Sunday 5 December 2010

Finally got my hands on Dr Ci Labo

I have always been eager to try out Dr Ci Labo products, i have already dedicated a blog on his products, and i am even more happier to say that i have finally managed to get hold of the super cleanser that i dearly wanted.






My initial thought was that the product was certainly a rather plain product, well design wise, if you compare a Anna Sui cleanser to this, well the design itself is rather basis and looks just like a normal everyday cleanser. Having said that i have only been using the cleanser for 2 days and i already have seen such a difference. I absolutely love the cleanser. The only downside is that personally for me i like to use cleansers that are quite scented. For me it just feels and gives me that extra refreshing feeling. 

I'm not at all surprised as it has stated that all ingredients are pure and there are no extra unnecessary chemicals added. So the most sensitive skins are able to use Dr Ci Labo products. One of the best things about this cleanser is that it has the most smoothest velvety texture ever, if anything i think this is one of the best textured cleansers i have ever used, and it does really leave your skin feeling as though you have some sort of smooth silicon layer on top of your skin. My skin feels much more smoother and silkier. I can defiantly feel a difference already. My skin also looks alot clearer that it was previously . One of the main purpose of this cleanser was that instead of combating spots, skin rashes etc after they have appeared, this cleanser in fact works on your skin to prevent this before it even happens. If the results last, i defianlty will try more of their ranges, my next would be their skin moisture.

My new CANMAKE lipsticks

So i have just recently got my hands on the 4 Canmake  melty nude lip lipsticks straight from Japan, i cant wait to try them all,

The four shades are

01. Baby Beige
02. Creamy Nude
03. Baby Pink
04. Peach Beige






The packaging is really cute, i don't even want to open them! lol...... The lipsticks have a golden chrome outer on them with the words melty nude lips on the side, they were really good price wise, i think about £8 per lipstick, which to me is a bargain as i usually spend about £15 upwards on lipsticks. I am always on the hunt for the prefect lipsticks, and i have heard many great reviews on canmake products. I  think my next step is to try out their 3D Foundation, it surprisingly makes your face seem smaller and more defined?? wow wow that works for me,

ETUDE HOUSE KOREAN MAKE UP


Hi all, sorry to have neglected my blog for over a week, here in London it has been pretty hectic, xmas is approaching, and we have been snowed under for the last few days. I have been trying to get all the things i needed to get down with so little time. Since my last blog, i have been shopping quite a bit and have some new and exciting makeup brands to share with you. Although i dedicate most of my blog towards Japanese Brands, i have started to become rather interested in Korean brands at the moment.


One brand in particular that i have come across is called Etude House. Etude House caught my eye as their range is extensive and i love their bold colours, and also their packaging is unique, fun and all round girly. Etude house has lines also for men, which i think is really good, it is reasonably priced and seemed to be quite popular in the USA and Singapore.

At present they have

1    Skincare
2    Body care
3    Hair care
4    Make up
5    Mens range

I think that is pretty impressive.....

Here are a few of my favourite make up pieces.




Some of their pieces really remind me of Anna Sui's collection, like the lipstick case design below, i love the old skool design with the blusher and the powder off and cute little bow.

The mens collection consists of make up ,hair care ,body care and cologne.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

DR CI LABO

When i think of good skin, i always think of skin that is clear, flawless, glowing and healthy.


My philosophy is that if you take so much time and effort to apply  the best cosmetics/make up to look and feel good and to emphasize your features, then really skincare should be the first priority ,  There really is no point neglecting your skin and then using  makeup as a simple cover up. We girls all know that no amount of makeup will not  cover  the true reality of  skin break outs or just unhealthy skin in general.

I am always in the search for the best and most high tech skincare. I am a true believer in maintaining and taking great care of my skin especially my face. I want to look young forever!lol.... :)



I am really keen on Japanese beauty products simply because i found Japanese women had the most  flawless skins, there are many factors such as their healthy diets and genetics, but also i believe that they take good care of their skin using the most advanced products, after all Japan is top of the world in revolutionary science. i don't think i have ever met any Japanese women who does not have great skin, i wanted to find out their beauty secrets, and what better way of doing so was to research and create my own beauty blog.


DR CI LABO is one of the most up and coming skincare range to come from Japan.Founded by a former skin care specialist Dr Yoshinori Shirono decided to create a skincare formula after consulting a high number of patients about certain skin problem, he wanted to not just carry out cosmetic procedures,but wanted to  advise them on after care and which products to use for probmatic skin.

Dr. Shirono's development concept was to create naturally derived product that "eliminated all unnecessary ingredients, formulating only those vital to promote the skin's natural power to preserve its beauty and vitality." As the result of many years of extensive research, focusing on restoring the skin's moisture.


The Skincare Concept of Dr.Ci:Labo

Simple : What the skin needs

  • Simplicity of ingredients : we only use naturally derived ingredients, any adding nothing that your skin doesn't need.
  • Simplicity of use : cleansing is followed by one step moisturizing , simplifying the skincare regimen.

Results : Naturally promoting healthy skin

  • Our skin enhancing ingredients are gentle on the skin and help promote its natural strength and beauty.
  • The skincare results can last 1, 5, or even 10 years.

Science : Focusing on the skin's natural mechanisms

  • The ingredients in our skincare products are scientifically tested and repeatedly analyzed.
  • We utilize cutting-edge technology, at the same time taking into account the though demands of professional dermatologists.
I will now take you through to Dr Ci Labos basic 3 step skincare products.


FACE WASH :Three major moisturizing ingredients and five vitamins for healthy looking skin without losing moisture.



TONER :Aqua Collagen Moist Lotion moisturizes your skin instantly but also balances your skin to help lock in that moisture
MOISTURISER :This naturally derived gel combines the latest industry developments with state of the art technology to give it the ability to preserve high moisture levels in your skin. It moisturizes multiple layers of your skin and keeps it that way for long periods of time.


I came across this range as my hair stylist was talking me through the most popular skincare and makeup ranges used in Japan. She emphasised how Dr Ci Labo is becoming popular throughout Japan and Asia, i have also heard that it is quite popular in Hong Kong and the US. No one i have spoken to here in the UK have ever heard of this brand, so i though to write this blog having also read many great reviews.

I believe  the key steps in maintaining  healthy flawless skin  is firstly  eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water/fluids, and my must do is cleanse, tone and moisturise without fail. Besides these rules always use a skin exfoliate at least 2 times a week. What i will include is that i feel it is vital to switch moisturisers accordingly to how you feel your skin is, winter time you may need something slightly more heavier , but its also great to change your skin products so you will always see the  long lasting effects.If you skin only becomes dependent on just one certain product, then you are just simply maintaining but not progressing to your skins finest capability.


Monday 22 November 2010

Hot heels this season!!!!!!! sizzling hot!!!!! :)

I am always  in search for new boots during the winter, i think boots being flat or high heeled make the perfect outfit stand out. I love footwear and even so i think i have found the current fav this season buy All Saints. 

I am a fan of All Saints and i do own a few pieces but as they can be really pricey, i dont splash out on a regular basis, if i see something really unique looking and timeless then im more than happy to shell out. I like the fact that All Saints can be a mix of urban yet vintage. Their designs and unique and you are likely not too find something similar on the high street that so many will be wearing.


How about this beauty!!! I love it love it , and want it!!!ahhhhh.... I wish i never went on the site now,


Two part wooden platform with unique covered construction, high leg, inside zip and rubber sole at front. Supple sheepskin leather mixed with cowhide creates a contrast of matte and shine.


These are the real leather Savitr boots priced at a  £295 it is pretty steep but i love the design and the heel is so unique.


Clear Perspex two part wedge with screw detailing embedded inside. The Ovid heel features a baby calf upper, rubber sole and heel tips.


The Ovid Shoe priced at £175, again i think these type of  heel design  will be huge this winter season, so remember where you heard it first!!lol...they are pretty high so take it you would buy this more for look then comfort. :)

  Evoking a rough hewn vision of industrial heritage in its bent steel construction, the Paila is at once urban as well as handcrafted.      


The Palis priced at £325, wow what a design on the heel, i bet these are quite comfy as the suede material is quite flimsy and would give you leverage as you walk,these are of suede material and the material used for the heel is bent steel, just how stylish are these!!! 



Two-part artisan wooden wedge; partially leather covered, part revealed stained wood. Minimal court shoe upper sets off the sculptural qualities of the wedge underneath.


Last but not least the Claman which is priced at £165, this is the shoe version of the Savitr long boot. I actually prefer these to the boots, i really love the heel design its so unique, but I'm not sure if it will be as comfy? At £165 it is not so bad in price, so i guess if you are thinking of buying it , you should make use of it all year around. These would look nice at a casual or smart occasion.

Sunday 21 November 2010

Mineral makeup VS Non Minerals

So i did promise you guys that once i tried mineral makeup i would post a response and how i felt and whether i would end up converting to Mineral makeup based products.


So here is my response ,tried and tested.


Benefit Powder Brush Left Mineral base  Medium matte base  and  Bollywood blush .

I used my Benefit Brush to apply the base and blush, i have to say it gave a rather good coverage and i really did not feel as though it was as heavy as liquid foundation. The only downside is that i did have to apply quite a bit to feel as though i was wearing any. I would defiantly use the blush again as it did give a great colour and i could really see it beautifully. The blush just glided on really easily and you could see colour straight away, i love the rosy pinkish tone and it did feel really light on.





I can clearly say that i think i would stick to liquid foundation as my skin needs a little more coverage, i think mineral based makeup would suit the more younger girls ,lol... sorry but that is my opinion. Like i said the blusher was fantastic, so i will be ordering a full size blusher. Usually powder blushes can come on quite patchy on me as i have normal to combination skin, but this defiantly was great for me , i absolutely love it!!

Top of my list beauty brands and products

I am the first to admit that i am a fan of designer makeup, not become i just like to buy expensive brands, but i believe in paying a good some of money on products that i use on my face and body. I believe our skin is so important, at the end of the day my ethos is we only live once and so you have to maintain your looks and your health. Over the years i have experimented on all ranges of products and from my experiences cheap ended products use cheap ingredients that will only damage and eat up your skin. I have found that the high ended brands have always provided me the results i want and also has maintained my skin and its youth fullness.

Growing up with my glamorous mother and my two sisters, i was introduced to beauty products at a young age. I remember my mother using really high quality brands, and looking at her now, she is a example of what good skin should  look like. My mother is pushing 60 plus and you would never think it, she could certianly pass for 40.

These are a list of my top 10 beauty brands

1) Mac
2) Christian Dior
3) Estee Lauder
4) Chanel 
5) Shu Uemura
6) Shiseido
7) DHC
8)RMK
9)Anna Sui
10) Canmake


I will list my favourite product in each category which i have tried and tested.


MAC


the product that i am totally obsessed with is their Creme de Nude Lipstick, i love that it gives a great coverage, it has long lasting effect and on top of that it smells divine, it has like a chocolaty sweet scent, makes my lips look fuller and much more glossy. I also suffer from quite dry lips during the cold season and this works also as a lip balm, it certainly keeps my lips feeling smooth and sliky.





 Christian Dior

I may come across bias but having worked for Dior for many years , i cannot fault their products. I am a huge overall fan of their skincare and makeup ranges. I probably have tried and tested all there products over the years, and without doubt i have stuck to their skincare range as i feel it does my skin wonders. Really, a little does go along way. You only need to use a small quantity and you can reap the wonders.
My favourite products within the Dior range would have to be their Cleanser and Toners.
Wash off Cleansing Foam

Cleansing Water for face and eyes

Purifying foaming cleanser


 Estee Lauder

I really like Estee Lauder foundations, i own many different types of foundations, liquid, mousse, powder foundations, but there is one that i particularly like from Lauders range which is Double Wear. When im feeling slightly tired and my skin feels a little sensitive ans patchy, i know that if i use Doublewear then my skin will feel a little more lifted and luminous.

I wear   Double wear foundation in   shade Ivory beige which is a really light silky coverage that really does stay on for hours.It really covers well and with a little face powder on top your skin will feel and look great. Such a great coverage such a flawless look.



  Chanel

With Chanel i always love their makeup and colour range, especially their eye shadows.I usually purchase their eye shadows in duty free, its just a habit i have picked up, nothing beats visiting to beauty counters while waiting for my flight,lol.... plus, you don't pay VAT. Even better excuse.

Shade 03 Smokey Eyes
Smokey eyes are a must for me and i cant live without this palette, throughout the years Chanel have always had eye shadows similar to these colours which i have always purchased, i have several Chanel eyeshadow quads, I like my greys and smokey blacks, that's my signature on a glam night out, it never fails.
Shade 08 Vanites
I am also a proud owner of the quad above, i purchased this at the airport and i simply love it, i use the light pink colour( top right) quite allot as a base for many of my eye make up, so its a little worn out now. The shades are very shimmery and beautifully glides on my lids without problem, at the same time it provides me quite a gentle finish, and plus it looks excellent no when taking photos.

 Shu Uemura
I have always stuck to cleansing gels as a face wash and never have tried cleansing oils, but my friend has been using Shu uemura cleaning oil on her face, so whilst staying over i used her face wash, and i was pleasantly surprised with the wash that i purchesed one for myself the next day. This wash is a gem, a little on the pricey side at £55 but like i said you should pay  for quality  when picking out really good skincare products.

This product is apparently Shu Uemuras number 1 top selling item in their whole range, and i can see why. A premium anti oxidant skin purifier, which really does clean the skin well and minimize pores, as it is oil based it leaves your skin feeling very hydrated and smooth.



Shiseido

When it comes to Japanese brands i do really have time for Shiseido, i remember my mother used to use many of their products in the 80s and 90s. Shiseido is quite popular here in the UK and rather easy to purchase all around. I think when people think of Japanese brands they think of Shiseido first. My aunts are fans of their products.



It really is stunning and if anything i love the packaging, it looks like a stylish lipstick and really does moisture well, i would certainly recommend this product, it beats holding a pot of Vaseline around,lol.....it also contains  a SPF 1O. What i also love about this product is that it does not leave lips feeling gooey and sticky, which many lip products can do.


DHC

Prepare your skin for pristine make-up application. This transparent silicone gel helps temporarily fill in fine lines and promote a more even-looking, refined skin texture – creating a perfect, silky-smooth make-up base. Just slide our primer between your skin and foundation to absorb excess oil and encourage longer-lasting wear.Even better you can just simply apply the Velvet Coat without applying foundation. If you want to create a flawless looking healthy and radiant skin, this is the product . It is also Unisex so boys come on what are you waiting for.


I'm going to quickly add another product from DHC which i simply love, i know you girls love to have those long luscious lashes so this is a little beauty number which I'm sure you will enjoy.

DHC Eyelash Tonic
I have yet to try this product but i have heard and read many wonderful reviews on this item, so i i feel it is worth a shot.The Toni works as a deep conditioner to coat and protect the lashes from breakage, and you use this product as an overnight treatment,.The ingredients used to create the tonic includes ginseng, aloe and swertia japonica.


RMK
 
I am really excited to discuss the next top of my list beauty brands, RMK is a beauty brand created by a Japanese make up artist called  Rumiko.Rumiko has been in the beauty industry since the early 80s  and launched her make up brand RMK in the late 90s.
RMK has a huge range of beauty products from skincare to make up and accessories. I am  a huge fan of RMK eye collections, her packaging and designs are stunning.  I particularly love the Ingenious Gel Eyeliners.

Shade 02 Deep Blue
Great thought has been put into the metallic design and it shows sophistication,class and beauty. Although i am  a fan of Macs eyeliner gels, i love the RMK ones slightly more. These ingenious pots come in 3 shades, Black, Brown and Midnight blue. A smooth gel based liner works to perfect,easy to use glide on effect which is also waterproof and smudge free.




Shade 03 Deep Brown



This is a beauty most, and i heard they also stock the RMK Gel Liners at ASOS,










Anna Sui

Anna Sui, all i can say is that i can never get enough of her products, Anna Sui is very popular in Hong Kong, and that is where i purchase all my Anna Sui makeup from. Anna Sui has a signature design to her makeup that really does set her away from the best. You can spot a Anna Sui product easily. Anna Sui is quite popular over in the UK more for her fragrance range, but for me its the makeup that attracts me.

Simple Anna Sui compact mirror

This is the simple yet elegant designs that seem consistent within her make up range. Bold ,detailed and  of  the statement characteristics of the  Anna Sui rose.

Anna Sui Blushers with a cute powder puff :)

Baby doll lip gloss


Anna Sui collection of Eye Shadows

Liquid Foundation and Pressed Powders

I love all the products from Anna Sui, i have just ordered some of her skincare range, awaiting delivery,xxx



Canmake

Japanese based cosmetic brand which i have already dedicated a blog to, i am loving the nude range lipsticks

Gorgeous 4 piece lip designs all in nude bases




Saturday 20 November 2010

Everday Minerals

Its always exciting coming home and finding a lovely parcel waiting to be opened. I have just received my order from a  company called Everyday Minerals. This is a US brand that i happen to have come across,and after reading much positive reviews that i decided to purchase a few small sized products to try.


Everyday Minerals selection of Eyeshadow

To be honest i have never used mineral  based makeup, but seeing as it is becoming quite popular and upcoming, i have decided to give it a try and see if there is a difference. Mineral based products seem to have grown popular within the past year or so.

BASE

Everday minerals uses the most healthy natural ingredients, free from nanotechnology,carmine, fragrance and do not test on animals, they are also a beauty brand that can be used by vegans. All makeup ingredients are sourced from the USA.




Here are the cute little pots that i ordered.These are a mixture of bases, face powders, foundations ,blushers 
and eye shadows. I am excited to try these products and see whether i will become a fan of mineral makeup.

I decided to try a few of their products and ordered a few sample sizes, and if i felt that it would be something i would likely continue to use i would then buy some full sized products. The good thing about Everyday Minerals is that they have sample sized products for you to try, before buying full sized products.

Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow Palette


 


Friday 19 November 2010

ASOS FOR FAUX FUR THIS SEASON

I am a huge fan of  ASOS  and i often buy a little bit too much from there, but i simply cannot help it. ASOS is a great online store based in UK for Women and Men, Some items can be rather expensive, but if you look around you can often snap up some fabulous items at a very generous price. They offer a very large range of clothing, accessories ,bags,footwear and much much more. Delivery is very reliable and i have never encountered any problems.

My must have this Winter is most defiantly the fake fur look, i do own a few faux fur coats/jackets that i have purchesed  purchase in Vintage stores in the UK,  as i think the older original   classics gives that little extra something that newer desings lack . I am a huge vintage clothing fan, but right now i am going to show you a couple of items that quite take my fancy  from ASOS




I really like this style and the colour is so cute,i dont own this colour in the faux fur, at the moment i have a dark brown cropped style FF and 2 black,  its very reasonable too at only £65 , you will certainly be wrapped up away from the cold.  This would look really  cute with some nice black jeans and some killer suede ankle boots. Just my style, so i might have to consider  snapping  this little number up. Oh, and my Louis Vuitton will also match this Jacket. After writing this blog i think i pretty much have made up up my mind that this is going to be mine!!!. lol....




 Also these two jackets  caught my eye, xxxx simply stunning,xxxx

Thursday 18 November 2010

CANMAKE JAPANESE MAKEUP

I have just recently come by this fabulous Japanese beauty brand called  canmake . The prices are rather reasonable and there are a few sites that will ship outer Japan.

Their range in extensive and their colours are amazing,

Here are a few items that I'm thinking to order.





I am  a big fan of shimmery eye shadows and these are the perfect colours, this range is the canmake colour wishes. They claim to contain masses of high-luminance fine pearl particles, which judging by the photo i would presume it will provide a fine textured shadow. These kinds of shimmery shadows are perfect for the night out, also my top tip is that shimmery shadows often come out amazingly on photos as the flash bounces of the shadow particles. This is my super tip so yo dont need to airbrush!!lol...

I also have my eye on the 3 colour which is called Eye Nuance. I am a fan of trio eye shadows as you have your colour for your base, main part of your eyelid and also to create a darker colour of for the edge of your eyelid. I always tend to use darker shades around the edges as it really does emphasise the eyes, plus i quite like dramatic eyes.

Shade 25 Strawberry Chocolate

I find it quite hard to find that perfect nude /beige lip colour that i always seek. I always tend to stick to beige tone lipsticks as i like to highlight my eyes and keep my lips simply yet glossy. I own numerous lipsticks and yet i always stick to my mac cremede nude as i find it perfect and really suits me. Usually when i try colours on in the stores it seems perfect, and then you step outside and its a different story. The lights can be so deceiving, and some nudes always end up with a orange tone to my lips,which i hate.

Good news for me Canmake has a collection dedicated to nude effect lips!!!yeaaahhhh..................

I cant wait to try all of these colours, pretty impressive.

Contains fine crystals, for a soft, smooth formulation!!! perfect!!
 They even do a huge selection on false lashes, so you can pick out different lash desgins  for that perfect occassion.




Im loving design 3, 10, im sure that will find its way into my basket when i check out. I hardly wear flase lashes but on certain occassions i will use them, it does make a huge difference on the eyes.


Another product i quite take a fancy to is the bronzer, i think i love the package and design more tan anything. Cute pink ,stylsih and sleek, all the combinations i look for.

Natural Bronze 01


"Light-scattering polarizing micro gold pearl particles and round powder particles effectively cover pores, problem texture, and darkness. Giveyour skin a mist, glittering, 3D bronze skin look!"

This next product sounds exciting. 3D Liquid Foundation. 
Ummm.... So i am not sure what to really think of when i hear 3D? Maybe it will work, not sure what way, but they name itself is definatly worth a try.


Okay so when Canmake states 3D it means that this foundation will work to make your face shape  appear looking slimmer, well thats thumbs up for me,lol....   


"For a sharp small face with 3D effect : 3 type of light control powder scatter light to tighten up your face line. Look moist and beautiful, show a small face with depth. Superlor coverage for an even more beautiful finish. Waterproof, skin oil-resistant formula : With a close fitting powder that is a long lasting beautiful finish that is both fine-textured and translucent, won't become cloudy or runny".

Sounds almost too perfect to be true, but i guess its cheaper than a face lift right?lol....To be honest part of me really believes it may work as the Japanese are the best at everything,lol....

Guys this brand really has some amazing products, i wish i could list all that i like,but im sure you can go check out for yourself, there are so many products to browse through, you could be online all day.  Definatly a brand to look out for.