Makeup Remover Reviews: MAC + Lancome + Neutrogena

Cleansing is no longer as simple as just using a facial wash. Good skin starts with proper cleansing and not by avoiding makeup. I've come across quite a number of ladies who are terrified of applying foundation because they're worried that it will cause breakouts or worsen their complexion. The fact is, if you properly cleanse your skin at the end of the day, you'll have nothing to worry about. Proper cleansing should be practiced whether or not you apply makeup since the skin care that you apply in the morning will clog up your pores all the same if you don't thoroughly clean them off before applying your night skin care.

So, what's considered as proper cleansing? My cleansing regime consists of a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) in the morning and at night, I double cleanse first with a cleansing oil to get rid of all my makeup and then again with Cetaphil.

In this post I'll be reviewing several makeup remover cleansers that I've recently tested and one of them is completely amazing...

MAC Cleanse Off Oil
RM95/150ml

Having read Jenn's review on the MAC Cleanse Off Oil, I expressed how I'd love to give this cleansing oil a try and being the sweetest girl she was, Jenn got me a generous sample of it. The Cleanse Off didn't cause any adverse effects to my skin despite containing Bitter Orange Oil (I've been worried that I may be allergic to that) instead it performed spectacularly. When the light oil is massaged onto my foundation-covered skin, all the gunk melted off my face in no time. Dissolving super waterproof mascara and eyeliner is hardly a chore for the Cleanse-Off. After cleansing, my skin didn't feel oily but comfortable and soft.

I'm on the fence with which I prefer more -- the I Nuovi Cleansing Oil or the MAC Cleanse Off. Both are quite similar in terms of performance but I occasionally do get a rash from I Nuovi if I don't rinse off the emulsified oil quick enough. However, you can't beat I Nuovi's price (RM72/150ml). That said, MAC Cleanse Off Oil is wonderful and I highly recommend it if it's not out of your budget. If you'd prefer something cheaper that works just as well, I Nuovi's a sure winner.

But what about Shu Uemura? It lost out to I Nuovi a long time back! [read comparison here]

Lancome Baume Eclat Balm-to-Oil Massage Cleanser
RM100/125ml

Along with the Cleanse-Off, Jenn gave me a travel-sized tube of Lancome's Baume Eclat to compare with. The balm-to-oil texture takes some getting used to as it felt like I was rubbing Crisco on my face. While it did remove almost all traces of makeup, it required a substantial amount of rubbing. On the plus side, it's less messy compared to using a cleansing oil as in no dripping. I use this mostly when I'm traveling so that after dissolving the makeup, I can simply wipe it off with a wet tissue. Nevertheless, it's not something that I'll consider purchasing full-size.
[read Jenn's comprehensive review here]

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion
RM22.90/200ml

With the rate of a bottle a month, I was looking for a cheaper alternative to dual-layer eye makeup removers and that's when I settled for the Neutrogena Deep Cleansing Lotion. Yes, it removed foundation and waterproof mascara but not quite effortlessly. In the end, I gave up and just used cleansing oil to remove all of my makeup in one step. I'm still wondering why I didn't just do that in the first place since cleansing oils are the best that I've ever used for removing eye makeup. Not only have I saved on eye makeup removers, I'm using less cotton pads as well. I'd occasionally use the cleansing lotion to remove any mistakes, swatches or light makeup. I'll probably repurchase but not for a long time more since I still have more than half a bottle. I recommend this to anyone who's looking for a highly affordable makeup remover.
[read Prettybeautiful's review on this]



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It Feels Like Christmas!

Gosh, imagine how overwhelming it is to come home and find a pile of not one, not two and not even three but four packages waiting to be ripped open. My much anticipated US swap package from Grace finally arrived and there was an early birthday surprise love package from Tine! The other two packages were from sponsors for reviews which I won't reveal here but you'll know when I finally use them.

Read on for the details...

Tine was very sweet to remember my birthday and she sent me a lovely card with her iconic cherry blossoms. The package was filled with Australian goodies:

• Lucas' Papaw Ointment
• Australis Creme Colour for Cheeks & Lips in Dusty Rose
  
• Face of Australia Liquid Lines Metallic Eyeliner in Purple Fusion
• Frizz Ease Hair Serum
• L'Occitane Shower Cream
• Moxie Panty Liners -- the tin box is to die for!

Thanks so much, sweetie!

My US purchases:

• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Plus
• Urban Decay Get Baked Palette
  
• L'Oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer for Medium Skin Tones
• NYX Round Lipstick in Mars
• NYX Round Lipstick in Honey
• NYX Megashine Lipgloss in Smokey Look
• NYX Round Lipgloss in Whipped
• NYX Round Lipgloss in Cafe Latte
• Urban Decay Ink for Eyes in Binge
• Ben Nye Lumiere Creme Color Wheel
  
• Ben Nye 4-Color Cover Wheel
• Benefit Creaseless Shadow/Liner in Strut
• NYX Single Eyeshadow in Brown
• NYX Single Eyeshadow in Eggplant
• NYX Single Eyeshadow in Irises
• NYX Single Eyeshadow in Atlantic
• Mehron Shadoblend in Eggplant
• Giovi Magic Finish "Cooked" Powder in 02
• NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Perpetual
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Uber
  

Other US Purchases (not mine):

• Monistat Chafing Gel
• Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous Foundation
• NYX Mosaic Powder
• NYX Blush
• Stila Smudge Pot
• L'Oreal Hip Eye Shadow Duo
• Tweezerman Tweezers
  

Gifts! Thank you so much, Grace!!:

• Benefit Color Plump in Yoo Hoo
• Pink Lipgloss Sample
• Make Up For Ever Primer Sample
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance Sample
• Sephora Lip Gloss in Precious Pink
• Fresh Soy Face Cream Sample
• Bare Minerals Foundation in Medium
• Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation
• Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
• Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser
• Softlips Organic Lip Conditioner
• Clinique Full Potential Lips in Glamour-Full
• Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black
• Shills Cherry Blossom BB Cream (this tube went from Malaysia to the US then back again to Malaysia. Lol)
  

LOADS and LOADS of CANDY!!! :D

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Review: Anna Sui Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation

I may be turning only 22 (in less than 2 weeks *coughs*) but I have Sahara-like skin that wails for rich moisturizing products. Imagine what my skin is gonna be like when I'm no longer a spring chicken (in the words of Paris B)! This fall, Anna Sui Beauty has released an upgraded range of base makeup called Moisture Rich, which includes a Foundation Primer, Fluid Foundation and Powder Foundation -- someone must have heard my prayers.

Tongue in Chic in partnership with Anna Sui presented me with an opportunity to test out the Anna Sui Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation, which I accepted with high expectations. The foundation promised me a smooth texture and a natural flawless glow but is it a favorite?

Read on for the full review...

Anna Sui gets major cookie (Yes, cookie! Not brownie!) points for beautifully packaging their products. The Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation is no exception with the frosted glass bottle shaped like a rose and the cap, like a rose bud. The removable pump allows for a hygenic way to dispense the foundation.

I chose B03, which is a close enough match. However, the beige undertones have hints of orange causing my skin to look warmer than usual. It's not a concern for me but I understand that many Asian women prefer rosier complexions. Something very distinctive that I noticed was Anna Sui's trademarked strong rose scent and although I'm not concerned again, others may be.

On to the foundation, it is a watery type of liquid foundation thus, I apply it with the elf Studio Powder Brush. Oh boy, blending this foundation isn't easy at all as it doesn't seem to adhere to the skin. Can a foundation be too water-like? I understand that it's water-based but the texture is definitely very peculiar! It took awhile for the foundation to dry and eventually adhere to the skin. After that little commotion and a generous dusting of loose powder, I was left with a sheer-medium coverage and a beautiful glowy finish that I seek in liquid foundations. And then it hit me; if it was already so glowy when freshly applied, what's it gonna look like 2 hours later?

My skepticism came true when about an hour later my skin started to shine instead of glow. The more hours went by, the more I shone. Malaysia has a hot and humid climate so sweating is unavoidable but rolling beads of WHITE sweat should be! I was under the sun for only 15 minutes and already my foundation was starting to melt. By the time I got home, there were only several patches of foundation left on my face.

Bottom line, this foundation may feel great on dry skin but it cannot sustain Malaysian weather. If you're living in a cold climate and you have dry skin, I'd highly recommend this foundation. Otherwise, this foundation will be too oily and it will not stay very long on your skin.

Perhaps the Moisture Rich Powder Foundation would be more suitable for us sweaty people. I'm actually quite inclined to give it a try. It promises to give a smooth finish, flawless glow AND long lasting effect. I'll keep you posted if I ever do try it!

Prices are as below:
Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation: RM134
Moisture Rich Powder Foundation (case): RM52
Moisture Rich Powder Foundation (refil): RM108


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Music Video Inspired Tutorial: Gwen Stefani's "Early Winter"

A subscriber of my You Tube channel requested me to do a classic Gwen Stefani look and though I love the winged liner, I lack the courage to wear a bold red lip. I came across Gwen's "Early Winter" video and spotted a look that I know for sure I'll be able to pull off. She was wearing a dark winged out smokey eyes with frosty pink lips. So, while I figure out a way how to make the red lip work on me, here's a Gwen-inspired makeup tutorial for ya.



Read on for more pictures and description of items used.

Click here for Gwen Stefani's "Early Winter" video
I had some trouble at first while I was attempting to re-create this look. I couldn't quite get the colors right because if you watch the video, the colors seem to differ from different angles. For instance, in this picture, the makeup looks black but in the up-close, her makeup is actually metallic gray and from another angle, it looked like she had some pinks in there too. After my 3rd attempt, I decided to just create the effect rather than pay so much attention to the colors.

Items Used:

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Eye Color in 02 Radiant Graphite
Origins Eyeshadow in Glistening Granite
Shu Uemura Glow On in P Gold 91
MAC Eyeshadow in Purple Haze
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
I Nuovi Fluidliner in Noir (pencil liner)
I Nuovi Trucolor Eyeshadow in Arabian Black
Maybelline The Colossal Mascara
elf Dramatic Lash Kit
Daiso Auto Eyebrow Pencil

Face:
Benefit Dr. Feelgood (primer)
RMK Powder Foundation EX in 103L

Cheeks:
Benefit Dallas Powder

Lips:
I Nuovi Ivoluxe Lipstick in Flirt
I Nuov Ultragloss Lipgloss in Rock





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Quck Reviews: 6 Products from elf Cosmetics and then some...

I've been accumulating all the e.l.f. Cosmetics products that I've gotten over the months. In this post, I'll briefly go over 6 products from the regular $1 elf line and the $3 Studio line. When it comes to such cheap cosmetic products, there will be hits and misses but the hits definitely prove that great products need not break the bank. As for the misses, they don't hurt. Recently, elf has really stepped up to the plate by coming out with many new and promising products such as their UDPP-comparable Mineral Eyeshadow Primer and latest releases of Studio Single Eyeshadows and Blushers among others -- all of which I hope to order soon. The featured products for today's reviews are:

• elf Studio Golden Bronzer
• elf Concealer Brush
• elf Studio Small Smudge Brush
• elf Nail Polish in Champagne
• elf Studio Eyebrow Treat & Tame in Medium
• elf Slant Tweezer

Read on for reviews and swatches

I got the elf Studio Golden Bronzer in hope to replace my favorite elf Healthy Glow Powder in Luminance, which I use as an all over finishing glow powder. The problem I had with the Healthy Glow was that the powder was too loosely pressed into the pan and mine actually broke and became loose powder. The Golden Bronzer has 4 shades in a single pan -- last swatch to the right is the combined colors. I was very pleased that the powder didn't fly all over when I swirl my brush in the pan. In fact, in the picture above, I've actually swirled my brush a couple of times before and you can still see the "elf" imprint. As an all over powder, it failed to replace Luminance because of the shimmer overload. The effect you will get is as if you have many layers of powder on your face and you'll be glittering instead of glowing. The individual colors are quite pigmented so they can easily work as eyeshadows or you can use them as highlighters. I quite like the Rose shade to sweep over peachy pink blush.

My intention of getting the elf Concealer Brush was just to see if it'll work as a gel eyeliner brush. Well, it does but you shouldn't expect a precise line. Overall, the brush has very good quality synthetic fibers and it's soft yet it gives resilience. This brush is suitable for applying and blending cream eyeshadows even if it's not so great as an eyeliner brush.

I guess I should just stick to the elf Studio Small Smudge Brush to use with my gel eyeliners. I'm absolutely in love with this brush. Small, firm, flat, tapered -- everything I could ask for in an eyeliner brush. Since it's synthetic, the fibers don't fray quickly either. I definitely need a few more of these.

Nail polishes have never really caught my interest but recently I feel compelled to apply nail polish so that my funky nails will look less "ungroomed". Granted, I'm horrible at applying nail polish. Nevertheless, the elf Nail Polish in Champagne is one nail polish that I find myself using very often. Firstly, the fleshy pink color is very natural so it's pretty much foolproof. It's also relatively easy to apply as in I am less likely to get streaks. The staying power is reasonable even when I don't use a top coat. Downside would be that the nail polish takes awhile to dry and it turned my nails yellow. Thus, I'd suggest using a base coat first. I look forward to getting more colors of these.

You've probably seen me using this in my recent eyebrow tutorial. The elf Studio Eyebrow Treat & Tame basically helps to give eyebrows a tint while keeping them in place. It's a decent product which gets the job done. However, it's not the best (ie. RMK Eyebrow Mascara) with its bulky brush and slightly chalky formula. As for the Treat side, I'm not that bothered with it. I haven't used it often enough to know if it works.

I've had tweezers that are better and cheaper than the elf Slant Tweezer. It is so heavy and chunky that I feel my finger muscles cramping before I can get to the third piece of brow hair. The tip isn't flat and precise enough to pluck out short/fine hair. This belongs in the kitchen to pluck out remainders of chicken feathers.

I didn't want to review these since I hate them so much but I'd just like to warn ya'll in case you're thinking of getting the Super Glossy Lip Shine or Luscious Liquid Lipstick. They're both hardly pigmented and ultra STICKY. The glitters look mighty cheap and so is the scent. You may be paying only $1 for the click pen and you'll actually only get like half a tube of product by the time you manage to click out the first bit of lipstick. Poor quality and not worth even $1.
NOTE: The colors I got were Goddess and Caramel Candy. There could be a possibility that different colors have different quality

elf Cosmetics are not available for retail locally in Malaysia however you can go through spreers who can help order these products from the website. As always, I recommend sgdrugstore from Lowyat.net
The regular $1 line usually sells for RM6 and the $3 Studio line would go for RM15. Prices may change according to shipping and currency exchange rates.

Other elf products that I've reviewed:

• Studio Powder Brush
• Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Stick: Green Moss, Black Smoke, Brown Basic
  
• Shielding Hydrotint SPF15
• Dramatic Lash Kit
• Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzer
• Studio Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter
  
• Studio Eyebrow Kit
• Studio Complexion Brush
  
• Eyeshadow Brush
• Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder: Sun Kissed, Warm Tan, Luminance
• Mineral Concealer
• Tone Correcting Concealer
  

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Review: Benefit Dallas Powder + Silky Powder Eye Shadows

I'm quite the sucker when it comes to packaging and cute names. Benefit Cosmetics takes the cake for their innovation in product design and marketing. But of course, fancy designs come with matching prices that smack me down from cloud nine.

Naturally, I jumped at the chance to get the Benefit Dallas Powder when it was heavily discounted at the friends and family sale (Thanks, Kahani!). In addition to that, I got the You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer (reviewed) and Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Slippin' and Dippin' (to be reviewed). Going pretty cheap were the Silky Powder Eye Shadows, which are being discontinued so I'll just rougly review those as well in this post.

Read on for the review and swatches.

"Give your complexion a natural-looking glow that will leave you looking younger, healthier and more vibrant. This sheer wash of color dusted across your cheeks, forehead and chin gives any complexion a healthy looking radiance... it's a glow that defies even Mother Nature."

One of Benefit's seven iconic box-o-powders, Dallas claims to provide an outdoor glow for an indoor gal. Pressed into an nostalgic-style cardboard box, the packaging is beyond adorable albeit not the most sturdy. Mine's slightly torn at the side of the box from possibly a sticky tape. The color of the printed paper wrapping the box will fade and chip off in time. For those of you who store your makeup in the bathroom, you may want to keep this box far away from any water sources 'cause when the carboard absorbs water, you'll get bumps on your box.

Dallas comes with a brush that fits comfortably in the box but mine has mysteriously gone missing... It's pretty handy but somewhat scratchy so it's something that I can do without.

The soft dirty plum powder contains a low degree of shimmer but gives a natural pearl glow finish. Personally, I use Dallas as a daily blush when I just need some color to perk up my face. On my skin tone the color isn't very noticeable unless I layer it on . The staying power is reasonably good. I love that the powder is very light and fluffy making it effortless to blend.

Check out Jenn's review to see how Dallas looks on a fairer complexion!

Is Dallas worth the original price? Not quite. However, for the price that I got it for, I'm liking this a lot! I keep my blush safely in drawers and alternate them so the quality of the packaging isn't of much concern to me.

It used to retail at RM129 but I believe the price has gone up. If anyone knows the price of it now, I would appreciate it if you could let me know in the comments. On the US Benefit website, Dallas is selling for $28.

I won't go into depth with the Benefit Silky Powder Eye Shadows as they really aren't great and these colors are no longer available on the Benefit website. I think our local counters still stock these but I can't be sure since the last time I lurked over a Benefit Counter was.... four months ago?

Anyway, both Guess Again and Moody have very poor color pay-off when they're on the lids. Nevertheless, they do feel very silky smooth. I only use Guess Again (muted purple) as a sheer wash or blending color. Moody (cool dark beige), on the other hand, works wonderfully as a contouring color which I use for my cheeks. It creates very natural-looking shadows and since it's sheer, I have a good control over the intensity of the color.

Other colors in the range are now on discount for $9 on the US Benefit Website. I have no idea how much these are in Malaysia but I'm guessing around RM65-70.


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Totally Wearable Tutorials: Tea Time

Ever since I've started using brushes to do my eye makeup, I no longer use my fingers and those sponge tip applicators that come with eyeshadows. However, it's not to say that not using brushes will result in ugly makeup. In fact, certain styles of eyeshadow application actually work really well with sponge tip applicators such as the Japanese style. Personally, I prefer the western style of eyeshadow application, which is why I almost always use brushes. I did this look for Syen's wedding and it's fairly easy to achieve, using only 3 eyeshadow colors. This time, I've done a video tutorial to show how I blend using the sponge tip applicator.

Read on for more pictures, the video tutorial and description of items used.

I forgot to take a picture of the pigment swatches so I'll upload that later on.



Tiramisu: Deep reddish brown with maroon shimmer. One of those dark browns that would work wonderfully for smokey eyes and also as a liner
Cola: Medium amber gold. Great as an all-over shadow color or blending shade
Cafe Latte: Almost no pigment at all. It's very sheer and soft beige with golden-beige shimmer. Works as highlight

Items Used:

Face:
Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie
Lancome Maquiliquide Foundation in O-04
Revlon Skinlights in Peach Light
Estee Lauder Ideal Light in 03 Medium and 07 Soft Pink
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder

Cheeks:
Benefit Dallas Powder
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Refined

Lips:
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Assertive

Eyes:
MAC Paint in Stilife
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Slate
Lumiere Mineral Pigment in Tiramisu, Cola and Cafe Latte
I Nuovi Fluidliner (pencil liner) in Noir
Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara
Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara
Daiso Auto Eyebrow Pencil
elf Brow Kit in Light





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It's a Fact -- Connie Hates to Shower

I'm not ashamed to admit it either! Showering is just one of those things that I merely do out of necessity. Being told to go shower by my mom and Andrew isn't uncommon and almost always, I'd be reluctant to do it. Out of obligation, I'd probably only spend less than 10 minutes in the shower. The reason why I don't like to shower is probably because I don't see the point of doing so unless I'm dirty or sweaty. Other than that, to me, there simply isn't any other benefit to showering.

Picture source: www.petside.com

So, if I told you that there's one product that actually made me look forward to showering everyday, that would be pretty major news, wouldn't it?
Read on to find out what that product is...

The lovely Jenn of Lipglosseater gave me my very first LUSH Soap called Porridge Soap. To a shower-hater, receiving a piece of soap brings up feelings of a kid getting a stationery set for her birthday. Just one of those gifts that you don't go jumping for joy over but you'd use it anyway because it's useful (sorry, Jenn!).

Never did I imagine that the day I brought this funky-looking piece of soap with me to the shower, my showering habits would be completely changed. As the soap is rubbed on the skin, the scrumptious scent of oats and caramelized sugar (should be molasses but I've never smelt that before) is released. The creamy soap lathers the skin while the oat bits invigoratingly massage and exfoliate. Showering actually felt pleasurable. Even the boy loves this soap. Good for scrubbing his butt and back, he says.

I've had pleasant shower sessions before with nice-smelling body scrubs but I bore easily and would ultimately prefer to spend no more than 10 minutes in the shower. The hassle isn't worth it on a daily basis. LUSH Porridge Soap managed to make me commit by transforming how my skin looked and felt. After just a few days of using the Porridge Soap, my skin has been feeling a lot softer and smoother. In the mornings, when the sun hits my legs and arms, I can swear that my skin glows and look more "alive". What more could you ask from a soap that moisturizes, sloughs off dead skin cells, and improves blood circulation?

The Porridge Soap then amazed me further with its super cleaning powers...
I'm slightly embarrassed to say this but I've been having problems with dark underarms for the longest time. Over the years, I've tried scrubbing with a loofah (which caused redness), whitening deodorant (which didn't work), bleaching soap (which made my skin flake) and a handful of other products that were hardly effective.
Quite unexpectedly, my underarms have started to look brighter and smoother since I've been using the Porridge Soap. Areas like my inner thighs and waist also look cleaner than before. Shows how great those Palmolive and Dove shower gels work huh? Showering with those, you might as well don't shower.

Downside of the Porridge Soap is that it probably won't last you very long since it melts. One bar will last you approximately a little over a month if you use it twice a day. To prevent the soap from melting too fast, I don't use it under the shower. First, I wet my body, massage all over with the soap and place it back on a dry soap holder. Then, I wet my palms and lather up.

I can't imagine myself being satisfied with a shower gel ever again. I've totally converted to soap. Very unfortunately, LUSH is not available in Malaysia so to prevent myself from going back to my unclean ways, I've asked a friend to help get me a few more of this wondrous soap.

LUSH is available in 39 countries, retailing at $5.95USD in the United States.


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Update: The Wedding + Cat Eye FOTD + "New" Hair Color

An FOTD posted on the day that I actually did the look! O_O Well, I've been feeling slightly relieved that I'm done with the tough portion of my assignment. The makeup was a pretty simple cat eye -- as usual, I was testing out some new products. I dyed my hair too. Wednesdays are beginning to be movie day for the boy and I. Today we watched G.I. Joe and I thought it was pretty good!

Last Saturday the bunch of girls and I attended Syen's wedding dinner at Subang Sheraton and situation sorta went outta hand with the "Yum Seng" and the mushrooms... Beetrice explains accurately what went on!

Read on for wedding night pictures and description of items used for today's look.

The newlyweds! Syen looked so beautiful that night and looking at her hubby grining away, he sure knows that he got quite a catch! He was walking down the red carpet with the royal wave. Lol

I swear hotel wedding food has drastically improved over the past 5 years - thank goodness! No cheesy Kitaro song for the serving of the first dish but there was a rather dramatic entrance still with fire torches. We had "shark's fin" soup without the shark's fin and look, two plates of mushrooms! The waiter almost got beaten up for trying to take away the unfinished plate of mushrooms

The dashing ladies: (Top) Pinkelle, Jo, Rinnah, (Bottom) Kahani, Meldee

Stole this pic: Me, Paris, and Bee. I'll be posting up the tutorial for the makeup I did for the dinner real soon. The eye makeup was done with only fingers and sponge tip applicators!

As for today's makeup, I gave MAC Fluidline in Macroviolet a second go. It's a really sheer color that's not as intense as I would like it to be. To get a thin line with this color is awfully troublesome so I went really thick instead

Every single D.I.Y. hair dye, regardless of how light the color I buy, hardly penetrates my super thick black hair. I sorta got fed up and bought the Gatsby Natural Bleach and yet... Well, you can see from the pictures below that my hair didn't get much lighter. Gatsby has a stronger bleach and I've used that for highlighting before but it's far too damaging to use it for a full head

Items Used

Face:
Monistat Chafing Gel
Anna Sui Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation in B03
elf Tone Correcting Concealer
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Brunette (blush)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper (highlight)
Make Up Store Microshadow in Viva (crease)
Benefit Silk Powder Eye Shadow in Guess Again (lid)
MAC Fluidline in Macroviolet
Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara
Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara
Daiso Auto Eyebrow Pencil
elf Studio Brow Kit in Light

Lips:
Anna Sui Lip Stick B in 03


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Music Video Inspired Tutorial: Hilary Duff's "Reach Out"

One of my favorite pastimes is to search for makeup inspirations to include in my "Looks Folder". As of late, I've been spotting many gorgeous looks worn by celebrities in music videos. This will probably be a mini series since I've managed to compile quite a number of screenshots :x



The first look will be based on Hilary Duff's "Reach Out" music video. Any other suggestions/requests? I can't guarantee that I'll do all of them though. Some looks can be too neutral to see in the video what the celebrity is actually wearing (eg. Colbie Callait) or too unsuitable for my features/skin color. Well, I'm actually trying to make Gwen Stefani work but I can't quite get a bold red lip to look good on me *sighs*

Ok, not the most flattering shot of her but it was this angle that me wanna do this look. That metallic sheen simply screams MAC Glitter in Reflects Antique Gold and I've been wanting to use it for the longest time. From her side angle (if you watch the video), you'd see an oddly extended shape with loads of shimmer but not much dimension so my version is really based on this picture rather than the actual look in the video.
Click here to watch the music video

Since Hilary's skin is rather pale and I hardly am, I added some silver pigment into my foundation for a slightly ashy glow. The cheeks are pink with pink glow while the lips are glossy red stained. I've also rounded the arch of my brows a little.

Items Used

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Mixing Medium
MAC Pigment in Sweet Sienna
MAC Pigment in Dark Soul
MAC Glitter in Reflects Antique Gold
I Nuovi D27 Eyeshadow in Spotlight
I Nuovi Fluidliner in Black
K-Palette 24 Hour Eyeliner Pen in Black
Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara
Ardell Demi Lashes #102
Prescriptives Eyebrow Powder Kit

Face:
Stage Opening Act Complexion Enhancer
Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Golden Beige
Lumiere Pigment in Silver Shimmer
Missha Perfect Concealer
RMK Face Powder in P 00

Cheeks:
The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Cheek Color in Pink Quartz
Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick in Pink Quartz

Lips:
Origins Once Upon a Shine Lipgloss in Sheer Ruby





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