Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick: Pretty in Pink

Lip dryness may sound familiar for most people, especially in the winter. For me, my lips are dry all season. I often like to apply lipstick underneath lip gloss, as lipstick is more pigmented and matte to last the wear of color. However, most lipsticks dry out my lips within hours if I don't give my lips enough "mask" time (i.e: priming the lips with coats of lip balm to keep them moisturized and supple, then the lip makeup would go on evenly and smoothly).

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Lipstick has been available since 2005. This product quickly grabbed my attention for its lasting color effect and moisture. There are two lines of lipstick under KissKiss Lipstick. KissKiss is more pigmented for a velvety finish. The other one, KissKiss Maxi Shine, provides a sheer and volume effect. I tested both of them at a local department store and was so happy with the experience and result. I came home with #563 Pretty in Pink, and #663 Strawberry Shine. The former is from KissKiss line and the latter from KissKiss Maxi Shine line. KissKiss Lipstick is the perfect choice for me to fight the condition of dry lips and stay pretty.

I am featuring Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick Pretty In Pink #563 on today's post. I'll share my experience with KissKiss Maxi Shine #667 Strawberry Shine on a separate post. #563 Pretty in Pink is a fuchsia pink. It has fine shimmer to deliver a pearly sheen. The fuchsia pink has a lilac undertone. I like to wear it alone especially on night occasions because #563 Pretty in Pink has the soft feeling of pearly fuchsia pink, and the lilac undertone gives the finish a feminine sophistication. It is medium-pigmented, so it provides depth and definition subtly without looking chalky or dull. KissKiss lipstick contains innovative Precious Reflect interferential pigments to create luminous effect. The reflection boosters reflect with light subtly.I am very surprised to find KissKiss lipstick has such an extraordinary silky texture. It feels so silky smooth on the lips. There were times when I was on a rush, I had only little time for a quick fix of lipstick. I didn't have time to apply layers of lip balm to condition my lips before wearing lipstick. I noticed KissKiss lipstick did an amazing job offering lasting moisture without drying or flaking the lips. According to the product information, it has CreamSoft Complex (Vitamin A palmitate, alpha-bisabolol and waxes), combined with oils for softness and moisture. Vitamin E soothes and protects the lips.

KissKiss lipstick has a fruity flavor like rasberry, which is very appealing to me. The line is packaged in multi-faceted gold metal case. Each facet looks like a precious polished gold stone. The packaging has a minimal style with a sensual and exquisite feeling in modern luxury.


Related posts:
Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine - Sheer Colours Volume Effect Lipstick

Ayura Spring 2008 Collection

Apart from the spring makeup collections from Kate and Lavshuca, Ayura spring '08 collection has impressed me deeply with its classy black packaging. It is worth noting that this is the first time for Ayura to merge black shade in its packaging.

Inspired by the nature beauty, the shapes of flower bud, leaf sprout, dew drop, and petal constantly appear in Ayura's product packaging. Its previous packaging is usually themed with soft shades such as opalescent, greens, and peachy pink. However, I do like the new face powder Aura Feel Veil in black and sleek packaging, which makes it look elegant and classy like a little gem. The collection has been launched since Jan 23, 2008 and the products include:

Aura Feel Veil: a face powder comprises three varying shades
(Aura Feel Veil is available in four color variations: pink, red, orange, and brown)

Aura Feel Rouge: in 21 shades (three of them are limited-edition hues)Aura Feel Nail: available in 18 shades

Aura Feel Brush

Spring 2008 Makeup Collection from Kate and Lavshuca

I have narrowed down my Spring 2008 Makeup collection "shopping list" to Chanel, Dior and MAC N Collection. I fine these western brands have been very creative with their new products. Nevertheless, some Japanese spring collections are on my shopping list as well. Two of them are from Japanese drugstore delights. Both are sister brands, Kate and Lavshuca, under Kanebo Cosmetics.

Kate
Kate has become a top-selling brand in the drugstore market not only in Japan, but also in several other Asian countries like Taiwan. Japanese singer/actress Mika Nakashima is currently the spokeswoman for Kate cosmetics. This brand targets a young consumer group who likes an edgy and individualistic style of makeup. It has become popular for its variety of colors and great quality at very affordable prices. If you are a drugstore frequenter in those Asian countries, you probably own a thing or two (or maybe even more) from Kate.

I wasn't particularly attracted to Kate cosmetics when it was first up in the market. Perhaps it was the plain and simple packaging that didn't draw my attention. I soon realized I should never judge a book by its cover after many of my girl friends started to convince me how pretty Kate's eye shadows were. I decided to give it a second chance and sure enough, I found out it had quite a range of pretty eye shadows that I like. Its eyeshadow palettes have versatile shades from pinks, blues, neutrals, beiges, greens, violets and etc in different eyeshadow series. I have a couple of Kate's eye shadow palettes and I really like the wearable color combinations that can be applied for different makeup effects. The following is Kate Spring 2008 Confusion Collection, which will make debut on Feb 1, 2008:

1. Line Spicy N: available in five color variations
2. Magical Volume Gel Mascara:in black
   
3. Square Cut Eyeliner: available in five shades
   
4. Powder Gel Liner: available in three shades
   
5. Glam Trick Eyeshadow
   
6. Gradical Eyes S Eyeshadow

Lavshuca
Unlike Kate's minimalist, black, and sleek product packaging, Lavshuca has a refined and princessy touch in its packaging. Japanese pop/rock duo Puffy has been its new face since early 2007. Although Lavshuca targets a consumer group of 20-30 years-old, I think Lavshuca distinguishes itself from Kate by focusing on a more mature generation than Kate.

Lavshuca has launched a series of five eyeshadow palettes, Noble On Color Eyes, for Spring 2008. The lineup consists of beige and brown trio shades on outer sides with various bright hues in the center of palettes. In addition, Gradate Color Select comes up with a new palette (GY-1) in varying gray shades. The following is the line-up of Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection:

1. Rouge Essence Spa
2. Noble On Color Eyes
   
3. Jewel Lips mini lipstick
   
4. Gradate Color Select
5. Powder Foundation N
6. Skin Filter Base: tinted makeup primer with SPF16 PA ++

Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy the weekend beauty read from the Beauty Blog Network!

1. Canadian Beauty tells you about Clinique's newest mascara, Clinique Lash Power.
2. 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Pattern Body Washes and loves them!
3. The Beauty of Life falls head over heels for Estee Lauder's new Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme!
4. Pursebuzz.com takes a special visit to Stila Cosmetics. Check out what she is loving!
5. Check out what Kyle carries around in her new Juicy Couture purse at Face Candy.
6. Beauty and Personal Grooming shares some pore shrinking mask recipes.
7. Bionic Beauty found a Freebie! Joico's K-PAK "Rescue Your Hair" kit.
8. Beauty and Fashion Tech has swatches and looks from the M.A.C. Cosmetics N Collection.
9. Girl Gloss takes an in depth look at the lip products in the M.A.C. N collection.
10. Stylish Opinion gives her opinion about the latest perfume from Paris Hilton. Does she like or not?
11. The Beauty Blog Network proudly announces it's newest members!! Find out who they are....
12. Elke's Fabulous! Well, the Fabbie Awards thinks so. She's nominated for a best beauty blog Fabbie Award along with other fab beauty bloggers. Vote for your favorites here!
13. Makeup Moxie says goodbye to the Posh Bob.
14. A Touch of Blusher can't live without this cleansing oil.
15. Beauty Banter gives you a play-by-play on How To Wear Red...
16. Savvy Skin tells you Why My Hair Is Now A Frizzy Mess!
17. The Muse reviews, shares photos, and gives first impressions of the Dior Spring 2008 Collection!
18. Temptalia has over forty different lip color combinations--you're bound to find one to like!
19. makeup loves me wants to give you $100 in mac products from the n collection.
20. Glossypink gets amped for the weekend and reveals her favorite party eyeshadow!
21. Enter Spoiled Pretty’s latest giveaway, sponsored by Mother's Nature Soaps!
22. Beauty Anonymous found the power of beauty and fashion from Harper's Bazzar - the Politics of Fashion.
23. Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog does a step-by-step makeup tutorial honoring her favorite pop star of all time, Madonna, with help fromMAC Russian Red Lipstick.

Vote for me @ The Fabbies

The Fabbies 2008 website is now up and running. If you haven't signed up and voted, hurry up to support Beauty Anonymous. Beauty Anonymous is nominated for The 2008 Fabbies Blog Award in beauty category. The voting is now open through midnight GMT April 30th, 2008 at www.fabbies.org.

Related post:

Beauty Anonymous is nominated for The 2008 Fabbies Blog Award.

Essie & OPI Spring '08 Nail Polish

With spring is approaching, two of my favorite nail polish brands are making their debuts of spring collections in February. With all the soft pastels, light sheers, and bright colors to choose from, I can't wait for a transition to a warmer season.

Essie
Essie Spring 2008 collection is bringing us six nail colors in a range of luscious and pastel shades. The collection will be available from Feb 1, 2008. Line up includes:

• Body Language: soft white
  
• Great Expectations: light silver
• Hard to Get: pastel pink
• Hi Maintenance: sheer pale pink
  
• Looking for Love: soft lavender
• Secret Affair: pinky white

Check out Temptalia for more swatches and photos!

OPI

OPI Spring/Summer 2008 India Collections is going bold, bright, and high-energy shades.

“There has never been a better, brighter moment for color than now,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Spring’s fashion palette is filled with rosy pink, magenta, turquoise, yellow (the new ‘it’ shade), tangerine, and geranium red, used as splashes against natural tones and in bold graphic prints. Shades of hot pink, orange, vivid red, and coral on nails are the perfect complement.”

The 12 nail shades will be available from Feb 6, 2008:

• Get Me to the Taj on Time (pale opal)
• ElePhantastic Pink (carnation pink)
• I’m Indi-a Mood for Love (hot pink)
• Lunch at the Delhi (coral): available in coordinating Lip Colour and Lip Liner
• MonSooner or Later (orange-red)
• Keys to My Karma (vivid red)
• Moon Over Mumbai (soft grey)
• Yoga-ta Get this Blue! (dark blue)
• Royal Rajah Ruby (Jeweled burgundy): available in coordinating Lip Colour and Lip Liner
• Curry Up Don’t Be Late! (metallic gold)
• Black Cherry Chutney (dark black-red)
• Charmed by a Snake (bronze): available in coordinating Lip Colour and Lip Liner

I am inclined to OPI India collection as it consists of a variety of colors from pales, pinks, corals to reds. Essie Spring 2008 has a lovely array of pastels, and it is still instilled with the brand's girly sophistication and understated style that I love. But I expect the new collection would come up with something a little more playful and inventive. OPI India collection offers soft shades and deep shades in a warm tone. Most of all, I think the India collection, full of pinks, corals, reds, and pales, has the elements to complement the bright and bold colors of Spring 2008 fashion.


Updated on Feb 24, 2008:
Check out the review of my favorite shade "Lunch at the Delhi" from OPI India Collection

Smashbox Beauty Blow Sale

Smashbox is having a Beauty Blow Sale. Select items are now 25%-50% off. The best thing is you have free shipping with any order. The Eyeshadow Duo and Eyeshadow Trio have wearable colors such as pales, baby pink and tan for the spring. Don't miss out its Lip Gloss and Lipstick , which have a great selection of lip shades to choose!

Harper's Bazaar - the Politics of Fashion

[Photo credit: Fashionising.com]

Harper's Bazaar has a brilliant editorial, The Politics of Fashion, in the February 2008 issue. Nadja Auermann, one of the super models I admire, is featured in the campaign trails of some of the US presidential candidates and political figures. The Politics of Fashion is edited by Mary Alice Stephenson, and photographed by Peter Lindbergh.These photos, though, look like being creatively photoshopped.

[Photo credit: Fashionising.com]

The 2008 US presidential primary elections have begun across the country in January 2008. This year, the presidential primary elections have diverse candidates in terms of ethnic background and gender. It is quite interesting to look at these political figures from a fashion photography perspective.

[Photo credit: Fashionising.com]

Political experiences, issue positions, voting records and leadership are still main qualities to be considered for presidential candidates. Of course, these qualities cannot be determined through a few fashion photos. However, there is one more element the public is looking for; Charisma. Charisma is a natural attribute and a personal style that someone else can barely imitate.

Before TV became popular in the late 1950s to early 1960s, radio was the effective medium for politicians to convey messages. After that, the form of media has evolved from news channel, live broadcasting, internet news, blooming Blogs/forums, YouTube and etc. The massive bombardment in information, photo images, and video clips has rapidly changed the images of political figures. The evolution of media has also changed the requirements for political figures, especially for those president candidates. Before appearing on TV, president hopefuls apply makeup, groom their hair (remember, John Edward reportedly spent $400 on his haircut) and make sure their clothing appeal to their supporters. Especially, with all the high definition television and photography, any imperfections (i.e.: double chins, wrinkles, grey hairs) will be exposed cruelly. A gesture, a smile, a facial expression, or a color change of suit is meaningful in the science of body language. It also accounts for part of the political communication process for politicians to shape and reshape their image, form and reform the tangible and intangible messages to the public. And, that’s the power of beauty and fashion.

Weekend Beauty Read

1. Canadian Beauty tells you what brushes to apply your mineral makeup with.
2. Makeup Moxie reviews the new Revlon Mineral Makeup.
3. Savvy Skin tells you how you can Get a $125 Wrinkle Cream for 99 Cents.
4. makeup loves me helps you achieve the gossip girl look , xoxo.
5. Beauty and Personal grooming tells you about some terrific foot soothers
6. Check out A Touch of Blusher's wish list for the new Calvin Klein makeup line, available now at Sephora.
7. Girl Gloss shows you how to create a cranberry red lip look using three CoverGirl lip products.
8. Face Candy shows you the newest beauty trend: Moody Lip Glosses.
9. Elke reviews AquaTan and LOVES it.
10. The Beauty Blog Network is mentioned in a book! Find out which one!
11. Stylish Opinion says to say it with chocolate.
12. Missed the premiere issue of The Beauty Ideal? Check out the most popular article so far....
13. Temptalia has a tutorial on how to get an amazing neutral eye with a pink kick!
14. The Muse reviews Benefit's Thrrob Powder!
15. Spoiled Pretty turns her brown eyes blue . Find out how…
16. 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic finds a cure for her winter skin issues!
17. Beauty Anonymous brings you an innovative way from Japan! Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring uses foam to dye hair fast and evenly
18. Glossypink takes a look at Spring Beauty looks from the Runway!
19. The Beauty of Life is so ready for spring after testing out the new Sugar Coated line from Orly!
20. All Lacquered Up tests the claims of the "As Seen On TV" product, the PedEgg Pedicure File.
21. Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you a sneak peek of Origins Spring Makeup Releases, complete with color swatches and product pics galore.

Beauty Anonymous is nominated for The 2008 Fabbies Blog Award

Dear all my fabulous loyal readers and beauty lovers, I am honored and excited to share this great news with you; Beauty Anonymous is nominated for The 2008 Fabbies Blog Award in beauty category. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers and also my fellow beauty bloggers, especially Beauty Blog Network, for all your supports and encouragements. I know this sound like an Academy awards acceptance speech and I have not even won this award yet. Regardless of the outcome, this nomination itself has given me a great boost of confidence and a tremendous recognition. Of course, this is just a beginning, if you like to support Beauty Anonymous to go all the way and grab this award, please go to www.fabbies.org and vote for me. You have to register before you vote.

Beauty Anonymous is among 20 beauty blogs being nominated for this award and they are: 55 Secret Street, A Girl Gotta Spa, Afrobella, All About the Pretty, Beauty Addict, Blogdorf Goodman, DeLush, eBeauty Daily, Elke Von Freudenberg Blog, Girl Gloss, Jack and Hill - A beauty Blog, Lipstick Powder 'n Paint, Kiss and Makeup, Mimi Frou Frou, Now Smell This, Organic Beauty Expert, Sugar Shock, Tia Williams- Shake Your Beauty and We Love Beauty. Congratulations to all the beauty blog nominees.

Fabbies Blog Awards the first ever, blogger-created and organized awards. You must have heard of The Manolo of Manolo's Shoe Blog, Tina Craig of Bag Snob, and Lesley Scott of Fashiontribes.com. They are the main organizer and with a major assist by Sam Francois of Papierdoll.net in partnership with Flux.com, and with sponsorship from Glam Media.

So, if you like to support Beauty Anonymous, please go to vote now. The voting is now open through midnight GMT April 30th, 2008 at www.fabbies.org.

MAC A-Mei Collection

[Photo credit: A-Mei's Blog]

Taiwanese pop diva, Chang Hui-Mei, also known as A-Mei, has collaboratively worked with MAC Cosmetics for MAC A-Mei Collection. This limited-edition collection represents a more diverse and ethnic culture that MAC embraces. It is also created as a tribute to A-Mei's native Taiwanese origin and her successful accomplishments in Mandarin pop music.

Inspired by her Taiwanese aborigine, Puyuma tribe, and her personality, this collection is full of bold and neutral shades. The packaging design of this collection embodies Puyuma's traditional tribal costumes with needlecraft stitchings and patterns.

The collection includes:

A-Mei Lipstick: Ruby Woo & Siss
(Sadly,two of the shades has been sold out at MAC website)

A-Mei Lipglass: Love Rules & She's A Star

Bold Eyes Palette: Venus, Freshwater & Carbon

Neutral Eyes Palette: Vanilla, Mulch & Brown Down

Check out Steph's Closet for swatches and the review of the MAC A-Mei Collection.

Weekend Shopping Getaways

It is now January and winter is not quite over yet. This is probably one of the best time in the year for stocking up your skin-care, body-care products and picking up some cosmetics at discounted prices. Here are a few best deals around:

Stila is having a winter sale for up to 50% off. You'll also receive free shipping with USD$50 of purchase or more! Don't miss out Deluxe Folding Palettes, Eye Shadow Trios and more Lip Glazes in different sets!

L'Occitane is also offering a big sale for up to 50% off! L'Occitane now has Shea Butter Extra Gentle Wash and Shea Butter Hand & Foot Care Set at bargain prices for Shea Butter lovers.

Crabtree & Evelyn's winter sale will end this Monday. Hurry to stack up your favorite Hand Therapy Creams, Body Lotions, and a lot more holiday gift sets at lower prices.

Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring

Japanese household and cosmetics-goods company Kao launched Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring in July 2007. Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring is an innovative hair coloring product that uses foam to dye the hair. It contains the extracts of Amino and Royal Jelly to minimize the dyeing damage and restore the hair. It costs only 794 Japanese Yen (or about USD$7.50) and has earned many good reviews from beauty bloggers in Asia. Those reviews conclude:

• It has an easy and fast application that works for everyone
  
• The dye chemicals can transform into foam to blend into hair evenly and effectively
  
• The formula doesn't have an unpleasant or pungent smell
• The finish looks smoothly shiny and the hair doesn't feel dry or damaged

It is available in the shades of:

• For a milky smooth finish: Marshmellow Brown, Mocha Orange, Milk Tea Brown and Cool Beige
  
• For a glossy shine finish: Sweet Pink, Glossy Orange, Glossy Brown, Royal Brown and Honey Brown
  
• For a natural looking: Natural Brown, Natural Black and Light Bleach
  

It is applied just like how you shampoo your hair. The dyeing kit contains two types of liquids, a treatment essence and a pair of plastic gloves.

[Kao's website has a how-to demonstration]

This is a brief translation:

1. Simply mix two liquids into a container
2. Close the cap and shake the container (upside down) for five times or more
   
3. Gently tilt the bottle and pump out the foam to apply it evenly on dry hair
   
4. Blend and lather up into foaming bubbles to cover the whole hair
5. Leave it for about 20-30 minutes to let the dyeing agents settle in
6. Rinse off and wash the hair

This is the only hair coloring product that has attracted me for D.I.Y hair dyeing. The easy-to-apply direction looks perfect for beginners like me and also my mother. My mother complains a lot about her gray hair and she doesn't like to frequent the hair salon for dyeing merely one inch growing gray hair. On the other side, it is always exhaustive for her to use most D.I.Y. hair dyeing kits at home as her eyesight begins to deteriorate. Kao's Prettia Bubble Hair Coloring seems like a perfect solution for her.

Anna Sui Lip Gloss #304

Anna Sui Lip Gloss #304

I love Anna Sui Cosmetics, especially its signature rose scent that is infused in everyone of its cosmetics. I have two Anna Sui's lip products, Rouge Jar and Sui Rouge S Lipstick. Not only that I like their colors and soft textures, I also love that they are lightly scented with the fresh rose fragrance and how the light floral scent stays on my lips without the feeling of "eating/chewing" fragrance.

Lip gloss is a makeup item that sometimes needs re-applications on a day out. If a lip gloss has a pleasant scent I love, it simply makes me feel happy while wearing the pretty lip gloss. Thus, when I needed to buy a lip gloss last summer, I decided to try Anna Sui Lip Gloss. I headed to a beauty website, and found Lip Gloss #303 (Pearly Rose) and #304 (Cherry Pink) were the pink shades that I liked. At the end, I decided to take #304.

#303 and #304 of Anna Sui Lip Gloss are soft pink shades. However, #303 is a lighter pink than #304. #304 looks velvety with plenty of dense fine shimmer from the tube. When I first applied it on my lips, I was worried the shimmer would be too sparkling. But it didn't. In fact, it goes on sheer and glossy naturally. The shimmer consisting of multi-color particles such as gold, peachy, and lavender...etc.

The shimmering particles look subtle on my lips. The finish is slightly translucent with a hint of pink. My lips appear fuller and more dimensional naturally. What I also like about it is the color stays put very well and it doesn't bleed. This lip gloss provides a vibrant luminosity, subtle shine and natural definition on my lips. I'd plan to purchase this lip gloss in different shades in the future.

Related posts:
Anna Sui Rouge Jar
( A fun lip gloss that looks transparent, but turns into rosy-pink when the skin heat activates the lip gloss)

ck Calvin Klein Cosmetics Arrives at Sephora

[Tempting Glance Intense Eyeshadow]

There has been lots of speculation and waiting for the ck Calvin Klein cosmetics in the past few months. Finally, with all the great anticipation, ck Calvin Klein cosmetics is now available online at Sephora in the US and Canada. I especially want to thank PJ from A Touch of Blusher and my reader Nan for bringing me the message. I have spent some time over last weekend browsing its products. I found the shades, neutral and wearable, have a sophisticated edge. The packaging has remained sleek, complementary and minimalistic. Unlike Calvin Klein's old transparent packaging, the new packaging has added an element of black color.

[ Infinite Matte Oil-Free Foundaton ]

Since the previous Calvin Klein cosmetics' eyeshadow #03 Taupe is one of my favorite eyeshadows, I can't miss Tempting Glance Intense Eyeshadow from the new line this time. Tempting Glance Intense Eyeshadow comes with neutral and low-key hues. The product information describes it as matte and shimmery. I think the previous Calvin Klein eyeshadows had the same semi-matte feature. Meanwhile, cK Calvin Klein Tempting Duo Intense Duo Eyeshadow provides more feminine and soft shades like pales, pinks and lilacs.

[ Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder ]

If you happen to need shopping guides on the new line, I have seen some beauty bloggers in Asia give Infinite Matte Oil-Free Foundation, Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder and Delicious Pout Flavored Lip Gloss pretty good reviews. I, myself, am interested in the Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder. The loose powder is finely milled without shimmer and has oil-absorbing properties. Unfortunately, there is only #204 Translucent available on the Sephora website currently. Enriched with subtle flavors, Delicious Pout Flavored Lip Gloss is sheer and transparent in different shades with fine shimmer.

[Delicious Pout Flavored Lip Gloss]

I wonder if Sephora will carry ck Calvin Klein beauty in stores nationwide. I prefer to pick up colors and textures in stores if I could. The other thing I notice is that Sephora hasn't really provided the full line online, as you probably can see there are only a few colors available in some makeup categories. I hope Sephora will come up more and more items of ck Calvin Klein beauty in the near future.

Weekend Beauty Read

1. Christine at 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out the most moisturizing body scrub she's ever seen!
2. Savvy Skin presents Beauty Tips From Lolcats
3. What’s so great about Shanghai Lily: NARS Spring 2008? Daneen at Spoiled Pretty thinks…everything!
4. Check out the results of All Lacquered Up's Fanatic's Favorites Survey and see what polishes were voted the best of 2007.
5. Get your kabuki brush ready! Makeup Moxie reviews the new Maybelline Mineral Makeup.
6. Toya at The Life of A Ladybug tried out Prevage by Elizabeth Arden - and she LOVES it!
7. Beauty and Fashion Tech recommends two PCA Skin Care products for treating melasma and hyperpigmentation.
8. A Touch of Blusher invites you to spot the differences in Lancome's spring 2008 collection in the US, UK, and Japan.
9. Stylish Opinion has started doing contests! Though this one is already with a lucky winner, be sure to sign up to get the latest contest posts.
10. Elke asks, "what do you want to see?" for the new year on my blog? Let her know!
11. Temptalia reviews MAC's N Collection with photos, swatches, and in-depth commentary on each product!
12. Running out of space for your favorite makeup goodies? Enter to win a fabulous bag by Anna William on The Beauty of Life!
13. Beauty and Personal grooming - Ease razor bumps with this terrific cucumber-yoghurt soother
14. Beauty Anonymous shares what she likes about Chanel Spring 2008 Aurora Blues Accent Collection.
15. Kyle at Face Candy goes over the new Powder Options.

Chanel Spring 2008 Aurora Blues Accent Collection

I went to a mall last weekend to check out Chanel's Aurora Blues Accent Collection. Its spring colors are quite lovely. I am focusing on several items that attract my attention:

4 Fleurs De Chanel Yeux-Eyes in Fèeries:
This is an exclusive creation of eyeshadow palette embossed with Chanel's iconic camellia shape. The palette has subtly iridescent shades in light blue, pearlized white, light pink and tender lilac. The shimmer is not overpowering nor overly glittery. Even though all the colors belong to the cool tones, I like each of them has its own personality for versatile looks. It is an adorable array of springlike shades, sheer and sophisticated.

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Bleu Cèlestes:

The eyeshadow palette consists of navy blue, grey, light blue and pale pink. Light blue and pale pink are pastel and iridescent. On the other hand, navy blue and gray are more semi-matte or slightly shimmery. All the shades are pigmented. I notice when I glide on the navy blue on my skin, the shimmery particles sparkle obviously. The particles are noticeable and shiny at the beginning. However, after 10 minutes, the sparkling particles starts to settle in, which makes the final look subtle with a touch of subdued shimmer. I especially like the grey shade because it has a blue tone.

This is a balanced creation of pale and intense shades in beautiful blue tones. I think the colors are very wearable. The pale colors can brighten up around the eyes and the deep shades deliver depth and definition.

Powder Blush:
It comes in two colors: Luna (white shimmer) and Enchanteresse (brown rose). Enchanteresse has a warm orange tone of rosy brown with fine shimmering particles. The particles are obvious to notice when I first swipe it on my skin just like how I feel about the navy blue in Bleu Cèlestes Quadra Eye Shadow. But after 10 minutes, the particles will become more subdued and subtle, which creates a soft natural radiance.

Nail Colour:
LE VERNIS Nail Colour for Spring 2008 introduces: Blue Satin (deep navy), Rose Satin (pure pink), White Satin (lustrous white), and Azur (light sparkling blue). I find the formula is durable. I didn't wear any topcoat over one layer of application. After almost 5 days of wear, the finish remain pretty intact except the front rim part is a little scratched.

• Blue Satin is hot right now. It has drawn a lot of attention. It is a dark inky blue with little fine particles. The multi-color particles don't really stand out much. The satin finish glows with subdued shimmer.
  
• Azur is my favorite among these four shades. It is a transparent shade with sparkling particles, mostly light blue, slightly pink and silver bits. Azur has a refreshing cool tone that looks crisp and flattering on my nails.

Related post:
Chanel Nail Polish from the Aurora Blues Accent Collection for Spring 2008

In Memory of Shu Uemura

[Photo credit:www.sephora.com]

A sad news. According to AP news, Shu Uemura, the founder of Shu Uemura Cosmetics brand and a great Japanese makeup artist, died of acute pneumonia on Dec 29, 2007 in Tokyo at the age of 79. The spokeswoman didn't reveal this news to the press until Jan 08, 2008.

Shu Uemura has played an important role in my journey of beauty. To me, Shu Uemura is the second beauty brand I have started to use since I was in junior school. The first brand was Shiseido, a facial moisturizer my mom bought me. However, Shu Uemura is the very first cosmetics brand in my beauty journey that I has learned from fashion/beauty magazine by myself and shopped its products in department stores and boutiques.

From the day I bought my very first bottle of Cleansing Oil, Shu Uemura has affected me in many positive ways. Other than all those beauty products from Cleansing Oils, Deepsea Water, Lash Curler, Blusher, Eyeshadows and handmade brushes that I am in love with, I always love the peaceful and joyful experience browsing Shu Uemura's sleek transparent products and all the bold and harmonious makeup colors in its minimalist designed boutiques and counters. The most important thing is I appreciate his philosophy on true beauty, and his enthusiasm for beauty, makeup and colors. He believes the spirit of beauty is simplicity and purity. This core value has become the culture and inspiration of the cosmetics company on product developments and innovations on all aspects. This is what makes this brand stand strong on a global scale and make a great impact on the cosmetics and skincare industry. Mr. Shu Uemura, a great master of art and cosmetics pioneer, will be missed.

MAC N Collection Available on MAC Website

MAC website is updated with the N Collection. It is now available online at MAC website.

Here are the shade descriptions of the N Collection according to MAC website:

• Lipstick: 1N (Light frosted gold with pink pearl), 2N (Creamy light pink), 3N (Milky pastel pink), 4N (Mid-tone creamy brown), 5N (Plummy sheer brown)
• Tinted Lipglass:1N (Creamy white tan), 2N (Creamy neutral yellow pink), 3N (Neutral brown with gold and pink pearl), 4N (Light chocolate brown with red pearl)
• Creamstick Liner:Creamola (Low-down tan), Sublime Culture (Pink/caramel fusion)
• Eye Shadow:Nanogold (Sheer yellow beige with pink pearl), Modest Tone (Neutral dirty tan), Neutral Pink (Dirty mid-tone blue pink), Rich Flesh (Neutral warm brown), Dark Edge (Dirty chocolate brown)
• Paint Pot:Groundwork (Mid-tone neutral taupe),Quite Natural (Dirty chocolate brown), Soft Ochre (Yellow beige)
• Technakohl Liner: Graphblack (Richest graphic black), Brownborder (Deep chocolate brown)
• Plush Lash: Mascara Plushblack (Black)
• Nail Lacquer: N Colour (Creamy beige), Naturally Rich (Milk chocolate), Demi-Blanc (Gold beige with green pearl)
• Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural: Medium (Soft creamy beige), Light Medium (Pale golden beige), Medium Dark (Caramel beige), Medium Plus (Tan beige), Dark (Deep caramel), Medium Deep (Rich golden tan)
• Mineralize Skinfinish: Warmed (Golden bronze with light yellow gold veining), Light Flush (Soft pastel pink with deep bronze veining)
• Charged Water/Renewal Defense:Hydrating mist fused with ions and anti-oxidants
  
• 134 Large Powder Brush
• 187 Duo Fibre Brush
  

MAC N Collection

[Photo credit: Specktra.net]

You probably have already heard about the latest MAC Originals Collection and Sculpt & Shape Collection. On this Thursday Jan 10, 2008, MAC will be releasing N Collection in northern America. I quite like the nude neutral shades on promotion photos from N Collection. I am ready to see if muted colors can bring a change of spring look.

N Collection includes [Source:Specktra.net]:

[Photo credit: Temptalia.com]

Lipglass: 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N
Lipstick: 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N
Nail Lacquer: N Colour, Naturally Rich, Demi-Blanc

[Photo credit: Temptalia.com]

Eyeshadow:Nanogold, Modest Tone, Neutral Pink, Rich Flesh, Remotely Grey, Dark Edge
Paint Pot: Soft Ochre, Quite Natural, Groundwork
Cremestick Liner: Creamola, Sublime Culture
Technakohl: Graphblack, Brownborder

[Photo credit: Temptalia.com]

Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural: Light Medium, Medium Plus, Medium Deep, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark
Mineralize Finish: Warmed, Light Flush
Brushes: #134 Large Powder Brush, #187 Duo Fibre Face Brush
Charged Water: Renewal Detense, Revitalizing Energy