SHINY NEW ADDITIONS //

What's new 'round 'ere?

Newbies

Those of you who have been following along may recall that I've been on a self-imposed makeup ban, in a bid to force myself to use what I have, rather than pointlessly hoarding a monstrous collection (something that I'm rather talented at doing...) On my birthday I made the first makeup purchase in a few months, Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen, and since then I've added a few other bits and pieces to my stash.

A big, hearty welcome to...
Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen in Medium - I first mentioned this early last month, and yes, ended up caving when I saw it discounted on Adore Beauty. My only concern was the shade match - I ended up purchasing 'Medium', which ended up being a good fit for my NC30-ish skin-tone. I've tested it out on a few occasions and I'm quite pleased with it - it's matte, but not too matte, which is ideal for my normal-to-dry skin, which tends to be on the slightly greasier side in warmer weather. At first I was disappointed with its lack of coverage, but then reminded myself that it's primarily a sunscreen with a hint of colour. It does what it claims - provides a bronzy tint, with no ghostly white cast. Plus it smells delicious, like caramel fudge!

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki - This brush was recommended to me by a friend, who said she found it handy for bringing with her to uni for touchups. I've been using it to apply translucent pressed powder, and I have no qualms about it. It's quite soft and perhaps on the denser side for a powder brush, but it works well for translucent powder, and is of a portable size, which I'm sure will come in useful for travel.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in 03 Roly Poly Rosy - This was a gift from my lovely Godmother who spoils me excessively! I was after a cream (or non-powder) cheek product for warmer months and this sparked my interest. It has a most intriguing texture that seems almost...spongy. It's difficult to describe... But it looks beautiful on, and blends well to provide a natural-looking flush (I prefer to use my Real Techniques Stippling Brush for this purpose, rather than fingers). I also enjoy the stick packaging, which is more compact and hygienic, and means I don't have to keep dipping my fingers in.

Chi Chi Glamorous Sultry Eyeshadow Palette - Something my mother purchased on a whim... Though it wasn't my purchase, I've been getting a lot of use out of it (I'm grateful my mum doesn't mind sharing!). Admittedly, these shades aren't really what I naturally gravitate towards - I'd actually been eyeing the Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eyeshadow Palette for ages, which is supposedly a dupe of the Urban Decay Naked Palette, but for a fraction of the price. I was impressed that all of the shades are smooth and buttery, and most are also heavy pigmented (bar one or two matte shades), and they're generally all quite wearable colours, too. I've been using the matte indigo shade as eyeliner, and it works a treat.

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose - So my willpower has finally crumbled, it seems! I'd been eyeing these lip butters for literarily yonks, ever since I first spotted them sleepandwater, and decided I had to make them mine. When I found myself at a Mecca Maxima recently, I resolved to bite the bullet, and ended up taking home Wild Rose, though I was tossing up between that and Pomegranate for a little while. Had I not so many lip products in my stash already (as my Liptember series reminded me) I could easily have bought both, methinks. Overall, I'm quite thrilled with my purchase - it's a lovely, pigmented lip butter, and the berry-red shade is stunning. It could be applied lightly for a sheerer effect, or worked up to a bolder colour. I definitely prefer tinted lip balms or lip butters for everyday, and I can see this one fast becoming an integral member of the rotation.


What new beauty bits have you added (or are planning to add) to your collection this month? x

LIPTEMBER // DAY 26

I'm considering supposedly-'universally flattering' makeup today, with Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 400 Big Bang (last one, I promise!) - a pink-based red. Back in my dancing days, makeup for the end of year concert would always be the same - dark brown eyeshadow, accompanied by red lips, as it was supposed to be flattering on everyone, and appropriate for the stage. That had always thrown me a little, because I never found it to be the most flattering combination on me, personally. I was reminded of this when I recently saw the same look on my mother - and she looked stunning; somehow it seemed to enhance her features perfectly. So I thought I'd try it again...but no, I can't say I love it. It's all trial and error when it comes to makeup, I suppose!

A few days ago I mentioned that I enjoyed blotting these lip lacquers and wearing them as a stain. It's more subtle and less glossy - and therefore less likely to move around and smudge everywhere (ahem, hello, Bozo the Clown...). It has more of a matte finish, but wears more comfortably than traditional matte lippies. Here's what it looks like when blotted with a tissue:

It becomes less of a fire-engine red, and a touch more 'currant-y', which I'm not really complaining about. Stay tuned for a little summary of these lip lacquers, coming soon.

What's on my face?
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 400 Big Bang
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (russet brown shade, second from bottom, applied all over lid) + EcoTools Angled Crease Brush


Happy Friday! :D
What are your thoughts on 'universally flattering' makeup? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 25

Wowza. It was pretty crazy earlier today - and all over in about five minutes! The heavens opened and rain bucketed town, followed by hail about the size of raisins or macadamia nuts, which left us without electricity for a few hours. My, my - time seems to pass so slowly without the internet! Anyhow, I was definitely 'feeling' the volatile weather today - and as my mood seems to reflect the weather, it made sense to do a more 'full-on', somewhat-more-Autumnal face. No 'sunshine and lollipops' today! Today's lip is one of my favourites Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible, which is a gorgeous currant red that I usually reserve for the Autumn/Winter months. I especially love that it's a wonderfully hydrating formula that keeps lips happy all day, while packing a punch in the colour department. Side-note: The eyeshadow I'm wearing is a combination of the burgundy Bourjois cream eyeshadow, with Essence Party All Night layered on top - it's strange how the Bourjois one becomes more of a browny shade when blended (see the swatches here).

What I used:
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush
EcoTools Large Eye Brush and Smudge Brush
Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Bourjois Color Edition 24hr Eyeshadow in 05 Prune Nocturne


Hope you're all taking care in this crazy weather! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 20

Today's face is a low-maintenance, soft matte 'stained' lip for work, feat. Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000. I guess you could say that I've been feelin' the red lip these past few days - it's a nice alternative to my usual pared back lip choices. I don't usually wear matte lipstick to work, as they can be quite drying and annoying to touch up, especially as I'm constantly talking to customers. I made an exception today as I've got a short shift, and a stain is easier to work with, in that I know it won't transfer to my teeth or smudge. It's actually intensely pigmented when applied straight from the tube, as you can see in the swatch above, though patted on with a finger it appears quite soft, which I like - just polished enough, but not too over the top. Work appropriate. It also looks lovely with the Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum layered on top, which I ended up experimenting with towards the end of my shift, when my lips were feeling a little parched. The sheer burgundy shade adds another dimension to the soft cherry red, which is rather pretty - I don't have a photo, so you'll have to take my word for it!

What I used:
Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
EcoTools Angled Crease Brush
Essence Eyeshadow Single in 35 Party All Night
Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 15

Today's fussier-than-usual face for a meet up with a friend in the city, and a little audition... I decided to do a 'punchier' lip (010 Raspberry Pie), as I knew I'd be on camera for the screen test. I played it safe by first smoothing on a thin layer of Nuxe Rêve de Miel to take care of the flaky bits, and to tone the opacity down a notch - Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters can be quite opaque!

The breakdown:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night applied all over the lid with Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
MAC Fluidline in Black Track applied with Ecotools Angled Eyeliner Brush
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze traced over the top
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler
b Collection by Bloom Cream Blush in Barossa Valley applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Nuxe Rêve de Miel used to prep lips
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 010 Raspberry Pie


Hope you're having a great start to the week! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 13

Today's face is a quick, basic low-maintenance work look, with eyeshadow being thrown in to the usual cycle as of late. I went through a bit of an eyeshadow phase earlier this year, then got over it, but now it looks like it's starting to sneak back in. But back to the topic - another Chubby Stick?!?!?! Erm...yes. I like that they're moisturising and not too loud in intensity - plus they're a cinch to apply. The Lippie of the Day is actually one of my most favourite shades - Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry. It's a gorgeous muted strawberry colour, that gives a bit of a 'MLBB effect' in warmer months when I'm more tanned. The true colour is slightly less bright in 'real life' compared to the photos above.

The other stuff:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (warm burgundy brown shade, second from right applied all over lid) + Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry


Have a great weekend! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 12

Bringin' a bit of berry back with Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony for today's lunch with Mother Dearest on her day off. The Clinique Chubby Sticks are a firm favourite of mine, as they're portable, easy to apply and moisturising - and they also come in a wide range of colours. I also thought I'd switch things up a bit by dusting off my Essence mono eyeshadows, and trading my usual black eyeliner for bronze.

The rest o' the good stuff:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night + Manicare Eyeshadow Brush
Clinique Cheek Pop in 03 Berry Pop + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze


Happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend :D x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 5

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor

#FOTD

Low-maintenance makeup for a friend's birthday gathering, courtesy of Burt's Bees Lip Gloss. It's moisturising enough, and doesn't require close monitoring, unlike other bright lippies. It's especially kind to my dry lips, and doesn't highlight flaky bits. I like that Burt's Bees products are free from a lot of chemicals and nasties, which I particularly appreciate in their lip products - it's somewhat comforting to know that I'm not ingesting anything too harmful. On a slightly irrelevant note, it's a little bit disappointing how the writing has rubbed off the tube :(

What's on my face?

The other bits and pieces:
Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light
MAC Fluidline in Black Track + Ecotools Angled Eyeliner Brush
NYX Powder Blush in Desert Rose + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (second shade from left) + Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in 239 Spring Splendor

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 2

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Glow

#FOTD

Today is a relatively chill day-off, so I'm just wearing Maybelline's Baby Lips in Pink Glow, which provides a sheer layer of colour and a good measure of hydration. It applies clear-ish, then develops into a pinky tone - a colour which is supposedly unique for each wearer. It lasts pretty well until I eat or drink, but that's not unexpected for a balm. Perfect for relaxed catch-ups with friends - nothing too garish or over the top, but it still looks like I kind of made an effort ;)

The other stuff I used:

*I actually didn't put anything on my cheeks, other than In a Good Light, so I'm not sure why it looks a little pink. #datnaturalglow ;)

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 1

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose

#FOTD

I'm easing myself into the Liptember Challenge (see previous post for more info) with a soft wash of colour, courtesy of my longtime fave, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose. It's a semi-opaque, pretty shade of pinky-red, hydrating, and lasts surprisingly well throughout the day. It's my go-to pick for work days, as it doesn't dry out my lips, but instead gives them a little extra TLC in my air-conditioned work environment.

What's on my face

The breakdown:
Face:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
NYX Blush in Desert Rose applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Eyes:
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous - second shade from left applied all over the lid with Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black - smudged into lash line with Ecotools Smudge Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Lips:
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose


Happy Monday! x

#FOTD 6 //

Testing out some newbies today!

...And so far, I'm impressed.

The breakdown:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light applied over face - I've raved about it before, so I'll refrain from repeating myself.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty applied on cheeks with Real Techniques Stippling Brush - I'm seriously impressed with this one! It looks a bit intimidating in the pan, but when applied with the Stippling Brush, gives a really pretty reddish-pink flush. (It's got more red-toned in person - my camera doesn't capture it very well.)

LUSH It Started With a Kiss lip tint - This is my third tin of the stuff (the first couple ended up becoming all hard and grainy, so I took them back to LUSH and the lovely peeps there kindly exchanged them for another one). Third time lucky? Anyhow, this is a gorgeous, smooth lip tint that can be applied sheer, or built up to a full, strawberry-red. (Applied over a layer of Nuxe Rêve de Miel). This is also more red-toned in person, and a lot brighter.

bareMinerals Correcting Concealer in Medium 2 - I'm learning how best to apply this one. I find that it goes on well when applied over some kind of moisturising base, e.g. day cream or In a Good Light. I like to blend it in with the Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush, then pat away any harsh lines or edges with my finger. I find that the warmth from my fingers helps it to melt in nicely.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Sticks in 008 Bad Girl Bronze (top) and 011 Bluffing (bottom) with Bluffing applied over eyelid and Bad Girl Bronze applied on outer 'V' - I wrote about these in my last post, and I find that they accompany each other rather well! They are creamy and quite long-lasting - even more so when applied on dry skin. I find that it takes longer to 'set' when I've applied foundation to my eye area. I like that Bad Girl Bronze is a lovely warm chocolatey brown, though not so much a fan that it comes across practically identical to Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in 012 Bronze in terms of colour. I like that the tip is tapered enough to use as eyeliner (just), but wide enough to use all over the lid. It's not like trying to colour in your entire eyelid with an eyeliner pencil (which feels totally weird and futile...)! A good all-rounder, I think.


Cheers to the weekend! What are your plans? x

ASOS MINI HAUL //

It's a loooong story...but basically ASOS has stopped providing free shipping on all orders - only on orders over $30. And I had a $10 off voucher to spend on 'purchases over $20', so I ended up buying more to take advantage of both $10 off and free shipping... #stereotypicalasian.

Hence, the 'mini haul':

The case slots into the middle / Yup, you can see the lint! (Gross...)

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler 'Feline Groovy' - You may remember this being featured a little while ago, in a list of items that sparked my interest. As I mentioned before, I haven't brushed my hair for years, as my hair is quite thick and naturally voluminous (not the typical sleek-and-poker-straight Asian hair), and often looks worse after I've brushed it! This unique brush has been raved about by just about everyone - from Emma Watson to Facebook friends, so I thought I'd give it a shot. And does it deliver? I'd say it does. Now, I don't really have huge expectations of my hairbrushes - they just have to detangle and smooth and, uh, not make my hair look worse than before brushing... I haven't tried it on wet hair or in the shower, but it did a good job of getting the knots out of damp-ish hair in a relatively pain-free manner. I like that it fits in my hand quite comfortably, and comes with a cover so I can throw it into my handbag without worrying about the bristles getting stuck on things. The only thing I'm not so keen on, is that it collects lint quite easily. After using it less than a handful of times I was already googling how to clean it!

Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in 011 Bluffing - This is a handy little (well, jumbo!) eyeshadow pencil that does last for an impressive few hours (I didn't test out whether or not it lasted for 24 hours). It's easy to apply and blend, and grips to the skin well, without causing discomfort. You can't dawdle when working with this one, though - blend quickly, or there'll be a fair bit of resistance and drag. It also washes off easily with cleanser and warm water - no need to pull out the heavy-duty Swissper Eye Makeup Remover Pads. Bluffing is a pretty mink-pink-meets-mocha shade that works well as a base, or even as a 'one swipe wonder' for minimal effort days. My only gripe with this otherwise-nifty prod is that it requires sharpening. #lazygirlproblems

Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in 010 Silver - I can't say that I've tested this out on my lids just yet, but I've got another one of these in 012 Bronze, which used to be a favourite (I'm a fickle creature, aren't I?) From memory, it does have good lasting power* and applies well.

Ingredients listing

Ingredients listing cont'd

Bourjois Color Edition 24hr Eyeshadow in 05 Prune Nocturne - You know my penchant for burgundy eyeshadow! This one is in a cream to powder formulation - one that I don't have, and can therefore justify purchasing. It really is the most gorgeous shade of plum - the swatches below don't do it justice (it swatches truer to the colour in the pan - see pics above - more purply, rather than a muddy reddish-brown). I've read a few reviews where it's been pointed out that it applies sheerer than it appears in the pan, which is true, and which doesn't bother me, as it means that it can be built up to greater intensity or worn as a light wash of colour.

Swatches L-R: Prune Nocturne, Bluffing and Silver

Swatches on top of hand blended (apologies for my sickly, cold hand!)

*A final note on the longevity of these three products swatched above - yeah, they do live up to their names! Perhaps not '24 hours', but these swatches lasted several hours, and didn't come off fully in the shower, even with body wash and a bit of scrubbing on my part. Impressive.

Have you tried any of these products?
Are you a fan of ASOS for beauty shopping?