Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Coffretgorge likes: California Kissin'

Christmas may be technically over but my bestie Laru* is oh so sweet she gave me a little present to add to my cosmetic collection!

california kissin' by beneFit

the intriguing blue gel which supposedly works to brighten teeth(?)

according to the description from Sephora, the blue tinge helps make the teeth appear whiter thus making the smile brighter. I don't know about the teeth brightening part (i think thats more of a psychological effect and marketing strategy) but this lip gloss will definitely make your smile shinier, brighter. The only con i see is that it enhances lip lines if your lips are prone to dryness and chapping, i wouldn't recommend this. It also has minty fresh flavor. (a no go for you Lisa! ^_~ )

California kissin' can be used alone, as a lip base or on top of your favorite lip stick to add bling bling shine to your smile!

Coffretgorge rates it:

Texture: 4/5 light, not sticky at all

Shine: 4/5 just a pretty shine, not over the top

Pigmentation: 1/5 very sheer (undetectable blue tinge)

Applicator: 4/5 easy nozzle tip (no need for a mirror!)

Packaging: 2/5 standard lip gloss/balm packaging

*Laru is my term of endearment to my best friend Lara. I'll let you meet her one day ^_^

Monday, January 4, 2010

My HG Brush Collection

I read in one of my beauty books that makeup is only as good as the tools we use to apply them with. Having the right tools for every specific purpose not only makes your look more polished and pretty, but it also makes you feel beauty and luxury from the moment that soft, high quality brush touches your skin until you achieve the complete look you're after. You also reduce the risk of getting pesky rashes on your face due to rough brush bristles. yikes!

I always try to get the best brushes as I believe that getting high quality products help you save money in the long run. (ok ok, i'm trying real hard to justify the pricetag! lol) I have been using my Shu Uemura face brush 20 Pony for a year and a half now, i wash it almost every week and it does not shed at all! Talk about high quality! Makes me happy ^_^

Shu Uemura natural brush 20 pony

my favorite blush brush! I bought this in Hong Kong for my birthday in 2008 along with 2 eye brushes which you will also see in this post. (everything is cheaper in HK! Well, almost.) ^_~

description from Shu Uemura:

natural brush 20

made with pony hair, this brush is ideal for powder face color application. the soft, flexible bristles are best for sharply defined cheeks and precise, delicate shading. also suitable for applying face powder.

Shu Uemura natural brush 20H pony

This one is new, I got this during Shu Uemura's 2009 holiday sale, 15% off! This baby is great for contouring.

description from Shu Uemura:

natural brush 20h

made with pony hair, this brush is ideal for powder cheek color and nose shadow application. the diagonal shape is suitable for defining the cheek, creating nose shadows, and applying colors to the eye area.

Laura Mercier finishing brush

I use this to set makeup with Guerlain Meteorites, for blending, or sometimes to apply a super pigmented blush like my Jill Stuart loose powder blush in 03 crimson flush

Shu Uemura natural brush 8HR sable

I love using this to apply main color eyeshadows and highlighting the inner corners of the eyes. This brush makes it all easy.

description from Shu Uemura:

natural brush 8hr

sable brush ideal for powder eye shadow contouring and blending. the angled shape fits onto the hollow around the eyes and nose. the natural blend of bristles are smooth yet firm with a soft touch to the skin.

Shu Uemura natural brush 10F pure kolinsky

This has got to be the most expensive brush I've ever bought. What can I say, SA had great persuasive powers! hahaha. I don't regret it though, because if you can only feel this brush, it has the softest yet dense bristles you'll ever feel! This is an eye brush but i also use this for applying concealer.

description from Shu Uemura:

kolinsky brush 10f

the flat brush tip is suitable for contouring, accentuating lines and smudging colors.

Lunasol Lip Brush Ex N pure kolinsky

I love that its portable, and its great for applying my YSL rouge voluptes! If you want precise lines and smooth application, this is a great lip brush. I recommend! :)

Im still trying to find a Holy Grail material powder brush, recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

♡ coffretgorge

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Gotta get get list!

Making a shopping list is one of my personal yearly traditions, it is where I put all of the things i'd like to try in the coming year. I also make another one with my non-material goals I'd like to achieve during the year, i like doing this because it keeps me focused and helps me stay positive althroughout the year. It also makes me happy when i cross out things I've already accomplished or acquired. (what a great feeling!) ^_^

Let me start off with the gadgetry, I'm thinking of buying a new camera but Lurvey says I don't have to since he can take the pictures for me with his DSLR. Hmm... I'm still pondering on that but if i ever decide to get one, I'm gonna go for the Canon G11. What a sexy little brute! hahaha

photo from gadgetgrocery.com

I also want a new smartphone where I can blog on the go. Hello Blackberry? :)

photo from gadgetgrocery.com

If you have an elder sister who is in her late thirties right now I think you would be familiar with Monchhichi which was really popular during their school years. I've been lemming for some Atelier Monchhichi accessories for weeks now, is 2010 the year to go get? ;)