every trip to my hairdresser. I want that hair every day so I started buying the tools like hair dryer and straightener and some hair product but i could never get the same result until my last trip - i met the one!

This is Natural Look's Smooth Operator from their Static Free FM range

"It's a lightweight leave-in polish that seals and strengthens the cuticles while providing heat protection to the ends and mid-lengths of straight or curly hair. Prevent hair breakage, colour fading and split ends"

I apply it on damp hair then I blow dry my hair (no brushing) then straighten with hair straightener then I get "The Aniston" .

I am very pleased with this product because I get the result I wanted and I feel at ease that my hair is getting some kind of heat protection.

Now just a note, this product has a strong fruity smell mixed with perming solution smell if you know what I mean. I don't mind it because the smell fades away in a few hours and I am far more impressed and happy with the result so I am not too concern about the smell :)

Also I think this is only sold at the salon and online for wholesale but don't quote me I could be wrong.

I would definitely repurchase for sure and I will try other products from the range :)

What's your hair's BFF??

MAC Baroque Boudoir Collection - now in Australia

2009-12-07T18:25:00.007+08:00

Finally!! I've been waiting for this collection for quite some time now and now it's out. It's a David Jones (DJ) exclusive only in Perth but I am pretty sure it's available in all MAC counters over east.

It's not on Australian MAC site yet which was hopeless because I was counting on it. Luckily my feet dragged me at DJ after work and saw it there :)

Initially, I was planning to get Prive lipstick (light blue pink) which I saw at Temptalia's site but when I saw it in person it reminded me of DSquared's Nude Rose lipstick so I decided not to get it.

Anyway here's what I got: MAC Treasured lipstick (Creamy warm nude beige) and MAC The Lap of Luxury (sheer baby pink with white and pink pearl) lipgloss

The packaging is so gorgeous and the boxes too! I am pretty sure I'm keeping everything. The only thing I don't like is the applicator of the lipgloss - brush. I am more a sponge tip girl than brush.

MAC introduced 2 new lip finishes in this collection - Cream lipstick and Frost Lipgloss.

According to the MUA at my counter, Cream finish is like a love child of Amplified and Lustre finishes. You get the intensity of the colour + glossiness of a Lustre = Cream.

While Frost Lipgloss (not Lipglass) is like a love child of Lipglass and Lustreglass sans the sticky feeling. (plus!!)

Reason for my choice - well all day today I was contemplating on a nude lip. I even sent a tweet asking what's the best nude lip colour for NC40 like me and Fafinettex3 recommended MAC Cherish which I was going to get but since Boudoir is out then might as well try it and I couldn't be happier. I am still getting MAC Cherish eventually (i know myself).

Before I leave you for the day, let me share my discovery of the day.

MAC The Tap of Luxury (Frost) is very similar to MAC Love Nectar (Lustreglass). Very very similar. The only difference is Love Nectar is very sticky and The Tap of Luxury is not :)

And some swatch for you - i feel very JLo-ish with this lip combo! This matches my new nude patent shoes :P

A happy lady indeed.

Wish List for New Year

2009-12-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

These are the products that I'd like to get in the coming weeks/months. No timeline so no pressure unless ManFriend is reading this then please don't let this stop you :P

1. NARS Essentials Palette

2. MAC Cremesheen Shy Girl (Photo credit: http://beautymecca.blogspot.com)

That's it.. i am easy :P

my new BFF this summer

2009-12-05T19:53:00.004+08:00

It's not only Paris Hilton who looks for a BFF every season, me too!

Such a lame introduction I must say but anyway Summer is definitely here! I love summer but not a big fan of it well not anymore after experiencing winter I've decided that I like cold weather over hot weather :)

Ok on to my new BFF - presenting Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF30+

This is my new best bud this summer! I stumble upon this baby when I was on my lunch break perusing the aisles of sunscreen section at Priceline (our version of Superdrug).

I heard of Neutrogena's sunscreen range but never really thought of trying them out until that day (when I decided I had to have a sunscreen handy in my bag).

I was actually looking for a body moisturiser that has SPF. I found one from Palmer's cocoa butter range but it's all sold out. It's a blessing in disguise really because the size is not bag-friendly :)

Determined to find my moisturiser with SPF, I ended up in the Sunscreen section and that's when I found this baby.

No tester available which I find a little bit disappointing so I had to read out what it promises. And here are the things that convinced me:

Ultra Sheer - check! i love the fact that it's ultra sheer. most sunscreen leaves your skin rather white. this one is like it says "Ultra sheer"

Lightweight, clean feel - check again!

Skin and cancer foundation Australia approved - check, check! I've been using products approved by the cancer council.

Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) - check, check, check! although i haven't used this on my face under makeup or on its own it's good to know that it won't clog pores :)

I am very happy with this and will buy the spray one to try it out. It smells really nice and I use it daily. I apply it more on my arms so it protects while I am driving.

I am heading to the beach one of these days and I am pretty sure this is coming with me.

Enjoy your summer and be sun smart!

Question for my readers and followers?

2009-12-03T07:52:00.003+08:00

Just a quick question for my readers/followers... if i do a makeup giveaway contest and the giveaway consists of all of my semi-used makeup, would you join?

i have so much unloved semi-used makeup :( they are not bad or expired, it's just i haven't shared the love buy using it and i don't want them just sitting in my drawers! :(

so hopefully i'll get some info from you.

Have a wonderful day!

PS. this blog post is brought to you by my "Edward" HAHAHAHA I recently bought a MacBook Pro and named it Edward for obvious reasons :)

Makeup Pet Peeve #1

2009-12-01T08:04:00.002+08:00

Pet Peeve!! eeekk! yes, i do have some reasonable pet peeves (makeup) that I'd like to share to everyone. Maybe this has happened to you or maybe it's your pet peeve too... either way let's hope that this post will enlighten you.

PET PEEVE #1: Wrong shade brightening under eye concealer

(Photo credit: http://spoiledpretty.blogspot.com/ - I don't know if this photo was photoshop'd to look worse but you get the idea)

I really hate that look where your under eye concealer is way too light for your skin tone that it totally stands out and looks totally fake.

It's not flattering ladies and gents.

The idea is to brighten the under eye without looking fake and the way to achieve it according to Bobbi Brown is having the correct shade of concealer. Add in the some proper setting powder and tools!

If you're unsure what shade you need or what type of undereye concealer you need then you need to book for an appointment for some colour matching at you favourite makeup counter.

Do yourself a favour, invest on a good under eye concealer and make it to your advantage :)

Reason for this post, today while waiting for my train, met this lady was asking about Twilight and to be honest all I can think of was wiping off her under eye concealer...

I chicken out on telling her about it because 1. i don't know her. she only saw me reading Eclipse and 2. how do i break it to her?

winging it

2009-11-27T15:51:00.004+08:00

If you've been following me on twitter then you would have probably read a tweet many moons ago about perfecting a "winged" eyeliner.

I've tried so many times and believe it or not I always aim for a Sophia Lauren look but always ended up like Winehouse and with my tiny Asian eyes, it's not flattering at all.

But that was 3 months ago :)

Ladies and gentlement, I finally mastered THE winged eyeliner! and here's a quick photo proof :)

This is not how yellow I am HAHAHAHA :P This is purely my bathroom light and my crappy iPhone camera :) But nevertheless you can see how my winged eyeliner went.... it's close to perfect :) Also I am using my MUFE HD foundation here hence the very smooth, velvety finish :)

I've been using gel liners when applying my liners and my two favourites are:

MAC Blacktrack fluid line
Bobbi Brown - Black Mauve shimmer ink

I prefer Bobbi Brown's more than the MAC because i find it smoother and easier to apply. However, if i like intensity and depth I use Blacktrack.

As for the brush, I use MAC 209 brush :)

What othe gel liners have you tried?

New Moon rave!

2009-11-22T22:38:00.003+08:00

just a quick detour from makeup... normal blogging will commence shortly :)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE New Moon! I mean love is an understatement to be honest!

I watched it with my girl friends which is the best idea ever. You need to be with people who shares the same passion as you do or else it's just another movie that you went to.

I booked the whole row.. yes! the whole row just for us! I sat next to AbsolutFeli and we held hands for every moment that our hearts skipped! For her it's more on Jacob's abs for me well my pasty and constipated looking Edward :)

As you may have seen in the trailers, the colour palette for this movie is very warm and now I understand why, it's because the movie introduces Jacob and the wolf pack's world (LOL - i am slow like that). In the book they are very hot (warm) and human and I love how ChrisW showcased that. You see Twilight was very blue and grey... very cold because it's an introduction to the Cullens the cold ones. (I bet you know that already).

Ok i won't spill any spoiler but please leave me a comment once you've seen it! I'd love to hear from you and your thoughts.

Also let me just say that Kristen Stewart's performance is superb. I felt everything and I was with her when she was really down and really happy. Hats off to her. I was so engaged to the emotions that she's playing.

As for Robert Pattinson, I was mesmerised by his smirks :)

As for Taylor - well i was so tempted to switch team only because he bribed me with his abs! HAHAHAHAHA

I really love it and would want to see it again.

I want to know the makeup used on KStew. I want lipstick!

New Product: Skinfood's Salmon Skin care range

2009-11-20T13:00:00.000+08:00

Final installment of my Skinfood skin care haul :)

Let me just say that I haven't used this yet because I am still using up some products and since eye skin care products are only good for 6 months after opening, I'd rather one or the other to waste.

Here's what I got:

Skinfood Brightening Eye Cream

Product Information:

"A premium eye brightening line that contains salmon egg extracts rich in Omega-3 from Hokkaido (Japan), Norwegian salmon oil and arbutin."
"An eye cream especially for those skin around the eyes is dry. It has smooth yet dense-feeling texture. It also feels rich and stress-free to use"

Sounds very promising right? I can't wait to start using it. I am slowly finishing my This Works eye serum which is a great product. I actually much prefer a pump when it comes to eye creams rather than sticking your finger in the pot but Skinfood is yet to learn on that :P

Second thing i got is Salmon darkcircle Concealer cream

Product information:

"Contains Norwegian Salmon oil that supplies nutrition to the areas around the eye that lack it. The extracts from Salmon eggs from Hokkaido Japan that work well for brightening by restraining melanin creation and Haloxyl that decreases the dark spots around the eyes."

I think in other words, it's a makeup that is also a skin care.

The brochure that I got contains information that is more like a direct translation from Korean (I think) but nevertheless I am going to try this out very soon.

So watch out for this space for some proper reviews once I get to use it.

If this brand is accessible in your location and haven't tried it then pay a visit and try some products, you might like it.

For those who tried it, how was your experience?