NOTW: MAC Nail Lacquer in Abalone Shell

Does the name make you want to go to the beach or what? Part of the Spring Color Forecast Collection No.4 and limited edition, Abalone Shell is a creamy nude shade perfect for ladies who want simple and clean but still pretty looking nails. Definitely office friendly.

Consistency is a bit runny (than say, CHANEL nail lacquers) but its easy to brush on the nails. The finish when it dries actually looks a bit dull for me so a clear top coat is  must if you like shinier looking nails.

NOTW using 2 coats of Abalone Shell and a clear top coat:

(photo taken under natural sunlight)

What do you think? Is it your kind of nude? :)

Showerin' with Lush Porridge

Hey gorgeous! Just a quick post midweek! Today, I would like to share one of my Lush favorites, the Porridge hand and body soap. I love the texture of the oatmeal bits which doubles as an exfoliator, the molasses and citrus content which gives it the sweet and yummy scent it gives off, plus it makes my skin so soft and sooo smooth it makes me skip my body moisturizer sometimes. (I don't know if that's good or what) :| Even my kid cousin loves it so much he always looks forward to bath time now! :) The only con is that it melts faster than 'Honey I Washed The Kids' and the lovely scent doesn't linger for long. 

Yummy smelling porridge! My bathroom smells so good right now! :)

I got a big chunk and sliced it myself, I was pleasantly surprised that it was so easy to slice! :)

Please try this soap if you have the chance, I highly recommend it and I guarantee that you'll love it! It won't dry your skin and it will leave you smelling divine! It smells better when you actually use it than just sniffing it in the store. 

I give it 5 st✩✩✩✩✩rs!

Whoever says that rubber duckie makes bath time lots of fun has never heard of LUSH bath products.  ^_~

Lunasol 10th Anniversary Makeup Palette

Seriously, sometimes I wish that I had an event to go to everyday or that I had 10 faces (not!) just to use the things in my collection. LOL. I also wish I had discovered my love of cosmetics sooner. Im such a late bloomer! heehee. which leads me to my actual post subject: the Lunasol 10th Anniversary Makeup Palette. I know its been out for a long while but I have been resisting, telling myself I don't want the mascara and the lip gloss, it would be a waste if I bought it. But after seeing the beige beige palettes get more attention recently, it ignited my interest for the palette (the beauty blogging world is such a tempting place to be in!) since i like neutral shades and the blush is super pretty, I finally got myself a set. woohoo! :)

The box and the palette pouch:

the patent brown pouch looks so sleek and pretty, too bad it's a fingerprint magnet. :(

What's inside:

In one palette, you get full sized best sellers: Skin Modeling Eyes in 01 Beige Beige, Coloring Cheeks in Reddish Beige, Full Glamour Gloss N in Ex 08 Beige Coral, Noble Shade Liner Ex 01 Deep Brown and High Stylized Mascara EL in 01 Black (smaller size)

Product close ups:

High Stylized Mascara EL Black

The mascara is mediocre, it doesn't curl or lengthen my lashes that much, the only thing I like about it is the wand. As facebook users would say: UNLIKE! hahaha! I'd rather stick with Lancôme and Majolica Majorca mascaras.

Full Glamor Gloss N in Ex 08 Beige Coral:

The gloss has a pretty shade of coral-pink and lots of shimmers which gives off a really pretty pout, it doesn't dry my lips that much like other glosses (hello NARS). See Blushed Wombat's extensive review and swatches here. Her lip swatches are amazing :)

Noble Shade Liner in Ex 01 Deep Brown:

I LOOOVE this liner! the applicator brush is just perfect (not too thin or thick for me), its easy to manipulate and the shade is a really beautiful chocolate brown with micro shimmers. It does not smudge and it dries quite fast. 5 stars! :)

swatches:

Overall, I really like this set, it would be great for traveling. The colors are all very wearable for everyday, I think it has a good value for money because you get a full sized eyeshadow palette, blush + highlighter and gloss plus the handy sized mascara and the eyeliner. Another LUNASOL LOVE! ♥.♥-

Guerlain Cherry Blossom for Spring 2010

EDIT: Swatches are now up!

One word: GORGEOUS. I wasn't really planning on hauling that fun friday night, but when I passed by the Guerlain counter at Rustan's, I was greeted by a selling event featuring the Cherry Blossom collection which I have been lemming for since November 2009. Well, I am happy to report that the wait has been worth it! :)

Here are some pretty photos of the blush and eyeshadow quad:

I love how elegant the case looks. The simplicity of the delicate black creates a beautiful contrast with the colorful eyeshadows/blush when you open the case.

Blush Éclat Cherry Blossom 07 & Ombre Éclat 408 Jeu d'Ombrelles

The blush, when applied, creates a light, pretty pastel pink flush.

Blush Éclat Cherry Blossom 07 swatch:

No, that's not a bruise on my arm, that's actually the blush swatch ;) i hope you can see it!

MA did a good job on giving me tips and a mini tutorial on how to blend the colors in the palette.

Eyeshadow palette 408 Jeu d'Ombrelles swatches:

colors from left to right: upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right

I like the combination of the upper left and lower right shade, perfect for a sweet daytime look! Just blend in the darker colors for a soft smoky eye look.

I am officially declaring that I am a giddy Guerlain fan. I really love the texture of their eyeshadows. MA also tried the Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow Primer on me, which I loved, and now lemming for. Oh dear. Good thing it was OOS. hahaha! I should just remind myself that gorgeous things really come to those who wait. ^_~  

Have a happy weekend!

♡,

G

ps. The MAC Spring Color Forecast collection will be available today at MAC counters/stores (except Marrionaud, Mall of Asia which will be launching the collection on Sunday) MAC junkies rejoice! ;)

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Review

This best selling product has been raved about by celebs and beauty bloggers alike, but does it really live up to its promise? Here's a review :)

The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is a topical acne spot treatment for clearing stubborn and unsightly not to mention, painful whiteheads overnight. I have been experiencing scattered breakouts in my forehead and right cheek lately (4 red & juicy zits to be exact) so I was curious if this product is better than what I have been using (Benzac, Differin and The Body Shop's Tea Tree Blemish stick - which doesn't work fast enough for me anymore).

Ingredients include Isopropyl Alcohol, Deionized water (Aqua), Calamine, Camphor, Colloidal Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, Glycerine, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide & Talc

 

HOW TO USE: after your night time regimen of cleansing, toning and moisturizing the face, apply a dab of lotion (apply only the pink sediment on the skin) directly on the whitehead/pimple using a cotton swab (dip a cotton swab into the solution to pick up some pink sediment on the bottom). DO NOT  rub it in your skin and DO NOT re-dip the swab! Let it dry and rinse off in the morning. DO NOT shake the bottle.

 

HOW IT FEELS: it stings a little bit, then you'll feel dryness/tightness on the treated area.

on my hand:

HOW IT SMELLS: A bit unpleasant, you can really smell the chemicals and alcohol on this one, if your nose is sensitive to these kinds of scents, it might be better to try gentler acne treatment gels/creams/lotions.

THE MORNING AFTER:  Whiteheads are gone, the applied area is dry as a desert, leaving some rough patches on my face. But the pimples are gone in about 2 applications. Effective! Woot!

PRICE: Php 1095 (approx. $24) at Rustan's Essenses

REPURCHASE PROBABILITY: slim to never (it is a generous bottle)

VERDICT: The name says it all, it is a DRYING LOTION, its super effective in drying that even the skin surrounding the whitehead also dries up. It is a little harsh for me but if you looking for a fast acting, result oriented, zit zapping product, this might be worth a try if you're willing to splurge. If you'd rather save money, I suggest you go with Benzac or Differin. :)

upon checkout, SA gave me two free samples of the Seaweed Cleansing Lotion which made me happy because I wanted to try it. :)

It's alcohol free and suitable for combination, dry and sensitive skin types. I've only used it once so I can't really tell if its worth buying the full sized bottle.

This was a part of a haul I did last weekend, please bear with my slow updating, summertime is a busy season for me. I promise to review everything soon! 

Stay gorge!

♡,

G

10 Honest Things About Me + A Relapse Haul

I got tagged by the sweet ehlee of superwoolu.blogspot.com to do a "10 honest things about me" post, its my first time being tagged so I'll be obedient and do ittttt! :)

[insert any photo]

Lurvey, G & Bowie ^_^

This is a very recent photo. Yes, I had my hair cut, 6 inches were chopped off by the stylist. I had it cut because it's summertime and its so hot! Oh and just in case you might want an update for the Prettia Bubble Hair Color. ;)

1. I like being alone, especially when shopping, i don't like the feeling when someone is so bored waiting for me. hahaha!

2. I like musicals, The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite. I was so moved to tears when I watched it in NY.

3. I don’t like driving at night, bright lights give me a headache.

4. I love going to the supermarket; I find it therapeutic.

5. i CAN'T pack light, even if i try, i still end up bringing the whole house - I think I got that trait from my mom.

6. If I could, I would wear high heels 24/7. But I love flats too! Those Miu Miu flats in my last post are really haunting me I tell you.

7. I am fascinated by Korean fashion, their style looks so sweet and feminine, eternally cute yet current at the same time.

8. I am an old soul when it comes to music…I listen to marvin gaye, louis armstrong, dean martin and the likes…

9. i use 4 different pairs of shampoo and conditioner alternately - to prevent product build up which causes itching and dandruff. eew.

10. I would love to learn mandarin - so i can easily converse with locals whenever I go to HK. :)

As promised, here are my Rilakkuma plushies Ehlee! :)

We're plushie sisters now. ;)

I would like to tag all the lovely ladies who commented on my Mad About Miu Miu post:

Adin_22

DANA

Denysia

linelle anne

Nic Nic

Mary in Wonder

Jessu

Lisa

Eva

LifeSpice

twinsouls888

Nat Nguyen

Notty Evil

I'm going to end this post with a peek at my 'relapse haul' (my cosmetic shopping sobriety has been broken. As in MAJOR FAIL. waah!)

Lots of reviews coming up! Happy weekend! :)
♡ coffretgorge

Mad About Miu Miu

Suddenly, I'm feeling more fashion and less makeup nowadays, (Lurvey is rejoicing and crying at the same time somewhere in the South now. LOL) but since I call this blog my little box of gorgeousness, I think this post is legit. Saw the Miu Miu SS10 campaign recently; I think the bags are a bit blah, the shoes are pretty awesome, but what's on my gotta get get list are these cat's eye sunnies and crystal embellished leather flats from Miu Miu's SS10 campaign. Holy Moly. The gotta get get list never ends does it?

SS10 Cat's Eye Sunglasses

The model looks like a cross breed of Jessica Alba and Devon Aoki no? Anybody know her name?

Jewel Encrusted Leather Flats

in brown...

and black leather...

I think I'm in looove. I can't even decide what's more beautiful, the brown or the black one. Help? :)

Oh Miu Miu, why don't you come to Manila?

BLOG SALE is UP!

Ola chicas! I have finally decided to let go of some pretty stuff I don't use. Alas, I've put up a blog sale for you to check out! :)

Please visit shopcoffretgorge.blogspot.com and shop away!

There's DiorSnow, Coffret D'or, Shu Uemura and more!

See you there! ^.^

Preview March 2010 Scans

Hello beauties! I realized its been a week since my last post and I seriously needed to update or you might think I've evaporated in this hot, hot weather. haha. Anyway, I just got my copy of Preview Magazine's March 2010 issue, since its summertime for us here in the Philippines, the issue features style and beauty articles relevant for the season.

They put the undoubtedly pretty doctor/model/actress Maricar Reyes on the cover wearing florals. (yes, she has a medical degree :))

Even though she is petite, she managed to elongate her limbs in this shot, making her look a lot taller.

I like her braided hair and vibrant lips. :)

The perfect outfit to make you 'bloom' this summer :)

 Marc By Marc Jacobs Ad

♡♡♡

The 10 Swimsuit Commandments:

some summertime fashion picks by the fashion editor

the colors here look so cool and fresh, and the Topshop lace shoes are beyond lovely!

The Beauty Section:

Thumbs up on the title! :)

I have to say this, they need to step it up on their beauty section! (ok, this is a fashion magazine but still, step it up Preview! :)) I've got my eyes on that MAC concealer with SPF. ;)

a feature on some korean salons:

apparently, super straight hair is out and wavy locks are in! What do you think about digital perm? Has anyone tried it yet? Would love to know about your thoughts.

Have a happy week ahead!

♡ coffretgorge

Summer Essentials

Hello lovelies! March is here and has brought summertime once again! Although I'm not a big fan of the HOT and DRY weather it brings (hello perspiration!) I love everything else about the season. Let me share with you some of my summer essentials which help me stay sane during the season of hotness (pun intended). ^_~

The most important thing on my list, Sunscreen: SPF 50 PA+++ please.

This is my current HG sunscreen, Kanebo ALLIE SPF 50 PA+++ It feels light to touch and its not oily at all. Its not meant for swimming though, but its alright, I have other sunblocks for that purpose which I'm going to share with you on another post. :)

Topshop Heart Print Shorts

I love the dainty and sweet look of this. So cute! Its breezy too, hello freshness!

Popsicles - for that instant cool feeling.

I love these Melona milky melon ice cream bars! Please try it if you haven't already. It's yummers in the tummers! It's very refreshing too! A trip to the Asian grocery is not complete without this! :)

Sunglasses - for eye protection

When it comes to sunnies, the bigger, the better. That's why I cannot part with my butterfly sunglasses, walking or driving, it blocks all those harmful UV rays from the Sun keeping my eye area safe from premature lines and wrinkles. @.@

Umbrella!

My friends know that I always have an umbrella in my bag when I go out. Summer or Typhoon season, I'm always ready. :D This one is from Marc By Marc Jacobs, which has a cute collection of umbrellas in my opinion. 

and lastly, a no frills, no fuss, all around summer tote! You see, I'm a tote kind of gal.

I love this immaculate white version of the Pretty Nylon Little Tate from Marc by Marc Jacobs, aside from holding everything you need, its so perfect for matching just about all of your summer outfits, from the beach to the mall, it instantly freshens up your look. It's reversible too! Holy moly. I wish I can just paint my grey tote. :P