Makeup Review: Chanel Les Beiges All-in-one Healthy Glow Fluid

This Healthy Glow Fluid is a newer addition to my staple compartment. To me, it's a multi-functional formula which I can use as a standalone perk-me-up, a sheer base underneath powder, and an undereye concealer. It has great hydrating property and light to medium coverage. Texture-wise, it feels more like CC cream than the Chanel CC Cream which I really dislike (see review HERE). After the disappointment I got from Chanel CC Cream, I'm so super glad that they have this Healthy Glow Cream in store...! I love wearing it alone in dry, wintry season to give my skin a natural and supple finish. In our humid, sticky spring and summer over here, I still prefer getting back to my all-time fave, Chanel Le Blanc Compact Foundation (see review HERE) for a lighter yet lasting touch. But don't get me wrong, I actually use this Healthy Glow Cream on a daily basis all-year round these days - How? What I love most is to use it over my Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Corrector (review coming up) to cover up my seasoned dark circles. I have to stress that the formula is very hydrating because it really is! In fact, I think it works on the undereye better than Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum CONCEALER - more buildable and lasting without settling into creases even after like 10 hours. Of course, if I only use it as a concealer, I can't imagine how many years it will take to empty the entire tube! With its multifunctionality and the amount of hydration it brings, it deserves going into your shopping bag.

Makeup Review: Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme vs. Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25/PA+++

I recently came across a comic strip from my friend's Whatsapp which illustrated how girls, or female in general, tend to spend loads of time to make sure we've packed into our luggages every little thing that's possibly needed in a trip. Although I do have girlfriends who are experts in packing up for their business trips within 30 minutes...What?!...and others who will only bother to literally chuck things into their luggages, I myself tend to fall into the stereotypical I-bring-everything category. I can remember how irritating it was when I forgot to bring my Clinique concealer (many years back) and the same item was not available in Melbourne at all...you know, not everything from the same brand fits your skin, especially when it comes to undereye concealer...But this years-long mentality of mine is recently proved invalid ;)

I was waiting for my flight to Ireland for a conference when flashback images of my Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme (see previous review HERE) lying on my desk suddenly crossed my mind. I fished into my handbag. Not there. I dashed to the Chanel counter in Duty Free Shop, but my #20 Beige was sold out...Oh NO!!! I looked and looked and looked at the rest of the compacts. Should I get another Mat Lumiere Extreme or should I try something new? I ended up grabbing their Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact Foundation, which was the only existing Chanel compact foundation that I hadn't tried. Ah-ha! The experience turned out to be a blessing in disguise! In fact, I like it more than Mat Extreme. 

What I have been very happy about Mat Lumiere Extreme are its oil control effect and lasting power which can pretty much stay put all day with a teeny bit of oil blotting. In this regard, the Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact fares just as well, at least on my skin. Adding to the good things of Mat Lumiere Extreme is its slightly lighter shade (it's still in #20 Beige), which puts my skin under a natural-looking spotlight. Although Chanel didn't emphasize its hydrating effect, I do find this more hydrating than Mat Lumiere Extreme, and it smells way more pleasant as well. On a personal note, Mat Lumiere Extreme missed a mark when it comes to its fragrance, which smells too strong for me. As for the lasting power of this Le Blanc compact, like Mat Lumiere Extreme, it melts a bit after a few hours into a healthy glow. That said, I don't have to worry about how I look even in our hot and humid summer days and on days that I've to wear my makeup from morning till 11ish at night. In terms of coverage, the compact is very buildable. It can conceal the redness of my hormonal acne and some mild blemishes brilliantly. 

Weather conditions, and therefore skin conditions, vary a lot in different countries and regions. If I were to carry along a foolproof foundation in my travel handbag, this will absolutely be the one before anything new and better appears in my beauty junkie life. ;)  

Makeup Review: Chanel CC Cream

Though a hard-core fan of Chanel beauty products, this CC cream a real disappointment. The texture is way too thick for a CC cream, more like a foundation in fact. And with this, I'm definitely not referring to the sheer ones like NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, but the more traditional kind of liquid foundation. Ever since I've started using those feather-weight Korean BB creams, what I wear on my face is becoming sheerer and sheerer and I can no longer tolerate any detectable loads on my skin...My experience with Chanel CC cream is rather yucky - I'm sorry! I could feel the thick creamy layer on my face all day. Think partly because of the humidity here and partly because of the texture, my face felt like a disgusting sticky pad and the makeup started caking after two hours. Thank God the color didn't change...In fact, I've tried the BB creams by Lancome, Dior, Bobbi Brown and NARS, but none of them performed as well as those by Korean brands,  which are way cheaper! The European and US ones are either not sheer enough, not lasting, or both. Is there some sort of secret Korean recipes???   

That said, I'm so glad that I didn't purchase this CC cream in full size. After all, what matters when it comes to beauty products is not the brand, but how a product reacts on your skin.

Indulgence in Korean cosmetics: Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream vs.Face Shop Face it Aura CC Cream

Oh my goodness! I have been in this almost-fatal addiction over Korean beauty products since my trip to Seoul in April. Somehow I just can't stop doing online and physical search of products from the popular names like Innisfree, Banila, The Face Shop and Nature Republic. I even have this deadly tendency to browse through online shops to reward myself for reading or writing a few paragraphs...And yes, I have new items to try out practically every single week...that's not good!...Oh dear...what a s***ty researcher I have become...!!!

One of the beloved items in my haul lately is this Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream (#2 Natural Beige/Light Touch). Erm, I didn't purchase its full size with an empty head. It's really the samplers I got in Seoul that pushed me to buy it (I'm beginning to hate samplers - sinful marketing innovation!). If you have read my previous post, I also bought The Face Shop Aura CC Cream (see review HERE), which I loved. This adventure into Korean cosmetics is simply amazing. I seem to be discovering wonders after wonders as I try out the different products I bought. If I were to compare between the two, I will definitely give more ticks to this Innisfree BB Cream though the Face Shop CC Cream is really pretty good. 

Texture

As with all CC Cream, the Face Shop CC Cream does feel significantly sheerer. In fact, I was amazed by how little of it I need for the entire face if I want the finish to remain natural-looking. But for a BB Cream, Innisfree Air Skin Fit feels just as airy as it's named. It feels...nothing! And it's very buildable - great over blemishes.  What's more, I like its non-sticky, matte finish. I actually love how it looks before setting with powder (I'm using Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme - see review HERE). If where you live is dry, I would highly recommend you do without any loose powder over it. 

Effects

What I like most about this Innisfree Air Skin Fit is that it gives my skin just the right amount of perk-up and it lasts the entire day! It brightens my complexion by like half a degree, in other words, fairer yet natural-looking. It blends beautifully into my skin, literally becoming my a second skin. I know it sounds a bit crappy, but I still have to say that the Innisfree Air Skin Fit gives a significantly better coverage compared with the Face Shop CC Cream. The best part is, even till the end of my working day (after dinner), my complexion is still appropriately brightened without a tinge of ashy or grayish tone. In fact, if I don't bother to touch up at all, which I usually do once or at most twice a day, it will just melt into my skin with a radiant glow. Perfect for concealing my haggardness...erm...

Packaging

The only thing is the packaging, or I don't know if I'm simply being too lucky to end up with a tube that's a bit leaky. Not that the BB cream really leaks out and stains my stuff, but there's always a bit around the opening when I remove the cap. So that said, I've never carried it out and I may double-wrap this particular tube if I really wanna travel with it. But this is really my one and only complaint about Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream.

Pros

- Sheer texture

- Natural, matte finish

- Long-lasting

- Great for combination skin

- Doesn't turn ashy or grayish

- Brightening

- Highly buildable

- Gives a healthy radiant glow after long hours with the brightening effect intact

Cons

- Insecure packaging (at least for the one I got)

Makeup Review: Chanel Mat Lumiere Perfection vs. Mat Lumiere Extreme

For at least the past one year, I have been using Chanel Vitalumiere Éclat to finish my makeup and for mid-day touchups. It worked wonders, BUT...somehow my T-zone has become oilier than ever no matter how I tried to hydrate it...not to mention the irritating humidity of over 90% and 30 deg C on most days lately...my skin, especially my T-zone feels really disgusting in the afternoon. Just the other day, a friend of mine who has very oily skin recommended me to use Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme. Her recommendation was definitely convincing as it's really the first time I saw her with normal-looking matte skin (sorry...but really!). The Chanel SR however stressed that Extreme is meant for acne-prone and very oily skin, and not so much for combination-dry skin like mine. She suggested the newly-launched Mat Lumiere Perfection which offers both oil-control and hydration, which sounded perfect for combination skin! Yes, I said sounded perfect...the fact is close to perfection. The purchase was a total regret and I went to another Chanel branch to buy Mat Lumiere Extreme right on the next day - grrrr what a waste of money!

What's wrong with Perfection? While the official description says:

MAT LUMIÈRE PERFECTION is the ideal balance between a matte finish, comfort and luminosity. Shiny areas are matified, imperfections instantly covered and the radiance of the face revealed. The silica coated pigments give the complexion a flawless matte finish with a soft glow from within.

Skin stays fresh and pure all day long, even in heat, humidity and during non-stop activity, thanks to a combination of powders controlling sebum and sweat.

The silky lightweight texture gives a second skin feeling and a delightful sensation of moisture. From morning to night, the complexion is perfect: velvety, even, radiant.

its beautiful velvety finish only lasted 30 minutes on my face! Absolute disappointment. In fact, it became so super sticky and I was pretty sure I didn't even get this disgusting stickiness from Vitalumiere Éclat! 

In contrast, if you're looking for an oil-balancing compact, Extreme could be a fabulous choice. It's become my holy grail item now! The description says:

Enriched with vegetal lipides and Lilium extract, MAT LUMIÈRE EXTRÊME mattifies the complexion with lasting results: sebum production is perfectly controlled and the appearance of pores is minimized. Coated powders and treated pigments ensure optimum makeup and colour hold all day long. With its SPF 20 / PA+++, it protects the skin from damaging UV rays. The soft focus pigments allow MAT LUMIÈRE EXTRÊME to conceal dark spots and imperfections while offering a luminous and even makeup result. Peach Extract, renowned for its moisturizing and emollient properties, offers the skin an excellent sensation of comfort.    

That's truly what it does! The super natural-looking finish can survive the entire summer day with no patches, no streaks, everything's brilliant! On a normal working day, my makeup has to pull through at least 12 hours, from 7ish in the morning to at least 7ish in the evening by the time I reach home after work...and that's if I'm not dining out. With Extreme, I only need to touch up once or twice just around my nose area. If I happen to be really lazy that day, I only blot my nose area with tissue and I'll still look fine with a natural glow. Please don't get me wrong! Its oil controling power is absolutely the best among the compacts or foundations that I've ever used. Can't love it more!  

Why I love Mat Lumiere Extreme? 

- Excellent for oil control

- Long-lasting

- Natural-looking

Anything I dislike?

- The sponge that comes with it, which is simply a personal preference. I like using the brush that comes with Vitalumiere Éclat. It makes touchups a breeze when I'm on the go!

Makeup Review: The Face Shop Face it Aura Color Control Cream (CC Cream)

Long time, everybody! I just went to Seoul for a great great holiday and have hauled back loads of skincare and makeup items with a similarly huge amount of samplers...Oh my...Seoul is such a girls' place!

By CC, it means color correcting or color control. It usually comes in a lighter texture than BB cream since it can't always substitute your foundation. But for people like me who only go for a little perk-up, I suppose CC cream is good enough to replace my BB cream and foundation. 

According to the official info, this Face it Aura CC Cream by The Face Shop offers anti-wrinkle, moisturizing and whitening properties with SPF30/PA++. 

I love this CC cream (02-Natural Beige) for its sheer second-skin finish and its color correcting effect. Many BB creams I've tried, whether it's Korean or French, tend to turn ashy or greyish on my skin. This CC cream brightens my complexion just to the right extent without turning ashy at all. That's exactly why they name it Aura! The texture reminds me of Diorskin Radiant Base - equally sheer, but better...despite the price difference. It blends beautifully with my natural complexion and puts it under a picture perfect spotlight. Because of the humid weather here, I finish up by dusting over some Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat (B20) with my fluffy Bobbi Brown Face Brush. Perfect for a no-makeup makeup. The best part of this CC cream is, it manages to stay put from 7ish in the morning to 11ish at night even under the 29-degree heat. I was surprised to see the natural glow and great complexion when I reached home after such a long day!

I will definitely purchase it in full size after using up these samplers! ;) 

Makeup Review: Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat

Long time, everybody! I'm back to review Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat, which fascinates me as much as Dior Forever (see review HERE) does.

I carry it in my makeup bag every single day lately for midday touch-ups and it's simply brrrrrrilliant! The silky sheer texture can blend perfectly with my 10-hour-old makeup without caking at all. The brush that comes with the palette is also unexpectedly good. Though I still prefer using a baby kabuki brush for touch-ups, that complimentary brush can still do a pretty great job on days that I'm either too lazy or too busy to fish out my baby kabuki. It gives me a fresh makeup look in a flash and my face no longer says I'm drained when I meet my friends for dinner! 

And the best is, even without any touch-ups, it melts into my skin without any patches or whatsoever, giving me a bit of dewy glow in the afternoon which I think more or less blurs the imperfections. My colleagues find my skin "poreless" (of course it's not...) and the foundation remains natural-looking even at the end of a working day! Great for combination skin. Or rather, it's the best I've used so far!

Love it! xx  

Makeup Review: Chanel Le Blanc Light Revealing Whitening Makeup Base SPF35+++

Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care SPF50+++ (See my earlier review HERE) has been one of my favorite beauty items ever, but this is my very first time trying out her latest tinted sister, Le Blanc Light Revealing Whitening Makeup Base with SPF35+++ and it's just as fabulous!

It comes in the same silky emulsion texture and carries the same fragrance as UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care does. The weightless formula is infused with whitening and moisturizing ingredients which can maintain your skin's natural moisture balance while brightening and protecting your skin from the damaging UV rays. A tick for combination skin. It is very spreadable and it leaves my skin brightened. But in terms of hues, Rosee (pink) appears to be a bit too fair on my yellow skin undertone...still acceptable though. I believe it will be more suitable for Caucasians or Japanese and Koreans whose skin undertone is often closer to the pinkish end. I haven't tried Mimosa (yellow), but for the time being, I'd prefer the subtle pearly white hue (like Lys, the white one in the Le Blanc range) in UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care that can already pick me up at the right dose. Not to mention the better UV protections it provides. 

To conclude, if you don't already own a UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care, Le Blanc Makeup Base will be a good option for skin brightening and corrective purposes. It can also make a pretty good alternative to foundation if you don't need any significant coverage. I only dust Mac Blot Powder over it, followed by blush and lipgloss on my causal, relaxing evenings. I have to stress that it's absolutely weightless and I have always loved this gentle and soothing fragrance which reminds me of nothing but feathers and pillows.  

Makeup Review: Rouge Dior Voluptuous Care Lipcolor in Zemire Amber (539) vs. Chanel Lipsticks

As the weather is finally becoming drier, I was attempted to purchase Dior Rouge de Serum, more or less because of the word serum. But the makeup artist at Dior Beauty told me that the serum has actually diluted the pigments in the lipstick and the color will look lighter on the lips than how it appears in itself. So to speak, the coral that I spotted probably won't stand out against my rather dark lip undertone. Too bad...To help me overcome the disappointment, he tested out Rouge Dior in Zemire Amber (539) on my lips.

As you can see from the swatches (or can you???), it's almost identical to Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Liberte (46), but more intense. For your information, the swatch of Zemire Amber (539) was only done with one stroke. And it's definitely more orangey than Rouge Allure in Désinvolte (86). So how is Zemire Amber (539) different from Rouge Coco Shine in Liberte (46)? Rouge Dior in Zemire Amber (539) stays longer and although my low-quality swatches look pretty similar, Zemire Amber is a relatively bold coral on my lips. It feels as rich as Rouge Allure, but looks more sheeny; yet less slippery and glossy than Coco Shine. The shade matches the latest makeup trend which draws substantial focus to the luscious pouts.

From left: Coco Shine in Liberte (46), Rouge Dior in Zemire Amber (539) & Rouge Allure in Désinvolte (86)

The golden rule for a trendy makeup look this fall is to sync the colors you wear, say wearing blush and lipcolor of the same shade. The matching blush for Zemire Amber is Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral (01). But if you find that too heavy, NARS Blush in Deep Throat will also be a perfect match. 

Eye Cream Review: Elemis Pro-Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream

Looking for a new eye cream to switch to? I have been using Elemis Pro-Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream for...the past few weeks, and the effect is so far so good. Although it's a rich anti-aging formula, it absorbs very easily without a tiny bit of stickiness. Honestly, it's not the most moisturizing eye cream I have used, but it's done a fair job in quenching my dehydrated eye area.

It contains active plant stem cells which is supposed to redensify the delicate skin around my eyes (I don't need any lip cream at the moment) and iron out the fine lines to make it firmer and plumper. For sure, the results are not as obvious as what scientists can see from the petri dishes. I can feel a bit of tightness after applying it. And at a closer look, my undereye area does look smoother without makeup, and my concealer glides on more easily. Yes, the formula is great to go under makeup. The only thing is, if you're looking for one that can reduce your dark circles, I haven't seen any improvements in my seasoned pair of dark circles so far. And if you're looking for one that's really moisturizing, I bet this is not for you. I actually think that Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream (vs. Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Lift HERE) and Lancome Genefique Eye Concentrate (HERE) can do a better job in this regard.

As with all Elemis products, it could be quite a good buy when it comes in a gift pack. I purchased mine (HERE) as part of the All About Eyes pack that includes also the Absolute Eye Serum and Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, which are still on my to-be-tested list. Another tip is to look out for the sales at Lookfantastic. They offer very attractive price slashes from time to time. And if you still find the deal painful, the good news is I only need half a pump for both eyes. Hope it soothes your pain then!  

A Plumy Fall: Chanel Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79)

Plums are everywhere this fall! Many beauty brands have included a plummy shade in their latest F/W collection. Of course, Chanel is in the picture too. The newly launched collection features a Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79), a plum-rose shade, along with the compatible Levres Scintillantes in Pampille (156). But even being a BIG fan of Chanel makeup, the lipgloss is not appealing at all, especially if you already own other shades of Levres Scintillantes. All Pampille does is to intensify the color of Plumetis, which is itself already quite eye-catching.

Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79) does worth some special attention. I gasped when the sales representative removed the cap and revealed the brownish stick...How can it be plummy?!...But DON'T be fooled! As you can see from the swatches below, the plummy rosy shade looks like a sister of Rouge Coco in Cashmere (04), but more rosy and livelier. A swipe on the pouts gives a touch of sophistication. Honestly, now that the weather is still hot and sticky, I find Plumetis too intense to go with most summer clothes. For now, Dior Addict in Nude (333) (HERE), Rouge Coco Shine, and my favorite Rouge Allure in Desinvolte (86) will give a more refreshing and summery finish. But I'm sure it will be a perfect shade as wintry weather sets in.

From top left: Rouge Coco in Cashmere (04), Plumetis (79), Rouge Allure in Desinvolte (86), and Instinctive (78)

From left: Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79) and Dior Addict in Nude (333)

Stay-Put Makeup for a Day of Sunshine

I went on a boat trip at Sai Kung after days of hard work and a long morning. To ensure that my colleagues would see a normal-looking me throughout the whole-day social events, I had to be very cautious with the choice of beauty items! Here are what I picked from my makeup compartment:

1. A reliable sunscreen

Never try to skip your sunscreen thinking that your lotion or foundation already provides UV protection. In most cases, the SPF in lotions is not high enough to last through the day and don't forget your foundation will more or less melt or crack after long hours of staying under the blazing sun. So do spare one more minute to apply a good sunscreen under your makeup to top up the UV protection you get. My all-time favorite, as you may already know, is Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50+++ (HERE and HERE). Topped up with the multi-functional licorice extracts, It brightens, nourishes, and protects your skin round the clock!

2. Sheer and lasting complexion

No matter how good your foundation is, it's will melt in the sizzling hot weather! The point is use one that melts and blends naturally into your skin without causing any embarrassment. My pick is Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact with SPF 34+++ (HERE). It's so far the sheerest compact I've ever used. It literally gives the second-skin kind of natural finish. Plus it's pretty much sweat-proof, of course provided that you dab rather than wipe your skin dry! I usually use blotting papers to get rid of the excess oil, touch up my nose bridge, the side of my nose and my jawline with the sponge that came along with the compact, and I will look fresh and picked-up again! 

3. Oil blotting paper

Honestly, I haven't deliberately compared the quality of different oil blotting paper. I tried Shiseido's, but it didn't seem to outperform the cheaper alternatives in any ways. The one that I have always got back to is Gatsby's. I find it super duper oil-thirsty...not excessively though. Perhaps its appetite for oil (my apology if you feel disgusted) owes to the brand's focus on the Men's skincare market. But anyway, it has never failed to leave my skin feeling fresh in a flash! It doesn't stick off my Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk either. Perfect for retouches!

4. Coral blush

Although Bobbi Brown says pink looks nice on all women, I do find coral more natural-looking, especially on a tired face. It also feels more summery than the sweet dolly pink. I still adore Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral (2). Oh, if you still prefer to go pink, I would recommend Pot Rouge in Powder Pink (6) for more natural beach makeup look. The texture is so spreadable, which makes it pretty fool-proof. The color is also very lasting. So no matter how haggard you are, you won't lose the natural flush! 

5. Plump and healthy pouts

If you are going to wear your sunglasses under the blazing glaring sun, it will be a good idea to draw the focus to your pouts. Personally, I don't think crimson red goes well with most Asian skin. For a lightweight and hydrating highlight, my pick for this summer is still Chanel Coco Shine in Aventure (57) (HERE). The better-than-natural-lips coral shade can definitely give you a flash pick-me-up...plus the watery touch of Coco Shine...it's simply irresistable!

A Luxury Treat for Your Eyes: Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Lift Total Eye Lift

I suppose the past few days had been a disaster for my skin. The sleep deprivation (with a total of merely 10 hours of sleep for 3 days/nights), coupled with the nerve-wrecking work stress, the sweltering sauna-like weather, plus the unexpected UV exposure which definitely exceeded my usual threshold reminded me that I'm no longer in my early twenties...! My eyes drooped with extreme exhaustion at the end of each day, not to mention the intense dark circles and puffiness around my eyes.

Still, in a rather extreme condition as such, my eye areas managed to remain plump and hydrated all because of Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Lift. Comparing to my favorite Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream (did I ever review it?...NO, but I will!), this gel-cream formula is noticeably more lightweight and just as fast absorbing, making it ideal to go under makeup. I also realize I'm using a smaller blob at each application, which can perhaps make up for its relative higher price. Honestly, I truly wonder if it's moisturizing enough in wintry weather, but it nourishes my eyes sufficiently and comfortably on the steamy summer days. And although the Ultra Correction Lift vouches to combat dark circles and puffiness, I guess the current situation I'm in has gone beyond what this eye lift can buffer, so I can't tell how it fares in this regard at the moment. But it is, in no doubt, a pretty good option if you want to indulge in a luxury eye lift in this uplifting vacation season.

A Discovery: The Secret of Chanel Le Vernis in Jade Rose (493)

I was looking for a gentle beige nail polish for my fingers. For your information, I'm a big fan of Chanel Le Vernis (though I have never reviewed nail polishes here) because of its variety of elegant shades and its impressive durability. I don't remember the polish chipping at all! And since the shades I wear are usually quite natural-looking, it still looks great even with a tiny bit of outgrowing. It can normally survive 5-7 days till my nails outgrow and look horrible.

With a burning urge, I popped into Chanel yesterday. Their classic Inattendu (503) has been my favorite color for toes, but I find it too dark for my fingers. So I tried Jade Rose (493) on my pinky yesterday. Tempted, but hesitant because it reminded me of Flamme Rose (87) which made my fingers look so grossly anaemic and the almost-untouched bottle has been sitting on my desk in solitude. It suddenly crossed my mind when I reached home that Flamme Rose could be good when mixed with other colors...like Inttendu! Bingle!!!

The discovery is, coating Flamme Rose over Inattendu will get me a nude-beige shade that looks almost identical to Jade Rose. The difference is in fact hardly noticeable to others. After all, the iridescent sheen in Jade Rose is not really visible on nails. Better still, I now also enjoy the unexpected  flexibility of adjusting the lightness of the shade with Flamme Rose. The new "Jade Rose" looks sophisticated. Great for a smart casual day. Finally, I am making good use of my purchase - Hooray! 

Be a Summer Babe!: Stila Stunning in Sayulita Collectible Beach Palette No.1

The Stila Stunning in Sayulita Collectible Palette (buy HERE) is finally delivered to my doorstep today! I love it in every way!!! xx

Pro No. 1 - The packaging

It's super handy and compact. The palette consists of 4 eye shadows (Starfish - beige-rose, Getaway - purplish-rose, Sandbar - gentle brown, and Palm Trees - leafy green), a blush in Playa (coral), a bronzer in Banderas Bay (beige-bronze), a built-in mirror, and instructions for sculpting the stunning beach look. The size is just slightly larger than my iPhone 4 on the four sides, which makes it easy for me to pop it into my makeup bag. The bundle practically contains all I need on a happy summer day!

Pro No. 2 - The colors

I think it has included a very smart choice of color combination which, like I just said, is good for creating both a barely-there healthy look and an intense sun-kissed look. I particularly like the bronzer in Banderas Bay. It looks very subtle on my face and it only leaves some fine sheeny glitters at the first stroke of my brush. With 2 to 3 strokes, I think it gives a glowy natural flush that's honestly better than my beloved Chanel Joues Contraste in Pink Cloud (66) (HERE). Color-wise, it's close to NARS Deep Throat (HERE), but more beige and closer to natural skin tone. For a quick pick-me-up, I generously brush Banderas Bay to and fro my temple-cheekbone area and dab a bit of Playa with my ring finger on the apples for a more 3D contouring. The shimmers in Banderas Bay captures just the right amount of light to highlight my contours.

From left: NARS in Deep Throat, Stila in Banderas Bay, Playa, and Bourjois in Rose Coup de Foudre (16)

For my eyes, I personally prefer gentle shades like Starfish from my lid to crease and Getaway from lashline and crease. They blend beautifully and match so well with the cheek colors! I couldn't help but look in the mirror again and again, mesmerized by my new sun-kissed look...oh dear, am I becoming narcissistic?!

From left: Eye shadows in Starfish, Getaway, Palm Trees, and Sandbar

Pro No. 3 - The texture

As usual, the powder is very finely-milled and pigmented. My brush picked up an amazing lot of Playa when I tested it on the back of my hand. That's also why I eventually decided to just dab it with my finger. The silky texture glides on effortlessly. Bravo!    

L'occitane's New Attempt: Pivione Flora Lipstick with Swatches

I have always been a fan of L'occitane's skincare and bodycare collections. I love the way their Honey Comfort Mask and Amande Delicious Paste pamper both my skin and my olfactory nerves. With the same passion, I tested out their new Pivoine Flora lipstick in Rose Pique (02) with great passion.

The texture is quite sheer and it feels rather matt to me, without the watery sensation of many newly launched lipsticks, like Coco Shine. I shall say it's more like the kind of lipstick that we've all been familiar with for decades, plus a modern touch of sheerness. Color-wise, never judge a book by its cover! It's so much more wearable than it looks, or rather, it is very wearable. As you can hopefully see from my rubbish photo below, this pink-coral shade is somewhere between Coco Shine in Liberte (44) and Aventure (57)...hmm, closer to Liberte. The relatively intense texture of Pivoine Flora makes the color richer and more lasting than Coco Shine. Did I say it feels matt? Yes, but don't get me wrong - it doesn't look matt! The color is uplifted by some sheeny glitters which is supposed to play magic under the blazing sun. I however find it too sparkly (which is not visible on my rubbish photo, my apology). Coco Shine only shimmers, but Pivione Flora sparkles! It's great if you want more public attention to your sexy pouts.

From top: Coco Shine in Liberte (44), Pivione Flora in Rose Pique (02), Coco Shine in Aventure (57)

A few words of caution...

Pivione Flora is definitely not as moisturizing as it (or the sales representative) vouches. Make sure your lips are well balmed! It's also very personal whether or not you are contented with the peony fragrance it carries. Sniff it hard and don't be fooled by the custom fragrance of the shop itself! Last of all, I find the lighting of the shop (at least those that I've been to) too dim and yellowish to accurately see the color and the sparkles. If possible, move to a white light area to see the color properly before you make your purchase.

Makeup Review: Dior Addict Lipstick in Nude vs. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

I know it's a bit late of me to review Dior Addict lipstick in Nude (333) that's launched in the S/S 2011 collection, but well, it's never really too late since it's a permanent color in the collection.

It's become one of my everyday lipsticks lately because of its sheer watery finish and the healthy kinda nude look it creates, which definitely won't make me look ill! The texture actually feels like Coco Shine (HERE and HERE), but creamier, slightly less watery, and slightly more intense. It gives a comfortable sheeny touch, and like I just said (I ought to repeat!), it's in the right kind of nude! I always find the range of hues that can go under the "nude" category terribly broad. Some made me look too cold, stern, or ill. But this one sits just at the point of equilibrium that should fit most people. Honestly, because my natural lip color is more to the darker rosy side, the lighter shades in the Coco Shine range are all too sheer to cover my lip color. For this reason, I can only go for the brighter shades of Coco Shine, say Liberte (46), Aventure (57), and Boy (54). Although the trend for bold lips is back and Coco Shine is still more sheer, hydrating and foolproof, I will opt for Dior Addict on days that I prefer to have a more tender natural look. A perfect match with my summer whites! 

Review: Giorgio Armani Rouge D'armani vs. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine/Rouge Allure

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for Chanel makeup, especially their lipsticks and lip glosses, which are practically the only ones I use because my beauty experiments told me it's truly the most moisturizing lipsticks! Of course, the most moisturizing line in the entire Chanel lipstick collection is Rouge Allure. I can write an essay on why I adore Chanel lipsticks soso much, but hey, I'm supposed to show you a comparison between Chanel and Giorgio Armani lipsticks today! So let's get started!

You may already know that I'm one of my recent favorites are GA Lasting UV Silk Compact. This passion tempted me into giving GA Rouge D'armani a try! I can hardly remember my last time purchasing any lip color other than Chanel's. After a makeup consultation at the GA counter, I purchased Rouge D'armani in Beige 103.

The Pros:

Strictly speaking, it's a nude pink-beige that's like a more baby pink version of Coco Shine in Boy 54. The color subtly adds a bit of life to your natural lip tone and can definitely be worn as an everyday color. There's a tiny little bit of shimmer, but I shall say the finish is rather matt (which also adds to the nudeness), especially when I think of Chanel Coco Shine. 

The texture is very sheer. At a closer look in the mirror, the pigments look very evenly spread and velvety. Perhaps I'm too primed with the fashion & garment background of GA, their makeup products always remind me of a fine piece of silk, intricately and delicately woven, smooth and flawless. 

On a more surface level, I was and I am again thrilled by its sleek packaging. The gorgeous black-lacquered case is kinda ergonomics-friendly, impressively fitting for you to grip on! And don't forget the signature magnetic closure! It's a demonstration of exquisite craftsmanship rather than just a lipstick.

The Cons:

Besides the above pros, I however think that it's slightly less pigmented than Coco Shine, and definitely for Rouge Allure. It takes roughly 2-3 strokes of Rouge D'armani to give the same intensity of just one stroke of Rouge Allure. 

Another thing I don't really like that much is its hydration level. Rouge D'armani is supposed to be the most moisturizing range in GA's lipstick collection, but it still dries out my dehydrated-but-prepped lips. Coco Shines don't (not to mention Rouge Allures)! 

The verdict is, GA Rouge D'armani is a fantastic summer lipsticks if you're fortunate enough to have hydrated pouts. But for the 'unfortunate' me, my tick still goes to Chanel. 

Makeup Must-Haves for Your Summer Haul!

We're into a season of beach and sunshine, of vibrance and radiance! Byebye to the meticulous, sophisticated look. We're back to nature!

Here's the checklist for your Summer Haul!!! 

1. Luminous Gold

NARS Illuminator in Super Orgasm

The gel formula makes it easier to spread, more natural-looking and more lasting than NARS Multiple. The golden shimmer contours while adding a healthy, sexy touch to your skin. 

Bobbi Brown Face Highlighter Pen in Bronze

The new summer launch is packaged in a twist-up pen, making it easy for you to pop it into your makeup bag or anywhere in your bag. What really makes it great for summer is its lightweight liquid formula that provides just the right amount of golden bronzy sheen to highlight your facial contours and decolletage. 

Tip: Remember to fade out all the edges by dabbing with your ring finger. Leaving sharp edges will make you look stiff and artificial, if not horrible...

2. Barely-there

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream (SPF 27)

As mentioned in an earlier review (HERE), it's a super lightweight and nourishing alternative to foundation. I actually prefer this to most tinted moisturizers. Although its more luxurious siblings from Dior, Lancome, and Biotherm are indeed tempting, the quality of this Korean branded BB Cream is well-assured considered where BB Cream was 'born' (Korea). Unless you're going for something as formal as the Royal Wedding where you may need a medium to full coverage, why bother to overload your skin with layers of makeup under the sweltering heat?

Tips: Remember it's a many-in-one formula, so you practically don't need any primer underneath. Your makeup will last longer with fewer layers piled on your skin. For blemished areas, just apply in thin layers as needed.

3. Nude Rouge

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

This hybrid of Chanel Aqualumiere effortlessly glides on to give your pouts a dewy and shiny, yet not too dewy and shine, finish. Coco Shine in Boy is a rosy beige shade that suits practically all lip undertones. It adds life to your dull, matt lips (alright, perhaps not yours, but mine) without breaking the subtlety of nude makeup. 

*Tips: Always prep your lips (say with Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip Care or Mac Prep + Prime Lip HERE) before wearing your rouge to plump your pouts, increase the lipstick's staying power, and prevent feathering. For even longer wear, you may lightly brush on a bit of powder between your lip treatment and lipstick.  

4. Balance

Mac Blot Powder

Although it's not a new product, it's a must-have all year round! Celebrity makeup artists Lisa Eldridge (HERE) and Christophe Danchaud (HERE) both recommend to powder and matify only the T-zone, leaving the natural shine glows from your cheeks and contour. I prefer using Mac Blot Powder to any other loose powder or compact for setting makeup (HERE and HERE). It works like a super blotting paper that not only controls oil, but hold your makeup without caking. It's also perfect for midday retouches!

Tip: It's best to do the first application with a powder brush (e.g. Mac 134 HERE) to evenly and not excessively powder your skin. 

UV Fighters III: Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40

Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 is the only Clarins product I've tried as the brand seems to target on a more mature market. I was however tempted to test it out because of the Cantaloupe Melon Extract in this day screen - a natural antioxidant from a quenchy, yummy fruit! - and it so happened that the magazine I bought was giving out a 7-day trial sample...Great!

The product turned out to be too moisturizing (a.k.a. greasy) for me, but a perfect fit for mature skin. The consistency is slightly thicker than Chanel UV Essentiel HERE and it also does feel thicker...much thicker...like I've over-applied my moisturizer...Honestly, I only used it for a day and I passed over the 2.9 packets of sample (I received 3 packets) to my mum, which she found super comfortable to wear. In short, I will only recommend this product to sensitive, dry, and/or mature skin.