Joining in Yumeko's weekly photo challenge again!
1. Something you ate this week
Vienetta ice cream cake is a childhood favourite that I recently re-discovered, thanks to my husband. The best part is the crisp chocolate layers interspersed throughout!
Breakfast at Paul.
A simple lunch by the lake.
2. Something you bought this week
The new Essence Colour Arts collection features 20 loose pigments which can be mixed into the eye base, lip base and nail base.
I picked up the pigments in 06 WOW It's Orange, 09 Be My Brightsmaid and 19 Kiss The Frog, plus the Multi-tasker, a soft silicon spatula applicator that can be used for mixing and applying the pigments.
3. Something you wore this week
Discovered this week that Becca Eye Tint in Romanticism makes a fabulous base for Shu Uemura glitter eyeshadows, outperforming Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I've also been testing out Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush 50 Plum Wine, which is lovely except that the blush arrived completely dislodged from the metal pan and stuck to the lid. Jill Stuart Blush Blossom 07 Charming Lily is great for everyday wear. And I hit pan on my Dior Diorskin Forever Compact foundation!
4. Something you read this week
My dear sweet husband hunted down the September issues of Glamour and Elle UK for me, scoring the free Jemma Kidd I-Glamour Define Eyeliner 03 Blue with the latter.
5. Something that made you smile this week
The lilies and gladiolus finally bloomed in my garden, after months of watering them daily.
A great place for spending a lazy summer day is the Lavaux vineyard terraces by the lake near Lausanne.
If you would like to join in the fun, just leave a comment on Yumeko's post and here with a link to your blog post, and I'll be sure to check it out!
This week's photo challenge theme by Yumeko is summer must-haves, so here goes!
1. Base Makeup – [sunscreen, powder, foundation, BB cream, whatever you use in the heat/humidity of summer]
My current range of primers include Paul & Joe Protective Foundation Primer UV SPF40 PA++, Dior Radiant Base SPF20 PA+, Anna Sui Protective Foundation Primer C SPF38 PA++, Za True White Instant Brightener SPF30 PA++ and RMK Smoothing Polished Base SPF13 PA+. I've been using the Paul & Joe primer virtually daily, usually under powder foundation, and love it for the high SPF and non-greasy texture. After finishing this, I'll probably switch to either the Dior or Anna Sui primer next. The latter is a lavender tinted primer with a brightening effect. The Za version is the most watery of the lot, feels very lightweight and silicone-y on skin but it does not offer good oil control. The RMK primer is the best in terms of concealing pores.
2. Point Makeup [blush,eyeshadow,whatever you use in the heat/humidity of summer]
When it's so hot, I reach for makeup that is super easy and quick to apply, without the need for complicated layering or blending. Dior's Eye Glosses from their recent summer collection are great for adding a tint of color with a slightly shimmery finish. Once these set, they do not crease and I can layer powder eyeshadow or eyeliner on top if I wish. Becca Beach Tints are also very lightweight and easy to blend though I would not use them with powder foundation.
I prefer lipglosses over lipsticks these days, as well as lip tints like Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Coral, orange and pink hues are my staples for the summer.
3. Sunglasses/Hat/Anything you are wearing to block out the sun’s harmful rays
For walks in the park and hiking, I've been relying on this Union Jack print hat from Next that I picked up in London a couple of months ago. And I'm never without a lip balm with SPF like Ettusais Lip Essence SPF18 PA++ and Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15.
4. Deodorant/Body Spray/Perfume [whatever you are using to make yourself smell good]
For the sweltering days, I prefer light zesty fragrances. Jo Loves fits the bill perfectly with Pomelo, A Shot of Thai Lime Over Mango, and Mango Nectar.
5. Other must-haves for Summer
These would be Gatsy Oil Clear Sheets (the non-powdered type) which soak up every last drop of oil without disturbing one's makeup, L'Occitane Angelica Mist for a refreshing pick-me-up during the day, and an "uchiwa". These fans are a popular form of advertising in Japan and often given out free on the streets. I've got dozens of these!
BeautyOshaberi has also done this challenge, so do check out her picks. If you would like to join in the fun, just leave a comment on Yumeko's post and here with a link to your blog post, and I'll be sure to check it out!
This week's photo challenge by Yumeko is the All Star Makeup edition.
1. The Super Star: Something you have used for over a year and will still be using.
For my daily routine, concealers, eyeshadow primers and eyebrow pen are essential. For these, I rely on Too Faced Shadow Insurance, NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, Lunasol Under Eye Base, Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer and K-Palette Lasting Two Way Eyebrow. Of these, I have re-purchased the K-Palette eyebrow pen at least five times. It lasts much longer than eyebrow powder, despite my oily skin, and is easy to clean up if drawn unevenly.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss are hands-down the best full coverage lipsticks by a drugstore brand. The color intensity, shade range and lasting power are well above what one would expect of a budget brand. This October, there will be a new line of matte shades in red packaging. Can't wait to try those!
2. The Fast Rising Star: Something you have used for over 6 months and will still be using.
Technically, I've had several of these products for less than six months, but I find myself reaching for them all the time: Laura Mercier Turquoise Caviar Stick, Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tint in Spirited, Stila Sparkle Luxe Gloss in Dazzling, Suqqu Nuancing Cheeks EX03 Akanemizu and YSL Glossy Stains. The Physicians' Formula Fashionista palette is a recent acquisition that has worked well for me.
3. The Number 1 Draft Pick: Something you just started using and am loving it.
Ever since I started using Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pens, I have hardly touched my liquid eyeliners. No. 1 Black Noir is as intensively black as Urban Decay Perversion but without the problem of the lead shrinking from the wood. No. 9 Oyster Glow is a staple for lining the lower lashline for making the eyes look more awake. The 2nd Star Twinkle from the Tinkerbell collection is a lovely shimmery olive.
4. The FAIL: Something you tried recently and does not work for you.
Both the Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara and Accessorize Lenthening Mascara in Ultra Black failed to impress me. The former felt too dry and did not hold the curl of my lashes well. The Accessorize mascara took several coats to build barely decent length and had virtually zero volumising effect.
5. The Experiment: Something you bought and am going to try next.
Thanks to Mag, I just received the two Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek in Cherry Macaron and Raspberry Macaron, and the Popping Shower Powder from the Psychedelicious summer collection. From Sephora, I picked up a Tarte Clean Slate Deluxe Primer Trio (US$9) and Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer Set (US$20).
My new Shu Uemura palette of shades from the recent Color Atelier collection, consisting of mainly glitter finishes.
If you would like to join in the fun, just leave a comment on Yumeko's post and here with a link to your blog post, and I'll be sure to check it out!
This week's photo challenge started by Yumeko focuses on makeup colors.
1. Black
I don't buy black eyeshadows that frequently but I do have plenty of black eyeliners: Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Sequins, Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen No.1 Black Noir, Addiction Eyeliner Pencil 101 Sleepless Nights (from the holiday coffret last year), L'Oreal HIP Intense Eyeliner #320 Dark Sky, MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner Marked For Glamour. The three powder eyeshadows are Kiko Colour Sphere Eyeshadow #26, L'Oreal Color Infallible #23 Black Onyx and Addiction Crow. At the top right corner is Addiction Eye Lacquer WP in Black Swan.
2. Brown
Quite a few classics here: Dior Impression Cuir Leather Couture and Iridescent Leather quint, Lunasol Ocean Scene Eyes EX01 Shelly Ocean, Majolica Majorca Powder Heat Metallic and Majewel, L'Oreal Color Infallible #33 Tender Caramel and Stila Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Bronze.
3. White
White was the hardest colour to put together but I managed to find some in my stash eventually: Majolica Majorca Snow Carat Powder, Majolook (Line Impact) SV801 and Majolook (Illuminate) WT951, Essence Crystalliced Liquid Highlighter, MUFE Lab Shine lipgloss D0, three Paul & Joe eyeshadows and Eye Gloss Duo B 001, and Catrice Eyeliner Pencil C01 Morning Dew (from the Floralista collection). The Anna Sui Protective Loose Powder 001 technically isn't white but the pretty pot was perfect for this pic.
4. Orange [since Sephora named it color of the year this year]
By sheer coincidence, I just received three Sephora + Pantone Universe items, which were recently put on sale. The lipgloss set is now only US$14 (down from US$20) while the blush duo is now US$18 (down from US$26). Both are made in the USA. Despite Sephora being a French company owned by LVMH, the Sephora stores in France never stocked this collection, which is a pity as I think it was quite nicely done.
I like the sleek i-Pad white packaging of the lipglosses and the vibrant shades, but the one shade that I've tried so far (Tangerine Tango Opal) applied less smoothly than what I'm used to with Dior or Paul & Joe glosses. The bulky packaging was also quite unnecessary and bumped up the shipping costs by quite a bit. The eyelash curler (US$13, reduced from US$18) comes with two refill pads.
5. The most popular color amongst your makeup collection
While I have a soft spot for emeralds and teals, recently cool mint has looked very appealing, starting from the Lancome Vert Tendresse palettes for spring and continuing with the packaging of the Paul & Joe Midsummer Night Dream collection for summer.
Do also check out the marvellous Drivel About Frivol's take on this challenge! If you would like to join in the fun, just leave a comment on Yumeko's post and here with a link to your blog post, and I'll be sure to check it out!
This week's photo meme started by Yumeko is about bodycare so here goes!
1. Body Wash
I'm close to finishing Philosophy Tinsel Town, which was a holiday release, and moving on to their Bubbly next. A couple of times a week, I use either Lush Rub Rub Rub or Sana Esteny Salt Wash. The blue crystals of Rub Rub Rub always reminds me of Icee (like 7-Eleven Slurpee) from my childhood.
Esteny Salt Wash is a charcoal and salt scrub that gives invigorating exfoliating action. I found this last year at Sasa in Singapore for $20.90. It retails in Japan for 1050yen for 250g.
2. Skin Moisturizer
Even in the summer, the skin on my legs still get very dry, so I've been using the Body Shop Spa Wisdom Morocco Argan Oil & Orange Blossom Body Souffle, L'Occitane Delice des Fleurs Rose & Violette Body Milk and Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Body Cream. These absorb quickly without making my skin feel greasy.
3. Hair treatment / Conditioner
For my dry, colored hair, I recently started using L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo and Vichy Dercos Mineral Soft shampoo. EverPure lathers up surprisingly well, despite being sulfate-free and leaves my hair tangle-free. For taming the frizz and flyaways, I've been relying on Percy & Reed Finishing Polish and L'Oreal Elseve Liss-Intense Serum.
4. Perfume
Recently, I've been rotating through Jo Malone Plum Blossom, Jo Loves Pomelo, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess and Taylor Swift Wonderstruck. Pomelo is my favourite of the lot, for its sparkling freshness. Plum Blossom is a gentle sweet floral that does not last that long on me. Bronze Goddess has a relaxing beach vacation vibe.
Recently released in Singapore at Sephora, Wonderstruck is a gift from a very kind friend. It has very sweet notes of raspberry and peach. The antique charms are a nice whimsical touch. At least the bottle looks like an original design, unlike the shameless ripoff by Justin Bieber's Someday (of Marc Jacobs Lola) and Selena Gomez's eponymous fragrance (of the lips from the Guerlain Rouge Automatic ad).
5. Other body care items you use
It's not as sweltering here as Singapore yet but buildings in Switzerland are usually not equipped with air conditioners, so you can imagine how stuffy it gets. I'm trying to be more diligent in applying sunblock with the Biotherm Lait Solaire SPF50 but like most sunscreen lotions, it makes my skin feel slightly greasy. To help cool down, I've been relying on L'Occitane's new Angelica Hydration face mist and Paul & Joe Shimmering Body Lotion G.
If you would like to join in the fun, just leave a comment on Yumeko's post and here with a link to your blog post, and I'll be sure to check it out!
It's finally Friday again, which means it's time for another edition of Yumeko's Friday Photo Meme. This week's theme is new stuff!
1. Something you bought recently
Picked up a Lancome Rouge In Love 340B Rose Boudoir with a 20% voucher at Sephora in France recently. It's a bright feminine pink, with creamy, opaque coverage.
2. Something you got in the mail this week
Kas sent me a surprise package recently that included this Lakme Eye Color Quartet in Peacock. The rich jewel hues offer lots of creative combinations.
3. Something you could not live without this week
It's been a long week of irritable moods and mundane tedium. What kept me sane was marathon Watsapp chats with dear Mag and unwinding at the end of the day by watching Mentalist and Castle (Simon Baker and Nathan Fillion never fail to make me laugh). In the mornings, Ayumi Hamasaki's new album, Party Queen, gets me ready for the day. Now that summer is almost here, I'm depending on Biotherm Lait Solare SPF50, which has a lovely soft citrus fragrance, and my arsenal of Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments with SPF15 to protect and hydrate at the same time. I just finished the Rose version and am looking forward to purchasing the new Coral shade.
4. Something you are trying out this week
It came as a surprise to me that Fujifilm is behind the premium Astalift skincare line, which recently debuted in the UK and France. Fujifilm leveraged on its expertise and understanding of the process of oxidisation and nanotechnology to design this line, which I first read about on Yumeko's blog. When I chanced across a store offering a 30% discount, I quickly snapped up the Moisture Foam Cleanser, Priming Lotion and Jelly Aquarysta. The cleanser is average but I do like the lotion and Jelly Aquarysta very much. Both have a soft rose scent and help to hydrate and plump up the skin. The Jelly also melds back to a perfectly smooth surface after each use, so it always looks brand new.
5. Something you are wearing this week
My standard complement of accessories: Windy Bunny Beast Swatch, a Swarovski bangle that my husband gave me for our anniversary this year and my ring. I'm not familiar with the Windy Bunny Beast character but the fierce design just caught my eye.
Do join in if you have a blog by leaving a comment on Yumeko's post and here with a link to your blog post, and I'll be sure to check it out!
