The Current Ramble [Dec 2015]

Hi hi!  Somehow felt that an update entry might be appropriate, given how much I have neglected my blog… I often find it easier to have the words flowing after I have gone through the pictures selection, so here’s a quick update of my crazy November and December.  Click on each picture for caption of the relevant event/ significance!

the stroll with my new kicks (CDG x bata)

attending the opening of Paragon Escentials with Meryl

posing with my big black Porsche sunnies

visiting the LVseries3 show at MBS and grabbed lots of stickers

clean bare glowy skin, the glowier, the better

FRESH opens new store at Raffles City

Becca lauches at Luxola, and shopping happened.

obessed with BYREDO

new sunnies addition, the miu miu pink glitter

a good makeup day! Stila liquid lipstick in Patina

day of my op…a new start?

November has been nightmarish, and I was glad when it was over.  Everyday seemed to be packed with year end work, day after day, such that it felt even more hectic than the usual work days.  I was glad when November came to an end, and somehow December might bring better days.

The start of Dec has seen more leisurely yet purposeful days as my friends and I did a part time job in which it was somewhat fun and well-paid.  Some of you actually recognised me while I was on duty, so that’s kind of funny.  🙂  I am also obsessed with BYREDO perfumes, and I see myself purchasing  more and more as time goes.  I am also obsessed with my new MIU MIU shades, and I can’t wait to rock them asap. And all the other mundane details of what I am up to, if you are following my instagram, you will get a glimpse, so I shan’t repeat myself here.

There has been something which I have been thinking of especially so this year.  Because, if not this Dec, then when?  Time is a constraint for me, so I decided to take the plunge this Dec.  Hence the lack of travelling, and also might explain why there might be fewer LOTD type entries on this blog in the next couple of months (okay, I admit, not like I have been posting regular LOTDs on the blog anyway… but it’s all a vicious cycle, read on read on, you will find out why!).

I am not sure how much I want to share with everyone on the blog.. but I will say this, I have gone for an eye operation last week (15 Dec) and it’s called upper eyelid blepharoplasty – to put it simply, one of the effects of this procedure is to give the appearance of double eyelids.  I have double eyelids, but they are often considered ‘internal’ – ie , not very obvious.  On top of that, over the years my upper eyelids have become more and more hooded, such that I find the shape of my eyes have been somewhat warped due to this hooded factor.  It might be something that only I would notice, but it is enough for me to try to explore my options.  No amount of eye cream or eye massage would ease the issue, so going under the knife is my next best option.

I booked in an eye consultation, and I picked my doc (I shan’t mention where in SG, but it is sooooooooo legit, you can’t find any place that’s more legit – if you want to  know, you can always email me to ask) and from the first meeting, I felt at ease in her hands, and I know she knows what she is doing.  A date was set, and all I could do was to get up with my crazy Nov, and wait for the op date.  I have to admit that I could have done more research, asked more people who knew better, but I was secretly afraid that the more I know, the more I would be adverse to going through with this.  Only my close circle of friends knew I was doing this, and they supported me, and that’s all I needed. I knew what I wanted, and I felt that I have found the right place and the right doc to do it for me. I just wanted to rid my hooded eyelids, so that my own eye shape is restored, and also in the process my double eyelids more pronounced.

The op day came, and my sister went with me.  It was in a full OT with several nurses, two anesthesiologists and finally my doctor. It was a surreal experience as I was resting under the IV, I was sedated yet my mind lucid. I was able to open my one eye after the doc was done, and able to see the results of the op immediately afterwards. But yet, I did not feel any pain nor discomfort.  I felt that I was in the good hands of the whole team throughout the op.  All my earlier fears and apprehension were put to rest.

Right now, it is almost a week after the op, and I am recovering well.  I could not apply any makeup, and I have to wear my glasses. But I was able to resume most activities a few days after my op, except that I couldn’t go for my usual running til two weeks after the op. I am glad that I went  through with this, and if you see some differences in my eyes in the next few weeks/ months ahead, you know why.  I have no qualms about sharing this, but yet I won’t be sharing the full morning glory details of the who what when what, after all this is my personal choice.  Hence, no pictures on the blog to document my recovery process, and you will only see pictures later on when I post other makeup related pictures.

Thank you for reading!

Fave Foundations Chat [Dec 2015]

 

Hi hi

This is an entry discussing my recent favourite liquid foundations.  I haven’t been posting single foundation review in ages, partly because I have so many to try out, and also partly because I have not had the chance to properly really blog.  And as I am typing this, I realise that I forgot one more foundation which I want to mention… dang!  I will try to insert a pic somewhere in this entry! So this entry will be a comparison, and why I like each of these foundations.   And I do apologise in advance there will be no detailed application, before/ after pictures, it’s all going to be textual and very little visual.  But if you want to see how these foundations look on me, most of the time they would have been mentioned/ featured before on my instagram – when people ask me what I am wearing, it is almost always one of these foundations.

One thing good about doing such a round up also means that I have been using each of the products for several months, and I really have a good idea of how they perform.  To be honest, not all these foundations here gave me a good first impressions, hence the reviews have been taking slower than usual.

I have discussed and reviewed the Too Faced Born This Way foundation in this entry here at my onsugar blog – so click here to read my thoughts.  It is one of those foundations that I used and liked on first try.. and til today it is one of my go to, especially if I want a full coverage all day flawless foundation.

First up, we have the NARS All Day Weightless Luminous Foundation – I use mine in the shade Deauville – this is one foundation which I thought I like a lot upon first try at the preview.  It went on so weightlessly and gave impressive coverage.  However, when I used it at home, it seemed kind of hard to work with, and when I used too much product, it seemed streaky, and so after a couple of tries, I put it away.  But fast forward a couple of months later, I somehow went back to this foundation.  I must have rediscovered it when I was going out in the evening and felt like using a foundation without any SPF.  I had prepped my skin and a little dab of this foundation gave me smooth flawless coverage the whole evening/ night.  The next few days, I used it in the day over my sunscreen, and I was using it as a ‘coverage’ builder, meaning I only used a couple of drops to add coverage to my face.  I found the finish to be a soft matte finish, it is not that luminous as you would expect from the name.  But it is indeed long lasting, and a tiny bit of the product goes a long way.  It is best applied with your finger tips, as using a brush would mean soaking up too much product which you don’t need.  If you are used to using a brush for application, I would suggest dotting this all over your face first, and then use your brush/ tool to blend it out.   Overall, this foundation wins for lasting power and its super lightweight formula.

Secondly, we have the MUFE Ultra HD foundation – I use mine in the shade Y255 – it is a good match for me, which is a miracle as I just eyeballed my shade from online swatches and this foundation comes in a myriad of skintone shades.  I find this to be an improved version of the old MUFE HD foundation.  It seems lighter in consistency.  When compared to the NARS foundation, this is a bit more emollient, and less pigmented.  It is buildable from light to medium coverage, and it really photographs well.  In terms of lasting power, I think this lasts me a good long day (8-10 hours).  The finish is smooth with a subtle glow – a tad more radiant looking than the NARS foundation.  I do have to blot once or twice throughout the day, but nothing super shiny.  If you are still hesitating about this foundation, I do highly recommend it, and be sure to pick a shade that matches you.  This is one foundation I was excited to try/ revisit (after my average experience with the original HD foundation) and I must say, I am not disappointed.

Thirdly, we have the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation – mine is in the shade 04.  I have this foundation forever, and only recently started using it again.  Compared to the other foundations in this entry, this is not one I would reach for if I know I would be out and about in the humid weather from day to night.  It will good look for a good 6 hours, but after that, you will find that you need to touch up/ blot your face.  It has a nice natural glowy finish with medium coverage.  But if you want a night time foundation, this is a great one to have.

Lastly, we have the MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof foundation – mine is in the shade NC20.  I have been using this foundation since June.. and it is my go to when I travel.  It is in a squeeze tube and thus travel makeup bag friendly.  Unlike the other foundations mention in this entry, this has the thickest consistency, kind of like a BB gel cream texture.  It is very comfortable to wear, and has a natural  skin-like finish.  Not matte, not glowy.  It is very long lasting, another plus point when it comes to travel makeup.  Again, I like to apply this with my fingers and working it into my skin.  It has a medium buildable coverage.  I have not put its waterproof properties to the test though.

One thing all these foundations have in common though, with the exception of Born this Way, they do not contain any SPF.  Which makes them great for evening/ party foundations this festive season. I usually have my makeup on from day to night, so applying a sunscreen is a must before I apply the foundations.  I find that all of them work well with my sunscreen base, I don’t usually apply any skin primer and they all last well on their own merits.

I would like to chat about my fave sunscreen/ sunscreen base soon.. stay tuned!

Hope this entry is not too belated, and gives you a good idea of what to shop for if you are looking for a liquid foundation!

Thank you for reading!

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande

MAC’s new Viva Glam spokesperson for 2016 is none other than Ariana Grande.  This collection features a deep dark berry lipstick, along with a almost clear sparkly lipglass.

Here I have swatched them and layered them to give you the options of making the lipstick more wearable, and on its own too.

The Viva Glam duo will launch in Singapore 29 Jan 2016 at all MAC locations.

 

Enjoy the swatches!

Thank you for reading!

MAC Retromatte Liquid Lipsticks

 

Collection information:

For those who prefer timeless glamour to all out flash, matte reigns supreme.  MAC has created an innovation on this classic texture with 9 saturated shades of Retro Matte Liquid Lipsticks.  Whether you choose the intense fire truck red of Fashion Legacy, the vivid fuchsia of Tailored to Tease, or the tantalizing nude of Lady by Good, all these lip colours promise one thing – a big splash of colour in a liquid suede finish that transform lips instantly and lingers, impossible to forget.

Launch Date – 8 Jan 2016, all MAC Stores, this is permanent, with possibly another 6 shades to join the full range later in the year, possibly March 2016.

SGD $39 each

 

My thoughts and top picks

Finally!  MAC caught on with the Liquid Lipstick rage, which is accessible for us to get, for the longest time, I have enjoyed the velvety matte lipsticks like the GA lip meastro, loved the Stila liquid lipsticks, and it is fun to see another big brand doing this major lipstick trend.

These are very long lasting, I have tried and tested, and they are not drying on my lips (note that I don’t really have a dry lip concern).  They are comfortable to wear, and you got to pick out at least a MLBB shade, and a couple of the bold shades.  I often find that these matte liquid lipsticks lend themselves very well to the rich reds and pinks.

 

Hope you find this entry helpful, and thanks for reading!!

 

 

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection

Collection Information:

Let your innocence roam free.  Transcend seasons with charmed hues inspired by the secret, wondrous world of fairies.  Eyes flutter impishly in new Foiled Shadows, in luminous wet or dry shades that flicker like morning mist.  Feathery pinks for cheeks brighten the day, imbuing you with a spritely glow.  Cast a spell with rosy metallics for nails and pearl-lit-nudes for lips, spinning glamour til the moon turns to sun.

Launch dates:  1 JAN 2016, all MAC stores

 

Firstly, you need to grab the blushers from this collection.  I fell in love with Cheek Pollen during my preview.  It looks like the perfect neutral warm cheek colour, when you don’t want a colour but just a healthy flush. I love this shade!  Also the lipstick in Among the Fireflies is a nude lipstick lover’s must have.  Again, this colour is not too pale, and will be super popular.  Do pick up these items, if you aren’t sure which to pick from this huge collection.

As for the Foiled Eyeshadows, I also swatched three of the Foiled Shadows as shown here, which really stood out to me.  Overall, a collection that’s filled with everyday wearable colours, and some unique products such as the foiled shadows (which I highly recommend using wet for more intensity and true finish to show up).

 

Hope you find this entry helpful, and thank you for reading!

MAC x Ellie Goulding Collection

Collection information:

Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse pop goddess, brings her blonde, bold spirits to MAC in a collaboration that’s mesmerising as her music, inspired by the light and dark dichotomy so present in her artwork and as a performer, Ellie’s thoughtfully curated collection emulates her two signature looks – effortless as naturel by day, and breathtaking bombshell by night.

MAC x Ellie Goulding will be launching in SG from 1 Jan 2015, at selected MAC locations at TANGS, Ngee Ann City and Bugis.

Here’s the price list:

Patent Lip Polish – S$40

Lipsticks – S$34

Plush Glass Lipglass – S$40

Halcyon Days, Halcyon Nights palette – S$90 each

Blush Powder Duo – S$51

 

The colours and textures in this collection is very feminine and soft, all the pink and blush shades are really pretty, and I find the palettes to be quite versatile, and the cream products in the palettes are really easy to work with.

Stand out products for me in this collection includes the lipsticks with the logo embossed at the side, the blush powder duo and of course you have to try out at least of the cheek and eye palettes.

The packaging is sleek and reminds me a bit of the Gucci logo.  I am sure this is going to be a really popular collection, so to standby for launch dates and locations!

Hope you find this preview helpful, and thanks for reading!

Bobbi Brown Holiday 2015 & New Launches in Jan 2016

I know this is not exactly new, as the new Bobbi Brown holiday 2015 collection has already been launched a few weeks ago.  Still, lots of pictures were taken, and I shall share them with you.

To me the stand out products from this collection are the creamy rich lipsticks – the four shades are rich and the colours are gorgeous.  But when do Bobbi Brown lipsticks cost $50 each?  A bit steep if you ask me.

The single eyeshadows, called the Sequin range, is really sparkly but the pigments are very closely packed, and there was minimal fallout when I was swatching them.  I would recommend using these over a creamy base though.  For greater adherence and even more intense payoff to show off the iridescent finish of these eyeshadows.

There are also two shimmery cream face glow products – they are very subtle, and you can mix them into your foundation or dab them at the top of your cheeks for a natural glow.  I am feeling the super shiny sheeeny skin lately, and I feel like devoting a whole blog entry on that pet topic soon.

More pictures below: 

This January, Bobbi Brown will also be launching their OMG, WOW mascara, which promises to give you wow big lashes. Cute tagline, and I do wish I can give them a try… maybe next year!

I also took pictures off the new products catalogue as the products are not in yet for my preview, but check out this glowy collection, with all the pearlised face powders and cream shadow pots!

The lip balm is a colour changing one, which takes on a rosy glow upon application.

I am excited to try this out. Love the sleek white packaging!  

 

That’s all I have to share for this entry, and I hope to post a few more updates soon!