Lately I've been really loving a light summery dress out at night. I wore an outfit somewhat similar to this for my birthday and to lots of other nights out this summer, which is what probably got me so sick.
Dress, necklace, and cardigan: Forever 21
Earrings: Juicy Couture, a gift from my brother for Christmas.
Shoes: Nine West, though I have a different pair from Taiwan, this one comes close.
Eyes: Dior Quint Eyeshadow in Stylish Move
Cheeks: Dior Harmony Blush in Rose Brazilia. My favorite!
Lips: Clear gloss or MAC C-Thru (slightly milky).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
No posts for a while...
I've been in complete bedrest for almost a week now due to a particularly nasty flu, and no sign of getting completely better any time soon. This is me, wearing only very light powder and some bronzer in preparation to trek into the real world for half an hour (Blockbusters rental trip). When my friend saw me today to give me a ride to Blockbuster his first words were "you look terrible."
Thanks dude.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
FOTD: Coastal Scents, easy soft purples and pinks.
Eyes: UDPP in Sin, Coastal Scents 88 palettes in matte and shimmer, Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Violet Ink, DiorShow Iconic and Blackout layered, MAC Blanc Type to highlight, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Gray for brows.Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Maui.
Lips: The Body Shop Hemp Lip Conditioner/Balm.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Review: Christian Dior Harmonie Blush in Rose Brazilia and Coral Riviera
I've always heard good things about the Christian Dior blushes, and when their summer collections came out this year, I thought I'd give it a try. I had read rave reviews of these new Bronze de Harmonie blushes, especially the shade in Coral Riviera, and after swatching both at my local Sephora, I purchased this peachy, corally shade.
Normally I am not the biggest fan of coral/peach shades. They turn out kind of orange on me, and I am definitely a pink blush kind of girl due to my cooler Asian coloring.
According to Dior, the product is...
Yes, the gold glitter goes away after one or two applications. This is a plus, because I wear these blushes daily and I like to keep it natural. Both shades are lovely, applying flawlessly (I like to use M.A.C. 187 or a fluffy blush brush, depending on the intensity I want). It's super fine-milled, easy to blend out, and doesn't create any harsh lines or streaks like some of the M.A.C. blushes do. You really do get what you pay for. Truly it is an amazing buttery formula that takes the work out of blush application.
The Coral Riviera is surprisingly good on me and looks quite natural. It's good for the lazy days. It's an amazing peach-coral shade with the bronze sheen built into it so wonderfully. I'm not very good with bronzers and this is one of the first I've tried that's worked on me.
The "bronzing" aspect is not so apparent in the Rose Brazilia shade. It's a lovely and slightly warm pink on me, and is incredibly wearable. It's replaced M.A.C.'s Dollymix as my favorite baby-pink blush. This one has less of the bronzing sheen, like I said, and it's more matte than the other color. While Coral Riviera departs a lovely sheen that is more obvious, the sheen in Rose Brazilia is slight, subtle, and brings out the sparkle in my eyes.
Rose Brazilia on.
My favorite shade is Rose Brazilia, because of the texture and quality of the sheen, as well as the lovely subtle warm pink (with the slight touch of peach!), but I know many people who prefer Coral Riviera.
Whichever you choose, this is an excellent product. Both shade are perfect for everyday use in the summer.
Normally I am not the biggest fan of coral/peach shades. They turn out kind of orange on me, and I am definitely a pink blush kind of girl due to my cooler Asian coloring.According to Dior, the product is...
A palette of multi-effect shades to sculpt and illuminate the face, featuring new gold Cannage-style detailing and a blendable formula for an easy and flawless application. In two universal and easy-to-wear shade harmonies: Rose Brazilia and Coral Riviera.At $42.00 each, this is not a blush for the faint-of-heart.
Yes, the gold glitter goes away after one or two applications. This is a plus, because I wear these blushes daily and I like to keep it natural. Both shades are lovely, applying flawlessly (I like to use M.A.C. 187 or a fluffy blush brush, depending on the intensity I want). It's super fine-milled, easy to blend out, and doesn't create any harsh lines or streaks like some of the M.A.C. blushes do. You really do get what you pay for. Truly it is an amazing buttery formula that takes the work out of blush application.
The Coral Riviera is surprisingly good on me and looks quite natural. It's good for the lazy days. It's an amazing peach-coral shade with the bronze sheen built into it so wonderfully. I'm not very good with bronzers and this is one of the first I've tried that's worked on me.
The "bronzing" aspect is not so apparent in the Rose Brazilia shade. It's a lovely and slightly warm pink on me, and is incredibly wearable. It's replaced M.A.C.'s Dollymix as my favorite baby-pink blush. This one has less of the bronzing sheen, like I said, and it's more matte than the other color. While Coral Riviera departs a lovely sheen that is more obvious, the sheen in Rose Brazilia is slight, subtle, and brings out the sparkle in my eyes.
Rose Brazilia on.
My favorite shade is Rose Brazilia, because of the texture and quality of the sheen, as well as the lovely subtle warm pink (with the slight touch of peach!), but I know many people who prefer Coral Riviera.
Whichever you choose, this is an excellent product. Both shade are perfect for everyday use in the summer.
FOTD: Aquadisiac and Rollicking.
Everyone in the make up community probably knows that Rollickin' Paint Pot with Aquadesiac eyeshadow over it is an amazing combination, but I decided to do this look as it's an easy summery pop of color.
FACE:
- Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Concealer Pencil
- Make Up For Ever HD Powder to set.
- Dior Harmonie Blush in Rose Brazilia
EYES:
- Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
- MAC Rollickin' Paint Pot
- MAC Aquadesiac Eyeshadow
- A little of MAC Freshwater in the corner
- MAC Tete-a-Tint eyeshadow in crease to blend out the blue.
- MAC Blanc Type to highlight
- Generic Asian drugstore liquid eyeliner
- DiorShow Iconic layered with DiorShow Blackout (Sorry I screwed up and it's clumpy!)
LIPS:
- MAC Bare Slimshine
- MAC Smile Dazzleglass
- Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Concealer Pencil
- Make Up For Ever HD Powder to set.
- Dior Harmonie Blush in Rose Brazilia
EYES:
- Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
- MAC Rollickin' Paint Pot
- MAC Aquadesiac Eyeshadow
- A little of MAC Freshwater in the corner
- MAC Tete-a-Tint eyeshadow in crease to blend out the blue.
- MAC Blanc Type to highlight
- Generic Asian drugstore liquid eyeliner
- DiorShow Iconic layered with DiorShow Blackout (Sorry I screwed up and it's clumpy!)
LIPS:
- MAC Bare Slimshine
- MAC Smile Dazzleglass
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Review: Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzer in Maui
I never thought I'd come to love Bobbi Brown or bronzers as much as I do this summer. I saw talk of this collection really early in the blogosphere, but I wasn't that interested as I am not a huge fan of bronzers. The Bobbi brown Illuminating Bronze collection just did not draw me... or so I thought.
After reading review after review, I still wasn't convinced. It wasn't until I saw Karlysugar's swatches that I was convinced I truly and absolutely needed this product in the Antigua shade, pictured above. It is just this amazing dusty pink, and I may go back to get it yet.
When I tried both on my cheeks though, Antigua did not show up quite as well as I had hoped. The saleslady tried to talk me into Maui since it's brighter, and I am glad I listened to her, because on me, Maui is an amazing coral-bronze that is so subtle, so lovely, and perfect for the light-make-up days where I don't want to pile tons of blush on. I still can't stop thinking about Antigua though, which means I'm probably doomed to go grab that.
The packaging is awesome, classic Bobbi. It does not waste any space, but it is a wonderful compact with 9 grams of product in the hefty casing, and a wonderful wonderful big fat mirror in the compact lid. As always, very chic and simple upscale packaging from Bobbi Brown.
Now, the product.. it imparts a beautiful but natural sheen. I had thought with my oily skin tone it would not go well and because this product is so pink, I did not think I could apply it all over. However, with Bobbi's new and improved Bronzer Brush (I will review this separately), I apply two or so dabs of it (after shaking excess off) on the apples of my cheek, blending back to my temple, across my cheekbone, then use the remainder on the brush (maybe one more tap on the product) all over to contour the edges of my face. It imparts a lovely glow, and the pink actually helps even out my yellow complexion!
At $33 this is not cheap, but the texture is soft, finely-milled, and it goes on wonderfully. It is really easy to apply and just an amazing product.
I have plans to be utterly bored with my life this summer, taking Ancient Greek classes at UCLA and working my butt off at work after class. My make up will need to hold up well and be minimal. The model in this picture, in fact, is exactly what I want to look like. Bright. Happy. Well-slept. Perhaps she just came back from a walk on the beach. She certainly has that lovely sun-kissed glow.
I went on over to Bobbi Brown's website to find out how to obtain this look. This is one of my favorite things about Bobbi Brown--her looks are easy to replicate and clearly outlined on the site. Asides from basic foundation/concealer make up, the look is described thus:
1. Metallic Eyeshadow in Burnt Sugar on the lids ($20)
2. Illuminating Bronzer in Maui (hey! That's what I have! $33)
3. Mascara (I use DiorShow Iconic and Blackout, layered together)
4. Shimmer brick for the body (I just do a little bit of the regular ol' Bronze shimmerbrick on my shoulders, collar bones, and across my chest if I'm wearing something summery and low-chested).
Burnt Sugar is a lovely mid-tone brown in Bobbi's amazing metallic formula. I love it, it blends wonderfully, and it has incredible depth for just one color. It's a perfect color for those lazy days when you only want to use one product on your eyes.
I replicated this look when I got the bronzer and the eyshadow, and it's beautiful and simple and gives me that look I desire so much! With a bit of tinted moisturizer, black/brown tightlining (to open up the eyes more) and some tinted lip balm (try the L'Oreal HiP jelly balms.. delicious shades and very pigmented), I am good to go for the day. Don't forget Urban Decay Primer Potion (I have it in Sin!) if you don't want any smudges all day!
If you are minimalist kind of person, theoretically you can slap on some sunscreen, swipe on some of this product with your bronzer blush, and be good to go! Don't forget to bring your lip balm with you.
The whole thing together.. it imparts a lovely glow on my cheeks!
The perfect make up without looking like make up look.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for the perfect pick-me-up product to make you look bright, well-slep, happy and awake this summer (without actually feeling any of the above), this is it.
Antigua review forthcoming.
After reading review after review, I still wasn't convinced. It wasn't until I saw Karlysugar's swatches that I was convinced I truly and absolutely needed this product in the Antigua shade, pictured above. It is just this amazing dusty pink, and I may go back to get it yet.
When I tried both on my cheeks though, Antigua did not show up quite as well as I had hoped. The saleslady tried to talk me into Maui since it's brighter, and I am glad I listened to her, because on me, Maui is an amazing coral-bronze that is so subtle, so lovely, and perfect for the light-make-up days where I don't want to pile tons of blush on. I still can't stop thinking about Antigua though, which means I'm probably doomed to go grab that.
The packaging is awesome, classic Bobbi. It does not waste any space, but it is a wonderful compact with 9 grams of product in the hefty casing, and a wonderful wonderful big fat mirror in the compact lid. As always, very chic and simple upscale packaging from Bobbi Brown.
Now, the product.. it imparts a beautiful but natural sheen. I had thought with my oily skin tone it would not go well and because this product is so pink, I did not think I could apply it all over. However, with Bobbi's new and improved Bronzer Brush (I will review this separately), I apply two or so dabs of it (after shaking excess off) on the apples of my cheek, blending back to my temple, across my cheekbone, then use the remainder on the brush (maybe one more tap on the product) all over to contour the edges of my face. It imparts a lovely glow, and the pink actually helps even out my yellow complexion!
At $33 this is not cheap, but the texture is soft, finely-milled, and it goes on wonderfully. It is really easy to apply and just an amazing product.
I have plans to be utterly bored with my life this summer, taking Ancient Greek classes at UCLA and working my butt off at work after class. My make up will need to hold up well and be minimal. The model in this picture, in fact, is exactly what I want to look like. Bright. Happy. Well-slept. Perhaps she just came back from a walk on the beach. She certainly has that lovely sun-kissed glow.
I went on over to Bobbi Brown's website to find out how to obtain this look. This is one of my favorite things about Bobbi Brown--her looks are easy to replicate and clearly outlined on the site. Asides from basic foundation/concealer make up, the look is described thus:
1. Metallic Eyeshadow in Burnt Sugar on the lids ($20)
2. Illuminating Bronzer in Maui (hey! That's what I have! $33)
3. Mascara (I use DiorShow Iconic and Blackout, layered together)
4. Shimmer brick for the body (I just do a little bit of the regular ol' Bronze shimmerbrick on my shoulders, collar bones, and across my chest if I'm wearing something summery and low-chested).
Burnt Sugar is a lovely mid-tone brown in Bobbi's amazing metallic formula. I love it, it blends wonderfully, and it has incredible depth for just one color. It's a perfect color for those lazy days when you only want to use one product on your eyes.
I replicated this look when I got the bronzer and the eyshadow, and it's beautiful and simple and gives me that look I desire so much! With a bit of tinted moisturizer, black/brown tightlining (to open up the eyes more) and some tinted lip balm (try the L'Oreal HiP jelly balms.. delicious shades and very pigmented), I am good to go for the day. Don't forget Urban Decay Primer Potion (I have it in Sin!) if you don't want any smudges all day!
If you are minimalist kind of person, theoretically you can slap on some sunscreen, swipe on some of this product with your bronzer blush, and be good to go! Don't forget to bring your lip balm with you.
The whole thing together.. it imparts a lovely glow on my cheeks!The perfect make up without looking like make up look.
Antigua review forthcoming.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Top 5: Face Brushes
Welcome to the first of my top 5 series, where I will tell you 5 of my favorite products of a category or type.
Today, I'm here to tell you about my favorite face brushes. This is kind of a lumped review of my favorite 5 face brushes. As you can see, most of them are from MAC. There is no particular foundation brush here, because I like to use my hands and a sponge for foundation.
MAC 182
This kabuki brush is one of the best on the market. It's soft and dense and just.. ahhh. It deposits powder so evenly and amazing. I would imagine this to be amazing for mineral foundation, but I like to use it to set my foundation with powder, and also to blend out the edges of products (like blush and bronzer) to avoid harsh lines.
MAC 187
Perfect for everything. Foundation, blush, bronzer, you name it. I like it for a light sweep of more pigmented blush shades, and also to blend out edges. I used to use this for foundation and it was the only thing that made MAC Studio Fix Fluid with SPF15 bearable for me, before I found my HG in Make Up For Ever HD.
I also prefer this brush for lighter applications of MAC Mineralized Skin Finishes or other highlighters. If you find the brush is too big for this purchase, you can pinch the black parts to make the white part go together in a fan shape. Something about this stippling brush is just so perfect. The combination of natural and synthetic bristles is just.. ahh.
Another favorite use of mine of this brush is for cream blushes. In fact, of all my brushes, I think this is the most hardworking and multitasking. I love it so much I have TWO.
MAC 168
This ties with the 187 as my favorite brush. It has extremely AMAZINGLY OOH LA LA soft white goat hair bristles, and it has the perfect angle shape. I apply blush and bronzer with it, and I know people who even apply foundation with it flawlessly. My favorite use for this though is contouring. It is just the absolutely perfect shape to get in the hollow of my cheeks and around the edges of my face. *sighs happily*
I think I need another one of these in my life.
MAC 129
This is perfect for blush application. It has soft bristles but they're dense enough to deposit enough pigment, and it's just big enough to cover my whole cheek in one sweep so I don't have uneven application. It's also good for powder when you're in a pinch.
This is a great basic and a must have.
Bobbi Brown's New Bronzer Brush
I can wax lyrical about this brush. It is so pefect for blush OR bronzer, and it has beautiful, soft dense bristles in that lovely perfect rounded shape that somehow imparts the most perfect glow in combination with Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzers. This brush is so thick and big and dense and just luxurious to use. Ahh, love.
Today, I'm here to tell you about my favorite face brushes. This is kind of a lumped review of my favorite 5 face brushes. As you can see, most of them are from MAC. There is no particular foundation brush here, because I like to use my hands and a sponge for foundation.
MAC 182
This kabuki brush is one of the best on the market. It's soft and dense and just.. ahhh. It deposits powder so evenly and amazing. I would imagine this to be amazing for mineral foundation, but I like to use it to set my foundation with powder, and also to blend out the edges of products (like blush and bronzer) to avoid harsh lines.
MAC 187
Perfect for everything. Foundation, blush, bronzer, you name it. I like it for a light sweep of more pigmented blush shades, and also to blend out edges. I used to use this for foundation and it was the only thing that made MAC Studio Fix Fluid with SPF15 bearable for me, before I found my HG in Make Up For Ever HD.
I also prefer this brush for lighter applications of MAC Mineralized Skin Finishes or other highlighters. If you find the brush is too big for this purchase, you can pinch the black parts to make the white part go together in a fan shape. Something about this stippling brush is just so perfect. The combination of natural and synthetic bristles is just.. ahh.
Another favorite use of mine of this brush is for cream blushes. In fact, of all my brushes, I think this is the most hardworking and multitasking. I love it so much I have TWO.
MAC 168
This ties with the 187 as my favorite brush. It has extremely AMAZINGLY OOH LA LA soft white goat hair bristles, and it has the perfect angle shape. I apply blush and bronzer with it, and I know people who even apply foundation with it flawlessly. My favorite use for this though is contouring. It is just the absolutely perfect shape to get in the hollow of my cheeks and around the edges of my face. *sighs happily*
I think I need another one of these in my life.
MAC 129
This is perfect for blush application. It has soft bristles but they're dense enough to deposit enough pigment, and it's just big enough to cover my whole cheek in one sweep so I don't have uneven application. It's also good for powder when you're in a pinch.
This is a great basic and a must have.
Bobbi Brown's New Bronzer BrushI can wax lyrical about this brush. It is so pefect for blush OR bronzer, and it has beautiful, soft dense bristles in that lovely perfect rounded shape that somehow imparts the most perfect glow in combination with Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzers. This brush is so thick and big and dense and just luxurious to use. Ahh, love.
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