CC Creams Really ARE Beauty's Next Big Thing!

CC CREAM is the perfect beauty product for the modern woman – a woman who has many needs and demands, but little time to spare. It offers:

multiple skincare benefits;

the coverage of makeup;

a natural-looking finish;

a seductively sensorial experience;

the convenience of a product that is quick and easy to apply.

In fact, CC CREAM offers everything a woman could ask for to provide Complete (C) Correction (C) care for the complexion.

A creation with double the expertise

Formulated by CHANEL Research and the Makeup Creation Studio, CC CREAM combines expertise from two distinct fields: skincare and makeup. Appealing in many different ways, it is a completely original creation. The secret to its exceptional performance is simple: it combines the benefits of complete skincare with long-lasting makeup, for perfect results and a natural finish. CC CREAM comes in a single shade: Beige 20. Upon application, it works its magic. Within moments, the skin glows with a “bare” beauty. The complexion is visibly even-toned and radiant, fresh and flawless.

1 product – 5 actions

- Cornflower water to soothe.

- Hyaluronic acid to moisturize.

- A mineral sunscreen (SFP30 / PA+++) to protect against sun damage.

- A restructuring active ingredient, Rejuvencia*, to prevent and correct signs of aging.

- Mineral pigments to even out skin tone and conceal imperfections (redness, dark spots, pores).

Pure pleasure for the skin

The soft, sheer, velvety texture is truly surprising. Both rich and light, it provides maximum comfort and long-lasting coverage, for a natural-looking finish. The delicate fruity scent caresses the senses, as top notes of white peach and water melon give way to a subtly woody and musky floral heart (jasmine, peony and cyclamen).

Tips from Chanel

Using the fingertips, apply CC CREAM to thoroughly cleansed skin. Blend by smoothing the cream over the face, working outwards. Follow with makeup.

CC CREAM can also be used for touch-ups during the day.

This is part of a growing trend that merges skin care and makeup, and like BB creams, CC creams can cover up blemishes while simultaneously treating and nourishing your skin. While many users have complained that BB doesn't work for all skin tones and leaves an oily finish, CC aims to pick up where its predecessor left off. Its mousse-like texture blends easily and, supposedly, has a more "radiant" look. But the biggest difference is the addition of an ingredient that promotes collagen growth.

So will you be trading your BB for a CC cream?

8 Best Eyeliners to die for!

Of all the makeup looks that caused a stir at fall fashion week, the eyes definitely had it. Eyeliner in particular got a lot of play, as makeup artists went for rimmed lids, smoky lines and flicked-up edges. As our eyeliner obsession reaches new heights, below are the top favorite pencils, gels and liquid pens to create a variety of looks. 

No 1. - Yves Saint Laurent Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils in Bronze Black

Effet Faux Cils Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner creates a spectacularly intense line without creasing or flaking. Its soft, silky formula formulated with quick-drying oils creates a lightweight base for smooth application without skipping. Beautiful and mess-proof, it stays put for smudge-proof, all-day wear.

Yves Saint Laurent eyeliner in Bronze Black, $25, yslbeauty.com. 

No. 2 - Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Taupe

Chanel’s new limited edition Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Rose Platine ($29) has a nice surprise to go along with its ultra-smudge proof formula. It flashes from a shimmery silver to a peachy taupe when the light hits it right. The texture is creamy enough to smudge but holds up well without needing to set with powder. It’s truly waterproof and will last all day and night.

Chanel eyeliner in Taupe, $30, chanel.com.

No. 3 - NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Madison Avenue or Via Appia

They’re touted to have 12-hour wear with no smearing or caking. Each eyeliner twists up and also has a built-in sharpener. It is creamy and deposit mostly even color when applied (except Santa Monica Blvd., which is sheerer overall). They glide across the skin and lash lines with ease, so there is no tugging or pulling. The texture of these–overall–is really nice and easy enough to apply. The wear is good, and of course, when it comes to eyeliner, wear is the defining factor.

NARS eyeliner, $23 each, narscosmetics.com.

No. 4 – Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color

An eye color pencil that offers a new technique to enhance the smoky eye look.What it does: Inspired by Laura Mercier's cult classic Caviar Eye Liner, Caviar Stick Eye Colour is offered in a range of beautiful shades and in a creamy formula to provide endless options for a flawless smoky eye. Each convenient stick is long-wearing, transfer- and crease-resistant. The color glides onto lids and blends easily with a rich pigment payoff.

Laura Mercier eyeliner, $24, lauramercier.com.

No. 5 - Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Waterproof Liner

An exceptional pencil brightens eyes with metallic definition. Remarkably soft and creamy upon application, the gliding formula is as precise as a kohl and as intense as an eyeliner. It creates a long-lasting, water-resistant outline that defines for hours. Available in Black and Brown. The formula is soft and creamy and it glides on like silk and melts against the lash line like butter, filling in any minuscule gaps. It sets after about a minute, and after testing it twice, it held up quite nicely for a full eight hours without migrating or smudging.

Giorgio Armani waterproof eyeliner, $28, giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

No. 6 - Dior Crayon Eyeliner Waterproof in Trinidad Black

The Dior Crayon Eyeliner in Trinidad Black is a rich and creamy black eyeliner that works great on the upper eyelid and as a tightliner. It delivers intense color and is a breeze to apply and lasts the entire day. A new waterproof eyeliner pencil for long wearing Unique formula gives non-stop intense color Easily define your eyes with just a stroke The beveled foam tip helps bend & soften the liner User friendly with blending tip & sharpener A must-have item for creating a glamorous look

Dior waterproof eyeliner in Trinidad Black, $29, sephora.com.

No 7. Chanel Le Crayon Khol in Ambre 

Gentle texture glides smoothly on precision application Incredibly offers optimal coverage & perfect hold which visibly ensures the subtle emphasis. This eyeliner also provides instant comfort for your eyes! It offers a silky-smooth & soft finish with a fine & creamy formula that creates professional look and incredibly provides an intense & attractive color. Available in black, amber, marine & graphite.

Chanel eye pencil $28, chanel.com. 

No. 8 - NARS Eyeliner Stylos in Carpates or Atlantic

The tip of the pen releases exactly the right amount of product, glides smoothly and allows for great control over the width of the line. You can achieve a very graphic look or an understated definition with minimal effort or pressure on the eyelid. The super-fine precision tip of this liquid eyeliner allows for maximum control during application, ensuring a precise, even line to shape and define the eyes with just one stroke.

NARS liner pen, $27 each, narscosmetics.com.

Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Eye and Cheek Palettes Review

For this holiday season, Shu Uemura has come up with two iconic makeup palette inspired by Karl Lagerfeld, who is a is a German fashion designer, artist and photographer based in Paris. He has collaborated on a variety of fashion and art related projects, most notably as head designer and creative director for the fashion house Chanel.

Mon shu girl wears the iconic style of Karl Lagerfeld, white shirt and black tie, and a very oriental hairstyle and makeup—just like him. It is the red that Karl Lagerfeld likes—the iconic color of Shu Uemura as well as Japanese culture. Mon shu girl has red eyes, a tint of ironic expression; mischievous and daring. It truly reflects his own personal vision of a Japanese manga character. It’s about the mood, spirit and inspiration.

There are six shades in each palette. The top two shades combined help to create a beautiful contour and gradation around the eyes. The left shade in the middle section can be applied on top of it for blending. Although the shades look classic and luxurious at once, the texture is very modern. The glitter shadows in the lower part create an accent. My recommendation is to apply them in the inner corner of the eyes or lower lash line. The red is meant to be used as blush.

 Smoky Velvet

This is a mostly cool-toned palette that contains black with silver glitter, multi-dimensional pearly glitter, yellow gold glitter, green eyeshadow with golden shimmer, mint green eyeshadow and a cool rose blush.

Prestigious Bordeaux

This is a warm-toned palette that contains shimmery violet eyeshadow, light plum eyeshadow, golden orange glitter, metallic copper eyeshadow, a rosy brown eyeshadow with sheen and a warm rose blush with gold shimmer.

In a nutshell, 

I find that Smoky velvet works better for ladies with fair to medium skin tone while Bordeaux would probably cater more for those with darker skin tone. The colors combination for both palette might be a little challenging if you want to create a 3 layers toned eyeshadow. Nevertheless it’s up to your creativity to create your own fashion look. ;P

Shu Mini Brush Set - mon shu

Another favorite must buy are the limited edition brush collection. Compact size silver brush case that features the SUKL logo and mon shu girl illustration. The smart black interior with graphic accents includes a multi-use pocket and 4 silver handle brushes- one goat hair cheek brush, two eye shadow brushes in nylon and sable, one lip/eyeliner brush-all made in Japan. 

The shadow palette and makeup brush set is retailing at USD $65 and USD $69 respectively and you can get this seasonal collection from Shu Uemura online store. 

M.A.C False Lashies Review

When it comes to lashes, the bigger the better. Women are on a constant quest for fuller, longer lashes, and sometimes, a fancy mascara wand simply won't cut it. When you really want your eyes to pop, false lashes are the only way to go.

MAC false eyelashes are definitely some of the better ones on the market, as they don't really cost too much and they look a lot better than a great deal of others out there.

With so many types of lashes at the counter, you might probably be in a dilemma in making up your mind on which pretty lash to get.

Well, it pretty much depends on the look you want to achieve. You can look naturally elegant or screaming your individuality with creative eye makeup. An expert in the art of false eyelashes, M.A.C carries a wide collection of natural to dramatic eyelashes.

For the more natural looking ones, you can consider going for #2, #4 or #21.

Lash #2

 Lash #21

 Lash #4

If you prefer a fuller, dolly look, you probably can get the #1, #3 or #6.

 Lash #1

  Lash #3

  Lash #6

Overall, I love to play with false eyelashes and they add so much more depth to a fun look.  I use them for that bit of extra punch when I’m going out somewhere. Personally I think they’re worth the investment as they are reusable if you take good care of them. Mine last me about 3 weeks depending on how often I wear them. When used with DUO lash glue (also available from MAC) they stay on all night long! However, it does takes some practice for lashes application. But you will do better each time you try them on.
Practice makes Perfect. =)

Get them from M.A.C, USD $16 

Tutorial Video on false lashes application

The Ultimate Moisturizer 2012

No matter what your skin type is, it is important to start a daily moisturizing care regime. Those with oily skin still need to moisturize. A person with oily skin may have enough oil, but that does not mean their skin is properly hydrated. There are moisturizing products designed just for those with oily types. 

It is important to purchase a skin care product that is designed for your skin type because it will contain ingredients that will benefit your particular type of skin. Products for dry skin will often be stronger and geared toward those with rough patches and flaky skin. Beyond choosing the right product for your skin type, you may also consider using a day cream and a night cream. A day cream (can be found based on skin type) will coat your skin and protect it throughout the day. A night cream has specific active ingredients to help with skin rejuvenation. Some moisturizing creams may also contain SPF for day time use. These products will lightly coat the skin and help to keep moisture in while offering a light layer of SPF protection. After you've found a moisturizer that works well for you, try to remember to use it daily for best results. 

Below are our top 5 picks revealed!

Creme de La Mer, 60ml

Moisturizers truly don't get better than this. But be ready to hand over your salary. You won't believe the price tag on this stuff. But there's a reason beauty editors and celebrities swear by this stuff. Stop by a counter at a department store and ask to try a swipe on your hand. It's silky, creamy and fabulous. I tried out a tester around my eyes one month and was surprised at the plumping properties.

Biotherm, Boots Nationwide, 400ml

The pleasant citrus smell of this non-greasy, intensive formula is subtle enough not to clash with your chosen fragrance. The first thing that captures me was also the smell of the product. It smells of fresh oranges and picks my mood up instantly. I feel like it's summer whenever I use the product. It is also light and absorbed quite quickly. I love the smell so much that I put some of it in a travel bottle and take it to work just so I could smell it when I feel tired. The lotion does it job well and I love it. It's a big bottle and will definitely go a long way so the price did not put me off. I love it and I'm sure if you try it, you'll love it too.

Clinique Deep Comfort Body Lotion, 400ml

It's very moisturizing and great for dry skin, there are other products that work just as well for a little cheaper, and have fragrance. If someone has an allergy to fragrance, they may find this is the perfect moisturizer. This lightweight, silky lotion relieves dry, flaky skin and is perfect for everyday use.

Bvlgari Emulsion Precieuse - Intensive Regeneration Emulsion, 125ml

An anti-aging regenerative emulsion Formulated with Bvlgari Gem Essence Blended with potent anti-aging Polypeptides III Helps combat apparent signs of skin aging Intensely replenishes & hydrates skin Recovers tonicity to skin Leaves skin sleeker & brighter. The lotion can also use as a layer to help the fragrance last longer, which it did. Adding the lotion to the perfume also added a dimension to the fragrance. I think the scent is much prettier with the combination.

Burberry Brit Body Lotion, 150ml

A gentle, luxurious moisturizing body lotion which helps promote a smoother & softer body skin. It also contains exclusive ingredients to revitalize your skin

It required only small amount and instantly it moisturizes even the driest area.  Yup it really does that and it REALLY keeps skin comfortable and hydrated throughout the day. Leaves skin with soft comforting and lingering scent!

Too Faced Holiday Collection Review - Shadow Bon Bons

As it name implies, Bon Bons (Bon bons is french for 'sweet' or 'Candy') eyeshadow palette caught my eyes while I was in Sephora store doing my Xmas shopping. This sweet looking tin looked so candylicious that made me go on a sugar RUSH! 

This scrumptious collection is an indulgent treat for the eyes with 12 delicious shadows, ultra-black fluffing mascara, mirror and golden candlelight-inspired shadow primer. This was designed to create a range of sweet to sassy, subtle to dramatic looks! 

This collection completes with:

• 12 High-Pigmented Eye Shadows 
• 1 Full-sized LashGasm Mascara 
• 1 Candlelight Shadow Insurance 

Eyeshadows Shades includes:

• Vanilla (matte bone) 
• Cut the Cake (heathered mist) 
• Framboise 
• Coffee Bean (matte coffee) 
• Peach Fuzz (peachy gold) 
• Hot Cocoa (chocolate) 
• Candy Rose (pink sparkle) 
• Lovey Dovey (sable brown) 
• Nude Beach (nude peach) 
• Cinnamon Sugar 
• Marzipan 
• Licorice Latte (black with bronze sparkle) 

12 High-Pigmented Eye Shadows 

Each eyeshadow is 0.03 oz. for a total of 0.36 oz. of eyeshadow

Wondering what look to go for? Perhaps you can consider one of the below ~

Natural looks

Use neutral colors such as browns or grays and are applied lightly and evenly. Natural looks are generally the right choice for on-the-job and every day wear.

To achieve a natural look, you may try blending the colors as below: 

Look 1: Shimmering Glam 

Vanilla (matte bone)
Peach Fuzz (peachy gold)
Marzipan 

Look 2: Natural Glam
Hot Cocoa (chocolate)
Lovey Dovey (sable brown)
Nude Beach (nude peach)

Dramatic look 

This utilize a blending of bright colors. applying a dramatic eyeshadow can bring a more attractive facial expression. Especially good for an evening night out. 

To achieve a dramatic look, you may try blending the colors as below: 

Look 1: Sweet Elegant
Framboise
Cut the Cake (heathered mist)
Candy Rose (pink sparkle)

PS: This theme is not advisable for ladies who have puffy eyelids as it will make your eyes look more swollen. 

Look 2: Classic Elegant 
Cinnamon Sugar
Marzipan
Hot Cocoa (chocolate)

Smoky Eyes Look

A smoky eyeshadow look utilizes dark colors can be applied lightly or heavily. Its effect suits everyone and will transform your look instantly and most importantly, a neutral smoky eye can work wonders. 

Look 1: Seductive Aura
Vanilla (matte bone)
Cut the Cake (heathered mist)
Licorice Latte (black with bronze sparkle)

P.S: To get the seductive cat eyes look, remember to line the inner rim of your lower lash line and use a liquid eye liner and drag it to the outer corner of your eye, thickening the line as you go.

Look 2: Shimmering Blackout
Framboise
Coffee Bean (matte coffee)
Licorice Latte 

In a nutshell:

Three different colors within the same color family are often used to create basic eyeshadow looks. This involves the use of a light, medium and dark color. The light color goes at the brow bone, followed by a medium shade on the eyelid and a darker shade in the eyelid crease. The secret to achieving this look is to make sure all of the colors are evenly blended.

My review: 

I LOVE the combination of colors as it includes Matte, Shimmer and Sheer (which will add just a hint of the color but will not be bold) and each color complements well with any skin tones and does a great job in enhancing your eye lids. Whether you fancy a softer or more edgy look, you can customize your look with this palette. So if you like your colors warm-toned, fairly neutral, and shimmery, this is your palette from start to finish. 

Where to Buy: Beauty.com, Sephora, Too Faced, USD $42.00

Learn to apply three layer eyeshadow tones with help from a celebrity makeup artist!

Tips: How to distinguish the real and fake OPI

Recently I was been to many fleas and came across many sellers selling cheap OPI for $8 buyout for a bottle. You thought you are lucky, are you really? Or are you wondering are those authentic or fakes? Well, below are some guidelines to help you to shop smart!

How to distinguish the real and the fake?

1. The front

Letter "L" of "mL" is upper case and "Fl" is lower case. The font of the number "5" is very special.

2. The warning signs at the back 

Apart from the clear printing of all the information, the order of 4 warning signs has to follow exact the same order as shown in pic here. If they were swapped around, FAKE! 

3. The label at the bottom of the bottle.

There are TWO layers of label at the bottom of the bottle. The first and second layer look like the pic below

As you can see, 1st layer contains product name, product code, a line of black printing, barcode, and "PEEL HERE" at the bottom.

The 2nd layer has product name and code in the centre and other info all around it. No barcode on 2nd layer.

If the bottle has only either one layer, FAKE. Double layer but not exact set out like shown above, FAKE.


4. Steel balls x 2

If you put the bottle on its side and let it rest for a minute, you can see there are two little steel balls in the bottle. One or none, FAKE.
note: see the space at the bottom of the bottle is smooth and even? Some fakes can be spotted from miles away using this test alone. 

5. Barcode number 

For those with only 1 sticker and no barcode - this is simply the inner label, after you peel off the outer label with the barcode. Why peel this? Well, because on those stickers with barcodes, there is usually a production code as well. And more recently, I have seen stickers with both the serial numbers and production codes. Apparently, with the production code, OPI is able to trace the source of where these are purchased. So to avoid getting into trouble with OPI, some e-tailers have taken off the outer layer.

Also, most real OPI have engraved numbers on the bottle. The digits of the numbers differ from bottle to bottle. They are a little blurry and hard to read. Some bottles from Japan or sold in a kit might not have the engraving at all. Only FAKE OPI will engrave them big and clear, they still fake. 

6. The brush

Real OPI will have its brand printed on ONE side of the brush. You will have to clean the brush a bit to be able to see it. Once again, pay attention to the font and size of it. 

7. The seal on the cap

The plastic seal with "Exclusively ProWide Brush" DOESN'T go on every color. In fact, only a handful of them actually have the seal. They are to indicate that this particular color is using Prowide Brush whereas others are using standard brush. If you see a seller showing off all his/her stock with the seal on every single color, they are FAKE.

In conclusion: 

A bottle of real OPI will pass all the tests above and gives you the true quality and fullness of the color you after. Ask seller questions and ask them to provide extra photos before you bid or buy. Grab yourself a real bargain, not a rip off!