MAC Nutcracker Sweet Collection Haul & Swatches

When you think of Christmas, you think about (well at least I think):

1. The songs "Silent Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"

2. Christmas Presents

3. Spices like Cinammon in literally everything (your drinks, your candles)

4. Public Holiday

5. Ballad or Christmas classics like "Ghost of Christmas Past", "Nightmare Before Christmas", "Polar Express" and "Nutcracker

I was extremely light headed when I saw images of the MAC Nutcracker Sweet Collection on Instagram and determined to get at least 2 items. Which two? Read on and I'll show you.

Was extremely lucky to attend the preview for the range whereby I manage to get my hands on one of the Face Compact before they sold out island wide. 

Items that I manage to score are a lipstick, a face compact and a blush (Magic Dust Powder they call it but I think its pigmented enough to be called a blush).

The lipstick that I picked is Amplified Creme Lipstick in Saucy Little Darling. There are a couple of other pink, red and purply shades but this particular shade speaks to me. 

Upon swatched, the colour on my skin tone shows this bright pink with a nice subtle sheen to it. I guess this is due to the Amplified Creme finish and I prefer it that way. There is a slight slip during application which makes it easy to apply across the lips without any tugging. On me, this lasted for approximately 4 hours before showing signs of fading. 

Next purchase here is Sweet Vision Magic Dust Powder or a blush with highlighting properties in my opinion. Here's why...

Well, can you just take a look at that swatch. Sweet Vision comes off as a light coral with tiny gold flecks in it. Its very pigmented and I only need to dip my brush lightly into the pan for a nice flush of colour on the cheeks. Compared to the other powder, Yum Yum Yum (a nice baby pink), this one performs much much better as YYY does not give as much colour payoff as I'd like to. 

Another thing that catches my eyes is the star embossment in the pan. Its too pretty and the good news is, it continued to stay on even after a couple of swatches and dipping of the brush. Thumbs up there...

Now here comes the highlight, is the Nutcracker Sweet Peach Face Compact (notice how the names all starts with the word "Sweet"? So cute right?).

Can we just take a minute to enjoy the packaging? 

Its covered in pink stripes and gold thread detailing. Its absolutely stunning.

And then, when you open the packaging, lo and behold, 2 breathtaking prints welcome you. I need to take another minute here. **hyperventilating**

Actually I was pretty sad that I did not acquire the Copper Face Compact as the highlighter in there is gorgeous (also known as the infamous Whisper of Gilt). Nevertheless, I am still in love with this one.

As you can see, the highlighter if applied heavy handedly, you'll get a layer of "white coloured" shimmer. But I do like how it gives a gorgeous sheen when apply lightly and blended out. The blush is a pretty soft pink with a subtle sheen. The texture of the powders are not really on the soft finely milled side but I do appreciate that they did not emphasise my pores or just "sits" on my skin. Do note that prolong used of the powders will result in the vanishing of the patterns so... Yeah, this is going into my "Untouchables".

Overall, I looooooooovvveeeee this collection a lot, from the packagings to the product themselves are all on point and I would definitely recommended everyone to get their hands on these before they sold out quickly. 

July Beauty Favourites 2015

Can't believe its August already and we (I mean, my boyfriend and I) are definitely entering a panic mode as our wedding ceremony is getting really close. OMG!!! Its next month and we haven't even start sending out invitation cards!!!

Speaking about last minute preparations, here is my July favourites that I'm obsessing like no other...

1. Tanya Burr Everyday Flutter False Lashes

I just can't get over how natural they look on my eyes. As a hooded lid owner, I can't wear full frontal lashes and can only befriend those with half strips. Her false lashes are just so easy to put on (with no quirky unbendable bits) and the strips are so thin that it's almost undetectable. 

2. Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Moving on with the lashes mode, I am in love with this curler. And I can vouch hands down that this curler is much better than the Shu Uemura ones. It suits the shape of my eyeball (or rather the outer skin layer that covers the eyeball but you get what I mean) and I do not have to worry about skin clamping with this (as I always do with the SU). Huge thumbs up.

3. MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder in Mystery Princess

I'm going to skip my gushing over the cute pretty packaging and go in straight to the product itself. It acts like a highlighter on my skin with tiny sparkly bits and a nice sheen. I just love this over my cheekbone and on the bridge of my nose. Perks up my non-existence high point on my face :)

4. Dior Eye Reviver Illuminating Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette 001

Sorry guys as this is a LE product. But if you hit the Dior counter now, I bet they still have some stock left. First of all, I still can't over how beautiful the embossment is. Secondly, the colours included in this palette (white, beige, taupe brown, metallic brown with a hint of purple undertone, dark brown and a black eyeliner) compliments each other well or just on its own makes this the perfect everyday palette. And last but not least is how pigmented and buttery soft the texture is. Its just a high quality palette that I think neutral lovers should have. 

5. Clinique Lip Pop in Plum Pop 14
This one is definitely a new found love as its so creamy and sits comfortably on the lips. Although semi-opaque in pigmentation but its definitely buildable to your preferred opacity. Plum Pop is more of a cool berry with pink undertone, great for normal day wear to  Lovez...

6. MAC Toledo Lipstick in Oxblood
Another LE item from MAC, I love how natural looking my lips look after a coat of this lippie. I guess its that kind of your-lip-but-better lipstick and even application is super duper easy as its creamy. The colour leans toward coral but not starking-ly so as the beige tones the bright colour down. Even though it does not last long on me (3 hours max), I didn't mind a bit to re-apply this baby throughout the day.

7. Burberry Sheer Concealer in No.2 Soft Beige
I don't usually rotate my concealer and the concealer that comes to its turn is this Burberry number. Even though its name is Sheer but it seriously ain't the case. It manages to cover my undereyes dark rings nicely without caking or settle into my fine lines. Although the longevity isn't great (starts oxidising in the middle of the day), but the fact that it gives a subtle radiant finish and makes my skin oh-so-natural deserves loads of love from me.


So there you have it, my favourite items that I'm currently digging hard last month. What have you been liking lately?

MAC Wash and Dry Collection

First of all I want to apologise for my lack of update as life's been really crazy with repainting houses and attending sports day. 

Today I'm gonna write about MAC's latest collection, Wash and Dry. As you may have already seen like a bazillion pictures of it online, I would like to share mine as I think they are amazing in terms of packaging.

I'd say, well done MAC for making it uber pretty and making everyone rushing to get it. I was really lucky as I got them from Changi Airport before it is released islandwide on 1st June. This means, nothing was sold out on the stand ^_^

You can totally imagine my excitements when I was at the MAC counter taking my time to browse thru everything (well, not exactly in a relaxing mode as I was supposed to catch a plane an hour later). These are the items that caught my eyes big time.

Ombre gradual Green Orange/Red and Yellow. This packaging is simply gorgeous to the core. Even some of the products are astounding.

Take for example these 2 pieces. The Freshen Up Highlight Powder and Dual Face 125SE Brush. Its absolutely unique I can't wait to try them out.

Yup, the brush has a dual monochrome face indeed with luxurious white on one and mysterious black on the other. The highlight has this gorgeous pattern on the top. But I did read some review that its more like a blush than a highlight once the top layer wears off.

Next is the Studio Sculpt Defining Bronzing Powder in Golden Rinse. Its like nice warm tone bronzer with tiny flecks in it. But I just love how MAC make this print into this 3D washboard thingy. 

Last but not least are the Lipstick Satin in Steam Heat and Lipglass in Hot/Cold. I've chosen red from the four as I don't do well with nudes (they make me look dead). I love my deeper darker colour and I was not disappointed with my choice. And nevertheless, the packaging makes them all the more beautiful. 

So, if you happen to pass by a MAC counter, I suggest you go check them out as their brushes and some of the blushes are sold out. Get them before its too late >.<

MAC Wash and Dry Collection

One word: WOW!!!

Tell me this isn't like the most gorgeous amazeballs packaging you've ever seen (ok, maybe side by side with Prabal Gurung, Toledo and Cinderella collection).

I was just so excited when I saw the collection sitting at Changi Airport Terminal Shilla Duty Free MAC counter and proceed to acquire as much as my money can afford.

I've got the MAC125SE brush, Lipglass in Hot/Cold, Satin Lipstick in Steam Heat, Studio Sculpt Defining Bronzing Powder in Golden Rinse and Highlight Powder in Freshen Up.

A more detail review coming up soon after I bring myself to try them out. Stay tune!!

MAC Cinderella Collection | Stroke of Midnight Eyeshadow Palette

So here's the finale of the review of MAC's Cinderella Collection. Among all 3 products, this eyeshadow palette is my favourite. Upon first look, the colours looked wearable in the pan, from earthy neutral taupe tones to light highlighting colours. 

This is definitely love at first sight.

From right to left: Vapour (V), Phloof (F), Omega (M), Quarry (M), Satin Taupe (F), Stroke of Midnight (V)

*The textures in short: V = Velvet, F = Frost, M = Matte

So onto the pigmentation and texture. Upon first swatched, they are surprisingly well pigmented. Usually I don't fancy MAC's eyeshadow palettes as they tend to disappoint in terms of pigmentation but this palette has non of that nonsense. They swatched, glides and blend easily without being patchy. Plus, they are buttery smooth with no grittiness or sparse-ness. Absolutely thumbs up.

Although Stroke of Midnight needs a couple of swipes to achieve full pigmentation like above picture, the other 5 are just amazing. MAC definitely did not compromise on the quality for this eyeshadow palette compared to the singles (all of them are permanent except for Stroke of Midnight).

Some may be disappointed that MAC puts 5 permanent eyeshadows into this palette with only 1 limited edition, but its a great way for beginners or some new to MAC who wants to try out their eyeshadow range. Its basically idiot proof with all colours wearable on it own or worn together.

All in all, this is a huge thumbs up from me.

Rating: A

MAC Cinderella Collection | Lipglass in Glass Slipper

And now onto the ever anticipated lipgloss review. Just the packaging and the product in the tube makes me swoon and go weak by the knees. I just how delicate it looks, like a girl wearing a dainty shoes prancing around a rose garden (ok, my metaphor is getting way to weird). 

So let's jump right into my thought on it.

On first swatch, it looks..... INTIMIDATING!! I am not a girl who loves her sparkles in her gloss (I prefer them on my fingers or neck) thus this was definitely not what I veer towards to. 

And Sparkles + Sticky Gloss = No No for me

I mean, just look at those pink sparkly bits o_O. 

But I decided to be brave and take the plunge as I strongly believe that I will not get deterred by something so small. So, I went ahead and try it out on its own.

Result!? Its terrible.

But... But... Wait a minute before you start condemning this product... When I paired it with a darker lipstick colour and put this on top...

Result!? WOW!!! Its freaking GORGEOUS.

The sheer pigmentation and sparkle compliments any bold bright lipstick colour by giving it that extra oommphh and making your lips poutier. Definitely a show-stopper when you apply the gloss right in the center of your lips. It lasted quite a while (for approx 3 hours before leaving the sparkle behind) on my lips thanks to its tackier formulation

So, my take on the gloss is that do pair it with a bold base and skip wearing on it own. Oh, and a word of caution is that the sparkles might transfer to other part of your face so be careful when wiping your lips.

Rating: B- (on its own) / A- (with lipstick)

Mac Cinderella Collection | Mystery Princess Beauty Powder Review

First and foremost, please do not put this stuff all over your face as I think you're going to regret it.

Its shimmery!!

Yes, that's right. It has downright shimmer in it and boy will you look like a disco ball if you were to apply this all over. And due to its shimmer, it makes a very good highlighter, giving you that glowy subtle sparkle like you've never achieved before.

The texture is somewhat gritty but when sheered out on the face, it becomes smooth, leaving a veil of tiny flecks on your cheeks. You might catch some whitish residue (its not translucent by the way) when applied but doesn't all highlighters do?

All in over, I would say if this product used sparingly, it makes a great highlighter. Oh, and the packaging is just gorgeous too with its baby blue exterior and gold rim, absolutely in love <3

Rating: B+

MAC Cinderella Collection Review Coming Up Soon

I'm so late on testing this collection out and I need to apologise for my absence again. Life has been darn crazy and I still haven't got a chance to catch my breath yet.

All I have to say is that this collection is amazing. There are mix reviews online claiming that its boring and blah but personally I think it is on point from its packaging to the product itself.

I did not get its eye gloss as they were sticky on the lids and I seriously wish to open my already-small eyes. The lipsticks were a bit too nude (and less pigmented) for my liking too.

However, there is always a but, the eyeshadow palette, beauty powder and lipgloss are fantastic. Thus, I'll be reviewing them 3 in my upcoming post so stay tune ;)

April 2015 Favourites

Its that time of the year again and boy am I excited this time round. All the products that I've been loving is seriously the bomb.com and just couldn't get enough of them.

No new released items are included here as these are like my holy grail of all makeups. So let's jump right in shall we?

1. The Balm Nudetude Eyeshadow Palette

Extremely pigmented, soft and creamy, blends easily and stays put on my lids without fallouts. Enough said.

2. The Body Shop All in One Instablur (Eyes)

A primer for the eyelids to ensure eyeshadow stay all day. Love that its colourless and waterproof. 

3. Maybelline Hyper Curl Volume Express Mascara

I like how this hold my curls and have very little smudging at the end of the day which is big for me as I tend to get smudges under my eyes so frequently with even the toughest waterproof mascara. Love the size of the applicator too, I like my stick small -__-'''

4. 17 18 Hour Stay Time Concealer

This, is freaking, AMAZING!! I always get creases at my fish tail and this doesn't do that to me. I love how emollient this is which makes blending a dream but once it sets, it just stays put. Also, the coverage is more of a medium to full thus I don't feel the cakiness and heaviness on my eyes. Instant love.

5. Benefit Gimme Brow

OK, this stuff, is a life saviour. When I'm on a hurry, I whack this in less than 30 seconds for both eyes and I'm ready to go. Literally idiot proof. It tames my unruly brows and also fills up sparse spaces. The spoolie is also small enough for me to manoeuvre without worrying it getting all over my face. Definitely my favourite. 

6. Benefit Posie Balm
This is so moisturising on the lips and I love how it gives a bit of pigmentation to make your lips look healthier. Even the packaging is oh-so-pretty. But beware of the price though as its about S$29 and you can get cheaper alternatives that does the job equally well.

7. Chanel Rouge Coco (the previous version)
I love this freaking range. The pigmentation is on point, the longevity is sufficient, it doesn't bleed into my lip lines and the packaging is so sleek and sophisticated. Couldn't get enough of them and intend to expand my collection with the reformulated ones. ^_^

8. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation
If you are a follower of this blog, you'll know that I couldn't live without this foundation. Its dewy, light to medium coverage but buildable, blends easily with fingers and gives you that radiant healthy finish. It lasted quite well on me before oxidising at the 8th hour.

9. MAC Studio Fix
This has been a holy grail of many and I shall jump on bandwagon and claim that it is for me too. It sets my makeup and absorbs any shine on my T-zone. Just a great finishing product for my makeup routine.


So, what have you been enjoying lately? Would love to know your recommendations.

4 Steps to Achieve Flawless Skin

Recently I have been complimented many times on my skin being all smooth and radiant. This of course made me really happy and I thought that I should share my tips of getting the skin that I have been "wearing"

But of course, before we jump into the makeup products that I use, skincare routine is super important too as flawless skin does 100% starts from within. I highly recommend Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel which helps rid pimples and reduces pigmentation simultaneously. 

1. Primer / Base
Product: Benefit The Porefessional
This paste like primer is awesome for covering pores and helps foundation clings onto skin like no other. Although its not enough to hide imperfections like scaring or blemishes, it does well in smoothing out any bumps and holes which paves a nice canvas for you to paint on your foundation.

2. Foundation
Product: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
I'm quite fortunate to have good skin (thanks mum ^_^) thus light coverage foundation has always been staple. This liquid foundation (much prefer liquid foundation as creamy types make me look cakey and powder types cling onto my dry patches) is not only light weight, but it feels like skin, doesn't cake, looks natural and has this subtle glow to it making you look like you have 8 hours of sleep. Love the nice scent of this product too. Bonus is that it has SPF15 in it (but I still recommend that you wear sun screen).

3. Powder
Product: MAC Studio Fix
Mine's a combination skin type, slight oily T-zone and dry cheeks and chin area. Thus, by the end of the day, my forehead will definitely look shiny (although some might mistaken it for radiant skin :P) and most of my foundation tends to drop off. MAC Studio Fix powder has always been a cult product and boy does it live up to its hype. I like how natural this looks after application without looking dead, like you know, whitish cast ghost-like dead skin. It also helps in keeping my fore less shiny. Thumbs up.

4. Concealer (not pictured here)
Product: Dior Star Concealer, ELF Concealer/Highlighter Duo, Clinique Airbrush Concealer
I tend to only use concealer sparingly which is under the eyes. I have really dark eye circle and sometimes when I don't get enough of sleep, I look like I got punched in the face (seriously). Thus, these concealer saves my day by having a medium coverage and non-cakey formula. I hate when concealer makes me has inverted panda eyes (for being too thick) and skins into my fish tail wrinkles. I don't normally put concealer on blemishes as I wanted them to breathe and recover faster.

So, here you go... The key products of mine that lets me achieve the face that I'm having right now. Hope that this gives you some idea how to make your skin look better.

So, what are your must-have makeup bases?

MAC Isabel and Ruben Toledo Collection Spring 2015 | Overview

I always tend to go gaga over cute and pretty packaging and no matter what the heck that product is, I will never fail to acquire it. 

This time round its the same for this MAC Toledo collection which caught my eyes ever since they first appear on Instagram (pre launched) and I told myself I'm definitely gonna get my hands on them.

Sure enough, a couple of blush and lipstick shades were sold out on its first launch day at Sephora ION Orchard before I even get to swatch them. But luckily enough for me, I manage to get my hands on all the 3 blushers (after the collection was launched at MAC counters island wide) and a couple of lippies (Oxblood lipstick is on it's way, special thanks to a good friend of mine).

I mean, cummon!! Who can ever resist these?? Alright, maybe some of you might think the packaging is creepy with the huge eyes and all but who cares!! This collection to me is awesome!!

 

Just take a look at these pretty blushers with ombre effect. I absolutely love them in the pan. They are Ripe Peach, Kindergarten Red and Azalea Blossom from the left. There is a downside, the peachy and purplely colour does not show up well on my skin. It takes a couple of swirls before I can get the right amount of colours on my cheeks. The red however is well pigmented. Such a bummer the quality of the products are not as good. 

As for the lipsticks and lipglosses, boy are they pigmented. The lipsticks are Victoriana and Barbeque from the left to right. Although they are of the Matte range, I don't feel them drying at all nor do they tug on my lips during application. I like red lippies which are non slippery so they don't slide all over my face after a couple of hours. And their vanila scent is commendable too. 

I also got the corresponding Victoriana lipglass and like that it does not sheer out too much upon application. Although it felt sticky on the lips, I guess that helps in the longevity of the pigmentation. 

All in all, I'm extremely glad I got this much from the collection as its been a while (except for Cinderella) since MAC comes out with a collection that creates such a buzz in the beauty sphere. 

MAC Keepsakes/Beige Eyes Palette

First thing first, I would like to wish you all a belated Happy Valentines day and advanced Happy Chinese New Year. Its been such a long time since I last posted. I was down with a massive flu cum asthma attack and was hacking my throat away for the last 2 weeks. Didn't know I was that weak. 

After tons of medication, finally, just today, I felt much better thus am back to posting.

So, this post is way delayed as this collection came out last year around October time (I think). And trust me, its beautiful. 

Just look at how pretty it is. With a Victorian lady 3D figure sitted in the middle, this pretty gem has sparkles all over it. Very very nicely detailed. I must admit, MAC does the best Limited Edition packaging. Not many brands are creative to create this packaging, really...

So the colours are namely Her Mistress, Sweet Sovereign, Faire Maiden, Tempting, Omega, Quintessential, Mystery and Night Whisper. I'm not too sure which shadow is permanent or LE. Apologies as my camera sucks and the brown gold tones in the palette is not showing up clearly here.

Altogether there's a nice mixture between shimmer and matte shadows. Its a pity that the shimmery ones are not pigmented. They came out rather patchy and I need to really swipe them a few times to get a full on colour. The mattes did much better with better pigmentation and less fallout (adhered nicely to my lids). 

Overall, I give it a B+. The + is for its pretty packaging. Mac always have consistency issues with their palettes. If only they look into this issue, I would have been a happy girl. 

Christmas Presents Reveal

I felt myself being spoilt to the max by my family this year. Wouldn't have guessed that they would buy Pandora bracelet for me (the Bath and Body Works candle is awesome too). I mean, I'm not a particular huge fan of the brand but still its the oh-so-famous Pandora which makes every girls swoon. 

So, enjoy the pictures... Oh, and don't forget to share with me the pressies that you got for Christmas. ^_^ 

Happy New Year everybody!!!

An overview of the pressies... Wow!!

Another picture!! 

Blushes: 

~Tarte Pin Up Girl Blush Palette, Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Blush Palette, Chanel 99 Rose Petale Blush, Benefit Dandelion Blush and Bobbi Brown Pale Pink 9 Blush

From another angle

Lip Products:

~Cle de Peau Collection Beaute Celeste Shimmering Lipgloss set, Chanel 15 Sensible, Nars Corsica and Laura Mercier Baby Doll Lipglosses

~Cle de Peau 206, Guerlain Kiss Kiss 367 Kiss Blossom, MAC See Sheer and Dior Rouge Balm 558 Lili Lipsticks

Face and Eyeshadows:

~Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid Foundation, Foundation Primer and Compact Powder, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation, Soap and Glory KickAss Concealer

~MAC x Prabal Gurung Terre Duo Eyeshadow Palette, Dior 5 Colours 566 Versailes Eyeshadow Palette

Perfumes:

~Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette, Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia, Peony and Blush Suede, Earl Grey and Cucumber, Wild Blue Bell Cologne.

Others:

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia Room Spray (by now you might have notice I adore this scent a lot), Philosophy Peppermint Stick Shower Gel and Louis Vuitton Damier Zipper Purse (this was bought from Europe and I couldn't bear to use it yet).

Bath and Body Works Paris Amour Candle, Pandora Bracelet

P/s: I've already started sharing these pictures on Instagram (just can't wait if you can tell), so head on over for more details and follow me there => Click here!!!