Dec 18, 2017 • by Lena L
I bought this highlighting powder a long ago but only started appreciating it recently. When I think "highlighter", something like Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (Prismatic Amethyst (reviewed) is still my go-to highlighter) is a standard, and this one from Rouge Bunny Rouge is relatively too subtle although it is undoubtedly beautiful.
Dec 7, 2017 • by Lena L
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by NeoStrata. All words and opinions are mine.
To me, a serum is a must in my skincare routine as I firmly believe it is the most effective and easiest way to achieve visible results. However, choosing a right kind of serum could be tricky and I seldom find something that satisfies all my skincare needs. I was intrigued when I first heard about NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum which is formulated to volumize slack skin, renew skin tone, and smooth skin’s surface. This targets every skincare concern that I currently have. I love the fact that I can use the serum everyday both in the AM/PM regimens without having to worry about sensitizing my skin. It’s been for about two weeks since I started using NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum, and what I’ve been seeing is quite positive and uplifting.
Oct 8, 2017 • by Lena L
I love my first Pure Vitamin Lip Tattoo, Strawberry (reviewed). It literally jumpstarted my blogging after a long hiatus because I badly wanted to talk about this super long-lasting lip tint that feels comfortable on the lips. It was only natural that I got two more shades from the range. This time I picked up Tomato and Peach.
Sep 11, 2017 • by Lena L
Diamond Dog (reviewed) is still my favorite, but Solstice must be the most fascinating shade from the Urban Decay Moondust range ($21 at Sephora and Ulta). Solstice is very sparkly as all Moondust eyeshadows are but it also color-shifts quite dramatically. It seems the most popular one, too. This particular shade was out of stock both times when I made a trip to the local Sephora so I ended up ordering it online.
Sep 1, 2017 • by Lena L
It's beautiful, isn't it? I am a big fan of Becca highlighters and Prismatic Amethyst (reviewed) is my go-to choice. The cool opalescent glow of Prismatic Amethyst is perfect for my everyday highlighting needs, but I also wanted something with warmer undertones. I considered Becca Moonstone but ended up getting Illamasqua Beyond Powder in OMG instead. There was something about the baked texture and I was much drawn to that for sure.
Aug 26, 2017 • by Lena L
I like the original Peripera Peri's Ink a lot, so I had high hopes for this one. I haven't tried Peri's Ink The Velvet (Peripera's another lip tint with full-on matte finish), but supposedly "Ink The Airy Velvet" is a lighter, easier-to-wear version of it. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan.
Aug 24, 2017 • by Lena L
A few weeks ago, I spotted an incredible sale on Bloomingdale's. I was trying to get a backup for my favorite nude polish while working on this post (you see, I tend to enable myself more than others). I was shocked to see Deborah Lippmann Naked and other sheer/neutral colors were marked down to $4.50 a bottle, so I even shared this info on the blog after quickly purchasing 4 bottles for myself (first thing first). There are a few items still on sale (Pretty Young Thing $9.50 & Candy Shop $10), but that sale disappeared on the same day. I'm guessing the Bloomingdale's team realized that it was a mistake or I wasn't the only savvy shopper that day.
Aug 22, 2017 • by Lena L
I feel bad blogging about a limited edition that now you cannot even find anymore (I checked). I myself almost missed this beautiful duo from the Sarah Moon collection but it was love at first sight. I've been dabbling in warm-toned eyeshadows lately, but I am well aware that cool dusty colors still look better on me and this duo is one of them. NARS Quai Des Brumes is everything - purple, gray, taupe, blue, matte, and shimmer all together in a simple harmonious way.
Aug 18, 2017 • by Lena L
My favorite way of wearing eye makeup is basing the lids first with dark pencil liners, and for that, L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Liner is still my favorite. I have all three shades - black, brown, and gray, and they usually work very well with most of my eyeshadows. Sometimes though, I want a lighter base that wouldn't alter the main eyeshadow colors as much and these I'm Stick Shadows looked suitable when I was filling MEMEBOX cart at that time.
Aug 16, 2017 • by Lena L
Gosh, I took these pictures so long ago, like right after Clarisonic brought out Alpha Fit For Men. At that time, my SO was involved with the Alpha Fit online project and the Clarisonic team gifted one to him when they flew in New York. I told him right away that this wasn't going to be a hit and Clarisonic would change the dark gray exterior color into something soft and name it like "MIA Fit". A prophecy.
Aug 14, 2017 • by Lena L
This week I am back to wearing neutral nails. I chose Deborah Lippman Naked, which is probably my all time favorite nude polish. When it comes to a truly neutral "nude" nail polish that flatters any skin tone, it is hard to beat Naked (avail here).
Aug 10, 2017 • by Lena L
Rowena of rolalaloves gifted this adorable tint at our first meet-up (thank you!). The "New York" part is a bit misleading, because MacQueen is a Korean cosmetic brand. I also learned that this tint is well-known as an affordable alternative to YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush.
Aug 3, 2017 • by Lena L
Although I usually sport light neutral colors on my nails in summer, cool-toned vamp shades with creme finish are still in the rotation. Deborah Lippmann Dark Side Of The Moon is the favorite of the moment.
Jul 31, 2017 • by Lena L
Some of you might know that I am not big on eye cream. I had not used any for a while until I received the T2 Oxygen Eye Cream. I thought this put me in a more objective position to review a new eye cream, and have used it diligently for about 2 weeks now. So far, my experience has been quite positive even seeing some visible difference.
Jul 29, 2017 • by Lena L
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture 55 Rouge Anonyme (Luminous Red)-
Today is #NationalLiptickDay, I hear? I am not buying any lipstick but want to do a short post on one of my favorites. Rouge Anonyme (aka Luminous Red) is a beautiful ruby red with micro shimmer. I've had this one for more than a year now and been reaching for it whenever I feel like a conventional lipstick.
Jul 21, 2017 • by Lena L
A simple FOTD with the vintage Christian Dior Effets D'ombre 103 Effets De Perle -
I was gushing over these Kat Von D Alchemist swatches that I saw on twitter. I was pretty close to conclude that I needed Alchemist palette too although I was never a fan of the brand. Then it suddenly dawned on me - I have something like that (!).
Jul 13, 2017 • by Lena L
Becca Light Chaser Highlighter For Face and Eye in Amethyst Flashes Geode (R)
&
Becca Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss in Opal & Jade (L) -
I skipped on the Becca x Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette but couldn't do the same when Becca subsequently rolled out Light Chaser Highlighter and Crystal Glow Gloss. They were more irresistible due to the recent 25% off sale, and maybe I didn't research enough before I pulled out my plastic.
Jul 3, 2017 • by Lena L
I have been meaning to write about this for a long while. If I am to name a single item that has been most helpful for my skin during the past 6 months, it would be Ecco Bella Leave-On Invisible Exfoliant & Blemish Remedy. I have been religiously using this every other night, but not exactly for blemishes but rather as an anti-aging treatment before a moisturizing step. I just finished a 2 oz bottle and ordered another one.
Jun 25, 2017 • by Lena L
I hadn't looked at Dior makeup in a while, but my heart skipped a beat when I first saw the image of 5 Couleurs Attract (867) from the Summer 2017 collection (Care & Dare). At the same time, I knew that this warm-hued eyeshadow palette wouldn't be the best choice for my complexion that stays quite pale and neutral all year round. But "the heart wants what it wants", right? I ordered mine sight unseen from Nordstrom.
Jun 14, 2017 • by Lena L
Illamasqua Powder Blusher Morale
Illamasqua Morale was highly recommended by my friend who is usually on point about all cool-toned makeup colors. She said "your face will be instantly lit up", and I must say she was right. It is the brightest and most stunning pink blush that I own (so far). If you find most pink blushes too warm, take a look at this silvery blue pink.
May 13, 2017 • by Lena L
This is the latest addition to my Lunasol eyeshadow collection. Three-Dimensional Eyes were introduced many years ago, but 01 Neutral Beige and 02 Soft Beige are still in production. I got 03 Mysterious Beige first and fell in love with it (this has a lavender accent color and shall be reviewed soon). Soft Beige initially escaped my radar because I usually go for something a bit more dramatic. Later on, I convinced myself that I did not have anything "pink" in my eyeshadow collection and decided to get one more Lunasol palette.
May 9, 2017 • by Lena L
Let me do a quick mid-week post with fewer words here. I am sporting non-red nail polishes this week. And, I went for different nail shapes!
May 7, 2017 • by Lena L
HABA skincare line is something I have been consistently using for the past two years. I just repurchased White Lady for the fifth time. I've also gone through at least three bottles of Squalene and VC Lotion. There are several other things I've tried from the brand which I find rather excellent, but I always seem to miss these three whenever I run out.
Apr 25, 2017 • by Lena L
Chanel Les Ombres Quadra 14 Mystic Eyes
I remember when Chanel Mystic Eyes Quadra was first introduced. Neutral eyeshadow lovers were buzzing on the makeup board and it was even considered as a must have. I didn't pay much attention to it probably because at that time I was more into purple and blue eyeshadows. It was last year when I suddenly wanted this classic quad like a hole in my head. Surprisingly, Chanel still has Mystic Eyes available on the website. Maybe it was repromoted at some point. Chanel U.S. website had retired non-baked Quadras quite some time ago, and what is available now seems the half-baked formula. I hesitated a bit since I actually like their baked eyeshadows a lot, but ended up getting the old version off eBay.
Apr 20, 2017 • by Lena L
NYX Pro Foundation Mixer White & Luminous
For me, a good shade match is the single most important factor in choosing a foundation. Finish and wear come after that. Normally, I wouldn't bother, but I just love how this Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation wears and feels on me. I initially tried using a brightening primer and a highlighter on top, but it still looked very off. Buying a lighter shade of the same formula and mixing two would be an option, but the lightest color from the range is #2 and it would be supposedly a good match for me by itself. Besides, the image of two GA foundation bottles sitting on my vanity was too much even to think about it. I have other foundation bottles and tubes, you know. So I bought these NYX Pro Foundation Mixers on sale from Ulta.com. It seemed a sensible choice since they are quite affordably priced. (I didn't realize that each tube is as big as a full sized foundation until later on...)
Apr 4, 2017 • by Lena L
Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss 728 Rose Pulpe & 172 Tendresse
I didn't have good pink lip gloss (no, really) and also wanted to see if Chanel had reformulated Glossimer for better indeed (not for an excuse to raise the price). Trust me, I was ready to criticize and almost wanted them to fall short of expectations. But, what can I say? I fell in love with them and might get a few more very soon.
Apr 1, 2017 • by Lena L
Lunasol Modeling Glossy Eyes 01 Icy Glow
Encouraged by the successful introduction to Lunasol eyeshadow palettes (Beige Beige), I got four more. I bought Icy Glow with extra confidence, too. It is a cool-toned gray smoky palette with pinkish highlight colors and a gorgeous taupe, which looked like an easy one. However, for some reason it took a while for me to appreciate this palette.
Mar 25, 2017 • by Lena L
Every year I hang on to my winter coats dearly and secretly hope that spring never comes. I know it sounds weird, but hear this. I have a thing for coats and have many of them. Spring always comes before I get to wear every one of them out of my closet then soon after my birthday arrives. (Am I the only one who dreads birthdays, by the way?) But, this year for some reason I can't wait till spring is here! I've been playing with the RMK pastel colors a lot lately thinking these will look nice with those frilly dresses and blouses with puffy sleeves which seem to be very much in this spring (yup, I got those, too).
Mar 12, 2017 • by Lena L
My friend Catherine was visiting from San Francisco and we had our date at the Glossier showroom in TriBeCa. I didn't know Cloud Paint was all the craze thanks to the Academy awards (apparently, a few actresses wore it and looked gorgeous.) nor did I know I was working 7 minutes from the showroom that day. So that's how I came home with a Cloud Paint. I guess it doesn't matter that you live under a rock if you have trendy friends.
Mar 3, 2017 • by Lena L
(or four, I might say)
From left to right
Essie Color Corrector Primer, Ballet Slippers, Mademoiselle, and Gel-Setter Top Coat
I have been wearing Essie Ballet Slippers for over a decade now. Whenever I feel like a light nude pink on my tips, I reach for it and it never fails to fetch compliments. Ballet Slippers is a shade with both good and bad, though. It goes with everything but I need to moisturize my hands like mad otherwise, the dry spots and cuticles look more obvious. It is the epiphany of a mod and posh nail color but is incredibly streaky and difficult to apply.
Feb 26, 2017 • by Lena L
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed - Prismatic Amethyst
Becca has finally brought out the glow I want. I've always admired the whole highlighting range of the brand but thought it was missing a cool-toned one with soft hues. I've acquired quite a few of new highlighting powders lately, but Becca Prismatic Amethyst is indisputably the crown jewel of my collection. The color and the finish is perfect for my liking. I shall not want (okay, maybe I still want a full size Pearl pressed).
Feb 21, 2017 • by Lena L
Chanel Spring 2017 Codes Élégants & Ardente
It's not even March, but it feels like Chanel (and every other brand) will roll out the summer collections any day now. I might as well show the look before it's too late (wink), although I don't think I will limit these gorgeous colors to spring makeup. Both the eyeshadow quad and the lipstick look distinctly warm but once worn neutral in a certain way, which is almost weird. My opinion hasn't changed since my initial post with swatches, and I'd highly recommend them for those who don't usually wear warmer hues yet want to try some.
Feb 16, 2017 • by Lena L
Holika Holika x Gudetama Lazy & Joy Collection
I mean, how cute is this..?! I love makeup with pretty packaging but animation or overly cutesy stuff is not my thing at all. Still, these gifted cuties made me squeal. I believe they are from the season 2 (called "Lazy & Joy") of Holika Holika x Gudetama collaboration which seems ongoing due to the popularity. I can clearly see why. It's not just the adorable exteriors. What's inside is pretty awesome, too.
Feb 11, 2017 • by Lena L
You probably see no blue nor brown here. This is a sort of signature look for me - smokey eyes, pink cheeks, and pink lips, and it is very easy to achieve with this old(and discontinued) Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics quad in 03, which has equal parts of blue and brown. I have been adventurous with makeup colors trying out different warm-toned shades and some latest trends like reddish eye makeup, but this is my go-to look on a regular work day.
Feb 5, 2017 • by Lena L
PUR Cosmetics Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin Perfecting Foundation 12-Hour Wear
I was sent new foundation samples from PUR Cosmetics to try. I usually opt for light coverage ones with liquid consistency so I admit that I wasn't sure how this creamy (almost pasty) foundation that provides a full coverage would work for me. The new Bare It All foundation is actually very impressive, and I have been wearing it all week. (I had a very busy week and this long lasting foundation helped me a lot to get through it.)
Jan 28, 2017 • by Lena L
The name suits this famous lipstick from NARS. It is a blazing red with bright orangey undertones. I don't feel entirely comfortable wearing either warm-toned shades nor mattes, and this is why I hesitated quite a bit before I finally bought one for myself. I still find Heat Wave challenging and often wonder what would be the best makeup pairing with it. I do love the color so I brave myself and reach for it once in a while, though.
Jan 26, 2017 • by Lena L
Today I want to talk about my current skincare items with which I happen to be deeply in love. I never heard of the brand Jeffrey James before, but my friend who is very knowledgeable about skincare products recommended his mud-based facial mask to me and that was the rabbit hole. Next, I bought a few more items from the Jeffrey James website taking advantage of the holiday sale. Every item I've tried is unbelievably high quality and most importantly, the whole line suits my current skincare needs. So far, I've tried pretty much everything from the brand maybe with exception of a few. I was surprised to learn that Jeffrey James is a former football player and his skincare line is organic as well. As some of you know, I loathe those subpar organic skincare stuff that often comes in ugly inconvenient containers. Jeffrey James Botanicals is none of that and I grew even more fond of the brand.
Jan 21, 2017 • by Lena L
Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint in Cherry Pink (PK001)
I believe Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint (앵두알 맑은 틴트) has been out for a couple years at least, but I only came across this one about a month ago. I can understand why Fresh Cherry Tint is Etude House's steady-seller, although the merits don't strongly appeal to me (which I will explain further down) that I would go out of my way for more. Cherry Pink (PK001) is a misleading name since it is a light milky pink. I am not complaining because it was a color missing from my lip collection for quite some time (shocking, I know).
Jan 15, 2017 • by Lena L
Chanel Les 4 Ombres 274 Codes Élégants and Rouge Allure 175 Ardente
Yes, it is still too early to talk about a spring makeup collection and I may have initially thought this particular collection looked rather mundane. However, I was totally won over after seeing Sabrina(of The Beauty Look Book)'s swatches. I picked up two items both in warmer colors. Which is quite unusual for me, but lately I have been wearing warmer shades more comfortably and wanted to add more to my current collection.
Jan 10, 2017 • by Lena L
Essie Shall We Chalet?
Now holidays are over, I am back to wearing red nail polishes (I wore non-reds around that time). Most of my red polishes are creme, and I must have at least five ruby red shades that look alike Essie Shall We Chalet?. Among the similar that I have, I think I prefer Forever Yummy or A-List. The difference is quite minuscule that I can't explain it well, but one is always a hair darker or a tad glossier than others. I wonder if this is why people (I mean, I) end up with a pile of red nail polishes.
Jan 8, 2017 • by Lena L
L'Oreal Infallible Lip Paints Fearless Fuchsia
Liquid lip colors seem to be very popular nowadays, but I haven't gotten on the trend. I think I am still partial to lip tints and conventional lipsticks even. However, a few days ago I impulsively added a tube of L'Oreal Infallible Lip Paints to the shopping basket while I was ordering dish soap and laundry sheets. L'Oreal has impressed me with their lip products over the years (Wet Shine Stain range is still one of my favorites - it seems that the range is being discontinued but is available on eBay, of course. I've stocked up.), so I figured trying one from their take on liquid lip color would give me some ideas.
Jan 5, 2017 • by Lena L
Rouge Bunny Rouge | Original Skin Blush For Love Of Roses Starina
Back in June when I purchased Starina on sale, I thought it was going to be discontinued. Surprisingly it is still available on the Rouge Bunny Rouge site. It is the old version at a more affordable price than the others ($28 vs $35). Some of the colors like Delicata and Gracilis have been repackaged and embossed prettier (if that's even possible). I am not sure if Starina will be brought back in the other packaging, but I know that it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a look before it is gone. This shy beauty is kind of special.
Jan 2, 2017 • by Lena L
Happy new year, everyone! A collective swatch post seems most appropriate for the first one in 2017. Wouldn't you agree?
So now thanks to my friend Pauline, I have a bunch of Etude House Look At My Eyes singles (Many of them seem to be discontinued as Etude House is into this kind of marketing, but you can find most of them on eBay).
I actually don't mind having single eyeshadows and even dislike depotting, but this time I knew that I had to do something (well, there were fifteen of them). Etude House offers empty palettes in various sizes that fit these singles perfectly (available on eBay). I initially wanted them but decided against it because I did not want to wait too long to receive them. Domestic options would be the famous Z Palettes and MAC Pro Palette Customize. I opted for the latter which is more affordable ($8) and has clean aesthetics. Personally, I think MAC Pro Palette is priced right and much better quality than those Zs.
I actually don't mind having single eyeshadows and even dislike depotting, but this time I knew that I had to do something (well, there were fifteen of them). Etude House offers empty palettes in various sizes that fit these singles perfectly (available on eBay). I initially wanted them but decided against it because I did not want to wait too long to receive them. Domestic options would be the famous Z Palettes and MAC Pro Palette Customize. I opted for the latter which is more affordable ($8) and has clean aesthetics. Personally, I think MAC Pro Palette is priced right and much better quality than those Zs.
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