Long time no see!

I thought I'd start the year right by getting right back into blogging and what better way to do that than by showing you new some new acquisitions.

Some time in October, I went to Tokyo and I picked up a bunch of stuff. Most of them I'd given away as presents, but I kept these two for myself. I've been using the Rimmel Cream Cheek in 004 Sunkissed Cherry a lot and I really like how the formula toes the line between a liquid tint and a cream. It is quite sheer, but buildable, and the color is something like maraschino cherry syrup.

I also picked up the Canmake Gokubuto Mascara. I was in need of something new as my Fairydrops one had dried out and I picked this up because it had a sticker on it that says it won awards from Cosme. I've used it a couple of times and while I'm not a fan of a waterproof formula (too difficult to remove), I like how defined and nicely separated my lashes looked.

These Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Polishes in 801761 Apple/Rouge Sublime and 801721 Pomegranate/Prune and this Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Hand Cream was gifted by an aunt of mine and it came in the cutest tin too! I haven't tried any of them yet though so I'll have to see before saying anything.

Not too long ago, Kiko Cosmetics opened their first store here in Hong Kong (quite possibly their first store in Asia).The prices were reasonable and I've only ever heard good things about Kiko, so I decided to give their stuff a go. I bought their Universal Fit Hydrating Foundation in Warm Beige 15 and two of their Creamy Color Comfort Lip Liners in 303 and 305. I'm waiting for the weather to get warmer before I give you my thoughts on the foundation. However, I have tried the red lip liner and it is very pigmented and long lasting.

They had the entire Rebel Romantic collection on display at the Kiko store and I just had to have this lipstick. You might remember the Intensely Lavish Lipstick in 01  Lusty Peony from my wishlist. It is absolutely gorgeous. I keep taking and out and staring at it and playing with the *gasp* magnetic lid. More on this as I get some use out of it.

I bought a few other pieces for some of my friends while I was at Kiko and my bill was something just over HK$330. The lady at the cashier told me I could pick out any item from the store with a star on it as a gift with purchase. I chose the Lucious Cream - Creamy Lipstick in 512 Plum which retailed for HK$79 and I got it for free. Great deal and a nice way to get people interested in their brand.

Over Christmas, I was in California with my family and I was given this cute set of mini eyeshadows from Bare Minerals in the shades Cultured Pearl (an incandescent pink), Blissful Pearl (a shimmery sand color), and Magnificent Pearl (a pearly taupe). I've never tried mineral makeup or loose eyeshadows so they should be very interesting.

I finally picked up my first real eye brow product! This is the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Chocolate. I've used it twice now and I've been liking it so far. It's hard to go overboard with this because the nib is so small. I particularly like the spoolie at the end that has very short bristles. Brilliant for blending in brow products.

 

These were a few small things I thought would be useful somewhere down the road. The Fresh Roll-on Perfume in Brown Sugar smells sweet, as you would expect, but not cloyingly so. It smells of something like cotton candy with an undertone of something fruity. I bought a Real Techniques Setting Brush for my friend and ended up getting one for myself. It's a great size and shape for under the eyes and for applying highlighter.

Hands down, the most extravagant thing I bought is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit. This limited edition goes for US$80 + tax, but how pretty is this palette? I know I do not need three powders and I do not even use bronzer. I had every intention of ignoring it an chalking up my interest to all the hype and attention this baby got from all the bloggers and vloggers, but it was too beautiful. I went to Sephora thrice on my trip and each time, this baby called out to me with its siren song of marbled blushes, illuminating powders, and sleek chic packaging. It didn't help at all that the powders were so finely milled and the blushes were that pigmented. I fully intend to get my money's worth out of this and so help me I will hit pan!

Here's to hoping I blog more regularly this year (and I get lots of use out of all of this stuff haha). I also hope your year will turn out beautifully and that only good things come your way.

Hello, hello, hello, everyone~

I cannot believe how close we are to the Holidays! Well, not really, but close enough for me to start thinking about what to get people for Christmas and what I'm thinking of getting myself for my birthday. I really enjoyed writing my wish list last year so I thought I'd do it again! Aside from that, a few of my friends and relatives said they found it very useful because normally I'm pretty hard to shop for. So they say anyway :)) Last year, I managed to buy or be given half of the things I put on my wish list . I was even able to get two bottles Laneige Water Bank Essence (one I bought myself, and another was gifted me) so hopefully, I get just as lucky this year~

If anything else, this is just an excuse to talk about things I love reading reviews about, swatching repeatedly if there's a counter nearby, and staring at longingly through my computer screen if it's not available here. I have tried some of these products and found that I really liked them, but most of them have been just out of reach. *Finger crossed that I go on a trip where they're available and have enough cash*

REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial

You may remember seeing this in my skincare post and NY mini haul. I put a tiny, tiny dollop on my finger and massage it in with dampened hands. It brightens, tightens, smoothens, and rejuvenates tired skin. I've been using it for several weeks now and I absolutely love it. Because I only have the sample though, I use it once a week as opposed to the recommended thrice a week. Even then I only use the tiniest amount because it feels like such a precious product. What I would do for a full-sized version of this *sigh*

Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack

I came home from a tiring commute home earlier this year and I felt like all the dirt of the world was on my face. Even after a bath and cleansing my face, I still felt a bit grungy and gross. I borrowed my cousin, Kim's tube of this and was blown away. It pulled out all the impurities leaving my skin clean. I was very surprised by how tightening it was and how baby soft and smooth my skin felt after. On a side note, Kim has a lovely blog if you want to check her out here.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup in Beige #20

I cannot even count how many times I've swatched this at the Chanel counter. It's so beautifully lightweight and blends like a dream. The coverage is much higher than most people expect from such a thin formula and it's buildable too. I have wanted this for years and years, but seeing as it is pretty expensive, I probably won't get my hands on it any time soon. Still, it's nice to have things to look forward to having someday.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in #52

Having said that about the Vitalumiere Aqua, this is something with a more forgiving price tag that is pretty good as well. I'm a very big fan of the 10-Hour Sleep Effect Foundation, but I've been looking for something that's more hydrating. It isn't high coverage by any means, but it is very good at giving you a glowing skin-like finish. The formula is said to be very gentle as well and is good for people with more sensitive skin.

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Very recently, I've changed my mind about this highlighter. When I first swatched it on the back of my hand I found it way too glittery, but when I tried it out on my face it was a whole other story. The glitter isn't harsh at all and it gives you that gorgeous cheek highlight that's brighter than your future. From what I've seen, it photographs beautifully too.

Clinique Cheek Pop in #03 Berry Pop 

It's been pointed out to me recently (hi, Poreen) that I wear a lot of blush. While I never skip this step, it isn't one of those bits of makeup that I think about quite so much. I'm looking to expand my collection a tad and this is at the top of my blush wish list. It's much brighter than I would normally go for, but still very wearable. The reviews I've read have raved about how pigmented, buildable and, blendable this is and the wear-time wasn't bad either.

By Terry Ombre Black Star in #05 Misty Rock

I have to confess that this is on the list because I've seen it way too many times on way too many blogs and YouTube videos. It looks absolutely amazing on so many different people and is a multi-dimensional color that changes up depending on your coloring. It looks so easy to blend and is touted as a longwearing eyeshadow.

RMK W Color Mascara in #03 Blue & Violet

More often than not this year, I've reached for an earth-toned eyeshadow and kept my eyeliner colors neutral. Aside from my makeup having to be work and interview appropriate,a lot of my old bright eye products have become hard or patchy. I've been in need of an update. I came across these when my friend was asking for a recommendation for a pink or red mascara. This was extremely pigmented in the swatches I saw and I wanted them instantly.

Covergirl Star Wars Mascara in Dark Side

I can't believe The Force Awakens is coming out in two months! But before I runaway with my feelings, let's talk about this mascara. The Covergirl Super Sizer mascara is out in a special edition Star Wars TFA version. It's a wet formula, which lengthens and volumizes. Reviews were mixed on this one, mostly because of how it applies, but for as long as you know your way around a mascara wand, I don't think it should be a problem. If you're interested in this, there are a bunch of tutorials and exclusive content on the official Tumblr which are worth checking out.

Kiko Intensely Lavish Lipstick in #01 Lusty Peony

I don't know how I managed to only have one lip product on this list. What has come over me? :))  Kiko is a great brand and I have such a hard time keeping myself from wanting so much of their stuff. Just look at this gorgeous lipstick: The color is mauve-rose and is said to be very buttery and opaque. Then of course there is that absolutely beautiful rose gold packaging. Love the Art Deco vibe of the lip which is *gasp* magnetic. It's such a lovely product especially for at that price-point (GDP 6.90)

This year, I was way more selective of what I wanted to put on this list. At one point I had 30-40 things on my list. I took out a bunch of stuff that was just pretty to look at, but I really had no intention of buying or really using and knocked out a few things that were just repurchases. I'm thinking of putting the things I want to repurchase in a separate post sometime soon~

What are you bb's looking to get this year? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Hello Everybody,

Finally writing my review for these products since getting them however long ago. I have to start off by saying these two products have been frequently made their way into my makeup kits and makeup routines for the better part of the year. They were designed by Alexa Chung for Eyeko and she has often talked about how Eyeko really is her go-to brand for her signature sixties liner and lashes look. That said there are drawbacks, but before I get carried away, on to the review!

Name: Eyeko Alexa Chung Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner

Net Weight: 0.8 ml/0.3 oz.

Shade: Carbon Black

*Gifted

Like many people, I'd been lusting after this eyeliner after I saw it used in Lisa Eldridge's video with Alexa Chung. She's even gone on to say that this is one of the eyeliners she cannot live without. A friend of mine gave me these as a present and I've been using it on and off for six months. 

The formula itself is very good. It stays on the whole day and does not fade. I drew a line on my hand and ran it under a tap to test its first claim and it did not budge when the water hit it. However, the water made it easy to rub the eyeliner off. This can be a good thing or a back thing: if you have sweaty lids and are prone to rubbing your eyes, this will smudge. On the other hand, this means that this eyeliner is not difficult to remove at the end of the day.

 

The lash-enhancing claim lies in application: If you apply it right on the lashline, you will create the illusion of fuller lashes (thank you, captain obvious ><). Now about it being carbon black: I have to agree that it is a very deep dark black. It has a shiny finish, but this doesn't translate so obviously on the eyes. So it is not matte, but it will not look too glossy on the eye.

Moving on to the nib of the eyeliner. I've never been a fan of sponge-tip eyeliners. Sadly, the Eyeko Eye Do Eyeliner did not change my mind about this. Like all sponge-tips, the point dried out after just a few weeks of use making it much harder to create a flick and do the ends of the line. On top of that, because of the width of the sponge, making a very fine line is near impossible. Although, this might be easier to use for beginners or people who aren't as adept at applying eyeliner as sponge-tips don't require a super steady hand.

Because it is a sponge tip, in as much as it dispenses product, it absorbs some of the products you've applied to your eye. Unlike a brush-tip, you cannot simply scrape off the bits of solidified eyeliner, eyeshadow, and etc. that have clung to the sponge. These bits clog the pores of the sponge which disrupts the distribution of the eyeliner from the tip to your eyelid. This makes the line patchy and uneven.

On the whole, not super happy with this. I have nothing but high praise for the formula: it lives up to its claims and has lasting power to boot. It really is a shame that it has a sponge-tip applicator otherwise this could have been perfect. That said, I won't be repurchasing this when I run out.

Name: Eyeko Alexa Chung Eye Do Mascara

Net Weight: 8.00 ml/0.22 oz.

Type: Lengthen & Strengthen

*Gifted

Getting right to it, this mascara has a slightly wet formula that coats the lashes very well. It is very lengthening and defining as you will see below. It also claimed to be strengthening, which I can attest to. I've found that my lashes do not fall off as much as they used to with this formula. This probably has to do with how comparatively easy it is to remove. It is a waterproof formula, but it comes off even with just Micellar cleansing water so I've never needed to use an oil-based remover.

Oddly though, for a waterproof mascara, it does not hold a curl all day. On the other hand, if you apply it zig-zagging upwards, it boosts (?) lashes up making it look like you've curled them. Layering this mascara is not a problem. It's buildable and it does not flake off or smudge.

 

Top-Bottom: No Mascara, 1-2 coats, 5 coats

Left: Curled Lash, Right: Uncurled Lash

This comes with a very large brush which dispenses a lot of product. You will need to wipe off a bit of the product before applying it to avoid clumps, particularly the tip. It can get clumpy so you may need to comb through your lashes with a clean spoolie or a lash comb. Because the applicator is straight and slightly curved outward in the middle, I often get the product on my eyelid by accident. To prevent this, Eyeko included a "Shield" (read: Guitar Pick) so you can get right to the roots of your lashes. I prefer to use the shield after I've applied the mascara when I'm combing through with a spoolie to better separate and distribute the product.

I was not as excited about the mascara as I was about the eyeliner when I first got these products. On the Lisa Eldridge video they didn't look like anything special, however this impression was quickly turned on its head. I really love this mascara so much so that it has become my go-to mascara for most days. Will definitely repurchase this.

TL:DR

Eyeko Alexa Chung Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner

+ Long-lasting, does not fade, waterproof, easy to remove, very black, not overly glossy, easy to use for beginners (does not require a super steady hand)

- Point dries out quickly, not easy to make wings and fine lines, sponge pores get clogged with other eye makeup, line becomes patchy and uneven

Eyeko Alexa Chung Eye Do Mascara

+ waterproof, coats the lashes very well, lengthening, defining, strengthens lashes, comparatively easy to remove, buildable, does not smudge, does not flake

- does not hold a curl, brush dispenses too much product, can get clumpy, product gets on the eyelid because of brush shape

Hello everyone,

Just a quick post today as Covergirl has just announced that it will be launching a limited edition Star Wars the Force Awakens makeup collection created by Pat McGrath. Pictures of the packaging were leaked online earlier in June, but finally we have confirmation! This is particularly important to me because I am a massive fan of the movies (and I mean massive. I cried when the second trailer came out) and I cannot wait to see the movie in December.

The collection comes with six lipsticks,

(L-R: Purple #50, Gold #40, Red #30, Lilac #20, Silver #10, Nude #70)

Three nail polishes,

(L-R: Light, Nemesis, Red Revenge)

and two mascara formulas with ten different collective quotes on them. Light Side is a waterproof formula and Dark Side is a non-waterproof formula.

Leading up to the September 4 launch date for the products, Covergirl is releasing 6 beauty looks. Today we got a look at Droid and Stormtrooper.

I hope I get my hands on a few items. I have my eye on the Red, Purple, and Nude lipsticks as well as the Nemesis nail polish. I'm a big fan of Pat McGrath's lipsticks from the Queen Collection so I have high hopes for these new releases. I also really want to read the reviews and swatches that are bound to pop up. On the whole, just really beside myself with excitement. 

Hello!

Very excited to show you the first ever collaboration on this blog~ Pauline of Catpacking and I are big fans of period pieces and vintage styles. One of our favorite eras is the 1940's. We're particularly fond of films set in that period (of which there are many!) Pauline's look was based on Rachel McAdams in The Notebook, which you can check out here.



The look I went for was a slightly more modern take on the classic forties makeup. I looked for a something that was wearable and translated well to how makeup is worn today. So I came across a backstage picture from Miu Miu RTW Fall 2011, which was a collection centered around the 1940's aesthetic.

One of the things to focus on is the pale clear skin. It was powdered, but not matte enough to hide a glowing complexion. For this I used my Bourjois 10-Hour Sleep Effect Foundation in #72, Pauline's Maybelline Master Conceal in 30 Light Medium, both applied with fingers, and my Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder, applied with my Real Techniques Powder Brush. On my cheeks I used Happy Skin Angled Blush Brush for a light dusting if YSL Blush Variation in 3 Camel right on the apple of the cheek over my Bourjois Cream Blush in #04 Sweet Cherry (reviewed here).

The semi-matte red lip was of course quite prominent as well and very drawn on. I decided against that and went for a more like a slightly shimmery color with my Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in #78 Shanghai Red. I applied it to look more stained than painted on so it looked more lived-in. If you read up on forties makeup, you'll learn that even during the war when everything was rationed, they made red lipstick available because they believed it was empowering and raised morale (makeup history tidbit yay!)

Pauline did a bit of subtle brow definition on me with her Liole Auto Eyebrow Pencil in #3 (because I cannot do brows at all.) For very subtle lash definition, I dotted a Nichido Precise Eye Pencil in Black Ebony along my upper lash line. On my lids I used Naked 2 from the first Urban Decay Naked Basics palette all over for the base. Then, I blended Faint, also from the Naked Basics palette, with a milk chocolate brown shade from a brand called Pinkies Collection, all across the socket right up to the point near my nose bridge. I finished with curled lashes and my Eyeko Eyedo mascara, which I should have gone chunkier with . I also could have used a few individual falsies, if I had them at the time.

I was really intrigued by just how modern a vintage look could be and really pleased with how it looked on me. Strobing and contouring aside, lots of the key points in forties makeup particularly the emphasis on clear looking skin, are very current and are still very wearable. I also had a lot of fun doing this with Pauline :)) It's great having someone to bounce makeup ideas with as you're figuring out how to do it (whilst also lip-singing to old songs haha.)

 

P.S.  Pauline and I trying to find the light haha