Review – Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Plum Pink No.06

I know…lots of ‘firsts’ these days. It’s a phase i tell you. I was trying my best to convince myself i didn’t need all these new goodies, but i guess you know by now i’m not so good at saying no to myself. Lol! So here we have the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Plum Pink!

The palette comes complete with a velvet pouch, along with 3 mini applicators. (not photographed here) I definitely prefer using my own brushes, so i’ve left them untouched till now. Just like its Light Glow and Sheer Powder, the packaging incorporates a magnetic closure. A feature i definitely appreciate

Let’s take a closer look.

Product Description: (Taken from the Burberry website)

• A quartet of densely pigmented, coordinating eye colours that enrich the skin and remain vibrant all day
• The formulation of each shadow has been customised to give a targeted texture for a specific use: luminising base highlighter, two medium colours to add shape, and an intense liner
• The skin protecting, glide-on formula is blended with satin smooth silicones and enriching conditioners

This swatch was photographed against direct sunlight.

My thoughts:

With the exception of my Sleek eyeshadow palettes and the crazy colors, most of the other eye palettes in my stash are mainly neutral. This is no exception, i need colors which are wearable, versatile and work-friendly. Do you have in mind the same criteria when shopping for a quality eye palette? However, this is a little different from what i already own – the plum shade is what sealed the deal for me. In terms of quality, Burberry has not disappointed me. These eyeshadows are soft and smooth. So easy to apply, it glides on your lids like a dream and so easy to blend. No fall outs! Absolutely S$85 well spent. I can’t wait to do a proper FOTD with this eye palette soon.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Burberry Light Glow in Coral Pink No.09

My first Burberry Light Glow Blush from their Spring/Summer’13 Collection! This is yet another product that i told myself i need at least ONE!! Whoops, can you tell i’ve been over-indulging lately?!?! Lucky thing i got it when they were having the 12% rebate at Tangs some weeks ago.

Product Description: (Taken from the Burberry website)

• A lightweight blush that gives the skin a bright fresh glow
• Burberry Light Glow contains silicones for effortless and even application and wild rose extract for moisturising benefits
• The complexion glows with natural looking radiance
• Apply to the hollow of the cheeks to slim the face or apply to the cheek bone to highlight

I’m happy just looking at it… so pretty… and i love the embossed trench pattern. It took me a while to actually start using it, cos i just didn’t want to ruin the pattern. LOL!

My thoughts:

What i really like about the packaging is the magnetic closure, it is definitely one factor that sets it apart from blushers of other brands. The texture of this blush is super soft and finely-milled. It applies smoothly like a dream! Do not be fooled by the name ‘Light Glow’! With a matte finish, this dark pink blush is more than decently pigmented. It also has pretty good lasting power, lasting up to 8 hours or so. It gives you a nice healthy flush on the cheeks, and the quality is IMHO, outstanding. It is well worth its S$61. I didn’t really see the point of getting this and Hydrangea Pink which is the other blush from this Spring Collection. They appear to be kind of similar, just that this is a warmer shade and the Hydrangea Pink is more cool-toned.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Mini Paul & Joe Haul

Just an ‘almost mid-week’ sharing of my mini haul from Asos.com!

These are my first Paul & Joe purchases, even though I’ve always been drawn to the flirty & feminine persona of its products. A tad late i know… especially now that they’re no longer available in Singapore.

Image taken from Asos.com

Anyhoooo…Here are some pix of my purchases – the Paul & Joe Face Color in Cinema & Eyebrow Powder.

Hope everyone is having a good week so far! Hang in there… the weekend is almost here!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Spices

In continuation with my series of “Firsts” posts, i have for you today a review on the Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Spices. As you know, brighter eyeshadow colors are generally under utilized so when i make an investment in a product i try to make sure i can get good mileage out of it. Spices is what you would typically classify as a neutral palette. It features everyday colors that you can mix and match or wear on their own.

Description: (taken from Chanel website)

One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer. Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results — in even extreme climates. Dermatologist tested.

Here are 2 sets of swatches under slightly different lighting conditions.

My Thoughts:

I won’t bore you with details of the packaging. I’m sure you already know that story

What i have here are eyeshadows of the baked formula, so yes the texture feels kinda dry and scratchy when i pick up the color with my finger or with a brush. However, pigmentation doesn’t seem to be much of an issue despite being a little on the sheer side. The colors are shimmery and pearly, an absolute delight in my opinion. The color(s) are relatively easy to blend and you get 4 pretty colors in this palette – a light pink, rose pink, rose gold and a brown. It’s good for creating a daytime feminine-style EOTD, what with the pinks and golds. While i like it, i’m not really IN LOVE with it, if you know what i mean.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 67 Rose Tourbillon

This is yet another in the series of ‘Firsts’ posts – my first Chanel Joues Poudre Powder Blush in 67 Rose Tourbillon. I’m sure most of you are no stranger to Chanel. It possesses that undeniable touch of class and sophistication, where you are rendered helpless against that pull to sweep it off the shelf. That sleek black packaging is beautiful, though not as luxurious now that i have gotten a taste of Tom Ford.

Description: (Taken from the Chanel website)

The touch of colour and radiance. Offers makeup effects from very natural to very sophisticated. Used as a simple touch of colour, it gives your complexion a healthy glow. As a professional tool, it shapes and models your face (cheekbones, browbones, forehead, chin, along the nose). Manufactured by a process exclusive to CHANEL, the compact and silky texture of JOUES CONTRASTE gives easy application and subtle blending. The brush is made of natural hair. Highlighting your cheekbones enhances the youthful appearance of your face.

This is a swatch of 67 Rose Tourbillon (top), together with the Illamasqua Powder Blush in Nymph (bottom).

My Thoughts:

67 Rose Tourbillon is a shimmery bright hot pink, and it is extremely pigmented so a light hand is definitely recommended here. It is advisable to start light, and then slowly build up the color to the desired intensity. Although it is quite finely-milled, I found the texture to be a little dry, but it applies smoothly to give a nice warm glow on your cheeks. The little brush that accompanies it is nice and soft, but i definitely still prefer my own Sigma blush brush and only use the small brush for touch-ups on the go. I adore the lovely rose scent! In terms of lasting power, it managed to stay put for ~5 hours.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Nymph

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Illamasqua products, particularly their eyeshadows and blushers. I could not resist swiping one off the shelf when i was at Sephora in NYC, i knew that i would regret it if i did not come home with at least ONE! So here is the Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Nymph…

Description: (taken from the Illamasqua website)

Illuminate, radiate, make your face come alive with the colour and drama of Illamasqua Powder Blusher. Colour-intense and highly pigmented, use it to shade, brighten, enhance and define the shape of your face. Be bold, be daring, be the centre of attention.

My thoughts:

Nymph reminds me a lot of candy floss (or cotton candy to some others). It’s a sweet pink with warm undertones, and it has a matt finish. The texture is very soft, and it’s easy to blend across the cheeks too. Pigmentation wise – i have no complaints whatsoever. What you see in the the pan is literally what you get, so no surprises there. I tend to use a lighter hand when i pick up the color with my blush brush, just so i don’t over-apply. The color is buildable if you need more intense color on the cheeks. I suppose it all depends on the look you’re going for, this color is very versatile, and will suit and show up on most skin tones. Hussy is another shade that is pretty popular in the blogosphere, so if i were to purchase a 2nd shade, i’d probably be happy to have that in my stash as well.

Hope this review was useful for you, thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Shu Uemura UV Under Base Fluid

I think i’ve only really learnt the importance of a good base/primer product in the last 8 months or so. Not only does it help to provide a smooth canvas for an even application of foundation, some base products also help to color correct and control sebum. If you have flawless skin to begin with, then it’s pretty safe to say you can skip this step. But for the rest of us ladies who are not as blessed, a good base product can make a positive difference!

And now, i’d like to introduce to you the Shu Uemura UV Under Base Fluid with SPF 20 PA ++. I got this at Changi Airport DFS for about S$43 last month. I couldn’t find it on the Shu Uemura website though, only the mousse version is there. This isn’t a new product, but i thought i’d give it a go anyway. Mousse is really not my thing, and a previous experience with a mousse-type product did not go down well with me so i’ll skip pretty much anything that comes in that form.

This product comes in 3 shades – Pink (for a brighter, even complexion), Beige (for a natural, even complexion) and Medium Beige (for a naturally lightened complexion). Mine is in Beige as i just wanted something as close to my skin color as possible, and to help give my complexion a uniform color sans the redness or dullness that comes round with tired skin on bad days.

Description:
Shu Uemura UV Under Base Fluid is a makeup base designed to create a refined and smooth skin canvas for perfect application of foundation. This beautifully evened out complexion is achieved by selected pearls and powders which creates a smooth surface for even light reflection. The fresh and watery texture with superb spreadability creates a thin layer of comfort for a long lasting beautiful finish. Allergy tested and non-comedogenic.

My Thoughts:

I like the little nifty plastic packaging, it’s really handy, and the nozzle-like dispenser is easy enough to work with.
The liquid base is easy to apply, and spreads evenly across my skin. It also provides sheer coverage with a very slight white-ish cast. For lazy days if i decide to do without liquid foundation, i simply apply pressed powder over this fluid base and i’m all set to go. It gives minimum coverage but helps give a uniform color at least.

My usual SOP is to apply a thin layer of this liquid base, followed by liquid foundation and a light dusting of pressed powder over my face to set it. I get that having so many layers on can sometimes seem scary and over-doing it, but i think the trick here is to keep the layers light and sheer. I usually have an oily t-zone, but since i started using this i have found that my make-up lasts longer than before and helps keep sebum at bay. I just need to use a tissue to blot once or twice a day. I also like that it contains SPF properties. Minimal – but nice to have nevertheless.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Tom Ford Cheek Color in Frantic Pink

May i present to you today – my first Tom Ford purchase, the Cheek Color in Frantic Pink! I was really excited about this particular purchase and many many thanks to Jacqueline of My Beauty Hoard for letting me ride on her Sak’s order.

First impressions wise – i was very taken with the packaging. It’s sleek, sexy and very luxe. It features a magnetic closure, and with all its deep brown and gold hues it just screams luxury. I can totally understand what they mean when they say you have to have at least one.

I met up with Jacqueline, Ruby, Meryl and Luna one weekend quite some weeks ago and of course we decided to browse around Tang’s Beauty Hall. Everyone was ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the products at the Tom Ford counter (myself included). It wasn’t the first time that i had visited the counter, but so far i had managed to dissuade myself from getting anything. Well, not till Jacq announced that she was ordering some stuff from Saks anyway! So i was busy swatching away, all the cheek colors were lovely (needless to say) and very buttery smooth. Somehow, my heart was set on Frantic Pink because i wanted something understated and easy to wear with a variety of different looks.

My thoughts:

As you can see from the swatch, Frantic Pink is a pretty, shimmery medium pink. It looks more coral in the pan, but that is also partly due to the lighting. The texture is soft and the color easy to blend. However, i was very surprised that it takes quite a few sweeps of color (using my brush) before i can get the color to show up on my cheeks. When i thought understated, i did not mean it literally so. For some reason, i manage to pick up more color with my finger than with my blush brush. I do love the color though with its subtle shimmer. At S$80 a pop, this product is by no means pocket-friendly and i am a tad disappointed with its lack of color. It gives me a sheer healthy glow on my cheeks at best, and lasts about 4-5 hours. I’ve read glowing reviews about Tom Ford’s Cheek Color in other shades, so perhaps only Frantic Pink is lacking.

Ladies, any recommendations on what kind of brush i can use that will help pick up more color please?

Here’s a very simple Face of The Day that i did for a simple weekend lunch with the family. Here i’m using Frantic Pink on my cheeks with a soft brown smokey eye.

Thanks for reading! Have a great week everyone!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Experience Unparalleled Skin Safety at 50% OFF with the Skincredible VMV Hypoallergenics’ Tube Swap Program

Say hello to healthy and glowing skin with VMV Hypoallergenics as the sensitive skin specialist brings you the irresistible Tube Swap Program. Simply bring in your old skincare products from other brands and swap for an equivalent VMV Hypoallergenics product at 50% OFF from now till the end of April!

Known for its safe and effective care for sensitive skin, VMV Hypoallergenics is offering all consumers the rare chance to experience its validated skin-safety at a 50% discount off all VMV products, by swapping an old skincare product from any brand.

VMV product ranges

VMV Hypoallergenics offers a wide range of hypoallergenicity-validated products to attend to every need of men, women and children of all ages, from head to toe + cell to surface.

• Superskin product line offers a basic, all-around, preventive cosmeceutical care for pre-teens and above.
• Re-Everything product line for anti-ageing help.
• ID product line to tackle skin blemishes from acne to shaving and waxing bumps.
• Grandma Minnie product line for safe and soothing products for new mums and their babies.
• Armada product line for full-spectrum protection against both outdoor and indoor visible and infrared light.
• Illuminants+ product line for lightening that combats skin discoloration or melasma and dullness.

All VMV Hypoallergenics products are validated hypoallergenic, 100% free of all types of fragrances, 100% Paraben-free, 100% Preservative-free, and 100% Phthalete-free

For more information on VMV Hypoallergenics Singapore, please visit its Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/VMVHYPOALLERGENICS.SG

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My favourite scents from Jo Malone

If you haven’t tried a Jo Malone scent, i would strongly suggest you do so. Try at least one – though i won’t guarantee you’ll stop at just one These here are 2 that i own, and they are my favourite everyday scents. May i present to you Lime Basil & Mandarin and English Pear & Freesia! The 30 ml bottle retails for $95 in Singapore. I bought one of these during my transit in Frankfurt for only ~$65. Huge markup here in Singapore!

Lime Basil & Mandarin - Reminiscent of the scent of limes carried on a Caribbean sea breeze, Lime Basil & Mandarin has become a modern classic for men and women. Fresh limes and zesty mandarins are undercut by peppery basil and aromatic white thyme in this alluring signature blend.

English Pear & Freesia – A scent that is inspired by a walk in an orchard and captures the luscious scent of just-ripe pears, cooled by the autumn air, ready to twist free from the tree. Experience the surprising, sensuous freshness of sweet pears, wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, on a subtle background of scrambling wild roses and skin-warming amber, patchouli and woods.

All of their scents are marketed as unisex, but from what i gather some are really more geared towards males than females, and vice versa. For me, i find that these 2 scents are light yet give off a warm vibe. They are definitely unique compared to other scents that i’ve used over the years, and i’m enjoying this new breed of scents. Personally, i enjoy the amber and patchouli elements in the English Pear & Freesia, and the lime, mandarin orange and bergamot notes in Lime Basil & Mandarin. I’m not quite sure how to describe these scents in absolute detail, they are rather complex – definitely not your typical floral or musky scents. If what i’ve said has piqued your interest in any way – you should really visit a counter to sniff what the fuss is all about!

Thanks for reading! Have a great week ahead.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.