After some though, I've decided that I might be taking a semi-hiatus from my beauty blog until the end of the month.
Let's see. I might be going to Penang, I'm going to get my hair done, my bi-annual medical checkup is due and I am going to be a bit busy with the preparations for the Lunar New Year. Yes, it's on the 26th January 2009, but my family likes to get things started about a month early so yeah :P But who knows, maybe during spring cleaning I will unearth some old goodies I've hidden away and will review them!
Here's a picture of me during a recent trip to Genting Highlands, at the Chin Swee Temple. I only have on my Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder (Over my skincare + Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie) and gosh, I look pale and not tanned at all D:
In the meantime, I will be updating my personal blog whenever possible.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately! I've been a very good girl and haven't been buying any new makeup/skincare products. Mainly because I've been quite busy with life- my Dad came down and so my family and me are busy spending time with him, my camera broke down (But I got a new one, details on which I will post on my personal blog :P), my sweetheart and me just celebrated our second anniversary and I've also been shopping for clothes for the Lunar New Year. I'm being quite picky this year in terms of clothes and haven't got as much as last year, but I got a silk yukata :D
That, and so far nothing interesting has really caught my eye for me to lust over and want to buy for me :( Plus, it's the festive season, so I'm feeling a bit lazy and want to relax. But I'll definitely be back with some reviews in a bit :)
I recently got the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder as an early Christmas present to myself... not that I really celebrate Christmas, but it was a good excuse to splurge! :P Plus I've been reading really good reviews about it and I decided why not? I went back to the Chanel store at 1 Utama to get this, and was again served by a very nice SA. I should really get into the habit of getting and remembering their names so I can look for them again... but then again it seems like their shifts always change!
She explained to me that I don't necessarily need a loose powder to set my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 foundation as it's designed to be an all-in-one foundation unless I'm going for a more heavy coverage or am attending more formal functions/dinners. She could have easily told me that yes I need a loose powder and get commissions form selling it to me, but she didn't :P She also told me that the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder can be used alone for a sheer, natural look, which is also a plus for me for days I want a more lighter coverage. She was very patient, answering my queries and all. It was actually a tie between this and the Chanel Purete Mat Anti-Shine Matifying Powder, but according to the SA the latter is more of a "touch-up" powder than a foundation finisher and not really used alone, so I didn't get that.
In the end after deliberating for a while I decided to get the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder, and was given this free sample of the Chanel White Essential Light Reflecting Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25/PA+++. I'm not really a fan of whitening products... since, well, if my face is "whitened", what about my body? D: It would look pretty mismatched in my opinion... so yeah :x Plus, I tan easily, so it's better for me to embrace my tan than to rectify it and be fair :P
It costs RM 152 for a huge 30g jar, and it's in an incredibly classy matte glass jar. OK, I'm not sure if it's really glass since it's quite light for glass but then again too heavy to be plastic. The lid is solid and embossed with the interlocking "Cs". Nevertheless- once again, luxurious packaging. No velvet pouch this time though, but then again I don't see why loose powders would need a velvet pouch :P
However, there is a powder puff included for application. To be honest, I've not tested and/or used it, so I can't really say much about it. That, and I prefer to use my Everyday Minerals Long-Handled Kabuki Brush to apply loose powders. I am completely sold by this product- so much so that it completely knocked the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder and The Body Shop Loose Face Powder right out off my HG makeup list!
The powder is extremely finely milled and has a nice, soft fragrance- not the usual powdery foundation makeup smell which I really dislike. It also doesn't really irritate my nose when I apply it around and on my nose (I tend to sneeze a bit when I apply the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder and The Body Shop Loose Face Powder).
I got it in 20 Clair/Translucent 1. The SA asked me if foundations/powder/makeup oxidised quickly on my face, and I answered yes. Now, don't get me wrong- I'm not saying that my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 oxidises, but it's a fact that if I have any foundation/powder/makeup on and I blot with a tissue, it comes off a bit (And darker) and shows slightly on the bridge of my nose despite using makeup primer and all. Pretty annoying. The SA then recommended me this shade as it's a light shade and even if it "oxidises" it wouldn't be too obvious. And since it's translucent, it doesn't really matter. The "white"-looking shade, 10 Limpide, is also translucent, but has more shimmers and is more for highlighting purposes.
I've used it alone- over sunblock and primer (After my usual cleanse-tone-moisturise routine) and it looks absolutely natural and gorgeous. My complexion looks even, glowy and the coverage is extremely light. And the best thing is, when I blotted (Although my skin didn't look very oily at all to be honest), nothing seemed to have came off! Great and perfect for those lazy days and when I feel like letting my skin "breathe", but still require some form of makeup to even out my skin tone. I love!
I've also used it over my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10, and it really does fix the foundation well and for oil control it's marvelous! No shinies at all for a longer period of time compared to when I fixed my foundation with the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder and The Body Shop Loose Face Powder. For comparison I've used my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 alone (Over sunblock and primer though) without the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder or any loose powder after it, and although I also do still get a lovely, radiant, matte-yet-natural look (But obviously the coverage is more heavier than loose powder, being foundation) from the foundation, it holds up better, lasts longer, resists oiliness better and even actually made my foundation look more natural when fixed with the loose powder.
Surprisingly, my makeup didn't actually look much more "heavier" and "formal" with the foundation + loose powder though as compared to foundation alone- although when I blotted there were some traces of colour. Powder alone of course gave the lightest coverage of all and I really like that. I will be alternating between using my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 and Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder- both if I have the time and the occasion calls for it :) After these tests I don't think I'll be using my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 alone much, although it is a good foundation, but honestly, I still am leaning more towards using just loose powder (I started off that way as well- using just loose powder) more often because it just looks so natural and light! :P
Traveling with the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder might pose a bit of a problem as the jar is huge! But I suppose I could always decant it into smaller jars for that purpose... hmm... or be like the Chanel counters and use a "shaker"-like container for it :D Which is kind of cute, really. Or I could get the Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte Natural Finish Pressed Powder... but is it as good as the loose powder? Hmm... I'd have to ask.
This is definitely my new HG loose powder and I would repurchase it if it runs out... which isn't so soon by the looks of it o.O
My Dad came down to spend some time with us, and therefore I might be a little bit busy! Plus it's my Mum's birthday and my sweetheart is staying over for the weekend for the holidays :3 Might even be going to Ipoh and will be going shopping at Petaling Street with a lecturer! What a busy week it will be.
Oh, and not to mention finals and the wrapping up of the semester for 2008. I won't be attending this year's prom because it's organised by the same people as last year... and it sucked terribly. So no prom looks this year although I really look forward to it :(
I also have the review for my latest Chanel buy- the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder pretty much written up- I just need a few more days to test it under several conditions before posting it up ;)
Anyway, here's a tag taken from Skin Deco.
What Are Your Superpowers?
For me, it'd be blowing out light bulbs. I'm serious. When I get really, really, really angry, a light bulb somewhere in my room will die. It didn't happen just once but many times over the course of my life. Thankfully it's not the "explosion" kind of blowing out and they're normally normal light bulbs. I think I inherited this "superpower" from my Dad- when he's in a really bad mood there's some appliance in the house that just refuses to work...
I don't know what superpower I'd wish to have though... hmm. There's just too much to mention! :P
I'm such a bad blogger, but here are my reasons for my tardy reviews- finals are coming soon, I've been busy with a translating job, I need to arrange a suitable time/day to go shopping with a lecturer of mine within this week or next and my Dad is coming down which means less time online. For now I've recently gotten these and will be reviewing them once I've tried and tested them well enough and everything has settled down:
Finally I am pretty much done with all my assignments for University, and the semester is coming to a close. That means I finally have the time to review my HG Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 foundation now ;)
As mentioned in my post here, this is my first foray into the world of Chanel. Usually I tend to "avoid" such high-end brands because they're quite intimidating to me- the SAs are always quite immaculately polished and their ranges looks very uptown and classy... not to mention potentially pricey. But I finally braved the Chanel store at 1 Utama.
I entered the shop with an intention to mainly browse at the foundations and the intriguing makeup range and perhaps ask a few questions. The SA that attended me was quite nice. Quite elderly, and definitely knows her stuff. For some reason I am more comfortable with more "elderly" SAs because I feel/think they have more experience, and the reason I chose the Chanel store instead of a counter is because I personally feel that the SAs there would also be more experienced and know about their products more compared to department stores such as Jusco and Metrojaya. Just a personal opinion, though and doesn't necessarily apply to all SAs :P There are some young, department store SAs that are really nice, like the one at the Shiseido counter at Jusco in 1 Utama.
I came out with this. To be honest I was actually looking for Chanel Teint Controle Extreme Extreme UV Protection Control Powder Foundation SPF25, but according to the SA it's already being discontinued and those that are available in the counters at department stores are the last stocks. I was looking at foundations from Chanel mainly because I felt that my Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation shade wasn't a good match for me. Their shades were either too light or too dark for my (now) tanned skin sadly :( I decided to give Chanel a look-see and maybe try instead, and I'm glad I did!
According to the official Chanel website, there are 11 shades (As shown above, I took a screenshot), but here in Malaysia we only get 5 if I'm not mistaken- 10 Lumiere, 30 Aurore, 40 Sable, 50 Poudre and 60 Secret. I was matched with 30 Aurore, which is actually more brown-based but is the second lightest shade in the spectrum. The yellow-based foundations are 40 Sable and 50 Poudre but are actually darker than 30 Aurore. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the shade- will it match?
When I first applied it on my own the next day after my cleansing regime and prepping my face for makeup, I actually panicked a little because it went on quite light and was worried that I might have to get a shade darker. However, I learned not to be shocked because after a while the foundation actually BLENDS into your skin and matches with your skin tone! Amazing! It really impressed me. Coverage wise it's not as thick as Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation, but it's buildable. I love Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 because it actually makes my skin look flawlessly matte without looking too thick, cakey or dull, but instead radiant and naturally glowy! And it lasts for quite some time too, I had it on past 12 hours and it still looks good, although I needed to blot once or twice within that time span.
The embossed interlocking "Cs" in the foundation also looks very good, and to be honest, I really dislike foundations/powders that have embossed patterns on them, because I can't bear to run over it :( I've been using the Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 since I bought it, and the interlocking "Cs" have sunk in a little now, but it's still obvious. I've not used the sponge provided because I'm using my QVS Rubicell Foundation Sponge but it does feel nice and of good quality.
The packaging is pure luxury. The compact case is flatter and larger than Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation, with its signature black and the white interlocking "Cs" embossed on it, and the mirror is huge! The feel of the compact case is nice, steady and light, but the hinges feel a bit fragile to me though. Overall the packaging to me just screams out decadence in true Chanel style. It even comes with its own velvet pouch as pictured! If that's not luxurious, I don't know what is :P The compact case smudges though (As seen in first photo), but that's nothing a good wipe won't fix.
The whole set costs RM 175, which actually works out to be slightly cheaper than Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation, which totals to be RM 177, RM 2 more :P The refill for Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 is priced at RM 115 whilst the refill for Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation costs RM 129. That, and Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 actually has 3g more of foundation. Yes, I checked and compared that.
My only gripe with the Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 is that it has only SPF10! Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation has SPF25. And since I have to walk under the sun quite often for University, I needed more sun protection :( The other gripe I have with it is that the foundation cake might be too small for normal foundation sponges. As mentioned I am not using the sponge provided, so some foundation might smear on the sides of the cake and needs to be wiped off. But that's not a big problem to me :P
To combat the SPF problem I have gotten Dermalogica Super Sensitive Faceblock SPF30, but that's another review for another day...
Just finished my individual assignment and now I only have one more group assignment to do for the semester- which is not hard, I think I can finish it tomorrow :P Then I can resume with my review on Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 :D
Maybe it's my fatigue talking, and I've mentioned this before... but I feel incredibly lost and insignificant in the sea of better beauty bloggers.
Are my reviews too boring? Hmm... I don't know. I write as I think and/or feel. Maybe it's the lack of stuff I write about? I'm not particularly THAT adventurous when it comes to makeup (And my skin would take its revenge on me for the torture), but I sure am passionate about it. And skincare. Which is why I started this anyway. Oh well :P Readership (And friendship with other beauty bloggers) will increase hopefully in time to come- slowly but surely.
So for now I'll have to be patient.
At this rate I'm writing... I won't be able to review Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 anytime soon! :P Not that I'm complaining- at least it keeps me (And this blog) active :P
When I came home today (From watching Quantum Of Solace with my sweetheart at GSC in 1 Utama), this envelope was waiting for me.
Look at where and who it's from! :D I placed an order on the 9th November 2008, so it took 9 days to reach me o.O I'm surprised it arrived in one piece and intact (And so quickly too, to be honest), considering my past (bad) experience with the postal service, especially when dealing with international mail.
So anyway, a little background: In a way I got introduced to Anne Dundas Jewelery through My Women Stuff and recently they were having a sale. I found that out while reading the post here, so I decided to take a look... and I was sold. The designs were all very pretty, and I'm a sucker for handmade items, especially with lampwork beads that nice! I saw a lot of things I wanted, and believe me, I had to exercise a lot of self-control to not break my PayPal account, which I also use to pay for hosting for my personal blog.
I settled on a phone charm as I wanted something to spice up and personalise my otherwise ordinary-looking PDA phone. I really wanted to get a keychain (I have my eye on this) or a suncatcher, but refer to my point about not breaking my PayPal account :P
The envelope- opened, and the contents are such. An invoice with a name card inside, and the packaging itself- tissue, wrapping paper and ribbon. Very luxurious and decadent-looking packaging. I love nice packagings like this- it's impressive and they make me feel good and warm inside :) A perk of shopping online from these "small" shops is that you get personalised services like this, and it's these little touches that truly pulls in buyers in my opinion. As I read somewhere on the site the products are all "packaged to give", meaning that once you receive it you can immediately give it to someone as a gift (If that's your intention), and with packaging like this, it truly is possible! I was very careful to remove them, and the packaging is still intact :P
*Open open open*
And voila! Aforementioned phone charm, named Oriental Cherry Blossom. It's one of the lampwork beads created by Anne Dundas herself and converted into a phone charm, which is really pretty :D It was a toss-up between this and this, but I preferred a black strap since it would match my PDA phone, so yeah.
Gently (Again) I removed the packaging and extricated the phone charm. Surprisingly, the bead was matte-ish in texture and surface, unlike most beads I'm accustomed to seeing which are normally glossy and shiny. I can feel the real handiwork of the bead- it seems to have a depression on one side like a finger pressed on it or something, which makes it unique and truly handmade. The swirls and flowers on it look delicate and pretty and lends a special charm (Pun not intended :P) to the bead. It's a very simple phone charm to be honest, but it's this simplicity that makes it special, and I believe the bead itself makes a statement on its own.
Another shot of the phone charm. The total I spent? It was during the sales period, so I got it for half price. Including shipping, it cost me AUD 9.95, which is not a lot (Yet not little at the same time), but I can say is pretty well spent considering it's a one-of-a-kind item and uniquely handmade! :3
I really like this pendant, for one. It looks elvish to me. Too bad my birthday is way over :( I'm also thinking of perhaps getting this for my sweetheart's impending new phone, but perhaps I'll wait for another sale >_>
So much for trying to control my expenditure >_> But it's money quite well-spent (Since I needed and wanted them anyway), and come to think of it I could have actually spent more but resisted the temptation! Yay me! I went to MidValley Megamall with my sweetheart with intentions to window shop and price check (Mainly on makeup bases/primers) actually. I still can't decide which to get, so I guess I'll stick with my Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie in the meantime until it runs out :P
So these are what I got: The Body Shop Loose Face Powder in 01 and Origins Smileage Plus Liptint in 03 Eco-Pink. The Body Shop Loose Face Powder is RM 55 whilst the Origins Smileage Plus Liptint is RM 40 (At Origins in The Gardens MidValley).
I would call this a cheaper version of the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder. I wanted to play Shop In My Stash by My Women Stuff, but I was a bit too late. I only dug up an old, 95% used up jar of The Body Shop Loose Face Powder a few days back and started using it (Until it ran out), and it's replacing my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder :P Hence buying a new jar. It's in 01- a more yellow-based powder. The SA (A guy named Man who was actually quite nice) was patient enough to answer my questions regarding the colouring of the loose powders. 02 is pink-based and 03 is brown-based basically. I went for yellow-based since it would match the skin colour of my neck, which is more yellow-ish compared to my arms, which are brown-ish. See, this is the problem with being a tanned Chinese :( I'm somewhere in between yellow/brown/pink, which is why getting a foundation match is so hard for me. I'd better keep tanned though, because I don't want to be getting a new lighter foundation shade XD
The Body Shop Loose Face Powder is actually my very first foray into makeup- I used to use no foundation at all (And had no prior experience in using one), I just dusted the powder over my face with my Everyday Minerals kabuki brush (I still do now, although after my Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 foundation). Then I craved more makeup products and wanted to experiment more (The main reason I recall was due to SPF, which The Body Shop Loose Face Powder lacked), and the rest, they say, is history :P
I'm glad I found this old gem back though- I think I put it aside when my compact foundations entered the scene. It's quite finely textured, makes my skin feel smooth and most of all, actually lasted longer than my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder in terms of oil control and lasting power. Coverage wise it's pretty buildable, just like the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder. They're both also loose powder, after all. And in my opinion, The Body Shop Loose Face Powder is also less "messier" than the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder- less spillage around the mouth of the jar/lid/table occurs when you're trying to get new powder up on top and opened it. For some reason my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder always "overflows", which is a problem during transportation/traveling and can get quite frustrating because it's wastage. This is the case where cheaper is definitely better for me. The Body Shop Loose Face Powder is half the size of the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder, but costs cheaper (2 jars of The Body Shop Loose Face Powder is RM 110 = 1 jar of Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder @ RM 120) and works the same if not better.
Another thing I've always wanted and managed to buy is the Origins Smileage Plus Liptint :D It's actually more of an impulse buy- I wanted some colour on my lips since I never did play with my lips unless I had my makeup done professionally. I normally emphasise my eyes (I love eyeliner especially), so this is a step towards experimenting with lip colours I guess :P I love the packaging and how slim the whole thing is, which makes it easy to apply on my lips. The colour is actually incredibly sheer though (So swatching is incredibly hard, so sorry, no swatches), but it makes my lips look healthier and enhances the colour of my lips, not to mention moisturises!
How it looks on my lips. I like how it's non-sticky- and doesn't have a very noticeable smell and/or taste. The initial scent reminds me of something for sure, but I just can't put a finger to it. I tried Benefit Cosmetics California Kissin' too, but it was RM 93 and I couldn't bring myself to buy it. It's quite nice, minty and cooling, but has sparkles in it, which I don't really like personally :P The Origins Smileage Plus Liptint leaves a nice, very light, subtle stain on the lips and if you kiss something (Or someone :P) hard enough you leave a little mark, but not as obvious as lipstick does.
M.A.C disappointed me with its Viva Glam lipsticks and the Passionately Red/Viva Glam lip palettes :| The palettes look awesome in photo and on the site, but in reality it actually looks a bit... cheap in my opinion. Not as classy as I expected. They're for charity (Which is why I even looked at it in the first place), but for RM 63 a lipstick and RM 115 a palette, I couldn't really bring myself to get it either.
The colours also didn't really match me and the SA was a bit meh. Sure, she assisted me, but either she didn't hear me or she ignored my request of recommending what lip colours would suit me (I was totally picking the wrong colours!), but I'm also a total klutz when it comes to applying lipstick and she didn't help me at all. She looked lost in her own world or gave me the impression that she's bored or something. Now I see why some people boycott M.A.C! It's too bad, since previously I had a good experience with the SA that assisted me when I bought their Brush Cleanser and I didn't think of them as pushy. Turns out that they ARE non-pushy, they just don't seem to care :P
As mentioned in my previous post, I've gotten my hands on some stuff from Majolica Majorca. Mainly because they were cheap and quite tempting. Normally I'm not a fan of such "princess"-y stuff, but I decided to give them a try since they're an offshoot brand of Shiseido The Makeup :P
So I will be reviewing the stuff I got- Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H powder and Skin Lingerie makeup base.
The refill cake + sponge on the left (RM 57.80 for the whole set, I regret to say that I don't remember the individual prices as I've misplaced the receipt) and the case on the right. It looks very fancy, being Majolica Majorca, but I personally think that the Skin Remaker case looks nicer with it's gold and filigree detail.
The insides, once removed from the box and set up (A really easy process of course) :P The sponge, instead of a normal latex (Or latex-like material) sponge like that of normal pressed powders/foundations, is velvety. The sponge case is just a piece of plastic tray (As pictured) placed on top of the powder, which I find quite cumbersome since you'll have to remove the plastic tray (And sponge) to get to the cake. Not to mention that the plastic tray touches the cake, so you can't simply put it anywhere- it would be rather unhygienic. Imagine touching up outside in a public toilet! Where are you going to put the tray? D: I suppose Majolica Majorca could somehow improve on that- I was actually expecting it to be like individual flip-top cases for the sponge and the cake, seeing the size of the compact.
The powder looks really light, but in fact it goes on translucent. I don't get why cosmetics company like embossing things onto their powder- it pains my heart to swirl the brush/sponge on it and see the patterns disappear :( I've applied the powder with the provided sponge and with my Everyday Minerals kabuki brush- both give almost the same results. The powder is also actually quite finely milled and makes my skin feel soft. It sets my foundation, but oil-control wise and lasting power wise it loses when compared to my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder. My face started to show traces of shine and oiliness in a shorter period of time. So yeah, it's not replacing my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder as HG item.
However, being a loose powder (And quite big), traveling with the Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder might be troublesome, so I guess Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H will be useful if I travel. The case isn't exactly that small though (As pictured), but since it's also pressed powder, it will still be handier to lug around :P
Next up is Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie OD Control- a makeup base. I've stopped using the Silk Naturals Oil Control Primer after I've stopped using mineral makeup (Details about it here), so I'm on a lookout for a foundation primer as I find that it does help makeup last longer and look more radiant, glowy and natural. And at RM 39.90, it is quite affordable- which is mainly a reason why I got it in the first place.
It's texture is more to gel than cream, which is good since I prefer a gel-like consistency. BB creams for instant makes my makeup melt after a few hours, so I'm a bit concerned about that. It doesn't offer any colour correction, nor does it really minimises pores once applied onto skin on its own- but it does make makeup glide on more smoothly (And makeup application is much more easier) and enhances the pore concealing properties of the foundation, meaning that once I apply foundation it covers up my pores better compared to applying foundation just on bare, moisturised skin.
However, my skin looks more even after applying the Skin Lingerie alone- in a sense that there's no shiny-looking T-zone or dry-looking cheeks, just a smooth, even canvas for foundation. I guess that's the meaning of the OD Control- oily/dry control :P Skin feels soft and makeup does last longer than without it, and looks more natural. Normally I'm quite aversive to the whole "glowy, radiant" look as most of the time they make me look more oily and highlights my flaws (Mainly enlarged pores) instead, but with Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie that doesn't happen and my skin looks healthy, and I'm quite satisfied and a happy camper ;) I do need to blot my nose occasionally, but instead of blotting, for example, after 4 hours I need to blot around 6 hours instead.
However, I'm still on the lookout for more makeup bases/primers for comparison. I'm currently having my eye on Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse, The Body Shop's Matte It Face And Lips, Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, Shiseido The Makeup Pre-Makeup Cream and even Chanel Base Lumiere Long Lasting Makeup Base, but as mentioned I'm currently trying to control my expenditure T.T Maybe I'll get one once I finish the Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie... but for now I'll do some research on which is better :P
Next up, I will be reviewing the Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10 :) I'm really digging the foundation.
I've been a bad, bad blogger, but oh well... readership is few so it doesn't really matter :P I've been primarily busy with assignments (It's almost the end of the semester) and with my personal life (Trying to get a part-time job, etc.), which explains the lack of updates. Anyway, these are the few things I've gotten since the last update, and are on my list of "to review" (And with a summary) :D
Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H- Pressed powder, mainly to set foundation. Alright for traveling purposes but not good enough to topple my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder as HG item.
Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie- Makeup base/primer. I like, but I'm still on the lookout for a better one :x
Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10- My first ever purchase from Chanel and my new HG foundation! Forgive the smudges >_>
I've been trying very hard to keep my expenditure under control, which explains the lack of new stuff I've been buying.
I also got a new handbag from Borsalino from House Of Leather as a gift :D Which is about time I got a new handbag, since my Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag needs cleaning (I've sent it to the dry cleaners), being cloth and PVC and metal. Mum was also right in that once you get a nice, proper, branded bag, you'd tend to want more, but in my case it's justified by needing a spare handbag :P
It's almost the same size as my Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag, but instead of black and white like the Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag, this is white and gold. It was a surprise gift anyway, so I didn't have a choice :P It's a nice colour combination though, but of course being white it can and will get dirty. Thankfully it's leather (Wrinkly matte leather) so it's easier to clean!
A closeup of the tag. According to the tag it costed half the price of my Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag, but it doesn't really matter since it's a very nice quality bag.
An attempt to take a shot of the interior. The zip is wider in comparison to my Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag (But that also means that I can't leave it unzipped or the contents will be liable to fall out) and the interior is quote roomy. The inside is also just like the Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag- a zipped compartment, a cell phone compartment (Which I use to keep my Coach Hamptons Signature Mini Skinny wallet) and pocket compartment.
Overall, I like it- it's leather, easy to clean and the same size and all as my beloved Guess Osaka Top-Zip handbag. The cons are just that it will get dirty easier and I can't leave it unzipped, and oh, I'm not too fond of such handles as they slip off easily and it annoys me. I won't be replacing my Guess Osaka Top-Zip hand though- I'd just be swapping around :P
Here goes. Stole it from Plue :P
Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.
10 Years Ago (1998):
1. I was 12 and sat for my UPSR.
2. I went on a holiday back here to K.L.
3. I had long, thick, shoulder-length hair, which I cut short end of the year because I didn't like it (It was neither curly nor straight nor wavy and I constantly got teased for it- "beehive" was the nickname and I detested it. Looking back I wouldn't mind a beehive wahaha :P)
4. I was always top 3 in class.
5. My primary school headmaster retired.
5 Things On Today’s "To Do" List:
1. Get started on the group report for Philosophy.
2. Do a bit of educational reading.
3. Nap/Catch up on my sleep debt/beauty sleep.
4. Wash my hair (I wash it once every 2 days.)
5. Window shop if possible. Or shop online :P
5 Things That I Would Do If I Were A Millionaire:
1. Travel around the world.
2. Save and invest the money of course.
3. Shop without worrying too much about my bank balance- but within reason!
4. Buy presents for family and loved ones.
5. Indulge a little- spas/facials :P
5 Places I Have Lived:
1. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
2. Labuan F.T. (Where I basically grew up.)
3. Section 14, Petaling Jaya (During the holidays back to K.L. before moving back.)
4. Kepong, Kuala Lumpur (Where I stayed when I moved back here and was waiting for my current residence to be renovated.)
5. Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya (Current residence.)
5 Jobs I Have Had:
1. Student (Still am) :P
2. Office intern.
3. Administrative assistant to Dad's company (Still am when I do go back to Labuan.)
4. Part-time model.
5. Assistant Taekwondo coach.
Tagging anyone interested o.O
Going to be on semi-hiatus for a while to concentrate on assignments and reports for University- I have two rather complicated (It is Philosophy after all) reports due on 14th November 2008 and they're my priority for now :P
In the mean time, I've gotten Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H and am loving it so far. I will review it in due time, perhaps after I've gotten those two pesky assignments out of the way.
I am currently looking for a good makeup primer- I'm having my eye on Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie and Shiseido The Makeup Pre-Makeup Cream, but Majolica Majorca is obviously more affordable. However, I am still not a very big fan of liquid/cream primers as I'm worried that it will make my foundation "melt" on me, as liquid foundations and/or BB creams do so :( That's why I prefer powder primers- but at the same time they have a risk of making my skin look excessively powdery :|
Any recommendations for a good primer? My skin tends to get a bit shiny later in the day without one, but at the same time I don't want one that looks/makes my skin look dry and flaky and look pale and pallid if I apply it. Preferably something matte-looking and mainly to conceal pores and control shine I guess :P
I'm also tempted to get and try Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H powder... if only Majolica Majorca was available at Watson's nearer to my place! :( I've read reviews on Makeup Alley and that it's pretty good as a finishing powder (Who knows, maybe I could even use it as a primer?), plus it would be handier to carry around than my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder when I travel :D
This was actually an impulsive buy, but I'm glad I bought it and I'm loving it!
As the name on its packaging mentions, it's called QVS Rubicell Foundation Sponge, and well, it's a foundation sponge. I picked it up from Watson's at 1 Utama and I am currently using it with my Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation. It costs RM 14- I'm not sure if that constitutes as expensive or cheap for foundation sponge standards, but for me I find it a bit on the pricey side.
The back of the packaging- due to the lighting some of the words may be un-read-able or difficult to read, so I'll type them out:
- Micro-cell texture.
- For oil or water based makeup.
- Low absorption sponge.
- The is nothing better!
When it comes to applying makeup, the right tools make an enormous difference for ease of application, maximum control and flawless finish.
"What is Rubicell? The latest Japanese technology, it is an ultra fine textured sponge that gives the most flawless finish to your makeup.
Oil resistant so it will not shred or swell, it can be used for applying liquid, cream/powder and stick foundation and also to blend concealer. Can be used damp for a lighter application.
To care for your sponge- It is important to keep your sponge clean. Regularly wash in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Gently squeeze out any excess water and allow to air dry."
A close-up shot of the Rubicell sponge, or at least a sad attempt at a close-up. It has a nice soft texture, not latex-y or stretchy like normal foundation sponges, nor it is very soft in a squishy way either. As you can probably see the "pores" of the sponge look smaller too. My initial impression of this sponge is that it is of quite good/high quality material and it impressed me.
It's also very thin as pictured, but like it's description, it doesn't shred or at least does not threaten to shred! With the sponge that my foundation came with I feel that my fingernails are "digging" into the sponge and I worry that one of these days I might damage it (Or shred it @_@), but this problem does not exist for this sponge. The Rubicell sponge is also extremely pliable and flexible, probably due to its thin-ness.
Usage-wise, it feels very nice, gentle and smooth on the skin. It picks up just the right amount of powder and applying it is actually far more easier compared to the Shiseido The Makeup sponge and doesn't seem to "tug" on my skin- a problem I do encounter when using the Shiseido The Makeup sponge that makes application not smooth and the end result of applying foundation uneven and maybe even blotchy. The pliability of the Rubicell sponge also makes it very easy to apply foundation to areas like the sides of my nose and around my eyes. Overall foundation application seems so much more smoother and even and the finishing result is just natural and flawless!
It does live up to its description and I am happy, and it's also right- using the right tools in applying makeup does make a significant difference ;) I'm currently also on the hunt for a good sheer powder brush... any suggestions?
My only gripe with the Rubicell sponge would be that it can't fit into my compact as it's a bit too big- hence it being kept in its original packaging (Which also scored points for being reusable, sturdy and handy too!) :( But I'm definitely going to use it in favour of my old foundation sponge from now on :D A keeper!
P.S. I am so obsessed with flare jeans now! I've always loved bootcut and flare jeans since they flatter my petite silhouette, and flare jeans are "back" in season so I want them! :( I've ordered flare jeans from Victoria's Secret and American Eagle Outfitters, and here's to me crossing my fingers that they will fit :x And in the meantime I want to get a pair of kick-flare cut jeans from Topshop, but I can only do so on Tuesday. I hope they'll still have my size and cut (W27, L30) by then though >_<
I've been reading Tine's post about Falling Out Of Love With Mineral Makeup when I, too, realised that I share the same sentiments as her in regards to mineral makeup.
In terms of foundation, I only have two "real" foundations, that is, foundations that are my Holy Grail and which I consistently and constantly use. They are The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 and Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation. Yeah, it's a paltry amount of foundations to own, but apparently I have sensitive skin and I do not want to risk it- I've had a severe acne breakout when I was younger resulting in bi-weekly extractions and facials and medication to control my hormones and the acne, so yeah, I do not want a repeat of that if possible. It was quite damaging to my self-esteem :( And even in choosing foundations I stick to "safe" brands, e.g. Shiseido since it's an Asian brand (Not trying to be racist here, but I believe they were formulated for Asian skin since its creation, so yeah), The Body Shop for it's natural ingredients and mineral makeup for it's purity.
I've been using The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 ever since it launched in August (I wrote about it here), and I noticed that I occasionally break out here and there and have whiteheads (Mainly around my T-zone and cheeks). Sometimes there are acne-like welts that do occasionally itch (They even do look like Tine in her post), but most of the time I'd just brush it off as being my hormones acting up since it wasn't very serious. Ah women, how we delude ourselves sometimes :P
Since mineral makeup is in general, loose powder form, and requires a brush to apply which equals to more time consumed, one day when I was rushing I decided to slap on my Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation (I've also reviewed it generally here)- and found that my complexion seemed to look better! I tried again the next day and the results were the same- my complexion did clear up using Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation compared to The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25. I then switched back to using The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 and there came again the breakouts and the welts.
I've experimented around- normally my makeup routine now would be Silk Naturals Oil Control Primer- Untinted, foundation and finished with Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder and a spritz of Eau Thermala Avene, and yes, the breakouts and welts were caused by the usage of The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25.
I'm quite disappointed actually- I really look forward to mineral makeup especially with my skin condition and how natural and raved it is, but it just turns out that it's not for me. I was really sure it would work for me, but it did not :( Maybe it's certain ingredients in The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 that I could be sensitive to? I can't be sure- I'm not going to spend money on trying other mineral makeup since I'm saving up for Chinese New Year shopping though, so I guess it's back to using Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation for me. I might as well finish using it anyway :P
The other sad news would be that my old Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation shade, I20 Natural Light Ivory, now looks too light on me! And it was only 1/3 used T.T I blame University for making me constantly walk under the sun everyday. Now I'm using O40 Natural Fair Ochre since they did not have a shade darker than I20 Natural Light Ivory o.O There's not much difference though- I20 Natural Light Ivory has pinkish tones while O40 Natural Fair Ochre has more neutral tones, and my skintone seems to be neither pinkish/neutral/warm anyway.
I've also stocked up on my Dermalogica skincare products and gotten more free samples and a bath towel (Which I have to sweetheart) XD
So yeah... I guess I'll say goodbye to mineral makeup for now as well.
So I went for my facial last Tuesday since I moved back here to West Malaysia (I haven't had a facial since, which is 2 years!), and I came out of it feeling very pleased and refreshed. Now my review might sound a little bit biased because the owners are my cousins (They're sisters working together) :P I also apologise for having no photos because my appointment was at 11 am and I was still feeling sleepy when I arrived there so I completely forgot to take photos- so you'll have to make do with photos of brochures I got from there >_<
It's going to be a rather long post too, so yeah.
The last time I went there (Before I got into the whole makeup and skincare thing and actually went for facials) their salon was only half a shoplot, but they've extended to a full shoplot now. I have to say that my first impression of the interior design is very comfortable, simplistic and welcoming- much like most facial salons. Their treatments rooms are also private as far as I know (Although I think they have "pair rooms" for those girlfriend bonding sessions)- dimly lit and have piped in soothing music. They also seem to have their own air-conditioning, which can get very cold, but once you get settled in they have a rather thick blanket to cover you! It's a first for me- I've experienced towels or cloths, but an actual blanket? XD
Their treatment prices range from *Gasp* RM 38 for a 45-minute Student Acne Facial to RM 200+ for more specialised treatments (Anti-aging or something along those lines if I'm not mistaken), but no more than RM 250, unless of course you add on services (e.g. eye treatments) and/or buy their products and such. The pricelist is displayed rather prominently beside their door, and I have to say that I find the prices quite affordable (I expected a basic facial to be around RM 50+ at the very least) compared to places such as Leonard Drake, but then they use Dermalogica so to each their own I guess.
I was attended by Yean Cheng, the elder sister who has been in the beauty and skincare line for more than 12 years. She used to work for Dermalogica for 9 years before opening this Cellnique salon of her own now. She analysed my skin and told me that I have inborn, very sensitive and dehydrated skin- very prone to redness and pimple-like bumps and aggravated by stress, heat, pollution and things like diet as well. The she asked me questions like what is my basic skincare regime now, so I told her:
She told me that I am using the correct regime and I should keep it up- and gave me advice such as applying a light layer of Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream before bed if I sleep in an air-conditioned room to keep my skin hydrated, and that pore refining is out of the question for me at the moment because my skin is sensitive and pore refining products usually contains ingredients which may irritate it further, so it's best to deal with and tend to the sensitivity and dehydration issue first.
After the analysis she proceeded to manually extract any vagrant whiteheads and blackheads that have taken residence on my skin during the years and then I was shown those little buggers. For some reason I liked seeing that :P There wasn't much to extract though, even after 2 years, which is kind of surprising since my whole face used to be prodded all over but now it's just mainly the T-zone!
I was given an intensive soothing and hydrating aromatherapy facial treatment (2 masks, one of which smelt like pineapples and a scrub) with facial oils from Eve Taylor (Which smells of, well, lavender). I'm not sure if it's a package of their or it's customised for me (They can and do customise packages based on customer's needs and wants) as I was enjoying the pampering and massaging (My neck, shoulder and a bit of my back was massaged) too much to ask (And I actually fell asleep for a while) :x It cost me RM 105 after discount (Family member :P), which is quite worth it- as a similar treatment (For sensitive, dehydrated skin) at Leonard Drake would set me back by RM 210+.
All the while she did not even ask me to switch to using Cellnique products or push any package or services (Even though I am a family memver), although she did recommend a supplementary product for me so that I can deal with my sensitive skin problem:
Cellnique Intensive Soothing Factor- actually a salon exclusive product. The retail price (I'm not exactly sure if it's even for retail, but professional recommendation is definitely, err, recommended) is RM 210 and only 2-3 drops are needed, twice daily. According to Yean Cheng, it can last for about 7 months so it's very well worth the price. I haven't really tried it out yet as I just got it (They had to restock), so a proper review is in order (Along with many other reviews backlogged) T.T It's to be used after toning (Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray) and before moisturising (Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream or Dermalogica Barrier Repair). In a way I guess it's almost similar to Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster, but this is much more lighter on the wallet for me.
Here is their address and contact details:
De Fennel Beaute & Skin Care
No 14, Jln 9/125D,
Desa Petaling,
57100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-9057 1198
Yes, it is pretty far from where I am staying but I am very satisfied as a customer, although I can't say much since I am related to them. But one thing's for sure I'm definitely trying to make facials with them a once-a-month thing!
They are closed on Thursdays, although I highly suggest calling in to make an appointment before hand even though they have stated working hours (Which I am guilty of forgetting also) as they can be fully booked especially on the weekends and they mainly run on return customers now ;)
If you've tried them, let me know ;) Tell them Stephanie their cousin sent you along.
Am I the only beauty blogger (Not even sure if I constitute as one in the first place anyway) who doesn't really like pink as a colour, as a whole? :(
Or maybe I just haven't found something pink that works for me... yet.
That, and referring to the title I also feel lost in the sea of better beauty bloggers. Don't get me wrong, I extremely love reading other beauty blogs and I'm passionate about writing about makeup/skincare/beauty stuff, but I do have other priorities in life. And I have a backlog of reviews to do, but I just need the time T.T
After lusting for so long and waiting for sports shops to stock up on my size, the wait has paid off and I am now an owner of a pair of Gisele Bundchen For Ipanema sandals! Believe me, it wasn't very fun attacking every Royal Sporting House, Studio R and Stadium for the past month for these sandals in my size :P Most of the time they have them in sizes way too small (Think kids' sizes), and I'm normally a size 5!
I got them from Royal Sporting House in 1 Utama earlier for RM 69.90, which is actually considerably cheap for sandals these pretty and these comfy! When I first heard of them I was expecting it to be 3 digits, but the maximum was RM 69.90 and some (If I'm not mistaken) are RM 49.90 depending on design. And as far as I know, RM 3 of the proceeds go to some funds to save the Amazon forest, so you're doing a good deed as well ;)
A closeup shot of the front part of the sandals with the pretty rhinestones. Haven't really worn them out yet, but they really are comfortable from when I've tried them on. The soles are thin and very flexible, and are thus ergonomic. There's been news going around that flip flops/sandals (Normal ones at least) are actually bad for the feet, but flip-flops/sandals that conform to the shape of your feet are good. Mother has a pair of the Gisele Bundchen For Ipanema sandals as well, the thong kind with beadings and she loves it a lot too for a picky shoe lover with arthritis and knee problems!
Anyway, a preliminary video of the video shot my sweetheart and me did sometime in September as part of our University internship project is up on YouTube! Click here to watch it- it's about money and family matters though. My sweetheart and me acted as the children >_> I was actually forced to act since they couldn't find an actress for the role of the daughter... so yeah. My make-up and hair (And sweetheart and everyone else's too) was done by Shegar, a semi-retired make-up artist (Now interior designer) who has previously done make-up for VJs of MTV Asia.
I will review my facial experience at my cousin's salon sometime next week- as I will be going back there to pick up a product on Monday, so I will be taking photos and getting a pricelist of the services they offer :P
I've been doing a fair bit of shopping lately... it's not as much as usual since it's mainly restocking of my HGs or Holy Grails.
I finally managed to get Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder in #12 Translucent Natural from the Make Up For Ever kiosk at Suria KLCC. The Make Up For Ever counter at 1 Utama is either always out of stock for the loose powder or for the colour, so since that day my sweetheart planned on bringing me to Suria KLCC I managed to book one the day before and pick it up :D I've been using #10 Translucent White all the while, but I prefer #12 Translucent Natural as it's tinted. A full review will come soon! And in the meantime, I'm trying to sell off my half-used #10 Translucent White here :P
Went to Parkson at 1 Utama today set on restocking my Origins A Perfect World For Eyes eye cream and getting the Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer after reading about it on My Makeup Reviews and researching on it on Makeup Alley.
The promoter at the Origins counter there was a very nice lady (I'm so sorry I didn't get her name though), and she introduced me to the the Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief. She just said that Origins also emphasises on relaxation and taught me how to administer the product on myself properly- that was all. She then went to write up the confirmation of my purchase for the my Origins A Perfect World For Eyes eye cream. There was no pressure to buy, no rude pushy further explanations, nothing at all. I was quite impressed. She didn't even ask if I wanted it until I asked her how much it was, and even when she replied she didn't do it in a "Buy it!" tone. Very professional in my opinion. It was when she confirmed my purchase for the Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief that I realised that it was part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotion and gave me a pink ribbon and leaflet. So for the whole month of October Origins is doing a promotion for their Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief!
I didn't know it because the promoter didn't push it in my face obviously. And I liked it. I liked how, despite the promotion for such a cause, she didn't push for it directly, but with more subtlety and professionalism. If only more promoters can be like this! Most that I encounter are pretty pushy and scares me away x.X Even my sweetheart was impressed.
A close-up of what I've bought- Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief, Origins A Perfect World For Eyes and Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer. They will also of course be reviewed in due time... just be patient and bear with me T.T
I'm going to have a facial done tomorrow by my cousin- a beautician. I'm so excited XD It will be my first since I moved back here and goodness knows how much I need it D:
In conjunction again with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I feel that I'll need to point you to Skin Deco (In conjunction with Total Beauty's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign) for its Paint It Pink! campaign! I'm personally contributing to her Fund-Raising Cosmetic Sale (From my selling blog here) and donating half the money to the Breast Cancer Research Fund- so do support it!
Meanwhile do bear with my updates :x I haven't been out in a few days and I'm currently working on part 2 of the eye makeup review- in which I need the prices for my eyeliners :P
Edit @ 11.54 p.m.: I've been reading My Makeup Reviews and got hit with her idea of HG (Holy Grail)- that one makeup/cosmetic/skincare item that is so important and/or essential to you. It gave me an idea to update on my HGs, but my cousin has borrowed my camera. We'll see how it goes!
