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

Etude House Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips #3 Swatch + FOTD

Almost forgot that I had this, good thing I looked through my archived photos and saw some "un-blogged" products. So today I'm sharing with you another item from Etude House's Miss Tangerine collection, Sweet Shower Lips in #3 Miss Sunny Tangerine.

What I like:

♥ VERY cute packaging

♥ sheer-medium pigmentation, creamy, easy to wear

♥ pretty shade of orangey-red, compliments my NC30 skin tone

♥ sweet, citrus scent (can be a CON if you don't like scented lip products)

♥ not too pricey (Php398 if I remember correctly)

♥ not drying! (for an EH lippie, this is unexpected!)

What I don't like:

◆ The twist mechanism is NOT RETRACTABLE

◆ it emphasizes lip lines

◆ it can only last for 2 hours max.

swatch:

quick FOTD:

Products used:

⋄ Lunasol Make-up Base 01

⋄ Lunasol Water Cream Foundation OC03

⋄ Lunasol Micro-Finish Powder N 01

⋄ Shu Uemura Glow-On blusher in Matte Pink 33E

⋄ Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil hard 6 seal brown

⋄ Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Bourbon

⋄Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing Mascara

⋄ EH Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips #3 Miss Sunny Tangerine

Thanks for looking!

♡,

G

CHANEL Summer 2011: 557 Morning Rose NOTD

A warm pink with gold glitter, Morning Rose is a flattering shade to sport especially if you need a pick me up color which is not over the top (like Mimosa). The golden sparkles add dimension to this lovely, not so bright pink.

Application is a breeze for this one, its not streaky and it goes on smoothly. I applied 3 thin coats to achieve the color on this NOTD. This is a limited edition color for summer and retails for Php1,350 (approx. USD31) at Rustan's. 

Happy Monday lovelies!

♡,

G

CHANEL Summer 2011: 577 Mimosa NOTD

Sunshine on the nails, thats what it is! 

A bright yellow with very fine shimmer...

having deja vu? looks like OPI's "Need Sunglasses?" right? but I must tell Mimosa leans more towards the cool side.

I needed 3 coats for this NOTD. Application is quite difficult, its a very streaky polish! but I discovered that its easier to apply in a warm environment (turned off AC) rather than in an air-conditioned room. I sweat buckets, but achieved better results. *whew!* :D

Mimosa is a limited edition shade and retails for Php1,350 (approx. USD31) at Rustan's.

Happy Monday!

♡,

G

CHANEL Summer 2011: 547 Bronze Rose

Bronzers are not really my thing, but this one made me change my mind because of its versatility. SA explained it can be used as bronzer, blusher and as eyeshadow! 3-in-1 CHANEL! It's in the bag! xD


 Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Powder in 547 Bronze Rose.

This is a limited edition item from CHANEL's Summer 2011 collection. Packaging-wise, one thing which stands out in this palette is the gold CC logo. As if CHANEL couldn't get any more luxe. :)

When you open the palette, you will be greeted with a four-striped blusher/bronzer, a full compact mirror and that prickly brush. bleh. (im obviously not a fan of their brushes, am too spoiled by the softness of Shu Uemura) 

Although its a bit powdery, the softness of the pink and brown pigments won me over. I have to admit I can be heavy handed when it comes to face color application, thats why I think this is perfect for me. Its hard to overdo it.

swatches:

blended:

as you can see it gives off a warm glow which is not too dark, very nice for fair skinned gals. Jess did a pretty FOTD using this here. 

So is it a must-have? If you are looking for a versatile product and a softly pigmented bronzer, I'd say YES. but if you're just after this being a blush, then NO. It stays on the cheeks for about 3-4 hours, which is not bad, but not that good either especially with the price tag it comes with (Php3,250 approx. USD75). I already used this as a blush and took FOTD pics, unfortunately, the lighting was too poor to make the colors show up on my face. I have to do it again. :)

In other news, I am on a self-imposed cosmetic shopping ban. It started in mid-May and will cease on mid-June. I'm feeling good as I'm managing to stick to it, but I still need your words of encouragement! The weekend is coming = mall trips = shopping! lol x_X

Enjoy your weekend!

♡,

G

NARS Turks and Caicos Multiple Tint FOTD

I went to the NARS counter last weekend to ask for the "New Order" blusher, then spotted this bright, orange, jelly looking stick and swatched it on my arm. Orange. No big deal I thought. But when I went outdoors it turned into this gorgeous shade of pinkish peach. It looked awesome against my skin... I had to have it! 

 A part of the NARS Summer 2010 collection Multiples, Turks & Caicos is a limited edition shade I believe. I know I'm a year late to the party but at least I got to try this! 

love how the NARS print matches the color of the product!

It reminds me of Tarte blushers my sister used to give me when I was younger but this one is not as tacky especially after it sets on the skin. Plus its more pigmented and it lasts the whole day. IN SUMMER! Take that humidity!

I'm not a beach bum, but if I was, and can only bring one beauty product to the beach, I'd bring this... Its very easy to use, I just dab it straight onto my cheeks or lips. No blending skills required.

swatch:

I love how it looks so sheer and natural, it has no shimmer but it gives off a nice sheen to the cheeks/lips.

The only drawback for this product is the price, Php2,150 locally (approx. USD 50) but to justify, its a multi-purpose product and the quality is amazing I'm sure you will love it as much as I do. As for availability, I have no idea if they still have this abroad but if you're in the Philippines, NARS Rustan's Makati still has it in stock.

My bright and summery FOTD:

products used:

BASE: 

DiorSnow White Reveal UV Base in beige

Canmake 5-effects foundation 03

Cle De Peau concealer in ochre

MAC Prep + Prime eye primer in medium

POINT: 

NARS Turks & Caicos Multiple

Esprique Precious Dress-on Shiny Eyes C-4

Shu Uemura Hard 6 eyebrow pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Bourbon

Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing Mascara

Etude House Miss Tangerine Follow Me lip tint #2

I hope you enjoyed today's post. Have a fun weekend everyone!

♡,

G

Harper's Bazaar Singapore Beauty Look Book SS2010 Scans 1/3

For the ladies who like to follow trends, and the others who simply want inspiration, here's Harper's Bazaar Singapore's Beauty Look Book for Spring/Summer 2010. I divided it into 3 parts because I scanned the whole thing. I'm not going to bother you with my side comments to keep you focused on the beauty of the art of makeup. I like all the looks anyway. ;)

Part one: FACE and NAILS...