Front Row Beauty

November Favorites – Flawless Complexion

December 7, 2011

For the month of November I was mainly focusing on achieving a flawless complexion. If you have read my previous posts you would know my skin was breaking out more than usual over the time in US, so I have spent a great deal of time on finding the right skincare products that can clear up my skin as soon as possible (I have zero tolerance for them!), as well as fading the acne scars. For makeup I opted for base makeup that offers a slightly more coverage than what I would normally go for, so they can help me to ‘fake’ a flawless complexion on a bad skin day.

Let’s start with my favorite skincare of the month. After I was let down by Tanda Zap that failed to clear up any blemishes, I went back to my trusted formulation – Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acid. I started with the Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel, which contains potent AHA and a high strength of BHA (2%). Then I couldn’t help but buy the MD Formulation Vit-A-Plus Clearing Gel which has an even higher concentration of salicylic acid (5%), and it also includes retinol. Combined with MD Formulation Vit-A-Plus Clearing Complex Masque, I saw visible results within 3 days, after 1 week my blemishes were almost all gone and they also prevented new blemishes from appearing. All of these products are extremely harsh to the skin, so I needed an extremely gentle cleanser to neutralize the harsh effects. The Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse is the savior.

At the moment I am focusing on having my skin repaired as I was left with some acne marks. The Creme de la Mer The Concentrate has recently been voted as the Best Skin Secret by Harper’s Bazaar Australia, and I can’t agree with them more. La Mer has always been marketed as a miracle for anti aging, but little did people know the healing power of their products. If you are familiar with La Mer’s signature ingredient – the miracle broth, it was initially developed by the founder to heal severely burnt skin, and I believe this is what some of their products are best used for. The Creme de la Mer The Concentrate contains the highest concentration of miracle broth, and is mainly used for treating scars, not for anti aging. It is the best I’ve used for repairing damaged and irritated skin, as it heals wounds, and fades scars quite miraculously!

The weather was somewhat dry in the States, and now it’s cold in Sydney. So I have been using Laura Mercier’s Moisturizing Foundation, finished with either Cle de Peau Beaute Translucent Loose Powder or La Mer The Powder. For concealing, I love using the Bobbi Brown Corrector in light bisque. If I want some extra luminosity, I topped it up with YSL’s Touche Eclat, of which I have now lost count of how much of this I have gone through. The Shiseido Foundation Brush made me fall in love with compact foundations again, as I have been using this brush with either Laura Mercier Mineral Powder or Edward Bess Sheer Satin Foundation (not in the picture) whenever my skin needed more coverage, and they have worked their wonders to fake a flawless complexion.

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Labels: BRUSHES • CHANEL • CLE DE PEAU • FOUNDATION • LA MER • Laura Mercier • MD Formulations • My Favorites • Peter Thomas Roth • SHISEIDO • YSL

Shiseido Foundation Brush 131 Review

December 5, 2011

I am very happy with my latest foundation brush purchase, which is the Shiseido Foundation Brush 131 – the Japanese Version. I have previously done a foundation brushes overview post and was quite happy with my current collection, but there is something about this brush that just really clicked with me.

The Shiseido Foundation Brush 131 was released a while ago in Japan. First of all, it has achieved phenomenal success in an already saturated brushes market. Almost every Japanese beauty magazine has done a feature on this brush. Secondly, this brush was designed and endorsed by THE celebrity makeup artist 山本浩未. She is known for her flawless and natural base makeup creation and is the magic hand behind all of the amazing beauty shoots for some of the most popular Japanese mags such as Voce, Vivi and Ray. Most importantly, it is a very affordable brush. I bought it for only USD$20 at Adambeauty. There is also a high end version of it released by Shiseido.

The Shiseido Foundation Brush is made of synthetic fiber, and it feels incredibly soft and bouncy on the skin. Most of the foundation brushes are made of synthetic fiber and this brush is the softest amongst all. The bristles are also the most densely packed – it’s important for a foundation brush as it means it will leave no foundation streaks if you apply it the correct way.

It’s a flat top brush but it is slanted, and don’t confuse this as a Kabuki brush as it is not meant for buffing. The application method is slightly different – in essence you dab the foundation on to the skin first, mainly focusing on the large pore areas and the under eye areas, then you gently smooth the foundation outward. I highly recommend that you view the following videos in which the makeup artists demonstrate the application method in detail.

Video Demonstration by 山本浩未

Video Demonstration from Shiseido

The makeup artist was using a dry compact foundation with this brush in both videos, and that’s also what I love using this brush for. If you find that applying compact foundation/powder with a sponge gives a cakey and blotchy finish and hard to blend, then this is THE perfect tool for it. I have been using it with my Laura Mercier mineral powder foundation and the Edward Bess Creamy Compact foundation, and the result is so remarkable that it got me totally hooked!

Bottom Line: A remarkable and affordable foundation brush that is excellent for applying liquid foundation, dry or creamy compact foundations. I don’t think I can live without it!

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Labels: BRUSHES • SHISEIDO

NARS 9966 DANMARI All About Cheek Palette Review

December 2, 2011

The NARS 9966 DANMARI All About Cheek Palette was on top of my shopping list before I went to the States, so the first item I grabbed from Sephora was this one. Actually it was all sold out at the first Sephora so I had to go to another store.

I am sure by now you will have read thousands of reviews on Nars blushes so I really don’t want to bore you with my opinions. Basically I love Nars blushes, as they have been my staples ever since I started wearing makeup. I don’t collect all of them as some shades just don’t work with my complexion. I bought this palette mainly because it is just too good value for money – it only retails for USD$65 for 6 blushes which will normally set you back $107 if you buy them individually (almost half the price)! It contains some of the most classic Nars shades such as the 0rgasm and desire which I already own – they are so beautiful so it doesn’t hurt to have multiples of them. Sin is also a good addition as it has just been repromoted in the2011 holiday collection. The rest of the shades are nice to have for me but are not necessary.

Top Row: Hungry Heart Duo II, orgasm, Desire

Bottom Row: Casino, Super 0rgasm, Sin

Top Row Swatch:

Bottom Row Swatch:

Group Swatch:

My Nars Blushes Family Photo: The NARS 9966 DANMARI All About Cheek Palette has completed my Nars blush collection. As you can tell I tend to go for the muted colors by Nars.

Bottom Line: Not matter how many Nars makeup you have, Nars palettes are just too good to pass! This is a limited edition palette and at the moment it is only exclusive to Sephora.

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Labels: BLUSH • NARS

Loving it – Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse Review

November 30, 2011

Wow…what can I say about the Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse Cleanser, other than I am totally in love with this. I’ve used up quite a few tubs of the Eve Lom Cleanser in a row so I felt a little bored and I had the urge to try something different. As you all know Eve Lom is my all time favorite cleanser, so finding something as good was a difficult mission. I spotted this cleanser while shopping for other Bobbi Brown skincare stuff, and it was flagged as “Bobbi Brown’s award winning cleanser”. Naturally I wanted to find out what’s so special about this cleanser, and the minute I opened the jar it was instant gratification so I had to bring it home with me.

I use this cleanser every night to remove my makeup – it does a wonderful job. I have previously used some cheap Japanese cleansers that also removes my makeup perfectly, for only $10. So I question myself why do I prefer to use such an expensive cleanser? The answer is it’s all about the experience and the sensation I am getting out of a product. What matters to me the most is the way the cleanser makes me feel. After a day of stressful work, removing makeup every night can be a chore. The Bobbi Brown Balm Rinse ticks every single box to wind down a day of stress and makes me feel relaxed and pampered. I love the look of this elegant glass jar sitting on my vanity, I love the bright yellow texture of the cleanser (yellow is a happy color!), and I love the fresh citrus scent. It is extremely soothing, refreshing and smells expensive. You just know it is made of premium essential oil, and this smell reminds me of all the expensive day spas I have visited in the past. If money wasn’t an object I would go for a spa treatment every week, right now I am really happy that the Bobbi Brown is reminiscent of the day spa.

Very similar to the Eve Lom , it has a balmy consistency but thicker. It also has a warming sensation when it is first applied to the face, which helps to open up the pores for a deep cleansing. I massage it onto dry skin for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off. My skin feels very calm, clean (but not squeaky clean), soft and fresh after washing without a single trace of oily residue. It felt so gentle to my skin I was worried that my makeup might not be removed completely, so I wiped my face with the Bioderma as a test and it passed with flying colors! Because it is made of essential oils I won’t use it to remove my eye makeup – I did it once and it stings a little.

It contains orange oil to leave the skin feeling immediately refreshed, and olive oil for a smooth, cushiony finish.

Full Ingredient List:

The Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse is quite expensive for a cleanser, as it retails for USD$55 + tax (also available here in Australia for AUD$90) but it comes in such a huge tub and I think it will last me more than 6 months.

Bottom Line: A little luxurious spa quality-like cleanser for women who like to spoil themselves 🙂

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Labels: BOBBI BROWN

Nars Larger Than Life Lip Gloss Pirée Review and Swatch

November 29, 2011

I spotted the new Nars Larger Than Life Lip gloss at Sephora . It is probably one the most interesting new collections by Nars for me lately, as for some reason both the fall collection and the holiday collection just didn’t intrigue me as much as before. At the moment the new lip glosses are only exclusive to Sephora..hopefully they will soon be available at other stores, so if your country doesn’t have Sephora (I mean Australia!) it’s just going to be a matter of time.

I bought the shade Pirée. There are also a few other interesting shades but I am trying to be more selective, so I only picked one shade which looked the best on me upon testing . Pirée is a gorgeous “your-lips-but-much-much-better” shade, as it is almost the same color as my lips but slightly nudish. The color is not as intense as the rest of the shades in the collection – it goes on semi-sheer with a wet glossy finish, and has no shimmers. The formulation is lovely as well – smooth, lightweight and non sticky. Compared to the old Nars gloss I would say the new gloss offers a richer color and a higher impact shine.

As you can see, the new Larger Than Life Lip gloss comes with a tiny brush applicator for precise application. To be honest I am not very fond of this new design, as I have full lips and it just takes more effort to apply lip gloss with this extra small brush.

Pirée Swatch:

Paired with neutral eye makeup:

Pirée is also very similar to Nars Lipgloss in Chihuahua

Bottom Line: A lovely new line of lip glosses delivered by Nars. If you are into new makeup, definitely worth to have them checked out.

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Labels: LIPGLOSS • NARS

Christmas Party Look with Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill 04

November 28, 2011

Christmas is just around the corner, which means the party season is truly upon us! Are you all excited? I am, because the many “non-neutral-makeup” that I bought for special occasions are finally on high rotation of use. I attended a few parties after work last week, and I needed makeup that can transform my look from day to night within minutes. I thought I’ll give the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Eye shadow 04 a try – I wanted this one so much until I got the Chanel Illusoire but I bought it anyway at SAKS to qualify for the gifts with purchase.

I love Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Eye shadows in general, and I have already reviewed the other shades in my previous post, so I am not going to review the quality of these eye shadows again. The shade 04 is a gorgeous taupe shade in the pan, but I am little disappointed that the color doesn’t show up on me quite the same as it appears in the pan. It pulls a little too gray with a gunmetal metallic sheen – such color can look too harsh against my complexion and I don’t feel comfortable wearing it alone. I personally prefer taupe with a brown tinge to it and that’s what this shade is missing.

Compared to Chanel Illusoire:

My Giorgio Armani ETK Eyeshadows Collection as of today:

Bottom Line: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill 04 is a stunning color but I think it takes the right complexion to pull it off. It allows you to create a multi dimensional smoky eyes within minutes, and also serves as a good base for an even more intense and dramatic eyes. I like it but not love it. I think there are better GA ETK shades to invest in, and if I have to choose between ETK 04 and Chanel Illusoire, I would go for the Chanel.

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Labels: EYESHADOW • Giorgio Armani

A day at Tory Burch

November 27, 2011

Tory Burch had my heart racing! I had seen Tory Burch on many online retailers, but strangely it had never caught my attention until the day I stepped into the Tory Burch Boutique on Robertson Blvd. Can I just say the pictures on many websites do not do their justice, because everything just looked so much better in real life. Their clothes are beautifully made with premium fabrics, and immaculately tailored with intricate details. Their accessories and jewelery all have a unique design (rather than following the mainstream styles) and they look and feel expensive. After an hour of indecisive pondering…I decided to splurge.

The Tweed Jacket

The leather cuff

Keyhole Belt – totally in love with this belt!

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Labels: SHOP • Tory Burch

Tanda Zap Review

November 26, 2011

My skin started to break out when I was in the States, mainly due to lack of proper skin care as I only brought some random samples with me, as well as daily french fries indulgence… I freaked out when I noticed I had six blemishes on my face and I knew I had to do something about it. So I went “high tech” this time and bought the Tanda Zap. It seems it is just as popular as the Clarisonic as I can see them at every beauty store I go to.

If you are into skincare, you would know that there has a been a trend in the use of red infrared light to combat aging, and the use of blue infrared light to combat acne. It is a common treatment that is carried out at most advanced beauty salons, and I have seen more and more home versions of these tools being released – the difference would be the home version generates a lesser wavelength infrared light than the professional machines.

What is Tanda Zap:

Tanda Zap is clinically proven to clear or fade blemishes within 24 hours. Tanda Zap is the triple threat for pimples: it uses powerful blue light to destroy acne-causing bacteria while gentle vibration and warming help to open pores so bacteria has nowhere to hide.

It retails for USD$49, at a price that is affordable to anyone who is desperate to get rid of their acne. I was highly skeptical about it but I thought I could always return it if it didn’t work. I followed the instructions and used it on both inflamed and un-inflamed blemishes at least 4 times a day. After 24 hours, I saw absolutely no changes to my blemishes – nothing was diminished nor shrunk. After one week of use, I can confirm it had done nothing to improve clearing up the blemishes . Some reviews said it only worked for un-inflamed acne, unfortunately it didn’t work me either. It has some anti bacteria effect to it so my un-inflamed blemishes did not grow into a bigger size, but they didn’t fade either and just stayed on my skin for as long as I was using it.

It takes about 2 minutes to treat each blemish, I had about 6 blemishes on my face and treating all of them for 4 times a day is utterly boring. By day 3 the batteries will be semi flat and I could feel that the vibration was not as strong.

You might wonder why didn’t I return it? Well, the hotel housekeeping threw the packaging away!

Bottom Line: A waste of money.

Have you used any of the blue and red light tools to take care of your skin? Which brands do you use and do you like them?

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