
Close ups:



Swatches:



Happy Sunday!
Thanks for looking! :)

Close ups:



Swatches:



Happy Sunday!
Thanks for looking! :)

pics from my iphone - with the right lighting, it's all you need - the iphone I mean. The colors come out great, the auto focus is very intuitive.
Here's what I am playing with on my nails, including a quick Chanel SS2013 summer sneak peak.
Illamasqua Harem #nofilter

YSL did it again with their nail polish from the summer collection - Vert D'orient. #nofilter

Bobbi Brown Black Pearl which Mabel kindly gifted me!

And one more nail polish:
The Dior mini duo sets are super cute!!!

And Chanel Summer collection, selected sneak peak:

That's all and thank you for looking!!

This entry features 3 new Chanel shades from their latest collectiom, the Collection Avant-Premiere - centred around movies and stars...hence the names, and the very classic and glamorous shades. All the formula on these polishes are richly pigmented, I applied 2 coats in each of these pictures which show the full color intensity of the polishes.
Do note that these polishes are part of the permanent collection. Though there are news that Starlet is LE. Provocation is a re-release from last year's Fashion's Night Out collection the Twin Sets. (click here to see my full review and swatches)
These are the 3 I bought to complete the collection.
Cinema - tomato red, creamy. A very soft focus glamorous red.
Paparazzi - warm plummy rosy shade with gold sheen
Starlet - peachy pink with fine shimmer

Swatches here
all are 2 coats, no top coat.


I think Paparazzi is my fave, it is quite unique (to me).






comparison of Chanel reds in my collection

Pirate - most cool toned, almost jelly consistency
Cinema - creamy, soft red, not as intense as Dragon, looks neutral toned compared to Dragon and Coromandel
Coromandel - one coater (but I applied 2 coats here), brightest, with slight sheen
Dragon - looks slightly cool toned here, but more neutral in real life, brighter than Cinema
I must say that Cinema applies brighter than it actually looks in the bottle.


Hope this overview has been useful.
Next on my Chanel list are the Les Beiges collection! I want the brush and the powder! Then the summer polishes....
Sorry that I haven't been able to blog much lately except spamming nail polish swatches, a little out of sorts and can't seem to get down to 'serious' blogging about makeup products and new launches. I will be fully back soon!
Thanks for reading, happy Sunday!


I am pretty sure this collection might quietly make its way to Singapore, just like how last year's Vegas collection (to celebrate the opening of the CHANEL Boutique in Bellagio) was also released in the CHANEL flagship stores here. While it was easy for me to pass on golds, I could pass on this set of striking pair of colors - I know they are not unique, but hello..... it's Hong Kong, one of my fave cities in the world - its literally my second home as far as travel places go!
Product close ups: 

Eastern Light - a pure creamy white. It leans a little cool. Formula is opaque and not too thick. Two coats give a smooth even glossy finish. It looks almost blinding white. Beautiful

Pardon my rather untidy painting...


And Western Light - as always Chanel shimmer polishes are very subtle, while it may glisten in the bottle, on the nails itself... it is not so shimmery. It is a 2 coater, very blacken chocolate - I could barely detect the 'red heart' as stated in the description, though you can see the beautiful shimmer effect in the picture below.

It is very smooth and glossy.


I pulled out a few Chanel dark shades for comparisons. The Beauty Look Book has an excellent comparison entry of Western Light.

These 3 look very similar:

And here they are:
Western Light is the closest to Strong (also limited edition) - but Strong is a one coater.
Vertigo has a soft grey tinge which is not in the other two.

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

Hi hi!
Of course, it is one of the many classic reds I have in my stash, but I always like to own a classic red from every brand of nailpolish I have, and I am glad to add Dovina to the collection. Besides, I think NARS polishes have great formulation across the whole shade range, and so far I have very good experience with my NARS polishes (I have about 15 or slightly more currently).


A few comparisons to my current fave reds which might be in the same category:

Here they are: It is the closest to the YSL red in this set of comparisons, I didn't pull out my Illamasquas, Diors and Essies for this comparison.. but I think you get the idea.


Which is your fave red nail polish?
Hope this entry has been useful, thank you for looking!

Hi hi!
It is hard to capture the actual color - it is appearing a little too warm in my pictures, to be honest.


It has a pale peachy tan and pink base - not the usual pale beige-y tones that most face highlighters come in. This is what makes this product 'unique' - though I can think of a couple of potential (other high-end) dupes in my collection to compare with.


A slightly blurred shot to show off the multi-colored bits. This is truly really beautiful.
and one more shot:

The compact comes in a pouch with an elastic strap that secures the flap, and inside there is a pocket which holds the sponge tip applicator for the face. Cafe makeup describes the powder as a 'gelee' type, so I guess that explains the sponge tip applicator. I would prolly use a brush to pick up the product though.


I highly recommend you checking out this illumination powder. You will love it.
Hope the swatches are helpful, and thanks for looking!

Hi hi!
This is my review of the Chanel CC Cream (S$82, at all Chanel counters). I have been using it everyday this whole week, and what better time to test out a new base product, when we are experiencing some of the hottest days to date! It's crazy how much I perspire everyday. :(
So anyway, when I was at Tangs making my purchase, I didn't see the CC cream on display immediately, there was no images, though I later noticed the display at the skincare section of the large counter/ store (instead of at the foundation & cases display). So, I suppose the CC cream is really marketed as a skincare product, rather than a makeup (ie foundation) product. Just a heads up, in case you are wondering where the CC Cream is displayed.
The product only comes in one shade - 20 Beige - which is my usual shade for most Chanel foundations anyway. There is 30ml of product, and it is made in France. It also has the same scent as other base products, but the scent of the CC Cream seems to linger on longer than my other Chanel base products.
In my review of this product, do note that I also tried out various methods of application, primer/ no primer, you know, the usual various ways to test out how the product functions in different conditions.
Packaging: Sleek white, in a tube. I was surprised that it didn't come with a pump dispenser like the other brands (notably Dior and Lancome - and those reviews are def on their way). Still, it is very travel friendly and easy to use.
More pictures


Before we proceed - here is some information I got from the box.
Product information:
With its double Chanel signature, CC Cream combines the benefits of a complete skincare product created by Chanel Research and the results of a natural complexion finish created by the Makeup Studio.
Backed by true expertise regarding the precise needs of Asian women in terms of flawless skin, Chanel Research developed a specific cream, a fusion of skincare and makeup.
In addition to being an ideal cream for day long confidence, CC Cream gives your skin what it alone can offer - a fresh and flawless complexion.
5 Actions, 1 Single Step
The incredibly comfortable CC Cream contains ingredients of natural origin. This skincare formula is adapted to sensitive skin. It delivers complete correction and long-wear makeup with a lightweight, non-oily texture.
And swatches:


The Beige 20 shade is perfect for my skintone, I personally find it to be of neutral undertones, and it is able to even out the redness in my skintone. It also dries and sets pretty quickly to a almost matte finish - something which I quickly noticed at first swatch in store.
Before I give my overall thoughts on the CC Cream - I will show you how I apply it.



Application:
1. I had tried using the GA UV Master Primer as a base for the CC Cream - but it is not always necessary. I found that the CC Cream applies and holds up well on its own.
2. I also tried applying it with my fingers once - but I didn't really like the experience - I thought I had needed to use more product, and it sets a little too quickly for me to work it into my skin using fingers. I really prefer to buff and blend each area of my face at a time. And it gives a better (more natural) result anyway.
Texture & Finish:
1. The CC Cream is extremely buttery smooth, and also a little powdery. I would compare it to Ettusais bb cream (the original and mineral white versions). I feel like I don't really need to set it, if I am in a hurry. But I always set with a powder because it's just my habit, and I want to 'seal' the base anyway.
2. The finish is almost matte, but not dull at all. It is very natural, and yet gives decent coverage. I just need to do some pin point concealing, but really, this has the coverage of a decent light to medium liquid foundation. I am very impressed by the coverage.
3. The CC Cream is able to correct my overall skintone, and even out any uneven-ness.
Lasting Power:
1. It really lasted well on me (I don't stay in a air-conditioned office from 9-5pm, usually it's just extremely hot humid indoor weather conditions), and I find that I still look quite fresh after a good 8 hours.
2. I don't oil up as much with the use of this CC Cream, perhaps this is due to the hydrating formula.
3. Due to the decent coverage, and the fact that I don't need a primer with it, my base application time has reduced significantly. I slap this on, fill my brows and dust color on my cheeks and I am good to go for the day.
Overall, I am really happy with my purchase - and at $82, it is the same price as other Chanel foundations. I do wish the scent isn't so strong though (okay, it wore off after say, by the time I leave my house), but it is really a great product to use for the busy women, and with all the skincare properties, I think this would be something we can all appreciate.
And a completed LOTD featuring the CC Cream, and other Chanel goodies:


All products used:
Face: Chanel CC Cream 20 Beige, Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder 10 Limpide
Cheeks: Chanel Notorious Sculpting Veil, Chanel Bronze Rose
Lips: Chanel Rouge Allure in 187 Genial
Eyes: NARS Primer, Chanel 33 Prelude, Makeup Store Chocolate Cheesecake
Brows: Shu Uemura Brow Manicure Ash Brown, Shu Uemura Pencil 09 Seal Brown
Lashes: Customised layered my own pair
I hope this review has been helpful! Happy Saturday! I am off to enjoy mine now!
Thanks for reading.

Hi hi
this entry will feature the makeup items I brought along with me on this trip. I am here in HK for a whole week, and I usually put on full face makeup when I am out and about here. I try to pack in some options when it comes to color choices and also try to pick products which I have been wanting to try out/ put to the test and also stuff which I know just works.
First, let's start with the eyes - - - -

Eye shadows
1. Lorac Pro Palette - seriously this is one of the best products of 2012 - Amy and Jerlaine both used this palette last week, and they totally love it too. You can purchase the Lorac Pro Palette at underTwenty (currently OOS but link here). Every shade in this palette just works, and the colors all wear and last beautifully throughout the day.
2. Giorgio Armani eyes to kill - 24 and 28. One a blackened gold for smokey looks, and a rose gold for a sparkly 'casual' look

Liners
I brought along an assorted collection of pencil liners and a liquid liner, but honestly I hardly used the pencil liners, except for when I want to lightly line my lower lids. And also not forgetting, the NARS eyeshadow primer which is a trusty staple.

Lashes & Brows
DUP lash glue. Can't do without this if I am wearing false lashes.
My Bobbi Brown brow shaper.
My new Shu Uemura eyebrow manicure I love love love this, even more than the Bobbi Brown one. Shu Uemura brow pencil.

Here are swatches of the eyeliners, if anyone is keen. I highly recommend all of them.

Next, my fave category of products to pack for - the foundations.
I brought along the following:
1. Chanel ultra fine translucent loose powder - I love this powder, it is so fine, and sets my liquid foundation flawlessly.
2. Chanel perfection lumiere - Trying out this foundation, I bought it a month back, and have used it only a couple of times. This is a good week to try it out. So far, I am liking it, it is nothing spectacular, but not too shabby either.
3. Giorgio Armani UV master primer - This is a lightly tinted primer - it evens out the skintone, and I like the light texture.
4. Ettusais Mineral BB cream - The brand's BB creams are among my top fave. I love to use this as a base before foundation for extra coverage and longevity.
5. Lancome Teint Miracle compact powder - love this pressed powder for touch ups on the go.

swatches of everything I mentioned above:

I am sometimes prone to a couple of breakouts during travels and so concealers are necessary. I went for my trusty Laura Mercier secret camouflage concealer, and also YSL touche eclat highlighter for under my eyes.

swatches here -

And here, we have the cheek products -
1. Dior Nude Tan - a light bronzer with a subtle glow which I can easily dust all over my face for some warmth
2. NARS Gaiety - which I brought cos it is so neglected, and also in case I feel like having a pop of pink on my cheeks. But I don't think I really like Gaiety...not because of the color but somehow I don't like the finish and formula of this particular blush.
3. Tarte Exposed - this is one of my latest blushes... and I love love this... it is a brownish pink very flattering shade.
4. Maquillage Aura Veil powder - one of my all time fave for a finishing powder. this blends the bronzer, blush everything nicely, and covers the whole look with a soft touch veil. I feel like my face is not completed until I dust this Aura Veil all over my face, especially in the centre part of my face.

Swatches - - -

Lip products - I went for the moisturising formulas in my stash of lip products and also went for classic reds and classic natural shades.
Shan't name them individually, but if you have been reading my blog, you would have noticed that I used some of these lip products quite frequently.

Here are the swatches - I probably went a little overboard with the color choices, and I think I just saw two more NARS lippies hiding somewhere in my bag... opps!

And lastly, we have the brushes - tools - very important!
1. Real Techniques buffing brush for foundations
2. MAC 217 - I brought two along, one for dark colors, and one for neutral colors
3. RMK tapered blending brush - for brow bone highlight, applying and blending crease colors
4. Spoolie brush to brush my brows
5. NARS Yachiyo brush for cheek colors
6. Lancome cheek color brush for cheek colors
I use my fingers to apply concealer with.

Really enjoying my stay here so far.
Hope everyone is enjoying the new week, and thank you for reading!
'

Hi hi!
It's a very very simple look - because I had wanted to try out the products on my face, instead of just showing swatches on my hands/ lips which doesn't really mean anything nor very helpful... cos we wear makeup on our faces... not backs of our hands, no?
Here's what I did -
2. Fill in the brows as usual - I think I am getting quite good at faking that I have groomed brows... when I can't remember when's the last time I had them professionally groomed.
3. Used Chanel Notorious to 'sculpt' my cheers and a little on my nose.... and then some more on my crease before I applied the falsies.
4. Applied and built up Tom Ford Cherry Lush gloss on my lips.
5. Applied Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in No5 on apples of my cheeks - or else I would end up with 'too cool toned' cheeks. Heheh.
This is pretty easy to achieve, and makes one look very groomed, and lady-like, without trying too hard. Besides, everyone would think that you are really confident and classy to rock some red lips.

and a really in your face shot which I took with my iphone5 and heavily filtered for the heck of it.

and added some lashes, but I think I prefer this look without the lashes. Surprise huh. Love how 'contoured' my cheeks look, thanks to the Chanel Notorious.
Okay, here's the rambling part, not quite sure where to start - so let's do an IN and OUT list:
What's IN
Going HK soon, for a whole entire week. I have been there countless times, but never a whole entire week. Yay!
Enjoying the absolutely fantastic TANGS beauty hall. Seriously, I have been going there like 3 - 4 times a week, whenever the brands invite me to visit the counters.
Yankee Candles. OMG. I wanted Red Velvet, and I bought it, and also Gingerbread... but I think I need back ups of Gingerbread!! My room smells like some Christmas bakery every night. It might smell sickeningly sweet to some, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Catching up with friends.
Going for long morning walks.
Blog is turning 6. Lately, I have been thinking, and seeing how so much has changed, and so much has remained the same here. I still feel extremely fortunate to be able to feature all the brands I love here, meeting awesome people behind the brands and having a very appreciative audience to blah blah to. And everything is still the same, looking the same the day I decided to set up this blog to ramble about makeup and random stuff. The Makeup Blogette has never ever existed for brands, for free products, for all the stuff which seems to get some other bloggers really caught up with. That's why I never feel the need to fulfil weird 'sponsored' obligations. The minute it stops being fun, is when I will stop. And so far, it's been nothing but fun, and that should be the way.
Body pampering - bought this set of Laura Mercier mini hand creams (30g each tube) consisting of my fave LM scents. LOVE LOVE I can't say how much I love the LM body line. And I also bought the philosophy gingerbread man hot salt scrub. Smells divine! And makes your skin REALLY SMOOTH.

I love scrubs. Especially yummy ones. I got the Laura Mercier creme brulee sugar scrub while I was in Taiwan earlier this year. It also has a warming sensation when you massage it onto your skin. The same goes for the gingerbread man. Both are equally exfoliating, but the Laura Mercier one feels slightly smoother (I tried and tested!) and after a good scrub I like to use a good body oil cos that's when your newly scrubbed skin is best to absorb the goodness of the oil - current fave, Caudelie divine oil. Everyone needs this!

What's OUT
BAD PR. Seriously. Please don't waste our time. I could have really shame everyone involved...but moving on!
Hot weather.
Blog backlog.
Waiting for my Shopbop order.
(let's keep the OUTs really short, and focus on the INs!)

Hi!
Finally, I got to try out Chanel Notorious... had it in my box for quite a while, but I had wanted to give it a go before I mention it on the blog. Notorious is a sculpting powder, first seen in the Chanel Fall 2012 runway. The models were sporting this extreme greyish cheek color, and the same color was also dusted across the eyelids. They were also sporting crystals encrusted eyebrows.
As seen here on Miranda Kerr:

and here, on another model

It is a satiny taupey cheek/face color which I think mimics the natural color of shadows on one's face. I supposed if one gets carried away with the application, one might end up look dirty... or like maybe the makeup was applied while one was still sleeping..opps. Either way, I was quite intrigued to try it out. That and the fact that Notorious was getting some kind of reputation for attaining one of those elusive hard to find Chanel items. I don't want to be kicking myself for not getting it while I could. (though I could probably use one of my 100000 taupey eyeshadows to substitute, but that's another story altogether).
Here's another closer look, and swatches:



and how I actually use it:
1. use it to contour the sides of my face - used NARS Yachiyo brush, the tapered ends makes for a precise application, and fluffy enough to blend
2. use it to contour the sides of my nose - which I honestly don't bother with on a daily basis - I used my dome shaped hakuhodo brush
I know the RED GLOSS is extremely distracting, more info on that in the next entry. :)

I am still getting the hang of it, seeing as I usually use a bronzer (ie warmer) to do all these things... I have 2 indepth entries on how to 'bronze' and contour for fair girls like myself... (links here and here) - lots of useful info there!
The Chanel Notorious retails for S$67, and available at the Taka counter, and the Chanel stores at ION and MBS.
Hope you find this helpful, and thank you for reading!
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