2011 Loves and Thoughts

To end off the year, I thought I'd do a quick round up of ten beauty products that I loved in 2011.

Although Lunasol's perennial bestseller in Japan is their Skin Modelling Eyes #1 Beige Beige, it has always looked too bland to me. However, this year, their Ocean Scene Eyes EX01 Shelly Ocean from their summer 2011 collection turned out to be my most frequently used palette. This is quite unusual for me as I'm usually more drawn to teals and purples, but Shelly Ocean has become my fail-safe palette for every day wear. The complex dirty bronze shade always works like a dream for adding definition to the eyes or creating subtle smoky eyes.

For base makeup, my current three staples are Lunasol Under Eyes Base 01 Natural Beige, RMK Smoothing Polished Base and Maquillage Essence Rich White Liquid UV in OC00. The Lunasol Under Eyes Base covers up my dark circles very well, although like every other concealer I've tried, it does settle slightly into the fine lines after some time. The RMK base provides good oil control and coverage of pores.

Nothing perks up one's complexion faster than a slick of lipgloss. For that, I rely on Anna Sui Lip Gloss C #306 and Addiction Azalea Lipgloss.


Paul & Joe's lipsticks have always been a staple in my makeup pouch, thanks to their comfortable non-drying texture and flattering shades. This year, I loved Lipstick C #74 Lower East Side from the Manhattan collection. For staving off chapped lips, I've been using Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate & Grapeseed Lip Butter which has a lovely sweet pomegranate scent and no discernible taste.

Guerlain Meteorites in Perles de Nuit makes the skin look more polished with a slight glow. On days when I don't feel like wearing makeup, I just apply moisturiser or sunscreen and finish off with a light dusting of Perles de Nuit.

Dolly Wink Volume Mascara builds volume and length well and holds the curl of my lashes through the day. It does start to clump slightly when layered a few times, but this is usually easily rectified. The limited edition set with the eyeliner in the purple and green packaging is still available on Adambeauty.com.

2011 was a year that I'll always cherish for the many wonderful memories and experiences. Looking back, I think I spent more than four months of the year living out of suitcases as I got to travel to Kerala, Maldives, the UK, plus an extended sojourn in the south of France.

I spent a month in the charming seaside town of Villefranche (situated between Nice and Monaco on the Cote D'Azur) taking French lessons at this great school with stunning views of the bay.



The glorious view of the sunrise from my tiny studio apartment - moments like these were pure bliss.

To everyone who stops by Rouge Deluxe regularly, my heartfelt thanks for taking the time to do so. As my buddy Mag says, writing a blog can sometimes feel like one is just talking to oneself, but every once in awhile, a thoughtful comment by a reader makes us smile, and makes it worth the effort. Having done this for close to five years now, there have been several moments of wondering whether to continue. Some of my favorite blogs are now gone or inactive, like Jojoba's My Makeup Reviews, which is dearly missed. I figure I'll just keep writing as long as I enjoy doing so.

I'll leave you with my favorite song for 2011: Kelly Clarkson's Stronger. Whatever challenges 2012 may bring, stand a little taller and be stronger. Wishing you lots of love, laughter and happiness in the new year!