MAC Semi Precious Collection

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Hint of Sapphire from MAC 2011 Semi Precious Collection
[Photo credit: www.bangkokpost.com]

Inspired by bronzite, black tourmaline, gold pyrite and lilac lepidolite, MAC's latest Mineralize collection, Semi Precious Collection, is already hitting the shelves. Other than new Mineralize Eyeshadows, Mineralize Skinfinishes and Mineralize Blushes, the collection also comes with lip colors, mineralize skincare products and new limited-edition brushes.

I have long been a fan of MAC's Mineralize collections, especially the colorful swirled eyeshadows. There are 12 Mineralize Eye Shadows in this new collection, and all the colors look amazingly beautiful in warm and cool tones.

I am particularly eyeing on Blue Sheen (Navy, Black & Peach) and Hint of Sapphire (Pink, Violet, Teal, Copper & Blue). They seem like a good match for my Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite from MAC summer 2008 Electro Flash Collection.

Related posts:
MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite

Chanel Fall 2011 Makeup Collection

If you are a fan of radiant, shimmery makeup, you should not miss the luminous shimmers and rich metallics of Chanel's fall 2011 makeup collection. This collection features an array of vibrant shades from silver, gold, bronze to purple, plum, khaki, beige and green in different textures.



The only new item in this collection is called Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow ($36), which is an intensely shimmering eyeshadow with a silicone gel formula. According to the Chanel website, the texture is soft and cushiony.

Does this collection catch your eye?

[Photo credit:www.chanel.com]

Related posts:
Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer Lip Gloss in Pin-up

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow in Murano

Coffret D'Or Summer 2011 Makeup Collection

Campaign Image of Coffret D'Or Summer 2011 Makeup Collection
[Photo credit: www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor]

One of the major reasons I am obsessed with Japanese cosmetics is that Japanese cosmetics brands always deliver very clean, fresh and feminine makeup looks. I was browsing Coffret D'Or's website the other day, and was impressed with the campaign images of its summer 2011 makeup collection. The images look vibrant and summery! I love all the 5 styles of makeup looks presented by Risa Hirako, Tommy, Akemi, Waka Nozawa and Yumi Sakurai.

Related posts:
Coffret D'Or Trance Deep Eyes #03 Khaki Green

Tom Ford Fall 2011 Makeup Collection

Ad Campaign of Tom Ford Fall 2011 Makeup Collection
[Photo credit: www.wwd.com]

Tom Ford's first-ever cosmetics collection, Private Blend Lip Color Collection, debuted last year has been very well received. I bought its Private Blend Lip Color in Pink Dusk (mid-tone dusty nude pink), and it has been among my favorite lippies. I adore its sleek, architectural, yet classy ivory and gold case. The neutral pink shade without any shimmer is phenomenally lovely. Not to mention how the velvety moisturizing texture feels to the touch.

I was thrilled to learn that Tom Ford will release its full makeup collection in this September. The collection will include more than 130 items from foundations, eye pencils, lipsticks, lip glosses, serums, creams to perfumes, and will be sold at Tom Ford stores, Nieman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

This upcoming makeup line looks beautiful in the campaign image. I can't wait for more follow- up information on this collection.

Related posts:
Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Pink Dusk

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color Collection

Lunasol Summer 2011 Collection

Lunasol Summer 2011 Collection
[Photo credit: www.nikkei.co.jp]

For summer 2011, Lunasol will release a limited-edition collection, which is an extended version of the brand's spring 2011 Aquatic Purification collection. Items in this collection include:

• Ocean Scene Eyes: 2 new variations
• Eye Pencil N: 2 shades
• Full Glamour Liquid Lips: 4 new shades
• Coloring Cheeks: 1 new variation
• Nail Finish: 4 new shades
• Pore Covering Base

Update: Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up

Ad Campaign of Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up

Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up is now available at www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com. You can view the entire lineup for face, eyes, lips and nails on its official website.

The website is thoughtfully designed and user-friendly. It offers concise product information (including description, formula and application), 3D product view images, and swatches for individual products. I enjoyed browsing through the website very much.

I will have a short trip to New York City next week. I am not sure if Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up is available at Saks Fifth Avenue on Fifth Avenue though. I am looking forward to seeing the line in person.

[Photo credit: www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com]

Related posts:
Dolce & Gabbana Launch Cosmetics Line

Lavshuca Website Updated

Promo Image of Lavshuca Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Lavshuca's website has been updated with its spring 2009 makeup collection. In fact, the official website has also been revamped, which offers more user-friendly navigation and easy access to product information. This is good news since the previous Lavshuca's website was not so well designed.

Full Line of Lavshuca Products

The information provided on the current website includes clear product images, product information and step-by-step instructions. Their website even features swatches of the new Grade Color Eyes palettes and Dramatic Memory Rouge lipsticks from the spring 2009 collection.

Lavshuca Lip Collection

For those of you confused by the differences among Lavshuca's lip collection, the website now features a chart indicating the levels of pigment, luminosity, glossiness and matteness of each lip item. You may find the lip product chart by clicking the "Lav Lip Collection" section on the main page of Lavshuca's website.

Dramatic Drastic Memory Lipsticks from Lavshuca Spring 2009 Collection

I was browsing the website back and forth yesterday morning. The colors of Dramatic Drastic Memory lipsticks from the spring collection look promising! I probably would get the beige-toned BE-2 or oranged-toned OR-1 later.

[Photo credit:www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/]

Related posts:
Lavshuca Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Summer '08 My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies Part 2

To continue my last post on My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies, I am going to share with you my thoughts on these goodies.

Clockwise:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation, Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer & Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40

Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40

This product has been updated to a new version called Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF40. The one I have is the old version. I bought it at around $39. It is not cheap for a small tube of 1.06 Oz (30ml). Since I only apply a couple drops under my tinted moisturizer or foundation each time, it lasts fairly well for me.

This sunscreen is formulated with 100% micronized mineral filters for protection against sun rays, pollution and free radicals. It has a watery texture that feels lightweight and non-greasy on my face. What I really like about this sunscreen is it provides a high level of sun protection and works great as a makeup primer under other of my tinted moisturizer(s) or foundation(s).

This SPF40 sunscreen is a white color, but it goes on clear. It slightly brightens up my face, and gives my complexion a smooth matte finish. This is my favorite sunscreen in the summer, especially when I go outdoors on vacation.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

My skin dries out or breaks out easily after long hours of compressed air and AC exposure in the flight, and the temperature changes between different locations. I prefer to use a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation for a natural dewy appearance while traveling.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is one of the staple in my vanity box. It is a great year-round tinted moisturizer for me. The texture is lightweight and creamy. It provides a clean matte finish to my face and offers a good lasting power.

Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation

I often use a powder foundation to finish off my makeup when I am on vacation. It is small and sturdy enough to slip it in my purse to make my touch-ups easy. Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation (SPF 25) has been updated to a new version called UV White White Skin Compact (SPF25). This powder foundation is not the one that suits me the best because it is on the dry side for me skin. I have to use it with a light hand to prevent the finish gets too powdery or cakey. Overall, I like that it covers my blemishes and undereye dark circles well.

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer is formulated with micro-minerals. The concealer has a dense creamy consistency. It blends into the skin easily and dries fast. It does a good job covering the blemishes and undereye dark circles with a decent lasting power. But I found it can be a little dry for my undereye areas.

Clockwise:

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15, MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo, Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick & Kate Designing Eyebrow N

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 is definitely one of my favorite lip glosses of all time. The colors I have are Cream (creamy white), Peony (sheer pink) and Punch (cherry red). The one shown in the picture is Peony.

The lip gloss has a creamy texture, but I don't find it sticky. The lip gloss features a peppermint scent. It offers a barely noticeable color on my lips. The lip tint does an excellent job soothing and moisturizing my lips. With the additional bonus of SPF 15, it is the best lip gloss candidate that I would carry in my purse for traveling.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo came out as part of the Electro Flash Collection in the US in early July. The Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite features a shimmery silver shade on one side, and a mix of medium silvery gray, pink, deep plum and indigo on the other side of the eye shadow pan. The mix of shades gives a dark blue finish with gray and lilac undertones.

This eye shadow duo is well-pigmented. The eye shadow powder is not so dense, yet not too loose to fall off easily. It works great for me on vacation because I can easily use my fingers to pick up the shades without a brush. The color combination is really sophisticated and pretty. It can go subtly sheer for a daytime look or can go dramatically intense for a nighttime look.

Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick in Strawberry Shine

This is the most moisturizing lipstick I have found so far that also provides a good pigmentation. Check out my earlier post for my review on this lipstick. :)

Kate Designing Eyebrow N set
Do check out my post here for my thoughts on this eyebrow set.

Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve

I wasn't impressed with Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve before. At that time, I used it as a lip balm, but it didn't moisturize my lips well enough.

Smith's Rosebud Salve is basically a multi-purpose salve that can be used anywhere on the skin. While I was not fond of it as a lip balm, I was surprised to find that the texture was rich enough to moisturize my chapped skin, rough cuticles, dry hands and even my frizzy hair during the trip. It did leave a sticky and oily feeling. But it soothed the skin, and left my hands soft and smooth over a full night's sleep.

L'Occitane Solid Perfume in Green Tea

I always pack L'Occitane solid perfume(s) in my travel bag. My review on this solid perfume can be found here.

Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment

I have been a loyal fan of Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment for nearly six years. It is my natural remedy for mosquito bites and bruises. I get bruises very easily. This ointment heals the bruises fast; bruises usually start to fade after I apply the ointment several times a day.

What are the traveling beauty goodies in your bag? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Related posts:
Summer 2008: My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies

Summer 2008: My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies

I am back! I apologize for not updating in the past few days. I just came back from a short but relaxing vacation in Lake Tahoe. This trip was full of bright sunshine, sandy beaches and blue skies. As much as I enjoyed all the breathtaking scenic views, it wasn't easy to get used to the temperature change from daytime to night time and protect the skin from the harsh sun rays on the beach.

I like to pack light during travel (I guess I was also forced to pack light due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rules). And, simple makeup and easy skin care routine are my philosophy during traveling. Based on my past experiences, I was always too tired to get up early finishing the delicate task of applying makeup. Secondly, for some lodging places, such as cabin, it is hard to find decent lighting to apply makeup, not to mention it is essentially mission impossible for me to have my makeup mistake-proof when visiting sunny beaches, playing water, traveling through windy or snowy places. The heat, humidity and strong wind can smear or melt the makeup within minutes. Thus, I would rather play safe with my resort makeup looks; keep it minimal and subtly fresh. Yet, my makeup will be still beautifully done to be photogenic (vacation photos last a lifetime).

I am going to share with you some of the beauty goodies that I brought in my last trip. I narrowed down the stuff that I found most travel-wise in term of size, capability and versatility. More detailed thoughts on these items will come up tomorrow.

Left to Right (Back Row):

• Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment
• Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
• Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40
• Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer
• Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation

Left to Right (Front Row):

• L'Occitane Solid Perfume in Green Tea
• Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 in Peony
• MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite
• Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick in Strawberry Shine
• Kate Designing Eyebrow N set

Related posts:
Fall 2007: The Beauty Goodies in My Bag!

Dior Spring 2008 Makeup Collection

I tried out Dior Spring 2008 collection recently at Bloomingdale's. Overall, the collection has pink-themed hues that I like for spring makeup. Today, I am going to share with you my impressions of some items from Dior Spring 2008 makeup collection.

Flower Blossom Compact
I was surprised to find this star product, Flower Blossom pressed powder, was able to create a translucent effect over the face. It contains delicate pink, lilac, rosy beige, peach, light blue and green shades. The colors are fused with skin nicely to give me a sheer spring-like radiance. I especially love the delicate shaped powder design of flower, butterfly, gemstone, and lady-bird, embossed on a bouquet background. Inspired by Victoire de Castellance's famous Dior jewelry collection, the design is very aesthetically pleasing.

Dior 5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow

The Spring 2008 collection has two eyeshadow palettes; Spring Bouquet and Pink May. Dior Spring 2008 eye makeup is themed with shimmering pinks. Spring Bouquet has arrays of pinks and bronzes, and Pink May features pinks and purples. Both are shimmery and light-reflective. They deliver a sheen finish on my eyes. But I found the eye shadows are too shimmery for me. I expected the eye shadows are kept balanced between matte and shimmery textures.


Diorskin Shimmer Star
Diorskin Shimmer Star is available in Amber Diamond and Rose Diamond. I tried Amber Diamond, with gradation of shimmery bronzy shades, on the cheeks. I liked it brightened my complexion, brought out a healthy sun-kissed glow, and created a sheer shimmery veil of color on the cheeks. I think it is suitable for me to use on night occasions. For daytime makeup, I would prefer the cheek color has less shimmer.

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect

Dior addict ultra gloss reflect is a shimmering reformulation of Dior Addict lip gloss. The Spring 2008 collection has added four new shades to the family of Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect. They are:

• Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Beige Velvet (#127)
• Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Cotton Petal (#247)
• Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Pink Liberty (#457)
• Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Fuchsia Poplin (#577)

When I saw #247 Cotton Petal at Dior counter, I immediately liked the shade and decided to take it home. #247 is a sheer soft pink with ultra-refined shimmery particles. It is more of a warm soft pink with a peachy hint in the tube. But it looks more to the cool side of pink on my lips. I like the shimmery particles that are quite subdued.

Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect has no scent. The water-like formula makes the texture non-sticky and lightweight. I find the lip gloss somewhat moisturizes my lips. It is packaged in a transparent, square tube with a silver top and a silver knob. Inside, it comes with a brush applicator.

The water-like formula is a big advantage for its non-sticky and lightweight texture. I find this formula, however, becomes a drawback. First, it is not easy for me to glide on the lip gloss evenly on the lips. I think it is because the lip gloss has a watery texture. The consistency is not stiff or tacky enough. It easily leaves brush-on traces on the lips wherever I apply it with the applicator. Second, it doesn't cover the fine lip lines satisfactorily. Compared to other lip glosses I have used, It takes a little more time, patience, and practice to get a nice, full, and even finish. Once it is done, the lip color stays put. But I notice the color doesn't last well. After an hour of wear, the color starts to fade and become sheerer. Overall, I love the way it gives a high shine to a fuller dimension. I would prefer to wear it on top of lipstick.

Dior Spring 2008 collection captures the essences of spring season. It is iridescent pink, romantic and feminine. Have you ever tried it, or picked up anything from the collection? Let me know what you think.


Related posts:
Chanel & Dior Spring 2008 Makeup Collection

Christmas 2007 Makeup Look - Part 2

The last post on Christmas 2007 Makeup Look features makeup styles for holiday occasions. Today's Christmas 2007 Makeup Look - Part 2 is going to wrap up with another four holiday makeup styles.

Natural Looking:

Dior: The Dior Light Collection 2007 features a fresh and velvety complexion. There are no excessive colors on face. The makeup is mainly focused on saturated and curvier lips. Eyes are gilded with metallic bronze colors. Face is simple and bright. The Dior Light Collection's smooth and flawless look is suitable for natural beauties.

• Apply eyeliner along upper lashline
• Layer the combination of pale and metallic bronze shades on eyes
• Highlight the coppery metal eyes with a touch of pastel light shade
• Use light face powder to enhance and highlight the face as the final touch

Sophisticated Elegant:

Shu Uemura: The makeup look of The Muse Holiday collection 2007 is dewy and soft. The Muse Collection applies a lot of darker shades like chocolate and golden bronze. It doesn't look dull because the golden shades soften and create a vibrant and subtle complexion. I really like it radiates with elegance and sophistication.

• Apply a soft and thin layer of eye liner on upper lashline and lower lashline
• Brush the golden warm shades on eyes
• Sweep the shade in gold beige on cheeks
• Use the shade of chocolate brown on lips

Warm Smoky:


Smashbox: From the Beyond Beauty Holiday 2007 Collection

• Brush the copper eye color from lashline to brow
• Sweep the champagne shade again from lashline to brow
• Apply the copper shadow in the crease and extend color up and toward the brow bone
• Line the inner lash line of lower lid in pearly white
• Brush the bronze shadow on lower lashline
• Brighten the inner corner of eyes with a touch of champagne shade
• Use light pearl and shimmery chanpagne on cheeks
• Keep lips light in nude shade

Drastic Smoky:

Maquillage: The Maquillage Winter Collection 2007 features strong smoky eyes.

• Smudge a line along upper lash line to the end
• Apply the silver shade from lashline above the crease.
• Brush the blackest black on eyes and extend up toward the outer corner of eyes
• Apply dark shadows on lower lasheline toward the outer corner of eyes
• Brighten the inner corner of eyes with silver and white shadow.
• Keep lips in nude beige shades.

Close-ups of Calvin Klein Cosmetics

A Touch of Blusher has an updated post on the new Calvin Klein cosmetics. I am thrilled to learn that ck Calvin Klein has been launched in Canada, available exclusively in The Bay. She also has updated us with very nice images from the ck Calvin Klein brochure. Let's check out her post for more details and close-ups!

Paul & Joe Cosmetics: Full Line Available in Bergdorf Goodman

An anonymous reader has kindly left a comment on my post regarding Paul & Joe Beaute. She (or he) mentions that the full line of Paul & Joe cosmetics is actually available in the New York-based Bergolf Goodman store and a few online beauty stores. I would like to take this opportunity to thank this reader. Your message immediately made my day!

As you know, Paul & Joe has started as a fashion brand in Paris since 1995. The woman behind Paul & Joe, Sophe Albou, is a French fashion designer. In 2002, Paul & Joe Beaute has launched and based in Japan. However, they do not make their products available on their official website. In addition, there are not many of their store locations available outside of Japan. This has actually caused Paul & Joe beauty products hard-to-find ones in the US. However, it never stops beauty lovers from looking for it. I've noticed more and more people like this brand and eager to find out where to purchase online. I have received emails and comments from readers about where to buy Paul & Joe. Before that, I bought Paul & Joe along with other products from online stores overseas. From now on, I'll probably stop paying international shipping fee and will get it from Bergdorf Goodman.

I am going to list all the websites that carry more complete Paul & Joe products. I hope this can be alternative options for those who are from different cities or countries where Paul & Joe products are not available locally.

Below is some information on where to buy Paul & Joe Beaute:

1. Here are Paul & Joe's store locations worldwide
2. Bergdorf Goodman from NYC: The entire line of Paul & Joe Beaute is available in store, including its Christmas collection 2007. The website of Bergdorf Goodman doesn't feature Paul & Joe Beaute at this moment. But if you are interested in any specific item(s), you can call Bergdorf Goodman and ask for Paul & Joe counter. They are willing to take your order through phone and ship the products to you within the US. Their phone number is 1.800.218.4918
3. Here are some online shopping websites: http://www.luileiny.com/, http://www.musthave.co.uk/, http://www.hqhair.com/, and http://www.beautybay.com/. These are the four websites I find they carry much more complete Paul & Joe products. The first one is based in US. The latter three are based in UK.

Enjoy browsing these websites and happy shopping. I still want to thank once again to my anonymous reader for passing on Paul & Joe's shopping information to me.

Holiday Gift Idea 2007: for Beauty Lovers

Christmas is coming in just two weeks. Many of you might be trying to find the best deal and best gift for the loved one or just to pamper yourself for a working hard this year. Here are few gift idea, particularly for beauty lovers.

1. Estée Lauder Evening Elegance Powder Compact

The Evening Elegance Powder Com is inspired by Art Deco designs of the 1930s. I like its simplicity, yet stunningly elegant. The compact is patterned with golden wave lines. The closure is adorned with Baguette crystals. It is a refined limited edition collectible gift.

2. Shu Uemura Simple Drama Set

The Simple Drama Set includes a mini makeup palette and a compact brush set. The Compact Mini Palette has: Pressed Eye shadow Matte Powder Blue, Pressed Eyeshadow Iridescent Starry Midnight Black, and Glow On Blush in Pearlized Peach. The Holiday Compact Brush Set has: Blush Brush, Eye Shadow Brush, Lip/Eye Liner Brush, Concealer/ Foundation Brush. This is a Limited-edition set.

3. Laura Mercier Diamond Duster

Laura Mercier Diamond Duster is made of Marabou feathers. It is kind of an old-fashioned way to dust powder on face and body. To apply with shimmery cbody powder, it could creates a subtle glow. Isn't it like a magic duster that works beauty wonders in the holiday season?

4. Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact

The packaging of Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact is absolutely adorable and princessy. The quad pressed powder comes with a retractable brush to create a glowing cheek shade. The powder is refined and a little shimmery. The Mix Blush Compact comes with four different shades in four sets of colors (01:baby blush, 02:rose bloom, 03:coral glow and 04:hot cherry). It has a hint of floral fragrance in a very light way.

5. L'Occitane Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box

This Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box includes: Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap - Milk, Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, Shea Butter Hand Cream. Made from the fruit of the African shea tree, both the hand cream and the body cream are enriched with 20 % shea butter. The texture is rich and creamy. Other than all the goodness that nourishes my hands quickly, one thing I cannot live without is the pleasant fragrance of L'Occitane Shea Butter line. The smell is soft and clean. This is one of my all-time favorite hand creams. I like to pamper my hands with the lovely hand cream before hitting the sack.

6. Dior J'adore Pouch Set

The Dior J'adore Pouch Set includes Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 oz, Perfumed Body Lotion 1.7 oz, Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel 1.7 oz and a couture design pouch. Notes: Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk. The fragrance is definitely feminine, floral and sensual, but not overwhelmingly sweet. ( The information of The J'adore notes is sourced: Sephora website.)

Related post: Holiday Gift Idea 2007: Lip Gloss Set

Christmas 2007 Makeup Look

December is the year end holiday season. You are probably still planning on how to dress up for your family party, school party or company party. Let's take a glance at the current holiday makeup looks for holiday 2007. Today, I am featuring themes of "Old Hollywood Glamour" and "Innocent Sweet". You and I probably can gain inspirations for the ultimately glamorous look to rock at the holiday party. More holiday makeup themes from western and Asian brands to come next on a separate post.

Sophisticated Old Hollywood Glamour:

Giorgio Armani beauty

"The Black Gem Collection 2007" defines the holiday makeup an old Hollywood style. Following are steps to create such look:

• Use black eyeliner to define drastic and powerful eyes
• Apply eye shadows in Sparkling Sand & Satin Purple to soften the black lash line and blend the colors up above the crease
• Highlight the inner corner of eyes by adding a touch of shimmer
• Choose Sparkling Red (with subtle silver shimmer) to give the lips a luscious shiny finish
• Cheeks are applied pink silky powder from the Black Gem Palette light
• Eyebrows keep muted and soft

Estée Lauder

"Into the Night Gold Holiday 2007" features golden ruby lips and soft eye shades. These are steps to create such look:

• Apply Estée Lauder Signature Shimmer Powder in Rose Pearl on cheeks
• Highlight the inner corner of eyes in Golden Peach
• Stong and full eye brows
• Blend Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Citrine from lash line to brow
• Use the lighter bronze shade over brow bone
• Apply Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Gold Ruby on lips

Innocent & Sweet:

Bobbi Brown
"The Pink Quartz Collection" features shimmering soft golden pinks. These are a few steps to create this look:

• Sweep Pale Pink Blush on cheeks, then highlight the Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick (comprised of five different shades of pink, rose, beige and gold ) on cheekbones
• Apply the classic black ink gel eyeliner along upper lashline
• Blend the cream eye shadow in Ballet Pink to keep eyes simple
• Use glitter lip gloss in Pink Quartz on the lips for a luscious and shiny look

Chanel
"The Christmas Collection 2007" plays colors with subtle shimmering silvers, warm bronzes and refined twinkling pinks.

• Eyes and lips are created with light shades in pinks for an innocent and young look
• Eyebrows are full and angled
• Give a touch of blusher in soft pink on the cheeks
• The whole makeup theme is about iridescent light and a satiny glow

Holiday Gift Idea 2007: Lip Gloss Set

Holiday collections are already up! At the end of the year, many cosmetics companies release gift sets of lip gloss. These lip glosses are mostly produced in smaller or mini sizes and come in a range of shades from light to intense tones. I personally prefer light shade for lip gloss. But during winter, there are occasions that need bold and stronger lip colors. A lip gloss set combined with the advantages of small size and versatile color selection is a perfect little treat! Here are a few:

1. Bobbi Brown Mini Tube Tints Set: ($28) includes four exclusive shades exclusive: one lip tint, one shimmer lip tint, and two glitter lip tints.

2. Lancome Juicy Tubes Gift Set: ($37.50) includes eight shades of shine. Check out my previous post for review on Lancome Juicy Tubes.

3. Chantecaille Lip Gloss Set: ($65) includes six mini lip glosses.

4. Benefit Cosmetics Her Glossiness Set> ($26): includest three double-ended lip glosses.



5. Smashbox Light Speed Lip Gloss Collection ($90 Value) Light Speed Lip Gloss Collection ($29): includes six sheer lip glosses.

6.Stila Gift of Glaze($28): includes six mini lip glosses.

7. Shu Uemura Lip Gloss Set:($45): includes three lip gloss shades. The set comes with a cosmetics case.

8. Givenchy Pop Gloss Set ($25): includes three mini lip gloss shades in a small black bag.

Cosmetics and Fragrances

Lancôme Canada asked me to put up a reference for my fellow Canadian beauty readers regarding the availability of Lancôme Canada website. Here is the introduction about this website:

Online since 2001, www.lancome.ca offers Canadian women the ability to browse, experience personalized makeup and skincare consultations, and keep abreast of the latest beauty trends 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Travel cosmetics goodies revealed!

Hello, everyone! Finally my vacation in LA has come to an end! Last week was all about sunshine and everlasting friendship. It was hard to comprehend the weather in LA with average of 70 to 85 degrees in mid November. Especially the weather in east coast starts to drop to 40 degrees. I did not have to worry too much about chapped lips and dry hands in LA. Wanna check out what was inside my travel cosmetics bag? Below were the cosmetics/skincare goodies that I carried during the travel:

1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil: I found out the other two gals in our vacation also brought this with them. We all agree this cleansing oil is the best to remove makeup (and even waterproof eye line, mascara, etc).

2. Lancome Colour Focus Palette 4 Ombres Exceptional Wear EyeColour Quad: Color: Suntouched, Honeymoon, Mochaccino, and Lezard.

3. Benefit Bad Gal: The black kohl pencil is soft enough to create smoky eyes!

4. Kate Designing Eyebrow color set: I don't usually pack eyebrow pencil along in the travel. I found the pencil case/cap is too fragile to bear pressure in a packed bag. However, this eyebrow color set is tiny to slip in the makeup bag. Inside the sleek compact case, Kate Designing Eyebrow has three colors and a little brush to create the eyebrow look.

5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF20

6. Carmex EZ-ON Applicator Tube: It stayed with me everywhere I went.

7. Avene Soothing moisture mask

8. Shiseido UV White Whitening Moisturizer: It restores UV-damaged skin and provides moisture.

9. L'occitane Solid Perfume: in Green Tea


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Summer '08: My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies

Smashbox Proof Cream Eye Liner Palette

Smashbox's Proof Cream Eye Liner Palette ($32) is a set of their best selling eye liner colors. There are 10 different eye liner colors in different color series, from cold to warm tones. It is quite a selection of colors to play with. Other than traditional black eyeliner, the palette provide much more color precision for your choice of eyeshadow makeup. The texture is extremely creamy and smooth. It is very easy to apply a thin line at the lash line with a brush.

Most of all, It is a tiny and portable palette. It is almost about the same size of the latest Apple iPod Nano. The shades of the palette include: Lava (deep slate shimmer), Picasso (deep ink blue), Midnight Purple (deep regal violet), Midnight Brown (dark chocolate), Putty (medium brown), Caviar (true jet black), Thunder (mossy gray), Midnight Green (deepest chalkboard green), Deep Bronze (chocolate shimmer), and Cameo (russet brown).

Chanel Ombre D'Eau Eye Shadow: Joint Review with A Touch of Blusher

From my earlier post on Back-to-School part 3, I have briefly blogged about one of my favorite makeup pieces of all time; Chanel Ombre D'Eau eye shadows. This time, I would like to elaborate a little bit more. This review, however, is a special joint review with A Touch of Blusher, who is kind enough to provide alternative perspectives and a great insight on this product. It is my pleasure to collaborate with A Touch of Blusher on Chanel Ombre D'Eau eye shadows.

Chanel Ombre D'Eau is a shimmering eye shadow in a form of liquid powder. #20 Fountain is in baby pink and #10 Glacier is light blue. The liquid eye shadow dries relatively fast as soon as you settle the color on the skin. It transforms into eye shadow powder easily after it is applied onto the skin. The colors are shimmering, light and bright. The subtle shimmer reflects with the light nicely from different angles. You can make your own way to be more playful. The more you blend with fingertips, the sheerer the color becomes. On the other hand, if you let dry without blending down the color, it looks more subtlely intense.

#20 Fountain and #10 Glacier are light colors, and more to the cool tone. These two shades have a silver undertone. I enjoy applying it all over the eyelids to keep the base light and illuminating, then brushing on a pressed eye shadow in darker shades. My favorite combination is Fountain (baby pink) with chocolate brown for a warm tone and Glacier (light blue) with midnight blue for a cool tone. The liquid texture has an even-out effect on the skin. It minimalizes the fine lines around my eyes. And it lasts well to let my eyes sparkle the whole day.

Honestly, I found myself tempted to purchase all the other shades of Chanel Ombre D'Eau eye shadows. All other colors are also very wearable and "collectible." Please feel free to check out A Touch of Blusher's review to get different opinions and insights on her beautiful Chanel Ombre D'Eau eye shadow in Bay (#50).