beauty cabby

MOVED TO BEAUTYCABBY.COM

2012-02-27T12:00:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Thanks for hanging on with me during this migration.

I have moved to Wordpress and my site name is still the same however you may need to update your bookmars / rss feeds / subscriptions. But I don't believe there's a need to. Unless you're new to this site.

Please visit my blog at : http://beautycabby.com

lots of luv,
lyn.

Yes, We Are Still Here

2012-02-22T09:30:00.001+08:00

* a balancing act... photo taken at Chinese acrobatic show in Beijing *

Just a quick update that the Wordpress move is taking a bit longer than expected due to the domain transfer procedure. I plan to resume to my regular post schedule by early next week because I actually miss blogging!

Hope that by then I'll be seeing y'all with a new blog layout :-)

Thanks for hanging on and wishing everyone a bee-yoo-tee-fooooool life!

lotsa luv,

lyn.

A Little Movement and Housekeeping

2012-02-18T00:30:00.000+08:00

I'll be moving over to Wordpress and won't be posting during this transition period.

There should not be any changes to the links or rss feeds. *fingers crossed*

The blog will be back up and running with a brand new look very soon!

~lyn~

Nail Polish on the Brain ~ Butter London Victoriana

2012-02-17T09:30:00.002+08:00

I have heard so many raves about Butter London Nail Lacquers that I just had to get a few to see what the fuss was all about. One of the colours I picked up was Victoriana.

Victoriana is a teal-blue with a good dose of dense silver shimmers throughout. It looks almost textured but it dries down without any gritty feeling. I don't own many blue polishes and to me, Victoriana is a pretty unique colour.

* crikey, sausage fingers! *

When I first got the nail polish and swatched (very quickly), I didn't think it was anything special and couldn't really see why everyone was raving about Butter London. But over the weekend, I decided to whip it out and gave myself a proper manicure, and boy, oh boy, did the formula impress me. It is very smooth and the polish just glides so easily over my nails. It really does apply like buttah (corny, I know)!

The rectangular outer cap can be removed to reveal a shorter, round inner cap with a printed little crowned birdie on it. Cute, yes? One thing that took a bit getting used to was the longer, thinner brush, which feels similar to Zoya's except that it is thinner and slightly floppier. However I can appreciate that it gets to the corners a bit better than wider brushes.

So yes, I think I'm a Butter London fan now! Victoriana has really good pigment and was completely opaque with just two coats. It has a nice, smooth consistency which I didn't find to be too thick unlike a number of polishes I have tried in the past. It started showing some minimal tip wear after 2 to 3 days but it is hardly noticeable.

Butter London can be purchased from zuneta.com (UK site) or kissandmakeupny.com (US site). It regularly retails at £12 each so depending on your currency exchange, it may be slightly cheaper to get the polishes from the US site for US$15 each.

A Beauty to Behold ~ Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Meteorites

2012-02-15T09:30:00.001+08:00

When I first saw pictures of Guerlain's Cruel Gardenia floating about last year October, the artistry and design of the powder really captured my attention (and heart). I had missed out on getting Laura Mercier's Rose Rendezvous and based on a number of reviews I've read, it is supposed to be a little similar to Cruel Gardenia. I enlisted the service of my high-end makeup Secret Agent to get me one as soon as or even before it hits the counters.

It is such a delight to view Cruel Gardenia in person. The raised 3D floral design emerging from the pan is absolutely beautiful. I'm not terribly familiar with plant species so I can't say for sure if the flower is a gardenia but honestly, who cares when it's so pretty.

An Overview of Topshop Kohl Eyeliner Pencils

2012-02-13T09:30:00.000+08:00

One of my favourite high-street guilty pleasures is Topshop Makeup. I first discovered them early last year and at that time, they only had the makeup line available at the KLCC Topshop store. They have recently expanded to carry their makeup range in more Topshop stores.

Some time mid of last year, I picked up four of the Topshop Kohl Eyeliners in the colours Bolt, Saddle, Juniper and Slate. They were having a promotion at that time, which was why I purchased four different shades at one go.

The Topshop Kohl Eyeliner has excellent application. The pencil glides on easily without tugging and the pigment applies very smoothly. I usually apply pencil eyeliners on my top lash line and create a little flick at the end. These pencils perform really well without issues.

The staying-power is also pretty good. It lasts a full working day on me with slight fading towards the end of the day. Just bear in mind that I normally have my makeup on for more than 12 hours and anything that stays is quite good in my books. It does smudge a little as my lids are oily but it definitely lasts longer when used with an eye primer.

Pros:

• Smooth application.

• Pigmented.

• Long lasting.

• Good variety of colour selections.

• Very affordable.

Cons:

• May not be available widely across Malaysia.

Topshop Kohl Eyeliners are sold at most Topshop stores in Klang Valley. Each pencil costs RM23. The makeup range is available at KLCC, Pavilion, One Utama and Sunway Pyramid stores. The sales assistant mentioned a few more outlets but I cannot recall them.

Have you tried any Topshop Makeup before and do you like them? Do share and let me know what else is worth checking out :-)

NEW! Have You Tried the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Yet?

2012-02-10T09:30:00.001+08:00

By this time, I'm sure many of you would have heard of or seen the brand spankin' new Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter around town. I thought they would be arriving to our shores in March but it looks like the release date has been pushed forward and we lucky folks can now get our grubby little hands on these babies.

There are eight yummy shades brought in locally; 020 Brown Sugar, 025 Peach Parfait, 030 Fig Jam, 070 Cherry Tart, 075 Lollipop, 080 Strawberry Shortcake, 085 Sugar Plum and 096 Macaroon. I tested them all at Watsons and fell in love with four of them. The other four were nudey pinks and browns that I don't tend to wear well.

Reaching Beyond the Realm of Spring with Blush Horizon de Chanel

2012-02-08T09:30:00.001+08:00

Spring releases are my biggest weakness. With all the enchanting, water-colour inspired shades arising in the form of makeup, I find it difficult to resist their prettiness. One of the most anticipated pieces this season is the Blush Horizon de Chanel, and it is the star product of the Harmonie de Printemps 2012 collection.

"The luminous hues of sunset are now captured in one elegant highlighting face powder. Subtle gradations of rose, coral and peach can be applied on their own or blended together, to highlight and sculpt the face or achieve an overall warmth and radiance." ~ Chanel's description

* photo taken with flash to illuminate the golden shimmer *

The Blush Horizon consists of assorted strips in luminous pinks, peaches to berries and plums. The top half of the blush has a sheer and shimmery white strip, which is meant to highlight and impart a soft glow. The lower part is peachier with a mix of berries and is the more pigmented half of the blush. Ultrafine golden shimmer is strewn across the blush and I believe it goes all the way down through the pan. It comes with an angled brush in its own velvet cover but I didn't find the brush usable as it is rather small.

Dove Lathering Oil Makeup Remover

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000+08:00

I came across a few new Dove products at a local drugstore recently and picked up the Lathering Oil Makeup Remover. I think this product has been released for a few months and is available in most drugstores (pharmacies) nationwide.

The Dove Lathering Oil Makeup Remover is not an oil cleanser in the traditional sense but dispenses as a fluffy foam instead. Dove recommends 3 pumps and the foam can be applied onto wet or dry skin. The foam feels soft, spreads easily and is not oily. The bright yellow bottle is quite a cheerful addition in my bathroom too.

I find that it takes off face makeup quite well but heavier or waterproof eye makeup may require a separate remover first. I have read this product can sting eyes but haven't experienced it because I try to keep my eyes tightly shut when cleaning my face. It doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped and uncomfortable. I still follow a double cleanse routine because I use the Dove cleanser more as a makeup remover and prefer my skin to be thoroughly cleaned before applying the rest of my skincare for the evening.

Overall, the Dove Lathering Oil Makeup Remover is a relatively good and affordable makeup remover. It is not particularly effective at removing eye makeup but if you generally wear light makeup and sunscreen, the Dove remover may be enough for you. This product can be found at most drugstores for RM32.90.

Ingredient List:
Water, PEG-8, Isopentyldiol, Glycerin, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Pottasium Cocoyl Glycinate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, BG Laurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Isopropyl Myristate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylparaben, Perfume, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethanol, BHT, Sodium Carbonate, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Tocopherol, Magnesium Chloride

WINNER ANNOUNCED! BeautyCabby Blog Birthday Giveaway

2012-02-05T13:00:00.000+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO

...

(drumroll, please)

...

toh e. @electronicfly

You are the lucky winner of my first Blog Birthday Giveaway and you will be receiving some really cute, pink goodies :-) Congratulations!!! I will write to you soon so please check your mailbox and keep your eyes peeled for my email.

To everyone else who participated, thank you taking time to enter the contest and do stick around as I will definitely be organising more giveaways in the future. Thanks for all the Twitter follows, retweets, blog comments and rss subscriptions as I sincerely appreciate them.

Lots of Love,

~ lyn ~

CLOSED! BeautyCabby Blog Birthday Bash Giveaway

2012-02-03T13:00:00.000+08:00

The Blog Birthday Giveaway is now CLOSED and the winner of the PINK LOOT will be announced on Sunday, 5th February at 1PM (GMT +8). I will write to the lucky person requesting for further details and a mailing address. I would appreciate if the winner can respond in 48 hours otherwise, it will roll to the next random person.

Thanks to all who participated and making this a success! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to subscribe to my blog and going through the entries. There will be more fabulous giveaways in the future as I had so much fun organising this one. So do keep a lookout for exciting events to come :-)

Lots of Love,

~ lyn ~

Affordable and Effective Lipliners by SilkyGirl

2012-02-03T09:30:00.000+08:00

Don't you just love it when you find a drugstore cheapie that actually works? I was honestly so chuffed when I came across these Silkygirl Long-Wearing Lipliners in Guardian. I don't really know much about the brand except that it is local and has a pretty good selection of very affordable cosmetics.

The Silkygirl lip pencil is an automatic liner and doesn't require sharpening (just my kind of thing). It comes in a simple plastic twist-up casing and is coloured to reflect the lipliner shade. The texture of these lipliners is waxy and slightly creamy.

I believe they offer five different shades and the ones I picked were in Nude and Rose. There are times when you want a more polished lip look and this is when lipliners really help to outline your lips and prevent lipsticks or glosses from feathering. Lip pencils can also help extend the wear of your lip products.

I sometimes wear lipliners on its own by filling out my entire upper and lower lip with the pencil and then adding a touch of lipgloss. It is quite a versatile product and is very pocketable since pencils are usually slim and can fit into almost anything.

Silkygirl cosmetics can be found in most local pharmacies (drugstores) nationwide and the Long-Wearing Lipliner retails at less than RM15 each. These lipliners are made in Germany.

PS:
My blog birthday giveaway is ending at 1PM today so do make sure you add your entries to the raffle to win yourself some fabulous goodies!

In a Buff Disposition with theBalm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette

2012-02-01T09:30:00.000+08:00

theBalm Nude 'Tude palette was released in November 2011 and carries a fabulous range of neutral shades with a good mix of highlighters and middle to dark tones. I guess it is inevitable that most cosmetic companies will start naming their neutral palettes with words like "nude" or "naked" since the Urban Decay version has been such a big hit.

The Nude 'Tude palettes come in Naughty or Nice variations. Both contain the same eyeshadows but the Naughty version (pictured in this post) features a bunch of naked women with their hoo-hoos and ya-yas covered up by eyeshadow pans. I know some people will cringe at the images but I think it's quite fun!

There are twelve lovely shades in one palette and it comes with a dual-ended brush, which I find to be pretty rubbish. The angled side is probably more usable and you can use it as a liner or brow brush. It is a very well-rounded palette with shades to suit most skin tones and you can use them to create natural to smoky looks.

Sassy - Pearly white frost.

Stubborn - Light peachy-pink frost.

Snobby - Light golden shimmer.

Stand-offish - Peachy-bronze champagne frost.

Selfish - Shimmery taupe.

Sophisticated - Dark brown with slight shimmer.

Sultry - Satin warm medium-brown.

Schitzo - Shimmery copper-bronze.

Sexy - Matte burgundy with a hint of brown.

Serious - Matte medium-black.

Silly - Slightly red-brown with fine gold glitter.

Sleek - Matte brown-black.

The overall texture of these eyeshadows are of very high quality. They are satiny smooth and buttery but not too soft that it will create much fall-out. The eyeshadows are also pigmented and yet very blendable, if you'd like to sheer out the colours.

I really, really like this palette! Really! I would definitely recommend Nude 'Tude to all you neutral lovers. You can find theBalm Nude 'Tude palette at Sasa stores for RM115. Each palette consists of twelve lovely, mixable shades and is quite value for money. I got mine at RM97 because Sasa was having some year-end discounts at the time of purchase.

more of theBalm products previously reviewed:
• theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer a.k.a. The Luminizer
• Eye Combo from theBalm Shady Lady vol. 2
• theBalm Hot Mama! Shadow / Blush
• theBalm Cabana Boy Shadow / Blush
• theBalm Down Boy Shadow / Blush
• theBalm Frat Boy Shadow / Blush

PS:
There are still a couple more days to participate in my blog birthday giveaway, so make sure you don't miss out!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation ~ Original vs Serum

2012-01-30T09:30:00.001+08:00

I have been meaning to write a quickie comparison review between Bourjois' Healthy Mix foundations in the Original and Serum formulas and finally got around to it. They are both in shade #51 Vanille Clair, which I think is the lightest available.

Packaging:
Original - Plastic, bottle is a little shorter and wider, has pump mechanism, solid brown cap that clicks in place.
Serum - Plastic that looks like glass, bottle is taller and slimmer, has pump mechanism, solid red cap that clicks in place.

* the foundation shades are the same but appear different in swatches due to lighting *

Texture:
Original - Liquid and not too thick.
Serum - Liquid but a bit more "gel-feeling" and fluid, not too thick.

* the foundation shades are the same but appear different in swatches due to lighting *

Consistency:
Original - Lightweight, smooth, spreads easily and applies evenly.
Serum - Lightweight, smooth, spreads easily and applies evenly.

Coverage:
Original - Light to medium, not cakey, slightly dewy finish and skin looks more glowy.
Serum - Light to medium, not cakey, more powdery finish and semi-matte.

Oil-Control:
Original - Skin gets oily within 4 hours and requires blotting, holds up well throughout the day and doesn't get patchy.
Serum - Better oil control but still requires blotting after 5 to 6 hours, holds up well throughout the day and doesn't get patchy.

Scent:
Original - Smells like fresh berry juice.
Serum - Smells like fresh berry juice and a tad bit fruitier.

I have been using both foundations without issues and they do not cause me to break out. In terms of texture and consistency, they are pretty much even. However there is a slight difference in the finish and oil-control properties.

I used to prefer the Original version because of the finish as it seems to look better on me in certain lighting but my skin does get oilier quicker. It is difficult to pick a favourite between the two now because they are equally good foundations.

So in summary, I like them both. And very much so! The Healthy Mix foundations help even out my skin tone, cover most redness and make my skin look brighter and better. They are still not Holy Grail material but they do come pretty close.

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundations are not available in Malaysia and the nearest place you can get Bourjois is in Singapore. I purchased the Original in Australia and the Serum version in Hong Kong but sadly, cannot recall the pricing on them as I have had both for a while now.

Ingredients (Original Version):

Aqua (water), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Parfum, Panthenol, Alcohol, Aluminum hydroxide, Silica, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Pyrus malus (Apple) fruit extract, Cucumis melo (Melon) fruit extract, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) root extract, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) fruit extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, [+/- May contain: Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77891]

Ingredients (Serum Version):
Aqua (water), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Parfum (fragrance), Panthenol, Aluminium Hydroxide, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Silica, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Pantolactone, Punica Granatum Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid [+/- May contain: CI 77007 (ultramarines), CI 77019 (mica), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI77891 (titanium dioxide)] 10BMT001-1]

Nails of the Day ~ Zoya Jana Nail Polish

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000+08:00

I went a little crazy recently and ordered a bunch of Zoya polishes. One of the colours I picked out was Jana from the Fall 2011 Smoke and Mirrors Collection. Jana falls in the "Smoke" part of the collection and is a dusty, greyish-purple coloured cream. It is a little difficult to capture the actual colour on camera and in my photographs, Jana looks a bit more grey-ish beige (griege) but in some lighting, in does show more purple.

It has a wonderful glossy finish on its own and I did not need to add a topcoat (as photographed). The polish applies smoothly with decent drying time. It is completely opaque with two coats. I absolutely love the Zoya formula and consistency. Their polishes are so lovely to use! I started experiencing slight tip wear after two days but that's because I didn't use a topcoat.

Zoya nail polish retails at RM33 on Nail Fiesta but stocks are limited. I have no clue where else they sell Zoya locally and even if a nail salon uses the brand, the polishes may not be for sale.

What have you been wearing on your nails lately and have you tried Zoya before?

Multi-Task Brush from Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000+08:00

I am sure most of you would have heard of the Pixiwoo sisters, one of the most successful beauty gurus on YouTube. Samantha Chapman who is the older sister, has launched a line of synthetic brushes called Real Techniques some time last year. I have been contemplating on ordering them for a while but to my surprise, Shins (the store) now have the brushes available locally.

The Multi-Task Brush is from the Travel Essentials set and it includes two other brushes, a narrow Foundation Brush and a Domed Shadow Brush. I have given away the foundation brush to my youngest sister and kept the remaining two brushes, which I quite like and have been using frequently.

My favourite brush from this set is the Multi-Task Brush, which they recommend for application of powder, blush and bronzer. I have not been using this brush as recommended and instead have been using it as a liquid or cream foundation brush. Let me just say that it works beautifully!

The bristles are made from taklon and the brush feels very plush, dense and soft. The extended aluminium ferrule feels light and comfortable. You are supposed to be able to stand the brush up on its own as the base is quite wide but I don't see much use for this function. The set also comes with a Panoramic Brush Case, which is a foldable, standing brush holder.

As mentioned, I use the Multi-Task Brush with liquid and cream foundations. What I normally do is to stipple on some product onto my face and then blend out with light, swirly motions. My foundations look flawless with this brush and it works better than a regular duo-fiber stippling brush (I have the 187 from MAC). As the brush head is so dense and soft, it blends everything like a dream.

I have washed this brush a few times and it doesn't bleed or shed. It dries relatively quickly for a synthetic hair brush too. I like the Multi-Task Brush so much that is has more or less replaced my other foundation brushes and I have been using this solely since getting it last month.

I purchased the Travel Essentials set from the Shins shop at RM135. Sadly, the Multi-Task Brush is not available individually and you'd need to get the whole set. It is a pretty fair deal though because the pricing in UK (where the brushes come from) is £20.99 but after adding shipping, it will be more expensive to purchase online.

PS:
Did you miss my blog birthday giveaway? Do have a look and join in the fun!

Reminder to Take Part in the BeautyCabby Blog Birthday GIVEAWAY

2012-01-22T09:30:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to participate in my Blog Birthday Giveaway and you stand a chance at winning some really cute prizes :-) Visit the link below for further details and to enter!

>> CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO GIVEAWAY <<

Happy Chinese New Year... Gong Xi Fa Chai!

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000+08:00

Wishing all who celebrate a

Happy New Year of the Dragon!

恭喜發財

万事如意

Have a wonderful reunion and to those who are travelling, have a safe journey!
May your year be filled with more joy, luck and prosperity!

PS - I will be returning to my husband's hometown for our annual reunion and will be taking a short bloggy break. But I will be back very soon! In the meantime, do check out my blog birthday bash giveaway and participate as there are some fantastic goodies to be won :-)

Ushering In Chinese New Year with the Chanel Dragon

2012-01-18T09:30:00.000+08:00

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon and I thought it is probably apt that I bust out two wonderful reds Chanel has created, to welcome the New Year. Dragons are the mightiest of the zodiac signs and they are fiercely independent and dominant creatures.

Both the Dragon Rouge Allure Laque and Le Vernis were released in 2009. The nail polish is limited edition but may be available although difficult to come by. I have been to a few Chanel counters and it was already sold out. The Rouge Allure Laque is getting discontinued, which is a right shame and the moment I read the news, I went out to hunt for Dragon as it is one of their best-selling and most elusive shades.

WIN IT! BeautyCabby Blog Birthday Giveaway

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000+08:00

Today marks the 2nd year I have been blogging! Admittedly I dropped off the radar for many months and only started picking up speed towards the end of 2011 but thanks to your support, feedback and friendship, I have been able to continue and hope to get better with time :-)

So, to celebrate this moment, I am throwing my 1st blog birthday giveaway as a big THANK YOU to all of you! Please participate as the one lucky person will stand a chance in winning some fabulous goodies as pictured below!

The theme for this Giveaway is PINK!

• Kiss Me Sunkiller Baby Milk SPF38 PA+++
• Skin79 Super Plus Hot Pink Beblesh Balm
• Bourjois Effet 3D Lip Gloss in #15
• Kiss Me Kiss Lip Softsense Lipbalm (Strawberry)
• My Beauty Diary Japanese Cherry Blossom Sheet Mask
• Essie Nail Polish in Lion Around
* all items / products are full-sized and unused *

HOW TO ENTER

• Please use the Rafflecopter widget below for your entries.
• There is ONE mandatory entry (to be a subscriber of my blog feed) and FOUR optional entries (follow the instructions on Rafflecopter).
• The more entries you enter, the more chances you have of winning.
• Further details listed in the T&C below.

Make sure to click "DO IT!" and confirm EACH entry method, so your entries will be counted by Rafflecopter.

See Rafflecopter's form and details below (please allow a few seconds for the widget to load).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Rafflecopter widget requires you to log in and for the sake of privacy, you can provide just your first name and the initial of your last name or use a nickname. Please ensure your email address is valid.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. This giveaway is open to all readers, local and international.
2. If you are below 18 years of age, kindly ask for permission from your parents / guardians as I would be requesting for your personal details and mailing address.
3. You need to be a subscriber of my blog feed via email or rss feed reader to qualify (subscription methods can be found on sidebar).
4. When you subscribe to email feeds, please verify / activate your subscription by checking your mailbox for a confirmation notice. Otherwise you will not be subscribed to my blog feed.
5. The winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter.
6. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm receipt and to provide a valid mailing address.

CLOSING DATE
The giveaway closes on midnight of 3rd February 2012 EST (1PM in GMT+8 Malaysian Time). I will not be accepting any further entries once the giveaway closes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
You can email me at lyn@beautycabby.com if you have any queries or are unsure how to use the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder in Peche Perlee

2012-01-16T09:30:00.002+08:00

Some time ago, I visited the Chanel counter with the intention of getting the Bronze Universelle (was on a bronzer kick) but I tested out the Poudre Universelle Libre in #27 Peche Perlee and immediately fell in love. As I already have another Chanel loose powder in #20 Clair for a while now, I knew the quality of Peche Perlee will be similar and will not disappoint.

The powder comes within a box that is typical of Chanel's black and gold packaging. The jar itself has the iconic Chanel logo printed at the top. Chanel's packaging is very elegant and the jar will look beautiful on anyone's vanity.

Each jar comes with a white, pillowy Chanel puff, which is better than those dinky little unusable brushes that sometimes come with loose powders.

It has a perforated plastic sifter top which helps reduce spillage and wastage. I plan to transfer some product into a mini-sized loose powder jar because it's easier to travel with. It is possible to take the whole full-sized jar out but it would be rather bulky and cumbersome.

The Chanel loose powders are all extremely finely milled and have a gorgeous silky texture. They each have light reflecting properties, which will help minimise the appearance of skin imperfections. Peche Perlee has golden micro-shimmer distributed throughout and has a sparklier finish than Clair but the shimmer is not noticeable unless you are under bright lighting. It is lightly scented but dissipates quickly so it isn't intrusive.

Peche Perlee has a warmer undertone than Clair but it still matches my skin tone well and should be suitable for those ranging from NC20 to NC30. This may be an Asia-release or limited edition shade as I can't seem to find much information on it. I forgot to ask the Chanel sales assistant at the time of purchase.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre is sold at Chanel counters nationwide for RM152. Each jar consists of 30g worth of product and it will last a good long while as you'd only need to use very little each time. The price may seem expensive at first but when compared to MAC's Prep and Prime Translucent Finishing Powder, the Chanel powder works out to be cheaper at RM5.07 per gram, whereas the MAC powder is RM11.25 per gram. That's right, beauty geeks, after doing the math, the Chanel powder doesn't seem like such an expensive purchase after all.

PS:
I have something very exciting planned tomorrow, so do stay tuned and see you soon!

The Scintillating Scent of Love with Lancôme Trésor Midnight Rose Eau de Parfum

2012-01-13T09:30:00.000+08:00

Lancôme introduces Trésor Midnight Rose as a youthful, new addition to the classic Trésor fragrance family, currently consisting of the Original Trésor and Trésor In Love. Taking inspiration from the streets of Paris at nightfall, Midnight Rose personifies a sense of playfulness and a certain joie de vivre from being young and in love.

A DELICIOUS FRAGRANCE

LIKE A “CANDIED ROSE OF LOVE”

It was a pleasant discovery to find out that the fragrance was composed by Anne Flipo, the talented Nose behind many fragrance houses and gorgeous creations, including a couple of my personal favourites. “Trésor Midnight Rose is A COLOURFUL, UPBEAT AND JOYFUL FRAGRANCE... It embodies mischievous femininity: rose becomes playful, driven by deliciously tangy raspberry tones, wooden shimmers and voluptuous vanilla notes. This spontaneous, irresistible rose charms everything in its path. IT’S A REAL SIGNATURE,” Anne explained.

Fronted by the lovely Emma Watson, the video advertisement depicts a contemporary story of attraction between two young people against the charming backdrop of Paris.

I must admit I was a little hesitant when I first received the fragrance as I am usually not a fan of most scents targeted at the "younger crowd". They tend to be too sweet, too cloying or pungent. However Midnight Rose surprised me with its jasmine and blackcurrant notes and a robust dose of pink pepper. The rose in this fragrance is rather subtle and is somewhat masked by the overture of more dominant middle notes. It dries down to a deeper cedar and musk but I still get a tinge of blackcurrant (cassis) in the background.

Top Notes: Raspberry, Rose Absolute
Heart: Jasmine, Peony, Blackcurrant Buds, Pink Pepper
Base Notes: Virginian Cedar, Musk and Vanilla

I have been wearing Midnight Rose for an entire week and the scent is starting to grow on me. I was initially undecided because I expected a rosier fragrance but I must say that pink pepper and currant notes are usually complimentary on my skin. Come to think of it, one of my favourite fragrances has pink pepper, vanilla and musk present so it shouldn't really surprise me that I would enjoy Midnight Rose as well.

Midnight Rose is a heady blend of fruits and florals that is slightly sharp at times but seductively musky on drydown. It is made to capture the spirit of youthfulness, sensuality and a bit of mystery. It is not a typical sweet rose scent but something deeper and darker. The scent lasts a decent amount of time and I still catch a whiff of musky blossoms by the end of day.

The multi-faceted, elongated flacon tinted by a lovely gradation of sultry pink to deep mauve is really quite lovely. The purple satin rose bud around the collar is a very charming accent and I have it swiveled to the side so it doesn't get in the way of the nozzle. The bottle is solid glass and very comfortable to hold because it is long and fits in the palm of my hand nicely.

I may be past moments of exciting first encounters and new romances but that doesn't mean that I can't wear a younger scent to uplift my senses. If you are looking for a unique fragrance with a slight deviation from a common rose perfume, I would recommend that you try Trésor Midnight Rose the next time you visit Lancôme.

Trésor Midnight Rose Eau de Parfum can be found at all Lancôme boutiques and counters nationwide; retailing at RM205 for 50ml and RM265 for 75ml. They are currently running a roadshow at the Concourse of Mid-Valley Mall until 15th January. You can also get the opportunity to redeem a free sample at any counter, so do visit the Lancôme Malaysia Facebook page for more information.

Burberry Lip Cover in Hibiscus ~ A Lush, Classic Red

2012-01-11T09:30:00.000+08:00

In one of my rare excursions to Suria KLCC late last year, I stopped by Burberry to check out their cosmetics counter in Isetan. To be honest, I never really bothered visiting their counter because it just seems a tad bit plain and the display looks so boring. I suppose they are going for that "understated elegance" theme but come on, you'd need to liven up that place a little.

The sales assistant was a nice chap but he needed a lesson in respecting people's boundaries. When he applied the lipstick on me, he shoved his face really close to mine that we were nearly kissing (oh, my!). Or maybe he was just severely short-sighted?

Dior Vernis Spring 2012 Collection in Forget Me Not and Waterlily

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000+08:00

This Spring, Dior has created a really pretty range of makeup inspired by lovely Spring gardens in bloom. Aptly named the Garden Party Spring 2012 Collection, we see many shades that are reminiscent of Monet's paintings.

"Dior creates a stir with these limited edition scented nail polishes. Two fresh shades, soft green and flowery lilac that upon drying, release an intoxicating rose fragrance." ~ description by Dior

Dior introduces a couple of scented nail polishes, of which I am very excited about. Waterlily and Forget Me Not from the collection look so beautiful and are definitely unique additions to my current stash.

Waterlily is a mint-green creme with fine golden micro-shimmer and has a milky quality to it. Initially I thought pastel green won't suit me because I generally don't wear this colour well. Waterlily is a little surprising and the light gold sheen adds an interesting dimension to an otherwise common pale green. The formula is quite good and applies without issues. The first coat may be a little streaky but it does even out with the second coat. You'd need at least two coats to achieve opacity.

Forget Me Not is a lilac-purple creme that is slightly dusty with scattered fine shimmers throughout. Application is relatively easy and smooth with the tapered brush. It is well pigmented and is opaque with two coats. The finish is glossy and in certain lights, you'll catch a twinkling of the secret shimmers. Between the two polishes, I must admit I prefer Forget Me Not because I love dusky shades and this has a hint of smokiness which makes quite special.

What about that rose-fragranced nails, you say? The polish smells like most other nail polish from the bottle but it does dry-down and leaves a faint rosy scent. Thankfully, I didn't find it intrusive because the scent does last for a while.

The Dior Vernis in Forget Me Not and Waterlily are a limited edition colours and are currently available at most Dior counters nationwide. They may sell out fast, so if you're interested, do pop by Dior and check out these two lovely Spring nail varnishes for yourself. Each retails at RM72 (think they raised the prices recently).

Previously Reviewed:
• Glamourous Party Nails with Dior Vernis in Apparat

Note:

For more information on the entire Garden Party Spring 2012 Collection, please view Temptalia's write up on this beautiful collection.

Smooth and Radiant Skin with Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow Body Lotion

2012-01-06T09:30:00.002+08:00

One of the most pleasant and recent drugstore find before 2011 ended was Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow Nourishing Lotion. I picked up a bottle on a whim and honestly did not expect much. But am I glad to have discovered this little gem!

Vaseline Cocoa Glow comes in a rather unassuming brown bottle. It was sort of love at first sniff. You see, I absolutely adore sugary, gourmand scents especially those that don't get too sickly sweet. I have used Palmer's Cocoa Butter before and although it was a nice lotion and moisturised my skin well, the scent was just too overwhelming. The Vaseline Cocoa Glow has a nice blend of sweetness without going overboard. Besides cocoa, there is a tinge of hazelnut and vanilla, which makes this one of the yummiest smelling body lotions I own.

Vaseline's Total Moisture line of body lotions is formulated with Stratys-3 technology, which is meant to deliver moisture to the top, core and deep layers of skin. The Cocoa Glow lotion is infused with cocoa butter and Vitamin E to help moisturise and soften skin. It works quite well to keep my dry skin smooth and comfortable. I have two eczema patches on my legs and they have not suffered any adverse reaction to the lotion.

Cocoa Glow is an off-white coloured lotion with a lovely whipped-cream texture. It absorbs fairly quickly and does not leave a slick residue behind. It feels lightweight and is not greasy. It is not a heavy duty body moisturiser and if you live in very dry climates, this may not be enough although I have read that there is heavier butter version available in colder countries.

I tend to be quite lazy with body care and used to find applying body lotions to be a real chore. Since getting Cocoa Glow about three weeks ago and a couple of other moisturisers, I have been a bit more vigilant because I started seeing some results with daily use. My skin feels and looks healthier now. I still have several trouble spots on my legs and arms but they are definitely getting better.

Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow Body Lotion is available in most local pharmacies and comes in three sizes; 120ml for RM7.50, 250ml for RM14.50 and 400ml for RM19.50. It is a good and affordable option! If you are fan of cocoa butter scents, I'd recommend giving this body lotion a go.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15 in Passion

2012-01-04T09:30:00.000+08:00

I certainly hope y'all have had a good 2011 and are looking forward to a more fabulous year ahead :-)

I have been meaning to order these Sugar Lip Treatments for a number of years now but never really got around to it. However our local Sephora has brought Fresh in, I'm not sure when but it may have been around two months ago. This makes me so happy! I have used a number of the face products before but these Lip Treatments weren't available back then.

The Sugar Lip Treatment each comes in a cardboard box. There is a colourless version, which is their mainstay lipbalm and there are four tinted versions in Honey, Rose, Plum and Passion.

A Bright Beginning... Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-01T09:30:00.000+08:00

May the New Year bring you joy,

Sprinkled with love and laughter,

May you have many successes,

And life be full of adventure.

Wishing everyone a fantastic 2012!!!

A New Year's Eve Party Polish - Lunasol Nail Polish in Deep Black Red EX35

2011-12-30T09:30:00.000+08:00

Lunasol is a brand I often overlook. I know they make good quality products and have many lovely things to offer but I have never really been attracted to their makeup line. I absolutely adore their eye and cheek brushes though and believe it or not, they are the only two Lunasol items I own. That is, until I checked out their nail polishes.

Deep Black Red #EX35 is a Fall release and may be a little outdated by the time you're reading this. The polish is a very dark purple-red that appears almost black. It has flecks of subtle red shimmer but they are hardly noticeable and can only be seen in certain types of lighting. The finish is little jelly-like and is quite glossy and smooth. I find the polish to be a little streaky and not as easy to apply but it could be my lack of skills. It did level out with the second coat and was almost completely opaque.

This is something I would wear on a night out paired with vampy lips. It is definitely a colour that is quite suitable for a New Year's Eve dinner party.

The Lunasol Deep Black Red #EX35 nail polish can be purchased at most Lunasol counters for RM56. If you like dark polishes, it is something to consider and since it's limited edition as well, you'd best check it out soon ;-)

Before heading off, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish y'all another fabulous and beauty-ful year ahead! I'll be seeing you in 2012! Happy New Year!!!

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer a.k.a. The Luminizer

2011-12-28T09:30:00.000+08:00

Hello, all! How was your Christmas and can you believe we are almost into a New Year already? Time certainly flies! I am back from sunny ol' Penang and have had a really wonderful celebration with my family :-)

In recent months, I have started to incorporate highlighters into my routine. I don't use them every single day but during times when I want a little something to liven up my overall complexion and make me look less tired.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is an all-over highlighter, which can double up as a shimmery eyeshadow. And can I say again how much I like theBalm's packaging and actually think they are quite adorable. Instead of the usual cardboard packaging, it comes in a solid metal compact with a mirror. Mary-Lou is part of the "Manizer" duo, with Betty-Lou being her bronzing counterpart. I don't know why theBalm likes to name their products after "Boys" and "Men" but it's sort of cheeky.

theBalm describes Mary-Lou as a honey-hued luminizer and to me, it's a soft, sparkling champagne with a hint of gold and pink tones. It is a really beautiful shade! Like most other theBalm products, this highlighter is very pigmented but it is not heavy or glittery. I really think this highlighter will be a nice touch for that New Year party and will help your complexion look a bit more special and glowy.

* swatch *

The texture is soft and buttery, which is typical of most of theBalm's powdered cosmetics. I only need to tap my brush in a couple of times and lightly dust the highlighter all over my face and maybe adding a touch more across my cheekbones. It really does work as an all-over eyeshadow wash too and is very pretty.

All in all, I would say kudos to theBalm for producing yet another fantastic product. I purchased Mary-Lou Manizer for RM72 at our local Sasa stores. Each compact weighs 8.5g and trust me, that is a lot of product so it is pretty value for money.

more of theBalm products previously reviewed:
• Eye Combo from theBalm Shady Lady vol. 2
• theBalm Hot Mama! Shadow / Blush
• theBalm Cabana Boy Shadow / Blush
• theBalm Down Boy Shadow / Blush
• theBalm Frat Boy Shadow / Blush

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2011-12-23T09:30:00.000+08:00

As you read this, I'm probably on my way back or have already reached my hometown, a beautiful little island called Penang. Posts will sporadic in the next week or so because I'll be too busy with more important things such as gorging on glorious Penang hawker food and spending time with the family :-)

But before signing off, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish y'all a Joyous Season and Happy Holidays! I hope you'll be having a fabulous time wherever you are!

Keeping Eye Makeup In Check with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

2011-12-21T09:30:00.001+08:00

After having waxed lyrical about Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI) and going on and on about how fabulous that little tube of wonder is, I then had to opportunity to test out the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base when I visited Hong Kong in May. I honestly didn't plan on picking up an eye primer since I was very happy with TFSI.

But you know what? I'm a makeup junkie and a lemming at that. I actually didn't get it immediately but after walking around for hours with a full face of NARS makeup on (I was testing out a number of products that day) and noticing that everything was sort of melting except for the eye makeup, I went back to the counter and grabbed that Smudge Proof baby.

Description:

This smudge-proof eyeshadow base uses a unique polymer and mineral powder blend to get a firm grip on color for long-lasting, gorgeous wear. Fortified with a special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract, it dries on contact and keeps the delicate eye lid smooth and ready for eyeshadow application.

I do like the simple, under-stated packaging but why must they add that irritating NARS "rubber" on everything? Haven't they realised by now that their rubber tends to go all kinds of funky in heat and humidity? Thankfully, nothing has happened to my tube yet.

The Smudge Proof base is a white cream but goes on colourless once you apply and blend it out on your lids. The texture is very silky, probably due to the silicone content, and it is very easy to spread. It smooths the lid surface, helps extend the quality and wear of eye makeup, and most importantly, does not cause my eyeshadows to crease.

It helps deepen the opacity of eyeshadows and makes them look more vibrant. I have also gone clubbing (which is a very rare occurrence) and returned home at 3AM with my eye makeup still looking fresh and intact. This is a true test of its namesake and it is indeed smudge proof! Hint : It's probably a good one to wear in the upcoming Christmas dinners and parties too :-)

Overall, I really like the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and can even say that it is on par with TFSI in terms of performance. However due to the price difference between the two, I'd still go for TFSI as it is more value for money. Smudge Proof costs US$24 for 0.26oz and TFSI costs US$18 for 0.35oz.

Ingredient List:

Isododecane · Talc · Cyclopentasiloxane · Disteardimonium Hectorite · Vp/Eicosene Copolymer Dimethicone · Cetyl Ethylhexanoate · Cyclohexasiloxane ·Sorbitan Sesquioleate · Trimethylsiloxysilicate · Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ·Propylene Carbonate · Peg-40 Stearate · Sorbitan Olivate · Tocopheryl Acetate · Cera Alba (Beeswax) · Phenoxyethanol · Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate · Oryza Sativa [OryzaSativa (Rice) Bran Oil Extract] · Triethoxycaprylylsilane · Castor Oil Phosphate · Sea Whip Extract · Mica · Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) · Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride)

Chanel Vitalumiere Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact SPF15

2011-12-19T09:30:00.000+08:00

I love new foundation discoveries and am usually on a lookout for anything interesting. In my review on Chanel's Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Foundation, I mentioned that I usually have trouble finding a good colour match at our local Chanel counters as the shades are rather limited compared to what's available overseas. So it was a pleasant surprise that I recently found yet another gem from Chanel's Vitalumiere range.

The Chanel Vitalumiere Hydra Compact is an Asia-specific release and launched some time in October 2011. I believe other parts of the world got their hands on the new Perfection Lumiere (I want this too!) but I don't think it will be available locally yet. Anyway, I am still really happy with the Vitalumiere Hydra Compact and let me tell you why.

Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Jelly SPF 30 PA+++

2011-12-16T09:30:00.000+08:00

When the Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Jelly was first released in Malaysia, I ran out to get myself a bottle. I've been reading a number of positive reviews and was rather curious to see how it would work. I used it on my neck and arms at that time, and liked how watery and cooling it felt. However, I started noticing some rashes appearing on my neck a few days later and initially thought it was caused by the sunscreen because many of my allergies are triggered by sun protection products.

It was only a bit later that I discovered the rashes were caused by a food allergy reaction but by that time, I had already given away the bottle and moved on to other sunscreens. Yes, I am that quick.

I was running out of my regular body sunblock and came across the Biore Watery Jelly at a local drugstore. I then thought of trying it out again because I did like the cooling sensation and lightweight texture.

The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Jelly is a gel-emulsion type of sunscreen that is meant for the face and body. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and Mix Citrus Essence to help skin retain moisture and feel more hydrated. It also acts as a moisturiser, makeup primer and sunscreen in one. It has a mild citrus scent that fades away quickly.

It is very light and watery and I really enjoy applying this sunscreen on my arms and neck. It does not leave a white cast and is pretty much invisible once rubbed in. I think the protection offered is quite enough for office workers or students who don't spend long hours under the sun. If you plan to participate in any outdoor activities, you'd best reapply the sunscreen to benefit from it's full protection. It also washes off easily with regular soaps or cleansers.

Overall, I am glad I revisited and repurchased this sunscreen. After having use it for a couple of months without any adverse reaction, I can safely say that it works for me and would recommend it to those who are not sensitive to the ingredients listed below. The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Jelly SPF30 PA+++ retails at RM32 and is available in most drugstores nationwide.

Note:
I have only used this sunscreen on my body, neck and decolletage so I'm not sure what it is like on my face.

Ingredient List:

Water, alcohol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, dimethicone, xylitol, acrylates/C10-30 acrylate crosspolymer, lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, titanium dioxide, polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, agar, behenyl alcohol, microcrystalline wax, polyvinyl alcohol, ceratonia siliqua gum, sodium stearoxy PG-hydroxyethylcellulose sulfonate, maltodextrin, sodium hyaluronate, grapefruit fruit extract, lemon extract, orange fruit extract, butylene glycol, propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, disodium EDTA, BHT, fragrance.

OPI The Muppets Nail Lacquer in Warm & Fozzie

2011-12-14T09:30:00.002+08:00

[image source : O.P.I.]

I have previously posted about O.P.I.'s Designer... De Better! that was released in the new The Muppets range. Doesn't the the collection look absolutely fabulous? I was initially attracted to the glitter polishes but I knew I wouldn't wear them often and instead picked up the two foil colours from the lot. When I tested them out at the nail salon, it was love at first swatch.

* close-up *

Warm & Fozzie is a bronze shade with flecks of golden copper-pink micro-shimmer. Depending on the light, it can come across as a metallic rose-brown or a golden-bronze. I absolutely love this shade and think it's very unique. The formula is wonderful, it goes on smoothly and provides good coverage with just 2 to 3 coats.

It's such a lovely autumnal shade and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside (just like its namesake). I went to a nail salon to get a pedicure and have worn Warm & Fozzie on my toes for more than two weeks without issues. But based on experience, nail polishes do last longer on toes and it will start showing some minimal tip wear after 4 to 5 days on fingers.

* colours shift in different angles *

* with and without flash *

I can frankly say that I'm a huge fan of O.P.I. and their nail polishes are really good quality. O.P.I. Nail Lacquer is sold at a regular retail price of RM59 at most nail salons and Shins. You can get them at cheaper prices from these online e-tailers at Nail Fiesta and Slammin' Tips'n'Toes. I have ordered from both before and their service is reliable and recommended.

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer N in 01 Dragee

2011-12-12T09:30:00.000+08:00

Face primers are one of those things that are often overlooked by most (because they probably don't need it... lucky sods). As my skin is so fickle, with an oily t-zone and dry cheeks and a tendency to get flaky at certain bits, I need something that will help even out all these problems. You know, since I put in some effort every morning to make myself look decent, I'd might as well have my face full of slap last longer too.

I have heard many good things about the Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer N but I didn't get it until recently because it used to be bottled without a pump. As they have revamped most of their foundation packaging since late 2010, I thought now is probably a good time to give this product a go.

A pump makes everything easier, yo! No mess and fuss about pouring out too little or too much. Not quite sure why it took Paul & Joe this long to figure it out. Anyway, the shade I picked up is in 01 Dragee (pronounced "dra-zhay") and it's a pale beige-pink tint with a light sheen (no shimmer).

When applied and blended in, the light tint almost completely disappears but it still offers some slight coverage to even out my skin tone and redness. It also creates a smooth canvas for foundation and powder.

The consistency is a little watery and light and feels oh-so-nice on skin. I like that it is slightly moisturising and yet does not feel tacky. Although it contains silicones, it does not have that typical slippery, silicone-y feel (if you know what I mean) unlike most other face primers. It has a semi-matte, satin finish.

I have used this primer with liquid, cream and powder foundations, and it most certainly helps extend the wear of foundations. It also does not make me feel like the usual oil-slick, which is a good thing as I was initially a little wary that moisturising primers would be too heavy on my skin.

Like most Paul & Joe Beaute products, this primer has a light orange blossom scent, which I really like. It's one of the reasons why I love their products so much! If you're sensitive to scents, you may not like the primer but the scent dissipates quite quickly and is not intrusive. The packaging is pretty, as usual. That embossed chrysanthemum blossom always puts a smile on my face :-)

Pros:

• Lightweight consistency.

• Smooth texture.

• Slightly moisturising.

• Not tacky.

• Shade matches my skin tone.

• Helps foundation and powders last longer.

• Does not make me oily.

• Pretty packaging with pump bottle.

Cons:

• Expensive.

• Shades are limited and more suited for fair to medium skin tones.

• Contains silicones, so not suitable for those who are sensitive.

Overall, this is another Paul & Joe hit for me and I would recommend asking for samples if you'd like to try it out. The Moisturizing Foundation Primer N comes in three colour selections from 01 (fair pink-beige), 02 (medium yellow-gold), and 03 (translucent). They have SPF15 sun protection except for 03, which does not contain SPF.

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer N is available at Paul & Joe counters and Sephora nationwide. It costs RM126 for each 30ml bottle.

Ingredient List:

(01, 02) Water, butylene glycol, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, triethylhexanoin, nylon-12, cyclomethicone, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, apricot kernel oil, orange flower water, tocopherol, sodium hyaluronate, jojoba seed oil, lilium candidum bulb extract, BHT, triethanolamine, acrylates copolymer, carbomer, xanthan gum, stearic acid, sorbitan sesquioleate, cetearyl alcohol, talc, triceteareth-4 phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, dipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate, behenyl alcohol, sucrose polystearate, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, lecithin, hydrated silica, hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated lecithin, methylparaben, fragrance (+/-) mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, aluminum hydroxide.

Chanel Foundation Brush #6

2011-12-09T09:30:00.000+08:00

Chanel has recently revamped their makeup brush range and I was immediately drawn to the foundation brush and knew it had to come home with me. I got the Chanel brush two months' ago and have been using it regularly, rotating between my other favourite foundation brush from Bloom Cosmetics.

The Chanel Foundation Brush #6 is a paddle-shaped brush, with a solid black handle and I believe it consists of three toned fibers made of goat hair. It picks up liquid and cream foundations well but I do find that the brush absorbs a little more product than my Bloom brush probably due to its denser head. Application is smooth and comfortable although I do find the fibers to be a wee bit more rough than Bloom's.

Like most foundation brushes, it is best to use on well moisturised or prepped skin to avoid streaks or drag marks. When my skin used to be very dry and dehydrated, no brush would work and they all leave streaky lines or ugly patches especially on the flaky bits of skin. Thankfully, my skin has improved in the last few months and the streakiness is no longer an issue.

The BeautyCabby Tip "When using a paddle-head foundation brush, start with small, short strokes and then use patting motions to blend in the foundation better."

Overall, if you are in the market for a foundation brush, the Chanel #6 is a good option. It is available at most Chanel counters for RM126. This is not a bad price considering MAC brushes are often more expensive with lesser quality brushes.

I am so glad it's finally Friday! Are you up to anything fun this weekend? I'll be at home mostly because I'm really quite boring and like to spend my weekends catching up on sleep :-)

Glamourous Party Nails with Dior Vernis in Apparat

2011-12-07T09:30:00.002+08:00

About a month ago, I had tested the Dior Vernis in Apparat and immediately fell in love with it but it wasn't officially launched at that time and the Dior lady told me to come back in one week's time. Well, I went back a week later and they had already sold out! I also tried another counter at a different mall and they were out of stock too. I went a little bit batty at that time and it wasn't until another week later that I finally got my mitts on that elusive bottle of nail polish (at yet another mall).

Anyway, to cut my ravings short, Apparat is finally mine! The next time I'll get the sales assistants to put things on hold for me so I can avoid all the drama and the rather insane-sounding, random tweet outbursts (apologies to those who had to put up with me at that time).

Apparat is part of Dior's Holiday 2011 Les Rouges Or Collection, which brings us a gold-themed range of lipsticks, eyeshadows and nail polishes. It is not a colour I would normally choose based on the bottle alone but when applied on the nail, it transforms to a rich burgundy with fine ruby and gold shimmer, and is really quite lush and sensuous.

The formula is relatively smooth and consistent, and I didn't really have problems applying the polish. It is also pigmented and you can probably get away with just one coat but I had applied my usual two coats in the photos. Drying time is average and it dries down to a glossy, cream-metallic finish. I added a topcoat to bring out more shininess.

It brings to mind a rather celebratory feel and is no surprise as Apparat means "pageantry" in French. With Christmas creeping up around the corner, I am sure many of us are already getting ready for the festivities and parties ahead. So, what will you be wearing on your nails this holiday season? Will it be bright and sparkly or rich and vampy?

Dior Vernis in Apparat (871) is limited edition and may be available at a few Dior counters or boutiques nationwide. It retails at RM70 each.

theBalm Frat Boy Shadow / Blush

2011-12-05T09:30:00.000+08:00

theBalm has gone and done it again and this time with the Frat Boy blush! I sincerely hope this is the last of the "Boy" series because the names are getting quite absurd. Frat Boy was only made available locally slightly more than a month ago and it completes the Boy blush line-up, for now at least.

Name aside, I still love that magnetic cardboard packaging with the cute retro print. The Frat Boy cover seems to evoke the spirit of fun and youth and um,... American football.

Weekend Babbles : Food with Family

2011-12-04T09:30:00.000+08:00

The past few weekends, we have had a couple of birthday celebrations and my mum and dad took it upon themselves to create lovely dinners for the family. My parents are very good cooks and homemade dinners with them are always a delight.

My cooking is nowhere near as accomplished as mum's and dad's. I mean, look at the food!

* roasted duck on a bed of salad *

* Turkish lamb with cous cous and vegetables *

* mixed salad with shredded duck *

* Italian beef stew with pan-fried sausages and cous cous *

* grilled salmon with garnishing and cous cous *

My parents don't just cook food... They create feasts. Each of the courses is paired with a suitable wine or drink and the whole dining experience is a real joy visually as well as gastronomically. My sisters and I are honestly very lucky to have mummy and daddy feed us :-)

The star of the evenings are almost always the soups prepared by dad. If you think you've had the best soup that you've ever tasted out there at a frou-frou restaurant, you have not tried my dad's. We have now dubbed him "Soup-er Man"!

* clam chowder with prawns and bacon bits *

* light prawn bisque with a blend of classic root vegetables *

The soups are smooth, full and bursting with flavour that you'd usually want to have seconds (or thirds). My mouth is watering as I type this. Gorgeous and sublime is what I would call dad's soups. By the way, he makes the best pig trotters vinegar stew (Hokkien : Too Kah Chor) too. I hope we get to have it this Christmas holiday *hint hint*.

So, what have you been eating lately and have you had any memorable home-cooked meals? Do share so we can spread the foody love!

A Special Note:

Thank you, mum and dad, for all the wonderful meals you have prepared for us. We are such pampered children :-)

Feeling Blue For Audrey by China Glaze

2011-12-02T09:30:00.001+08:00

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I will talk about one of my new favourite subjects... nail polish! About a week ago, my order from Nail Fiesta arrived at my doorstep and you can just imagine my excitement because one of the colours I got is the very popular China Glaze For Audrey. This shade was released back in 2007 in the Something Blue collection and For Audrey is still a much coveted nail polish today.

For Audrey is a Tiffany-inspired blue creme polish that looks a tad bit aqua to me. It is such a pretty colour and so cheerful and bright too! The formula is a little thick but it still flows smoothly. It is very pigmented and is completely opaque with two coats. I think you can even get away with just one coat.

The nail polish did bubble slightly on a few fingers but is not completely disastrous. Because of that, the dry-down feels slightly bumpy. I also experienced some minimal tip wear after a day but I probably wasn't being careful.

If you get a chance to try For Audrey, I'd still recommend it simply because it's a unique shade and is a lovely tribute to the wonderful Audrey Hepburn. Granted I had some slight problems applying this polish but it looks nice all the same. I got my bottle of China Glaze from Nail Fiesta for RM29.

ps - Can you believe it's December already? Are you getting ready for the year end celebrations yet?

Clarins Colour Definition 3D Radiance Face Powder

2011-11-30T09:30:00.000+08:00

We have seen quite a number of beautiful Fall makeup releases this year and another stunning product of Autumn/Fall 2011 is definitely the gorgeous Clarins 3D Radiance Face Powder. The first time I saw this embossed, pixelated beauty making its rounds on the internet, I knew I had to have it. There's just something about it that appeals to my inner geek!

The powder comes in Clarins' typical red box and is housed within a lovely red velvet pouch. The light gold compact is so beautiful to look at but is very prone to finger prints and smudges. I find myself wiping the compact after using it each time. ^_^

Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup

2011-11-28T09:30:00.000+08:00

Being the foundation junkie I am, Chanel foundations have always been on my to-buy list but I have never been able to find something I really liked or a good match from the shades available locally. Nearly two months ago, I was casually browsing through the Chanel counter and came across their Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup, which I have never noticed before. I'm not sure if it's new in Malaysia but after doing some online research, this foundation seemed to have been around for a number of years. It's strange that I've never seen it before.

Anyway, one of the reasons why I got it is because I finally found a Chanel liquid foundation shade that I can wear! The colour Limpide #10 suits my skin tone well and does not appear to be too yellow or pink, which can sometimes be dominant undertones in many Chanel foundations.

Weekend Babbles : Nail Polish on the Brain

2011-11-27T15:30:00.000+08:00

If anyone has been following my tweets, you would have noticed I have a disease called "Nail Polish Syndrome". You know, where all you can think about and talk about is nail polish, all day and all night. I have been stalking a number of gorgeous nail bloggers too. The last I counted, I have subscribed to 69 nail blogs on my feed reader!

The obsession first started when I decided to do something about my dingy nails. I'm not a nail biter but I have a tendency to scrape the tips off whenever I'm stressed out. One evening, I decided to pull out a couple of polishes from my stash and started painting my nails. The results were pretty nice although my nails and cuticles were in a rather sad state at that time.

* collage of photos taken with my phone *

There's something about nail polished nails that makes me feel happy. And no, I haven't been inhaling too much fumes. Nowadays, whenever I am stressed out (which is quite often at work), I would just take a glance at my nails and it instantly cheers me up! It's definitely better than scraping them off.

I also find painting my nails to be quite a therapeutic activity. I have the tv or some music going on in the background and normally do it in the evenings or weekends. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, including the drying time unless the nail polish is thicker and takes longer. That's equivalent to watching an episode of Dexter :-)

So, hands up if you have nail polish on the brain too!

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend and to those in Malaysia, enjoy your long weekend too!

Biore Makeup Remover Giveaway CLOSED

2011-11-26T00:00:00.001+08:00

Hello, lovely people! This is to announce that the giveaway contest for Biore Makeup Remover for Eye and Lip is officially closed.

Thanks for your comments both on this blog and on Biore's Facebook page and for your emails too. I have collected all of them and will be in touch with the lucky 50 in the next two days. Please respond in 48 hours, otherwise I would need to pass it on to the next person on the list.

Don't be disheartened if you didn't win. There will be more giveaways organised on other blogs as part of Biore's sampling campaign :-) Do keep a lookout!

Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in 014 ~ A Fun Jelly Pink

2011-11-25T09:30:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, I went to Paul & Joe and noticed they had a nail polish set on offer. The set includes a base coat, a nail care oil and a nail polish.

The Nail Enamel in 014 is quite an eye-catching glossy, bright pink shade with light coral undertones and may be a permanent shade so you probably can purchase it individually (but I'm not sure about its availability locally). It has some fuschia micro-shimmer loosely distributed but my camera didn't really pick up the shimmer. It is a jelly finish so you'll be expecting a sheer formula and 3 to 4 coats to be opaque.

* indirect sunlight *

I am wearing my usual 2 coats (without top coat in photos) and the nail line is still slightly visible. It should be more evened out after 3 to 4 coats but I couldn't be bothered applying as many layers because this nail polish takes absolutely forever to dry. Honestly, it has one of the longest dry-times out of all the nail polishes I have tried.

* indoor natural daylight *

It also feels strangely sticky, even after waiting more than 20 minutes for the 2nd coat to dry. As this is my first experience with jelly polishes, I'm not sure it the stickiness is normal. But I didn't really like the icky sensation.

Although I don't enjoy the formula and the unbearably long dry-time, no. 014 is still a really pretty and fun colour to wear. It instantly brightens up my skin tone and gets quite a bit of notice since it's such a cheery shade. It did start showing some minimal tip wear after two days but that's probably because I didn't add a top coat.

In a nutshell, unless the Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in 014 is a shade you must have, I would probably give it a miss. The set is quite value for money though and costs RM100 for all three items (base coat, nail care oil and nail polish), and these items usually retail above RM52 each. I believe the set is still available but in very limited quantities.

Have you tried any Paul & Joe nail polishes and do you have no. 014? I'd love to hear your experience with it and whether you faced the same issues I did :-)

My Small Collection of MAC Limited Edition Blushes

2011-11-23T09:30:00.000+08:00

I don't own many MAC blushes and the few that I have in my stash are from previous limited edition releases. I got them just because they seem to be a little more unique than most of their regular blush range. I also purchased them at the time of release so I can avoid having to hunt them down on eBay if I changed my mind ;-)

GIVEAWAY : Coming Clean with Biore Makeup Remover for Eye and Lip

2011-11-21T09:30:00.000+08:00

newsflash!

The lovely folks from Biore is organising a sampling campaign for all my dear readers, so read on to find out more.

Update:
We have increased the number of giveaway to 50 samples, so do continue commenting or writing in!
Details of giveaway listed at the bottom!

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I had actually purchased a bottle of the Biore Eye & Lip Makeup Remover even before the Biore team contacted me about the sampling campaign. They did get hold of me at an opportune time as I have been using the product for nearly two months and really quite like it. Since I use eye makeup and mascaras nearly everyday, makeup removal has become part of my evening routine and I have been on a lookout for an effective eye makeup remover. So, the new Biore remover fits the bill quite well!

This Biore Eye & Lip Makeup Remover is relatively new in our local market although their oil-cleansing wipes and oil cleansers have been available for some time. The wipes are not as effective on eye makeup as I'd hope but they do remove face makeup quite well.

Description:

With its micro cleansing formula, Biore Makeup Remover for Eye and Lip softens even heavily layered waterproof mascara for easy removal. Gentle on the eye and lashes, it reduces the need for excessive, hard and repeated wiping around eye area. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid moisturizing ingredients to keep skin around eyes moist. Leaves no oily residue. Also suitable for removing lip makeup.

You need to shake the bottle up to mix the oil and water together. Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad, place it over an eyelid for about 5 to 10 seconds, then gently swipe the makeup off. Fold the cotton in half and very softly wipe the undereye area to remove any excess. Repeat with the other eye.

* mascara removed ... sorry about the grotty photo *

I usually find bi-phase removers to be more effective when it comes to removing eye makeup and am generally quite pleased with the Biore remover. I don't have to wipe as many times, which is a good thing as excessive wiping may cause fine lines and dryness. However, if you are wearing particularly stubborn waterproof mascaras, this remover may not be able to remove all at one go.

Other than its eye makeup removing capabilities, I like the fact that it does not sting my eyes. It does leave a slightly oily residue so the description is not entirely accurate. At least it doesn't cloud my vision, which can happen with many other oil cleansers. As I wash my face after, the residue does not bother me much.

If you are looking for an effective and affordable option, the Biore Makeup Remover for Eye and Lip is definitely one to consider. It costs RM29.90 for a 130ml bottle and can be purchased at most drugstores and Sasa. Depending on usage, a bottle should last between 3 to 6 months.

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And now onto the FUN GIVEAWAY bit! If would like to receive a cute travel-friendly sample version (as pictured below), please follow the instructions.

RULES:

Leave a message in the comment box saying "I Love the new Biore Makeup Remover for Eye & Lip" or something to that effect. You can be creative ;-)
Please provide your email address in the comment box.
Alternatively, you can write to me directly at lyn@beautycabby.com with the same slogan in the subject line.

This giveaway is only valid for the first 30 50 who leave a comment or write in.

This giveaway is open to those with a valid Malaysian address only.

If you are below 18 years old, kindly check with your parent / guardian about participating as I will be requesting your address from you.

Offer will close at midnight GMT+8 on ~~10th December~~ 25th November 2011 and you will hear from me soon after (edit : had to push forward the closing date due to the positive responses received so far).

Once the 30 50 spots are filled, I will contact you for your delivery details to be forwarded to Biore. Please respond in 48 hours otherwise it will go to the next person on the list. It's that easy so hurry on up and get your free sample!

Weekend Babbles : A Little Tour Around My Room and Pineapple Tarts

2011-11-20T19:10:00.000+08:00

I read a comment left by ParisB on Tine's blog about how tiresome it can get to just do review after review and it got me thinking that there's not enough fun on my blog. So instead of bringing you yet another review, I shall blabber incessantly about my weekend (so far) and the things I've been up to. And yes, I have named this series "Weekend Babbles". There may not be any logic or point to these posts but it's just a break from the usual monotony.

Today, I shall give you a mini tour around my room. There's nothing particularly fantastic about it and it's a fairly standard room. Oh wait, now I remember what I wanted to show you. I bought three Ikea Helmers on Friday and fixed them up yesterday.

I decided to go with red because the rest of my room is sort of clinically white and these red drawers have a bit more personality than plain ol' white. It took le hubby and I less than an hour to assemble all three Helmers. And no, they are not all filled with nail polish. My collection is not that huge... yet.

My room is quite neat to begin with and believe it or not, I don't have beauty products strewn everywhere. There used to be a smaller cabinet which has now been replaced by two Helmers (pictured above). One of the activities I really enjoy doing is sorting and organising. Call it a hobby if you will, I just like keeping things in order.

My table top is not very cluttered and I like my dressing table a lot because it has three very useful shelves on the side and a secret compartment (!). I had just washed a few of my regular eye brushes and left them to dry on my table.

The mirror slides out to reveal three more shelves! I keep brushes, eye primers, liners and mascaras on the bottom shelf and most of my foundations, bb creams and face primers on the second. There's not much to look at on the third shelf and it's filled with some um... 'miscellaneous' products.

The rest of my room is quite boring. There's a bed, a television and dvd player, books, a bedside table and wardrobes (but is hidden in the photo). I have dark curtains because the morning and afternoon sun can get very bright. We have an ensuite bathroom but it's not terribly exciting so I can't be bothered taking photos of it.

My house is filled with the wonderful aroma of pastry today because le hubby has been making pineapple tarts (batch no. 4). He's been baking quite a lot lately because there's a potluck lunch with his team tomorrow. Just as long as he doesn't give anyone a tummy ache, it should be all right.

I sincerely hope you've had or been having an enjoyable weekend! Do let me know what you've been up to and hope to hear from you soon :-)

ps - One day I shall reveal the contents of each drawer but as you can see, there's a lot of drawers to go through!

OPI The Muppets Nail Lacquer in Designer de Better

2011-11-18T09:40:00.000+08:00

The Muppet Show brings back many fond childhood memories so naturally, I am pretty excited about their upcoming movie and teaming up with O.P.I., just as I am getting into nail polish really is the icing on the cake :-)

[image source : O.P.I. ]

Out of the 12 limited edition colours available, I was most attracted to Designer... de Better! and Warm & Fozzie (to be reviewed separately). I'm starting to like these high-shimmer, metallic-finish nail polishes a lot!

* nail polish close-up *

Designer... de Better! is a metallic silver polish with pink and copper micro-glitter. It shines differently under different lighting and is an extremely fun shade to wear. Application is relatively easy and is opaque with just 2 coats (no top coat in photos). The dry down is smooth although it looks slightly gritty. I wore this on my nails for nearly a week before it started to show some minimal tip wear.

* under indirect sunlight - silver is dominant *

* with flash - copper and pink micro-glitter shows up better *

* under indoor natural daylight *

In a season where red and green are more common, O.P.I. has most certainly delivered a very different collection with The Muppets, comprising of so many fun and beautiful variety of colours. O.P.I. polishes are sold at a regular retail price of RM59 each, in most nail salons or Shins. You can get them at a better price (ranging between RM30 to RM33) from these e-tailers at Nail Fiesta and Slammin' Tips'n'Toes.

theBalm Down Boy Shadow / Blush

2011-11-16T09:40:00.000+08:00

I think it's safe to say that I'm very fond of theBalm blushes. I previously reviewed Hot Mama and Cabana Boy, both of which I love dearly. The quality of their blushes is just lovely. They are silky, pigmented and long-lasting.

Down Boy is a cool-toned bubblegum pink with a very subtle light-reflecting glow. This is now my go-to blush for days when I'm in a rush (and this happens everyday) because it's so easy to wear and goes well with almost anything.

Oh, Paul & Joe, You Make My Heart Sing New York, New York

2011-11-14T11:10:00.000+08:00

Paul & Joe Fall 2011 makeup collection called Manhattan took inspiration from the glamorous New York City and launched a gorgeous range that was released in two parts. This collection recently reached our local shores and I have been anticipating its arrival for more than a month. There is a special set on offer with selected items from both parts of the series, so of course I had to get it.

I won't go into too much detail on the entire collection and you can refer to their website instead. This has to be one of the nicest Fall makeup releases in a while and I absolutely adore everything, which is quite rare because I tend to only like one or two items (or none at all) in most seasonal releases.

Face & Eye Color CS in Empire State (074) comprises of shimmery yellow-gold and dark grey strips that can be used alone or together. The combination is really pretty!

The Pencil Eye Liner WP is a shade called Upper East Side (001) and it's a steely charcoal with gold glitter. It is meant to be smudge-resistant and waterproof.

I am so happy the Nail Enamel that came with the set is the one I had intended to purchase as well. The City Never Sleeps (018) is a gorgeous, bold purple with flecks of gold and navy shimmer. I'd like to think that the colour was inspired by the inky night sky, illuminated by dazzling lights of New York City.

Paul & Joe introduces the newly formulated Lipstick M in this series and the colour NYC (002) is a brilliant jelly fuschia pink with bits of shimmer strewn through. It looks scary and bright but actually applies very sheerly and the finish is a pretty subdued pink that is slightly glossy and glittery. It is surprisingly easy to wear.

Influenced by the art deco designs of the city, the Color Palette in Chelsea (002) with shades for eyes and cheeks is a lovely combination of feminine yet daring colours. The brushes included are actually usable and quite good quality although I find the cheek brush rather small.

Overall, this promotional set does not disappoint and is very limited so I'd recommend that you hurry to your nearest Paul & Joe if you're interested. The set retails at RM360 and it comes with full-sized items.

Note:
I will try doing swatches and individual reviews soon!

At the time of writing, the SA has not received the full product pricing yet and the list below is based on her estimates. I will continue updating the price list as and when I receive more information.

Product Pricing (Updated 20th Nov 2011):
• Color Palette - RM154
• Face & Eye Color CS - RM117
• Pencil Eye Liner WP - RM60 ++ (price to be confirmed)
• Lipstick M - RM87
• Nail Enamel - RM52

Naruko Narcissus Defense BB Sunscreen SPF50

2011-11-11T11:20:00.000+08:00

Naruko is a Taiwanese beauty brand created by Niu-Er, who's a famous makeup artist I believe. I have read many raves about their products before and have also seen a couple of reviews by Fuzkittie (a YouTube beauty guru). I was pretty excited when I spotted a few Naruko products at a nearby Watsons quite recently and just had to get their BB cream (well, what would you expect from a foundation junkie?).

Like most BB creams, the Naruko Narcissus one comes in a squeeze tube that is easy to control. I tend to prefer such packaging too because it is easier to travel with compared to heavier bottles.

The consistency is quite watery and coverage is very light. In fact, I would say the coverage is similar to a tinted moisturiser more so than a foundation. It is quite possibly the sheerest amongst all BB creams I have tried. The texture is very smooth and blends to almost nothing on my skin. It does not enhance the dry bits on my face too, which is a good thing as my skin has been rather dehydrated lately.

Due to its sheer nature, I have been using the Naruko BB cream as a base instead and then applying whatever foundation (liquid or powder) in my rotation on top. I think it acts as a relatively decent primer since it helps smooth my skin out, is lightly moisturising and at the same time, controls oil quite well.

Like most BB creams, the Naruko one only comes in one shade and thankfully, it is a very good match on my skin tone. The colour is a neutral-beige and should suit those with NC15 to NC25 colouring.

I must admit I am rather impressed by its ingredient list and it seems to have some pretty interesting stuff in it. I'm not certain what skincare benefits some of them provide but I like that it contains quite a number of herbal extracts. It has a herby-floral scent that is actually quite pleasant but if you're sensitive perfume, you may not like this product although the scent does dissipate after a short while.

In summary, if you are looking for a lightweight BB cream with added sunscreen, the Naruko Narcissus Defense BB Sunscreen SPF50 is a good option. The Naruko BB cream can be found at most Watsons for RM49. I believe you can order from the Naruko Malaysia website at a slightly cheaper price but do note that the site is in Mandarin.

Have you tried anything from Naruko and what are your recommendations?

Softly Does It with Lunasol Cheek Brush

2011-11-09T11:20:00.000+08:00

Okay, people... please be prepared to see the word "soft" appearing multiple times in this post because that's the only way to describe this lovely Lunasol Cheek Brush. In recent times, I have started to wear blush again and decided that I really need to get a good blush brush as well.

The first time I stroked this brush, I fell in love with its softness. The brush bristles are made with uncut 100% blue squirrel hair and is shaped almost paddle-like. It is quite a fluffy brush and I love using this with highly pigmented blush if I want a more natural look. The hairs are unbelievably soft and so delicate on my skin. The dark brown handle feels very comfortable and lightweight too.

Lunasol brushes are manufactured by Chikuhodo in Japan and they are one of the best brush-makers in the world. Chikuhodo also produces brushes for RMK and Suqqu, which other than makeup, are both known for their luxurious brushes too.

The brush does not mess up my foundation or setting powder when applying blush because the hairs are so soft and smooth, it glides really effortlessly across my cheeks. It seems to pick up the right amount of product each time and since it distributes blush so beautifully, I find that I can apply a sheer layer first and gradually build up more colour. It has not shed since I got it a few weeks' ago and washes without issues.

Overall, I am really happy with this brush and it is definitely my most precious and favourite face brush at the moment. The Lunasol Cheek Brush costs RM150 at Lunasol counters but for such a high quality, soft and durable brush, I don't find it overly expensive.

previously reviewed:

• Lunasol Eye Brush (L) N

Wearing Minerals on My Nails with Chanel Le Vernis in Graphite and Quartz

2011-11-07T09:20:00.000+08:00

It has been quite a year for Chanel collections and the Fall release for 2011, Illusions d'Ombres de Chanel has been exceptionally beautiful. I hope it's not too late to feature two of the nail polishes I recently got from this collection since Chanel has already moved on to Holiday 2011.

Chanel launched three nail polishes for Fall and they were inspired by the Earth's rocks and minerals. I picked up Graphite and Quartz but decided not to get Peridot because that particular shade was not very flattering against my skin tone.

* Graphite under indirect sunlight *

The Le Vernis in Graphite #529 is a gorgeous gunmetal foil polish with flecks of silver and gold glitter. It looks rather gritty, just like the actual mineral itself, but dry-down feels very smooth. This has to be my absolute, most favourite nail polish purchase this year. It takes two coats to achieve opacity although you can probably get away with just one coat. The formula is smooth and application was a breeze, even for a newbie like myself.

* Graphite under indoor natural daylight *

The way Graphite shines so brilliantly under different lighting is absolutely amazing! I especially like how it looks in indoor lighting. It's such genius how Chanel has managed to capture the actual qualities of the mineral itself into a nail polish!

* Quartz under indirect sunlight *

On the other hand, Le Vernis in Quartz #525 is much more subtle and is what I would consider a "work safe" colour. The shade is a mushroomy, golden-silver khaki that is quite special too. Again, application is really fool-proof as the formula is smooth and doesn't take too much effort to apply.

* Quartz under indoor natural daylight *

I had two coats on in the photo and it will take three coats to achieve full opacity. Quartz is the sheerest shade of the three-colour line up and I believe is the only permanent nail polish in the collection. It has a multi-toned "hidden shimmer" that Chanel polishes are known for, but sadly I didn't manage to capture the complexity in my photos.

These swatches were done in a hurry (sorry!) and without a top coat, which I should have added to bring out more shine. If the quality is anything like Chanel's Rouge Carat, the polish should last a week before it starts showing signs of wear. Between the two, I'd highly recommend Graphite because it is so gorgeous, unique and the multiple raves received in the beauty blogosphere are truly well deserved.

The Chanel Le Vernis in Graphite and Quartz can be purchased at most nationwide Chanel counters for RM70 each. I believe Graphite is a limited edition shade although a few local Chanel SAs have been telling me it's permanent because they are still receiving stocks. In any case, these two polishes should still be available at the time of writing.

Paul & Joe Body Salt Scrub for a Blissful Bath and Shower Time

2011-11-04T12:35:00.000+08:00

I am a huge fan of Paul & Joe and have to admit that it's mostly because of their girly, vintage packaging. Good thing their products have generally worked out quite well on me because it would be silly to keep buying stuff from them just because they look nice. In a fairly recent haul, I returned home with the Paul & Joe body scrub, which was released in the Blue Horizon Summer 2011 collection.

The body scrub feels very luxurious and when I tested at the counter, I was completely sold by how smoothly the granules melted into a gorgeous creamy texture. It consists of salt and sugar granules to buff your skin and the shea butter helps soften and moisturise. It does not feel terribly coarse like how some salt scrubs can get. As I suffer from mild body eczema, my skin is quite sensitive and cannot tolerate anything that is too rough. The Paul & Joe scrub strikes a nice balance between grit and substance, and it feels quite comfortable on my skin.

Due to the palm oil and shea butter, the scrub may feel slick to some however it does not get very greasy and washes off quite easily. I find that it leaves my skin soft to touch and makes me feel nicely moisturised. After toweling off, I would normally apply the Paul & Joe Body Milk and this combination is absolutely heavenly. Ahhh, bliss...

Like most of their products, the body scrub has Paul & Joe's signature orange blossom scent, which I really adore. Sadly, the fragrance only lasts as long as the shower and although my skin is lightly perfumed when I step out of the bathroom, it fades after a short while.

The BeautyCabby Tip "Glob a small amount of the body scrub (you can use any scrub) onto a dampened foot file and gently scrub your feet, concentrating on areas where calluses have formed (usually on the heel). Make sure the file can be used wet or dry."

The Paul & Joe Body Salt Scrub is available at Paul & Joe counters in Parkson Subang Parade, Parkson Pavilion and Sephora. I believe it is a limited edition item and may not be widely available. Each 230g tub retails at RM116 and comes with its own spatula. It may be expensive for a body scrub but I think it's worth it because it polishes my sensitive skin well and I have not suffered any adverse skin reactions or eczema flare-ups using this.

Ingredients:

Mallow Extract, Edelweiss Extract, Olive Oil, Orange Flower Water, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Orange Oil, Balm Mint Leaf Extract

Ettusais Medicated Acne Emollient Supplizer

2011-11-02T11:10:00.000+08:00

About two months' ago, I had a rather horrible outbreak of rashes and cystic acne on my face. It may have been caused by several new skincare products I was using all at one go and my skin probably couldn't cope. So, I started looking at anti-acne skincare, something I have never really ventured into before. Actually, it is a little depressing that I need to use anti-acne skincare at my age.

The Ettusais Emollient Supplizer (such a funny term... I thought it was a typo at first) contains AC-control oil which is supposed to help combat blemishes yet provide hydration even to very dry skin. Besides the breakouts, my skin has also been suffering from the effects of air-conditioning and is rather dehydrated. So, it was important that the moisturiser won't dry out my skin further because many anti-acne skincare can be quite drying.

The moisturiser applies smoothly and does not feel sticky. I normally use it in the evening and have noticed that my face feels very soft the next morning. My face seems to look clearer and more radiant too. It is fragrance-free therefore is suitable for those who are sensitive to smells. I have not noticed any breakouts caused by the moisturiser but I think it could also be due to cutting down on the number of products used at night. I cannot locate the ingredients but I do believe the moisturiser is oil-free.

Overall, I am very pleased with this moisturiser and would likely repurchase once I run out. In fact, I now prefer the Ettusais moisturiser over Clinique or Estee Lauder. *shocked gasp* I just love how my face feels after applying it. I would recommend this to folks who have similar problems because I honestly think it has helped improve the outlook and condition of my skin.

Ettusais has a pretty good range of skincare and they are relatively affordable. The Medicated Acne Emollient Supplizer can be found at Isetan stores locally and retails at RM88 for a 29g jar.

Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Carat 587 ~ Getting Ready for the Holidays

2011-10-31T12:35:00.001+08:00

I have been looking forward to the release of Les Scintillances de Chanel for the Holiday 2011 because it is such a gorgeous collection composed of beautiful golds, reds and light. I thought I would be coming home with their star product, the Lumiere Sculptee de Chanel (highlighting powder), but I didn't like the texture when I tested it out. It felt quite gritty and powdery and was overall a little disappointing albeit extremely beautiful to look at.

I picked up the Rouge Carat Le Vernis instead.

This is one sexy colour and is the sole nail polish in the collection. Chanel describes it as a "luminous red" and well, it is certainly that and more. In the bottle, it appears as an exquisite ruby-red with flecks of fuschia shimmer that seems almost metallic. It is also the perfect holiday colour and especially suitable for the year end since it is such a festive shade and reminds me of bright Christmassy ornaments.

* under natural indoor daylight - colour appears more true *

Application is smooth and relatively easy. I used two coats to get a more even coverage but it was opaque with just one coat. I added an Essie fast-drying top coat because I'm impatient and cannot be bothered waiting too long for nail polish to dry.

* under bright sunlight - colour is lighter *

The Rouge Carat wears for about 3 to 4 days before it starts showing signs of chipping around the nail tips. It has a creme-satin finish with the lovely Chanel "hidden shimmer" that comes to life when light hits the nail.

* pair Rouge Carat with sumptuous red lips and you're good to go! *

The Chanel Rouge Carat Le Vernis is currently available at most Chanel counters for RM70. It is a limited edition colour and may run out. If you're interested, I'd recommend heading over to your nearest Chanel counter to check out the Holiday 2011 collection soon.

P.S.: To those who met me at the MWS Reader's Choice Awards 2011 party on Saturday, I was wearing Rouge Carat on my nails that day :-)

Celebrating the MWS Reader's Choice Awards 2011 ~ The Most Fab Party Ever!

2011-10-30T18:17:00.000+08:00

When Paris B of My Women Stuff announced that she'll be organising a beauty Reader's Choice Award, the first ever in Malaysia, I was super excited because it gave me and everyone else an opportunity to nominate and vote for their favourite beauty products and brands. Yesterday, we attended the spectacular MWS RCA party at Sunway Giza and boy, was it a ton of fun!

Not only did I meet all my fabulous and gorgeous friends again but I made more fabulous and gorgeous friends too. There was coffee by Coffee Chemistry Cafe, food, a scrumptious cake (from the folks at Just Heavenly) and lots of laughter and conversation :-)

I was having such a wonderful time at the party that I sort of forgot about the prizes and goody bag and was absolutely amazed at the generosity of the participating sponsors and brands. You can view all the MWS Reader's Choice Award winners over at Paris B's blog. Did any of your favourites win? There were 10 lucky draw prizes too and one bonus prize, which I won, for producing a winning beauty product at the event. I had a Dior Addict lipstick with me at that time ;-)

* our lovely Paris B giving a speech *

The grand prize sponsored by Dior was won by Beetrice (lucky girl!) and doesn't she look absolutely giddy with joy? The hefty Dior swag is worth RM750!

I may not have won the big prize but we each got to go home with really awesome goodie bags worth RM350. That's a heck of a lot of products! *woot woot*

* love the brown baggie with the MWS RCA logo slapped on it *

* look at all the goodies! *

This was the bonus prize I won and it's a waxing session at Apronbay. With a name like Copacabana, I am guessing it is a bikini waxing session. Maybe it will make me feel like a showgirl named Lola?

I can't wait to try out the L'Oreal Perfect Clean Refreshing Foaming Gel Wash, which was recently released locally.

Another product I can't wait to test out is the Kiehl's Surface Brightening Exfoliator... I'll probably use it tonight!

This gorgeous necklace is the most precious thing in the bag and as a crafter myself, I sincerely appreciate handmade goods. It is made by Tine of Beautyholics Anonymous and came all the way from Australia. Do check out her beautiful shop at Sweet Contemplation Accessories for more. I already plan to get a few delightful accessories soon!

A special thanks to Paris B for making this event a reality and congratulations on such a successful party too! I had a great time and it certainly made me feel better especially after so many tragic losses I have suffered recently.

And yes, we need a MWS Reader's Choice Awards for 2012 too ;-)

Getting Back Into the Thick of Things

2011-10-27T12:40:00.000+08:00

The past two weeks, le hubby and I have had to deal with deaths of our maternal grandmothers, who passed away six days of each other. In the last year, we have lost three grandmothers and my dear dog, Susie. I am still grieving and am feeling rather drained but life does go on and I just have to try to make the most out of it while I can. These deaths have also taught me to not take things for granted and to appreciate and treat my loved ones better whilst they are still living. It is no use having regrets when they are gone.

Anyway, moving on to more pleasant (and less morbid) thoughts, I have a number of upcoming reviews and an exciting giveaway to boot. So, do stay tuned for more to come!

What to Expect:

The blog will be a wee bit Chanel-centric the next few weeks as I have discovered quite a few fabulous products that I can't wait to talk about.
More blush reviews.
A giveaway... Details to be published soon!
More nail polish reviews... I have been on a nail polish kick lately and have gone a little bonkers!
Foundation and BB cream reviews... Well, because I'm a junkie.

I'll be attending My Women Stuff's MWS 2011 Reader's Choice Awards Party this Saturday and really hope to catch y'all there too :-) Do look out for someone with several cameras plastered to her face because that will be me!

Be Back Shortly

2011-10-17T22:57:00.000+08:00

Due to a personal tragedy, I will be taking a short break this week. The blog will resume as soon as I'm back in the swing of things.

~ lyn ~

Nail Polish Newbie Moment with Revlon Creme Brulee

2011-10-15T09:15:00.000+08:00

I must admit that I have never quite bothered with my nails. Although I don't bite them, I have a tendency to scrape the tips off especially when I am stressed out or bored. For years my nails have been rather short because I don't really give them the opportunity to grow very long. In the last week, I have been trying my darnest to kick the habit and managed to grow them out a little. This means I can start painting them and wearing nail polish again! Hooray!

* the customary fingers with nail polish bottle shot *

Quite honestly, I am so proud of myself because I have not painted my finger nails for more than two years. So, I dug out some nail polish from the corner of my cabinet and started to paint. My attempt is quite messy though. I realise my cuticles are in a deplorable state as well so I should really do something about them soon. But let's just ignore them for now.

Although I don't paint my nails often (if at all), I would still buy nail polish. Yes, it can't be helped. I am a shopaholic / beautyholic through and through. I used the Ettusais polish, which is a clear lacquer with a beautiful iridescent gold shimmer to layer on top of Revlon's Creme Brulee. Both polishes don't look particularly special on their own but they sure do make a pretty combination.

I got the Ettusais in F1 (yes, that's its uninventive name) as a gift with purchase two years ago and it's in a teensy, weensy bottle. I'm quite sure it will run out quickly and I would need to go and check if they have the same colour in a full sized version. I am very impressed with the quality of the polish as it applies very smoothly and doesn't feel gritty after dry-down although it contains shimmery particles.

The Revlon polish is not too bad either but it can get a little streaky (probably due to my lack of nail polishing skills) and I find the brush to be a little floppy. It is relatively quick drying and I didn't have to wait too long before applying the next layer. Creme Brulee is a lovely golden nude with a slight rose tinge.

I think gold nails look quite festive and I will probably do something similar for the upcoming holiday season. I just need to start taking better care of my hands and nails and improve the sad state my cuticles are in. Well, I hope you'll see some better looking fingers in the near future :-)

Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care SPF 50

2011-10-14T10:10:00.000+08:00

Sun protection is a skincare product that I do not usually skimp on. Even if I am just popping out for a short while, I would still slap on some sunscreen before leaving the house. I have been using the Clinique Derma White Super City Block and Clarins UV Plus, both with SPF 40, and very recently added the Chanel UV Essentiel with SPF 50 to my rotation.

I use sunscreens mainly to prevent the effects of sun damage. I am not particularly worried about turning darker but I am concerned about getting wrinkles and hyperpigmentation marks. I have a few pigmentation spots on my left cheek because that side of my face is usually more exposed to the sun due to my daily work commute.

I have also discovered that I am probably allergic to chemical sunscreens. For the longest time, I thought my skin couldn't tolerate anything with SPF 50 and above as I tend to run into all sorts of problems when I wear such sunscreens. But I now think it's certain chemical content and not so much the SPF value that have been causing the reactions. As the Chanel UV Essentiel is a physical sunblock, it is less likely to cause any issues.

Description:

Skin’s guardian angel provides invisible daily protection against environmental aggressors. A free-radical and anti-pollution shield with a Vitamin E derivative and plant extracts empowers this oil-free, lightweight formula to safeguard skin against environmental pollutants. Licorice Root Extract and a highly effective combination of UVA and UVB filters help diminish and prevent the appearance of dark spots and signs of premature aging.

The Chanel UV Essentiel comes in a simple, minimalist white bottle and from what I have read online, a few seem to have been astounded by its diminutive size. Most of my sunscreens come in similarly sized bottles so I'm quite used to it. In fact, the small bottle makes it easier to travel with.

There is a mini ball bearing within and like most Asian sunscreens, the bottle needs a good shake before use. The product dispenses from the spout well and is easy to control. The sunscreen comes out white but fades to nothing once blended in. It has a light, lotiony consistency but is not too slippery that it will slide off immediately.

The consistency is really smooth and I find it to be more moisturising than either the Clinique or Clarins sunscreens. I can skip a moisturiser because my skin is combination to oily and the Chanel UV Essentiel seems hydrating enough. For those with drier skin types, you may still want to apply a moisturiser beforehand. It has a light, floral scent that dissipates after a while but for those who are sensitive to smells, you may prefer an unscented product. Personally, I don't find the scent intrusive and actually think it smells quite nice.

Overall, I am really happy with the Chanel UV Essential. Not only does it help fight the damaging elements from stress, pollution and the sun, it provides a broad-spectrum SPF protection to help prevent the signs of skin damage. It also acts as a makeup base and I don't need a separate face primer when using this. It has silicones, alcohol and fragrance but I have been using it for more than two weeks and have not had any issues so far.

The Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care SPF 50 is sold at Chanel counters nationwide and costs RM154 for a 30ml bottle. Make no mistake, it is an expensive sunscreen. However if you are sensitive to chemical sunscreens like I am, the Chanel sunscreen, which contains physical blockers, may be something to look into.

On a Side Note:

I would highly recommend reading an article by Beautiful with Brains on the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens as she explained them very well. The article helped me identify why I was having adverse reactions to certain sunscreens and I am definitely a lot wiser now.

Monthly Highlights ~ September

2011-10-12T09:50:00.000+08:00

I have decided to expand the monthly Fave Five posts, not only to include products I have liked in the last month, but things that didn't work out, selective purchases and everything else in between. I suppose it will be a lot more fun to put together and to some extent, helps me document my likes and dislikes. I hope you'll enjoy this post!

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LOVE

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (review link)

I can't believe how well this foundation is working out for me. It blends very smoothly, offers medium coverage, does not appear cakey and controls oil quite well.

Vichy NormaDerm Anti-Imperfection Concentrate

I purchased this pimple cream a month ago when I was suffering from some really bad breakouts. It is the most effective pimple treatment I have ever used. I have been applying this every evening as a spot-treatment and it certainly helps keep my skin a little bit clearer. Unlike many other anti-pimple products, it does not dry out my skin.

Paul & Joe Body Milk

I love the scent of Paul & Joe products, the light floral fragrance of orange blossoms with a tinge of honey is absolutely lovely. This body lotion is emollient without feeling too heavy and it sinks into my skin fairly quickly. It does not leave a greasy residue and my skin feels quite soft after applying.

FINISHED

Forever and Ever Dior Eau de Toilette

This is the third bottle I have finished and that itself is a testament to how much I love this scent. It smells like creamy roses and reminds me of the English countryside in spring. The scent is long-lasting and is very suitable for day use because it is sweet and feminine without being too intrusive. I will always get a new bottle when I run out because I love it that much :-)

UNFAVOURED

Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner

This eyeliner creases, transfers and makes my lids feel a little heavy and tired. I don't even apply that much of it. It's a real shame though because I really like the colour as it's a beautiful metallic grey that looks really nice on brown eyes.

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So, tell me... What have you been loving or loathing lately?

Lunasol Eye Brush (L) N

2011-10-11T09:10:00.000+08:00

Back in June, I posted about my favourite eye brushes and I now have another brush to add to the list. I purchased the Lunasol eye brush a couple of months' ago after browsing through their brush collection. I must admit that the quality of Lunasol brushes are simply sublime. I couldn't stop caressing them at the counter.

The eye brush is made from 100% Canadian squirrel hair and honestly, I am not sure if different squirrel species will actually make a difference in quality. The bristles are uncut and very, very soft but not so soft as to fall apart. It does retain some firmness and this allows eye makeup to be patted on, blended out or swiped with ease.

The beauty about this brush is not only in its softness but also its shape. The L size is a bit larger and longer than most eye brushes but don't mind the size as I find it fits my eye well. I like to use this brush to lightly pat on colour and then use the tip to blend into my socket line.

Overall, I am really pleased with the Lunasol eye brush and have incorporated it into my daily eye makeup application. The brown handle is very lightweight and comfortable to hold. The soft bristles blend eyeshadows really well without compromising the pigment and integrity of the makeup.

The Lunasol Eye Brush (L) N can be purchased at Lunasol for RM98. The price may be expensive but for such a high quality brush, it is money well spent and it is still cheaper than most MAC eye brushes.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder in Clair

2011-10-10T10:20:00.000+08:00

After applying a foundation or BB cream, I would use powders whether loose or compact to set my base makeup. I honestly believe it is an essential step in my makeup routine to help my makeup last longer and also to create a good base for other powder cosmetics I may use, such as blushes, bronzers or highlighters.

The Chanel loose powder comes within a box that is typical of Chanel's black and gold packaging. The jar itself has the iconic Chanel logo printed at the top. Chanel's packaging is very elegant and the jar will look beautiful on anyone's vanity.

Each jar comes with a white, pillowy Chanel puff, which is better than those dinky little unusable brushes that sometimes come with loose powders. Of late, I have been using cotton puffs with setting powders, so the Chanel puff is a welcomed addition.

It has a perforated plastic sifter top which helps reduce spillage and wastage. I plan to transfer some product into a mini-sized loose powder jar because it's easier to travel with. I can't imagine taking the whole full-sized jar out anywhere.

From the above photo, you can tell that Clair matches my skin tone very well. It is a light beige shade with neutral undertones and should be suitable for those ranging from NC15 to NC25. The Chanel loose powders are all extremely finely milled and have an absolutely gorgeous silky texture. They each have some light reflecting properties, which will help minimise the appearance of skin imperfections. It has a matte-satin finish that never looks dull but instead, creates a certain luminosity that makes my skin look a little more radiant.

I have used the powder to set high-end to drugstore range foundations and it works with each of them. I love that it doesn't cake nor appear dry and it does not enhance some flaky bits on my skin. If you have good skin, you can probably get away with using this on its own.

My t-zone gets oily but I find that the powder helps control the greasiness for at least 4 to 6 hours in our tropical weather, which is pretty good in my books. Even when my natural facial oils start to come through, the powder doesn't pool, separate or oxidise. The powder is lightly scented but it's undetectable once applied.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre is sold at Chanel counters nationwide for RM152. Each jar consists of 30g worth of product and it will last a good long while as you'd only need to use very little each time. The price may seem expensive at first but when compared to MAC's Prep and Prime Translucent Finishing Powder, the Chanel powder works out to be cheaper at RM5.07 per gram, whereas the MAC powder is RM11.25 per gram. That's right, beauty geeks, after doing the math, the Chanel powder doesn't seem like such an expensive purchase after all.

theBalm Cabana Boy Shadow / Blush ~ A Hot New Love

2011-10-07T13:20:00.000+08:00

When I first heard of theBalm's Cabana Boy blush, I immediately thought of the Club Tropicana music video by Wham! Do you remember George Michael in his little white Speedos? Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. He may not have been a cabana boy in that video but he definitely embodied the look of one.

Cabana Boy was released back in Summer 2009 and is one of the few blushes available in theBalm's permanent line. The product is housed in a sturdy cardboard compact with a vintage imagery printed on the cover. Doesn't it remind you of some old paperback romance? Hands up if you used to read Mills & Boons :-)

Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour

2011-10-05T15:48:00.000+08:00

I first heard about Clinique coming out with a new eye makeup product a few months ago and I was very excited because most of the reviews I have read were very promising and positive. The Clinique Lid Smoothie is relatively new and I believe was brought in locally late August.

The Lid Smoothie comes in a rather unassuming little tube. I like the fact that I can see the actual cream itself as it is easier to tell how much product is left.

Description:

Creamy, crease-resistant eye colour wears for 8 hours. Instantly cools thanks to a unique applicator. Nourishing ingredients coax fine lid lines into a blanket of smoothness. Antioxidants help protect eye-area skin.

I chose the shade Bit O'Honey because it is a neutral, shimmery beige that looked really pretty as a nude wash or base colour. It has a relatively smooth consistency and dries to a powder finish. The metal applicator tip feels cool on the eye but I don't find that it dispenses or applies well directly on the eyelid. I prefer to squeeze a small amount onto my fingers or brush.

However, the Lid Smoothie is not crease-resistant on me and I still find that it creases after 4 hours or so. This was a huge disappointment as I was hoping that it can hold up on its own without having to apply an eye primer below. If you don't have oily lids, you probably won't face similar problems. It would have been a perfect product otherwise and this is why I won't be getting the other colours.

Pros:

• Pretty array of colours.

• Can be used as an eyelid wash.

• Comes in a tube so it's hygienic.

• Interesting metal applicator.

• Smooth texture.

Cons:

• Metal applicator does not spread product well.

• Creases on my oily lids.

• Expensive.

It was rather anti-climatic after all the expectations I had built up and although I didn't regret getting a Lid Smoothie, it was a little disheartening that it didn't work out so well on me. The Clinique Lid Smoothie is sold at Clinique counters nationwide for RM84. Each tube contains 7g of product.

Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in Rose Glow

2011-10-03T13:11:00.000+08:00

I came across a review on the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen on My Women Stuff's blog some time back and decided that I had to get one for myself too. Seriously, our dear Ms. ParisB has created some gaping holes in my wallet ever since I got to know her personally.

I don't actually have many highlighter products because my t-zone is oily and I was afraid that overly shimmery products will enhance the greasiness on my face. I have since learned that when applied carefully and only to certain parts of the face, a highlighter can help brighten my overall appearance and make me look a bit more radiant.

So I trotted off to Dior and picked up a Radiance Booster Pen in 001 Rose Glow because I really liked the pale, pinky-beige pearl shade.

But... here's the catch... I don't really know what it's supposed to do. The first time I used it, I clicked the product out, dabbed and patted some under my eyes but it made them appear really pale and pink. The reverse panda look is not flattering, people! It also enhanced the fine lines and made me look even more tired. It was better in my second attempt, when I dabbed and patted some product across my cheekbones and below my brows.

There's been a bit of trial and error before discovering a suitable method to use the Radiance Booster Pen. Instead of applying the product directly to my face, I now dispense some onto the back of my hand and use a paddle shaped foundation brush to gently pat on my cheekbones, down the center of my nose and onto my cupid's bow (the 'M' above one's lips).

So far, this method has worked quite well on me but I am still experimenting with different ways of using it. The pinkish pearlescent shade does add a pretty sheen to my face without looking over the top. Maybe that's why it's called a Radiance Booster Pen, and not Concealer or Highlighter Pen. It's designed to give one's complexion a perked-up, radiant glow.

The Beauty Cabinet Tip "When using a cream or liquid highlighter, it would be best to apply onto unpowdered skin to avoid caking."

Now, I feel the need to address the packaging. I dislike liquid products that come in clicky brush pens and should have thought about it more before grabbing one in my excitement. It can be difficult to control the amount to dispense. Although I can more or less estimate the number of clicks, there's always some product left on the brush which will dry up and cake. I would have preferred if it came in a squeeze tube or a doe-foot applicator. Also, the pen is metal and completely opaque, which means I cannot tell how much product is left.

Overall, the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in itself is a fairly decent product but I find the packaging to be an annoyance. For me, it sucks the fun out of making up because I have a bit too many things to worry about when using it. But if you're not as particular as me, you would probably enjoy this product more.

Pros:

• Pretty pearly shades.

• Lightweight consistency.

• Good balance of shimmer.

• Provides a nice radiant glow.

Cons:

• Cumbersome clicky pen packaging.

• Not an easy product to use for first timers.

• Limited shades available.

• May not suit many skin tones.

• Can settle into fine lines and appear cakey.

• Expensive.

The Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen is sold at Dior counters nationwide for RM120. Each pen consists of 1.5ml of product. Yes, it has a hefty price tag but if it works for you, you'd probably find it to be a worth while investment.

Blog Updates and New Domain in Town

2011-10-02T10:35:00.000+08:00

Hello Ladies & Gents,

We have taken the plunge and have moved to our own domain name. The blog is currently transitioning from blogspot to dot com and the full transition should complete in about 3 days. We certainly hope that you will be automatically redirected and that there are no hiccups in the process.

In the meantime, please update your bookmarks and rss feeds.

New Blog Link > http://www.beautycabby.com

RSS Feed > http://www.beautycabby.com/feeds/posts/default

You can get in touch with me via Twitter > @beautycabby

Thanks for reading and hope y'all are having a Happy Sunday :-)

lotsa luv,

lyn @ beautycabby

Sweet Macaron Delights with Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek

2011-09-30T09:20:00.000+08:00

This post may seem a little late since the Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek blushes were released in Spring 2011 as part of their Sugary Trap collection. However, I have seen these products available at a few Watsons and Sasa stores, so you can still obtain them locally.

My face used to be quite ruddy and it has only improved in recent months. Although I couldn't really wear blush before, I kept buying them because I cannot resist their prettiness. And the Puff de Cheek blushes were so cute that they all had to come home with me.

The tin casing is modelled after a French macaron and it is really adorable. The Puff de Cheek is available in four colours but I have only seen three of them so far. The one that's missing is the pale highlighter shade (Vanilla Macaron #82).

Fan and Flutter Your Lashes with KOJI Curving Eyelash Curler

2011-09-28T12:40:00.000+08:00

The Koji Curving Eyelash Curler is relatively new in Malaysia because I've only started noticing this curler popping up in Sasa stores in recent months. The reason why I didn't get it before is because it retails at RM89.90, which is more expensive than either a Shu Uemura or Shiseido curler. However, I think Sasa is running a promotion on the Koji curler and at the time of writing, it costs RM59.90, which is a bit more reasonable.

This new packaging is an updated 2011 edition but I'm not sure if there are any differences in the actual product itself compared to its predecessor.

There is a brown casing included but I don't think I would have an actual need for it. It's a nice extra all the same. It also comes with two replacement pads and this is a huge plus point for me. I don't know if you have noticed but Shu Uemura curlers do not have replacement pads (they are not even sold separately) and once the rubbery surface starts wearing out, you'd have to bin the whole curler and get a new one.

At the moment, I am only using another curler regularly and that is the Shiseido one. Compared to the Shiseido curler, the carriage of the Koji curler is taller and slightly broader. The Shiseido has been my favourite for a long time but I now think the Koji curler may be taking over its place.

* Koji eyelash curler - front and back view *

The frame is slightly flatter and wider than most curlers, I find that the Koji curler rests against my eye quite comfortably. Thanks to it's 38mm width, it has the ability to grip all my lashes and can even reach the outermost corner, which is the part I have most trouble with. This is an area the Shiseido curler falls short on.

The method I use with the Koji curler is a fairly simple one. I just gently clamp on my lashes quite close to the roots, hold for a few seconds, and then repeat a couple more times throughout the length of my lashes. I get a more natural looking curl this way.

The illustration on the box shows that the curler has the ability to spread one's lashes in a curve similar to an opened Chinese paper fan. And yes, it really does spread out my lashes quite nicely. The rubber padding feels a little bouncier too but it's not as smooth as Shiseido's. I've read some people complaining that the Koji crimps their lashes but I have not personally experienced this.

The Koji eyelash curler has performed very well on me although it does take some getting used as the frame is quite different from other curlers I've tried. Overall, I am pretty satisfied with it and would recommend it to those who are looking for a flatter and wider frame. From what I've read, it is the no.1 bestselling eyelash curler in Japan so it may be worth while checking it out if you're in the market for a new curler.

Availability:

The Koji Curving Eyelash Curler is available in Sasa for RM89.90 (regular retail price). I got mine at a promotional price for RM59.90.

Melliesh Blush in Elegant Rose

2011-09-26T11:45:00.000+08:00

That's right, people... I have gone a little blush crazy. I love blushes, I really do. But I could not use them regularly for the longest time because I used to suffer from redness and my complexion was rather splotchy. Using blush before just made me look extremely flushed and almost clownish. It wasn't a look I was particularly fond of. However, in recent months, the ruddiness of my face seemed to have reduced and I can happily wear blushes again.

I came across Melliesh when I went to Hong Kong in May. I have never heard of this Japanese brand before but I like the fact that it's a simple, no-frills sort of blush.

TIGI Bed Head Superstar Volumizing Leave-In Conditioner

2011-09-25T12:10:00.000+08:00

I don't know if I mentioned this before but I finally got a haircut about three weeks ago and have decided that I need to take better care of my hair. So, I have been looking for a relatively light hair treatment which delivers volume and this particular TIGI leave-in conditioner seems to fit the bill. The Superstar range is part of TIGI's Bed Head series and is targeted at folks who want volumized hair that is soft to touch.

I have oily roots and dry ends, so my hair can sometimes get quite flat and heavy. I tend to look for products that can add volume without weighing my medium length hair down. There aren't as many volumizing hair products available in our local market compared to Western countries. Maybe Asians generally prefer stick straight hair? I may be wrong about this but I do see a lot of rebonded long tresses out there.

Description:

• Conditions, detangles and adds volume.

• Protein complex repairs and adds moisture.

• Provides UV color protection.

Tag Line:

You must have a sense of humor to use our products™

Pump up your hair! Conditions, detangles, adds volume and gives light hold.

My Thoughts:
The TIGI leave-in conditioner comes in a sassy, bright pink spray bottle. The product has a tendency to come out in squirts rather than an even spray, so I would just apply three pumps onto my palms, rub them together and spread the product throughout the length of my hair, and then blow dry.

It makes my hair feel softer and better conditioned. It does not add much volume but it's good enough to not have my hair appear flat. It also doesn't seem to provide any hold at all, which is a little disappointing. As I can still feel the conditioning effects the next day even after a hair wash, I don't tend to use the product daily as I'm a bit wary that it may weigh my hair down and make it appear more greasy.

It has a strong, sugary sweet strawberry scent but it does fade once my hair is blown dry. I will not recommend most TIGI products if you're sensitive to smells because they can be very heavily fragranced. Other than that, the product does deliver on most counts and I am fairly satisfied with it.

Ingredients:

Aqua/Water/Eau (Water), Polyquaternium 11, Amodimethicone, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, PG Propylsilanetriol, Polyquaternium 32, Quaternium 91, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) (Mineral Oil), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract (Sunflower), Glycine, Alanine, PPG 20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Quaternium 26, Olealkonium Chloride, Parfum (Fragrance), Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethiacone PEG 8 Meadowfoamate, Benzophenone 4, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, PPG 1 Trideceth 6, Trideceth 12, Phosphoric Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, D&C Red 33 (CI 17200) (Red 33), Ext D&C Violet 2 (CI 60730) (Violet 2)

Availability:

TIGI haircare products can be found at Sasa stores and selective hair salons. The Superstar Volumizing Leave-In Conditioner retails at RM85 for each 200ml bottle.

theBalm Hot Mama! Shadow / Blush

2011-09-23T10:55:00.002+08:00

Can you believe this is the first time I have written about a blush on the blog? Although I have a few blushes, I couldn't really use them because my face and cheeks used to be really splotchy and red. But after a change in my skincare regime, the redness have reduced and I can start wearing cheek colours without looking like I've been slapped in the face.

I really like many of theBalm products because they have all been working very well and are pretty good quality stuff. I am already a fan of their Shady Lady eyeshadow palettes and have been using them regularly for work. Recently, I've been checking out their other powder products too and snapped up Hot Mama! because it looked like such a gorgeous blush. I did a little bit of research and discovered many have likened it as dupe to NARS Orgasm blush. This is not good news to be me because I have used Orgasm many years ago and did not like it.

Thankfully, Hot Mama! suited my skin tone better and I don't think it's the same as Orgasm because it doesn't make me look like a dirty, oily mess. I don't have any NARS blush to do a comparison with now because I binned them a long time ago after the stupid rubbery packaging started disintegrating.

Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence

2011-09-20T10:50:00.000+08:00

When I first saw the Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence at the Etude House store, I immediately did a little squeal (inside) because it was so cute. Honestly, who can resist such adorable packaging?

Product Description:

Moisturizing makeup primer masks pores to subdue sebum and improve makeup coverage.

How To Use:

Dispense onto hands and apply directly to visible pores.

The texture of this face primer is pretty smooth, similar to most silicone primers, but it does not feel overly slick. It has a lotion consistency that actually feels a little moisturising but it is not a replacement to your moisturiser, so you'd still need to use your basic skincare below especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin.

I apply it by dotting a tiny bit of product onto my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then gently spreading over my face, concentrating mostly in the middle where I'm oiliest. It has a light floral scent that is quite pleasant and it dissipates after a short while, so you don't have to worry about any smells lingering on your face if you're sensitive.

I use face primers mainly to control oil and not so much to cover pores. The Goodbye Pore Ever primer definitely helps because my face does not get oily as quickly. I have been using this under Paul & Joe S liquid foundation, which has a tendency to slip off my face after only 2 to 4 hours, but with the primer on, the foundation definitely adheres for much longer. I'd dare say, my foundation lasts the whole day!

Overall, I am really happy with this primer and would definitely repurchase should I run out. It has a nice scent, does not feel too slippery, does not break me out, provides good oil-control and is travel-friendly. I would recommend it to those with oily skin or enlarged pores but if you're sensitive to silicones or fragrance, this may not be the right product for you.

Availability:

Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence can be purchased at Etude House for RM59.90. Each tube contains 20ml. They are now running a promotion for the month of September and with a purchase of RM80 and above, you are entitled to get RM20 off the primer.

Bananas for Bronzers ~ A Recent Collection

2011-09-18T14:45:00.001+08:00

I have never purchased a bronzer in all my life... that is, until I started watching ~~a few~~ many YouTube videos on how to contour one's face. By the way, I think I'm addicted to YouTube of late and have discovered quite a number of really fab "beauty gurus".

You see, I have stuffed chipmunk cheeks. The kind of cheeks that are fat and round and wide. I didn't get around to looking at bronzers or contouring powders before because my cheeks used to really ruddy and splotchy, and I was afraid bronzers would emphasise the redness. However, my face redness has somewhat lessened after using Clarisonic Mia and several skincare products that seemed to help even out my skin tone. This makes me so happy because I can finally use cheek and face colours without looking like a clown.

The Body Shop Honey Powder Bronzer in #001 Light Matte

I got this after reading SkinDeco's review and I really liked the fact that it's a very subtle bronzer and it's matte. As a first timer with bronzing, it's probably safer to start out with something subtle and not too pigmented. This bronzer looks very natural in person and quite honestly, hardly shows up so I find myself dipping my brush in a few more times. I have used it as a face powder and it warms my complexion slightly without looking too obvious.

Bloom Aloha Bronzer

The Bloom bronzer may look rather dark in the pan but when applied with a light hand, it shades my face in a rather subtle manner. I use it as a blush or a contouring powder, to shade the shadowy areas beneath my cheekbones and on my jawline. It is mostly matte and not too orange or muddy but I'd need to be quite careful to not use too much because it can appear a little dark on my skin. I switch between a MAC 209 and a MAC 187 brush to blend.

Essence Bronzing Compact Powder Matt in Love to be Matt

That's right, it's spelt without the "e". I got this from Watson's for only RM13.90 and it is probably the most budget-friendly bronzer available in our local market. I am quite pleased with this product although it is rather powdery and requires a bit of blending to smoothen it out. I use it as a contouring powder and it performs quite well. I don't think it's very lasting though but for the price, I cannot complain.

Essence Bronzing Compact Powder Shimmer in Bronzing Queen

I got this together with Matt. As it has subtle shimmers in it, I only use it as a blush and not so much a contouring powder or bronzer. The colour is really nice and creates a light, healthy flush against my skin tone. The shimmer is not noticeable and adds enough shine without making me look oily. Like Matt, the texture is powdery however it seems to stay on longer than it's matte counterpart.

Paul & Joe Blue Horizon Bronzer in Siren

This is limited edition and may be hard to find these days. The girlie and pretty packaging is typical of Paul & Joe. It is a really nice and versatile product. When swirled together, it creates a subtle allover glow applied lightly and the peachy-pink shade works beautifully as a blush too. The white decorative overspray on the etched fish comes off after a couple of uses.

Etude House Aloha V-Line Slim Maker in #02

Don't you just love the name "slim maker"? I really need something that can tone my fat face down and am hoping that this product will work as claimed. I have not used it yet as I just got it yesterday. I like that it's a two-in-one product (good for travel) with a contouring shade (Cherry Wood) and highlighter (Sun Pink) packaged together in a slim, pretty compact. I tested at the counter and the texture is smooth and soft.

theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer

This is the darkest bronzer shade I now own but I have not used it yet because I just bought this yesterday. I did test it over the counter and it appears as a matte, bark brown when swatched heavily. When used with a fluffy blender brush, it adds some depth to my face, making it look a bit more defined but I need to use very little otherwise it will be too dark on my skin tone. The texture is very silky and smooth, really lovely stuff.

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I now use bronzers to add a bit of warmth and to shade parts of my face. A couple of them can be used as blush to achieve that healthy flush of colour that looks a bit more natural than bright pink blushes. Admittedly, I'm not that accomplished at applying them yet and am still experimenting with different brushes and techniques.

So, I'm really interested to know... What are your favourite bronzing or contouring products and why do you like them?

Fave Five for August

2011-09-17T18:03:00.001+08:00

It's time for another monthly favourite roundup. I initially planned this post at the beginning of the month but life (and work) got in the way :-) My skin went a little crazy due to stress, dehydration and using a number of wrong products, which caused really painful breakouts all the way down to my neck. Thankfully, it has gotten better because I've been on a semi anti-acne regime.

Anyway, here's a list of what's been working really well last month.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

Many, many years ago, my mum gave me a travel-size bottle of this legendary serum but the consistency back then was much thicker and felt really uncomfortable and tacky. I believe the ANR has gone through several reformulations and the latest one is simply the best serum ever. It is hydrating but not overly so and does not feel heavy. My face feels so velvety and smooth after applying a few drops of this stuff. It has not caused any break outs, of which I'm really thankful for. I absolutely love it!

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush
I reviewed this brush last month (link) and it is now one of my favourite face brushes to date. I especially like using it with loose or pressed powders. The bristles are dense yet soft. I sometimes use mineral powders and certain brushes can feel a little scratchy but never with this fat and fabulous brush.

Skin79 Super+ Hot Pink Beblesh Balm

This was such a pleasant surprise and I did not expect to like it so much. It applies smoothly, does not make my face too oily, has relatively good coverage and provides some sun protection. I have been using this BB cream for most of August and even reviewed it before (link).

Clinique Moisture Surge Eye Gel

I cannot use eye skincare products that are too rich as it will cause milia so I need to be very careful when choosing the right eye cream. The Clinique eye gel came in a set that I got at duty free in one of my travels. It comes in a pink tube, which is hygienic and cute at the same time. The texture is quite light and is of course, in a gel form. It hydrates my undereye area well without feeling too heavy and has not caused any bumps (hurray!). This is a basic moisturising eye gel and I don't think it has any hefty anti-ageing properties.

Bloom Liquid Foundation Brush

I had given up hope on many paddle-shaped foundation brushes because the ones I had before created streaks across my face and no matter what I did, I could never get my foundations to blend or spread properly. The Bloom foundation brush however has restored my faith in the existence of good foundation brushes because this thing blends like a dream. The bristles are firm yet soft and pliable. I have tried it with different liquid foundations (except those with runnier and thinner consistency) and they all apply beautifully with this brush. No more streaky face!

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So, that's it for now. What's been your favourite?