tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11043845398676860292024-03-14T02:04:33.191-04:00My Life with MakeupJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-69491782097583075712011-08-22T18:42:00.004-04:002011-08-22T19:03:43.425-04:00NARS Douceurs de Paris Artist PaletteWhile catching up on some old posts on beauty blogs I follow, I came across a review for NARS' Douceurs de Paris (Pleasures of Paris) palette. I had a great experience with NARS Bridal Palette from a while back, and this palette had colors that I love so I thought I would give it a try. Although the fact that it previously sold out due to its popularity and was somewhat recently revived was another deciding factor.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNNLbB5m8W8/TlLb0YBW95I/AAAAAAAAHEE/WftYEO9hapI/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNNLbB5m8W8/TlLb0YBW95I/AAAAAAAAHEE/WftYEO9hapI/s320/IMG_1259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643814975896483730" border="0" /></a>
<br />The packaging for Douceurs de Paris is the same as any other NARS eyeshadow/blush packaging. There is a mirror included, but no applicators or brushes.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4om4tEjUHmU/TlLcEaxF6XI/AAAAAAAAHEM/JssREF-F5Ig/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4om4tEjUHmU/TlLcEaxF6XI/AAAAAAAAHEM/JssREF-F5Ig/s320/IMG_1279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643815251511470450" border="0" /></a>
<br />The texture of the eyeshadows are extremely silky and smooth, with the exception of the bottom right shade, which seems a little rougher and drier. The pigmentation level of all shades is excellent, as expected of NARS products. I will have to update later on the staying power since I have not yet used these on my eyes. Though from my previous experience, NARS eyeshadows tend to fade on me after 6-7 hours even with UDPP.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNeqbQgANZU/TlLbzyCEvNI/AAAAAAAAHD0/q5JaqAfv4Ls/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNeqbQgANZU/TlLbzyCEvNI/AAAAAAAAHD0/q5JaqAfv4Ls/s320/IMG_1285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643814965698936018" border="0" /></a>
<br />The shades in Douceurs de Paris are (from L to R) Nepal (peach), Violetta (violet), Demon Lover (purple), Fez (bronzey brown), Abyssinia (ivory), and Cordura (black brown with gold specks). Nepal, Fez, Abyssinia, and Cordura are shimmery, while Violetta and Demon Lover are matte. My favorite shade in this palette is Nepal, which is a bit sad since I already have the same shade in the NARS Bridal Palette. Hopefully I will grow to like the other shades better once I've had a chance to actually use the palette though.
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<br />All pictures in this post were taken under natural light.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short: </span>This palette delivers what I expect from NARS, silky eyeshadows with great pigmentation level. I can't say that I was blown away after seeing and touching it in person though.
<br />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-13813559762991573482011-08-16T20:10:00.005-04:002011-08-30T18:15:30.634-04:00Beaute de Kose & Paul & Joe Eye GlossesEver since I started following beauty blogs, I've read rave after rave of Beaute de Kose's eye gloss Eye Fantasist. I've never been a big fan of cream/liquid eyeshadows since they seem to all crease on me no matter how crease-resistant they purportedly are. Still, I was tempted to try out the Eye Fantasist line because of the gorgeous sparkles I have heard so much about. I was completely heartbroken, then, when I heard that the Beaute de Kose line was to be discontinued. Thankfully, my beautiful cousin snatched a couple up when she traveled to Asia last year and was kind enough to give one to me. This then started my collection of eye glosses from different brands.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQTajzqMack/TksHUx5Cw6I/AAAAAAAAHDE/uSze1UQ2MQI/s1600/BKO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQTajzqMack/TksHUx5Cw6I/AAAAAAAAHDE/uSze1UQ2MQI/s320/BKO.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641611011783050146" border="0" /></a>
<br />The packaging of the Eye Fantasist line is a very cute teardrop shaped tube. Some limited edition colors also have charms attached to the tube. Within the tube is a very simple sponge tip applicator. The lasting power is excellent for liquid eyeshadows, but it still sometimes creases at the end of the day if it's hot. The color that I got was BR350.
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<br />After getting the Eye Fantasist, Paul & Joe's Eye Gloss Duo released for summer 2011 also caught my eyes. The double ended tube is decorated with the typical Paul & Joe logo flowers. Each end contains a sponge tip applicator, with the applicator on the purple end being slightly thinner. The staying power of the Paul & Joe Eye Gloss is on par with the Eye Fantasist. Similarly, I sometimes still experience creasing at the end of the day if it is hot outside. The color that I got for the Eye Gloss Duo is 03.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXvGsoBnCcQ/TksHVLY8eSI/AAAAAAAAHDM/KiFchWA4JKo/s1600/Eye%2BGloss%2BSwatch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXvGsoBnCcQ/TksHVLY8eSI/AAAAAAAAHDM/KiFchWA4JKo/s320/Eye%2BGloss%2BSwatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641611018627741986" border="0" /></a>
<br />The two swatches on the left are for the Paul & Joe Eye Gloss and the swatch on the right is for the Eye Fantasist. I would describe the P&J colors as a cool silvery lilac and a cool light pink. The shimmers in the pink color are fairly chunky so you can definitely see the individual pieces. The lilac has more of a metallic texture with very fine shimmers and more color pay off. I like using the lilac for an office-appropriate look, but the pink is a little too loud for a conservative work environment.
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<br />The color of the Eye Fantasist is a slightly purple red-tinged brown. This Eye Fantasist has more sparkles in different sizes than either color in the P&J eye gloss and the color is also more complex. Like the pink in the P&J eye gloss, this Eye Fantasist is not appropriate for the office, but it is a truly gorgeous color that can be used during the day or for a night out. Currently, it's my favorite out of the three shown in this post ^_^
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<br />All pictures in this post were taken under natural light.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short:</span> If you like sparkles and liquid eyeshadows, the P&J Eye Gloss Duo is something you shouldn't miss out on. As the ultimate queen in sparkle-dom, you should also snatch up some Beaute de Kose Eye Fantasist if there are any left in stock in your area. Beware that both eye gloss products are pretty pricey though.
<br />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-14157644294027719282011-08-16T18:16:00.005-04:002011-08-16T20:09:58.976-04:00Dior Summer 2011 - Rosy Tan PaletteAfter working for a couple of years now, I've realized that the most practical eyeshadow purchases I've made are nude/brown eyeshadows because they go well with my complexion and are a no brainer when it comes to application. That explains how I was drawn to Dior's Rosy Tan 5-couleur palette released for summer 2011. I can't say that the colors are unique, but I don't have a similar combo palette, so I decided to invest in it. I have not regretted the purchase, and it's definitely a much better color choice than the first Dior palette I bought, Petal Shine.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvoofPwCtkY/Tkrt-kZr_HI/AAAAAAAAHCs/7zrSrUM1Gkg/s1600/Dior%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvoofPwCtkY/Tkrt-kZr_HI/AAAAAAAAHCs/7zrSrUM1Gkg/s320/Dior%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641583142414056562" border="0" /></a>
<br />I don't believe anything has changed with the packaging or applicators since my first Dior palette review, so I won't say much. The style of the packaging is just okay in my opinion, and the applicators are just as crappy as any drugstore applicator.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kayuKBJkr6s/Tkrt-z3Cd0I/AAAAAAAAHC0/3h0WzQ0JZDQ/s1600/Dior%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kayuKBJkr6s/Tkrt-z3Cd0I/AAAAAAAAHC0/3h0WzQ0JZDQ/s320/Dior%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641583146563696450" border="0" /></a>
<br />The texture of the eyeshadows in the Rosy Tan palette feels finer than the texture of the shadows in Petal Shine from what I can remember (I've since given away Petal Shine so I can't say for sure). The dark liner shade is a tad grainier, but nothing that I can't live with. The color of the shadows on skin are also fairly true to what they look like in the pan except for the bottom left color. It looks taupey in the pan, but actually shows up as more of a bronze. The pigmentation of this palette is MUCH better than what Petal Shine had to offer though. The staying power is also pretty decent over UDPP, no issues with creasing when wearing it for a full work day.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKLpuaPEFCw/Tkrt-059BcI/AAAAAAAAHC8/asFrkq_apGY/s1600/Dior%2BSwatch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKLpuaPEFCw/Tkrt-059BcI/AAAAAAAAHC8/asFrkq_apGY/s320/Dior%2BSwatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641583146844358082" border="0" /></a>
<br />The colors in this palette are (from L to R), an ivory, a cool pink, a bronze, a soft beigey brown, and a dark brown. All of the shades are fairly shimmery except for the beige brown color, which has more of a satin finish. The combination of the four nude/brown colors provides the basis for a simple, elegant look, but the pink adds in a shot of girliness.
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<br />All pictures in this post were taken under natural light.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short:</span> A worthy investment if you're a fan of nude/brown eyeshadows like myself.
<br />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-41089822854250614382011-02-21T00:23:00.009-05:002011-02-21T00:45:08.701-05:00Massive Fyrinnae SpamI bought these Fyrinnae shadows last summer, and I really should've also reviewed these shadows then because that's when I took the swatch pictures. Since I don't recollect the feeling of seeing these shadows in person, I'm just going to post the swatch pictures without descriptions. Feel free to leave a message if you are really interested in certain shades and would like a word description.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnB-cLRCVOc/TWH6i-j9CTI/AAAAAAAAHA4/fiHEhYP_Gkc/s1600/Fyrinnae%2BSwatch%2B9.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnB-cLRCVOc/TWH6i-j9CTI/AAAAAAAAHA4/fiHEhYP_Gkc/s320/Fyrinnae%2BSwatch%2B9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576013292477679922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l61d0MgX0jo/TWH6KqvEGvI/AAAAAAAAHAo/U_9xpdYCFjQ/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B36.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l61d0MgX0jo/TWH6KqvEGvI/AAAAAAAAHAo/U_9xpdYCFjQ/s320/Fyrinnae%2B36.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576012874838711026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCNNWeh1laE/TWH6KRs14sI/AAAAAAAAHAg/PHljWOUKjcE/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B37.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCNNWeh1laE/TWH6KRs14sI/AAAAAAAAHAg/PHljWOUKjcE/s320/Fyrinnae%2B37.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576012868118504130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShBcZMWTOew/TWH6KPgbFxI/AAAAAAAAHAY/vPPs_BxCg8I/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B38.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShBcZMWTOew/TWH6KPgbFxI/AAAAAAAAHAY/vPPs_BxCg8I/s320/Fyrinnae%2B38.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576012867529545490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0CqQ-QKtwXc/TWH6J1wphvI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/I_h9jS8j_kc/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B39.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0CqQ-QKtwXc/TWH6J1wphvI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/I_h9jS8j_kc/s320/Fyrinnae%2B39.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576012860618278642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhmkNMJc7Jo/TWH4y-5nlSI/AAAAAAAAHAA/BvJ3SNSWa_U/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B40.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhmkNMJc7Jo/TWH4y-5nlSI/AAAAAAAAHAA/BvJ3SNSWa_U/s320/Fyrinnae%2B40.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576011368423200034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-myaIF0Q57DU/TWH4yhQD1rI/AAAAAAAAG_4/wKX9jT6Jm00/s1600/Fyrinnae%2BSwatch%2B10.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-myaIF0Q57DU/TWH4yhQD1rI/AAAAAAAAG_4/wKX9jT6Jm00/s320/Fyrinnae%2BSwatch%2B10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576011360464262834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1cxEhOsmwM/TWH4yfYhEcI/AAAAAAAAG_w/XS5GBrhUprM/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B42.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1cxEhOsmwM/TWH4yfYhEcI/AAAAAAAAG_w/XS5GBrhUprM/s320/Fyrinnae%2B42.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576011359962862018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78v7E1G49-s/TWH6Je_RBLI/AAAAAAAAHAI/nrwiNUBQEqM/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B43.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78v7E1G49-s/TWH6Je_RBLI/AAAAAAAAHAI/nrwiNUBQEqM/s320/Fyrinnae%2B43.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576012854505571506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJQwvWtGW7s/TWH33pktf3I/AAAAAAAAG_Y/YOCMCYt1kcQ/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B44.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJQwvWtGW7s/TWH33pktf3I/AAAAAAAAG_Y/YOCMCYt1kcQ/s320/Fyrinnae%2B44.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576010349086080882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUZXobiyhag/TWH4x7YZLcI/AAAAAAAAG_g/upG25qXIkNA/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B45.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUZXobiyhag/TWH4x7YZLcI/AAAAAAAAG_g/upG25qXIkNA/s320/Fyrinnae%2B45.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576011350298668482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enJQFHJBDtk/TWH328IB2LI/AAAAAAAAG_I/C9w-cCjiKmU/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B46.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enJQFHJBDtk/TWH328IB2LI/AAAAAAAAG_I/C9w-cCjiKmU/s320/Fyrinnae%2B46.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576010336886184114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sohg0cvPpAM/TWH32q1QgUI/AAAAAAAAG_A/j1C1zbJpUOY/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B47.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sohg0cvPpAM/TWH32q1QgUI/AAAAAAAAG_A/j1C1zbJpUOY/s320/Fyrinnae%2B47.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576010332244050242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB8q6Sq1Sgk/TWH32VlIrXI/AAAAAAAAG-4/ghgklGD47ek/s1600/Fyrinnae%2B48.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB8q6Sq1Sgk/TWH32VlIrXI/AAAAAAAAG-4/ghgklGD47ek/s320/Fyrinnae%2B48.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576010326539283826" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short:</span> Fyrinnae is still awesome, but I'm starting to feel color overload...Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-47043849458612583832011-02-20T21:54:00.008-05:002011-08-30T18:03:54.398-04:00Lavshuca Fall 2010 & Spring 2011For once, I am about to review an eyeshadow palette within a month (or two) of its release!! I picked up one of the fall 2010 Lavshuca eyeshadow quads late last year, but my cousin also got me a spring 2011 Lavshuca quad when she recently went on a trip to Asia. As such, in this post, I will be reviewing Lavshuca Melting Eyes in RD-1 from fall 2010 and Star Decoration Eyes in GN-1 from spring 2011.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC86Dq8-Lfw/TWHXcbolM1I/AAAAAAAAG-I/sW267PFVxaE/s1600/Lavshuca%2BRD%2B1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC86Dq8-Lfw/TWHXcbolM1I/AAAAAAAAG-I/sW267PFVxaE/s320/Lavshuca%2BRD%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575974697115661138" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Melting Eyes series received a lot of rave reviews when it was released in Asia last year. All of the colors in the series are variations on nude/brown, which is the most versatile and also possibly most loved color combination for Taiwanese/Japanese bloggers. The packaging is made of a sturdy plastic, and the princessy design is typical of Lavshuca.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0AaAeBFmpc/TWHXcGzYqpI/AAAAAAAAG-A/S_n_kBb9Tr4/s1600/Lavshuca%2BRD%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0AaAeBFmpc/TWHXcGzYqpI/AAAAAAAAG-A/S_n_kBb9Tr4/s320/Lavshuca%2BRD%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575974691523832466" border="0" /></a>
<br />Also typical of Lavshuca, the palette comes with a double ended applicator with one rounder end for the lighter colors, and one pointier end for the darkest shade. The quality of the applicator is okay but not anything to write home about. The lack of a mirror is also a shame, but not particularly surprising.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoa3zx-vDiw/TWHXuM9Fz9I/AAAAAAAAG-Q/B-DBXZhsOZs/s1600/Lavshuca%2BRD%2BSwatch.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoa3zx-vDiw/TWHXuM9Fz9I/AAAAAAAAG-Q/B-DBXZhsOZs/s320/Lavshuca%2BRD%2BSwatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575975002412797906" border="0" /></a>
<br />The colors of Melting Eyes in RD-1 are a pale nude gold, a pinkish rose gold, a light bronze copper, and a medium dark chocolate. All shades are shimmery, though not overly so. The powder is finely milled with a semi-moist texture typical of many Japanese makeup brands, and the color payoff for all shades is sheer to medium. As a result, it is impossible to do anything dramatic with this palette. The overall look is very OL and what I would describe as 姐姐風的溫柔感 (the closest equivalent I can say in English would be a grown-up and feminine).
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<br />Now moving on to the Star Decoration Eyes in GN-1...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE16x741paU/TWHWnbRPiNI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/u4qN1EjSMY0/s1600/Lavshuca%2BGR%2B1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE16x741paU/TWHWnbRPiNI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/u4qN1EjSMY0/s320/Lavshuca%2BGR%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575973786484705490" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Star Decoration Eyes series is set to replace my favorite Lavshuca line, the Eye Color Select quads (the ones that look like tulips/hearts). The packaging (other than the fake gem at the top) is certainly prettier, but I am thankful that I am not in any danger of using up my Eye Color Select quads any time soon.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWPEVv3mCUM/TWHWnsQTr6I/AAAAAAAAG9g/FPXNN0ZuMxs/s1600/Lavshuca%2BGR%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWPEVv3mCUM/TWHWnsQTr6I/AAAAAAAAG9g/FPXNN0ZuMxs/s320/Lavshuca%2BGR%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575973791044186018" border="0" /></a>
<br />Like the Melting Eyes series, the Star Decoration Eyes series also comes with the typical double-ended applicator and no mirror. I think the layout of and design on the eyeshadows are prettier than those of the Melting Eyes series though. (Sorry for the washed out picture, I couldn't find a good balance between too bright and too dim under the sunlight)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3nyNAB2jPU/TWHWoCVhABI/AAAAAAAAG9o/P38TftWy8y4/s1600/Lavshuca%2BGR%2B4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3nyNAB2jPU/TWHWoCVhABI/AAAAAAAAG9o/P38TftWy8y4/s320/Lavshuca%2BGR%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575973796971610130" border="0" /></a>
<br />As you can see in the above unfocused flash picture, the Star Decoration Eyes quads are very shimmery. I have only seen this color in person, but looking at the pictures on other blogs, I'm pretty sure the other colors in the series are the same. The amount of shimmer in this quad is definitely higher than the amount in the Melting Eyes series, and possibly also the Eye Color Select series.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXaMnRpWi7o/TWHWoSYmcRI/AAAAAAAAG9w/HmS46ClKlaA/s1600/Lavshuca%2BGR%2BSwatch.JPG">
<br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BG9HxL7p9E/Tl1dpyXTUDI/AAAAAAAAHEU/Nahy1XX3LCs/s1600/Lavshuca%2BGR%2BSwatch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BG9HxL7p9E/Tl1dpyXTUDI/AAAAAAAAHEU/Nahy1XX3LCs/s320/Lavshuca%2BGR%2BSwatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646772480267997234" border="0" /></a>
<br />(*UPDATE* Uploaded a new swatch picture above.) The colors in this quad are a silvery white with pale gold glitter, a straight silvery white, a pale grassy green, and a medium olive brown. It is unfortunate that the color payoff in this quad is not quite as good as the Eye Color Select line, but the texture of glitter shade is definitely better than the that of the glitter shade in Eye Color Select quads (for comparison sake, the pigmentation level is on par with my Melting Eyes quad). The glitter shade in Star Decoration Eyes GN-1 consists of a very finely milled base color combined with a non-gritty glitter. The glitter may be more aptly named as shimmer flakes since the texture is the same as the shimmery base except you can see that the glitter comes in bigger pieces.
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<br />I have not yet used this quad on my eyes (that's how new this is!!), but the color combination is very mori kei and fairylike/elfish to me. This quad is definitely not what I would consider as office appropriate, but I think it will be nice for the weekends come springtime ^_^
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<br />The product pictures for Melting Eyes in RD-1 were taken under whitelight, while the rest of the pictures were taken under natural light. The flash picture for Star Decoration Eyes in GN-1 obviously had some help from the flash on my camera though =P
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short: </span>I was not completely wowed by these two Lavshuca palettes, though they both have their own merits. One thing is certain, Lavshuca is definitely not for you if you consider yourself a MAC girl or like very pigmented eyeshadows.Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-6471134564545180662011-02-20T19:45:00.007-05:002011-02-20T21:54:32.305-05:00Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Quad in NudeI have a lot of makeup posts to catch up on ^^"' Although my makeup buying has slowed down in the past few months, but my makeup reviewing speed has slowed down even more. As such, what better time to catch up than during this long weekend? ^_^<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQYjyehR_T8/TWG40I-Yu0I/AAAAAAAAG8c/uteLn1bDXRk/s1600/D%2526G%2B1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQYjyehR_T8/TWG40I-Yu0I/AAAAAAAAG8c/uteLn1bDXRk/s320/D%2526G%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575941019563244354" border="0" /></a><br />One of the items that I bought last fall/winter (don't remember the actual month) was the subject D&G eyeshadow quad. I became interested in this new brand to the makeup world due to the number of rave reviews it was getting on its eyeshadow duos. However, because I'm more of a quad kind of person, I decided to pick up this quad in Nude to try out the brand. Although this brand has not displaced Chanel as my No. 1, I would still highly recommend trying out D&G's eyeshadows if you are interested and have the budget.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-Z2lscAWfk/TWG5DTwEXmI/AAAAAAAAG9E/v8Nmg9X-yBM/s1600/D%2526G%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-Z2lscAWfk/TWG5DTwEXmI/AAAAAAAAG9E/v8Nmg9X-yBM/s320/D%2526G%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575941280154017378" border="0" /></a><br />The outside packaging of the D&G shadows is not particularly interesting, but it does remind me of Chanel ^_^ Also, as usual for department store brands, the D&G quad comes with a handy velvet protective pouch. It's unfortunate that it collects dust so easily though ^^"'<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4-aExiN4Yo/TWG40ypmDtI/AAAAAAAAG8s/nzsTI3WQC2g/s1600/D%2526G%2B3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4-aExiN4Yo/TWG40ypmDtI/AAAAAAAAG8s/nzsTI3WQC2g/s320/D%2526G%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575941030750326482" border="0" /></a><br />Based on the pictures I saw online, I thought I wouldn't like the case for the D&G quad because of the gold color. When I received the product though, I was pleasantly surprised that the case actually looks classier than I thought it would be. The gold is not overly yellow and the case is a semi-matte finish, so the packaging says glam but not garish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKkV_kN43FY/TWG40we0RrI/AAAAAAAAG80/nxO3XIf9v-o/s1600/D%2526G%2B4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKkV_kN43FY/TWG40we0RrI/AAAAAAAAG80/nxO3XIf9v-o/s320/D%2526G%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575941030168250034" border="0" /></a><br />Also typical of department store brands, the quad has a sturdy plastic cover for the eyeshadows so the powder wouldn't get the mirror dirty. The quad also comes with two eyeshadow applicators. I didn't bother try using them so I can't say for sure if they're good or not. The fact that I didn't even bother trying them out probably says a lot though about my faith (or lack thereof) in their quality.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RevgEO1-Njg/TWG41aAsgjI/AAAAAAAAG88/JV2ABh-OmtY/s1600/D%2526G%2BSwatch.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RevgEO1-Njg/TWG41aAsgjI/AAAAAAAAG88/JV2ABh-OmtY/s320/D%2526G%2BSwatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575941041316201010" border="0" /></a><br />The Nude quad consists of a matte nude, a matte mauve, a shimmery pale peach, and a shimmery blackened plum. The two matte shades are extremely smooth, and are of comparable quality to Bobbi Brown's matte shadows. The peach color is also finely milled and very smooth, but the plum is a tad grainier. The color upon initial application is sheer, but can be built up to a medium level of pigmentation (i.e., better than Guerlain Midnight Butterfly, but not quite as pigmented as the typical MAC/BB eyeshadow). I would say that the overall quality is pretty typical of high end department store brands.<br /><br />The colors of this quad equals retro chic in my mind. The way Scarlett Johansson looks in the ads for D&G makeup pretty accurately portrays my image of this quad. Like Hollywood in the 50s, Nude is very classy and glam, though the peach also brings in a touch of playfulness. This quad is very office appropriate, but I think it could also make a great party look if you're going for a retro chic look.<br /><br />All images in this post were taken under natural light.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short:</span> If your budget is up for it, this D&G eyeshadow quad is a worthy investment. Nude exudes an aura of class and glam reminiscent of old Hollywood.Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-35169487799051549372011-02-11T15:42:00.005-05:002011-02-20T23:25:12.951-05:00Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #2: HG Status?NARS Orgasm was my holy grail blush for a while because of the natural flush it imparted. However, when my face started breaking out more often last summer, I found that I needed a more low key blush than Orgasm so that I don't draw attention to my pimples. After reading up on various blogs, I settled with trying out Giorgio Armani's Sheer Blush #2, and I have not looked back since.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvHWK7YH31w/TWHk4cdVM_I/AAAAAAAAG-Y/t7wKM2oRDV8/s1600/Blush%2BGA%2B1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvHWK7YH31w/TWHk4cdVM_I/AAAAAAAAG-Y/t7wKM2oRDV8/s320/Blush%2BGA%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575989472024409074" border="0" /></a><br />The packaging for GA's Sheer Blush is a black cardboard box that looks very eco-friendly. The case for the actual blush is a matte plastic case that exudes a certain class and status. The lack of any decoration and the subtle contouring of the simple round shape screams Giorgio Armani to me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiEXDCMfzPU/TWHk4pez4ZI/AAAAAAAAG-g/fXP_k5WRomc/s1600/Blush%2BGA%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiEXDCMfzPU/TWHk4pez4ZI/AAAAAAAAG-g/fXP_k5WRomc/s320/Blush%2BGA%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575989475520274834" border="0" /></a><br />The color of #2 is a very pale peachy nude pink. The color is extremely sheer, but it is buildable to a noticeable degree. The great thing that I love about this blush is that no matter how heavy-handed you are, it is impossible to make this blush look garish. For darker skinned girls out there, this is probably not the best blush for you because it is so sheer and light. It is, however, HG stuff for pale-skinned ladies who find that they often over apply their blush.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TxzNAtzxMU/TWHk44woGSI/AAAAAAAAG-w/vL61RG5DiKU/s1600/Blush%2BGA%2B4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TxzNAtzxMU/TWHk44woGSI/AAAAAAAAG-w/vL61RG5DiKU/s320/Blush%2BGA%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575989479621531938" border="0" /></a><br />Although the blush looks matte from the pictures I saw online, it is actually very slightly shimmery. The level of shimmer is nothing compared to the amount in NARS Orgasm, but the fine shimmer here still gives my skin a certain glowiness when applied. I've found that this blush is probably the longest lasting blush that I have tried to date (I haven't tried that many blushes, just NARS and L'Oreal) and the powder is also the finest and smoothest.<br /><br />All pictures were taken under natural light.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short: </span>I love Giorgio Armani's blush! It's not for you if you need/like highly pigmented blush, but this is perfect for pale to light skinned gals looking for an everyday blush. That is, if you don't mind the price...Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-64066557581627009042011-02-11T15:36:00.001-05:002011-02-11T15:39:19.301-05:00Chanel Winter NightsIf you asked me a year ago, I probably would've said that there's no way I would ever become a department store makeup snob. I was just as happy with drugstore makeup as I was with department store makeup. Unfortunately for my bank account, that has changed, and Chanel is one of the culprits. I don't even bother going to the drugstore to check out their new collections anymore; Chanel is my new love and no brand can supplant Chanel's position in my heart. With that said, late last year, I bought a Chanel palette that's been out for quite a while, though I didn't fall in love with this palette until this past May when I took a trip to NYC. I don't know how I've overlooked this palette in the past, but I'm glad that I decided to stop at the Chanel counter at the NYC Bloomingdale's for this fateful encounter with Winter Nights.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvSO8J0M-I/AAAAAAAAGo8/Vzg_TIf8wGM/s1600/IMG_9987.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515733322752603106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvSO8J0M-I/AAAAAAAAGo8/Vzg_TIf8wGM/s320/IMG_9987.JPG" /></a><br />There's not much to be said about Chanel packaging. It's been the same for years and years and it's become a classic. It's not exactly the prettiest or cutest packaging ever, but it's classy and it's very Chanel so I don't have any complaints.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvSOfqFKTI/AAAAAAAAGo0/OoWqPDEgkwU/s1600/Chanel+Winter+Nights+1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515733315103303986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvSOfqFKTI/AAAAAAAAGo0/OoWqPDEgkwU/s320/Chanel+Winter+Nights+1.JPG" /></a><br />As usual, the inside contains a very sturdy plastic separator and two very crappy eyeshadow applicators. Chanel quads would be completely flawless in my heart if they had more decent applicators. Seriously, even some drugstore applicators are better than these.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ApLD4MNzDYn0Tgss8ooDY2hU2yZMeIHpiKvxN-3t4tmcBq0GzjQaiUul5Do1lgdQn_od7993C30xoenfcH5eXgmEaPOLNnovwwb-NvgELwUWPdfYa1sn8vCACHLOgrC9UTBWfmetNpTm/s1600/Chanel+Winter+Nights+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515733305996652386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ApLD4MNzDYn0Tgss8ooDY2hU2yZMeIHpiKvxN-3t4tmcBq0GzjQaiUul5Do1lgdQn_od7993C30xoenfcH5eXgmEaPOLNnovwwb-NvgELwUWPdfYa1sn8vCACHLOgrC9UTBWfmetNpTm/s320/Chanel+Winter+Nights+2.JPG" /></a><br />No complaints about the powder quality. In fact, the powder quality is one of the reasons why I love Chanel so much. You may want to refer to my previous post on Chanel's Mystics Eyes to see why, but suffice it to say that Chanel's eyeshadows are super finely-milled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnVU4BF-zoGrzLa8f1ifeAjipPA9yllYsXJpeVPwK6m-gnqz_NeGjya9PL4Cd2bf60NXyrAEj9NA_hearMh1opGeNwlPgAlLZCnUX1FrASIl40kuuOr7CbLc48Bq2pMwDen4CCijTU0J4/s1600/Chanel+Winter+Nights+Swatch.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515733294894669922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnVU4BF-zoGrzLa8f1ifeAjipPA9yllYsXJpeVPwK6m-gnqz_NeGjya9PL4Cd2bf60NXyrAEj9NA_hearMh1opGeNwlPgAlLZCnUX1FrASIl40kuuOr7CbLc48Bq2pMwDen4CCijTU0J4/s320/Chanel+Winter+Nights+Swatch.JPG" /></a></p><p><br />The colors in this palette are a medium neutral-warm brown, a light beigey yellow, a pale pink, and a dark blackish olive with gold shimmers. All of the colors are shimmery or at least have a subtle sheen. Another reason why I love Chanel quads is the beauty of the fine shimmers in their shadows. There is nothing garish or loud here, but a sprinkling of shimmer in the colors like stars in the sky. As my swatch really does not do the shadows justice, please check out the palette at Chanel counters to see what I mean.</p><p>Overall, Chanel Winter Nights is a sophisticated yet fun palette. The color combination is not boring, but the effect is understated and elegant when the colors are combined on my eyelids. From the promotional pictures of the spring Chanel palette, it seems that Winter Nights is similar to the new palette Regard Perle. However, the brown and dark olive in Winter Nights is replaced by a vanilla and forest green in Regard Perle, respectively. I haven't checked out Regard Perle in person yet, but it seems like a lovely palette as well.</p><p>It's been a while since I took the pictures, but all pictures should have been taken under natural light.</p><p><strong>In short:</strong> A worthy purchase if you like elegant, understated colors, and don't mind the price!</p>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-50457957881914428292010-09-01T09:33:00.001-04:002011-02-20T19:44:57.217-05:00Coffret D'or Lipsticks from Spring 2010It's official. I am in LOVE with Coffret D'or's lipsticks. Over the past few months (NOTE: I wrote this in June...), I've been branching out more into the lip makeup arena and trying out different brands of lipsticks. Because my lips are dry and very pigmented, there is a very small population of lipsticks that work well on me. Plus, I don't like lipsticks that completely cover up my lipcolor (unless they are nude-colored) because I think the effect looks fake, so my selection is even more limited.<br /><br /><div>After going through the reviews, I picked out a few brands (Dior, Maquillage, and Coffret D'or) that are really popular with the Asian crowd since I tend to identify more with their makeup style. I first tried out Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick because it was the easiest to get in the US. The Dior lipstick wasn't bad, but it was still a bit dry for me and contained shimmer/glitter bits that were too rough. Then, I tried a Maquillage Spring 2010 lipstick, which was definitely creamier/more moisturizing. Still, the shimmer/glitter bits were too scratchy for my liking. Finally, I tried Coffret D'or (CD), and although it's not extremely different from MQ, it has become my favorite.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvLyYVYVFI/AAAAAAAAGoE/LNyQs-dXpMk/s1600/IMG_9807.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvLyYVYVFI/AAAAAAAAGoE/LNyQs-dXpMk/s320/IMG_9807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515726235031327826" border="0" /></a><br />The packaging for the Spring 2010 line of CD lipsticks is pretty simple and sleek. I'm sort of on the edge about the design, so I don't particular like it but I don't hate it either. The one thing that's annoying about the packaging is that I can't tell which lipstick is which from the outside unless I read the label. I guess that's a minor problem right now since I only have two of these lipsticks, but it would be a nuisance if I buy more and I have to pick up every one of them to check the label.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvLy989ppI/AAAAAAAAGoM/SYUuz4M7_Fc/s1600/IMG_9809.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvLy989ppI/AAAAAAAAGoM/SYUuz4M7_Fc/s320/IMG_9809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515726245129463442" border="0" /></a><br />Previously, I mentioned that the CD lipsticks are not that different from the MQ lipsticks. The minor difference between the two is that CD lipsticks are slightly more moisturizing and doesn't accentuate lip lines as much. I still have a slight problem with the roughness of the shimmer in certain shades of CD lipsticks, but it's minor enough that I can live with it.<br /><br />The two colors that I bought from CD's spring 2010 Aqua Rouge line were PK 247 (right swatch in below pictures) and PK 248 (left swatch in below pictures). I was originally looking for a versatile neutral pink, and PK 248 seemed like the most neutral color out of the PK series. However, the color turned out to be a neutral-cool medium pink color that's fairly pigmented. I wasn't completely in love at first with the color since it seemed too bright for me, who is used to muted lipcolors, but after working with it, I'm liking the color more and more. In fact, now I love the color when I don't feel like wearing too much eyeshadow since it really brightens the face.<br /><br />Swatch picture taken in direct sunlight:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvLzWGmjKI/AAAAAAAAGoU/DV3DGGziWPU/s1600/IMG_9600.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvLzWGmjKI/AAAAAAAAGoU/DV3DGGziWPU/s320/IMG_9600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515726251612343458" border="0" /></a></div><br />Side note: For those not yet familiar with Asian/Japanese lip product naming, PK stands for pink, OR is orange/peach, BE is beige/nude, and BR is darker nude/brown.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>I bought PK247 during the phase when I was still experimenting with PK248. I wanted a more muted pink for makeup looks that focus on the eyes, and PK247 was a perfect choice. It's a nude, almost beigey pink. With my pigmented lips, the color looks pinker on my lips than it does on bare skin, but I very much like the effect.<br /><br />Swatch picture taken in indirect sunlight:<br /><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvL0PwN4GI/AAAAAAAAGoc/KNDG1Fl5ihI/s1600/IMG_9618.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TIvL0PwN4GI/AAAAAAAAGoc/KNDG1Fl5ihI/s320/IMG_9618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515726267087708258" border="0" /></a><div> </div><br /><div><strong>In short:</strong> Coffret D'or lipsticks are a great choice when you're looking for moisturizing lipcolor that's not completely opaque. At $28 a pop, they are a bit pricey, but worth the money IMO.</div>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-81812507168238402362010-08-18T08:56:00.004-04:002010-09-11T14:44:07.558-04:00Inspiration - Chanel Inimitable PromoDuring the past year or so, I have slowly developed into a devoted Chanel fan. I used to love Dior and Guerlain and think that Chanel is boring and for old people, but my attitude has changed 180 degrees. Now, I am in love with the texture of Chanel eyeshadows and blushes (haven't bought one of their blushes yet though) and am curious to try Chanel lipsticks (though I don't really want to spend $30+ on a lipstick since I don't use them very often). In any case, I guess my love for Chanel extends to their promo pics because I am totally in love with their promo pic for the recently released Inimitable Mascara. Though honestly, the foundation/powder on the model's face looks too thick to me when you see a larger version of the picture, but her eye, blush, lips, and hair are just gorgeous. I wouldn't be surprised if her eye had some help from false lashes, but I think half the beauty is in the color of her eyes, which has nothing to do with makeup, of course. I guess it helps that Chanel finds pretty models 'cause this makeup look can make a normal person look like a ghost =P (...it sounds like I'm not really giving much credit to the makeup artists at Chanel...)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506735061055952306" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 256px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TGvaXLJt1bI/AAAAAAAAGmY/Jk3rQzi7miw/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-53289623596439454402010-07-26T12:56:00.010-04:002010-09-11T14:45:10.266-04:00Fyrinnae - Round 3More Fyrinnae! This batch I bought last month so I remember more about the different colors. There's actually a few more that I bought in the same shipment, but because the pictures didn't turn out well for those, I'll be reviewing the remaining colors later.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498260461437645874" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 286px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-wjaQ9DI/AAAAAAAAGkY/psLDkHceTNw/s320/Fyrinnae+Swatch+5.JPG" border="0" /><br />The star of this batch (for me) is Fire Opal. It's a very interesting blend of sooty gray with copper shimmer. I don't know what an actual fire opal looks like, but the color reminds me of embers from a bonfire or campfire. I also really love Platinum, Starfish, and Sake & Sashimi. Platinum is like a whitened pewter half way between silver and a champagne gold. Starfish is not as unique at first glance, but it is a mauve with gold shimmer that looks slightly coppery when applied. Sake & Sashimi is a tree-bark-colored brown with fine green shimmers. I have no idea why they named it Sake & Sashimi, but the color evokes an imagery of ancient forests for me. The other colors are also gorgeous, but I'll stop babbling ^_^<br /><p>Here are more pictures under direct sunlight (so you can see the sparkles ^^):<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FJrLCuzI/AAAAAAAAGl4/rGbc0x1PT-4/s1600/Fyrinnae+27.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498267490087779122" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FJrLCuzI/AAAAAAAAGl4/rGbc0x1PT-4/s320/Fyrinnae+27.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FI3XV4mI/AAAAAAAAGlw/3QYO_TTfe-g/s1600/Fyrinnae+26.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498267476180722274" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FI3XV4mI/AAAAAAAAGlw/3QYO_TTfe-g/s320/Fyrinnae+26.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FIcxQJPI/AAAAAAAAGlo/raaTxVs_kyo/s1600/Fyrinnae+25.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498267469041640690" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FIcxQJPI/AAAAAAAAGlo/raaTxVs_kyo/s320/Fyrinnae+25.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FHvRQ2SI/AAAAAAAAGlg/UR8VK8dDtTU/s1600/Fyrinnae+24.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498267456827873570" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE3FHvRQ2SI/AAAAAAAAGlg/UR8VK8dDtTU/s320/Fyrinnae+24.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Pictures under indirect sunlight:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-y6LeKZI/AAAAAAAAGk4/c2L1i2VbCtE/s1600/Fyrinnae+23.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498260501909350802" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-y6LeKZI/AAAAAAAAGk4/c2L1i2VbCtE/s320/Fyrinnae+23.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-yEg0ifI/AAAAAAAAGkw/fBDMmdhBpVY/s1600/Fyrinnae+22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498260487503383026" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-yEg0ifI/AAAAAAAAGkw/fBDMmdhBpVY/s320/Fyrinnae+22.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-xvs7qsI/AAAAAAAAGko/HFTQaMKyMPs/s1600/Fyrinnae+21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498260481917037250" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-xvs7qsI/AAAAAAAAGko/HFTQaMKyMPs/s320/Fyrinnae+21.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-xDNzPnI/AAAAAAAAGkg/kGJVyU1xHO0/s1600/Fyrinnae+20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498260469975301746" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TE2-xDNzPnI/AAAAAAAAGkg/kGJVyU1xHO0/s320/Fyrinnae+20.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Note that I couldn't all of the colors to show up true to life in all of the pictures. Tasmanian Devil looks a bit more pink in reall life, and Android Angel is a very cool purple and not as blue as it appears here. Also, Changeling is a very very dark purpley plum color despite the purple-ness not showing up well in the pictures.<br /><br />All pictures were taken under natural light.<br /><br /><strong>In short:</strong> Fyrinnae is a great go-to store for unique eyeshadow colors!</p>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-740761511628716332010-07-17T22:32:00.003-04:002010-07-17T22:56:37.586-04:00Fyrinnae - Round 2As is usual these days on this blog, here's yet another long overdue post. In fact, this is so long overdue that I don't remember when I actually made this purchase. Probably safe to say it was within the last year though =P<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJoltw_yxI/AAAAAAAAGIc/ezzUHBfFwmo/s1600/Fyrinnae+Swatch+4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJoltw_yxI/AAAAAAAAGIc/ezzUHBfFwmo/s320/Fyrinnae+Swatch+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495069492494977810" border="0" /></a><br />Since I'm so hopelessly bad at describing colors, I'll let the pictures do most of the talking this time. In case you were wondering though, the one swatch that isn't labeled is a duplicate of Wicked, which definitely caused much confusion when I was trying to label this picture today. I think it's safe to say that the colors in the picture are pretty true to life, though I think the pink/red shimmer in Avenging Salem didn't show up very well. The multicolor-ness of the sparkles in Immortality was also not captured well, and so were the sparkles in Lights of Tokyo. (Perhaps partly because I smeared LoT before I took the picture ~><~ One of my fingers accidentally swiped over Hypercool and LoT, which is why you can kind of see that smear mark on Hypercool.)<br /><br />Here are more pictures taken at different angles:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJomBWl70I/AAAAAAAAGIk/NqA3GPIvg_k/s1600/Fyrinnae+10.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJomBWl70I/AAAAAAAAGIk/NqA3GPIvg_k/s320/Fyrinnae+10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495069497752940354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJonvB5w7I/AAAAAAAAGI8/AYA8fyiP_Uo/s1600/Fyrinnae+13.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJonvB5w7I/AAAAAAAAGI8/AYA8fyiP_Uo/s320/Fyrinnae+13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495069527194059698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJomsjTLiI/AAAAAAAAGIs/RPGkF54PsJ0/s1600/Fyrinnae+11.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJomsjTLiI/AAAAAAAAGIs/RPGkF54PsJ0/s320/Fyrinnae+11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495069509348961826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJonA3iVXI/AAAAAAAAGI0/q5Rw4VmD0Fc/s1600/Fyrinnae+12.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJonA3iVXI/AAAAAAAAGI0/q5Rw4VmD0Fc/s320/Fyrinnae+12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495069514802550130" border="0" /></a><br />My favorites out of this batch were Atomic Afterglow, Valhalla, and Immortality. Atomic Afterglow is just this very awesome silvery, rusty pewter color. It's one part silver, one part gold, and one part light green. I'm probably not doing it justice with my description or the pictures, so you just really have to check it out for yourself. Valhalla is not as interesting per se, but it's a very beautiful shimmery gray-ish mauvey color. Again, please check it out for yourself. Immortality, on the other hand, is just wickedly sparkly. It's probably one of the most sparkly shades Fyrinnae produces, which is saying a lot since they come up with a number of amazingly sparkly colors. Speaking of sparkly, Medieval Haunting is also pretty wickedly sparkly. And Kung Pao is gorgeous, too. So is Blue-Footed Booby...and Sea Otter...and...I'll stop, but you get the point ^_^<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>All pictures in the post were taken under white light.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In short:</span> More Fyrinnae awesome-ness! How can you resist the mini's at $2 a pop?Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-7372414774731973822010-07-07T12:37:00.005-04:002010-07-07T12:45:18.508-04:00Inspiration - Guerlain Fall 2010As apparent from the three pictures I chose to put on the blog for Fall 2010 makeup collections, I not only like to contradict myself (the part about not liking most promo pics for Western brands), I also tend to like makeup looks that don't look good on me. I think I'd do okay with the heavy black eyeliner, but red lips is definitely not flattering on me. Or maybe I just have my-lips-look-too-big-phobia. In any case, the black eyeliner and red lips combination seems so cliche and overplayed, but I guess I'm just a sucker for retro chic. I think my love for this promo pic also has to do with Natalia Vodianova's expression and pose. Everything just looks so divinely...French. (except for Natalia herself, of course =P)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491205683069402578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TDSueZ_1PdI/AAAAAAAAGHI/QD6qkuiPXDQ/s320/VISUEL.jpg" border="0" />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-41025535384312141742010-07-07T12:10:00.006-04:002010-07-07T12:27:48.989-04:00Inspiration - Chanel Fall 2010I've become a HUGE fan of Chanel ever since getting the Mystic Eyes quad a few months ago. I'm also usually not drawn to the promotional pictures for Western makeup brands, but Chanel has been putting out some good ones for the past few seasons. The latest promo pic I saw of Chanel's Fall 2010 collection caught my eyes due to its cleanness and simplicity. The palette consists of too many dark colors for it to be practical for me, but I must say that it looks great on the model. It's strange how even with the smoky eyes, the model can still look so girl-next-door and not overly dramatic. Wish I could pull that off...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491200452484529810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TDSpt8jN_pI/AAAAAAAAGHA/KEylwaRx7Mg/s320/Chanel-Fall-2010-promo.jpg" border="0" />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-37214384282108364842010-07-07T11:56:00.004-04:002010-07-07T12:04:10.579-04:00Inspiration - MJ Fall 2010<div>Reminder to self: I.WILL.NOT.BUY.THIS.PALETTE. I'm such a sucker for a seafoam/turquoise blue and gold combination, which is one reason why I love the promotional image for Majolica Majorca's fall 2010 collection. I've learned that turquoise really doesn't look that great on me though, so I've also been repeatedly convincing myself not to buy any more eyeshadow palettes with the turquoise + gold combination (I already have a very cheap one from L'Oreal HIP). Also, another reason why I love this promo pic is because the MJ model hasn't looked this good in a really long time. Seriously, I don't know what the creative director of MJ was thinking with the promo pics for most of the past year...</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491194256539892258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TDSkFS25uiI/AAAAAAAAGG4/3iFZYg5Q-LE/s320/1278068198.jpg" border="0" />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-53528096333164907482010-04-20T13:13:00.003-04:002011-02-20T19:44:32.090-05:00Lavshuca Eye Color Select BR-2: Japanese Drugstore Mini-Haul Part IIAs alluded to in the previous post, I purchased another Japanese drugstore item along with MJ GR750, namely Lavshuca Eye Color Select in BR-2. I've already purchased all of the other permanent colors in the Eye Color Select line, and I was originally going to pass on this color, but I ended up getting it anyway since I wanted a cool-toned brown palette. So far, this palette has not disappointed and it truly is one of those versatile workhorse items.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJPf7WNWcI/AAAAAAAAGIM/-_58Ozn7iGE/s1600/Lavshuca+BR2+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJPf7WNWcI/AAAAAAAAGIM/-_58Ozn7iGE/s320/Lavshuca+BR2+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495041905270806978" border="0" /></a><br />The packaging, applicators, and powder quality for this palette are the same as the qualities of the other Eye Color Select palettes so there's not much to say. Please refer to the link at the end of this post to read a more detailed review of the Eye Color Select palettes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJPTBZG-CI/AAAAAAAAGH8/GjNYUl_9IqE/s1600/Lavshuca+BR2++3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJPTBZG-CI/AAAAAAAAGH8/GjNYUl_9IqE/s320/Lavshuca+BR2++3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495041683555285026" border="0" /></a><br />The colors in BR-2 are a standard ivory highlighting color, a gold sparkle shade, a neutral mid-tone khaki with gold shimmer, and a neutral medium-dark brown. All in all, this palette is not particularly exciting, but I LOVE the khaki color. All of the shades in Eye Color Select palettes are shimmery to some extent (most of them have sort of a metallic finish), but this shade is unique in that it's a shimmery khaki with slightly larger gold shimmers/sparkles that stand out from the base. The slightly larger gold shimmers are not overly loud, which makes the color still office-appropriate, but the difference between the two levels of shimmer are noticeable enough to make the khaki shade a true standout.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJPTnfAXdI/AAAAAAAAGIE/rjsf0uNnqo4/s1600/Lavshuca+BR2++Swatch.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJPTnfAXdI/AAAAAAAAGIE/rjsf0uNnqo4/s320/Lavshuca+BR2++Swatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495041693780565458" border="0" /></a><br />The overall effect of BR-2 is less sweet and energetic than BR-1 but more natural and nude-looking. It reminds me of the Bobbi Brown Nude Palette that I have, except it seems more modern and less retro chic than Bobbi Brown due to the lighter liner color. This is another office appropriate palette that I highly recommend.<br /><br /><strong>In short:</strong> Another excellent Eye Color Select palette that does not disappoint. Although the price tag is a bit higher than the standard US drugstore eyeshadow palette, it's also worth the money because of its outstanding colors and quality.<br /><br /><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br />For my original review on the Lavshuca Eye Color Select palettes, please see <a href="http://lifewithmakeup.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-inner-princess-lavshuca.html">here</a>.<br /><br />For the review on Lavshuca Eye Color Select BR-1, please click <a href="http://lifewithmakeup.blogspot.com/2009/10/more-lavshuca-eye-color-select-br-1.html">here</a>.Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-65071081169970115582010-04-08T11:00:00.017-04:002011-02-20T19:43:41.800-05:00MJ Trick On Majolook GR750: Japanese Drugstore Mini-Haul Part II recently purchased two Japanese drugstore palettes that were released a while back, and I'm happy to say that I love both! There is really no surprise that I would like the MJ Majolook GR750 since I've already tried it at a friend's house, but I'm still happy to finally receive my own palette. I was doubtful of getting it before I've seen it in person due to the mix reviews online. Many beauty bloggers love its unique combination of colors, but an equal number of reviewers mention that it's an easy combination to mess up due to the high probability of the colors looking dirty/murky. However, once that I've found that I don't have a problem with the color combo being dirty on me, it became a must-have.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459339341538247234" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S8N4NNCzwkI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/8AwYSE2QsqU/s320/IMG_3192.JPG" border="0" /><br />As with all of the Trick On Majolooks, the packaging is very cute but not overly princessy. The applicators are the best as always, and the powder eyeshadow is soft and pigmented. This is an aside, but I'm really disappointed in the packaging and powder quality of the new line of MJ eyeshadow palettes first released for spring 2009. I hope MJ comes back to the Trick On line soon!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459337836867373122" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S8N21ntUSEI/AAAAAAAAGEI/rN8-nExcXFw/s320/IMG_3196.JPG" border="0" /><br />The colors in this palette are a soft nude/buff, a medium olive green, a dark denim/navy black, and a vanilla Trick On color that flashes champagne gold. The "murkiness" that a number of reviewer have mentioned seems to happen if you try to blend the olive green with the navy black. So as long as you use the navy black strictly for lining and don't blend the color upwards to mix with the olive green, there should be no problem. Another option that works well on me is the navy black on the top lid with the two lighter colors and the olive green lining the lower eyelid. Even though the color combination seems rather bold, it is actually very office appropriate if you keep the colors subtle. The end result is a city-sophisticated, fashionable look.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJOSj69vJI/AAAAAAAAGHs/UjIU9LrZtf4/s1600/MJ+Majolook+GR750+Swatch.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/TEJOSj69vJI/AAAAAAAAGHs/UjIU9LrZtf4/s320/MJ+Majolook+GR750+Swatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495040576132594834" border="0" /></a><br />All pictures in this post were taken under natural light.<br /><br /><strong>In short:</strong> If you are a fan of the city-cool look and love unique color combinations in your eyeshadow palettes, then this may be the item for you!<br /><br /><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br />For my review on a couple of the Majolica Majorca Shadow Customize and the Majolook BR751, please read <a href="http://lifewithmakeup.blogspot.com/2009/03/drugstore-princess-majolica-majorca.html">here</a>.<br /><br />For the review on Majolook BR742, please see <a href="http://lifewithmakeup.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-mj-acquisition-trick-on-majolook-in.html">here</a>. </div>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-9928649653813672222010-02-02T08:32:00.023-05:002011-02-20T19:43:08.867-05:00Maybelline Eye Studio Quads: Totally Worth Your $5Before the actual post begins...I've been putting off this post for about two months now since I've been too busy/tired to label the pictures (which, admittedly, is not <em>that</em> much work). Because I still don't feel like labeling the pictures, I've decided to just post the swatches without labels. I trust that you will be able to tell which color is which, but if you are confused, please comment and I will hopefully answer any questions you may have before another month is up. I believe I may just stick with this format in the future since I have a backlog of reviews and I don't foresee myself feeling up to labeling pictures any time soon...Now, without further delay, here is the actual review:<br /><br />I was originally not very interested in this collection since I've always felt that Maybelline is for teenagers and I'm past that age. However, after my cousin repeatedly talked about how she wishes this collection would release in the U.S. (it's been available in Asia for a couple of years now), my interest piqued a little. So when I saw that Maybelline products were on sale at a local drugstore, I picked up two colors from the collection at $5.69 each just for the heck of it. Now I only regret that there weren't more color combinations that would work well for my skintone!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446636150651141874" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S5ZWuLRcvvI/AAAAAAAAGC4/Gb59WbzMFcY/s320/IMG_2989.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">Maybelline's Eye Studio collection is packaged very simply. I don't have any qualms with that, but it does kind of annoy me that the case clicks loudly when you close it. Anyway, that's a minor detail. The upside to the packaging is the clear lid that allows you to see the beautiful colors within, though the tradeoff is that there is no mirror. Each palette comes with a double-ended sponge-tip applicator that's a little longer than what you usually see in palettes thanks to the size and shape of these quads. I believe that the length of these applicators would make them easier to use, but I haven't actually used them yet so I can't say for sure. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446635115337508674" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S5ZVx6bcZ0I/AAAAAAAAGCo/TJK2BU0Hr7Y/s320/IMG_2970.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">The two colors that I got from this collection are Legendary Lilac (first picture way above) and Mad for Mauve (above). Both quads contain extremely silky shadows with a texture comparable to Stila's. The shadows are silky with a slightly moist feeling versus Chanel's texture which is silky and dry (but not in a bad way). These Maybelline shadows are fairly pigmented and most colors contain lots of fine to medium shimmers. I haven't had any problems with the shadows creasing over UDPP, though the vibrancy of the colors do fade quite a bit during the day.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73rBAdmpiI/AAAAAAAAGDA/EZobFkT8y5U/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73tUzLkvbI/AAAAAAAAGDw/OC0Ai064oXU/s1600/Lilac.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457779265034829234" style="width: 280px; height: 206px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73tUzLkvbI/AAAAAAAAGDw/OC0Ai064oXU/s320/Lilac.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73rBmwUjwI/AAAAAAAAGDI/o3RXKEl43Kg/s1600/Lilac+F.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457776736258526978" style="width: 320px; height: 206px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73rBmwUjwI/AAAAAAAAGDI/o3RXKEl43Kg/s320/Lilac+F.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="left">So first, the colors in Legendary Lilac are a lilacy ivory, a crossover between pink and lilac, a lavender, and a medium-dark purpley plum. The color of the lavender is very similar to the lavendar in my MQ Eye Creator VI367, and both contain gold shimmers. The only difference is that the lavender in the Maybelline palette has more fine shimmers whereas the lavender in the MQ palette has less shimmer but the size of the shimmers are a little bigger. Overall, Legendary Lilac is a simple purple-based gradational palette. However, because all three shades on the left are rather soft, there is no medium shade that works well as a crease color. Therefore, the overall effect is gentle and reminiscent of spring flowers.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73sjxTTjRI/AAAAAAAAGDo/xwNGQbyx0YY/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73tnrMUzFI/AAAAAAAAGD4/DEXflQx5Drw/s1600/Mauve.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457779589308009554" style="width: 289px; height: 194px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73tnrMUzFI/AAAAAAAAGD4/DEXflQx5Drw/s320/Mauve.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73sjeSerqI/AAAAAAAAGDg/11G9W3aofuY/s1600/Mauve+F.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457778417613057698" style="width: 320px; height: 194px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S73sjeSerqI/AAAAAAAAGDg/11G9W3aofuY/s320/Mauve+F.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="left">The colors in Mad for Mauve are much bolder in comparison. The quad contains an ivory, a medium mauve, a medium forest green, and a dark brown plum. Because of the green, the palette is more interesting and not just straight up gradational. The colors seem more appropriate for fall and reminds me of a Lunasol quad released years ago called Black Tea Rose (if I remember correctly). I don't have the Lunasol quad though, so I can't actually comment on the similarity between the individual shades.</div><br /><div align="left">The product picture for Legendary Lilac and the top swatch pictures for the two palettes were taken under indirect sunlight, whereas the product picture for Mad for Mauve was taken under whitelight. The bottom swatch pictures for the two palettes were taken with flash to show the shimmer. </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>In short:</strong> These palettes are definitely worth checking out when you see a sale at your local drugstore! I've heard that the quality of the palettes vary from color to color though, so you should check reviews for the particular color you want or at least make sure you are able to return an opened product to the drugstore of your choice.</div>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-5303804994772212932010-01-27T08:33:00.002-05:002010-01-27T09:27:53.161-05:00Inspiration - Maquillage Spring 2010<div>For Maquillage's latest spring campaign, the brand chose a new spokesmodel and stuck with this one person instead of the usual 4-5 models they use for bigger releases (spring & fall). The new spokesmodel is ICONIQ, a Japanese artist who grew up in Japan but started her entertainment career as part of a Korean girl group (kind of confusing). Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the hair, but I'll admit she still looks really pretty. I'm also kind of ambivalent about her eye makeup in the ad, but the limited edition palettes (one was used in the ad) are adorable and I like her lip color ^^</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431412239851170194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S2BAp8EJqZI/AAAAAAAAF9E/S2s4xA03NlM/s320/shiseido.bmp" border="0" /></div><br /><p>This is slightly off topic, but I think that most female artists can be divided into two types: the type that looks prettier in pictures and the type that looks prettier in videos (or you can say still vs. moving). I consider ICONIQ as the former type; for some reason she just doesn't look as pretty when she's not posing ^^"' An example of the latter type (for me) is Ayase Haruka, who looks pretty in dramas but somehow off in her MaxFactor ads. Same thing with Shinohara Ryoko, who is a great actress and a long time MQ spokesmodel (though maybe not anymore...I wonder if MQ will use the original models again for the fall campaign). The only exception I can think of to my two types of female artist rule is Ueno Juri, who looks different in photos vs. videos but pretty either way ^^</p>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-31622645388309067622010-01-26T08:24:00.003-05:002010-01-27T09:27:53.162-05:00Inspiration - Chanel Bird of ParadiseAs I've mentioned in my review of Chanel's Mystic Eyes quad, the promotional picture of Chanel's 2009 winter release really caught my eyes. Out of all of the department store brands, I would say Chanel stood out the most to me, mostly because they chose to use springy resort colors for a winter release instead of the standard smoky and/or silvery/gold colors. Another reason I really liked the promotional picture was that I've always loved multicolored eye looks but have rarely ever seen it done well. Most of the time, multicolored looks can be overly makeupy and not at all like the spring goddess image I want to see. Chanel, however, succeeded in making the model look ethereal, kind of like a tropical rainforest goddess ^^<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431040530556690482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S17ulnCUoDI/AAAAAAAAF88/D0h9jaPRHFE/s320/chanel.jpg" border="0" />Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-42601687228614833752010-01-25T12:56:00.007-05:002010-02-08T00:14:16.483-05:00A Rather Lengthy Base Makeup UpdateThis is a long overdue update on the different base makeup items that I've been using for the past 4 months or so. After using the L'Oreal foundation and powder for a while early last year, I decided that the finish was still not exactly what I'd like even though the foundation has its merits. Especially when my skin gets these dry patches from acne medication, the L'Oreal foundation can make my face look rather cakey. Plus, the powder doesn't seem to help control oil or, in fact, do anything for my complexion, so I definitely needed to find something better. Since I haven't had much luck with drugstore foundations/powders, I decided to hunt for something in the higher end market.<br /><br />After reading a number of reviews, I decided on <em>Make Up For Ever's Face & Body</em> for my new foundation, which is a really awesome and unique product. The foundation is oil-free and looks kind of like watered down jello in the jar (that's in a good way). On skin, F&B is sheer and very light feeling, and once dried, the foundation almost entirely disappears/melts into your skin. The result is a slightly better version of your skin on your face, which is exactly what I wanted. The downside to this sheerness is that the foundation has a hard time covering any major blemishes if you apply with a light hand. If you layer on the foundation though, you can make most blemishes look a lot less obvious if not entirely invisible. Another great thing about F&B is that it does not oxidize as the day goes on, so I never look like an orange version of myself by the end of the day.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the foundation is still far from perfect. Perhaps because the foundation retains moisture well (as evident by the fact that it looks natural and never cakey), it does not agree with my oily T-zone and causes my face to be more oily than usual when applied. In addition, the closest color I've found to my natural skin tone (20) is still a bit yellow for me, so the limited color selection may drive some other people away as well. I also wish the foundation comes in a pump bottle since there were definitely a couple of times when I accidentally knocked over the bottle and spilled foundation everywhere.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430737472354083874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S13a9TQRZCI/AAAAAAAAF70/QA_CLujnF2E/s320/Foundation+MUFE.JPG" border="0" /><br />Since I'm almost out of my F&B and I wanted to try something else, I went out and got <em>Dior's Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Liquid Foundation</em> at Lord & Taylor a couple of weeks ago. Similar to F&B, Diorskin Nude is known for looking natural and has also received a good number of positive reviews. The two foundations differ in that Diorskin Nude is a bit thicker than F&B, which means that it covers a bit better but also runs a higher risk of looking cakey, especially during the dry winters here. I've found that if I apply this foundation on top of my Shiseido White Lucent sunscreen, my face will look extremely cakey and dry. Since the foundation already has some sunscreen, I've opted to apply it directly over my moisturizer, which gives a much more natural finish. So far, I haven't had any problems with oxidation using Diorskin Nude, and my face is still at a normal level of oiliness by the end of the day. Diorskin Nude also wins over MUFE F&B in its packaging; I don't care that it's a hassle to get the last bit of your foundation out of a pump bottle, it is still much less wasteful than the F&B packaging with no pump bottle, which means major spillage for a klutz like me.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430739545276419634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S13c19feDjI/AAAAAAAAF8c/8bJ8pcECC4M/s320/IMG_2872.JPG" border="0" /><br />One problem I found with the Diorskin Nude after using it for a couple of days is that the color I chose (023) looks too red/orange on me (which goes to say, never trust department store lighting). After checking the color descriptions on Sephora.com, I realized that 023 is a peachy beige, which definitely does not describe my skintone. I'm thinking 020 neutral beige may work better so I will update once I get around to exchanging my foundation. (UPDATE 2/8/10: I went to Sephora last week and tried out the rest of the lighter colors in the line and all of the colors available are either too dark or too pink on me. I think I'll be going back to my MUFE foundation for now unless I spot a better alternative in the next couple of weeks.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430737477146256402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S13a9lG0JBI/AAAAAAAAF78/V6Cq1CIXvP8/s320/IMG_2874.JPG" border="0" /><br />Now moving on to the powders...After my L'Oreal powder fiasco, I decided to try <em>MUFE's HD Powder</em> due to the numerous rave reviews. It imparts a very slight sheen to the face when applied and gives a soft focus kind of effect. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything else and especially does nothing for my oiliness. I gave it a couple of weeks and tried different methods of application (brush vs. powder puff), but I soon gave up and moved on to another powder.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430739546380958562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S13c2Bmz-2I/AAAAAAAAF8k/RxNXlZEh8JA/s320/Powder+MUFE.JPG" border="0" /><br />I next purchased <em>Lavshuca's Finish Powder in Lucent</em> after reading the positive review on A Touch of Blusher. Compared to MUFE HD, Lavshuca has the additional benefit of being able to slighty mask pores, but it also doesn't control my oiliness. There is a matte version of the Lavshuca Finish Powder that is more geared towards oil-control (A Touch of Blusher mentioned that the matte version does control oil slightly better) but I'm not a fan of completely matte powder so I decided to pass on that.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430739555517667122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S13c2jpLFzI/AAAAAAAAF8s/gubWXjOuByY/s320/Powder+Lav+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />One thing I love about the Lavshuca Finish Powder is its packaging. The original packaging for the Finish Powder (might've been called something else previously) was even more princessy, but this new packaging still looks very girly. I especially love the cute powder puff which adds a very nice touch to the product.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430737496497380162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S13a-tMe20I/AAAAAAAAF8M/nozLZtfBci4/s320/Powder+Lav+3.JPG" border="0" /><br />I have a couple of words to say about a some other products that I've tried very briefly or only through testers so I don't have product pictures.<br /><br />Tinted Moisturizer - <em>Dior HydrAction Deep Hydration Skin Tint SPF 20</em><br /><br />I heard about this product through a friend who raved about how it covers everything but still looks extremely natural. I picked up a tester sample from Sephora of the lightest color (00? 01?) and it sadly didn't work for me at all. I felt like it didn't cover anything when applied sheerly and looked extremely cakey when applied generously. The color selection was also very limited so the lightest color was too light for me but the second lightest was way too dark.<br /><br />Concealer - <em>Neutrogena</em> <em>SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer</em><br /><br />I was having serious skin problems for a period of time last year so I picked up this concealer to cover my pimples/acne. The good thing is that it didn't irritate my breakouts so that they become worse, but I can't say that the concealer helped cure my breakouts either. The other downside was that this concealer looked very cakey and unnatural if I had patches of dry skin due to the acne medication, so I ended up throwing it away after a while.<br /><br />Face Primers - <em>Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer Oil Control, Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer, Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion for Pore Perfecting, Korres Face Primer</em><br /><br />I've read on a number of makeup blogs that primers is the way to control oil, not powder. However, I have very little faith in face primers since all that I've tried (Smashbox, MUFE UV Primer, etc.) have failed me or exacerbated the problem so far. Still, after trying the HD Powder and still having no luck controlling my sebum secretion, I picked up a few more primer testers from Sephora. Both the Bare Escentuals and Laura Mercier primers I got because friends recommended them, and I got the Urban Decay primer because UDPP works really well on me. Unfortunately, all of them failed miserably at the oil-controlling aspect for my face. Even though the UD primer isn't specifically geared towards oil control, it was still a failure in that it didn't cover up my pores as advertised. I got the Korres primer as a sample for an online order, and it also wasn't any good at oil-control, but it was more geared towards moisture-retention anyway so I don't really blame the product. There is one amazing thing about the Korres primer, though--it makes my skin feel very supple, soft, and smooth without that silicone feeling you get with a lot of primers. I wish it would work with my oily skin since I truly love the finish, but this primer might be for you if you have dry skin.<br /><br /><strong>In short:</strong> Make Up For Ever Face & Body - sheer and very natural-looking but limited color selection and not good for oily skin. Diorskin Nude - fairly natural-looking, still waiting to see if there's a good color match. Make Up For Ever HD Powder - doesn't do much, especially no oil-control. Lavshuca Finish Powder in Lucent - slightly masks pores but also little oil-control.Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-53554443332392337552010-01-25T08:40:00.015-05:002011-02-20T19:42:47.132-05:00Chanel Mystic Eyes (It's CHANEL!)Chanel has always been one of those god-like brands to me. To buy anything Chanel is to take the first step into the world of fashion. Of course, not everything Chanel is perfect, but it seems like even the imperfections are god-like. You can never go wrong with Chanel. (I mean just look at this paper box! If it wasn't Chanel then it would be boring, but because it is Chanel, the box automatically becomes classy.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431036186210661858" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S17qovFg9eI/AAAAAAAAF80/OPL_yjSqkio/s320/Chanel+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />Since I don't really want to spend a month's salary on a Chanel bag just yet, a Chanel's makeup item seems like a good alternative. Thus, when I saw the beautiful promotional picture for Chanel's winter 2009 eyeshadow palette, my mind went *ding* time to pick up a Chanel quad. The minute I swatched Bird of Paradise from Chanel winter 2009 on the back of my hand, I absolutely fell in love with the shimmer quality. There is one downfall, Bird of Paradise is really colorful, and as I've (recently?) learned, my colorful eyeshadows mostly just sit in my drawers and are almost never used. Thankfully, as I swatched a few more of Chanel's quads, I found that a number of Chanel eyeshadow quads have the same beautiful shimmer, including spring 2009's Mystic Eyes. And that is how I ended up with Chanel's Quadra Eyeshadow in Mystic Eyes ^^<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430681881831832962" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S12oZga8fYI/AAAAAAAAF60/BZdvUvttdJQ/s320/Chanel+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />Back when Mystic Eyes just came out, I read a number of rave reviews on the insanely gorgeous taupey palette. Unfortunately, I was only working part time at the time so I refrained from making any expensive ($20+) makeup purchases. I'm very glad then that the Bird of Paradise promotional picture eventually led me to Mystic Eyes again because as the other reviewers say, Mystic Eyes is truly an INSANELY gorgeous taupey palette ^_^<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430681405994441778" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S12n9zyeHDI/AAAAAAAAF6U/dl0ZUemzZk4/s320/Chanel+2.JPG" border="0" /><br />The packaging for Chanel eyeshadow quads is not particularly exciting, but it looks very classy and Chanel-esque to me. As with other high-end brands, Chanel's quads come with a velvet pouch to protect the palette (see above). I always keep the velvet pouch because it looks nice, but the pouch also annoys the hell out of me because it attracts dust like crazy. The quads also come with a sturdy plastic protective covering and two sponge-tip applicators that are so-so in quality.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430681411312873218" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S12n-Hme7wI/AAAAAAAAF6c/acrHKCNJ9sg/s320/Chanel+3.JPG" border="0" /><br />The eyeshadows in the Mystic Eyes quad are incredibly silky and finely-milled (as are all of the Chanel eyeshadows that I played with at Nordstrom). The lasting power is great, no complaints yet, and the shimmer that I previously mentioned is just out-of-this-world amazing. The shimmer here does not scream party girl but instead oozes sophistication from every little speck. The reason why I love it so much is due to the mix of very fine to fine shimmer that provides a spectrum of reflectivity and gives depth and dimension to each color. Unfortunately, my camera was not able to capture the shimmers well in any of the pictures, so you will just have to take my word for it until you are able to check out the quad in person at your local department store! I chose to provide two product photos below because the left picture (taken partly in the shade) is closer to the actual color, but the right picture (taken in indirect sunlight) shows the level of reflectivity based on the amount of shimmer in each color.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S122bq3OJ_I/AAAAAAAAF7s/dJRnIGEVC84/s1600-h/Chanel+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430697312157313010" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S122bq3OJ_I/AAAAAAAAF7s/dJRnIGEVC84/s200/Chanel+5.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S122beYlzyI/AAAAAAAAF7k/f1V7dIOyryM/s1600-h/Chanel+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430697308807614242" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S122beYlzyI/AAAAAAAAF7k/f1V7dIOyryM/s200/Chanel+4.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />The four colors in Mystic Eyes are a very very pale vanilla pink (A), a slightly coppery medium brown (B), a silvery taupe (C), and a blackened chocolate brown (D). A and C are both on the sheer side but B and D are both very pigmented. There is some level of shimmeriness in all colors but I would say that D is more than 50% matte and A and C are the most shimmery of the bunch. These colors applied together creates a very (surprise surprise) sophisticated and classy look appropriate for both the office and weekends. I haven't tried to use this quad to create a smoky eye look yet, but I think it would also look beautiful (I imagine something like Marion Cotillard on the red carpet).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430681888414256690" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 258px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/S12oZ48UTjI/AAAAAAAAF68/2Dm7nfUxaE8/s320/Chanel+Swatch.JPG" border="0" /><br />All pictures in this post were taken under natural light.<br /><br /><strong>In short: </strong>A stunning quad worth every penny.Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-85902616676938947872009-11-30T09:38:00.002-05:002011-02-20T19:41:31.808-05:00MJ Holiday 2008: BR799 Leather RoseNope, there is no typo in the title; I am indeed reviewing a palette released a year ago. It's almost sad that this is actually the most recently released out of all Asian eyeshadow palettes I've reviewed =P Anyway, this eyeshadow palette is part of Majolica Majorca's holiday 2008 collection, but because it is not limited edition, I just recently asked my mom to get it for me from Taiwan since. I've been hesistant about getting this palette since I got BR751 of the Trick On collection, and lots of reviewers have mentioned that this palette and BR751 are very similar. Thankfully, BR751 is not similar to BR799 in my eyes, so I'm very happy that I decided to get this anyway.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403687070068385378" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv3AwqDMJmI/AAAAAAAAF2U/7GrCqxLScEQ/s320/MJ+BR799+2.JPG" border="0" /><br />As usual, the MJ packaging is absolutely adorable, nothing really surprising there. I think the pearl-colored case may be my favorite out of all makeup items that I own ^^ It's too bad that MJ went overboard with their new line of palettes and added a string of little pearl-like decorations around the case. In my opinion, the fake pearls make the new case look cheap and ugly =P Also, even though I've talked about this before, but I would just like to rave some more about the MJ applicators. I usually use my fingers to apply eyeshadows, but MJ applicators are awesome because they are smoother than all other sponge-tip applicators that I've used. The smoothness means that it's easy on my eyelids (it doesn't tug) and it picks up and applies eyeshadows easily (the shadow doesn't go into the pores of the sponge and hide there instead of applying properly). The applicator is also great since I rarely ever see it make a powdery mess inside the eyeshadow case even if I don't clean it very well.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403687077021632882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv3AxD8-SXI/AAAAAAAAF2c/72wPbj-0CoI/s320/MJ+BR799+3.JPG" border="0" /><br />This line of eyeshadow palettes contains a cream base (top decorated band) and three powder shadows. I haven't used and don't plan on using the cream base since I don't want to destroy the pretty decoration. Plus, I've heard it's really horrible anyway, and I have already had several bad experiences with cream bases due to my oily lids. The powder shadows, though, have an amazing texture. Like most Asian shadows, MJ shadows are slightly soft to the touch and are very silky. They also last all day on me without creasing. So for me, the excellence of the powder shadows is definitely enough to make up for the mediocrity of the cream base ^_^<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403687082651417330" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv3AxY7N-vI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Ck988TAOPxk/s320/MJ+BR799+4.JPG" border="0" /><br />The three colors of the powder eyeshadows in this palette are a shimmery slightly warm pink highlight (A), a metallic warm-toned taupe (B), and a dark brown plum with pink shimmer (C). The palette is an interesting mixture of cool and warm since all of the colors seem cool at first glance, but they apply slightly warm (neutral-warm?) on eyelids. The pigmentation of A and B are fairly sheer, while C has medium high pigmentation. To make up for the low pigmentation level, all shades are very finely shimmery with some larger sparkles in A so that the overall effect is a light makeup look with natural radiance. Since the colors are very warm pink-based, the finished look is also very feminine though understated. A number of bloggers have mentioned that they like this palette better than its sister BR751, and I have to agree even though I don't think the two palettes are that similar. I think BR799 is easier to apply and looks flattering with most clothes, whereas BR751 is a bit more picky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/SzPXIFg3rJI/AAAAAAAAF3I/7le6Eqjm1zg/s1600-h/MJ+Majolook+BR799+Swatch.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/SzPXIFg3rJI/AAAAAAAAF3I/7le6Eqjm1zg/s320/MJ+Majolook+BR799+Swatch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418911310575807634" border="0" /></a><p><br />All product pictures in this post were taken under white light; the swatch picture was taken in natural light.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>In short:</strong> MJ has me hooked yet again! This palette is definitely worth checking out if you like understated feminine looks or if you're a beginner looking for a basic palette. I hope MJ would come out with more palettes like this for their 2010 releases since their 2009 releases have been pretty disappointing for me...</p><p>P.S. By the way, if you wonder why I have positive reviews for most things that I get, it's not because I never have anything negative to say but because I always read a number of reviews before I purchase anything. That plus the fact that I have good friends who are also into makeup who let's me play with their makeup stuff means that I can usually weed out the things I know I won't like from my wish/shopping list.</p>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-65836459770034574702009-11-14T23:16:00.003-05:002010-01-14T08:17:28.618-05:00Fyrinnae!For those of you who don't know, <a href="http://www.fyrinnae.com/">Fyrinnae</a> is a cosmetics e-tailer who makes their own makeup from scratch. They are perhaps most famous for their loose eyeshadows which some have touted as a budget-friendly version of MAC pigments. (I'm not sure whether Fyrinnae is cheaper than MAC on a per gram basis, but I would never want to buy such a big jar of loose eyeshadow anyway, so I've never considered MAC.) The range of colors for loose eyeshadows on Fyrinnae's site is absolutely amazing, it's like a color-lover's heaven! I love browsing through the eyeshadow colors on their site since it's almost like owning a Pantone color swatch ^^<br /><br />Another reason why I love Fyrinnae is the way they name their shadows. They are usually whimsical or have some Japanese or Celtic influence, and the reasoning behind the name is usually provided for each eyeshadow along with a description of the color. Both dry and wet swatches of each eyeshadow are provided as well to make it easier for you to decide on a color. However, if you are still not sure of whether you will want a color based on the color description and the swatches, there is the option of buying 1/4-1/2 teaspoon samples of the shadows instead of the full 3 grams. The samples are around $1.50, while the full size eyeshadows are around $5.25 each, which is just absolutely amazing for the quality of the shadows that you get. I bought the below batch of samples from Fyrinnae for a measly $21 (free shipping worldwide for orders over $20), and they even included an extra smaller sample that was on my wishlist(Shinigami) along with a couple of stickers! The people at Fyrinnae are so nice ^^ I definitely didn't expect anything what with such a small order.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403666885199064514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv2uZvjU7cI/AAAAAAAAF10/9NZnENwmuME/s320/Fyrinnae+Swatch+3.JPG" border="0" /><br />All samples and full size eyeshadows are packaged in small clear screw-top jars with the name of the shadow labeled on the bottom. Although the packaging is not the prettiest thing ever, I actually like it for its simplicity and practicality (you can see the eyeshadow very easily). In regards to the quality of the eyeshadows, the lasting power of the shadows I've tried are good with UDPP, and the pigmentation is great for all of them, as you will see in the below swatch pictures. The textures varies with each finish/color, but in general they are all finely milled and not gritty. However, maybe because these are finely milled loose shadows, the powder for certain shades tend to gather into little balls in the jar. The clumping doesn't pose any major problems, but you will want to be careful when applying since when you crush the balls, more color/powder may come out than you expected.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403666884212167346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv2uZr4CErI/AAAAAAAAF18/nxRAA7du6hw/s320/Fyrinnae+Swatch+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />Alright, let's start on the top left. Black Plum is a (surprise!) plum color with fine multicolored shimmer and medium silver shimmer. If you look at the product picture above, you can see how much shimmer is in this color. This color is great for using as a liner to give some definition to your eyes without looking too sharp.<br /><br />Next, we have Fyre & Ice, a black shadow with medium multicolored shimmer that is predominantly pink/magenta. It's definitely an interesting color since I usually see black with red/maroon/burgundy shimmer rather than with pink/magenta shimmer. I don't really remember what it looks like on my eyes, but it's also great as a liner.<br /><br />Moving on, Shinigami is a blue-toned royal purple with some blue and purple shimmer. The name means the God of Death in Japanese, and it is named thus because it was part of the Halloween 2009 collection. This is the free sample I received from Fyrinnae in the order.<br /><br />The last in the top line is Karasu, a black with fine dark blue shimmer. Karasu means crow in Japanese, and the color is reminiscent of the color of a crow's feathery coat, black with a midnight blue sheen. I love this color since it definitely looks blue, but it's still dark enough to really make your eyes pop when used as a liner.<br /><br />In the next line, we have Kurisumasu!, a metallic warm pink shadow that contains some medium silver shimmer. FYI, Kurisumasu is the Japanese way of saying Christmas, and there really is no logical correlation between the name and the color of the eyeshadow (even the staff at Fyrinnae admits this themselves). It's a really pretty color, regardless, but for some reason it also tends to clump up in the jar more than the other shades.<br /><br /><br />To Kurisumasu!'s right is Nijiiro, which means rainbow color. I believe the name refers to the shimmer in this ivory shade, which is multicolored. This color is actually what I would have named Kurisumasu! because the ivory and shimmer reminds me snow and winter. This color also clumps up a bit.<br /><br /><br />Next, we have Monarch Butterfly, a black brown with fine burgundy and gold shimmer. Like the other black-ish shades I purchased, this color is beautiful as a liner. It is also part of the Endangered Species collection so part of the proceeds is donated to help save endangered species around the world.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403666892598366290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv2uaLHdUFI/AAAAAAAAF2E/wpqFU_THmag/s320/Fyrinnae+Swatch+2.JPG" border="0" /><br />Even though you can kind of see Snow Leopard in the first swatch picture, the above picture is more accurate in color. Snow Leopard is sort of halfway between champagne and rose gold with a metallic finish and very fine shimmers (I actually can't really tell what is the color of the shimmer). The color is really beautiful as a wash over the lids, and this shade also clumps up a bit in the jar.<br /><br />Next, we have Polar Bear, a yellow gold with lots of fine gold and green-ish looking shimmers. I was expecting a paler gold based on the description and swatch pictures on Fyrinnae's site, but this is actually the color of yellow gold jewelry on me.<br /><br />Following Polar Bear is Equality, the most shimmery/sparkly eyeshadow of this bunch. It is a slightly taupey silver with medium to fine multicolored shimmers that are predominantly silver or other cool-toned shades.<br /><br /><br />Next is Dokkalfar, a dark sage green with medium green and gold shimmers. I don't know what the name means, but it reminds of forest elves in fantasy stories ^^<br /><br /><br />Lastly, we have Mystic, an Arcane Magic shade which is said to be kind of holographic. The color of the shadow is supposed to look different depending on the angle of light to the shadow, but I don't really see any shift in color in Mystic. I don't really mind the lack of obvious holographic-ness since it's still absolutely gorgeous. Mystic is a metallic dark gray with fine multicolored shimmers that are predominantly blue and green, making it look like a gray-ed teal.<br /><br />All colors in the post are taken under white light.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">In short:</span> The highly pigmented, finely-milled, economically priced, and whimsically named loose eyeshadows from Fyrinnae are definitely worth checking out. The great customer service at the e-tailer is also a plus!Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1104384539867686029.post-35986932854587157122009-11-13T14:05:00.004-05:002011-02-20T19:41:15.606-05:00MAC Holiday: Magic, Mirth, and Mischief's Sorceress PaletteFinally, a normal title that says exactly what I'm about to review =P Being a purple/lavender-obsessed makeup lover, I've been waiting for the release of MAC's Sorceress palette from the holiday Magic, Mirth, and Mischief collection since news of the collection came out on Temptalia. I was further convinced that I had to get this palette when I read in reviews that the middle-top grey-green color is very unique and interesting. Since I don't have a green and purple palette yet, the devil successfully won the inner struggle in my head, and I walked out of Nordstrom with this palette in hand a couple of weeks ago.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403664888078092658" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv2slfslSXI/AAAAAAAAF1s/Atd8xFtIY-0/s320/MAC+1.JPG" border="0" /><br />The packaging of this palette is very cute and reminds me of Christmas baubles on Christmas trees. The surface of the lid beside the baubles is mirror-like and very bright, as you can see in the below picture. At one point I was contemplating acting like an Asian guy, i.e., not taking off the plastic covering on the lid so the lid would not become scratched and/or covered in fingerprints. But then I decided that the plastic cover was just too ugly so I took it off anyway.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403664068042579458" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Sv2r1w04XgI/AAAAAAAAF1k/CKq3FNXarkY/s320/MAC+2.JPG" border="0" /><br />Before I start talking about the eyeshadows in Sorceress, I just want to mention that I have had very limited experience with MAC. I only own one other MAC eyeshadow palette and I certainly don't know MAC speak with the different eyeshadow textures. So I will be describing everything in my own words.<br /><br />Sorceress contains six eyeshadows in varying shades of green, grey, and lavender/purple. The texture of the eyeshadows is typical of good Western cosmetic lines like NARS, very smooth but noticeably more packed down than Asian eyeshadows. The pigmentation is decent, and the lasting power is great as long as you have UDPP (haven't tried without UDPP and not planning on trying). The palette contains a small eyeshadow brush, which I believe is unusual for MAC. The quality of the brush is fine, but not anything particularly great.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402879037421973682" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/Svrh293w8LI/AAAAAAAAF1M/CreOmD4BxK8/s320/MAC+5.JPG" border="0" /><br />The different eyeshadows in Sorceress corresponding to the swatch picture below are:<br /><br />A - White Rabbit - a shimmery and sheer ivory<br />B - Hold My Gaze - beautiful unique grey-green, has some gold shimmer<br />C - Edge of Dark - a dark metallic gray<br />D - Magnetized - a pale shimmery lavender, reminds me of the light lavender in Maquillage's Eye Creator VI367<br />E - Hypnotizing - a shimmery mauve<br />F - Altered State - a dark shimmery reddish purple<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402878902347476946" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 169px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3SxVnYNegwc/SvrhvGrfr9I/AAAAAAAAF1E/mNwPtn0mwsM/s320/MAC+Swatch.JPG" border="0" /><br />As you can see, all of the shadows are shimmery to some extent, though none are really loud. My favorite color out of the bunch is (not surprisingly) Hold My Gaze or the grey-green because it is just absolutely gorgeous. The other colors are also nice, but nothing really outstanding or unique. In addition, the different colors in the palette sort of just mesh together when applied on the eyes so the none of the individual colors really stand out, especially Hold My Gaze. Instead of looking like the beautiful grey-green on my arm, Hold My Gaze just looks dirty and gray on my lids ^^"' Maybe it's my lack of skills or something, but the palette really doesn't look as interesting on my lids as it does on my arm even with UDPP, which is rather disappointing.<br /><br />All pictures in this post were taken under white light (...should've taken pictures while it was still sunny last week!! ><)<p></p><p><strong>In short:</strong> A decent palette that looks exciting on page and in swatch pictures, but not exactly mind-blowing when applied on eyelids.</p>Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907946436023776583noreply@blogger.com0