addict

Dior Addict Lacquer Stick Review and Swatch – Lazy, Turn Me Dior and Party Red

May 6, 2017

It’s been a while since my last update, and every day I was blaming myself for not posting a review for the lovely Dior Addict Lacquer Stick (currently 10% off on Nordstrom!) which I have acquired a while back. It was one of the most exciting lip color collections that I had anticipated, and being a beauty fanatic I was sitting in front of my pc and placed an order as soon as the collection was available online several weeks back (some colors sold out fast at some shops overseas!). I picked the colors LAZY, TURN ME DIOR and PARTY RED which is my favorite. I bought them here in Australia.

The design of the lacquer stick is the best I have seen from Dior so far. The black and purple tinted glossy tube makes it very high end and modern. The gel formula seems to be the new trend now. The Dior Lacquer has the comfort of a hydrating lip balm, and the intensity of a highly pigmented lipstick, and mirror shine of a lip gloss. Basically, this is the best of all-in-one lipstick you can have. It feels very silky smooth on application, and it gives a nice hydrating slip feel to the lips but feels much smoother and more lightweight than applying a lip balm. The color seems to meld into your lips and gives a lacquered glossy finish that makes your lips appear more youthful and plump.

One swipe gives a full coverage for all 3 colors I own. Lasting power varies on the color. For the highly saturated colors I can get up to 6 hours of wear, and for soft and nude color such as Lazy it is about 3-4 hours of wear.

577 LAZY is muted mauve pink. The color is quite close to YLBB, with a more dominant mauve undertone.

744 Party Red is my favorite color! It’s a vibrant orange red which is the type of red that looks the best on me! It looks young and makes a great gradient lip look.

877 Turn Me Dior is the color they are promoting with for this range. Jennifer Lawrence wore this color for the ad, so did the Asian Makeup Maven Pony. It’s a bright red color with a raspberry pink undertone that looks more glamorous. As for me I like to dab just a tiny bit of this color to the center of my lips then blend for an everyday look.

Group Swatch – All colors are applied with one coat only. It gives a full coverage and conceals all the dry lines beautifully.

Bottom Line: Perfection! The formula is hydrating, ultra-weightless and very easy to apply on the go. The Dior Lacquer Sticks are available at Nordstrom with 10% off, or Neiman Marcus who are running a beauty event GWP at the moment. They are also available here with worldwide shipping.

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Labels: DIOR • LIPSTICK

Dior Addict IT LINE Liquid Eyeliner Review and Swatch

May 24, 2015

I don’t normally write an individual post for an eyeliner, but this Dior ‘Addict It-Liner’ Liquid Eyeliner deserves a review of its own! Where have I been all this time as a beauty blogger – this is one incredible eyeliner that just blows me away!

The Dior Addict Liner has probably the best packaging I have ever seen for a liquid liner. The formula is also pure perfection – it’s glossy jet black that is much more intense than the pen-style liners, and the intensity of the color stays put the whole day. The color applies on ultra smoothly and evenly, and it dries within seconds. The brush applicator is ultra thin for precision, yet the bristles are flexible which gives you a better control for drawing a sharp thin line or a thicker liner for the flick. The formula is waterproof that has withstood my tears on some occasions, but on the other hand it can be easily removed with any makeup remover. Last but not least, this liner will last you a very long time as the formula is so intense a little goes a long way.

Swatch

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Labels: DIOR • EYELINER

Addiction Jean-Michel Basquit Summer 2013 Collection – Sugar Rusk Eye Palette Review and Swatches

June 4, 2013

If you are into Japanese makeup, then ADDICTION Jean-Michel Basquit Summer 2013 Collection is the one to watch! In fact this collection has done so well that many of their products have already been sold out within days of release. The collection includes six new eye shadow quads that were inspired by the late American graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquit. There are 2 limited edition colors – Soda Lunch and Black or White. The rest of the quads will be included in the permanent lineup. As usual, I bought a neutral quad – Sugar Rusk which is their best selling color. Unfortunately all the limited-edition cases with his designs were all sold out within days so I had to get the regular case from their permanent line.

In my opinion, the promo pictures didn’t do the justice for any of the quads as the colors looked a little bland. The actual eye shadows are just so much more interesting and complex in real life. Sugar Rusk leans cool neutral with a hint of mauve undertone. There are 3 shimmery shades, and 1 matte shade. All eye shadows are of typical premium Japanese eye shadows – they are extremely finely milled, buttery soft with a velvety and slightly moist touch to them. Pigmentation is also fairly rich, particularly the shimmery brown shade on the bottom right which feels so luxurious and divine to use.

Shades description:

– Top Right: vanilla white shimmer

– Top Left: irridescent pale golden brown with silver shimmer

– Bottom Right: shimmering taupe dark brown with a mauve undertone

– Bottom Left: matte clay brown

2 Swatches of Sugar Rusk taken from different angles:

I pulled out a few quads from my stash for comparison.

Clockwise: Lunasol Chocolate Cosmo, Addiction Sugar Rusk, Chanel Raffinement, Tom Ford Golden Mink (reviewed here)

Bottom Line: A collector’s item for the neutral lovers that is luxurious and wearable all year round. You can check out these 2 links here and here for more information about this collection and how to wear them.

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Labels: ADDICTION • EYESHADOW

OUAI Haircare Review

October 23, 2017

Caring for my hair has become the top priority ever since I coloured my hair very light, and I’ve been recently trialling out a lot of OUAI Haircare products so I thought I’d mention my picks for the best ones from the range. If you are a heavy social media user, you would have seen this new brand everywhere when it was just launched. The founder Jen Atkin is a top celebrity hair stylist whose clients include Kim K, so consequently any products she launches will be a huge internet success.

As a beauty addict I am always excited to try out new products. I decided to give her products a go (as usual I am not affiliated with any brands and everything I reviewed were purchased with my own money), and to my pleasant surprise, the haircare range has surpassed my expectations and they have quickly become one of my favourite haircare brands.

OUAI Repair / Smooth Conditioners – The conditioners are amazing. I have used a lot of amazing conditioners, but these two still stand out and really wowed me after washing. They truly do their job as they claim. The Smooth Conditioner makes my hair feel incredibly smooth, silky and soft. A little product goes a long way, and my hair stays frizz free and very easy to manage. If you have unruly hair and simply want more sleek and straight hair, I highly recommend this conditioner! The Repair Conditioner is just as good. It repairs and nourishes damaged and coloured hair from within. Even after having my hair bleached multiple times, this conditioner greatly helps to strengthen my hair and keeps them in top condition. My hair feels stronger and bouncier with noticeably less breakage and knots. I alternate between the two, and together they make my hair look and feel super healthy.

OUAI Hair Oil – To me this is a very reasonably priced hair oil that does an amazing job. I have used hair oil that is the double the price, and I still prefer this one that I will re-purchase over and over. First of all, I am addicted to the soft floral scent – a mix blend of gardenia, white musk and ylang ylang. It smells incredibly fresh, and the delicate floral fragrant lingers on your hair for a few hours. The oil can be applied on either wet or dry hair – either way it is absorbed by the hair without feeling greasy. It is very nourishing for dry ends – instantly smooth out the frizzes, and adds moisture and shine to the hair without weighing the hair down.

OUAI Hair Masque – An intensive treatment mask that deeply moisturises the hair and repairs the damage. The packaging is quite unusual (comes with 8 sachets) – the pro is that it is easy to carry it around for travelling, and the con is that you can’t adjust the usage amount. I have thick and medium long hair, and I feel one packet is just enough. The mask has a rich creamy texture, and you leave it on for 10 minutes. Again, I am impressed as I can noticeably feel and see the difference it makes to the hair. The result is on par with a pro-treatment, and the condition of your hair just feels much better in every aspect, after a single treatment.

The OUAI haircare range is available here and here with free worldwide shipping (for the best price)!

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Labels: HAIRCARE • OUAI

My Go-To Favorite Oils – Dior Prestige Oil Serum, OUAI Hair Oil and Omorovicza Oil Review

September 5, 2017

Sharing my thoughts on some of the best oils for face, body and hair that I have used so far – the Dior Prestige Replenishing Oil Serum, OUAI Hair Oil and the Omorovicza Firming Body Oil. All of them are ultra-luxurious aesthetically and the formulas are to-die-for with the most incredible scent. I have been using these 3 oils religiously every night, and they are my minimalist approach to taking care of my skin and hair in less than a minute instead of using 10 different products. They are effective, and I love how they make me feel pampered and relaxed. The amazing smell of each oil helps me to unwind from a stressful and chaotic day so I am very addicted to them.

Dior Prestige L’Huile Souveraine Oil Serum – I have a detailed review here. It is amazing for rescuing the driest skin along with the best anti-aging benefits. My skin appears moisturized, plumped and radiant day after day. It is pricey, but all you need is one/two drops per application. I’ve been using it every day for 3 months now and I am not even half way through. Best of all, this oil is derived from premium French roses, so it will literally make you feel like you are in a fresh rose garden.

OUAI Hair Oil -I bought this oil (from here) after hearing lots of great reviews. It has a very lovely musky jasmine smell to it, and the oil is lightweight and instantly absorbs into the hair. It nourishes the dry ends and smooths out the frizz without feeling greasy and heavy, and keeps the hair looking and feeling healthy. My HD recommended me to apply a drop of oil to the hair before bed, and I’ve been following her advice which seems to make a difference to the condition of my hair in the morning. My hair feels smooth and soft, and less tangled so it takes less time to style in the morning.

Omorovicza Firming Body Oil -I had an incredible body massage at a spa recently with this oil. I loved it so much I had to get one for myself (bought here) at home! It is a luxurious body oil serum with a blend of aromatic essential oils that targets at skin firming and toning. I love the smell as it instantly reminds me of a tranquil spa. Apart from using it all over the body for moisturizing, I particularly love applying it on the neck, shoulder, and décolletage every night. The heavenly aroma helps me to relax and gives me a good sleep. The oil has rosemary and chamomile that are anti-inflammatory and helps to relieve muscle tension. I was advised to apply this oil (as I have a stiff neck and shoulder) immediately after a hot shower which will help to soften the muscle and any tight knots!

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Labels: Body Oil • DIOR • FACE OIL • Hair Oil • HAIRCARE • OMOROVICZA • OUAI • SKINCARE

Loving Right Now

May 17, 2017

Just a round up on what I am loving recently.

Cle De Peau Silky Cream Foundation (previously named teint naturel fluide cream foundation) – One of the staples I have had for many years, and it’s one of the most classic foundations of Cle De Peau which has been around for a long time under different packaging and names! I am up to my last backup and due for a repurchase (reviewed here). It’s just a classic Cle De Peau foundation that stands the test of time – gives a beautiful semi-matte finish with a great coverage whilst still looks natural. The texture is phenomenal and only a small dab is enough for the whole face and it blends effortlessly with just the fingers. Highly recommend if you are after an all year-round foundation and want to dip your toe into the luxury beauty world of premium Japanese beauty Cle De Peau.

2. Verso Lip Serum – It offers more than a lip balm. This is an anti-aging lip serum that only needs to be used once before bedtime. I was a little shocked at the price of it but it beat any lip balms that I had used for nourishing my dry lips and restoring the youthful appearance as it is formulated with their signature retinol ingredient for anti-aging and plumping. Full review to come soon.

3. Dior Forever Cushion Foundation – Can’t stop gushing about this cushion foundation – reviewed here. If I want a no-makeup makeup look, I opt for this one.

4. Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Bronzer – Contouring products are over saturated in the market, but I am still having difficulty finding a product with the right shade that is neither orange nor too dark for my complexion. The newest Hoola Lite powder is perfection for mimicking a real shadow effect. One of the best contouring powders I have came across, and I need a backup!

5. Byredo Candle – You probably would have seen this in many instagram pictures lately. This month I am loving the Breydo which is my favorite alongside Diptyque – they offer a wide range of fragrances in candles that are very unique. Love their minimalist design and the quality is on par with Diptyque. I bought mine here with worldwide shipping.

6. Suqqu Eyelash Curler – Back to loving this eyelash curler. I didn’t understand the rave about it when I first got my hands on it, but the more I’ve used it the more I love it for curling my deadly stubbornly straight Asian lashes. Reviewed here.

7. Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm – A super luxurious and nourishing body cream for my dry skin in winter. It has a signature Aesop aroma scent and it lingers on the skin for a long time! Love it. Also available in smaller size.

8. Dior Addict Lacquer Stick – I am always spoilt with many choices of lip colors. This month I am loving the new Dior lacquer sticks (reviewed here). I wear lazy during the day most of the time, and love Party Red which is a super flattering red when I am in the mood for color!

9. 3CE Liquid Lip Color – I have previously talked about this Korean Brand and they have a huge range of makeup at an affordable price point, albeit the quality is a bit hit and miss. I bought many shades on StyleNanda, as I just can’t resist these beautiful colors that are right on point yet very wearable for my complexion. Some shades have a lovely full coverage consistency, and some shades are quite watery. They are also available at Sephora Australia.

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Labels: AESOP • BENEFIT • BYREDO • CANDLE • CLE DE PEAU • DIOR • My Favorites • SUQQU • VERSO

Skincare products that I am loving lately

June 1, 2016

Sharing some of my favorite skincare products of late. I go through lots of products at the same time, and once in a while, I like to do a round-up post on some of the products that I enjoy using.

NARs Multi Action Hydrating Toner – A lovely hydrating and refreshing toner in watery gel consistency, with some brightening properties that help to combat the formation of pigmentation. I bought the toner because I really like its sleek and minimum packaging, and its’ reasonably priced for such a large bottle. I enjoy using it in hot weather when my skin is not so dry, and it feels refreshing, lightweight and it mildly hydrates the skin. It also helps to clarify and deep clean the pores – If I apply this toner with a cotton pad even after washing my face with cleansers, sometimes there is still dirt and makeup residues left on the pad. It reminds me of the famous Clinique Clarifying Toner, but this is an alcohol free, and a much gentler and hydrating version of it.

Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus: I was a little skeptical about introducing retinol into my regime. My dermatologist highly recommended me to incorporate this 0.5% retinol serum nightly to start with, after I complained that I noticed some pores on my face becoming raindrop shaped which is clearly a sign of aging. I finally started using it about a month ago, and all I can say is what have I been missing out on all these years!! It has made a huge difference to my skin texture, as it truly visibly refines the pores over a period of one week. My complexion is looking more even, refined and the pores are more cleared, which in a way has improved the appearance of the pores. Retinol is also great for anti-aging, so if you start to see fine lines this is also a great product to consider. Not much firming and lifting effect from using it. Next on my to-try list will be the Chantecaillie Retinol Intense +.

Sulwhasoo Activating Serum: Reviewed here! Love this super hydrating and soothing serum which also helps to boost the benefits of other skincare products. The high concentration of ginseng also helps with blood circulation for a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Chanel Sublimage Regenerating Mask: As the mercury is dropping drastically in Australia, I am starting to appreciate this ultra nourishing mask more and more. You can see my full review here. In short, it’s a lovely luxury ultra moisturizing mask with anti-aging and regeneration benefits. It’s particularly great for those who are seeking the convenience of just using one product overnight (as a sleeping mask), and it gives you radiant, fully re-charged skin the next day.

Chantecaille Fruit and Acids Mask: This is an oldie but goodie which I really like to use once a week for exfoliating, clarifying the skin for a clearer complexion. It contains grapefruit and flower acids which help to take off the dead skin cells and re-texturises. It’s very gentle, and the result is instant to a brighter, more even-toned, radiant complexion after one use.

Fresh Youth Preserve Serum: Last but not least, I can’t believe this lovely serum from Fresh is discontinued. It’s hydrating, lightweight and is absorbed into the skin immediately. Just a really lovely serum to use in the morning, and helps the makeup go on nicely. And the best thing about it is that it smells exactly like the Fresh Soy Cleanser – like heaven! I’m addicted to the smell of all Fresh skincare products!

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Labels: CHANEL • CHANTECAILLE • FRESH • JAN MARINI • NARS • SKINCARE • SULWHASOO

Diptyque Scented Oval Reviews – Baies, Figuier and 34 Boulevard Saint Germain

April 25, 2016

When a big sparkling diamond is not on the near horizon, there are little luxury things in the world that will bring a smile to you everyday without breaking your bank. My favorite is probably everything from the iconic french fragrance maker – Diptyque Paris. Apart from their luxury scented candles, I have recently discovered they also carry this incredible line of Scented Ovals which I have been dreaming of to have such a product. These are the small scented home accessories that are used to perfume small spaces. Prior to this discovery of the century, I always liked the Hermes scented papier perfume, but I much prefer the Diptyques as they are longer lasting and offer lots of scented options.

The design is very elegant and look expensive in an understated french way. Each scented oval is hand-made with a white ceramic medallion, and filled with a hand-dripped scented wax that is embossed with the name of the fragrance. It is designed for perfuming small spaces such as the closet, drawer, or even the bathroom. I was told the product will last you about 1-2 years. While the scent is still very strong when it is new, it is best for keeping it in the closet and it will make your clothes smell like HEAVEN! Generally you would only keep one per closet, and it keeps the space perfumed and away from any stale odour. Depending on the size of your closet, for a small closet I find that the fragrance also transfers to the clothes mildly which is a bonus. After one year when the scent starts to dissipate, then you can leave it in a smaller space such as your drawers. It is not recommended for use in the car as the wax might melt in very hot conditions.

pictured: Sea Lace Top

The scented ovals come in 4 different fragrances – the Baies, Figuier (leans more fruity), 34 boulevard saint germain, and Roses (floral based) I picked up the former 3 as they are less feminine, and blend in well with my wardrobe. Here is a brief description on each scent.

Baies is my all time favorite fragrance from Diptyque. I have been addicted to it for years and I have it in the candles, perfume as well as the scented oval. Main notes are the roses and blackcurrants, that smells slightly woody and fruity. To me this is such a unique scent that I will never be bored of.

Figuier is a soft woody fig scent. If you love the Philosykos fragrance which is the best selling perfume for Diptyque, you would love this one.

34 is the special scent that was born after many customers requested to ‘bottle’ the boutique of Diptyque located on Saint Germain which was filled with many rare and precious fragrances. It is complex and unisex that encapsulates the scent of the boutique. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Paris boutique, then 34 is as close as you will get!

You can find Diptyque products at Nordstrom online. I bought mine at Neiman Marcus.

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Labels: DIPTYQUE • FRAGRANCE • HOMEWARE • PERFUME

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