Hi hi!

So I went for my brow trimming session today,and the last time I trimmed my brows was maybe last Nov last year.  It has been almost 3 months, or more?  Anyway, so I was at the shop today, and my gf said I should totally take before/ after pictures.  And these pictures were taken with my BB, so the quality isn't fantastic.... and the lighting is also rather glaring, which flashes out my skin color etc etc.. but you get the general idea.

This is before the trimming. All brow products are wiped off, before the trimming and plucking start. As you can see, my brows are bushy (wow, I never know this would be a word to describe my brows one day.. haha) but the hairs are fine.  However, the basic shape of the brows  is still intact, and I was able to continue filling in my brows as usual.

15 minutes and some clever trimming and plucking later, this is what I got.  Which isn't very very very obvious... but perhaps you can see that the hairs are neater and shorter.  All stray hairs have been plucked too.  And you might notice that my brows aren't that equal... one side seems to be neater, while the other is a little sparse in some parts.

But all that can be changed and adjusted by filling in the brows.

Yup, so I strongly believe in getting your brows professionally groomed every few months, and you can DIY the maintaining yourself.

And then after my brow session, we went hanging out, and I ended up buying a manly shirt at Zara (not going to be featured in this entry), a new liquid foundation, and a new face cream.

I finished my old fade out cream a long time ago, and never repurchased it, and thought this would be a good time to try out this with the SPF.

And my first Estee Lauder liquid foundation.  The shade which I was matched is 1W1 Bone 17.  I am a little surprised that this is not as expensive as I thought (S$53).  And sometimes the pixiwoo girls do mention this in their tutorials.  I was swatching this foundation at Sephora, and it gives a very nice even and matte coverage.  And it is supposed to be long wearing too, so I have faith in this product!  Don't get me wrong, I still love all my other foundations, I am just kind of a wh**e (for want of a better word) when it comes to switching up my foundations.  If I have my way, I want to get a new MUFE HD foundation, in my shade, Chanel Pro Lumiere, La Mer cream foundation, etc.  Seriously.  I want to try them all.

P/S: In other updates, I saw Linn today!!!!  At work!!!  But I did not attack her counter... she was on duty serving a customer, discreetly tapped her, and winked winked at her.  LOL.

P/SS:  I will be pimping my lashes soon after CNY.  Watch this space.  :p

SOLD

For Sale: MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC30.

Conditions: Comes in the box - no pump.  Used once or twice only.  Helping my gf to sell this away.

Price: $22.50 inclusive of registered postage by atm transfer.  (UP $43)

Interested?  PM me -- no email please.  Thanks.

Hi hi...

Just a little FYI, the following LOTD pics were taken after the end of a long long day in the hot sun, walking about, eating non stop, attended a wedding etc, and coming back home.

So pardon me, if my face seems rather oily or worn out.

I really like this eye shadow combination, which I have raved about before, and which I totally copied from pixiwoo's tutorial "defined bronzed eye"  - I think this is one of my fave tutorial of all time.

Face: RMK Base, Dior Extreme Fit, La Mer Powder, Studio Sculpt Concealer

Cheeks: Personal Style, and Dollymix

Lips: (which is completely worn off by now, since I didn't bother to touch up) -- YSL RV No7 Lingerie Pink, and MAC My Favourite Pink Dazzleglass Creme

Lashes: Ardell lashes, and also I cut up a piece of Shu Uemura's Smokey Layers, and pasted each half at the outer corner for extra kick. YSL Faux Cils in Violet on the lower lashes.

Liner: Stila Smudgepot in Brown, MAC Orpheus to line waterline

Eyeshadows: MAC Patina, Smut, Vanilla

Brows: MAC Dirty Blonde, Mink Brow Set

Check out the extra definition and color at the outer corner, due to the added lashes.

And the star of this post, I bought a Prada purse today.  I saw this series of bags at the DFS store this week, and have been lemming it since... and when I was at ION today, and I just tried my luck, to check if the purse is still available in store, cos apparently it is not a new collection, and is very limited edition.  So.. I was very excited to get my hands on the very last piece.  Woot!

Since I don't really use a wallet (I just stash all my cash and cards into a purse with no separate slots, and sometimes my phone fit into that purse too).. this type of purse is really what I need... well, I don't NEED it.. but I am a sucker/ have a fetish for all things with cute skull motifs.. and yea, so that kind of justifies this little impulsive purchase.

Yup, I kind of collect all these skull type purses...the last one I bought is a Fendi printed bag...and the skull print is so cute, and not very 'obvious', if you know what I mean?

And a little side note, while I was at ION, I skipped over to Sephora to see the Urban Decay stuff, and guess what, I bumped into Kas while I was swatching the eyeshadows!!  LOL.  So funny.. so we raved a little about the eyeshadows.. and she explained to me in person all the girly math about the cost and quantity you are paying for etc.. and then we had to quickly take off, because she had to join her parents, and I had to re-join my friend who was at the LV store.

Yup, that's about it.... and thanks for reading!!

In case you are interested. Click here for the store. Limited range available.  The last time I ordered, shipping is 8 pounds.

30% off regular priced Loreal and Maybelline products only at Robinsons.

From 5 - 7 Feb 2010 only.

Something to do over the weekend?
(p/s: Just spreading the news, cos sister told me about it)

Hi hi...

Just thought of trying out a different crease color on the eyes today, a matte dark teal color from the Illamasqua Sirens Palette.

On the face:

Foundation: RMK Base, Dior Extreme Fit Liquid Foundation, MUFE Super Matte Loose Powder, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer  Cheeks: MAC Cremeblend Blush in Joie-V-Dver? (watever the spelling)  OMG, this is soooo vibrant on my skin, but  the good thing about cream blushers is that they are easy to blend out, and this is super easy to blend.  Me loves loves loves!!!!

Brows: MAC Dirty Blonde Pencil, and Mink Brow set (lightly brushed through my brow hairs)

Eyes: All colors used from Illamasqua Sirens Palette,  Highlight color from a Dior palette, Loreal Superliner, Lashes from Ardell.

Lips: YSL RV No19, Frivolous Pink

That's all, and thanks for reading!!

Hi everyone,

This will be a 2 part review of the ZA products which I was sent last week.  It took me sometime to finally get down to it, I thought of using it for a few days, before giving my comments, but the colors I got aren't ones which I would use everyday in my morning routine... so I had to apply the colors on my eyes today, and hopefully share with you what I think about them.

Click here to read about my 'haul' entry on these products, because I did mention how the eyeshadow palettes were developed, as the target market/ consumers (mainly in Japan) like to use mascara and eyeshadows as part of their makeup routine.

According to the product information which came with the products:

1. the eyeshadows come in a combination of 4 gradation shades to achieve big, defined and bold eyes, effortlessly.
2. the poreless powder covers uneven areas (creases) around the eye to create a smooth finish.
3. contains Vitamin E to nourish skin around the eyes
4. smooth texture allows powder to glide on easily
5. wrapped in a new look -- chic pink packaging

In my opinion, as I was telling Kas and the rest yesterday, I have a feeling that these products appeal to consumers who are looking for an affordable and easy to use options when it comes to makeup.  You don't need to figure out colour combinations, as all the colours which you need in the eye makeup look is all in one neat palette.   And also, the shimmery shades of these eyeshadows also probably appeal to the younger segment of the market (late teens, to early 20s?).

Well, before I ramble on, let's see some swatches -  you might also want to click on Kas' blog entry for her swatches of the eyeshadows.

Also, do take note that I did not read all her entries on the ZA cosmetics so that I can give the most objective review and comments about the products.

I swatched the colors using the sponge tip applicator that comes with each palette.

Next, I also use the same applicators to apply the colors, obeying the instructions that came with the products on how the 4 shades work together, and how to achieve the look that 'creates bigger, brighter and defined eyes effortlessly'.  Reason I did not want to use my own makeup brushes is because I want to put myself in the position of a regular customer who may not own a lot of makeup brushes and might be actually using these sponge tip applicators to apply the products.  Personally, I find that there is nothing wrong with using sponge tip applicators for eyeshadows... just that they are usually too tiny for my hands to handle, and many of the eyeshadows I bought and use comes without the applicators, so I tend to reach for brushes most of the time.

From the swatches, I find that only the lightest and darkest shades are different, while the middle shades aren't too different in terms of tone.

Here are the instructions for application:

And this is what I came up with -- I also used the same MAC Bare Canvas paint on my eyes. I did not use a colored base, because I  did not want to change the color and texture of the eyeshadows.   I just needed something neutral which will grab on to the eyeshadows.

I also use the ZA Wide Eyed Mascara.

This picture, we have the Silver palette, which looks like the typical colors you would use in a smokey eye look, the silvery black type of smokey eyes.

And the Violet palette and Violet mascara : the colors look more vibrant in the swatches than the actual application.

And a close up picture of my eyes with the Black Wide Eyed mascara -- My sister said my lashes look sooooo pathetic!!!  But hey, in my defense, I did not even curl my lashes here.. I think I have forgotten how to curl my lashes too.... I prolly end up pinching my lids instead of curling my lashes.

My thoughts on these products, in particular, the eyeshadows:

• The darkest shades in both palettes contains very pretty iridescent shimmers, and I can see that can add a very interesting touch to a smokey eye look.  However, in using this shade as a liner, as mentioned in the instructions, it doesn't last long at all.  In fact, by the time I am done with one eye, the 'liner' is gone/ faded!  So I recommend using this as a outer crease color instead.
• There is fall out situation going on, especially from the lighter shades.  My whole eye area and my nose were covered in a little silvery particles from the eyeshadow.  This happened despite the base which I put on.
• The middle 2 shades are not very defined in terms of color difference.  So my lid colors are not very obvious before they fade into the highlighter shade.
• This is a very small palette, and the colors are very close together, but I think this isn't a problem as long as you are using the sponge tip applicators instead of a brush, which might make the eyeshadows mix together.
• The texture of the eyeshadows is rather powdery, so using a base is recommended.  If you want more vibrant color payoff, use a matching colored base.
• Personally, I would use each shade individually, instead of as a palette combo.  This is because all the shades are shimmery, and I prefer to have a mixture of shimmer and matte shades when I do my eye makeup.
• The color payoff is not very impressive, because the colors are very pale, and pastel, except for the lightest and darkest shades, which are good as highlight and outer crease colors.
• These palettes are good for makeup beginners who want to create a simple eyelook with a palette.
• These palettes are also good for girls who like shimmery eyeshadows, or like to sweep the colors across their lids (ie, not very defined in terms of colors difference, but just a light sweep of color all over the eyes for brightening effect).
• The packaging is also very cute, with the mirror on the inside and outside of the compact, allowing you to 'close up' on your eyes during the makeup process.  I also like how the sponge tip applicators are firm, and apply the colors rather smoothly.

The mascara, from my experience with such tooth combed applicators, is very good for separating and lengthening the lashes... not so much for volume.  You can see how long my tiny tiny tiny lashes look after 3 or 4 coats of the mascara.

I would let my sister use the mascara for one week, and watch out for Part 2 of this review.   Because she uses mascara everyday, and she can give a more comprehensive opinion on the mascara.

I hope this review has been helpful, and thanks for reading!!!

Hey hey!

So I met Amy, Kas, and Chantana last evening, and couldn't believe that we were til yakking and laughing til it was almost 12 before we took our cabs home.  LOL.

The agenda is for Amy to pass us our China Glaze haul from her spree organiser, and big thanks to Amy for being so helpful and efficient with this :) 

Then the MAC All Races, Sexes, (... watever) and MAC in Lilyland collections were out, and I was texting the girls about it.. so everyone can get her hands on the products asap.  Haha. 

I didn't have my camera with me last night, but if you read Chantana's entry, she has pretty much covered everything and more.  Lotsa pictures on her blog too!

In the  picture below (which I grabbed from Chantana's entry) :  And no, I wasn't trying to stifle a yawn, was laughing way too much, and had to cover my mouth.. cos Kas had to get out her glittery nail polish and pose with it.. and she couldn't stop laughing, and I got infected, and Amy just couldn't help herself too. 

This is my MAC All (....) haul.  Pretty modest, mainly brow products, as Sarah predicted.  And I got Personal Style, which I knew I wanted before this collection came out.  Beauty powder blushers are amazingly smooth.

From MAC In Lilyland, I wasn't crazy about the floral stuff, but I can't resist this cremeblend blush... I tried the fuschia one, forgot the name, it look a little dull on my skin, perhaps the magenta color is too much, as Kas mentioned.  I still prefer my Azalea better.. it is the same shade but in powder form, of course.

The stars of the show, my China Glaze haul, these are from the UP and AWAY collection.

Yup.. that's about it.. I had so much fun last night, and it was great chance to talk to everyone in detail, and really just rant and rave about everything and anything.   :)  Thanks girls!!  We should totally do this more!

So I got home from my outing with Kas, Chantana and Amy, and I was browsing my tracker page, and came across this:

Look of the Day post from Fabsugar!

Click here to read more!

Anyway... I don't have my camera with me at home, and I can't take pictures of my haulage this evening, but we have MAC, and China Glaze stuff to look forward to in the next entry.  Keep a lookout for that!

Thanks for reading!

Ok, so I kind of went a little crazy with the lash buying.... but this haul alone got me the Shu Uemura membership again (mine expired years ago) and a $20 voucher which was used immediately to offset the purchase.

The main focus is to stock up on the Black Leather lashes, which is LE, and this I bought 3 pairs (sis also wanted a pair for herself), and then before you know it, one thing led to another.

I also bought a new brow pencil, not that I need one now, as my current one is still very new.. but we need to spend a certain amount to get the membership card, etc etc.. the suckers that we are.. oh well.  The pencil I use is Seal Brown (No9, hard formula).. It is a universally matching shade.

All the stuff I bought:  Brow Pencil ($32), Black Leather Lashes ($49 each), Partial Cross Flare lashes ($29), Farfallina Lashes LE ($41)

Before I go with the demo of the Partial Cross Lashes, this is what I started out with, since I don't use mascara on my uppper lashes.  This is my fave everyday lash design.. it is kind of wispy and messy, and natural. These are from Ardell.   I didn't use much eyemakeup today, except for some Stila brown liner and NARS Nepal e/s all over the lids.

The BA was wearing this pair of dolly lashes, and the brown shade matches her hair color so perfectly, super cute... and well, I was thinking brown lashes??? Weird.. but they look so pretty, and the name is so cute, so I got them.

There is a mixture of criss cross hairs underneath and the 'straight' flare ones.

I like!!  Of course, this doesn't look very balanced, as I have nothing on my lower lids in terms of colors and mascara etc etc.. but you get the general idea of how it looks.

Yea, so that's all... and I just want to say, my love affair with Shu Uemura lashes is long standing, and something I can't resist from time to time.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below... and thanks for reading!

P/S: I paid for everything with my moolah, and am not affliated with Shu Uemura.