the make-up blogette

REVIEW: Clé de Peau BEAUTÉ Brightening Enhancer Base & Powder Foundation

the makeup blogette — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:59:29 PST

Hi hi!!

This will be a detailed review of the new Clé de Peau BEAUTÉ brightening enhancer base and powder foundation. I have been using just this combination for the past couple of weeks, and first up, I just want to say that I LOVE THEM. In this entry, I will share the product information, how I apply the base and foundation, and also go through with you how it wears throughout the day.

Product Information:

Experience brilliant skin, from prep to finish.

NEW brightening enhancer base increases skin’s clarity for smoother, more beautiful makeup application.

NEW brightening powder foundation has unprecedented optical technology for radiant skin that looks as though its never been touched by the sun.

Revel in impeccable beauty.

Swatches

Brightening Enhancer Base

An exquisite NEW brightening pre-makeup base with serum-like qualities that imparts radiant clarity as it enhances and maintains the integrity of brightening powder foundation’s flawless finish.

I notice visible smoothing and brightening effect at first swatch. It smells lovely (but doesn't linger) and really helps the powder foundation to adhere better, and I think overall enhances the longevity too.

Brightening Powder Foundation

Imagine skin with such clarity, it looks untouched by the sun. Advanced research in optical science makes it possible – in a foundation. So brilliant, this could be your most exquisite beauty ever.

Available in 6 shades.

I love the sturdy and elegant casing of the foundation, even though I put the sponge on the powder, I have never used it... so if you are making your purchase, I would advise you to skip the sponge....because...as I will show, you don't need it... I find that a brush is the best way to apply this foundation. It has a very velvety smooth and almost creamy texture. It doesn't look like much at the back of my hand..so you got to see how it actually applies on my face.

Application process:

I am showing you some half face pictures, because I am really impressed by the amazing difference. Granted, my skin condition now is quite tip--top due to my skincare routine, but I am showing you that given my skin condition now, I really don't need much else on my skin - ie, I feel like I don't need a liquid foundation, nor do I need to make any special effort in adding glow, concealing my skin at the moment.

I usually apply the brightening base with my fingertips, working it quickly into my skin. It is slightly emolient, and blends it very easily.

Here you can see the visible brightening effect. The base seems to neutralise the redness of my face, and there's a slight glow overall.

Over the years, my pores seem to have shrank - perhaps its due to my age, or maybe it's my skincare routine, but I am really not bothered by having to minimize my pores these days.

So anyway, yup, the brightening enhancer base really does what it claims, enhancing my skin, prepping and brightening.

Next, I used a dense puffing brush to pick up the powder foundation. I usually press and roll the brush into the powder. Then I will also press and roll the brush onto my face.

I will press and roll the brush onto my face, and then buff as I blend out the foundation.

The foundation gives a pretty good coverage, as you can see. I am using the shade O10, which is a good match for me. Of course, it looks very 'fair' on me right now, but after bronzer and blush, the shade won't look so 'flat' anymore.
The finish of the foundation is a very radiant matte finish.

Everyday that I was using this foundation (and the base), my face looked this awesome! All imperfections are even out, the foundation is very long lasting, and it looks like I have really really amazing skin.

(note - I did not use any concealer in these pictures)

But of course, I have to add my usual bronzer and blush which completes all my foundation routine.
I am usually very fuss free with this... I just use a large brush, and lightly bronze all around the edges of my face, and use the same brush to add some colour to my cheeks. Then I just buff buff buff buff...

And what a difference brows make!

This is how I look everyday... I love it, because I look awake (even when I really have barely 6 hours of sleep most days, always on the go, doing stuff, etc etc).

I also took pics throughout the period I was using this combination, so please indulge me in this series of self-shots - just really impressed with the finish and longevity.

Every pic shown is #nofilter

Overall thoughts:

As you can tell by now, I am very very happy with both the base and the powder foundation. I have never just used powder foundation for years and years, and even when I do, I am using them as a setting powder - but this cle de peau one really blew me away. I have not touched a BB cream in the past two weeks, no liquid foundation, and I am enjoying the relatively shorter time it takes to get my base on in the morning.

I am also very very impressed by how long the foundation lasted - a good 12 hours, the FULL day, if you will. It didn't oxidise on me, there is some shine on my oily t-zone after about 5 hours, which I just blot away, and I am good to go again. I hardly ever need to touch up, and even as it starts to wear off after the 10 hour mark, I still look fresh overall. This routine of just the base and powder foundation is sturdy, it withstood humidity, heat and long hours - it really look as good as I have applied it in the morning.

Both are pricey, yes, but in my opinion, worth every last penny. I would definitely want to keep using the powder foundation - it has totally changed my thinking about my foundation routine lately, and makes me want to dig through my stash for other powder foundations which I own and start using them just on their own too.

If you think you can't do without a liquid foundation, or you already have an awesome foundation, I highly recommend the Brightening Enhancer Base - it really does illuminate and enhance your skin without any greasy feeling.

I hope that my review and demonstration as been helpful, and thanks for looking!

Price List:

Brightening Enhancer Base – S$105 (30ml)
Brightening Powder Foundation – S$150 refill (11g)
Brightening Powder Foundation Case - S$50
Brightening Powder Foundation Sponge – S$11

Quick Review: Suqqu Frame Fix Lasting Pact Foundation

the makeup blogette — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 07:18:15 PST

Hi hi

This entry features the Suqqu Frame Fix Lasting Pact Foundation - I have a sample of it from my friend when she went to Japan recently. I have been using it for the most of last week, and I think I am ready to give you my overview impressions of the product. The sample shade that I am using is 102, which is a good match for my skintone.

Product Description taken from Suqqu website

This UV-protective, emulsion pact foundation does not need a makeup base, and spreads smoothly to fit to your skin. It absorbs excess sebum, covers pores and unevenness, giving the skin an extra smoothness and a naturally luminous finish.

This is the shade range, and how the whole compact (case & sponge sold separately) looks like. I don't understand Japanese, but you can see the price list in Yen and so on.

Here's a swatch of the foundation - sorry I didn't take pics of the mini sanple pan, it's looking a little messy after I have been dipping my brush into it, so there's only this hand swatch. The sample pan contains 1g of product, but I think it can last me for about 10 days of usage. I usually just dab my foundation brush into the pan, and stippled it onto an area of my face, buff and blend and then move on to another part of my face.

I find that shade 102 is able to correct the redness in my skintone, and it is beigy enough to just neutralise everything.

The finish of the foundation is medium to full coverage. It is creamy and very easy to blend. I like how it is blendable, and easy to build up. The foundation is pretty long lasting, and it does feel quite rich. I didn't notice any oxidation throughout the day, and I would set the foundation with my loose power, pressed powder etc, and the results are more or less the same.

In these pictures you can see the finish of the foundation - I feel like it does make my skin look quite flawless, and the coverage is quite full on. The finish of the foundation is a semi-matte finish.

Overall, I have really enjoyed using this foundation. If Suqqu is available in Singapore, I think I would be VERY keen to explore their base products - and most probably purchase the full sized product. It is very easy for travel, and I like how it blends and the flawless coverage it gives - these two factors are the standout features of this foundation for me.

I am wearing Tarte Amazonian clay blush Magic on my cheeks and Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet on my lips.

Hope this quick review has been helpful, and thanks for reading!

Review & Application: Dior Capture Totale Base UV SPF50 PA+++

the makeup blogette — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 05:46:02 PST

Hi hi

This shall be my review of the new Dior Capture Totale Base which I have been using for the past week or so. It is currently available at all Dior counters and retail for S$100 each. It is made in France and contains 40ml of product.

First let's start with a quick overview of the Dior Capture Totale science:

THE NEW CAPTURE TOTALE:
A PROFOUND BEAUTY REVOLUTION

FOR THE 1ST TIME AT DIOR, AN ANTI-AGEING TREATMENT THAT TARGETS THE DEEPEST STEM CELLS, IN WHICH SKIN DENSITY AND SUPPORT ORIGINATE

In 2013, Dior has gained even more knowledge on stem cells. For the 1st time, a new population of stem cells with extraordinary powers of regeneration has been brought to light: hypodermic stem cells.

These cells are the starting point for the biological lines, defined as "biological seams", that cross the skin from the deepest layer to the surface. But with time, these seams, or chains, composed of millions of cells that structure the global youth of a face, become deformed and break. The face then loses its ideal lines.

Thanks to this unprecedented breakthrough, CAPTURE TOTALE treatments recreate a solid foundation for the skin under the impetus of these hypodermic stem cells. The face is once again graced with dense, structured skin and perfect support.

REVOLUTIONARY AND UNRIVALLED STEM CELL EXPERTISE AT DIOR

For the past ten years, the Dior Science has continued to push the limits of its knowledge of stem cells, these rare and precious cells with unlimited regenerative powers.

In 2008, the fundamental role of stem cells in epidermal cellular renewal was brought to light.

In 2011, the Dior Science team revealed that epidermal stem cells transmit cellular messengers. Their sphere of beneficial influence extends to all neighbouring cells including those of the dermis. Beneath their influence, the skin produces more matter (keratin, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid).

Today, CAPTURE TOTALE has gone even further and has, for the 1st time, brought to light the key role of a new population of stem cells with extraordinary regenerative powers: hypodermic stem cells. From the deepest level of the skin, these cells create a foundation that allows for the construction of dense, perfectly structured skin.

CAPTURE TOTALE PROVIDES GLOBAL ACTION ACROSS THE SKIN, FROM THE DEEPEST LAYERS, TO THE SURFACE

Product description:

Exceptional age-defying performance combined with the ultimate in protection.

This light silky UV base provides unique comfort and melts instantly into the skin to:

1. Correct all visible signs of aging through its age-defying action boosted with the Longoza-Cellular Complex

2. Protect mother calls - deep down and boost their natural radiance through an ultra-powerful shield combining broad spectrum UVA/UVB filters - to provent the appearance of dark spots due to UV rays. With this maximum protection, the skin becomes visibly smoother and more radiant. Day after day, the complexion becomes more even and youthfully luminous with a perfect finish.

Swatches:

The product has a pale beigy pink shade, and it blends perfectly into my skintone, with a slight brightening effect. I also noticed that it makes my skin look smoother. It is very comfortable to wear, and I do enjoy the light creamy texture. I tried applying it with my fingers, but prefer to use a brush to blend it into my skin.

Here you can see how the product blends out.

The Application & Coverage -

As I mentioned, the base is easy to apply with a brush, the consistency is very smooth. The coverage is very sheer and light. If you just want a high spf suncreen that also evens out your skintone, you really can get away with just this alone. It also feels quite moisturising. It lasts a good part of the day, but not the entire work day for me. Hence on the second day I tried it, I used a liquid foundation over it -- the Dior Nude foundation - I didn't want to take away the natural coverage, but I needed something a little more lasting, hence the layering of foundation on top. This combination gives me a fresh coverage that lastes for 8 hours or so. The coverage is still on the lighter side, but I felt safer in terms of coverage than wearing the base alone. I also have the Totale Capture foundation.. but like I mentioned, I wanted to test this base out with a more natural finish foundation, hence I went for the Nude foundation.

Applying the base -

Applying the liquid foundation -

I got to apologise for the lighting in these pictures, the camera was somehow washing me out in every pic even though I didn't change anything in terms of the setting and my photo-taking location.

Another extreme close up -- this is taken after lunch, and a walk in the HOT SUN - I must say, the base is pretty powerful in offering sun protection, and I can certainly do with the anti-aging and anti-dark spots properties.

Everything else on the face is Dior - the Diorsnow concealer, Bronzer in Aurora, and worn off lipstick in Incognito.

Bottomline -

I do enjoy the base, but I don't find it extraordinary in terms of any anti-aging results but then again it is not as though I am on a total anti-aging regime right now, and given the fact that I am only using this for a week, it's too early to tell. I can only comment for sure on the finish, feel and lasting power. This base is great for providing impressive sun protection (50SPF PA+++), it has a brightening finish - great if you just want to wear this on its own, and look 'awake'. Also, if you are looking into anti-aging bases, you can't go wrong with the Dior Capture Totale Base. I also believe that this complements the rest of the Capture Totale range, it is a great addition, very suitable for our hot hot days here. If you just want a 'regular' whitening/ brightening base from Dior, do check out my review on the DiorSnow BB Creme (featured in this entry here) - that has greater coverage - after all, that's a BB cream, whereas this is a UV base. Both contains the same amount of SPF though.

I hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading!

Quick Review: TOM FORD Traceless Foundation SPF 15

the makeup blogette — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:24:54 PST

Hi hi!

This is a quick review of the TOM FORD Traceless Foundation SPF 15. I have a sample of it from my shopping trip in HK last year. It is a very good sized sample, 7ml and should be enough for one to test it out for a week. Well, I have only used it a few times, but I think I am ready to give my first thoughts about it. I am not too sure about prices here in SG, but I am guessing it's about $100.

The shade I am using is Bare Beige, which is might look dark in the bottle, and at the back of my hand. However, as I will show you later, the consistency and opaqcity of the foundation is quite sheer, and I believe that most of us can go up or down a shade without too much issues. Because it is so fluid and on the sheer side, it sort of fuses with your own skintone anyway. However, if I am going to buy this foundation, I would prolly want to get a shade lighter. This Bare Beige might suit someone in the MAC NC25 range, just to give you a rough idea. I am in between MAC NC15-20.

Product Description:

This unique, 3-in-1 foundation delivers a balanced complexion that glows with vitality and radiance. Extremely lightweight and luminous, it includes the skin-nourishing Tom Ford Infusing Complex to help protect skin and promote its vibrancy from within. Micronized pigments deliver seamless and undetectable coverage that is easy to build up or sheer down. SPF 15 protects skin from sun damage.

The Tom Ford Infusing Complex infuses skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms. By helping skin cells replenish their natural energy, it fundamentally rejuvenates the complexion, so it looks and feels brighter, fresher, and less tired. High-performing antioxidants help protect the skin, creating a vital-looking face. The skin is left looking renewed, resilient, and smoother.

And swatches:

And here is how I apply the foundation - I have on a very light layer of GA UV Master primer before applying the foundation. And I am applying it with a regular foundation brush.

Impressions:

1. The foundation is very fluid, along the lines of GA Maestro foundation and a thinner version of NARS Sheer Glow, but definitely not as liquidy as the MAC Face & Body foundation. It spreads and blends very easily into the skin.

2. The coverage is light, and buildable to at most light medium - not really a 'real medium'. It doesn't cake up nor look streaky when I build up another layer. It evens out my overall skintone, but I have to do pinpoint concealing. You can still see the texture of my own skin, especially around the nose area. There is no particular scent to the foundation.

3. The finish is quite dewy, and I definitely would set it with a powder, but I would use a more 'radiant' finish powder to set, because I don't want to lose the luminosity of the traceless foundation.

4. The last power of the foundation is about 6 hours for me, it looks fresh. After 6 hours, it starts to look faded and worn off. You can certainly extend the wear of the foundation by using a primer, and setting with powder and also do touching up during the day if desired.

5. The traceless foundation is probably very suited for someone who already has good complexion, and just want something very light and smooth to even out the skintone. The natural dewy finish of it is really chic and effortless, and you look like you have great skin, no makeup look. For me, I still have to do some extra work in terms of concealing, and also setting it to ensure it will last on me.

I am curious to see how the Stick Foundation works though - have heard some people who uses the Traceless foundation, and then the Stick foundation as concealer. That's interesting.

So anyway, I chose to use the Lancome Teint Miracle loose powder to set the foundation.

and a close up - you can still see the natural radiant finish of the foundation peeking through - the powder managed to take away some of that 'raw shine' but did not totally mattify the foundation. I did not use any concealer under my eyes here. Just dusted the setting powder, and also some color on my cheeks.

Overall thoughts:

A truly traceless lightweight foundation, dewy finish. Price tag might be a tad hefty for some, and you can find similar foundations in your stash if you have been trying out these 'perfect second skin' type of foundations.

Comparing it to other foundations, I would say if you like Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Guerlain Lingerie de Peau, GA Maestro Fusion makeup, you might be intrigued by the TOM FORD Traceless foundation (again, I want to point out the TOM FORD offers less coverage then the other 3 examples I mentioned).

It is not something I would run out to buy and especially because I already have way too many foundations in my collection, but I am glad I got to try it out.

I hope this entry has been helpful, and thank you for reading!

LOTD: A Very YSL Smokey Purple

the makeup blogette — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:52:35 PDT

Hi hi!

In this entry, I will showcase a smokey purple eyes using YSL 5 Colour Harmony 04 palette. I will talk you through most of what I did, along with my thoughts on the products used in this look. Hope you find it helpful!

I will also list all products used at the end of this entry.

Let's start with some swatches & close ups:

*** it is a little hard to capture the true color of the warm purples in this palette, so I adjusted the colors a little to make it show up truer to the actual color. As you can see, in the first pic the colors showed up cooler which is not quite right.

I used the following shades as indicated in the picture below on my eyes. My fave shades in this palette is probably the highlight shade (a very very cool toned pale lilac that shows up whitish on the skin, and both the lid shades). I found the crease color a little dry and chalky. I used a primer, followed by a colored base to make the colors more intense. If you prefer only a wash of color on the lids, then you can skip the colored base.

For the colored base, I actually used the YSL pencil liner - which is very creamy and black. I lined my eyes quite messily on my lids, and used my ring finger to blend out the liner, forming a blackish smudgy base, and then I used both the lid colors. I do quite like the YSL pencil liner, but it is a little prone to smudging because it is so creamy.

I will be featuring the lipsticks in a separate feature entry, so let's just leave it as a combination of a nude-peachy shade for now.

I have been totally enjoying the Touche Eclat. You may wonder why I use BOTH shades. But if you look, 01 is a peachy pink tone (great for neutralising and brightening) and 02 is a beigy pale shade, which is great for highlighting. I really only use these two under my eyes, and a little on the bridge of my nose. There are many many similar products like this, but I guess what makes the Touche Eclat such a classic is the extremely smooth and translucent finsh. And somehow the fat brush and it dispenses just the right amount of product without any clogging is just a winner.

On my cheeks, I am using the YSL Blush Radiance in 06, a bright pop of pink. It is quite pigmented, and very very smooth. I do like this blush, and it might be time I look into what other shades they offer in this range.

Some close ups:

On my lower lashes, I used the YSL Faux Cils waterproof. It is one of the first few mascaras I used even when I was still in school. Back in the days when I didn't know anything about falsies, I depended on this mascara and LOTS of curling of the lashes to make sure I have big lashes. This is still the same amazing mascara I have used like 10 years ago, and it is still the same. Awesome mascara.

and the lip combo:

I didn't want a totally nude lip shade, so I went for a natural peachy look.

I love this look, the big lashes balance out the purple eyes.

More hair chat: I washed my hair this morning, and suffered through a walkathon and a rainy brunch.

Still LOVING how it takes zero effort for my hair to look this good.

I think I could get addicted to the whole treatment and hair pampering, and shall book myself in for a session every 3 months or so.

All products used:

Foundation: Shiseido Radiant Lifting foundation & Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pearl) --- I want to give this foundation a more luminous glow. La Mer Powder to set. Laura Mercier SC 03. YSL Touche Eclat 01 and 02.

Cheeks: DiorSkin Nude Tan 003 Zenith, YSL Blush Radiance 06

Lips: YSL Rouge Pur 148, YSL Glossy Stain 07

Eyes: Laura Mercier Eye Base Flax, YSL Pencil Liner, YSL 5 Colour Harmony 04, Lashes - Shu Uemura Farfarlina

That's all, and thank you for reading!

Review: My DiorNude Skin Glowing Routine

the makeup blogette — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:54:55 PDT

Hi hi!

Of late, I have been trying out a bunch of Dior products, several from their latest Nude Skin base products, and also another bunch from their holiday Golden Bal collection. Please give me some time to get through these goodies and feature them soon!

So in this entry, I will review the following two new Dior base products:

1. DiorNude Skin Glowing foundation (liquid foundation)

2. DiorNude Skin Compact (powder foundation)

Swatches of both products in this entry here. (link link link)

I have already reviewed and featured the Nude Shimmering powder in this entry here. (link link link)

For full collection information and technical information, click on this entry here. (link link link)

Let's go through my routine, and I will sum up my thoughts at the end of this entry.

Step One: Sun protection & makeup base

The DiorSnow BB Creme is one of my staples as a makeup base. It comes with a powerful 50SPF and it has a very liquid foundation feel. It immediately evens out my skintone as you will see below, and also means that it is a great for layering a natural finish foundation over it. I also love using BB creams in general for priming my skin before foundation.

Step 2: Apply DiorNude Skin Glowing foundation.

Here, you can see that the foundation gives my face a very natural glowy finish. It doesn't look like I have applied anything over my prepped skin, but yet you can see the luminous effect, which I am loving of late. I just think that an overly matte look is ageing and too drying. A fresh radiant looking skin is never ultra matte. I just need to control the oily T zone, and I am happy with just a bit of shine on my face.

The foundation has a gel kind of texture and consistency. I apply the foundation with a buffing brush, and it blends easily without any streaks. The feel is very lightweight, and I just use concealer whenever I need to.

I am using the shade 20, and it is very close to my own skintone. I have mentioned in my swatch entry that I wish there is a shade 15 for extra brightening, but 20 is a true to my own skincolor shade.

Step 3: Concealing!

I apologise for the blurry pictures here! I like to brighten my undereyes. I am using a apricot shade for the Dior Skinflash to neutralise my undereyes, and then followed by the spot concealer to brighten up the area. I also use the same spot concealer for spot concealing. It has a very very smooth full coverage texture. It is quite pricey, but I highly recommend this spot concealer. And it has SPF50 too. Definitely one of my fave concealers.

Lastly, setting the foundation & concealer.

The compact foundation comes with two methods of application. It has a sponge, and a brush.

I am using the brush here because I am setting the foundation.

If I am touching up, I would use the sponge to pat my face.

If I am using the compact foundation as a foundation for light days, I would use a powder puff.

I know it all sounds so complicated, that is just how I am with applying my base products.

The brush that comes with the compact is pretty decent as a portable brush.. and it deposits the right amount of powder.

The compact has decent coverage, and I am enjoying it some days after I have a shower at the gym. I would have a light layer of bb cream on my face, and I use this compact foundation to set the bb cream. Then I would enjoy flawless smooth skin. The compact is great for soothing over pores, and ensuring a smooth finish.

Here you can see the half face results. The finished half of my face is very flawless and smooth. There is a subtle glowy effect to my face, and even though I have used several layers of products, it doesn't look nor feel heavy at all. I always like a fuller coverage for my base, and I find that such a layering routine is great for a long lasting fresh faced result.

I am quite impressed by this foundation. It is great for women with a oilier complexion and who wants a fresh light feeling foundation. If you like natural second skin finish foundations, you will love the DiorNude skin glowing foundation. It is pretty long lasting on me, lasting through my 8- 10 hour workdays. I don't find that it oxidise on me, and it didn't make me look like a oily mess even on hot days.

Overall, I am glad to have tried out both foundations, you should check them out too!

For comparison's sake,

I would put the DiorNude Skin Glowing liquid foundation in the same categories of other liquid foundations such as

1. Burberry Sheer Foundation

2. Clarins Skin Illusion

3. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

4. Lancome Teint Miracle

The liquid foundation retails for S$70 and the compact retails for $90, and is currently available at all Dior counters.

I hope my overview has been helpful, and thank you for reading!!

DiorSkin Nude Shimmer [Review & Swatches]

the makeup blogette — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:04:21 PDT

Hi hi!

This is a quick review of the new DiorSkin Nude Shimmer powder, and it retails for S$70 each, putting it at a price range slightly below Chanel's highlighting face powders (usually hovering around the $80-100 range). It comes in the classic Dior casing with a velvet pouch, and a spongy looking applicator.

The DiorSkin Nude Shimmer powder is a very milled pearlised shimmer powder that is used as a face/ cheek highlighter. It is a very neutral shade of highlighter, neither too pinky, nor too golden. (not as pinky at the Lancome Fall 2012 cheek highlight powder, not as pinky as Guerlain Cruel Gardenia, and certainly not golden pale like NARS albatross, the Diorskin Nude Shimmer is just a nice beigy nude highlight shade) And I think that it really blends into my skin well, and did not emphasise pores, nor make me look like some oily shiny glitter ball face.

I normally apply this highlighter with my own fluffy brush, and didn't use the spongey applicator that comes with the product.

For full collection information, click here (link link link)

Close up and swatches

swatches

This is a subtle shimmer that is easy to work with, and softly adds a glow to your skin. It might show up more on darker skin tones, for me the nude shimmer stays really nude and blends into my own skintone shade. It is already available, so do check it out at all Dior counters.

Hope this review has been helpful, and thanks for reading!

Diorskin Nude Skin Glowing Makeup [Photos & Swatches]

the makeup blogette — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 23:28:36 PDT

Hi hi

This entry will feature all the new Diorskin Nude base products which were recently launched. I didn't manage to 'collect' my thoughts and put them to good use recently.. hence the slight delay in posting these up. I will feature the swatches, and in my next entry, there will be my Diorskin Nude routine and indepth review. Please stay tuned if you have been awaiting my thoughts on these. I do have a sizeable stash of Dior base products in my stash...and I am able to put together a complete Dior base routine...which is always what I like to do when I am trying out a new foundation.

For collection information and story, please click here. ( link link link )

Firstly, we have the Nude Skin Glowing Makeup (liquid foundation) and the Nude Skin makeup compact (compact foundation).

I am using shade 020 in both products, and I am also shade 20 in all Dior bases, FYI.

I wish there is a shade 15 though..as I sometimes like a more brightening effect on my face.

However, 20 is the perfect exact match to my skintone.

swatches of the powder and liquid foundation

The liquid foundation has a rather gel like, light texture. It provides a very natural slightly glowy finish to the skin. I would say this has light to medium coverage. It is not creamy, but blends easily into the skin. I do like how it stays fresh looking throughout the day whenever I am wearing it. The powder has decent coverage as a compact foundation, and it is very very finely milled, as with all Dior compact foundations and powders. I really am loving this compact foundation, and have used it before on its own, to very decent results.

That's all for this entry, and thanks for looking!

NEW Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat [Photos & Information]

the makeup blogette — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:13:29 PDT

The Magic Light of Touch Eclat in a foundation

Twenty years after the launch of Touch Eclat, the legendary highlighter that is sold somewhere in the world every 10 seconds, YSL introduces an innovative technology that delivers the magic of this illuminating highlighter to the entire face.

Today, YSL introduces Le Teint Touche Eclat. A luxuriously unique formula that targets shadowy areas and defines contours. A magical radiance infused in a weightless fluid. A texture that is as light as air. A formula free of opaque powders, that evens the complexion and erases imperfections, accentuating natural facial features.

With Le Teint Touche Eclat, skin has never looked more natural, more radiant, more sophisticated, more Yves Saint Laurent. Le Teint Touche Eclat casts a custom-made light on all the Saint Laurent women in the world.

When skin and light unite as one.

2012: YSL marks a turning point - incorporate the magic of Touche Eclat into a foundation.

Classical foundation formulas contain varying amounts of opaque powders that result in a diffused reflecion - a masked effect that leaves skin looking grey and dull, especially on darker complexions.

Now, for the very first time with Le Teint Touche Eclat, YSL resolves this dilemma by replacing the powder with a soft focus gel. Through a diffusing and translucent texture on the skin's texture, this unique soft focus gel soothes away imperfections without ever masking the skin, ensuring skin color purity.

Also unique to Le Teint Touche Eclat, instead of mother of pearl particles often used in foundations to produce a mirror-like reflection, YSL opted for the latest generation of a fluid light concentrate obtained with golden pogments that are associated with supple lamella placed side by side like an infinity of mirrors. On the skin, these lamella form a reflective film to brighten shadowy areas and highlight the features, maximizing the potential power of light.

Infused within a weightless fluid, Le Teint Touche Eclat conceals imperfections and offers an illuminating result that defines the contours to reveal full luminosity. The complexion never looks artificial. The shine is diffused and the light is uniform. The skin's natural color interacts with the elements in the foundation to bring out a natural-looking and sophisticated glow.

A Weightless Texture

Fresh, fluid, ultra-fine and silky, it evokes the perfect texture of Touche Eclat. It instantly beautifies the skin with transparency. The texture fuses with the skin. The high percentage of volatile oils and moisturizing agents gives the skin instant comfort, with a caressing effect that evokes the transparent and fluid couture fashion of YSL. The texture unfolds with finesse, sculpting and shaping the face like an invisible, custom-tailored garment. The ultimate feminine pleasure.

In addition, Le Teint Touche Eclat ensures exceptional color integrity.

A Bottle Design in Tribute to Touche Eclat

The new foundation jewel, Le Teint Touche Eclat arrives in a distinctive bottle with sleek lines, stamped with the YSL logo and crowned with a golden cap that evokes the iconic Touche Eclat.

The touch of perfection. Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Makeup YSL, designed a foundation brush to go with Le Teint Touche Eclat. A tool specially created to ensure easy, professional application. The specially designed synthetic fibers are neither too firm nor too soft, the brush perfectly smoothes the complexion. A black-lacquered elegant handle, simply bearing three opium-colored letters, YSL - a precious seal.

Foundation is Color

A range of customised shades

YSL offers Le Teint Touche Eclat in a range of 22 shades for a customised finish for all skin tones, including black and Asian complexion that the designer YSL always celebrated. These 22 shades were developed by Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Makeup YSL.

Organised in families, these luminescent shades range from beiges to golden and rosy beiges, from the lightest to the darkest tones, corresponding to the 7000 skintones identified in the world. A manifesto for today and tomorrow. Each skin has its own light.

(note that only 8-10 shades out of the 22 will be available in the Asian market - I am using B20)

swatches

A salute to social and cultural preferences

With a global understanding of women's needs, YSL creates four universal makeup strategies:

- The golden complexion: the aim is to warm the complexion, to make it look less pale and more tanned.

- The healthy glow: this consists of slightly heightening, to make it look less pale and more tanned.

- The complexion in synergy with the skin: a foundation color chosen to exactly match the skin, for an impeccable tone-on-tone result.

- The brightening effect: to lighten the complexion and reduce spots.

I hope this sharing is helpful, and I will be following up with a review soon. Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!

Review: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup SPF 15

the makeup blogette — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 03:50:35 PDT

Hi hi,

This will be a review of the latest Giorgrio Armani Maestro fusion makeup - a weightless perfect liquid foundation. I have previously detailed the features of this foundation in this entry here.

It will be retailing for SGD$100, and will be available at the GA counter at DFS Galleria from October onwards.

Just a quick recap on the foundation -

An unforgettable and unique texture created by patented Fusion Technology. An ultra-fine oil-pigment suspension that perfects the complexion.

This high slip fluid spreads evenly over skin for a blendable, faultless complexion worthy of a professional make-up artist every time. Maestro instantly ignites skin’s natural luminosity. No make-up feel guaranteed.

“It’s a whole new generation of foundation that feels incredible, looks invisible and makes skin appear luminous every time. Anyone can wear it!!!”. (Linda Cantello, International Make-up Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics)

Here I will show the swatches, and share with you how it wears on me, and my overall thoughts on this foundation.

The packaging of the Maestro is a sleek simple frosted bottle with a dropper type dispenser. I found that 3 - 4 drops of this foundation gives me sufficient coverage for my whole face. It contains 30ml of product, and I am wearing shade 04 for your information. I also wear shade 04 in all other GA foundations.

Here I swatched Maestro next to the UV Master Primer (do let me know if you are keen in a separate review on this).

I have also swatched the entire shade range of the foundation in this entry here.

Application & Consistency:

It is a very fluid foundation, and I found that the best way to apply it is to spread it thinly from the centre of the face outwards.
The best way to use this foundation is to blend using your fingertips. The warmth of your fingers helps the product to fuse into your skin, and gives the most flawless application.
The most outstanding feature of this foundation is you will feel like you are applying some kind of a rich luxe serum on your face. It really does not feel like a foundation at all.
There is a slight refreshing scent to this foundation - a little herbal fresh, very very light scent - which goes away after you finished blending the foundation.
I find that you don't really need to set this foundation. It just glides onto your skin, and your skin texture just looks finer and smoother, making a setting powder almost redundant. If you want a more finished look and are concerned about oily skin, a light dusting of powder would help.
It feels a little like Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua foundation - but that's more gel like consistency, and this is truly like a serum silky consistency.

Coverage & Finish:

The coverage is light, and best suited if you have good skin days. On a scale of 1 - 10, I would rank the coverage of this foundation as a 3 to 4. It is easily buildable without feeling heavy at all, but even so, I don't recommend layering and building up. That seems to defeat the point of this ultra light fusion makeup.
It gives my skin an almost translucent luminosity - which is seen in daylight setting. And that's always a welcome point.
If you do want more coverage, I recommend using a light layer of tinted makeup base, such as a BB cream, or the UV Master Primer.
The lasting power of this foundation is about 6 hours - it is not the longest, but given our hot and humid weather conditions, this is quite decent.
You really do feel like this is a weightless feel foundation. No cakiness, no sticky feeling.
I might compare the lightness to the UD Naked foundation - but that has more coverage and suited for oily skin.

In the picture below, I did not set the foundation (I did dust some Benefit powderflauge under my eyes to brighten up the area) and I didn't use any concealer at all (hence you can see some faint spot marks on my forehead).

For another set of LOTD pic when I used the foundation, click here.

I really do enjoy using this foundation - especially on days when I am just out and about, and I know I would be indoors most of the time. If you are in a place with a less humid environment, and with the fall season coming, the Maestro would be the foundation to take you into the colder months ahead.

Overall thoughts:

It is pricey, but if you enjoy good makeup (and don't have much skin concerns), you won't be disappointed by the Maestro fusion makeup. It didn't break me out, and makes me look like I have very a very nice complexion (granted, my recent skincare routine is a major contributing factor).

Do have a look and swatch when the product launches at DFS in OCT!

I hope this entry has been helpful, and thank you for reading!