October 2011

Chanel Mat Top Coat Velvet Review and Swatch

October 22, 2011

If I have previously said ‘I don’t like matte nails..” *cough cough* I take my words back! After I purchased my Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate and Rose Cache, I went back to the counter and tested the Chanel Mat Top Coat Velvet. Surprisingly it was very nice and did not make my hands look dull as I thought it would. For those of you who enjoy wearing nail polishes, I think the Chanel Mat Top Coat gives a modern spin.

It applies the same as any other top coat – transparent and smooth, and dries into a matte velvety finish. It was quite fun watching my nails changing from glossy to matte.

Although the Chanel SA recommended that it is best to be used with darker colors, I just felt like experimenting with all the various shades. The Chanel Le Vernis shades swatched here:

– Particuliere; Pirate; Vendetta; Blue Boy; Mimosa

The mat top coat also dries up the nail polishes within minutes, which is an added bonus. However the only downside is that it fades within a few days as by day 3 my nails would look semi-matte.

Do you like matte nails? And do you think it looks the best on dark colors?

{ 15 comments }

Labels: CHANEL

SKII Treatment Essence VS SUISSE PROGRAMME Cellular Boosting Solution

October 20, 2011

I go through tons of skincare products and there is only a handful of products that I will repurchase. The SKII Treatment Essence is one of them and I have been using it on and off for years. Lately I am trialing the SUISSE PROGRAMME Cellular Boosting Solution. It is a relatively new product and is being marketed as an all purpose lightweight essence and costs the same as SKII. It gained its popularity quickly and has been receiving great feedback so it’s definitely giving the SKII’s treatment essence a run for its money.

SKII Treatment Essence

This product has been featured in numerous magazines and beauty blogs, so I don’t want to do another detailed review to bore you. Basically it is an essence in water consistency. It can be used as a toner, or serum or a step in between. It contains 98% of SKII’s signature ingredient – Pitera. Although there has been some controversy on the effect of Pitera, this product has been around in the market for over 80 years and remains one of the best selling products. So to me it’s the consumers feedback that counts more . Of course I personally have experienced a great result with this product. It is moderately hydrating for my skin type, and best of all it soothes and calms my skin and does a wonderful job for regulating oils and improving clarity. I reach for this product religiously whenever my skin feels sensitive or suffering from breakouts.

From the negative reviews I have read, this product doesn’t fade pigmentation and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. I agree, however it is not a miracle anti aging product that will turn back the clock. I was told it is best to start using this product from the age of 25 as it preserves the current state of your skin and delays the aging process. I started using this when I was 20 and I have not seen any visible signs of aging on my skin yet.

SUISSE PROGRAMME Cellular Boosting Solution (130ml)

Obviously it is a swiss brand and this is one of the best selling products. I expected a lot from this product as it’s been receiving rave reviews.

A little overview on this brand and the product:

SUISSE PROGRAMME Celluar Skin Care is a highly effective skin treatment program resulting from the reputable Swiss cosmetic traditions. It has developed an exclusive Biodynmaic Celluar Complex (BCC) containing active biomolecules capable of acting synergically on the celluar respiration or oxygen consumption within the human cells. The BCC increases the skin regeneration processes and improves skin vitality. This exclusive complex of active ingredients restores skin radiance and reinforces the natural moisturizing action.

SUISSE PROGRAMME Cellular Boosting Solution is a multi-active treatment boosts the transformative effects of daily skincare. It combines the power and effectiveness of three high-tech formulas to help banish signs of skin fatigue and dullness to give you a smooth, radiant and luminous complexion. This high-function solution is designed as a 24 hour effective treatment to counteract signs of premature ageing, preparing the skin to receive and boost the benefits of other skincare treatment.

My Thoughts:

Unlike the SKII Treatment essence, the Suisse Programme Cellular Boosting Solution has a serum consistency. It is very hydrating yet lightweight, feels even more hydrating than my regular serum. Since it comes in a big bottle I apply this liberally every morning and evening, and this sensation is amazing – it makes me feel I am drenched in serum! As the consistency is thicker than the regular toner, it takes about half a minute to completely absorb into the skin. The result is immediate and my complexion appears instantly more even-toned and plumped. I feel I can certainly live without other serums and moisturizers as this product alone keeps my skin hydrated and soft all day long. This product also claims that it boosts the benefits of other skincare treatments. I agree because when I use this product together with my regular serum and moisturizer, I felt my skin is over hydrated! My only gripe with this product is that it contains alcohol.

Bottom Line: The Suisse Programme Cellular Boosting Solution certainly lives up to my expectation. I can’t say which one I prefer more as they are for different needs. The SKII keeps my skin calm and soothed and reduces the breakout to minimum, whereas the Suissie Programme is more potent in terms of hydration and anti-aging but can be too nutritional for younger skin. I will repurchase both of them.

I bought my SKII Treatment Essence at the Singapore airport dutyfree, it was USD$120 for a150ml bottle.

SUISSE PROGRAMME Cellular Boosting Solution (130ml) retails for USD$100. I bought mine from sasa.com

{ 29 comments }

Labels: SKII • SUISSE PROGRAMME

Tuesday OOTD – My Workwear

October 18, 2011

I am always in a silk blouse paired with an A-line skirt for work. I have tons of them and they are easy to mix and match. I work in a conservative corporate environment so I find that such a look is work appropriate whilst letting me add a touch of fashion.

SABA Silk Blouse

ZARA Skirt

Miu Miu Bag

Toni Bianco Plum Suede Pumps

Chanel Le Vernis Pirate on my nails

Prada Sunglasses

{ 31 comments }

Labels: Fashion • OOTD

SUQQU Balancing Cheeks in MOMOZOE, MUKUGE and OSHAGECHA Review and Swatches

October 17, 2011

Suqqu was born based on the Japanese cultural tradition of inner composure and serenity, and the brand concept is echoed by all of its products. I bought the BALANCING CHEEKS in MOMOZOE 桃添, MUKUGE 木槿 and OSHAGECHA. I don’t understand the definition of these shades, but I am pretty sure they have no sexual innuendo like the Nars brand! Suqqu is all about enhancing the natural complexion of a woman and keeping your image looking composed and poised.

The texture of these is extremely finely milled and softly pigmented – one to two swipes adds a of touch of color.

SUQQU OSHAGECHA

On the left is a lovely peachy shade with a hint of brown undertone and contains very fine shimmers. When applied on the skin it provides a soft touch of color with a lovely glow. The contour shade by far is the best one I have used. Unlike other usual bronzers, it is a true matte brown shade without any redness and orangeness in it. It provides a soft contour for me – I can see the subtle effect without looking too heavy, as it doesn’t cast a strong contrast against my fair complexion (NC15) when applied softly.

OSHAGECHA Swatch:

On me: Applied the contour shade along the jawline to the chin and added the blush color to the cheeks.

SUQQU MUKUGE 木槿

It contains one blush color and one highlighter. The blush color is coral with a stronger pink undertone and less shimmery. Suqqu used to make individual blushes and highlighters and I have heard a lot of good things about them, but unfortunately they have been discontinued. I am glad that Suqqu has included a highlighting shade in the duo form because this is the kind of easy-to-wear highlighter I would go for on a daily basis. It contains the finest milled shimmers, when applied on the face it provides a brightening effect without the shimmers being noticeable.

MUKUGE 木槿 Swatch:

On me:

SUQQU MOMOZOE 桃添

It contains a neutral pink blush that would look good on any complexion, and a beigey pink highlighter that complements the blush color. Both shades have small particles of shimmers and on the face they impart a lovely subtle glow.

MOMOZOE 桃添 Swatch:

Bottom Line: Suqqu is a very high end brand, but at 38 pound per palette (available here) I think they are reasonably priced for 2 shades of cheek color of superior quality. You also get the beautiful packaging and the enclosed brush that is just as soft as the regular sized suqqu brushes.

{ 19 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • SUQQU

Chanel Le Vernis Pirate and Rose Caché Swatch and Review

October 15, 2011

I thought I can have a small Chanel makeup break until the holiday collection arrives, but I caved in when I spotted the new Le Vernis Shades as part of the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet collection. There are three new shades being released – Pirate, Rose Caché and Rose Exubérant, and a new limited edition topcoat that provides a matte finish.

I picked up Pirate and Rose Caché. The quality of these is standard Chanel Le Vernis. Opaque and easy to apply, 2 to 3 coats gives a glossy and non streaky finish.

Out of the entire collection Pirate caught my attention immediately – it is a bold rich red in cream finish and there is no shimmers in it. It may not be the most unique red in the market, but after swatching it on my nails I decided I need this red in my life.

Swatches with 3 coats:

Compared to Chanel Le Vernis Fire, Pirate is slightly darker.

Rose Caché is a muted vintage pink with tiny flecks of pink shimmers. Like many other Chanel Le Vernis, it has a complex undertone depending on the angle I look at it. In some angles it leans pink with a hint of mauve undertone that comes from the shimmer, and in other angles it looks peachy beige when the shimmer is less noticeable. (I didn’t get a chance to capture the peach undertone though). Overall it is a unique neutral shade that gives a polished mannequin-hands look with an edge – definitely worth to check out.

I am not a fan of matte nails hence I didn’t pick up the matte topcoat. Do check out Joey from JoeySpace swatches here.

{ 26 comments }

Labels: CHANEL • NAIL POLISH

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick KARAKURENAI – The Perfect Red

October 11, 2011

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick KARAKURENAI 唐紅花 is THE red lipstick that I have been searching for my whole life . I could write a lengthy post praising how beautiful this red is..not berry, not plummy, not orangey, just a perfect flaming scarlet red on me that took my breath away…but I believe pictures speak a thousand words.

Texture is the most luxurious you can get – opaque, creamy, lightweight and moisturizing. My bare lips have been looking quite dry lately, but with the Suqqu creamy glow lipstick on, there is no signs of dryness as you can see in these close up shots.

OVERALL LOOK:

Bottom Line: Everyone woman should have at least one or two red lipsticks, as it is an instant accessory that makes you feel sexier, put-together and more glamorous. If you are still hunting, get your hands on this one!

{ 33 comments }

Labels: LIPSTICK • SUQQU

Suqqu KAKITSUBATA Eye Color Palette FOTD

October 9, 2011

I have an important mission to complete today, which is to convince many of you that Suqqu KAKITSUBATA 杜若 (reviewed here) applies just as beautifully as it looks in the palette. I had the same concern as many of you with the blue shade as it is out of my comfortable zone. But I am very confident with Suqqu – just like Visionary Beauty said, it is such a sophisticated brand that is just wearable across the entire range. (her blog also has many wonderful reviews on Suqqu products, check it out!)

EOTD (I have decided to include brushes in this post as this is one of my most frequently asked questions)

Upper Lid:

Applied the matte cream beige color as a base from lash line to brow bone.

Using the Suqqu eyeshadow brush large (reviewed here), applied the shimmery peachy shade all over the eye socket area.

Apply the blue shade along the lash line and the outer v.

Using the Suqqu eyeshadow brush medium (not yet reviewed), layer the shimmery mocha shade on top and blend slightly outward past the crease of the eye.

Lower Lid:

Using the Chanel precision eye brush 24 , intensify the outer corner with the blue shade.

Using the Laura Mercier smoky eye liner brush, smudge the mocha shade into the lower lash line.

Applied the peachy shade on to the inner corner for highlight.

FACE:

Since the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation is about 1 and a half shades darker on me, I mixed it with the Shiseido UV White Protect Base in Green to match my current skin color.

Dior Radiant Base is applied along the cheekbone for extra radiance.

Shiseido natural finish cream concealer is applied under the eye areas.

CHEEKS:

Applied the peach side of Suqqu Balancing Cheek OSHAGECHA from the centre of the cheeks towards the temples.

Contour using the darker side (which is THE perfect contouring shade for fair complexions) along the jawlines, and along the sides of the nose bridge.

Highlight the cheekbones with the purple side of the MAC Hang Loose Mineral blush.

LIPS:

Prepped my lips with the Chanel Hydramax Lipbalm first, then add color with Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Salmon.

OVERALL LOOK:

Are you convinced yet that Suqqu KAKITSUBATA is wearable?

{ 24 comments }

Labels: BOBBI BROWN • EYESHADOW • FOTD • SUQQU

Dior Christmas Collection 2011 – Rouge Or Vernis swatches

October 8, 2011

I was notified by my Dior SA that the much anticipated Dior Christmas Collection – the Rouge Or Collection is available for preview only in Sydney Australia now, and they will be on sale from the 18th of October. I dropped by the Dior counter today and swatched the beautiful nail polishes which I have set my eyes on.

In Australia, this collection is called Dior Daring Golden Collection

If you have the Chanel JC blush in Rouge and OR, then these two are pretty much the nail polish versions of them. Don’t you think?

Swatched with one single stroke.

Another two stunners

Other than the shade on the far right which reminded me of Chanel Peridot (I am sure it will pull too warm and muddy on my complexion), I will definitely be getting the rest of the collection. Dior’s formulation are amongst the best and these stunning shades cannot be missed by any nail polish lovers – they are unique and timeless at the same time.

{ 8 comments }

Labels: DIOR • NAIL POLISH

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