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

MAC LE Lipglass in Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga + Mean and Green NOTD

I am well aware that there are LOADS of posts about these MAC LE lipglasses featuring Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga, its my fault I'm so late, because I actually forgot I had them! ~ACK!

anyway...

If anyone is still looking for info and swatches here's my take on the glosses:

Cyndi is a cute, reddish coral, very wearable... Remember, BLOTTING is key to keep ourselves from looking overdone and gross. *just a friendly reminder*

Lady Gaga is a pretty, pale blue - pink shade which makes my pigmented lips look full and milky.

I like these two very much, they can be applied alone (as they are pigmented, especially Cyndi) or layered on top of complementing lipsticks. I was told by a MUA that the Lady Gaga lipglass looks awesome on top of MAC's infamous pink lipstick, Pink Nouveau. I've tried the combo as I have Pink Nouveau as well, and I have to agree.

Consistency is bearably sticky, not like the old MAC lipglass formula I've tried which was tormentingly sticky. Ugh! If you're a fan of both Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga which most probably you are, maybe you can still find these in your local stores, that is if they aren't sold out yet. It will help a lot of people infected with the HIV virus. Charity is always great!

to cap off the MAC post, I leave you with my NOTD using Mean & Green from the Venomous Villains collection. *so late!* But better than never! ;)

Stunning duo chrome finish IMO, its purple, its green, its shiny! I can't help but look at my nails every time I read a book or a magazine, it's so cool it's distracting! Tip wear is great too (with OPI top coat), I don't have access to its known dupe: Orly's Space Cadet so I'm very happy I got to snag a bottle of Mean & Green. Yay! I only like LE's when I can access them. LOL!

That's it for now, life's a bit hectic nowadays, I'll be MIA from tomorrow until next week, don't miss me too much, I'll be back with wonderful news and posts before you know it! DON'T BLINK! 

just kidding! ^_~

♡,

G

MAC Nail Lacquer in Wham, Bam, Glam (Matte)

I know its spring/summer time and I should be sporting vibrant colors but I just want to share my very first matte nail polish from MAC called Wham, Bam, Glam from their Riveting collection. I was totally left out of the Chanel Particuliere craze, needless to say, it was sold out before my very eyes. So I just went on with my life and bumped into a shade pretty similar greige brown (grey - beige - brown) to that of Chanel's IT nail color, just darker.

swatch after 2 coats, under natural light:

the nail lacquer is very hard to apply as it streaks and dries up really fast, but once you get to the 3rd coat, you'll see the full effect of the matte lacquer. You can also opt to top it with glossy top coat if you get tired of the matte look.

here's a swatch after 3 coats, indoor lighting:

can you say, concrete chi-chi? :)

Only issue is when you scratch your nail into something rough, it will show up and really stand out unlike in glossy finish nail polish. Also, tip wear is noticeable in as short as 2 days.

Do you like matte nail lacquers? What other brand/s and shade/s would you recommend? Also, if you know a nice grey - beige- brown shade please let me know. TIA! ;)

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? :)

Battle of the Blush

I'm so happy with my blog post title. hahaha! As the title suggests, this post is dedicated to the super pretty blushers in the world of makeup. Let me share with you the TOP blushers i have found and seen, some i have bought, some i am coveting. hahaha!

First up, BeneFit's CORALISTA

My Photo

photo from BeneFit

I have this and i must say, its so pretty!  Coralista is a slightly sheer, coral-pink blush (duh) that makes you want to go on a vacation. LOL. but seriously, i think it will suit any skin tone and any hair color from blonde to redhead to brunette. It perks up your skin tone and it smells good too! The packaging is a box with a cute safari theme and inside you will find an ok brush which is not that soft, but it does the job. ;) Made in the USA (if that matters to you)

Next up is CHANEL Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 99 Rose Pétale

This blush is a shimmery pink color which i think is perfect for creating that look which glows. it is very build-able and a little bit shimmery. i think this blush is perfect to wear when you go out on a date. Very pretty.

Swatch (Chanel Rose Petale)

    

MAC by Fafi in Fashion Frenzy

I've had this for a while now and it's one of my favorites, a cool pink blush which can give you that natural glow if you go light but can also give you intense color if you build it up because it is pigmented. A perfect pink blush + cutie patootie packaging = LOVE! hahaha

YSL Touche Blush in 01

photo from Sephora.com

What they say,

What it is:

A lightweight, loose powder blush that enhances the face with a sheer veil of color.

What it does:
Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE BLUSH is a true beauty accessory, a makeup concept that transforms blush application into a moment of pure pleasure. The first of its kind to use this packaging, the "radiant touch" applicator allows for the use of ultra-fine powders to create a truly luminous, natural glow to the cheeks.

What else you need to know:The blush is formulated with long-lasting, stay-true pigments that provide a luminous and natural-looking flush to the cheeks, and work for all skin types.

Has anyone tried this YSL blush? Can you give me some details? Is it really long wearing? Is the sponge applicator easy to clean? haha :)

And lastly, the Shiseido Luminizer

I tried this at the store and i must say its so creamy and easy to blend, it doesnt dry out fast unlike some others. I'm still thinking about it. Any thoughts on this?

That's all, i hope I didn't bore you to death with this long post. :)