Makeup look - Inspired by Antonio Marras ss 2016

Of all the videos I like to watch on youtube, I like to watch backstage videos and makeup looks from the runways, thank you to Fashion TV.  So back in spring which was ages ago I was really awed by this makeup look from Antonia Marras SS2016. I guess this look was quite popular that I found another video by Adversus interview the MUA

This look was design by one of my favourite MUA, Tom Pecheux with MAC.
So I thought I share this inspired look which I adjusted into my style. He says you can take everything from the look and he's quite right. That is what I love Pecheux, he's adventurous but still chic.

Pic from junipers journal

Pic from Image.ie

The look is not exactly too out of the world. You still can sort of take one feature either eye or the lip, dots without dots.

 

 Okay.. I tried... lol. But you what I learnt, I learn to like pink and red on my eyes... usually I tend to  avoid, but thanks to this, I'm open to pink. *Hello Anastasia Modern Renaissance Pallete!*







































Face:
Foundation as usual and  contour minimally. No blush.

Eyes:
Eyebrow is my usual and maybe a bit more minimal.
Eyes following true to the look following facechart would be just blush very soft warm pink
blend up to crease with  with silver pigment in the centre. Then 3 black dots on the bottom under the pupil/ iris.






































I used MAC Paint Pot is Soft Ochre and contour slightly with MAC cork. Swipe softly a warm pink blusher from Elianto.

I then add Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Pallete Vintage Vamp, using the enhance shade for extra contour in plummy shade.
I used NARS Dual-Intensityin Dione, a pewter which is more wearable than just silver.


If you want to make it last or make pink more stand out, do pink base - with cream blusher or warm pink lipstick like MAC Verve+Twig.








































He says the dots is for surrealism and I don't know how to translate that but its very unlikely I wear 3 dots like the original. So I subtitute with blended black accent on lower lashline at the outer corner. I add minimal mascara n softly blended brown line on the upper lasline again on outer corner to follow my natural eye shadow/contour.







































We can carry on without the black  if it enough to define eyes with mascara +/- brown liner.


Usually I'll skip black eyeliner if I got striking shadows with striking lips but since I am inspired by Pecheux I still want that black under the eye. If I am bold enough I might just do the dots because overall it is still a well balanced look. However to be honest it is very unlikely... well who knows .

Lips:
Just a deepened plum colour lip and matte out with
dark matte bronzer. I use mac nightmoth
(similar to actual one used) but more matte/
dryer. He used MAC Velvetease in Velvet Teen which has more slip. Then achieve that 'rusty' effect with bronzer.

I add lipstick for more slip for the bronzer and to make it last longer with more packed
colour. I used MAC Hung Up and edges set with MAC  Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark.

That completes the look.

Review: Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water

So finally micellar water is getting the attention they deserve! A few years ago we only have heard about Bioderma Micellar and nothing else, but then the micellar storm hit the UK ... everybody use them now!

I thought I share a review one of the micellar water I used.






































BRAND CLAIMS:

PURIFYING MICELLAR WATER - GENTLY CLEANSES
For sensitive skin and all skin types.
This purifying micellar water with Rose Petals removes make-up from face, eyes and lips.
A 3-in-1 product, it cleanses, purifies and softens. Leaves skin clean, soft and comfortable.

Contains at least 97.4 % of natural origin ingredients
No parabens. Hypoallergenic fragrance specifically developed for sensitive skin.

INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, GLYCERIN, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE, CITRIC ACID, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ALLANTOIN, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LINALOOL [N2305/A].

I think the only ingredient that people going to have an issue with is the parfum. Though generally parfum does not irritates me. I like its short list of ingredients and I also like that it contains Rosa Damascena Flower water as the second ingredients, great for rose lovers!

Personal experience:
Packaging:
Good sturdy plastic bottle in pink... definitely suit being a rose theme range. Good cap and small opening so very little spillage.

Application:
Like a typical makeup remover, splash on cotton pad and swipe across face.
This remove all type of makeup including waterproof mascara. Not just it removes makeup well, it does not sting at all!!

You don't really don't need much to break up your makeup but if you want to really remove everything well that you skip second cleansing, you might need to use more like any other micellar water. 

I generally used micellar for heavy eye makeup or to correct makeup mistake.

Texture and colour:
Unlike typical micellar which look just like water, this actually like amber tinge water.

THE SMELLS!!!
I should have mention this first and foremost, it smell divine!!! Hint of rose but not off putting at all.
If you like rose smelling micellar this would be it.

Overall I give it a 4/5
I would consider repurchasing this but I just got a couple more micellar lotion at the moment.
This is really a lovely product though being NUXE  it is not too cheap.
Especially considering there's rise of micellar in highstreet/ drugstore.
This retail for £14.00 for 200mls.

Review: Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

So after finishing my Clarins Exfoliating Toner, I am back on my Ren Clarimatte. I can't remember how many bottles of this I went through so I thought this definitely deserve a proper review.

Ren claims

Ingredient for those interested:

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Alcohol Denat, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite.

At first I was quite confused with how they claim to contain Glycolic acid but it is not written in ingredients. For the record, I bought the first bottle when glycolic acid craze was still recent and I was desperate to get one.

So according to the website which is very informative

" Salicilin from Willow Bark gently exfoliates, purifies congested skin, reduces pore size, and is antibacterial

Glycolic Acid from Pineapple Extract, Lactic Acid from Passion Fruit, Citric Acid from Lemon Extract and Tartaric Acid from Grape Extract exfoliate, decongest and remove dead skin cells to renew skin surface"

So after a bit of googling I learnt about sources of glycolic acid other than sugar cane *the most common* which include pineapple and papaya. So Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) fruit extract is the glycolic acid, that make sense.

Is it because it is not synthetic glycolic acid, so they put in pineapple fruit extract instead in the list...

It claims "do not contain 'synthetic' AHA BHA" which to be honest I don't fully understand. They used the term 'bio-extract' but I would imagine other AHA BHA products would come from the similar sources but they still list the actual acids name. I don't know if it just REN marketing style, but I'm not too keen to pry into this and try to define what are synthetic AHA BHA...

While I was trying to figure out where the glycolic acid lies in the ingredient list, I also did a quick google on other ingredients which I don't know, which is not really a good idea...I don't recommend doing that.

It is like basically googling about paracetamol or ibuprofen and you definitely get the information about the side effects on liver,  all the gastric upset, hypersentivity and you could get scared about it for nothing. I've been taking them since childhood... as far as I know I am fine and dandy... 99%people taking this common meds are.

So things like Phenoxyethanol which is dub as an alternatives of parabens, while you can appreciate it's germicidal/antibacterial properties *a plus point for those with wounded skin ie. Scars, popped pimple, eczema etc...* you will get those warning of it may be a skin irritant and those paranoid articles which use the  word 'severe' too frequently. 

I don't deny that there might be someone out there with an allergy to any of the ingredients in any products, you just have to get to know your skin. You would not want to just blindly follow articles/bloggers.

Enough ranting! Sorry about that.

Personally I have no problem at all with this toner...none whatsoever.

It never gives me flares up and any active acnes seem heal/improve at least slightly faster. It is not really a miracle to be honest, but it definitely do not make things worse. 

This is definitely a mild acid toner, suitable for everyday use or good one to start off if you're new to acid toning.

Application:  So refreshing and moist and you don't need a lot! There is no sticky or oily feeling afterward and no dryness.. After months of using just Clarins then finally back to this wonderful stuff from Ren, my skin felt back into it's good momentum, I don't get that weird slippery feel like from Clarins. I felt comfortable and fresh and ready for the rest of the skincare routine. 

I applied with dampen *not soaked* cotton pad after cleansing day and night. On certain days when I I feel I need extra tingle I went for higher acid %.

So for those just starting to get into acid toning, I believe this is a good start.
Only GBP 13.00 for 150 ml and it will last longer than you expected.

Overall Rating - 4.9/5.0
(seriously, you can't go wrong with this. who cares the word 'clarimatte' does not make sense!)

Simple Midtone Orange Lipstick

I am no good with bright lipstick, but I could not help being attracted to it especially ORANGE believing that I might be able to carry it off. I have searched and searched for the best way to wear orange lipstick, googling for tutorials and celebrities pictures that can inspired me and without looking too dramatic.

Alas, the only way I found best is definitely to keep it simple.
It really depends on your skin tone, the orange you choose and the effect you want.
I want to have that edgy effect of orange in a elegant way.

Inspiration:

after seeing Tessa Thompson, I have sudden urge to wear my orange lipstick more often

I am not really into that ultra sexy bronze goddess look that would be achievable with warm gold bronzy smokey eyes, this look is what most tutorials and celebrities go for . But it is just too much for me, the orange is already bright enough for me. In addition to that, matching clothes and headscarf would be very tricky. You can go bright and light if you're up for it. But I really think the best colour to wear is definitely black like how you love the contrast in girls with dark black hair.

So I am just sharing with you guys how I would wear a midtone orange lipstick especially now that we're in spring/summer.

I opt for a dark brown headscarf instead of black just because of the top I am wearing and that there is no black at all in this outfit. But I tried before with black outfit and it probably match the best.

Base makeup: 

Wear foundation that match your skin and conceal as needed. 

Cheeks:

I definitely avoid blusher even the peachy one. It might look good but just not my style. I just go for bit of bronzers. Contour and sheer highlight as usual. 

EYES:

Just kept the lid bare, with just foundation/concealer or matte skintone eyeshadow.

Then contour slightly on crease and outer corner of the eyes.

I also put a bit of nude liner in waterline and sheer shimmer on inner corner for brightening 

Then the BLACK eyeliners. Go thicker if you want bolder. I definitely think a bit flick at the end compliment this look.

LIPS:

 Lined with orange lipliner followed by a midtone orange lipstick, a bit more toned down orange. I used MAC Mouth Off lipliner and MAC Alibi lipstick. Orange brown like MAC chili without the red. But unfortunately discontinue? or is it just available in certain place, because I think I remember my mum still buys this back in Malaysia, it's her favourite. On her fairer skin it looks like a mature brown orange. On me it can look a bit clownish, hence a bit tricky to wear. Generally orange can look too bright and clownish on me. My orange need some brown in it. 

Review: Eucerin Anti-Ageing Hyaluron Filler Night Cream

Today I am reviewing a night cream from the brand Eucerin.

Eucerin claims:

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream

Anti-wrinkle night cream with Hyaluronic Acid for all skin types 

An advanced formula night cream to target and plump up even the deepest wrinkles from within.The formula of Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream contains two different types of Hyaluronic Acid to target and treat all wrinkle types plus bio-activeGlycine-saponin, to actively increase the skin’s own Hyaluronic acid production. Concentrated Dexpanthenol supports the skin’s overnight regeneration process. Skin feels soft and well cared for.

EUCERIN HYALURON-FILLER

As skin ages, levels of naturally occurring Hyaluronic acid deplete causing surface lines and deeper wrinkles to form.
Each product in the clinically-tested Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range contains a combination of high and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid as well as bio-active Glycine Saponin, a substance proven to increase the skin’s own Hyaluronic acid synthesis.
If lines and wrinkles are your primary aging concern, the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range combines a potent wrinkle-plumping action with excellent skin tolerability.

INGREDIENTS:

Aqua, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter,Isopropyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides,Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol,Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone,Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

I gotta say, Eucerin provide one of the most useful website. They explain everything in detail and even include an ingredient dictionary. They also have this detailed list of what cream to use instead of the usual "Are you oily? Normal? or Dry?" :-

So now we don't have to be confused by the variety of product they offer.

This is a very rich night cream that is very suitable for very dry and dehydrated skin.
The reason I bought this in the past despite having oily acne prone skin was because I suddenly start experience dry flaky skin. This was before I use glycolic actively and was on daily BP gel.

The idea of hyaluronic acid for hydration was relatively new to me and I don't even know about the hype on Hyaluron that time.
So I just pick this up without looking into different brands. Unfortunately, looking at the ingredient, this is not the cream if you seeking for a hardcore 'Hyaluronic Acid' product.

Personal experience:

Colour: Off white cream

Texture: Rich and buttery and almost balm like.

I use this at night on top of my usual moisturizer whenever I feel it's not enough.
To be honest I was worry because this is way too creamy to suit my skin type but I admit I love this type of cream. So I always use sparingly to suit my oily skin.
The only issue I am starting to be cautious about now is the shea butter. The texture and smell the cream is definitely 'reeks' shea butter which is top in the ingredient list.
I usually tolerate quite well with shea butter but I think this might contain too much shea butter. And it does not help that I change my other cream with something that contain shea butter as well.

I never got break out from this. There was time I notice one two very tiny whitehead, which I presumed happen when I used too much. But it is not too bad... it is not a full blown pimple as usually by that evening after washing they literally vanish no bleed whatsoever.

After learning about the not so good thing about shea butter I want to be a bit more careful and I think I should avoid using this on the face.

Now having said that, this really felt good on skin, I cannot deny. It smooth out and hydrate all the dry patches and flakyness. 
Foundation just applied so smooth and give a good glow. I love using this when I applied makeup on my friends and when I experimenting with base makeup. 

I can't really comment about the plumping effect, if there is maybe it's not too significant... especially for me which has quite a 'puffy' face and I don't really have lines that too deep.

I still think this is a good product if you have no issue with shea butter and you don't mind the 'grease' look.
There is no problem wearing this even in the day and wear sunscreen on top. You can also use it selectively on areas with dry patches/flake like a skin balm.

Now this does belong a more 'mature' range in Eucerin, so it quite expensive for a drugstore cream... well I think generally Eucerin is quite on pricey side at Boots. So I would leave this cream as a last resort, because I think you might find cream with shea butter+ hyaluronic acid combination with cheaper price tag.

Price: GBP 26.00 for 50 ml

Overall rating : 3.7/5.0

And
 Happy Fasting to all Muslim whose welcoming the Ramadhan!

Complexion: Contour and highlight (PART 1) plus the un-prettiest sketches lol!

Not trying to be too artistic or what... lol. I'm just bad at drawing... period.

I  recently change something in my contour highlight routine and I thought I want to share it on the blog. But since I don't do videos and I don't have a proper camera, plus not having the best canvas and products to demonstrate this 'technique'... next thing I knew I was sketching on my phone (Samsung Galaxy Note) and I thought, well this is not too bad actually... hahaa!

In the 'old' days, contouring seems to associate to 'shaving off' a few pounds' and it does make sense,  since it give that chiseled effect, but it is more than that. You might think of this technique as a 'face changer' or making a 'dramatic statement' but I see it as a technique to bring your 'natural face' back. 

It's all about having dimension.

When we started wearing powder, then upgraded to higher coverage base like foundation and concealer, notice that that 'bland, flat' effect? If you're a malay, you probably familiar with the term 'muka tepung gomak'. 

Imagine putting your face with the same colour all over, however thin it may be, without any dimension, it will look flat and obviously made up despite going 'natural' sans blush, lipcolour and eye makeup. This problem maybe more common among guys as they don't really put colours in the face and those with darker skintone as the natural shadow would be less  obvious compare to those with fairer skintone...this also work the reverse way as well as natural highlight would look less obvious on fairer skintone.

While in the past this technique usually reserved for the professional, now after becoming a trend a couple years back, there are more information and more products available. Look at all the brands racing to bring out the ultimate "CONTOUR KIT".

For those who is not familiar, basically CONTOUR is putting 'shadow' (darker colour) on the 'trough' or 'depression' of the face, bringing those part 'down and in'. 

HIGHLIGHT is putting 'light' (brighter colour) on the 'peak' or the 'high-planes' of the face, bringing those part 'up and out'

If you study your face, you can actually determine these parts yourself. But if not, you could use the guide I provide below.

with only foundation on and some lipcolour. Look at the'natural' shadow where I outline

This is how I typically contour and highlight. It does not take too long after you get used to them.
The sketch below sums it up a bit more.

LOL... this sketch is too much... 

I have a darker skintone, so my natural shadow may not be too obvious. In addition to that, I have wide cheeks with baby fat, so base makeup like foundation can easily knock-out the natural shadow on my face making it look more 'made up'/unnatural. So contour bring back the natural shadow and highlighting is accentuating the 'structure' and again, dimension of the my face.

General tips on products:

CONTOUR

• Strictly MATTE product so it does not catch the light hence give the opposite effect
• Generally use a product few shade darker than skin tone
• While bronzer even some blusher is generally 'acceptable' as contour product but the most ideal contour product would be a more cool BROWN with a 'GREY' undertone (how dark depends on your skintone)

HIGHLIGHT

• Use both MATTE and SHIMMER with the shimmery product only on a few points. Shimmer/sheen/glow... all these catches the light, and bring up those structures. 
• Glitter is fine generally but may be too unnatural and over the top. Avoid the chunky ones.
• Generally use a product a few shade lighter than skin tone.

My usual routine...

CONTOUR:-

• Hollow of the cheeks
• Under jawline
• Side of the nose
• Outer corner of the eyes
• Under the lips 

 HIGHLIGHT:-

• Under the eyes
• Bridge to tip of the nose
• Forehead
• Chin 
• In addition to that, I add shimmery highlight but only on cheek bone and bridge of the nose, sparing the tip.

There are still more areas that you could contour and highlight, it really depend on how much effect you are looking for and you face shape as well ie. long face verse round face etc...

Hope that the sketches below explains more.

There is two type of highlighting product to use, matte and shimmery. Use either or use both. It is really up to you.

Matte highlight is less risky than shimmery highlight, as shimmer product could make you look a bit shiny, oily and like a disco ball. If you hate that don't do it. If you like that, and skin is dry, go nuts... but I personally keep the shimmery at key points. 

Now highlighting nose, it use to be just on the bridge of the nose, but I can't deny there is a trend which include highlighting with shimmer on the tip of nose... I guess if it works... continue on. 

I did watched Wayne Goss on youtube commenting on this, kinda funny...

The classic technique of highlighting with shimmery product is to apply in "C" shape from the brow bone to the cheekbone. Even if you don't do the whole shabang, just use this technique and it still make a different. This is the first technique I actually introduce in my routine.

The classic technique for contour is to apply in '3' shape which start from temple to hollow of cheeks and to under the jawline... or you could make it a three C shape by extending from outer forhead. 

Like I mention stick to matte product... shimmer catches light therefore it highlights (the opposite effect of contour). Only those with very prominent hollows in their face could get a way with shimmery contour, because with deeper hollows it is more difficult to catch light. 

Now the risk of over-contouring. Imagine just having a bland foundation then contour with grey tone brown... it potentially make you look 'sick' or harsh... 

So a great tip is to blend contour with bronzer or even you blush. This is great as it soften the grayness from the contour and give healthy look to your complexion. 

Now if you notice in the sketches, HIGHLIGHT is mostly done in CENTRE of the face as that is where it 'bulges' out and CONTOUR is mostly done at the OUTLINE of the face. 

If you are familiar with with 'Korean style' makeup, they basically follow this rule. Instead of the typical shadowing in the hollow of the cheeks, they prefer to 'shave' off the jawline and put shadow on the outline the face. These steps basically to fulfill their beauty 'standard of having a 'small face' and a 'V' line jaw. 

So like I mention earlier it really depends on what you are trying to achieve. Like myself I'm just trying to get back that dimension and give structured look to my face. It's not just about looking 'thinner'. 

Not all of us have the same face shape, and depends on how much and type of products used, contour and highlight can have a subtle or major effect on how your face shape appears ie. natural vs 'Maleficient' like sharp cheeks.

I just also have to share this article by Beauty Editor on Nick Barose. We got to admit contour and highlight has gone a bit too far and it sort blurred the line between reality and filters, practicality and long winded routine... my thoughts really resonate with what Nick Barose was saying on beauty greed. 

This sound cliche but it needs to get out there. 

In PART 2, I will explain about products to use including the product I used in my routine.

Review: MAC Lipstick in Chili

This is another review of MAC Lipstick. I admit, I am a MAC junkies, I couldn't help it.

Whenever I found a 'cool' unique shade of MAC Lipstick or even the lip pencil, it is so hard to find a similar/same shade from other brand.  One of those lipsticks are MAC Chili.

Chili on  lips and MAC Uninterrupted eyeshadow softly around the eyes

MAC description: 

Brownish orange-red (Matte)[Matte]

Price: £15.50 (Is it me or MAC lipstick has been increasing in price? - I thought taken over by big company Estee Lauder should make it more affordable... heh...) 

Personal Experience:

Colour:

I really like how MAC describes this shade and the name of the lipstick totally matches. For some reason I can imagine chillies being roast giving that 'burnt' colour.

This is a good mix orange, red and brown.

The brown in the shade definitely muted down this shade and totally matches my style. Until now I haven't found anything similar or anything close to this. On the tube you definitely see that it is an obvious orange lipstick but very muted and still enough red to give a vampy look. For me this is a new take on muted red lips or a brownish red. 

I can definitely pair this with soft smokey eyes or if I'm bold enough a darker neutral/earthy tones smokey eyes. 

This is definitely a colour to look for those who want a tone down red orange. Very flattering on warm skintone. But in my book, your undertone should not be the only thing that decide what lipstick your wear. Match lipstick to your hair, clothes or your accessories, nails etc... no rule in makeup. I believe as long as you have something warm eg. cool tone girl with a blonde or warm brunette hair or green or brown eyes definitely can rock this.

Texture and Finish:

Matte finish but not crayon like, not flat matte. There is a very slight creaminess to it but still have that dry matte effect. It is not one of those revolutionary formula light as air but it is what it is a classic MAC matte lipstick formula.

How it wears all day: 

This is definitely smooth to apply and absolutely pigmented like ALL of MAC matte lipstick. There is no feathering and no drying.

It last all day and fade into softer colour. Give you that extra 'effortless' look... like "yeah, I wear red lipstick everyday." if you know what I mean. 

Easy to remove and no stain. It is what a classic lipstick should be. 

So overall rating: 4.9/5.0

FOTD - Reddish brown lips with coppery eyes

This was a look I wore a few weeks ago, nothing too special to be honest.
Just a reddish brown lips and coppery eyes.
Full makeup list down below. Since this is quite recent I actually can list down exactly what I used.

this is after I got home... could not help that my makeup faded a bit, I actually touched up my lipstick a bit.

FACE:
Prime my face with Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow - focus on cheeks, under eyes, forehead, chin and bridge of the nose.
L.A. Girl Cosmetics PRO Conceal HD Concealer Green Corrector - to colour correct redness  ie. blemishes/acne and redness on my scars, and corners of the nose.
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC 42 on whole face.
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in:-
NC  35 - blemishes/acne
NW 30 - undereye grayness (pink undertone)
NC  30 - undereye (on top on NW 30) and also high points for highlight - cheekbones, centre of forehead, bridge of the nose and chin.
(I know this is ludicrous number of concealers, but I have them so why not use them)
MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder to set all the base makeup

CHEEKS:
Contour with MAC Cream Colour Base in Mid Tone Sepia  and MAC Sculpting Powder Pro in Shadowy - under the cheekbones, side of forehead and side on bridge of the nose.
I also dust some Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in No. 30 to blend and give warmness on my skin as shadowy is more of a gray brown (perfect for contour).
Since NARS Multiple in South Beach a bit too pigmented to be used as my usual highlight, I mix with Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-oxidant Serum to dilute it. Apply on the cheekbones and top it off with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle.

EYES:
Prime with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural from lashline blend toward crease.
The copper on my eyelid is actually a cheek product from The Bodyshop old collection 'Autumn Leaves' in Chestnut. On me it's really a toned down copper but there is that hint of vermillion *like a red orange* in it which I think would show up more on fairer skin. To me it's too much to be worn on cheeks as I am not really a blush person.
MAC Cork on crease.
MAC Mineralized Eyeshadow Duo in Play on Plums , the burgundy on crease and the peachy gold as highlight softly on the brow bone and on inner corner, on top of Topshop Crayon in Whisper.
MAC Brun on lashline.
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash mascara
On brows I use MAC Brun and NARS Brow Gel in Kinshasa

LIPS:
I still feel even on eyes it was too much that I would only paired with a more muted colour on lips. Not too dark or bright but I don't want to do nude natural, so MAC Lipstick in Paramount comes to mind, but I thought I want to use something different and go for Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Birkin Brown, which is similar to MAC Paramount, but less red.
I filled in first with MAC Lip Pencil in Mahogany and follow by the lipstick.


DONE!

Review: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

So today I am going to do a review on Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner.
If you're familiar with beauty community in the UK, this product is quite a sensation, as again highly recommended by skincare expert blogger Caroline Hirons.

Clarins claims: 

A fresh, fluid exfoliating lotion that brightens, smooths and softens skin. Regular exfoliation helps to strenghten the skin's resistance to wrinkles and maintain the balance between preventing a build-up of dead cells and encouraging cell renewal. 

Price: £25.00 for 125 ml

Ingredient:

Tamarind fruit acids: eliminates impurities and dead skin cells, boosts cellular renewal.White Nettle extract : tightens pores. 

That is literally what is written on website. You can check out here and here 

So this is known to contain both AHA and BHA; glycolic acid, tartaric acid and salicylic acid.

Personal experience: 

I use this during acid toner stage which usually right after cleansing.
It is an amber-tinge thin liquid/water-like. Smell nice, typical skincare smell.

This felt a bit 'off' on my skin, like this slippery feel I don't know how to describe...

It actually reminds me of how I felt using most drugstore pimple gel. This  may be due to either these two things or both concurrently; the salicylic acid or the alcohol.

Now being acne prone, I am familiar with salicylic acid way before it become the BHA toner craze like nowadays. I usually don't do well with salicylic acid acne products, hence why I use benzoyl peroxide for my acne and usually prefer glycolic for my exfoliation.

Fast forward to 3 years ago, I have used things like Origins Super Spot Remover and Effaclar Duo AI which contain salicylic acid and Ren Clarimatte contain salicin (willow bark) which salicylic acid derived from, which makes me think maybe certain salicylic acid is okay . That is how I end up trying this after learning how salicylic acid penetrates deeper for pores clearing, but I don't think this salicylic acid works for me. 

There is also an issue with the alcohol content in this, but as Caroline Hirons says it is counteract well by the glycerin. Well I personally don't felt like I was stripped dry by it. 

Hmmm can't really put a finger on this.

I do felt like I need to use more, as it dried so fast on cotton pad. I used REN Clarimatte daily before, compare to that, this felt slightly drier. Even the cotton pad used dried weirdly.

Actually, I was hoping this to be as strong as Pixi Glow Tonic, to be used a few times a week as the brand Clarins suggests, but it's milder than I expect.

Clarins 'How to apply':

Apply once or twice a week to a thoroughly clean face and neck with a cotton pad soaked in lotion. Avoid the eye contour area. Wait one minute before completing with your regular skin care routine.  

This is still good even for everyday use but I prefers REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. 

Overall rating: 3.5/5

(Still good but I would not repurchase)

Those felt Pixi Glow too harsh can try this Clarins toner. 

Those who couldn't agree with Clarins toner like I did could try Ren Clarimatte.

Note: I wore this twice everyday, day and evening. Towards the end I practically 'soaked' my cotton pad because I want to finish this faster to 'throw' it out (it's quite expensive). But I have never felt my skin becomes too dry or overexfoliated, and I do wear sunscreen everyday as usual, and thankfully there is no reaction. 

I am just saying don't be scared by it, but definitely don'follow my method. Lol. 

Review: MAC lipstick in Russian Red

If I think of RED LIPSTICK, the first that jump into my mind is definitely MAC Russian Red.

Truly a classic red, favourite of Gwen Stefani, the Queen of Red Lipstick, this lipstick is a universal red and I believe all skintone can pull it off.

the perfect red lip all year round. in the sun or even in the winter

In the picture above I was pretty much wearing Russian Red on my lips on top MAC Lipliner in Redd, no fancy eye shadow or blusher. Just bit of contouring and highlight and brow gel to set my brows.

I usually wear MAC lipliner in Redd or Brick Red.

MAC description:

Russian Red - Intense bluish-red [Matte] 

Personal experience:

I truly love this! and I have tried many type of reds from a number of brands. Despite having one lips and lots of lipsticks, if this ever runs out or went missing, I will definitely repurchase.

Texture and finish: 

Applied smoothly and matte, but not dry and chalky.

I admit it's not one of those modern formula that felt light as air, but this is a classic and feel like one.

I personally prefer this more than MAC lipstick in Rubywoo. 

Colour: 

MAC Russian Red is more neutral red, I would not necessary says it's warm, I think it depends on wearer skintone. On me the warm in my skin resonate and appear warm and I seen pictures of other people and looks more blue red. So it has that balance between blue and yellow undertone.

Comparing side by side with Revlon Really Red and Topshop Hazard, MAC Russian Red is definitely more neutral or appear 'bluer'. But next to Ruby Woo, Russian Red is warmer.

Texture and colour are the reason I chose Russian Red instead of Rubywoo. 

How it wears all day: 

This wear so good and last really long without making my lips dry. 

Seriously. Even on applying, I really like how it felt like I am painting my lips in a good way. No feathering and no flaking. Before this I thought Revlon Really Red is good enough, but MAC lipstick is definitely on another level. Not only it last long, if it is ever going to fade, at the end of the day or if I am having a meal, it leaves off a good stain, a true red stain not pink which usually happen with blue red. Oil from food would not erase this lipstick straight away.

So overall rating is 4.9/5.0

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

MAC lipliner Redd