Archive for February, 2011
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I am back, well almost!
I will be flying back to Melbourne today after a month long escapade and it is time to face reality; you know the whole working, back to blogging and being responsible stuff.

 

Upon returning from such a long holiday, I foresee a busy couple of days ahead and possibly no posting for a week or so until I unpack my luggages, sign off all the piling parcels that was sent during the holidays and patiently await my extra luggage that I had to send back in advance via DHL; normal blogging activities shall resume then.

Not to mention I should have an exploding inbox awaiting for me both for work and for my blog once I return. I am so not looking forward to those.

Til then,
V xx

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Elizabeth Arden: Eye Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturiser SPF 15 & Eye Advanced Anti-Aging Serum
Eye Advanced Anti-Aging Serum
RRP AUD$165

Eye serum anyone? Seems like an extra step but let me assure you, the extra step actually helps to benefit you in a long run and all it takes is just an additional 5 secs as it absorbs into the skin rapidly. This is definitely a new concept in Australia with a cocktail of intensive anti-ageing properties that boosts to transform the look of skin around the eyes. With key ingredient like Idebenone (restorative), this serum helps to provide an intense film of protection while corrects the skin’s appearance at the same time.

The first thing that came to mind was that the unique pump bottle packaging stood out for me (shallow I know) but wait there’s more. The serum moisturises my eye area without clogging any pores or developing any milia (brownie points). I also took this product with my on my holiday while the packaging was a little inconvenient when it comes to traveling, overall the product battled and fought hard to keep my dehydrated peepers looking presentable after a long flight.

 

 

Eye Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturiser
SPF 15 RRP AUD$150

I like my eye cream with SPF, thank you very much. It makes sense to slap sunscreen all over face so why not around our delicate eye area too? While this is eye cream looks really rich and creamy but in actual fact once applied onto skin with the cooling and very refreshing metal scooper, the cream blends into the eyes with just a few finger dabs around the eye area.
The eye cream provides broad spectrum SPF protection to the eye area and keeps the skin around the eye area well nourished and smooth all day long. Doubles as an eye primer prior to eye makeup too.

Both the eye serum and eye cream works together to reduce fine lines, crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness. Overtime, they also help to reduce the look of age spots, discolorations and pigmentations. 

Both products are available on counters tomorrow onwards
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Clarins: Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour

 

Left: #2 – Soft Peach, #5 – Rose Wood
From the Neo Pastels Make-up Collection

Why I love it:

  • Comes in 6 exciting shades to choose from
  • I find these blushes extremely soft (could be because they are mineral blush powders), you might need to blend and brush a couple of times to increase the blush colour intensity
  • Great for people who love just a hint of blush and shimmer on their cheeks
  • There were no issues in gliding the blush over my cheeks to blend in evenly and effortlessly
  • Also comes with a complementary duo shades that highlight cheekbones for an immediate and natural healthy glow (PS: also great for decolletage)
  • The shimmer (don’t be afraid, we’re talking about very little amount of shimmer here) helps to catch the light to enhance facial contours
  • I took #soft peach with me on my holiday and I am happy to report it was a smart choice as it compliments my new found tan perfectly.
  • Not to mention the packaging for Clarins is always luxurious and feels very expensive, I like!

 

RRP AUD$60 each
Available on Clarins counters now

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SKII: Whitening Source derm-Revival Program

Why I love it:

  • Every one know how much I love facial cloth mask especially the ones with whitening properties in it
  • When it comes to whitening, SKII is no doubt one of the pioneer and market leader in brightening skincare products. As I have previously raved about their whitening products here and how much I loved the entire range, I have kept the best for last.
  • The Derm-Revival program includes not only the standard (and AHMAYZING) Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask, it also comes with a ‘Melting Essence Film’. Think of it as an extra booster for spots that requires brightening.
  • All you need to do is place the dry film where ever your skin needs (it contains a high dosage of Vitamin B3, fun fact: that is equivalent to 7 pearl sized drops of the Whitening Source DermDefinition) and layer the facial cloth mask over it as per usual and the film will melt in only 15 minutes.
  • Star ingredients: Vitamin B3, Vitamin C derivative, Pitera, Niacinamide, Inositol, Yeast Amino Peptide
  • This program is designed for those who have melanin production concerns and those who want to counter certain darker/stubborn spots. Personally I love using the program after a nasty breakout. (You know what I mean!)
  • Results: While it is a little on the expensive side, I still recommend this program for those who suffer from frequent nasty breakout which results in scarring or those who have stubborn pigmentation/dark spots. It’s definitely well worth the investment for clear and brighter looking skin.

RRP AUD$190
Available on counters now
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Australis: Lash TLC Conditioning Mascara
 

Why I love it:

  • Comes in two different wands to choose from – #Black Curling and #Blackest Black
  • I’m a big fan of curling and lifting mascara as I have downward lashes
  • These mascara nourishes the lashes doesn’t make it feel drying or brittled
  • Both of the mascara combines to deliver volume, length, definition, curls and conditioner the lashes at the same time, I always start with the curling one prior to the volumising one
  • Star ingredients: Vitamins (especially B5 that is great for keeping lashes soft)  
  • If I must pick one, I must say #Black Curling is more my cup of tea for obvious reasons. The wand really help boost the curling action and that it keeps lashes separated and well defined. 
We seriously need more curling/lifting mascara in the market, do you have any favourites? 
    RRP AUD$14.95 each
    Available on counters now
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    OPI: The Texas Collection

     

    This 12 effortlessly chic collection comes with bright bold colours to classic neutrals with-a-twist shades.

     

    #Don’t Mess With OPI – A grassy green, I loved this colour only problem was it stained my nail. That being said, this is my favourite colour out of the entire collection.

     

    #It’s Totally Fort-Worth It – A shimmery lavender shade that is a dream to apply. Too easy!

    #Suzi Loves Cowboys - Campfire chocolate, creamy molten chocolate. I can’t wait for winter to rock this shade 24/7.

     

    #Austin-Tatious Turquoise - Blue-green teal shade with a hint of shimmer. Very summer appropriate and surprisingly very work appropriate too.

    #Guy Meets Galveston – Coastal coral, quite watery and require a few layers for that consistency shade.


    #Big Hair…Big Nails – Rosy pageant peach that looks absolutely delightful on toe nails or finger nails.

    RRP AUD$19.95 each
    Available on counters now
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    Vivienne Westwood: Naughty Alice
    This is a guest post by Stefanie from Girl with the Curious Nose

    I have no idea if this scent was inspired by Alice in Wonderland but the powder blue box with it’s whimsical gold design sure seem to suggest it. Naughty Alice isn’t at all naughty, I was expecting something sexy and a little provocative but what I got was quite the opposite.
    This scent is innocent with its faint candied violets and liberal dusting of powder. There’s plenty of musk and a fat dollop of vanilla to complete this cupcake of a fragrance. I can’t help but imagine the scene from Alice in Wonderland where Alice takes a bite of the cake labelled ‘eat me’ because that’s exactly what this fragrance screams: “I’m yummy, just take a bite.â€
    There isn’t much development in this perfume, nor is it complex or even ‘interesting’ but it is certainly appealing. Much like a vanilla cupcake; it might get overlooked for the more exotic flavours but I, personally, always come back to vanilla. It’s comforting, soothing and ultra feminine and wearing Naughty Alice makes me feel all cosy inside. There’s something relaxing about it, perhaps it’s just the scent for feeling calm and comforted.
    I can see this really appealing to the younger market, but these simple vanilla musks really can be worn anywhere, anytime by anyone. It’s subtle enough for day time but playful enough to be worn on a date or at a party, making it a perfect ‘do all’ fragrance.

     

    RRP AUD$65 (EDP 30ml)
    RRP AUD$95 (EDP 50ml)
    RRP AUD$125 (EDP 75ml)

    Available on MYER and David Jones counters now

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    Ultraceuticals: Ultra A Smoothing Complex

    Why I love it:

    • Designed for people who are showing signs of ageing and have ageing concern like fine lines and dehydration
    • My main concerns are pigmentation and skin texture and this product also helps to target these concerns.
    • Star ingredients: High strength retinol 0.33% – Vitamin A, Bisabolol 0.5%, Linolenic Acid 1.34%, Bromelain 0,2%, Glycyrrhetinic Acid 1%, Grapefruit, Lavender, Ginger and Sandalwood essential oils
    • I use this as an antioxidant booster to work on my target area and redness on the skin as it improves skin texture and exfoliates the skin in the process
    • Very light mousse textured gel that is very easy to smooth all over the skin
    • Matte and velvety silk finish
    • VERY IMPORTANT TIP: Only use this at night as it makes skin sensitive to UV rays and be sure to wear at least SPF 30+ day after using this cream
    • Suitable for all skin types including the dry and the oily
    RRP AUD$85
    Available on DJ counters and AdoreBeauty now
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