Jill Stuart Sweet Lock, Brilliant Crown FOTD

Obviously, I am a sucker for Jill Stuart packaging. It brings out the kid in me, which is always fun. Here are some eye candy pics to enable you and for me to keep as remembrance, because I used them immediately after snapping up the photos. LOL

Mix Blush Compact 105 Sweet Lock (LE)

The limited edition blush compact turns into a soft and delicate mauve-ish rose combination on my skin, the shade is quite muted which works with the shimmery, smoky shades of Fall. It defines the cheekbones while giving it a gentle glow.

Prism Carat Eyes 101 Brilliant Crown

This bi-color eyeshadow contains a cream coral base and loose mossy green pigment packed with shimmer. I chose this combination as I find it sophisticated and the most neutral out of the 5 shades released. It gives off a brilliant and sparkly look.

101 Brilliant Crown Swatches

It was disappointing to see the coral cream shadow barely noticeable on my lids, but to be fair, it does a good job in brightening the lids and making the shimmer powder stay put.

Here are the products used for my FOTD:

Nanoce BB Moist Cream

Lunasol Micro-finish powder 02 Beige

MAC Prep + Prime (Medium)

Jill Stuart Mixed Blush 105 Sweet Lock - overspray is gone!

Jill Stuart Prism Carat Eyes 101 Brilliant Crown

Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner

Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil Hard 09 Seal Brown (not in photo)

EOTD:

a couple of tips on applying the shimmer powder: 

1) get the product from the cap for more control, dipping your brush/finger directly into the pot will make application messy.

2) Apply Prism Carat Eyes before base makeup, that way you can clean glitter fallout easily.

here's my FOTD:

I'm quite pleased that Sweet Lock and Brilliant Crown look nice when worn together, as the colors are complementing to each other. Playing with lip color also takes it up a notch, you can go for a nude lip to focus on your shimmering eyes or a soft rose shade for a sweet yet dazzling look. I am currently in love with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan, the bright rose shade is just spot on for my complexion, and the matte lip looks oh so fabulous with the bling bling eyes! :)

Its such a fun look to sport! Sadly, I don't have anywhere to go to but the hardware and the clinic. Hahaha!

Have a lovely Tuesday lovely peeps!

♡,

G

Jill Stuart Fall 2011: Haul

Got a quick post for you today sweets! My Jill Stuart fall goods have finally landed into my hands and here's a group pic to enable those who are suckers for pretty packaging just like moi. ;)

aren't they gorge? I could play with them for hours. Please don't ask how old I am. LOL

Individual product reviews and swatches coming!

That's all, got to get back to work!

♡,

G

HK "Gift To Self" Haul

Shoot. I've abandoned my blog again. Apologies my lovelies! You know how it is when real life gets in the way of blogging duties ya? ;) I got a lot of requests on Twitter to share photos of the stuff I got during my recent trip to Hong Kong. Its been a while since I did a haul post, so I figured I'd give it a go. 

OMGee. I couldn't just tell you how much fun and destructive it is (for the wallet) to shop with a fellow beauty blogger.  I have to SHOW you.

*waves hello to Jennifer*

here's a group pic:

close ups:

I'm running really low on my current Aqualabel skin care so I took advantage of the reasonably priced box set + enhancer at SaSa :)

also stocked up on my favorite bubble hair dye because selection is better and its so much cheaper in Hong Kong with all the promotions during the July SALE.

Sweet Apricot and Dark Chocolat

My Beauty Diary LE Masks and Sweet Teatime Set :)

I'm so excited to try these, the packaging is so darn cute!

Orbis UV Cut Sunscreen and Foam Esthe pack:

the sunscreen is the new version I've been told, hence the new packaging color.

loaded up on essential and portable brushes, the price difference between Hong Kong and Manila is huge especially for Shu Uemura brushes (my favorite brand).

I finally have S.U. 18R and the MAC 187  (my first MAC brush)! *happy dance*

base makeup, all powders were recommended by my dear friend/ evil enabler J. :P

The Nanoce BB moist cream was not on my "shoplist" but I was surprised when I saw it at CitySuper so I grabbed it. I've been wanting to try it for the longest time because of Nic Nic's good feedback and HG status. Go see her FOTD's to see what I mean. :)

Make Up For Ever:

I've been testing the black one, my review will be posted soon.

BeneFit:

liquid pearl luminizer, brightening makeup base and a foaming wash (sample)

Blushers:

JS Milky Strawberry and BeneFit Sugarbomb

Dior Addict Lippies in 322 and 333. 

Natural looking shades in the beige family. <3

Eye makeup:

you didn't think I was going back without some DollyWink cuteness did you? ^___^

also, I caved in and finally got a Helena Rubinstein mascara at HKIA Duty Free. xD

last but definitely not the least, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows!

OMfrigginGee. I feel like doing a blog sale, sell all my e/s palettes and just collect all the ETK shades. Serious!

I hope you enjoyed the haul post as much as I had a blast shopping for them. *evil laughter* hey, its my birthday haul! lol. the lamest excuse. I know.

Have a great Monday!

♡,

G

Jill Stuart Nail Lacquer N 42 Coral Drop + 44 Sweet Venus (NOTW)

After that horrifying allergic reaction to Jill Stuart's Pure Lasting Makeup Base... I just want to let you know that I still love the brand (though I will be staying away from their primers. Ha!). I purchased 2 nail lacquers along with my Secret Tease Collection courtesy of sweet Jennifer, the CP princess of Hong Kong. ;)

The jewel detail on top of the cap adds sparkle to the bottle's packaging. Hands down, these are the prettiest bottles of nail polish I have ever seen in my beauty blogger life. Looking at those scalloped edged bottles is a treat in itself, it instantly makes me feel luxury and beauty.

Please feel free to ooohh and ahhh over the gorgeous bottles. Take your time. :P

Jill Stuart Nail Lacquer N 44 Sweet Venus and 42 Coral Drop 

This is how 44 Sweet Venus looks like on my nails:

Its very sheer, it took me 3 thin coats to get this color. 

It was very easy to apply, it wasn't streaky and the brush quality is great.

it shows luminous colors which change depending on the lighting and how the light hits your nails. Its quite mesmerizing. :) I took my photos under direct sunlight and it looked more pink/purple than greenish (which appears in darker light conditions).

Have you tried Jill Stuart Nail lacquers? Let me know if there are other MUST HAVE shades! ;)

♡,

G

Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Makeup Base

Hello lovelies! Its the last day of January, I believe my last post was eleven days ago so let me make it up to you by posting my review for the Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Makeup Base. :)

Description from the box: Makeup base to refine the look of pores for a smooth, luminous complexion. Prevents shine and extends foundation wear.

Packaging is typical Jill Stuart, very cute and princessy. The bottle is small (3.75 inches tall), very light and comes with a screw cap which makes it very suitable for travel. Although the pink bottle seems opaque, it is sheer enough to see the remaining product inside the bottle. It contains 25mL of product.

Consistency is very light and liquid, making it very easy to spread and blend. It has the signature Jill Stuart floral scent which bothered me a bit. I think it has too much fragrance for a primer.

The slightly pinkish tint made my face look brighter instantly while the shimmer gave that soft-focus effect and glow. Staying effect and oil-control is good as I didn't feel the need to blot and retouch all-day. I also like that it has SPF 15/PA++, I know its quite low, but at least it can give some protection. 

I used it for 2 days and it was good... then this happened:

I was so shocked to see my skin react this badly to a product. Needless to say, I stopped using it. Such a shame because it really does what it promises. It can refine pores, give you a luminous complexion, etc. I think they should also put red bumps there as well! >.< Also, I dont think this primer will work as great on skin tones darker than NC30 as it will probably give you a white cast.

I'm currently treating the pesky red bumps with a corticosteroid cream and its getting better. 

OVERALL, I wouldn't recommend the Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Makeup Base to my friends, as cute as it may seem. Its toxic! :( There are better, cheaper and harmless products out there, so I suggest you stay away from this one especially if you have sensitive skin.

Now you know why I lost my blogging enthusiasm for a bit there. Hehe. I hope everyone is having a good start for the week. CNY is coming! What are you looking forward to?

The Jill Stuart Secret Tease Collection

Pretty and sexy, Jill Stuart's "Secret Tease Collection" is the most popular out of all the holiday coffrets released in 2010 and I think a lot of beauty bloggers will agree.

The sultry and seductive lace motif is incorporated into the box packaging, which will make the one opening it more excited. I know this because I felt it! ^_^

The delicate pouch made of soft pink satin and black lace:

Honestly, I don't think this pouch can hold a lot of weight because of the fabric used to construct it is very light. Can you spot the precious little "J" dangling on the bow? What a treat if your name starts with J! *jearrrous* Why cant it be spelled like Gill Stuart? Hahahaha! :P Just kidding! Gill sounds fishy. ^_~

When opened:

It has one zippered and one drawstring compartment inside.

Products included in the coffret:

close-ups:

Night Jewel Perfumed Body Powder

OMG, this is so FLUFFY. Even Lurvey liked how FLUFFY it looked he wanted to touch it. LOL! This pink powder puff has shimmer and the scent of Jill Stuart's Night Jewel fragrance, a very sweet and sultry floral (top note includes green tea and jasmine). Oh and do you see that tiny rosette in the middle? adorbs!

False eyelashes

FLUFFY feather falsies. I have to go get my eyebrows groomed professionally before I try this out. I think it will look better with thinner set of brows since its so full and almost bushy looking. This comes with a small tube of lash glue.

Blush Blossom 101 Sensual Dahlia:

The lace motif continues with the loose blusher packaging, the brush it comes with feels softer compared to the ones in the mixed blush compact which has denser bristles. However, I still prefer using a stippling brush when applying loose powder blushers to avoid looking like a clown.

 swatch:

shimmer tint, blush glow

swatch when blended:

looks nicer no? :)

Jelly Lip Gloss 102 Silky Pink

a very sheer pink shade, its a mildly sticky gloss with flecks of iridescent shimmer.

What surprised me was its moisturizing ability. It didn't make my lips feel dry which is very nice. This is my first lip product from Jill Stuart and I must say it gave me a good impression. 

Jelly Eye Color N 104 Satin Lingerie

I really like the texture of JS eye jellies, 104 Satin Lingerie is no exception. However, its a very pale pink shade loaded with shimmer, and with my NC30 skin tone, it does nothing but brighten the eye because of the shimmer.

swatch:

here's 104 Satin Lingerie on my bare lids:

this is the only item in the set which disappointed me, I don't think I'll be able to use this much even as a highlighter since the shimmers are not really subtle. But I will still experiment and mix it with other pigmented shadows to discover its versatility and full potential. ;)

Despite my minor rant about the eye jelly, I'm very happy I got a hold of this sought after coffret. The quality is great and the theme is spot on trend with the lace packaging which influences a woman to feel the sweet and sexy image the brand evokes. 

Thank you Jennifer for helping me get this limited edition coffret! and thank you lovelies for reading!

♡,

G

2010 Highlights: Life and Makeup

2010 was a happy year for me, even if it was the year I got sick a lot... I hope 2011 spares me of frequent sickness. *positive thinking while chugging down vitamins* Its also the year I got to develop real friendships with my fellow bloggers. I'm looking forward to getting closer to more lovely ladies this year! ^_^

Let me share with you some really good moments LAST year:

✦ January,  we got BOWIE, our little boy Chihuahua. One year later, he's turned out to be quite the fashionista. J'adore!

✦ March, my first batch of blog sale items went up for grabs on shopcoffretgorge.blogspot.com

✦ July, Singapore trip with the whole family! gotta lurve family bonding trips! Have you seen the MUMMY PIC? click on the link, if you need some cheering up! XD

✦ November, went on a girl's trip to Hong Kong and queued for the Lanvin x H&M collaboration. Nothing like a crazy hoarding experience to add to my shopping history. ;)

✦ Also in November, Blogger meet-up with Jennifer. It was so fun shopping for cosmetics with her.

and now, my favorite products that helped me look presentable althroughout 2010...

SKINCARE:

Fancl! especially the Washing Powder and foaming ball(first and second from left)

The lather cleans my face thoroughly but doesn't strip off natural moisture, leaving my skin soft and smooth. Fancl products are preservative free.

Korres Hot Spiced Chocolate Shower Gel

This has a love it or leave it scent, obviously I love it! It smells oh so yummy! Hot choco scent with a grown up twist. Shout-out to M for getting these for me in Singapore where he bought all the remaining bottles upon learning it will be discontinued. Aw.

HAIR:

La Sana Hair Essence 

I have tried other hair essences/leave-on treatments this year but nothing compares to this seaweed essence. 

Prettia/Liese Bubble hair dye 

Fun, fast and easy to do! Plus the colors are very pretty, very flattering for asian skin tones.

BASE MAKEUP:

Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Stick

medium to full coverage, ideal for special occasions especially in our humid weather!

Canmake 5-effects Foundation

 easy to blend foundation with a cream to powder finish, saves me a lot of prep time in the morning.

Clé de peau concealer in Ochre

Now I know what the raves are all about. Full review coming soon. :)

POINT MAKEUP:

CHANEL Tweed Fuschia

I love this to bits. ;)

Dollywink Liquid liner in black

Want to achieve that winged liner look? If you're a liquid liner newbie (like me) get this one, its easy to apply plus it doesn't smudge and lasts all day.

LUNASOL Aurorized Eyes palette 05

very versatile palette. I wore it almost everyday since I got it. Definitely my fall favorite!

Jill Stuart Eye Jellies in 09 Midnight shine and 10 Vintage Decor

very rich colors packed with shine. I'm glad I got these to try.

Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara

looks natural and very lightweight. I already have a back-up! :)

Lunasol Full Glamour Lips S 49

Aside from the gorgeous overspray, I love it for the beautiful deep berry tint it gives my lips.

NAILS:

MAC Studded from the Riveting Collection

gorgeous matte polish especially on the toes! So sad I didn't get a backup. :(

RBL No More War

the BEST military green shade evarrr.

CHANEL Pulsion

vibrant and creamy fuschia for Barbie-esque nails.

Deborah Lippmann

Happy Birthday, Bad Romance, Across the Universe - I love glitters, the chunkier the better! Evidently, I got lots of nail polish this year, my collection grew mad like gremlins. XD

That's it! I hope I didn't bore you with the long product post. I hope I can keep up with my reviews this year. *i really wish that!* I already have a lot on queue! XD

Lets all help each other stay sane with all the beautiful spring collections coming up! Shall we? Thank you for reading!

♡,

G