September 2011

Being an avid user of Chanel foundations, I got my hands on the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation as soon as it was landed in Australia about two weeks ago. It retails for AUD$86, which is the same price as the other Chanel foundations. This range replaces the pro lumiere foundation.

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The 4 things about this foundation that Chanel promises to deliver:

– Long wear flawless makeup with SPF10

– It flatters your face with a perfect balance of correction and light: with the use of the patented Chanel Perfect Light Control Complex

– Offers your complexion incomparable perfection: color and radiance lasts all day long – at the end of the day your makeup is still fresh and intact.

– Perfection has never been this simple: the fluid and light texture glides on seamlessly for adjustable yet lightweight coverage

Others

– Oil Free, dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic.

– Made in France and contains 30ml of product.

Shade: I bought the shade 30 Beige. Please note that I am currently NC15-20, and 20 Beige is a perfect match for me, but I went with B30 as summer is around the corner and my mission is to go a few shades darker!

Texture and finish:

The finish is a cross between natural looking and semi-matte (depending on the wear time) with a natural radiance (not dewy). The fluid texture feels quite creamy when it is dispensed from the bottle but translates to a velvety powdery finish on the face with a hint of luminosity. If you like to use a silicone based primer underneath your foundation to smooth out the pores, then this foundation gives a very similar finish. It totally evens out the complexion and gives a very flawless airbrushed look. Even though the finish is more matte than my usual preference, this foundation is extremely finely milled therefore blends into my skin seamlessly, and it doesn’t enhance any dry patches on the skin. However I find that it looks a bit too dry on my under eye areas. Coverage is buildable from medium to full.

The skin starts to look more and more natural and luminous on me over time. Overall the finish remains semi matte and the coverage stays the same for an entire day. I am most impressed about the staying power of this foundation, as this is the only foundation I have ever came across that after 10 hours of wear it stills looks freshly applied, no oxidation, no transferring, and no fading.

Compared to the Mat Lumiere:

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Honestly I don’t really notice any difference in terms of the finish between the two. They are both quite mattifying on me and more natural looking and luminous over the day. If you are considering buying Mat Lumiere, I highly recommend you to check out the Perfection Lumiere as it lasts twice as long as Mat Lumiere.

Compared to the Vitalumiere Aqua:

chanel-perfection-lumiere-vs-vitalumiere-aqua

Perfection Lumiere offers a better coverage and longer wear time than Vitalumiere Aqua. But I personally prefer the melt-into-your-skin texture of Vitalumiere Aqua and the youthful dewy finish.

Compared to Teint Innocence

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Again I believe Teint Innocence is targeted at a younger age group for a naturally luminous finish, whereas Perfection Lumiere offers a very flawless and polished look.

Compared to the Pro Lumiere:

Might be disappointing to the Pro Lumiere fans as this foundation has no similarities. As mentioned earlier, it is a semi matte foundation that doesn’t offer the same dewiness. If you are like me where Pro Lumiere turns your face into a grease ball after a few hours of wear, then Perfection Lumiere is your savior as I can skip the oil blotting for the whole day.

Swatches:

Perfection Lumiere 30 Beige: 2 shades darker

Mat Lumiere 20 Clair: perfect match on me now

Vitalumiere Aqua B20: a tad darker

Teint Innocence 40 Beige: about the same as Perfection Lumiere in 30 Beige

chanel-perfection-lumiere-vitalumiere-aqua-mat-swatchesA more blended out version

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Bottom Line: I think this foundation will work brilliantly for the summers as well as for people with oily skin. I like it but I don’t love it, at least not for now as the weather is still quite cold in Sydney so I tend to reach for foundations with a more moisturizing formula. As said, this foundation offers a very flawless and polished look, and I personally prefer a sheer foundation that gives a fresh and youthful look.

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After I posted my basic skincare routine, I had a few people asking me what products I use to remove my makeup which I forgot to include. I wear makeup almost everyday, so finding the right makeup remover that is effective, removes makeup thoroughly yet gentle to my skin can be a little tricky. I go through tons of different brands and these are the products that I love the most.

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If my makeup of the day is not too heavy I like to use my Bioderma Crealine H2O Cleanser – it smells and feels so fresh, extremely gentle to the skin and removes face makeup effectively. It is designed for sensitive skin as the entire product is water based without any alcohol and perfumes, so girls with sensitive skin can totally rely on this product. It is also excellent for removing eye makeup, but can take a while to remove waterproof mascara completely. It is also great as a last step cleanser. I know a lot of girls like to use a toner/astringent to remove the last traces of makeup, but this product does the same job without stripping moisture off the skin. My skin actually feels quite hydrated and fresh after using it.

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On a full face makeup day, I opt for the Eve Lom Cleanser (Vogue call it “world’s best cleanser) to remove my makeup thoroughly. I know I have said it many time that this is my HG cleanser 😛 It has been doing a wonderful job to my skin so I just like to share my love of this product around! The concept of this cleanser is that it improves the blood circulation, opens pores, cleanses, exfoliates and tones the skin to achieve a perfectly clear and well balanced skin.

This product is made of different blends of aromatic oils with cleansing, decongesting and soothing properties. It has a lovely soothing herbal scent and a balmy consistency that is designed for massaging. By following the massaging steps provided in the enclosed pamphlet, it helps the lymphatic nodes to drain the congested areas and eliminate toxins. Then use the muslin cloth to remove the product in hot water to open the pores and cold water to close the pores. The result is instant – not only is the makeup completely removed, my complexion has a “just-had-a-facial” radiance and looks more lifted and toned. Over time I have also noticed a significant improvement in the clarity of my skin.

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As you can tell from the size of the bottle, the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil is also my favorite. I am not using it now but I like to keep a back up of it. This product has received numerous awards over the last decade. Needless to say it is a superior product. I like to use a makeup remover that cleanses and treats my skin at the same. The entire cleansing oil line by Shu comes in many formulations for different skin needs and I have pretty much tried them all. My favorites are the brightening oil from the premium line and the balancing oil as pictured below. My least favorite is the enriched formula which feels quite heavy on my skin. There are a lot of cheaper cleansing oils in the market but I always go back to this one as I like the consistency of this oil and its wide range of options.

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For my stubborn eye makeup, I like to use the Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover. It is a winner for me as I really don’t notice a difference between the expensive ones and the cheap ones. The Neutrogena removes the most stubborn waterproof mascara with one swipe, and it is not irritating to my eyes. Just like many other bi-phased removers, it leaves a slight residual film on the skin.

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Snakeskin Print

September 26, 2011

I admit shamefully that sometimes I am a fashion victim. A typical case today as I wore a pair of printed pants that could potentially make me look 5 pounds heavier . It took me literally a few weeks to decide whether I needed this snakeskin printed pants by Zara in my life. I caved in when I noticed that Zara had restocked it in my size and I was able to snatch the last pair before someone else did – it’s a sign!

Top: Zara (current stock)

Pants: Zara (current stock)

Blazer: Zara (current stock)

Bag: Chanel (fall 2011)

Sunglasses: RayBan

Black Suede Pump: Wittner (current stock)

What do you think of this trend? Gotta have it or make it stop?!

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Something New…

September 24, 2011

Fresh off the plane from Paris! Self gifted myself a new Chanel Bag – the Reissue 2.55 Medium in Iridescent Calfskin from the Fall 2011 Collection.

chanel-reissue-2.55-medium-black-iridescent-calfskin-fall-2011Chanel has recently revamped their box and dust bag for their classic styles. Love the new design, especially the dust bag with Coco Chanel Print on it. According to my Chanel SA in Sydney, the new box and the dust bag will only apply to the classic styles and due to arrive in Australia within a few weeks time.

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chanel-reissue-2.55-medium-black-iridescent-calfskin-fall-2011-new-dustbag-1My new beloved  Chanel 2.55 Reissue Medium in iridescent calfskin (seasonal finish). The finish is very fall to me, almost like a metallic suede. The Chanel website currently features this bag in dark purple.

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I know many of you are interested to know the price of Chanel in France and how much exactly we can save compared to other countries.

The reissue 2.55 medium size in seasonal finishes such as patent, metallic and iridescent calfskin retails for $ 3110 Euro, that is equivalent to $4291.00 AUD.  After VAT return it is Euro 2750, that is equivalent to $3800 AUD.  In Australia this bag retails for $5080.

The reissue 2.55 medium size in its classic finish (the vintage lambskin) retails for $2700 Euro. In Australia it retails for appropriately $4800.

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Suqqu Haul

September 23, 2011

As soon as mum told me she would be going to UK, I was over the moon! Partly because I was excited for her trip, and mostly because she could bring me back Suqqu – a brand that I lust after THE most.

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You know you can trust a woman to buy your makeup for you, and mum did a fantastic job as she got me everything I had on my shopping list. I was like a little kid opening lots of Christmas presents, and so far everything totally lives up to my expectation. They just look and feel amazing, and look too precious to be used.

The shopaholic side of me was kicking myself that I really should have gotten more – ideally the entire range. The realist side of me was glad that I didn’t..the bill of these items was quite shocking already haha.

Ok end of my rambling and here are the amazing beauties:

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Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in KAKITSUBATA

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in MATSUKASA

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Suqqu Balancing Cheek MOMOZOE

Suqqu Balancing Cheek MUKUGE

Suqqu Balancing Cheek OSHAGECHA

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Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipsticks in KARAKURENAI

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipsticks in URUMISHU

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipsticks in SAEBANA

suqqu-creamy-glow-lipsticks

suqqu-creamy-glow-lipsticks-1Joey from JoeySpace also recently did some great reviews on Suqqu Blend Eyeshadow and Balancing Cheek, check out her reviews here and here, and her FOTD here.

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I can never get bored of lipsticks – no matter how many I own! My latest acquisition is the Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine. I have heard some youtube gurus  raving about them so I took the plunge. It was instant gratification from the first swipe on my lips – it’s just amazing. I just knew that both the formulation and the finish were made for my needs. All the shades from this range are beautiful yet wearable so I couldn’t help but pick up 4 of them.

Shu-Umeura-Rouge-Umlimited-Supreme-Shine-swatchesSome people don’t like the Shu Uemura packaging, but I absolutely adore them. They are cute and elegant at the same time, and has a futuristic edge to it. Best of all I can see the lipstick shade without opening the cap!

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They feel extremely hydrating on the lips and have a soft balmy texture, as soft as the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine. In terms of finish, they are semi-opaque with a glass-like shine. They all contain very fine particles of shimmer that gives a wet look without the frost.

Here are the swatch pictures (taken on a dull day!) – did my best to capture the true colors however I failed to capture the beautiful glossy sheen of these lipsticks as can be seen in real life…

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine SS OR 520: A soft peach shade that is not too nude. Perfect for spring and summer and brightens up my NC15 complexion

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Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine SS BG 943: Best seller! A beige with a hint of brick brown undertone – it gives a very polished look which is very office appropriate.

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Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine SS PK 340 – A soft girly pink that gives a romantic and youthful look

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Shu-Umeura-Rouge-Umlimited-Supreme-Shine-ss-pk-340-swatch-1

Shu-Umeura-Rouge-Umlimited-Supreme-Shine-ss-pk-340-swatch-2Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine SS BG 957: It’s a darker beige compared to BG 943 with a reddish undertone. My favorite shade out of all – I think it’s a sophisticated grown-up shade.

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Shu-Umeura-Rouge-Umlimited-Supreme-Shine-ss-bg-957-swatch-2Group swatch:

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My Nars 0rgasm collection

September 19, 2011

This post has a mix of everything – I initially only wanted to show you the swatches of my Nars 0rgasm Collection. While taking swatch pictures of them, surprisingly my eye makeup of the day turned out really nice and sharp in the pictures thanks to the good lighting, so I like to share both with you.

Nars O blush was my first high end blush. To be honest I wasn’t that smitten with the shade at that time, as I thought it was just an ordinary peachy pink blush. As my makeup collection starts to build up and I have a wider range of colors to play with, I am becoming more fond of this shade. It is just a very easy-to-work-with shade and is flattering with almost any makeup look. It contains the right amount of shimmer which makes the finish neither too flat nor too shimmery – I do agree that it gives an O-glow as per the name haha. For a person like me who sleeps in almost every morning, there is nothing more convenient than a “no-brainer” shade.

nars-blushesI have already reviewed and compared the blush from the trio palette with the original blush, which you can find here.

I bought the Nars multiple 0rgasm after I came across a youtube clip of a professional MUA applying this nars on a gorgeous eurasian model. (sorry I can’t find the link as it was from a long time ago). I gasped when I saw the finish on her – it just looked soo beautiful. It is more pink with a more dewy finish compared to the original blush.

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Nars Super O is a lovely peachy pink lipgloss, and again it is more on the pink side. Although it contains shimmers it applies smoothly and does not feel grainy on the lips.

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nars-super-o-lipgloss-swatchNars O Nail Polish

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Group swatch: Except for the original blush, the rest all have a stronger pinkish undertone.

nars-o-blush-lipgloss-comparison-swatches

FOTD: Foundation was the Nars Sheer Matte. I had Nars Multiple O on my cheeks and the Nars Super O lipgloss on my lips.

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On my eyes I used a mix of Nars eyeshadows: Nars Isolde over the lid and Nars Surabaya along the lash line with Nars Brumes on the outer v.

nars-eotdWhat is your favorite Nars O product? I am thinking to get the Nars O illumator..any thoughts?

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Clé De Peau Teint Naturel Fluide Cream Foundation is a new member to my family of Holy Grail foundations. It’s the latest foundation released by Cle De Peau that was to replace their previous cream foundation . I have always wanted to try their foundations as they are famous for their base makeup. When I was in Hong Kong last time I took the opportunity to visit the  Clé De Peau counter and sampled all of their foundations, rather than risking ordering it online. The service was second to none as the girl who served me was extremely patient and not pushy. She pretty much did a free facial on me using their deluxe skincare products before sampling their foundations on me. In the end we both thought that this foundation looked the best on me – it also happened to be the most expensive foundation out of all, which set me back a record of AUD$128 (around USD$130) for a tiny bottle of foundation (25ml).

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Clé De Peau Cream Foundation is the most finely milled foundation I have ever come across. It spreads and glides on my skin like the finest silk – the fingertips are the best way to apply this foundation because it doesn’t require any blending. It blends seamlessly and just melts into your skin like your second skin.

cle-de-peau-teint-naturel-fluide-cream-foundation-shade-10-swatch

As opposed to their claim that it “gives a flawless coverage”, in my opinion the coverage of this foundation is sheer to medium.  It doesn’t fully cover any visible blemishes and pigmentation on my skin but it really enhances my complexion to the best it can whilst still looking completely natural. It provides a semi matte finish with a natural radiance that seems to come from within. It maintains for about 5 hours with a “just-applied” finish then it starts to wear off.

I have been extremely picky with foundations lately ever since I bought a 5 magnification vanity mirror. I really can’t detect any trace of foundation on my face when I look into the magnified mirror. Even around the edge of nose and mouth, it does not collect up.

Applied only the Clé De Peau Cream Foundation on my face – my shade is 010.

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It still has some flaws as I noticed that it flakes a little on top of some gel moisturizers, so I had to switch to a lotion underneath it. The texture almost absorbs into the skin too well – I need to use a pearl size amount of it which is more than what I would normally use with a foundation (normally it’s pea sized). For such a tiny bottle  I can go through it within a months time which is really not cost effective.

Bottom Line: If you already have relatively good skin and you are after a foundation that gives “your skin but much much better”, then this is the one for you! When it is used in conjunction with their award winning concealer it almost warrants a flawless complexion. The foundation is available here and here.

 

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