queenkiryne

Your one-stop hop... into the new iOS 5

2011-10-13T04:43:00.003+08:00

I rarely ever do a tech post, (or much posting at all these days) but I'll make an exception in honour of the late Steve Jobs.

For most of you who just got the iOS 5, you've probably gotten disappointed more than once while exploring. That's because the design really isn't that different and all that waiting and back up-ing was is really worth it... if you know where to find it.

The improvements done by Apple in the latest iOS really is hidden. And by hidden, I mean almost "find the golden egg" in Angry Bird hidden. Here are some examples of what I mean.

1) The camera button on the lock screen

Yes, I got excited by this, since I've missed so many pictures just trying to get to my camera. You can also snap a pic using the UP VOLUME (not down) button which makes zi-pai-ing so much easier (and Blackberry-like).

Off topic: I love the fact that Apple always tries to be multi-cultural and racial so much so that they actually appear otherwise.

This also means that people can access a locked phone's camera right bypassing the lock screen.
Apple has ensured that all pictures and content is securely behind your passcode, so no worries there. But it does open the door to pranksters (troll peen anyone?) just in time for All Hallows Eve.

2) iMessage

Oh hey look it's a black hand talking to a ethnic person!

I spent quite a while figuring this out. Apparently it's a go or no go thing. If your contact has iOS 5, your outgoing message will appear in blue, and before you type it in, iMessage will appear in Apple's signature grey, semi opaque font. HOWEVER, in order to get this elusive word to appear, you first need to message someone WHOM YOU KNOW has the iOS 5 to activate the iMessage function. For the "forever alone in a sea of Blackberry users", good luck in that department.

3) The swanky notifications bit.

I went a bit tap happy and immediately went into settings to try and get a whole slew of notifications, only to realise that.... I didn't know how to get it to show. Here's how: Swipe from the speaker bit of your phone downwards and you'll get a notification screen. Most of us don't need weather updates or news on how the Dow Jones is doing in stocks, but it's nice to see something so we all don't feel so lonely.

On the flip side, it will make getting messages and morning updates so much easier. I'm still awaiting that slew of notifications.

(My weather widget currently says that it's 25 deg Celsius outside in Singapore. I'm fully inclined to never believe that widget again)

4) Native Reminder/To Do list

This is fairly straightforward, but do note for those who are sharing apple IDs in attempt to save those couple of bucks at the App store: if you enable iCloud, it syncs EVERYTHING, using your Apple ID. Not too convenient if you are sharing, but convenient enough if you have more than one iOS device.

5) The new Safari.

I got a pleasant surprise when I opened up safari - It now has TABS. Being a person who has an attention span of a housefly, I rely on tabs a lot. A LOT. Another pleasant surprise is that they sync your Safari bookmarks to your iOS device, so now you have a bookmark toolbar!

6) Picture Editing

It's no Photoshop CS5, but it'll do. Cropping, rotating and "enhancements" are the few things the iPhone can do natively with the iOS 5. I'm happy about this, simply because such a smartphone shouldn't be deprived of such basic daily necessities.

Finally, Siri. Apparently it's not available to the iPhones 3Gs and 4, so it's a little bit of a letdown, but I guess they need SOMETHING to get people to buy the new 4S. It's also creepy in a sci-fi way.

Remember iRobot?

No rest for the depressed

2011-04-29T04:27:00.002+08:00

Literally speaking.

We don't sleep. We lead lives filled with fear, angst, anxiety and most of all, sadness. Most nights we toss and turn, and if we're lucky, we get in some hours of sleep, but alas, they are more often than not plagued with disturbing dreams about fears for our future, our present, and the people around us.

In the heat of the election fever, the opposition talks about insufficient healthcare for the elderly, sick and crippled. Medicine is expensive, housing prices are through the roof, GST, income gap, homophobia in Singapore. These are all very pressing issues, and I agree with all of them. What makes me sad is that although there is insufficient attention paid to these problems, there is almost none paid to the mentally disabled of this nation.

Ignorance

Yes, we can walk, talk and function as normally as any normal person could. We often put up a facade as a second nature, because well, no one wants to hang around a sad sack. We go about our lives and try to make the best of it, with a heavy cross to bear. The worst part of it all is that there is no definite diagnosis, no physical wound to be seen, no test that can confirm depression, anxiety or even, bipolar. It's so obvious to the people closest to us, yet it remains impossible for doctors to see the signs.

Can we blame the health system? Maybe. The help that is available to us is so limited that sometimes, we are just forced to look to the internet for solutions. Psychiatrists are few and far in between, and the good ones are rarer still. In fact, I haven't found a good psychiatrist yet. My doctor is below only to the dean of medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and yet he pays no attention to me, my changes and life in general. I could record a conversation between us, but that will have to wait till my next visit, which I dread, not only because I am completely ignored, but also because of the cost.

Chicken or the egg?

This brings us to another topic of contention. The cost, the stigma and the ignorance of it all. When I told my mother I may have depression, she told me to drink more water. I didn't want to face it at first, because a mental illness would ultimately mean a psychiatrist, and those were expensive. Anyway, I looked fine, what does it matter that I'm not on the inside?

On the average, a trip to the hospital would cost me a $66 consultation, and a script of my old medication, which would cost about $200, depending on how much I buy at the time. Sometimes, if I am prescribed 12 weeks, I'd buy 6 weeks first, so it doesn't make such a huge dent.

I don't know which came first; was it the cost because of the stigma, or the stigma because of the cost? People choose to ignore mental illness because it's easy to. Denial will then lead to less and less people seeking for help, and hence the help available drops in both quantity and quality.

There is also a belief that rich kids are more prone to these problems, because we just sit around and do nothing all day, think too much and BOOM, "mental illness". I hate these people who think that way. Of course only the rich kids will get diagnosed, because a visit to a psychiatrist costs more than some people make in a day here. It calls for an endless well of funds for endless trips to the doctor's and thousands of expensive, patented pills. What I think, is that there are more people than you think who need help, but just can't afford to get it.

I feel for them, because without my antidepressants, I'd probably be in a morgue, disfigured from my 19th storey fall. Even with my pills, I find it hard to work, my anxiety gets the better of me and manifests into physical illness. What's more is that most employers don't really accept depression as a disability. In other states, you can apply for a disability clause and the government, (as they should) will help you out.

The Crux

I have a friend who is crippled with both depression and fibromyalgia, and is unable to work because she is in constant, searing pain that spreads throughout her whole body. She's talented, smart, capable and a brilliant person, but she can't work, and this country doesn't recognize her illness and won't lift a finger to help her out with the massive, massive medical bills.

The real question I would like to ask Minister Khaw Boon Wan and all of the opposition parties is not how they will stop rising health costs, but whether they will recognize this minority of patients who, with greater exposure, might help other people who are in denial of their own illnesses.

It's like solving a problem you didn't know existed, and ignoring it just because it's convenient.

We may be born with all limbs attached, but that doesn't mean we are fine.

staging a comeback

2011-04-11T23:57:00.004+08:00

Okay so I'm pretty sure I owe you guys something big - and Better. I've let cobwebs grow on this blog mainly because I've been so involved in a very new venture that I truly believe in, a company that produces interactive content for touchscreen devices. It sounds awfully dull, but put it to you this way: it's like Harry Potter's world.

Pictures in books move, text is never-ending (who needs a word count when there's a scroll bar?) on pages you can play with, toss things about, grow grass... it's a whole new reading and viewing experience. It's only available on the iPad for now, but we are expanding this to the iPhone in time to come, so hopefully you guys know what I'm talking about very soon.

Our first magical part begins with a title called, Better Beauty: The Cult. Counter staples get a new look, this book is mainly about the classics and how they manage to stay relevant.

This is the future.

Here are some screenshots just to let you know what I'm talking about.

For those of you who have an iPad, you can download it here: http://www.better.com.sg/guides

There's a free version with locked pages that you can unlock by paying $1.99, a minimal price to pay for something so packed with content it's ridiculous.

Another venture that most of you are familiar with is my work at a Japanese brand called Rosebullet. I currently maintain their Facebook Fanpage at www.facebook.com/rosebulletsg. Sort of reminiscent of the way I used to dress, I live vicariously through the people who ARE able to carry off the Japanese look and I guess that makes me happy.

Don't get me wrong, I love my blacks, but something about lace and florals makes me want to want them, but I'll just end up looking strange/young/very vulnerable.

Case in point:

That's mainly what's been going on for my life as of late, but let's not forget someone who has been taking up a huge portion of my life, my love and my bank account.

The name says, "Hello, my name is Sharpie K. Poh Kueh-sio" meaning, she's kay-poh (geddit? geddit?) and she loves to be as close to people as humanly possible.

She just had her first birthday a few days ago and I made a cake!

From scratch nia, don't play.

So, she's pretty happy.

As for Damaged Goods, I'm trying to stage a comeback with that, but thanks to many of you, my collections are all sold out and I'm trying to scrape time together and properly do one for all of you. <3 Ta till then.

better late than never

2011-01-09T01:24:00.002+08:00

An olive branch: To Stephanie

2010-11-27T03:28:00.000+08:00

I've been told by my editor to go straight to the point, don't fuff about, write it as long as it's needed, and make every sentence count for something.

Well, here goes.

I miss my best friend. I miss her every time I see my growing puppy, when a new make up collection has launched, every brand that she's brought to my attention reminds me of her. I miss her for her eccentricity, how she would yell at me and almost force me to do the things that, in her opinion, would be for my own good.

Everyone whom I've spoken to about this tells me that it'll blow over and we'll get back to where we were before we know it. I yearn for that day to arrive, no matter how pathetic that sounds. I don't believe in going through life with my head held high, dismissing every weak emotion. There's no sense in ignoring what must be done to make us happier, just for the sake of pride. I believe in doing everything the world tells us not to do - to be transparent, honest and above all, to trust.

I am constantly telling myself that my world would be better without her influence, but there's always a longing feeling that my life, although perfect now, would be even more wonderful with her around. She has been with me through the worst times, seen me at my weakest and at my strongest. I don't know why we're as such, both rebellious and pig headed, hot tempered and proud, but I do know one thing, if not for her, I would be a lesser person.

I miss her; I dreamt her dog had died and when I woke up, I allowed myself to weep for a few minutes before realising that, what I was mourning for, wasn't her dog, but her presence in my life. I didn't understand; she can be the most toxic person ever, she can hurt me without even trying and use me for her own ends but, negative or positive, I want her in my life, no matter how toxic she can be, simply because I love her.

The kind of love I have for her is both rare and often misunderstood for homosexuality, but I believe, I have for her the deepest love that can exist between friends. I would go out of my way just to see her, include her, be with her. Without her, I am incomplete. I don't know how she must feel right now, but there's something that needs to be said:

We both have wronged each other, we both have our pride, but will that separate us? I have regretted over and over that I wasn't with you through the hardest times in your life, and I never want to miss anything again. We've gotten through this before, surely we can again? You pushed me aside because you thought me to be unworthy of your time, but now I can safely say that I've made something out of myself, there's hope yet. I understand if you are happier without me in your life, but in my heart of hearts, I wish that to be untrue, selfish as it may be.

I want us both to reconcile in our own, brusque manner, simply because I can't stand this silence. We can be distant, if you wish, but please, don't cut me out for long.

i love 9gag

2010-10-10T02:14:00.006+08:00

"Up, down, turn around, please don't let me hit the ground. Tonight I think I'll walk alone, and find my soul as I go on." - Moby, Temptation.

Also, everyone needs to watch this:

trend-sporting

2010-10-05T00:21:00.000+08:00

There is a long standing belief that most of us, in the bid to feel relevant, are slaves to designer trends and populate our wardrobe accordingly.

Let me dispel that myth. Despite what most men and self-proclaimed intellectuals think, we are not mindless sheep; far from it. Have you ever finished a good book and wished that there was more? Pleasures are meant to be enjoyed for as long as possible. If that book ends, you'll look for other works by the same author. Apply the same principle to fashion, and you have trends. We are in constant need for new pleasures, what with constant subjugation by men, crying children, emotional lability and various, undefined, uncalled for responsibilities. If you care to look carefully, what better way to fill the void and have simple creature comforts than to have unanswerable urges and desires?

We are not governed by trends, but more so, they constantly give us something to want, and with satisfying that want comes gratification that we can't get elsewhere in our lives. Unhealthy as that may sound, often than not, problems solve themselves and having a temporary distraction is often necessary.

In my opinion, consumerism is a necessary evil and superficiality serves a purpose, no matter how small. A large portion of our economy relies, in some way or another, on the trends that drive the market and us, the market that provides the want. While the production processes leave much to be desired when it concerns our planet, you can not deny that trends, fashion and superficiality in general play a role in all of our lives, directly and indirectly.

The reason why I am writing this is because of the people who take the "higher ground", condemning superficiality and consumerism without realizing the true potential of what they put down.

It is true, both consumerism and superficiality are not ideal traits to have in our society, but instead of taking a higher ground, why not try and shape it to your liking? Maybe direct the energy of consumerism to saving the earth, or making superficiality not just about outer appearance, but having people pay more attention to their inner natures.

There are many ways to help improve our planet, and one of the ways is to do something, anything, and that isn't complaining.

MAC Venomous Villains Tangs update

2010-10-01T15:14:00.005+08:00

I come bearing news! Well okay I have both so you can cover the screen if you require them to be in like a... good news then bad news order or vice versa.

BAD NEWS: Nearly the entire collection of Maleficient has sold out.

Items that were sold out when I was there:
She who Dares - Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo
My Dark Magic - Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo
All 3 Nail Laquers - Bad fairy, Mean & Green, Formidable

Beauty powder in Briar Rose was down to the last few pieces.

The last I saw, most of the other collections were still intact, with beauty powders running low. But then again, I was there at 12 noon, so I think it's safe to say everyone has already gotten a chance to rape MAC of its VV products.

GOOD NEWS: Other MAC counters at Taka, Sephora, Isetan and Raffles City haven't launched yet and will be launching on the 8th of October, according to the opening timings of their respective malls.

Sephora ION: 10am
Takashimaya: 1030am
Isetan Scotts: 1030am

Here's a GAME PLAN if you already haven't gotten one: 1) ION -> buy whatever's there then head over to Isetan Scotts then to Taka. Isetan has more stock, so more chances of getting what you want and stocking up!

Make up reminder!

2010-10-01T01:28:00.002+08:00

MAC Venomous Villains, tomorrow!! 1 October.

See you there darlings! :)

Bubble Brolly

2010-10-01T00:20:00.003+08:00

This might be a little off tangent from my usual postings, but I assure you, they are about to become rather fashion relevant. (Anyway if they turn out otherwise, it is most definitely weather relevant right now)

When I was about 9, I had an obsession with clingwrap. A few years later, Cinderella was my favourite Disney princess because she wore a glass slipper. While fashion statements don't really revolve around transparency for absurd modesty purposes, I sought to wear something that was transparent and at the same time, won't land me in jail.

I didn't really feel the transparent bag trend; my bag is a nest of secrets that often contains a split juice box or a melted tic tac(s). Cinderella made transparent shoes a great idea, but due to the physical nature of glass being painfully breakable and the idea of squashed toes being less than fanciful, I don't think jelly shoes panned out very well. What else is a girl to do?

The only other solution: plastic outerwear, which right now, translates to raincoats in our modern day. I don't quite fancy making sound when I sit, but wouldn't it be fantastic to walk about in a drizzle without looking like a drain rat? Either a hood or a transparent plastic hat would be ideal as well, except hat hair is another thing that is less than appealing.

Finding no raincoats that don't look like thin sheets of canvas draped about one's self online, I deviated and saw these WONDERFUL range of umbrellas! Bubble brollies, parasols, art brollies!

By Lulu Guinness, $28 GBP excluding shipping. This is my favourite; look at the birdcage, how quaint!!

Eyes AWAY FROM THE GIRL. Concentrate on the brolly.

Patchwork brolly!

Corset Brolly by Chantal Thomass

Tulle Brolly! also by Chantal Thomass

'nother corset.

This MIGHT constitute as a parasol since I don't see this being practical in any way.

Dominatrix parasol perhaps?

How fun to open up a flower in the midst of a storm! However, these brollies don't come cheap; ranging from as little as $15 GBP to $129 GBP, even I would think twice before banging in my credit card number.

Who knows though? With it storming here everyday in Singapore, these would be perfect with some tough boots and a nice raincoat, ala Amanda Seyfried above.

What do you think, readers? Would you pay up to $100 SGD for a good brolly or would you just use your mom's NTUC foldable?

Rouge Allure Laque

2010-09-29T18:07:00.004+08:00

Have you ever had an infatuation that turned into love in 4 secs? I have. Just only very recently because, although I was once a slave for advertising, I am still and forever more, a slave to advertising.

Chanel recently promoted their new shades for their Extrait de Gloss range and re-promoted a few of your must-have Rouge Allure Laque shades.

If that sounds somewhat Greek to you, then you, like me, a few months back, will need this:

A DUMMY'S GUIDE TO CHANEL'S LIPCOLOUR NAMES
(only applicable for Rouge Allure because that's what I'm talking about)

Rouge Allure Laque (as in Lacquer): a -VERY- pigmented liquid lip shade that is neither a gloss nor a lipstick but is both at their very best. I will elaborate later on.

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss: a rather pigmented gloss that is supposed to go over the lipstick. It is sheer and does reveal the true colour of your lips when worn alone, but can be used as a slight stain.

Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour: The lipstick. Doesn't really drag so it's pretty satin in my opinion. However, my lips resemble dry driftwood so it might go on more smoothly for you. As with the entire line, very pigmented, but then again, it's Chanel.

Both the Laque and the Gloss come with a flocked doefoot, so application is as dreamy and creamy as the product itself. The Gloss is a little stickier than what I'm used to, but if you're just looking for the shine, I say go for it. But then again, for that kind of formula, you might want to consider other cheaper alternatives since Chanel is not exactly priced at $9.99.

Anyway back to my infatuation; I recently saw their latest ad campaign and apparently it is so elusive that I can't find it anywhere on the net, but here's a picture of an ad campaign from Chanel just to justify my splurging.

The ad was similar to this, as lipstick ads go, but it had the loveliest shade of pink on and it was so fully opaque I just had to have. it. I mean it, I fell in instant love. I was in a taxi at the time and the uncle was trying to calm me down because apparently I was close to shitting my pants. Ok no, I would never shit anywhere but my own home and ION's toilet. After seeing the ad, I was like a woman possessed. I saw the shade of pink everywhere and after much deliberation, (2 hours) I went out and threw Roy's NETS card at the Chanel cosmetic lady, demanding that I get what's on her poster.

She then told me, it was the Luminous Satin Lip colour (lipstick) with Extrait de Gloss (lip gloss) over and I was disappointed since I have no determination and perseverance to put on lipstick, nevermind lipstick AND gloss. She then showed me a colour that was close to the picture of the poster and I fell out of love, and in love with a different shade of pink. What's more, she tried it on me and I fell in love with myself.

The magical colour is called 76 Ming. This is me after wearing it:

I kid. But don't take this lightly; I really mean it. The RA laque collection is a force to be reckoned with, destined to take over the lip colour world with its staying power and moisturizing effects.

You should get it too, and then you will look as amazing as me.

vanity = world peace... essentially.

2010-09-26T21:31:00.003+08:00

Did a friend's make up yesterday for her boyfriend's commissioning ball, doesn't she look like a doll?

I was just wondering, who do we put on make up for? For ourselves, our boyfriends, or for the world to see? I made the very drastic jump into make up a few years ago, after my friends brought me into the store that I am now a slave to: MAC. Previously I'd tumble out of bed jump into some jeans and I'm out the door.

Yes, judge me, I'm gross, I don't shower before leaving the house. How dirty do you get sleeping anyway??

Now, it involves a complicated ritual of showering, blowdrying, contact lens wearing, careful selection of eye colour, lip colour, and clothes to match. During my hey day, I used to wake up at 6am just to complete my full ritual, plus curling of the hair. The entire process used to take up to about 2 hours, shower excluded. Yes, I'm high maintenence.

Personally, I think I did it both for myself and the world. Myself, because vanity is in my genes and I'll do whatever it takes to look good even if it does rob me of sleep. The world: there are already too many ugly people walking about, let's do the world a favour and give them something pretty to look at, one person at a time.

I keep thinking about places like Japan, Korea, London, Paris, where they put real effort into dressing for the occasion. I have respect for these people; many will call it vanity, but I call it effort. Effort to buy the clothes that suit you, make up that enhances and plays up your features, and in general, make the world a better looking place.

I'm not equating vanity to world peace, but if we all put in a little bit of effort to make the world a better (looking) place, isn't it essentially the same thing?

Naked Palette, Venomous Villains and Sephora!

2010-09-25T21:54:00.007+08:00

If you guys were wondering why the naked palette didn't launch the day I said that it would, well, I was puzzled too. I went to the counters expecting a mad rush only to be told that there was a delay in shipping and the launch date was delayed by a week.

Fun facts from the MUAs:
- Only 500 were brought in to Singapore
- It sold out in 3 hours, meaning before noon, since Sephora opens at 10, but there were leftovers from the people who reserved the palette but didn't collect.
- Only one per customer!

I for one, didn't expect it to sell out so fast since, who knew there was such a huge following of UD in Singapore? Luckily however, I fluked a contest win involving Urban Decay's Eric Jimenez, the International MUA for UD and he managed to skew two palettes for me from the depths of Sephora's backroom. I was ecstatic!!!!!

Here's the loot:

My personal favourites: Gunmetal and Creep. Despite Gunmetal being a permanent shade, I don't think I'll ever get UD's one off eyeshadows since their palettes give so much more value. Darkhorse, Hustle and Buck were not too bad either, but then again, I'm not a browny kind of person. Give me blues any day and I'll be a much happier bunny.

To all my fellow beauty lovers in Singapore: There will be no more stock of the Naked palette since it's sold out worldwide, however you can try your luck on eBay. The retail price of the palette is $73 sgd inclusive of the duo ended liner of Zero and Whisky, and the mini Urban Decay Primer Potion which I'll be giving away before the week is up!

I'm personally auctioning off my palette, but it seems like such a shame to let go of a palette so beautiful!!! If the auction doesn't go as I'd like it to go, I might sell it here for it's cost price just because you guys know that I love you!

The next palette launch will be the Urban Decay for NY, which has a gorgeous pop up tray and beautiful colours that is to be launching in Singapore, November 1st, retail price to be confirmed. Be sure that I'll update when I get final details.

Also for another launch, MAC's Venomous Villains will be launching 1 October, with an unveiling show at Tangs Orchard! Further information when I get it!

Another useful tidbit: If you spend a total of $240 at Sephora between August to 31st December 2010, you'll get a $40 voucher! So remember to tell the cashier everytime you spend at Sephora and keep all your receipts just in case. To qualify for this "loyalty program" you need to spend a minimum of $60 in a single receipt. Personally I'm about $80 away!

Yes, I do need to step away from the merchandise.

Alcoholics Anonymous- Collection 3

2010-09-25T01:52:00.006+08:00

Collection 3: Alcoholics Anonymous

Sherry

$12 (customizable rings)

Customizable with any of my other flowers!

How to order rings:
1) Tell me your ring size/measure the diameter of your most comfortable ring
2) Tell me which flower would you like
3) You have your ring!

Vintage copper wire and paper flowers. Contains glue.
Measurements: Roughly 1 inch wide, depending on flower chosen. Perfect for vintage flower parties.

Ice Wine

$21(one sided earring)

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish vintage copper wire, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inch wide, 2 inches tall. Rhodium ear hooks.

Gin

This is my first 3D piece! the Crystal is actually trapped between two layers of cages. this is much, much prettier in real life.

$17 (one sided earring)
Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish vintage copper wire, fabric leaves and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall. Rhodium ear hooks.

Rose Wine

$18 (one sided earring)
Non tarnish bronze wire, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 2.5 inches wide, 1 inch tall. Rhodium ear hooks.

~~Bourbon~~ SOLD

~~$21 (one sided earring)~~ SOLD
Non tarnish bronze wire, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 2.5 inches wide, 1 inch tall. Rhodium ear hooks.

Vodka

$17 (one sided earring)
Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish vintage copper wire, fabric leaves and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall. Rhodium ear hooks.

Meetups only at my convenience, (AMK, YCK, TPY)
Postage is not included.
No haggling please and
NO TRADES.

Have a lovely day!

Doggie bootcamp

2010-09-20T16:42:00.004+08:00

SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE MOTHERS, just dog owners. HAHA.

MEET SHARPIE.

TOILET TRAINING IS NO JOKE. NO JOKE AT ALL. DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE.

I've been busy with this one, over here, hence the sad lack of updates!! However, I have another jewllery collection coming up, and I FINALLY have my Urban Decay Naked palette! More details on how your queen managed to score -2- palettes one day after the launch date.

Endings

2010-09-13T21:23:00.006+08:00

Each name has a relation to an ending: Shotgun, Guillotine, Heat Stroke and Electric Chair. This is my second collection up! A little on the morbid side, but I think the flowers offset any signs of impending morbidity. Also, I have set up new pages containing FAQ, Care instructions and an All collections page at the sidebar!

Collection 2: ENDINGS (one sided earrings)

ShotGun: $33 (one sided earring)

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish gunmetal wire, and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 2.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you for an extra dollar.

Guillotine: $17 (one sided earring)

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish vintage copper wire, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1 inch wide, 2 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you for an extra dollar.

Electric Chair: $18 (one sided earring)

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish vintage copper wire, silver charms and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you for an extra dollar.

Heat stroke: $22 (one sided earring)

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish bronze wire, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 2.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you for an extra dollar.

Blushing beauty: my two favourite blushes of all time

2010-09-09T11:07:00.008+08:00

I've been meaning to review these two since God was a boy, (about a couple of months back when I first got them) but failed to do so due to the lack of photography equipment. Now that I'm armed with a DSLR of my own.... *waggles (unkempt) brows* [psst kittymao i need to schedule a brow shaping appt with you again) I am ready to take on the reviews of all my favourite products. Today it's blushes, because despite my Home Ec teacher raving about my radiant, rosy glow, I like to control how my cheek looks.

Illamasqua Blush in Hussy

It was love at first sight with this one: I had initially bought it on behalf of Steph of kittymao, who wanted it from ASOS and when I saw the colour, I swooned. After she used it on me, I swooned even more. I'm not normally a fan of mattes, but I am a big fan of coral blushes.

The nitty gritty: Formula goes on soft, smooth and VERY PIGMENTED. One pat of my blush brush was more than enough to give me a nice rosy glow that lasted through most of my day. Two swipes might give you a puppet like appearance, and any more than that, you will look like you have an inflammation. The long and short: use a light hand.

What I didn't quite like about the product was it's packaging; it felt slightly cheap, plastic and tacky. The opening and closure of the product is not smooth as it should be, but produces a "CLACK" sound each time. What I also discovered is that the product doesn't stick to the pan as well as it should, giving way to some panic and breakage, as seen in the picture.

On the whole however, I think that product > packaging any day, though it does count for some points if the packaging is lovely.

Availability: Illamasqua Website, ASOS.

Packaging: C-
Pigmentation: A+
Price: B
Formulation: A

Overall: B+

NARS Powder Blush in Orgasm:

After so much hype, how could I NOT try this?!?! The initial look of it was rather dubious, and the swatch, less than impressive. If this were a new product, I would have dismissed it right away at the counter, but then again, we don't have NARS counters here in Singapore so I would have dismissed it on the website. The only thing that would've attracted me would have been the name. "Orgasm". Really?

Yes, quite.

The nitty gritty: If NARS was aiming for all of us to look like we had just sex and was basking in the afterglow of it all, they have succeeded. Also a coral blusher, Orgasm has sparks of gold embedded into the formula, giving it a rather nasty, gritty appearance. However, if magic is as magic of make up does, only two pats of this on will give you a sunkissed, rosy glow about you. The sparkles sort of disappear and melt into the skin, leaving it slightly shimmery. If the living dead needed a blush to look alive, this would be it.

Packaging wise, NARS is always classy with a matte black finish, suede-like texture and an inner mirror... in case you ever run out of mirrors. Personally, I feel that it's a tad smaller than what I need, but a free mirror is a free mirror. The catch also opens and closes nicely, and the overall casing is designed slim, because that's all the rage these days.

Packaging: A
Pigmentation: B
Price: B
Formulation: A+

Overall: A

Also, here's a sneak peek about what I've been up to with my paper flowers:

Availability: Nordstrom, Sephora, Beauty.com, NARS website.
NARS is currently not available in Singapore, and if you are looking, here's a post a while back about where you CAN'T find NARS.

UP NEXT: Brushes that are so soft, you'll wonder if they are real, or just clouds.

Love, Queenkiryne.

Moe moe Kyun Cafe!

2010-09-07T12:26:00.006+08:00

What is this I don't even.....

A maid cafe in Singapore. If you aren't sure about maid cafes, Google it. Basically, these are themed cafes where maids "serve" their masters, wear cute outfits and dance about being kawaii.

Now who would subject themselves to such humiliation?

Yup, I already sent in my resume.

Who's hedging bets that they'll hire me?

Be sure that I'll update you guys on my daily activities.

Okaerinasai goshujin-sama! \/^_~

damaged goods

2010-09-06T03:12:00.011+08:00

EDIT: Realised that photobucket was screwing me up, so I switched to fb uploader. Hope the pics load easier now!

Happy birthday to me! ish. It's all over now and after the festivities, I have many a bit of exciting news to share!

Obligatory random birthday cake

First of all, I have a new baby: Nikon D3000 DSLR which I plan to make very busy; more pictures after I have shopped them a little. (this camera's eye is better than my own)

Second of all, to mark the significance of this... day.... I bring you my newly launched jewellery line which features intricate wirework, genuine Swarovski crystals and paper flowers. I plan to do this for a while, (much to the displeasure of my mother) mainly because I believe that looking at paper flowers is cheaper than therapy and I am hoping it gives other people similar reason to be happy.

Right now the line is titled after my blog, but I plan to name it "Damaged Goods" just for the quirk. Ha-ha.

The names are after different types of paper, just in case you were wondering.

I'll be selling this mainly on sgselltrade, a livejournal community, here, and etsy, but since this is my virgin collection, special discount of 20% if you order through my twitter or the comments page. This is on a first come first served basis.

Okay, 'nuff said. here are the jangles:

Collection 1: SILVER LINING

Twist Wrap Tissue: $28

Twist Wrap tissue:  It possess properties of with standing breaking stress when twisted during packing of toffees. High bursting strength combined with excellent machine runnability makes it suitable for special packing operations which require papers with high twisting properties.
Used For : It is used in packing of pharmaceutical products after poly lamination or coating.

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish silver wire, and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 2.5 inches wide, 2 inches tall. Chain length is to the buyer's preference.

~~Barograph: $25 (comes in a pair)~~ SOLD

Barograph Paper:  Red thin paper coated on one side with a white wax, so that the needle of the barograph leaves a red line on a white ground, sold in rolls and coils and to suit the type of barograph.

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish silver wire, silver charms, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inches wide, 1.6 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you.

~~Wallpaper: $13 for one side, $24 for both.~~ SOLD

Wall Paper:  Coated with multiple colours or floral designs.
Used For : Used as an alternative to paint. To give better aesthetic appeal to the walls.

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish silver wire, silver charms and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inches wide, 2 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you.

~~Diary: $15 for one side, $27 for both.~~ ONE SIDE LEFT.

Diary Paper : Used For : Used for making of diaries and sometimes for book printing and other applications.

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish bronze wire, pearl beads and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 1.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall. If you require 925 silver ear hooks I can arrange that for you.

~~Glassine: $21~~ SOLD

Glassine Paper : These papers are characterised by very low porosity (air permeability less than 10 cubic cm min. Preservation of aroma and perfection against attack of external environment to the packed contents are also important qualities of the subject papers.
Used For : Used for food packagings and other special wrapping applications.

Genuine Swarovski crystals, non tarnish silver wire, and paper flowers.
Measurements: Roughly 2.5 inches wide, 2 inches tall. Chain length is to the buyer's preference.

Love, Queenkiryne!

paper flowers

2010-08-24T01:11:00.003+08:00

Hey guys,

Sorry if things have been quiet lately; I have been busy selling bags like there's no tomorrow and battling inner demons during my spare time. Some of you have said that you've missed me (aw) and I've noticed that there have been a steady stream of visitors despite the lack of updates, so here's a small little update on what I've been up to:

PAPER FLOWERS~

I'm reviving my wire art jewellery that I used to do and this time I'm incorporating paper flowers~~ that hopefully will make 1) my job far easier 2) you like my jewellery even more. I'll be hocking them on this site like the other 13439234 Singaporean blogshops/girls out there, except that I'll be doing it a lot better.

Also I've been playing guinea pig to kittymao and being her test subject while she flexes her make up/hair muscles.

Earlier I've promised you guys a Juicy fragrance, and here it is, though I haven't decided how I'm gonna make you guys contest for it so if you have any suggestions, drop a comment/reply me on twitter @queenkiryne/write on my wall/send me a note and drop it in the ocean/send a messenger owl to me and you'll automatically be in the running. If you're curious, here's the fragrance I'm giving away:

That's it for tonight! See you in the AM.

Essentially speaking...

2010-08-16T19:37:00.007+08:00

We've been told that make up is hard: it needs some serious investment and once you have the foundation, you MUST have the concealer, after which you simply HAVE to have this eyeliner, and mascara, and blush, how about this lipstick, if you're serious about this, you MUST HAVE THIS LIPSTICK.

I've been under peer pressure more than a lot, my two best friends being make up artists and me being easily swayed by brightly colours and shiny objects. I was (and still am actually) constantly dragged to the make up counter with products I can't afford pushed under my nose, being tempted by launch after launch, and look, OH there's yet another new brand that's awesome and you have to try it or you just aren't serious about make up aren't you?

Straight dudes, you wouldn't understand; it's like a drug addict in a field of weed with pills for flowers. Just one swatch, one more look, one more caress! Oh, but I must try it on myself just for the heck of it! Usually I break down after the MUA starts caressing my face with a 187 duo fibre brush.

I had accumulated a lot of guilt-money in brushes from MAC, Everyday Minerals and Hakuhodo (!!!) before I could fill up my bank account fast enough. It was then, ironically, the day I got my Hakuhodo blusher brush, the day I left my three essential brushes at a kittymao's house. That's when it all boiled down to the bare essentials. Could I do a make up look with just my eyeliner brush, my pigments and my... pinky?

It turned out that yes, I could. Here are the results of lots of pinky wiping and smudging:

(don't laugh at the hair. IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME)

Eyes: MAC Pigments in: Gold, Chartreuse. MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Diorshow Mascara.

Cheeks: NARS blusher in Orgasm

Lips: NARS lipgloss in Orgasm

I didn't attempt to try out any of my palettes with my pinky, but I think when push comes to shove, I'd sooner use my pinky than to hunt down a blue squirrel and shave it within an inch of its life.

That's when it struck me: they're just applicators. We don't actually need them: we just want them. To make our lives easier, softer, smoother, richer and a lot more easier.

While I have a good, long list on why you should use brushes, here's my challenge to all of you today: Try putting on makeup without any brushes at all. YES, PUT DOWN THE BLUSH BRUSH. You might be surprised, or at least, more thankful that you have your bristles.

Next post: I'm giving away a bottle of Couture Couture by Juicy Couture in my next post! Mechanics to be revealed soon. Clue in: there's a new tagboard on my blog.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol III NYC heads up!

2010-08-16T19:31:00.005+08:00

Price: $54 USD / $85 ~ SGD estimate
Launch dates:

Special limited launch of 1000 at Sephora Times Sq, Aug 28, 1-9pm! Girls, it's time to call in some favours.

Urbandecay.com : September 6th, US's Labor Day.

Other retailers: October 1st.

Singapore: TBA, but I predict November.

People might start talking about how I've become a spokesperson for Urban Decay after this, but I can honestly and sadly say that I'm not, because then I'd have everything of theirs and I wouldn't need to wake up at 5am to wait for a bid to end for my Naked palette.

After the hoo-rah that was the Naked palette, UD had to squeeze some extra money out of us by putting together Book of Shadows Vol. III. Unbeknownst to most, the palette does contain a lot of old shades that have been repeated, such as Snatch, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Smog, Maui Wowie, Perversion, Uzi and (not so last) Last Call.

If you haven't been grabbing their palettes off the shelves yet, you're mostly safe and the colours will remain new to you. However, if like me, you plan to get the Naked Palette and this, you might have multiple shades that you will get sick of using. On the other hand, there ARE 16 shadows, 7 being new and 2 being Sephora exclusives (Haight and Psychedelic sister) so I think most of us should be getting our money's worth.

Always, to sweeten the deal and to make you pay for stuff that you already have, UD gives you Zero, a black liner once again and Ransom, a violet purple liner. While I don't deny that having extra liners around is useful, it comes to a point where these liners become almost like disposable cotton buds.

However, despite all, I'll still be hankering after this palette with all the mad-fandom of a Harry Potter/Twilight fan.

Signing off with much rabbit love,
Queenkiryne.

Heels over head: why you should respect women with heels.

2010-08-16T17:23:00.005+08:00

I was scrollling through my tumblr feed while being a lousy waste of space this morning and saw this:

Preparing for a date - women

1. Put a face-pack on.

2. Epilate your body. This ranges from armpits, legs, thights and vulva to the arse. Plus other areas we shall never mention.

3. Shampoo and condition hair.

4. Wash and scrub body (painfully) to remove (supposedly) dead skin.

5. Remove face-pack and cry, because you have a huge spot on your chin and you are in your thirties and for fuck’s sake, it’s suppposed to only be teenagers who get zits, and now with this damn red mount you won’t be getting any sex tonight.

6. Dab toothpaste onto your chin. You’re going to stem the growth of this hormonal boil if it’s the last thing you ever do.

7. Moisturize skin from face to feet with scent cream/lotion.

8. Rub extra lotion onto your chest and groin area. Who knows: if you pay extra attention here, so might the bloke, with any luck.

9. Deodorize your armpits. And your feet. We shall never speak of the latter again.

10. Fix hair itno a sexy style.

11. Remove all hair pins because you now hate the style you previously spent so long fixing.

12. Wrestle with your new ‘do, but instead create a mad fizz.

13. Sit on the loo, crying.

14. Paint toenails.

15. Paint fingernails.

16. Put on some make-up.

17. Scream in frustration as you smudge your still-wet fingernails on your nose.

18. Find some sexy underwear.

19. Try not to weep when you discover that your expensive bra is now totally misshapen because you threw it in the washing machine by mistake.

20. Find a different bra from a not-as-nice set.

21. Do the bra up on the tightest fitting to enhance your cleavage. Struggle to breathe.

22. Slowly slide chosen outfit on without messing up hair/make-up/nails.

23. Slip on some shoes/heels/boots.

24. Try not to cry from the pain in your feet because NO HUMAN FOOT IS SHAPED LIKE A WOMAN’S SHOE.

25. Brush your teeth.

26. Spray breath freshener in your mouth.

27. Put on some lipstick and try to discover the balance between having “moist lips” and “oh fuck, my lips have stuck together”.

28. Leave the house and attempt not to trip up.

29. Try not to sob as you realize you’ve left your purse/mobile/oyster card/keys inside the house.

30. Depart, hoping that your date/potential snag goes well.

I spent a good 5 minutes smirking to myself, crossing off all the things that do not apply to me given the fact that I have never been cursed with big spots and have never needed a face pack. I was having a jolly good time before I hit number 24. Spot on, my Achilles' heel right there (excuse the pun I couldn't resist): NO FOOT IS SHAPED LIKE A WOMAN'S SHOE.
I stopped short there, and a thousand years (okay, more like 11 years) of anguish flooded over me as I remember what I have been through, and what I go through everyday just for the sake of the heel.

Is there a more uncomfortable piece of clothing? I dare you to come up with a more painful accessory.

Nope, no bone corsets. This must be period-relevant.

Piercings don't count because their pain is once and temporary.

...See what I mean?

I go through 9 hours a day on an average of two times a week standing in 4 inch heels just because my pride won't let me wear flats. I feel that in flats, I'm a lesser person. Lesser by 4 inches, but a whole yawning abyss away from what I were to feel if I did have those 4 inches.

With those 4 inches, I can rule the world, wrap boys around my little finger and strut my stuff even if my stuff isn't all that impressive. It makes all the difference. What people don't know about heels is that it isn't that hard to walk in! It starts to hurt after the 6 hour mark, sure, but whose feet won't hurt after 6 hours of standing? In terms of stability, well okay, a bit is compromised, but hey, if you're not a banglah worker, why do you need so much stability walking around the office/ion/tangs?

If you have a problem with stability in flats already, try wedges! I haven't found a pair that I can pull off as of yet, but I haven't given up. Sure a few twisted ankles and some blisters are to be expected, but the pay off is just too great to ignore.

I guess that's why heels don't get more comfortable every time you put them on; you have to be able to endure a certain amount of pain to handle that amount of power. It is the single most painful rite of passage a woman has to endure, and it deserves all of your respect.

Also, Face Of The Day: The Browning.

Heel love,

Queenkiryne.

give the Benefit (of the doubt) & smoke weed.

2010-08-09T21:52:00.005+08:00

Image via temptalia

Images via sephora.com

A sister to the Scene Queen palette, the Benefit Sunday Funday palette is somewhat the answer to (most of) our dreams. I've never been much of a fan of Benefit mainly due to the cost factor that doesn't quite match up to the single product offered but with this palette, the cost is pretty much justified given the quantity and the variety.

Image via temptalia

What I love about this:

It gives me the chance to FINALLY get Hoola, the bronzer that I've been lemming for but been reluctant to get (see price tag).
It's completely usable, no unwanted colours here, pretty much what you need in a make up starter kit.
This also gives me a chance to try out Benetint, although I don't have my hopes pinned up.

Other products that I have nearly almost always wanted to try from Benefit:
- Bad Gal Lash (is it worth the hype?)
- Eye Bright. The colour just says YES.
- Georgia/Sugarbomb as a blusher (I don't really get the face powder thing, but I think they are nice blusher shades minus glitter)

While we're waiting for these to hit Benefit's website, you can join a spree for Sephora.com or Sephora at Amazon.

Here are some of the spree sites I trust/go to:

http://community.livejournal.com/sgspree/
http://community.livejournal.com/_spreee/
http://community.livejournal.com/spreehouse/

Not related, but always a joy; another smokey green FOTD for the book- I call it

"Smoke weed."

Products used:

Eyes - MAC Pigments in: Teal, Deep Blue Green, Forest Green and Vanilla (highlighter), MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Diorshow Mascara.

Face - MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC 25, Shu Uemura blusher shade 047.

On the Rocks: When blending gets boring

2010-08-08T02:21:00.005+08:00

Image via spinningbirdkick

Okay, so I took the weekend off to wallow in my sorrows, but I've sulked enough and I say, fuck the rules, do what the fuck you want. In the spirit of this rebelliousness, I realise that the first lesson that most of us learn when we start out in make up is: Blending. I didn't get it when I first got into make up. It used to be, inner lid: MAC's Chartreuse pigment (lime green) outer lid: MAC's Violet pigment (.... violet) with no transition whatsoever.

Just two blocks of colour, straight on, no lies.

I would go to work at Starbucks that way, two blocks of colour on my lids, black liner and mascara. While I never got much response from people, Ade (from pixelraccoon) pulled me aside after a while and said that maybe I should give blending a go. I remember my first reaction: "Then the colours will just mix! No one will notice which colours I use!"

It was after a while did I get the point: It's called eyeshadow for a reason, with emphasis on "shadow". No one is supposed to know which colours you used. I got it, but I still wasn't happy. I complied and did seamless gradients soon after, fearing the judgements from passing stares.

They say you need to learn the rules before you break them, and I think I've played by the safety nets long enough and to show you guys exactly what I mean, here's a new FOTD for the books.

Just a splash o' blue with pink underliner. Salami lips because of an army of ulcers that decided to make my lower lip their home.

My inspiration: Nails - pose is to show you WHERE I got my inspiration from, not because I'm trying to act cu... Ah screw you, think whatever you want, this is my :O!!! pose I do so famously.

Why blend? It's the same as, why blend into the crowd? Sure, my skills weren't up to par that time around, but there's no shame in using just one colour smack on your lid just to stand out, or using two colours on the rocks, unblended. I think it's a refreshing state of affairs from your usual blended cesspool of colours, don't you?

Love,
Queenkiryne.