vitamins & minerals April 7, 2008

I’ve been taking my vitamins and minerals lately and I believe my skin is the better for it. OK, not exactly “taking” them… more like “slathering” them … on my face.

I’ve been using Emergin’ C serum on my face once a day, which I believe is helping but will report more on this at a later date. However, having a more immediate impact is the mineral-based make up I’ve been using. Mineral-based make up is all the rage right now, and for good reason. I’m using the Laura Mercier mineral foundation powder which goes on like a powder yet has the coverage and SPF of its liquid-based cousin. I’m also using the eyeshadow. The good news about these powders is that they are great for us over-thirty girls since they have reflecting pigments and help skin look radiant. Whereas many powders have a nasty way of settling into creases and crevices, these don’t. And they will keep you looking fresh.

Highly recommended. ones to try: Bare Escentuals or Laura Mercier

good to the last drop December 3, 2007

I’m notorious for buying foundation and not finishing it. I have never found one that I liked that much — and certainly not one I wanted to buy again. Until now. While buying some products at Lane Crawford a few months ago, I couldn’t help but pick up the a blue tube of perfekt skin gel which was sitting in a pile sitting next to the cashier — and in an impulse, I bought it (although at $450-ish a bottle, it was an impulse I thought I might regret). It was summer at the time and so I was full-in to my bronzer liquid (Dr Hauschka) which meant the tube sat, un-opened, on the shelf for a couple of months.

When I finally gave it a try, I instantly fell in love with it. It is light, moisturising, but still remains matte on the skin. It doesn’t smudge or rub off. The texture is unlike anything I’ve used before. I soon pumped the bottle dry.

Back at Lane Crawford for another fix, I found it had moved up in the “shelf-prominence” department — no longer an impulse buy but the “latest cult product”. In other words: Sold Out. If you see it, buy it. Then let me know it’s in stock.

summer must-have: bobbi brown June 5, 2007

Get it while you can. Bobbi Brown is right on the money with this 2-in-1 pot rouge in summer pink. It goes on sheer, stays put, and gives you a great natural colour on cheeks and even on lips. Stick this in your summer make-up bag together with Benefit’s creaseless eyeshadow cream (see below) a mascara and a lipgloss and you’ll look great all summer.

Since I can’t get a replacement for my Stila push-up, this will do just fine.

Remede finally available in HK! December 15, 2006

Good news beauty junkies, Remede is finally available in HK. OK…so it’s only one product, but it’s a start.

I had a look and feel of Remede’s Translucent UV Coat and I loved it. It goes on sheer, has a nice light texture and, with the aid of soft focus technology, helps you look a little more perfect.

I find that many UV products have a “paint”-like texture, but this one is leaps and bounds ahead of those. And because it is so sheer, you can wear a darker colour and it can even act somewhat like a bronzer giving you a healthy glow.

Worth every penny. Find it in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford or buy online from Blissworld.

chicest packaging – armani cosmetics November 29, 2006

When it comes to make up or skincare, I generally avoid product lines from clothes designers. After all, I don’t expect bobbi brown to start designing cocktail dresses, so why should Armani be a credible make-up line?

But after reading a review of Armani’s sheer cream  blush, I thought I’d give it a shot. The blush is hard to apply – it’s not really creamy at all. But once it’s on, it looks good – sheer like a powder but it stays put. Plus they have some really nice shades to choose from.

I was so carried away, I bought an eyeshadow and lipstick too. But the best part is by far the packaging. Matt black with a floral applique on the outside. Both the blush and eyeshadow have mirrors inside which is always a nice touch. Very modern and classy.