Front Row Beauty

Chanel Le Vernis Tutti Frutti Swatch and Review

June 10, 2014

On my nails today is the Chanel Le Vernis Tutti Frutti (621) from the Summer 2014 Collection. A stunning saturated pink based coral shade that will definitely make your nails the centre of attention in a good way. It’s a neutral shade that would brighten up most skin colors. Like many Chanel nail polishes, Tutti Frutti contains micro gold shimmer (as you can see from the bottle) but applies to a cream finish. A must-have color for the warm season, yet an instant ‘brighten-me-up’ shade for a gloomy day!

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Labels: CHANEL • NAIL POLISH

New In – My Sales Picks

June 7, 2014

It’s the time of the year where sales are everywhere! Just when you think you gotta stick to your budget, you get lured into some good deals for some pretty damn good items. Over the years I’ve learnt to only buy the classic items that are on sale which don’t look too seasonal. Particularly for the higher end brands – they may have some of their signature styles on sale in very limited quantities, and if you are quick enough, you can probably get hold of them.

My “biggest proud purchase” during this sale season has to be this Isabel Marant Etoile Kady Washed Leather Jacket. I had this on my wishlist for so long, and I could not believe it went on sale. It all sold out within hours. My other recommendations for a good quality designer leather jacket include this iconic BLK DNM, and also this beautiful Surface to Air soft and drapey leather jacket.

The MSGM Floral Biker Jacket is another purchase that is now ticked off my wishlist! A bold floral biker jacket was on top of my list, and there is no other brand who does floral mixed vintage with an edge better than this uber chic contemporary Italian label. If you are after a statement jacket like this, this one or this are some other great options.

This is a lovely tweed dress with leather trim by 10 Crosby Derek Lam. I love a great LWD, particularly when the details have a modern spin to it. This dress has a loose fit that allows me to dress down or up with some accessories.

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Labels: Fashion • SHOP

Chanel Summer 2014 – Illusion D’ombre Mirage and Stylo Yuex Ambre Dore Review and Swatches

June 5, 2014

I couldn’t get my hands off the Chanel Illusion D’ombre Mirage (95) and the Stylo Yeux Ambre Dore (911) from the Chanel Summer 2014 Collection . They are the most perfect flattering medium brown shades that go so well with my usual color palette of makeup that I wear.

I am an avid lover of cream eye shadows, as they are just so much more convenient to use and it is easier to control the intensity. My favorite cream eye shadows have always been the Giorgio Armani’s Eyes to Kill and the Chanel Illusion D’ombre. As a makeup item the GA is more superior in terms of opacity and color complexity. However, for practicality I found that I always reach for the Chanel more as the finish is more “day time friendly” (if that makes sense!). The finish is less frosty/metallic, and it doesn’t look heavy and dry on the eyes. This is one makeup item that would always look flattering on people of all ages if the shade is right. And Illusion D’ombre in Mirage is the most beautiful medium brown in shimmer I have – it’s neither too cool nor too warm on my skin when it’s sheered out. It just looks perfect as it makes my eyes appear more deeper set as what a brown eyeshadow shade should do, as well as making the eyes glistening with a soft sparkle. The texture is velvety smooth and goes on even and blendable as usual.

The color of Stylo Yeux Ambre Dore is also equally beautiful. It’s a shimmery golden coppery shade that would make blue/green eyes pop. For my dark brown eyes, it’s a perfect shade for defining the lash lines without making the eyes look too harsh. The quality is consistent with the other stylos – soft, smooth, non-tugging and long lasting.

Swatches – Note that the heavy swatch of Mirage leans more warm (left), whereas the sheer swatch of Mirage is closer to neutral sandy brown (middle)

My quick 10 minutes makeup in the morning – wearing these two products on my eyes today. These are the quick snapshots I took with my phone this morning. Not the best FOTD quality but hope you get an idea of what they look like!

The Chanel Summer 2014 Collection is available online at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Right now NM is offering a Free Tote and samples with $100 beauty purchase!

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Labels: CHANEL • EYELINER • EYESHADOW

Current Obsession – Ripped Denim

June 2, 2014

I have been searching for a perfect pair of ripped jeans for a long time, and most of them I have seen are in the boyfriend/slouchy style which is not what I am after. When I spotted that Frame Denim does them in the skinny form, I ordered my first pair in blue straight away (bought here, also available on shopbop). The fit of FRAME’s denim is like a dream – the waist is neither too high nor too low, and it fits like a glove and elongates your legs. The material is soft and stretchy, but tight enough to conceal the unflattering bit.. If you are into celebs street wear, you would probably have seen them on countless celebs including Miranda Kerr to the Kardashian sisters.

I have been a total sweater and jeans ~~girl~~ (mama) lately!

FRAME Denim Le Color Rip Skinny Jeans in Blanc (also comes in blue and black, cheaper version here)

Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Sunglasses

Current/Elliott The Perfect Shirt

L’America LA Sweater

PRADA Bow Wedge Sandals (similar here)

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Labels: Fashion • OOTD

Chanel Summer 2014 – Le Vernis Sweet Lilac 615 Swatch and Review

May 31, 2014

On my nails today is the Chanel Le Veris Sweet Lilac 615 from its Summer 2014 Reflets D’ete Collection. I don’t know how Chanel does it – they can always transform a basic color into something so beautiful and elegant in an expensive way. I am completely head over heels for these candy colored nail colors from the latest collection – they are so sweet and fresh, and surprisingly they don’t make me feel like I’m wearing a teenager’s shade! Love the sweet lilac – not an easy color to pull off for Asians with yellow tone, but this one completely complements my skin color and add a youthful pop. Quality is of standard Chanel- takes two coats for an opaque and streak-free cream finish.

Bought them all (except for the eastern light which is a repromote – swatched here)!

And I have a lot more product reviews for the Chanel Summer 2014 makeup collection to come 🙂 Have a good weekend everyone!

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Labels: CHANEL • NAIL POLISH

Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Fase Base Review

May 29, 2014

Bobbi Brown’s skincare products are just as divine as their makeup line. Though it is primarily a makeup brand, the skincare products I have used are just far more superior than some other major big brands. A case in point is the Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base that remains as their best seller for many years..

This is a double duty product – it can be used as a moisturizer or makeup primer. I bought it for the purpose of using it as a makeup base. The minute I took it out from the box, I was drawn to its simple and sleek glass jar design, and its signature luxurious citrus scent. The texture is creamy but silky and lightweight, and it glides on skin soft and smooth like cashmere. It gives the skin an instant boost of moisture with a radiant glow, so it gives the appearance of more plumped skin. This is a product for people with normal to dry skin, or anyone who wants to achieve a natural glowy complexion for a photo shoot. It makes the skin slightly emollient (but doesn’t feel like a film) with plenty of slip, so it allows the foundation and other base product to adhere to the skin much better as well as for ease of blending. The only drawback would be it makes my T-zone slightly oily after 5-6 hours of wear (which is fine with me as at this old age I appreciate any natural oil on my face!), so this will not be the right product for anyone with oily skin or living in humid/hot weather condition for daily use.

I personally do not like any primer that feels siliconey with a matte finish. My skin is dry, so I need a good moisturizer-like primer that is packed with nurturing ingredients that makes my complexion more smooth and dry patches free for subsequent makeup application. The Bobbi Brown is a savior for people with normal to dry skin as it turns any foundation into dream-like application for a radiant finish. It’s a just a classic product to have in your makeup kit.

I have used quite a few BB skincare products and I absolutely love them all – here are the backups of some of my favorite Bobbi Brown products!

Intensive Skin Supplement; Buffing Grains; Hydrating Gel Cream; Vitamin Enriched Face Base. I have also reviewed the luxurious Extra Rinse Balm here.

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Labels: BOBBI BROWN • Makeup Base • MOISTURIZER

All about getting back to shape

May 26, 2014

It has been many months since my last update on my post pregnancy weight loss progress, and I’m happy to say that I have finally shed the extra kilos. I have received many emails from my readers that they were also expecting or just became a new mum in the past 12 months. I’m so grateful to hear their stories so I thought I’d share my experience with you all too.

Set your expectations right

With all the celebs/models posting pictures of their sexier-and-skinnier-than-ever bodies shortly after giving birth, it’s creating a lot of unreal expectations on normal women like us. Unless you have a super fast metabolism or an entourage of people such as nutritionists, personal trainers etc at your disposal, the average time for most women to get back to their pre-pregnancy shape is about 9 months. It takes 9 months to give birth, so it is natural and normal for your body to “reverse back”. As for me, it took a total of 7 months to achieve my goal, with a disciplined eating plan and daily workout.

The workout that works – Pilates

I am not a “dance aerobics by myself in front of the TV” person – I like working out with other people and seeing them highly motivated! So I try to go the gym every 2 days, or at least 3 times a week. My gym offers a range of different types of pilates and yoga classes, and my favorite is the pilates reformer class. It is the most amazing and effective workout to tone up whole body without bulking up, and it targets core strength so it promotes flat abs and good posture which is exactly what I need. I never thought I would say it but I really enjoy fitness these days!

Me on the reformer machine!

Portion control

No matter how much exercise you do, it’s redundant if you don’t control the food intake. I don’t diet, and I don’t believe in depriving myself from a complete range of food classes. I find that the weight just bounces back as soon as I stop following the diet plan, and I cannot commit myself not to eat tasty food for a lifetime! I find the easiest way for me to lose weight is not to eat after 6pm (or 6:30 by latest), and no water after 9pm. I normally have a big breakfast, and eat whatever I want for lunch but at a small portion. For dinner I eat healthy and carbs free. This is tried and tested as this eating plan works every time I feel the need to shed some weight.

Some superfood I take throughout the day. I also drink a glass of green juice everyday – it’s the best natural remedy for detoxification.

Coconut Water, Organic Yoghurt, Chia Seed Pudding, Goji Berries, Quinoa

Please note that I am no expert in nutrition neither in fitness, this post is purely for sharing my own weight loss journey. Do you have any tips and advice to share?

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3 Concept Eyes Waterful Glossing Foundation and Concealer Review

May 21, 2014

I got a little carried away buying Korean makeups online of lately, and they can be hit and miss. So I’ll only talk about the products I’m thoroughly impressed with which include the 3 Concept Eyes (3CE) Glossing Waterful Foundation and the Waterful Concealer. 3CE is a highly popular Korean cosmetic brand that is like the Asian version of MAC but cheaper – they have a huge range of products in a rainbow of colors, and they all look so damn good on the beautiful models. The entire range is available on StyleNanda, or you can also buy selected products on COSME-DE (cheaper than its official website).

The 3 Concept Eyes Glossing Waterful Foundation is as per the name suggests – it has an ultra lightweight fluid consistency and leaves a soft dewy ‘wet-like’ finish. If you have ever seen how flawless and dewy Korean actress’s complexions are, you will know what I am talking about here! The foundation is housed in a sturdy frosted glass bottle and has a drop applicator like the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation. The formula has very high water content so it melds into the skin with no blending required (I just rubbed it in with fluid movement then tap it), and leaves absolutely no trace of foundation marks on the face. It has no shimmer but gives a lit-within radiant glow, and the hydrating formula works well with dry skin as it doesn’t enhance any dry patches and pores. The coverage is quite sheer which it is meant to be – it only evens out the complexion and covers small imperfections. If you have relatively good skin to begin with and like the minimum bare-face dewy look, this foundation would be your match made in heaven. Otherwise it is recommended to use a BB cream underneath this foundation for a more polished look.

This foundation only comes in 4 shades, and here is a picture for shade reference. FYI I bought the foundation in shade ‘Natural Ivory’ and it matches me perfectly (as you can see in this FOTD).

Image credit from StyleNanda

Here is how it compares to some of my other foundations:

I was so impressed by the foundation, so I ordered its matching Waterful Concealer (in shade 01) straight away and it totally lived up to my expectations. It is very similar to the foundation and gives the same “glossing” effect. It has a thicker consistency to the foundation since it is more pigmented and is made for better coverage. I only use this to cover my dark circles, and what I love about this concealer is that it feels like applying a hydrating eye gel. It feels refreshing to apply and the ultra lightweight formula just sinks in to the applied area. There is no cakeiness; doesn’t get caught in fine lines, and doesn’t make your eyes appear more dry and aged. It softens the appearance of dark circles, brightens and illuminates the eye area. It is not a heavy duty concealer so I won’t use this to cover blemishes or discolorations. This is more of a cross between under-eye highlighter and concealer that is suffice for people who have mild under-eye imperfections.

Overall thumbs up for these two products. You don’t feel like you are wearing makeup at all with these two products, and they go really well if you just like to wear some light makeup during the day.

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Labels: 3 CONCEPT EYES • CONCEALER

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