May 29, 2011

Sunscreen Lip Balm ReviewS (Bobbi Brown, Kiehl's, Hawaiian Tropic)

Unless you meant to let your lips turn purple, how is it possible to go out without a lip balm without any SPF during summer time? I have found a few SPF lip balms siting in my makeup drawer. Ranging from higher end to drugstore, its time for all of them to shine. (with the EOS Lemon Drop with SPF 15 went missing)

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm 
SPF 15 ($17)
Ingredients: Wheat germ and Olive oil
Texture: Comfortable and non-greasy solid balm can wear alone or underneath lip makeup.
Pros: 
- Round shaped container is easy to find
- Last forever
- Without any scent
Cons:
- Hard to dig out products using fingers especially during cold seasons
- Not hygienic 
- pricy-er
Thoughts: Introduced by my Bobbi Brown makeup artist years ago (she said she used it for overnight), I decided to pick this up again to try. Its a versatile balm that is great for both before and after makeup. It however does not last on my lips.


Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Pear
SPF 4 ($9)
Ingredients: Cotton seed oil and Octinoxate 
Texture: A moisturizing pear scented wax
Pros: 
- Easy to get product by squeezing the tube
- with a scent I like
- Last on lips for a long time
Cons:
- Waxy (but if you like very waxy lip balms, you would definitely enjoy this)
- Cannot apply product directly with the tube
Thoughts: If your one of those waxy lip balm type of girls, you would love the Kiehl's one. I used the own the original one and hated it but though the new scented ones would change my opinion on them. They didn't :(



Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Lip Balm (Aloe Vera & Vanilla Mint)
SPF 45+ ($3/ea)
Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone
Texture: A non greasy heavily scented chapstick
Pros: 
- Best to apply on the beach without using our dirty hands
- Stick formula would not melt easy in hot weather
- One of the highest SPF lip products found on the market
Cons: 
- Heavy scents might not be suitable for some people
- Might accentuate dryness of the lips with its dryer formula
Thoughts: I like the texture and convenience using the Hawaiian Tropic lip balms the most. I feel like this is a product meant to make for protecting your lips (rather than being a lip product that by chance contains SPF), but thats of course with taking into account that I am a hugee Hawaiian Tropic fan for a long time. Even when their products werent as widely as accessible back then in Hong Kong, I got most of their stuff from Roxy.


I am SO ready for the sun! Will probably bring all these products with me this saturday to the Sunny California. I will be staying at a resort by myself next weekend and head back to LA for another 10 days. Let me know if any of you would be around the area. We should meet up!









May 27, 2011

OOTWeek

It was so nice out this weekend (besides Monday) so I continuously did 5 OOTD videos. Style wise, I am trying to mix it up with some girly kiddish outfits as well as some more matured ones. Since I dont have a photographer, taking pictures to post up here is quite difficult for me, but taking a minute or two to record a video before I run out from the door does not interrupt my schedule :)



^Monday - Boyish Girlish
Green Striped Flutter Dress - Free People (Just found it Last Call by Neiman Marcus for $58 Here)
Blazer - Zara
Heels - Unknown
Bracelets -
Links London Sweetie XS, Tiffany & Co. Bead Bracelet
Earrings - F21
Lips -
Dior Addict 578 Diorkiss
Nails -
Essie Clambake on tips




^Tuesday - Summer Causal
Slouchy Pocket Tee - American Eagle (On Sale for $10 Here)
Skirt - Zara
Belt - H&M
Black Ribbon Flats - Prada (Similar
Here)
Bracelets -
Links Sweetie XS, Nordstrom
Earrings - F21
Lips - 
Dior Addict 865 Collection
Nails - 
Essie Clambake on tips





^Wednesday - Weekend Brunch
Top - F21
Pants - Delias
Straw Clutch -
Coach
Heels - Nine West (Similar
Here)
Bracelets -
Links Sweetie XS, F21
Necklace - Topshop (Similar
Here)
Earrings - F21
Lips -
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef



^ Thursday - Maxi Dress Style no. 1
Maxi Dress - F21
Plaid Shirt - Uniqlo (Similar from Urban Outfitters
Here)
Belt - H&M
Shoes - Old Navy (Similar
Here)
Necklace - Hong Kong
Bracelets -
Links London Sweetie XS
Lips -
in RS701 Serenity, Chanel Glossimer in 87 Seashell
Nails -
Essie Clambake on tips




^Friday - Fitted Printed Top
Top - Hong Kong
Skirt - Target (Similar from F21
Here)Heels - BCBG (Similar but with shorter heels Here)
Bracelets -
Links Sweetie XS
Watch - Zucca
Lips -
Revlon Creme Gloss in 060 Peachy Sheen
Nails -
Essie Clambake on tips

I'd say though the Monday and Wednesday outfit are closest to my style. However, as much as I want to dress like a grown up, I still struggle to stay away from floral mini skirts lol.


How has everyone's week been? And what are your summer favourite pieces?







May 22, 2011

Dior Addict Lipstick Review & Swatches (561 Baby Rose, 578 Diorkiss & 865 Collection)



You all know awhile back then I attended a Dior Makeover (Read more Here) and have been loving my Dior Addict 578 (Also the color on Kate Moss) ever since. The texture is amazing! It's very glossy and moisturizing but at the same time very pigmented even though it's very sheer... if that makes any sense? It feels like a balm on but has the staying power of a lipstick. I figured I would showcase the sample I got which contains 2 more colors along with my 578 Diorkiss. 

Packaging - 

561 Baby Rose
a barbie pink color with fine sliver and gold shimmers 

578 Diorkiss
a pigmented medium pink pink with no shimmer (of course it looks 100times better on Kate Moss)

865 Collection
a true pigmented yet glossy red with no shimmer

I cant wait to get my hands on more of this glosses. I am in love with 855 Collection. Though it's red but it's such a pretty warm sheer red that can be easily pulled off! As I mentioned, the texture of this lipstick is amazing. Very pigmented, moisturizing yet sheer and stays on all day. If you hate getting your lips ready for lipsticks or carrying a mirror around to make sure the color stay put, I highly recommend you check out the low maintenance Dior Addict lipsticks! So easy to apply and with the amazing finishes - they are truly worth the bucks! 


This could highly possibly be my lipstick of the year. Check out the Sephora page for much more exclusive shades!





May 15, 2011

Color Blocking Look Tutorial

Color blocking is undoubtedly one of the biggest fashion trends this year. Not only we can apply it to the clothes we wear, we can also do it with our makeup. Orange eyeshadow + pink cheeks + coral red lips. I adore this look and have been wearing this a lot! It does such a good job brightening my features but at the same time not so over the top!


Products used:
Laneige Make Up Primer Serum Control
Maybelline Pure Makeup Creamy Foundation in 5 Light
Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream in no.2
ELF Eyelid Primer
Stila shadow in Nadia
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in 1 Black Ink
Benefit Hoola 
Stila Convertible Color in Lily
Maybelline ColorSensational Lipliner in 50 Red 

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in 075 Peach





I am hoping to enjoy the weather today but it does not look very promising at the moment :( Regardless, have a great weekend everyone! 

May 10, 2011

April Hits & Misses

Better be late than never right? Haha Enjoy!

Products mentioned:

Revlon Photoready Foundation in 006 Medium Beige

First bought this foundation after seeing how it was raved by so many youtubers/bloggers, I actually stopped when winter approached because it was too dry to be used on my normal combination skin. This is a summer foundation for me with SPF 15 and medium coverage. The very fine milled shimmers do not bother me at all. I think it gives a rather dewy finish, which is the type of foundation I like. I am using color 005 Natural Beige and already bought 006 Natural Beige as back up. This is a great liquid foundation for its price. Not to mention it lasts for a very long time!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Cherries in the Glow

I have 3 tubes of this lipgloss because I just love this sheer red glassy gloss so much. Applied on it appears to be an 'upgraded' version of my lips, make them juicy and slight colored. It matches everything I wear and its so easy to apply. I have 1 in my vanity table, 1 in my car and 1 in my purse. 

Revlon Satin eyeshadow in Shimmering Sienna

Got a bunch of Revlon single eyeshadow during the last CVS cosmetics clearance, I completely forgot about this until I was digging through my "back up" box of cosmetics to look for something I "should" use for the summer. I found this baby about 2 weeks ago and have been reaching for it so much since. Its a gorgeous warm bronzy brown color that has a sheen to it. Never knew Revlon eyeshadow were this pigmented and high quality!

ELF Eyelid Primer

This $1 eyelid primer is exactly what I need since I dont have oily eyelids. Having been experimenting different eyeshadow, this does a decent job holding up the color as well as acting as a barrier for my eyelids from directly touching any eyeshadow. 

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

If you had to pick one bronzer to use for the rest of your life, I recommend you pick this baby up. I can never distinguish if this is warm or cool tone, and thats why its perfect for rainny muddy springy season like this. It stays on forever and truly deserves its hypes! 

RMK Loose Powder in P00

Got this when I lived in Hong Kong, I put it away and didnt find it until this time of moving came around. The color is a tad too light but I like how it brightens up my skin with its extremely fined milled shimmers and draws the focus to the center of my face using this along with bronzer. The puff that comes with is super soft. I turn it over and shake it once, open the cap and am able to set my whole face of foudnation/bb cream with that amount. It saves me a lot of time in the morning :)


-
Loreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner in G900 Carbon Black

Who says this is comparable to the Lancome Artliner!? Like for realz-_- No it doesnt. I bought this because my dollywink ran out, and thought I would give this a try since its been raved SO much. Formula wise it really isnt bad. Its very pigmented, long lasting, sweat proof. However, the felt tip isnt as thin and flexible. You basically need to 'lie it flat' in order to make a pigmented black line. I would say it's really not bad for $8.5, but just dont have the hope that it would be nearly as any close to the dollywink/Lancome Artliner. 

NYC Blush in 08 Rose

One word - powdery! in a bad way. Thank for I got it for $1.5 only lol, it is powdery on the pan, and also powdery on the face. It does not last very long. Unless you're super in love with this highly dupable color, or want to see how a normal baby pink look on you, I really don't recommend you buy this to take up space in your makeup drawer.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand

I remember I loved this tinted moisturizer last summer. I recently sent Cathy one and she loves it! That makes me wanna use mine again. However after a year of being spoiled by BB Creams, I really cant use this again. It's too orange, does not last and makes my T-zone so oily after a few hours. 


Chanel Mat Eclat Double Perfection Compact in Medium Beige
If you had to money to splurge on some Chanel goodies, spend it on the new Vitalumiere Aqua foundation or the loose powder that I LOVE. This compact foundation is very thick and also drying on my normal skin. It does almost too much for the coverage and makes me look dead haha. Stay away from it!


Hair curled using the Remington Sleek and Curl Styler (Read more Here).



What are your current favourites??

May 8, 2011

Smudge Brush Reviews (Urban Decay, Sonia Kashuk, Bobbi Brown and ELF)

I have finally put together a throughout review after all these months of lazy blogging. Please read and feel my effort! This time I am doing things a little differently. I have put together a smudge brush reviews on 4 smudge brushes from all different brands.

The Smudge Brushes I am comparing:
2) Sonia Kashuk Smudge Brush from the new Gold Mine Collection

What Smudge Brushes do?
- Creates detailed pin-pointed color application
- Blend in eyeliner and shadow to create a smokey eye look or to fill in brows
- Use to apply powder to line eyes or create concentrated color definition
But I only use all my smudge brushes to line my eyes using either my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink or the ELF Cream Eyeliner.


Characteristics of each smudge brush:
1) Urban Decay Good Karma Multi-Tasker Brush
Got it from Hautelook for $12, this brush is in amazing quality. I use and wash this brush everyday for the past 3 months. This high performance multi-tasking brush is still in great shape after so many washes and my rough use. The medal handle gives the brush a good amount of weigh and the grooves designed on the handle acts as the pivot point allows me to easily control and get a good grib moving the brush around when applying liners.


2) Sonia Kashuk Smudge Brush from the new Gold Mine Collection
Don't fool by the flared bristles even only after 2 times of wash. They do not affect the application. This lightweight, slight convex C shaped brush is perfect for beginners. The handle is the thickest and shortest among all. The wide width allows fast and precise application.


3) Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush
Got this brush along when the very first version of the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner came out, yet have never been (and never will be) impressed with this brush. The bristle hair is very high quality. Though named to be 'Ultra fine', it never occurred to me that it was any 'fine'. But at the time I was a makeup noob and had so much loyalty towards Bobbi Brown so thought it was the best it could offer for $25. However, after couple months of usage and wash it flared out like crazy. Yes call me superficial but I expect Bobbi Brown brushes to last for a very long time! Unlike all 3 other smudge brushes, this brush comes with same length bristle hair. What does it mean? It means when the bristle hair flare out it will get in your way during application because touching the 'flared out' hair is inevitable.


4) ELF Small Smudge Brush
Not sure if it is because this synthetic haired Taklon brush has the shortest bristle hair among all, or it really has lived up to its expectations, this brush has still not yet flared out on me after many washes. The thin and light handle compliments the short bristle to allow easy turning and twisting for pin pointing flawless application. The only down side about this product is that it may be difficult to draw a thick line due to its thin tip, you might need to "redip" to get more eyeliner to do so.


Handle & Bristles Comparison:
Handle Length:
1) Urban Decay: Shortest
2) Sonia Kashuk Smudge Brush: Short
3) Bobbi Brown: Longest
4) ELF: Long
Handle Material:
1) Urban Decay: Medal
2) Sonia Kashuk: Wood
3) Bobbi Brown: Wood
4) ELF: Plastic
Weight: 
Only the Urban Decay Good Karma Brush is significantly heavier, the others are pretty much the same.
Bristle Hair:
1) Urban Decay: Feels like animal hair but they claim this brush is Vegan lol!
2) Sonia Kashuk Smudge Brush: Synthetic
3) Bobbi Brown: Horse/Syethetic
4) ELF: Synthetic
Price:
1) Urban Decay: $24 but got it for $12 from Hautelook
2) Sonia Kashuk: The entire Gold Mine set is $24 with other 6 brushes, so roughly around $3
3) Bobbi Brown: $25
4) ELF: $3 but got it for $1.5 with a 50% discount

Horizontal line Competition: (From Top to Bottom)
1) Urban Decay: Easily manage to draw a line from thick to thin. Color fades as stroke fades.
2) Sonia Kashuk: With its wide width, it was difficult to perform thickness on application. Yet the stroke and coloration are constant.
3) Bobbi Brown: Impossible to avoid the flared bristle hair even tipping the brush during application. Coloration is, however, very constant and smooth.
4) ELF: Handle seems to be too light to apply pressure with. It's hard to get a "feel" of how much product is being applied. However, coloration is comparable to the Bobbi Brown brush, the color remains opaque with thin strokes.

Curved Line Competition: (From Left to Right)
1) Urban Decay: Constant and easy to turn and twist.
2) Sonia Kashuk: Very difficult to draw thin curved line with with its wide width. When forcing it to do so, it adds thickness to the line. However coloration is constant and opaque.
3) Bobbi Brown: Almost impossible to draw thin curved line because of the flared bristle hair.
4) ELF: Thin tip allows precise curved line application. Application does appear 'roughness' due to the lightness of the brush.

Overall Recommendations:
Quality:
The Urban Decay Good Karma Multi-Tasker Brush is the best quality among all the brushes and is the one I recommend the most. The hair stays the same even after many washes and its heavier weight applies a good grib to make application a lot easier and manageable. It is a little pricy (only $1 less than the Bobbi Brown) though I believe it will last for a very long time. 
Price:
I do recommend both Sonia Kashuk Smudge Brush and ELF Small Smudge Brush if you are on a budget yet are on the hunt for a decent quality smudge brush for your cream liner. However, after comparing them from different perspectives, I slightly recommend the ELF one over the Sonia Kashuk Smudge brush because of its shorter bristle and better quality bristle hair. 


>>>
Hope this review helps! With my poor composition ability this has taken me HOURS to do *tears go down. Have a great weekend and leave me comments if you wanna share your 2 cents on any of these brushes or have any recommendations!


April Favourites video and couple OOTD videos are also uploaded on my youtube channel! Make sure you check them out if interested! Last but not least, Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there!
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