NARS Sheer Matte Foundation

A foundation I wished I could love, but it seems like we are incompatible. I end up hating it, after a few tormenting encounters.

NARS beauty assistant in Selfridges was generous enough to give me 6  sachets of the sample, each 2 mls in volume to try on, claiming that this is an outstanding foundation with a breakthrough formulation.

She was spot on in finding a shade that match my skin tone precisely – Santa Fe.

Sheer Matte is a soft matte-finish foundation with sheer, buildable coverage that controls oil and shine throughout the day. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, skin is more luminous, softer and smoother. Best for normal to oily skins, Sheer Matte also helps to:

* Minimizes visible discoloration

* Brightens and clarifies overall skin tone

* Absorbs oil and controls shine

* Dermatologist tested. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance Free.

Test results:

• 100% – helps control oil and shine during the day

• 90% – evens out skin tone

• 90% – skin feels soft and smooth

• 84% – skin looks brighter and more radiant

So, why would I end up disliking it?

Well, NARS sheer matte has a distinctly intolerable aroma to begin with; It smells like playdough!

Despite it’s easy to spread & blend when using my finger ( with its inherent greasy, creamy texture ), it tends to streak ( zebra like, and I am not exaggerating ) whenever I try to apply it with a foundation brush ( tried & tested, reliable, excellent brush from Laura Mercier ).

The initial airbrushed, smooth & radiant finish ends up as an oil slick; smudging & caking all over my complexion, within 2 hours of application.

Regrettably, this is not my type of foundation.

Artwork by Stella im Hultberg.

RMK Recovery Gel

RMK’s Recovery Gel works overnight to solve a multitude of beauty problems.

The multi-action, intensively moisturising product nourishes skin through the night, while anti-inflammatory ingredients soothe redness and irritation.

Eucalyptus and seaweed extracts boost collagen production and  the tiny massaging capsules boost blood circulation as it’s applied. Packed with microspheres containing Ceramide D for intense moisturization.

This treatment gel is jam-packed with natural goodness like:

Yeast extract(Moisturizing component)

Kyonin extract(Moisturizing component)

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate (Anti-inflammatory)

Grapefruit Extract

Aloe Extract

Raspberry extract

Ceramide D

Fragranced with pink grapefruit in a gel formula, it’s wonderfully cooling on the skin.

It’s best used at night. Its ‘sealing’ effect allows the goodness to permeate and prepare a soft and plump canvas overnight for your next morning make over.

I find this light, refreshing gel very pleasant to use; It recharges my skin with moisture & vitality ( I had tried this on my post flight, weather assaulted skin ), and the capsules work miracle on the damages and re-strengthen my skin.

Despite the sealing effect, i don’t find this gel occlusive. If the beauty consultant hadn’t cautioned me against daytime usage, i would use this as a daytime moisturiser underneath my compact foundation.

Artwork by Junko Mizuno

Jimmy Choo Studded Sky Bag

My dear bank manager, this is my confession, in case you wondered where my 1600 GBP had gone to.

I could not resist this bag, despite my recent indulgence from Chanel.

It reminds me of Van Gogh’s starry night!

I am amused by the illusion of carrying a sky of stars under my wings ( emm, arms ).

This beautiful Jimmy Choo handbag is from his Fall 2009 collection.

The star studs intermixed with the round ones adds a playful element to this rocker chic handbag.

Although the bag is heavily studded, it’s feather light in weight.  The leather is ultra soft & luxurious ( felt really good & comfy against my bare arm ).

This bag has a detachable bangle over its strap ( It’s a 2 in1 product, isn’t this worth the price tag? )

While I was carrying this bag in H&M, busy shopping for Jimmy Choo limited edition range for H&M, the girl behind me naively asked where in the shop I managed to get this bag.

” Harrods ” I replied.

Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus

” Savor the season with Pine & Eucalyptus, a limited-edition scent from Jo Malone that captures the essence of winter.  The crisp aroma of sweet pine is woven with velvety eucalyptus to create a revitalizing fragrance. “

Jo Malone re-launched Pine & Eucalyptus limited-edition collection is my winter must have.

It is the embodiment of holiday cheer, bursting with cypress, cinnamon and lavender, combined with spicy amber and frankincense.

The Pine & Eucalyptus Bath Soap cleanses, moisturises and fragrances the skin. Its frothy lather feels delicious to the touch.

The Living Cologne not only freshen up your environment but can also be used to scent your skin. I love wearing this frosty, crisp, sharp, astringently green cologne; It instantly puts me in a festive mood, not to mention its mental clearing & physical revitalising effects.

I also like to use this exhilarating cologne as a linen spray and during my laundry drying. Simply spray this generously onto your laundry, turn on the dryer, be thrilled !

My parcel of JM Pine & Eucalyptus Living Cologne & Soaps arrived today.

London picture from photo.net, by photographer David Bell.

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara

BB boldest mascara ever! Perfect for those who want the all-out drama of false lashes.

Get instant volume, intense colour and dramatic length. Super thick, get-noticed lashes.

Unique formula remains pliable between coats, so lashes stay separated as volume builds.

State-of-the-art formula creates super thick and ultra long lashes.

Tapered, dual-fibre brush simultaneously lengthens and volumizes-grabs even small, hard to reach lashes.

Dries quickly to a smudge-proof and flake-proof finish.

Enriched with lash conditioners and Vitamins A, C, and E.

Removes easily with eye makeup remover or soap and water.

Safe for contact lens wearers.

I tried this on during a makeover at BB counter. This mascara really delivers; my dramatic, bold, curly lashes were screaming  ( if eyes could whisper ).

Despite the striking finishes, it feels feather-light and last at least 6 hours, without clumping /smudging and comes off easily ( when it’s time for removal ).

Definitely my party mascara.

Chanel Trapeze Nail Polish

This is a little gem from the wonderful bird of paradise collection.

I thought Kaleidoscope is ab-fab until I meet Trapeze.

Trapeze is less frosty & metallic in finish than Kaleidoscope; It gives a more human like touch rather than the ice cool robotic finish I got with Kaleidoscope.

I am in love with this silvery taupe shade with a hint of peachy pink. Chanel obviously outdone itself again in terms of colour innovation.

Bobbi Brown Nude Eye Palette

My staple eye palette, excellent for daily eye make over, should be stocked up before it sold out.

No one does nude better than Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown Chrome Palette

Bobbi’s cool, contemporary take on Christmas beauty.

Icy, shimmering accents on eyes and lips cast an iridescent glow on the face. Inside this chrome-accented, fold-out palette you’ll find everything you need to deck yourself out for the season: 10 eye shadow shades, 4 lip shades, a Mini Eye Shadow Brush, and Mini Lip Brush.

Packaged in a gift-ready chrome carton.

I am glad that I manage to grab this limited edition palette before it sold out; This palette is great for creating soft smoky eyes for daily wear, you know, that sultry, sexy, dreamy eyes that’s safe enough for the office.

The sparkle eyeshadows look rather vivid & intense on the palette but they are rather sheer when applied over the lids, so i use them over the glitter lipgloss ( yes, lipgloss over the lids ) to create an intense, mesmerising veil when I want a dramatic, smoky finish.

Aspinal of London Brit Cuff Clutch

Majestic, flamboyant and stunningly original!

AoL has teamed the iconic and head-turning Brit clutch wallet with a beautifully detailed, regal Red and Blue grosgrain cuff with a breathtaking Amber jewel. Calling to mind a lost era of elegance.

A new way to wear Aspinal, to keep your clutch safely at hand and to stand out from the rest of the fashion pack.

The interior of the Aspinal Brit Clutch Wallet comprises of:

6 credit card pockets

4 full length pockets for notes

1 central full length zipped coin compartment

1 external full length open pocket

I love this clutch, very anglomania! Ever wonder what to do when your hands are sick of clutching? Just sling its cuff onto your wrist.

Byredo Rose Noir

In Rose Noir, the classic symbol of love and devotion is updated. A traditional olfactory rose, the Damascene, is made potent and contemporary once again by darkening its character.

Rose Noir becomes a decadent, dirty rose with intense and animalic quality.

Top: grapefruit, freesia

Mid: rose damascena

Base: citrus moss, musks

This is what I am looking for, an edgy perfume which Audrey Hepburn would spritz on if she is going to be naughty.

Unforgettable since I tried it on in Liberty. Absolutely stunning, incredibly mesmerising, I could drink this instead of my mojito !

Audrey Hepburn portrait by zhuzhu on deviantART