4/29/2013

Ain't She Sweet Look!

Here's yesterdays look, again, using products from Laduree's Spring collection. Go here for the swatches.

Products used:
Face:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree UV Protection Make Up Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation #20.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Powder Foundation # 20.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Cream Cheek Base 103.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mini Face Color Trio 102(the muted neon orange shade on the apples of the cheeks).
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mini Face Color Trio 102:
The left golden peachy-coral shade dusted all over the lid into the crease and along the lower lashline.
The pale mint green shade on the brow bone and in the inner corner.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pencil Eyeliner 102 (on the upper and lower lashline and waterline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Lips:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Lip Lacquer in 02.

Hope you enjoyed this look.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/28/2013

I Know A Polish That's Tough But Sweet...China Glaze's Kinetic Candy!

Question: are you experiencing the same sporadic weather? It's been cold, gray, and rainy for the past few days, and the only thing reminding me it's Spring are my manicures.

Kinetic Candy is a pale, grayed, robin's egg blue creme that I adore. I really love the dusty undertone in this polish, and I find it quite soothing to look at, especially on overcast days.

What polishes do you like to wear on cloudy days?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/27/2013

The Eyeshadow Strikes Back! Inglot Eye Shadow Singles

Sorry for the mini absences!

I totally forgot about the Inglot eye shadow singles that were stashed away in one of my eyeshadow bins. Many years ago, these singles were my first introduction to the brand. I was on the last leg of my vacation in Miami, shopping at Aventura Mall, when I happened upon the Inglot store. It felt as if the store had magical appeared, like some kind of cosmetic brigadoon. I knew nothing of the brand, or their freedom system, so I grabbed eight singles; When I think back on that evening, I feel a bit cheated. The MUA didn't offer/recommend purchasing these shadows using the Freedom System, which would have saved me around $50...beauty Jihad on her!

For a more in-depth review, check out my first Inglot post here.

From left to right: P416, DS465, P444, DS500.

From left to right: P420, M376, P434, DS458.

The individual eye shadows come with 2g/0.07 oz of product, unfortunately, I don't remember how much they retail for since I bought them a long time ago, but I believe they were around $12.

What Inglot eyeshadows do you own?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/22/2013

Stealing Beauty: Cosmeme at LakeTown

Lately, I've been shopping without my boy Friday(Aki). So, without him there to distract the Sales associates, it's been impossible for me to take pictures of the immaculate beauty counters. Tonight, we were at LakeTown, and with no SA in sight, I seized the moment and took a photo of my favorite store in the entire mall, Cosmeme. Cosmeme offers a small range of high-end brands such as Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancome, Helena Rubinstein, Shu Uemura, Clinique, and, now, Addiction. The main reason I love shopping at Cosmeme is their member's card. Out of all the beauty member"s cards I have (and I have all of them), Cosmeme's is the only one that actually awards you with cash back. After you've accrued a certain amount of points, you get ¥1,000 yen off your purchase. Yay for cash back!

What stores give you cash back rewards?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/20/2013

Confectionery Composition Look!

Yesterday, I had lunch at Hoshino Coffee in Shibuya. If you're ever in the area, I recommended trying their seasonal Spring Strawberry Souffle Pancakes...delectable with every bite! Here's the makeup look I wore on my outing:

For swatches of the products used in this look please visit here.

Sorry for the photos Jaundice-like coloring, but it's the only one I have.

Products used:
Face:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree UV Protection Make Up Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation #20.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Powder Foundation # 20.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Cream Cheek Base 102.
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Creamy Eye Color 02 (all over the lid)
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mini Face Color Trio 101:
The light peachy shade dusted all over the lid up to the brow bone.
The middle pink shade placed on the outer half of the lid and crease.
The darker pink shade blended lightly in the inner corner.
Mac Chromagraphic Pencil in NC15-NW20 (on the waterline).
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black brown (upper and lower lashes).
Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Lip Lacquer in 04.

This photo was another fail! The shadows photographed blurry...GRRR!

On my most recent Laduree Purchase, I was given a generous-sized gift with purchase samples of the UV Protection Make Up Base, Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation, and Powder Foundation. I like the luminous sheen that these products give to my dry skin. A more in-depth review coming soon.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/18/2013

Hook, Line and Lacquer! China Glaze's Sweet Hook

Sweet Hook is a soft, pastel lilac creme that has a pinch of pink in it's undertones.

I found the formula to be prone to bald spots; after three coats, you can still see some unevenness on my index finger. Sweet Hook is a great polish for Spring, just remember to apply with care.

What is your favorite lilac polish?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/16/2013

The Shades of the Cherry Blossom Blush...Guerlain Blush G Sakura

This limited edition, Asia Exclusive, Blush G Sakura Cherry Blossom Blush was the only item I picked up from Guerlain's Spring 2013 Blanc de Perle Collection; I'm still debating on getting the highlighting correctors...decisions, decisions.

The Cherry Blossom Blush come with the standard, brand name embossed, velvety pouch, expect, the Blush G Sakura's pouch color is a lovely pale dove-grey, with a pretty sakura pink sateen lining.

I love the contrast of the grey pouch and pink lining; I may actually keep this one.

The packaging is exactly the same as the 2011 Spring Blush G Serie Noire blush, except the Blush G Sakura comes in a white lacquered case.

Also, included in the compartment underneath the blush is this cute, yet useless, brush.

When I was swatching this palette at the Guerlain counter, I must admit, I was less than impressed with the dry and tough texture, as well as the lack of pigment. I actually walked away, bought a few things from Addiction, and as I was about to leave, I thought I'd give it another go; and I'm glad I did.

From left to right: swatches are top to bottom, and the last swatch is of all four shades combined.

The Blush G Sakura Cherry Blossom Blush was a swatching nightmare! I was swiping vigorously to get any color payoff on my arm. Although, this blush doesn't perform well on the arm, it really comes to life once it's applied onto the cheeks. The color is sheer, but it can be built-up. Also, there are some fine shimmers in the blush that gives a beautiful, luminous Spring glow to the cheeks.

After purchasing two items, I got this gift with purchase brush set.

The bristles are soft, the ferrules seem sturdy, and the handles are lightweight; let's hope they perform decently.

Guerlain's Blush G Sakura Cherry Blossom Blush retails for ¥7,700 (excluding tax). I'm not sure if the G Sakura Blush will be available in other countries, but who knows? Maybe you'll see it pop up in Nordstroms Annual Anniversary Sale, like most Asia exclusive items usually do.

Did you purchase anything from the Blanc de Perle Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/15/2013

A Little Bit of Pedestrian Heaven...Hokousha Tengoku in Ginza.

Yesterday, Aki had to make a trip to the Apple store in Ginza to replace his ipad mini (he dropped it the other day and cracked the screen. Mind you, he did the same thing the first night he got the ipad...the man is not loved by technology :P). Anyway, he asked if I wanted to come, no sooner had he finished his sentence that I was at the front door, with my Suica and credit card in tow. While we were in Ginza, I wanted to show you Hokousha Tengoku (literal translation: pedestrian heaven).

Hokousha Tengoku is hosted in certain areas of Tokyo, where some major roads, as well as some smaller streets, are closed-off from automobiles and are opened to the public to meander as they see fit. You can experience this pedestrian heaven in Shinjuku and Ginza, I can't remember if this is still done in Harajuku, but I know it stopped in Akihabara after the "Akihabara stabbing spree" back in 2008.

Sorry for the video's abrupt ending, but my phone died.

Opaque next to the apple store in Ginza.

While Aki was distracted by the Apple Sales Assoicate (all the technology porn), I was able to go outside and slip into the shop next door called Opaque. Opaque is a fun store that offers a little bit of everything from clothing, cosmetics, and accessories to home decor.

Window display at Opaque featuring the Tarina Taratino beauty line.

To my excitement, Tarina Tarantino's beauty line is now available at Opaque. If you've ever tried this beauty line, you'll know their products are fantastic!

What did you do on Sunday?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/12/2013

A Balm Upon My Lips...CANMAKE Stay-On Balm Rouge swatches

Two weeks ago, while patrolling the cosmetic section at AEON on the Mori side of LakeTown Mall, I came across a CANMAKE display featuring the Stay-On Balm Rouge. I don't know how this product slipped by me, but I had no idea CANMAKE had recently added these lip balms to their permanent lineup.

The Stay-On Balm Rouges are CANMAKE's answer to the Revlon Lip Butters; they're a balm, lipstick, and gloss rolled into one. CANMAKE Stay-On Balm Rouges come in four shades: 01, 02, 03, 04, and retail for ¥609 ($6.28).

From left to right: 01, 02, 03, 04.

Intrigued by this new product (and the reasonable price), I purchased all four; the display at AEON was out of the 02 shade, but I was able to find it at the R.O.U store in the Kaze side of LakeTown.

With flash from left to right: 01, 02, 03, 04.

The Stay-On Balm Rouges contain: shea butter, honey, squalane, royal jelly extract, jojoba oil, olive oil, rose hip oil, grapeseed oil, macadamia oil, pomegranate oil, and UV protection (whatever that may be). The lightweight, non-sticky texture of this product feels great on the lips, while providing a moisturizing, lustrous, playful sheer(but pigmented)-wash of color. I definitely see myself reaching for these balms this Summer.

Out of the four lip colors, my favorites are 02, 03, and 04...okay, they're all my favorite :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/09/2013

The New Dye in Town!

Well, it's about that time- a new season, new hair color. I dyed my hair the other day using Wella's Wellaton 2 plus 1 8GM light matte brown, and I'm really in love with the color. For the life of me, I don't remember the cost of this dye (can't find the receipt), but I do know it was over ¥1,200. My hair is long, thick and plentiful, so I needed Four boxes.

you mix all 3 potions of magic hair-dye making :)

Your less than impressive hair dying tools. I tossed the cheap plastic comb and tray, and used a metal mixing bowl and my gloved hands to apply.

And the end result is this ash brown :D

This photo was taken the following day, after one shampoo and blow drying. I'm heading out run some errands, so all I'm wearing on my face is Chanel's Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir, and Face Atelier Facade in Livid on the cheeks and lips; no foundation, concealer or brow products.

The color looks a little dull in this lighting, but it's beautiful and shin in person.

Have you changed your hair color for Spring?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/07/2013

The Beat My Heart Skipped! China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Electric Beat.

Sunday's mani is the fanciful Electric Beat, from last Spring's Electrobeat collection. Electric beat is a dusty, cornflower-blue with a creme finish.

Despite the thick, yet runny, formula, the application was non-problematic, and opaque in two coats. I get five beauteous days of wear with Electric Beat.

Did you purchase any of the polishes from the Electropop Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/07/2013

Running on Empty: March Empties!

Bath & Body Works P.S. I Love You Shower Gel: I really liked this shower gel, and I'll definitely be purchasing the next time I'm in the states.

Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Eau De Toilette Spray: This fragrance holds a lot of wonderful memories for me. Baby Doll is one of my signature Autumn/Winter scents, and I'll always repurchase.

Skin Food Cucumber Soothing Mask Sheet: I don't know how I came into possession of this mask, but I loved it! I'll be repurchasing this mask the next time I'm in Shinjuku.

Clinique All About Eyes Rich: This packing gave me seven days of use, and I was left wanting. I Won't be purchasing a full size of this product.

Suqqu Dual Eye Balm: I had high hopes for this eye cream when it came out. After three days of use, I can't remember whether I liked this eye balm or not, but I do remember feeling underwhelmed. Glad I didn't rush out and purchase this product.

Addiction Primer: This is a great primer, not the best, but still great. I'll write a more In-depth review later, but for now, just know that once I'm done with all my other primers, I will purchase a full size of the Addiction Primer.

Addiction Dewy Glow Foundation: Similar to the Nars Sheer Glow, except the Dewy Glow Foundation actually gives the skin a dewy sheen. Will purchase once I'm done with my no foundation buy.

What you tried any of these products?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

4/04/2013

The Girl with the Pearl...Palettes? Suqqu Spring-Summer 2013 Vintage Pearl Collection.

In commemoration of their 10th anniversary, Suqqu launched the limited edition "Vintage Pearl" Collection for Spring 2013.

Departing from the brand's traditional glossy, plastic casing, this collection's packaging is an iridescent white.

The Vintage Pearl Collection offers ten limited edition pieces, of which I've picked up seven. So, enough of my babble, let's get to the meat of this post!

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow Ex-11 Sumiredama.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow Ex-11 Sumiredama Swatches.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow Ex-12 Hisuidama.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow Ex-12 Hisuidama Swatches.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow Ex-13 Ginusudama.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow Ex-13 Ginusudama Swatches.

In addition to the new packaging, these three blend color eyeshadow palettes (¥7,140) feature a new pearlescent formula. Each quad comes with three luminious, transluscent duochromes and one velvety-smooth matte. The duality of the duochrome shades is stellar; offering a beautiful blend of luminosity and depth.

Suqqu Eyeliner Creamy Ex-02 Navy (¥3,990).

The Eyeliner Creamy ( I always want to change it and write/say creamy eyeliner), comes with a nifty portable brush. Normally, I chuck these brushes, but this applicator actually enables me to draw a fine line...a keeper in my book.

Suqqu Eyeliner Creamy Ex-02 Navy.

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist (¥5,250).

I believe (or I've stared at the photo long enough and tricked myself into believing) you can see more of the iridescent color in the casing in the photo...yes???

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist.

Also included in the Vintage Pearl Collection are three limited edition Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist in Ex-08 Sangodama, Ex-09 Kohakudama, Ex-10 Tsubomidama.

From left to right: Suqqu Eyeliner Creamy Ex-02 Navy, Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist Ex-08 Sangodama, Ex-09 Kohakudama, Ex-10 Tsubomidama.

Suqqu's Eyeliner Creamy in Ex-02 Navy has tiny micro shimmers that do not migrate onto the face. This creamy eyeliner IS waterproof, budge-proof, the damn thing will not move proof! I would advise against using this as a base (as I discovered), given the product dries very stiff; thus, causing you to want to claw your lids off.

Suqqu's Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist are richly moisturizing, with a balmy texture and creamy color; thus, giving the lips a luscious, glossy finish.

I have to say the biggest (and only) disappointment in the collection was the Face Color Palette in Ex-02 (¥7,350). Number one, I would have liked for there to have been equal amounts of the highlighter and blush. Secondly, the highlighter was a complete fail! The texture was just atrocious! I would have been better off grinding up some pieces of chalk and applying it on my face, than using that highlighter. I didn't even like the way it felt on my fingers as I swatched it at the counter. Finally, although I liked the shade of blush portion, the texture was also a bit chalky and stiff. Also, the sliver of blush offered wasn't enough to warrant purchasing.

I didn't pick up the polishes for no other reason than, I just didn't. The shades are pretty, but they just didn't need to come home with me.

Did you get anything from this collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.