Natural False Lashes!

False eyelashes have been a huge trend for many years.  Before moving to the UK, I thought it was probably just really big in Asia due to the fact that most of us have very short and scanty eyelashes.  After coming to the UK, I've realized it's incredibly popular here too.  Adding falsies to complete your overall look is great but some lashes are just a little OTT for everyday wear.  Stick to natural looking eyelashes that add volume rather than thick, long, glamour lashes.

Here's a look at some ways to emphasize your peepers!!!

Corner Lashes:

A great way to make your lashes appear longer but natural is to use eyelashes only on the outer corners of your eyes.  You can either buy the ones that come in individual bunches or cut the ends off any pair you already have at home

Cris-Cross Lashes:

I find this to be the most natural look of all when it comes to full length lashes.  This type of falsies add a lot of fullness and natural length without being over the top.  These are great for a big night out as well.  If you want to create even more natural fullness, just double up on the lashes.

What You Should Avoid for the Day:

Lashes with thick hairs clumped together can look extremely unnatural, like the ones I wore for New Year's Eve!!   They are fun for events and fancy dress parties but not for the day.  Thick, fluttery half lashes should be avoided too if you want a natural look.  It's really easy to tell what will be over the top!  If they look really thick or really long, they won't look natural!!

The Kim K Smokey Eye Look for Hooded Eyelids!!!!

Two weeks ago, I shared a video with you of Kim Kardashian's makeup  artist doing a smokey eye look on her.  The look consisted of a paler lid with dark corners and creases, highlighting a significant contrast between the two colours.  Now, as I mentioned in that blog, this look is a lot easier to accomplish if you have deep set eyes as you have a natural receding crease to follow and your eyelid space is thick enough for the lighter colour to be seen.

I promised to do the hooded eyelid or monolid version so here it is!!!


For girls with hooded eyelids or monolids, we need to apply the darker colour slightly above our natural crease if we want the lighter colour and contrast to be noticeable.

The line has to be drawn precisely and then blended out.  A pencil brush is the best way to do this.  After applying a lighter shadow all over the lids (stopping just above your crease), apply the darker colour on your corners and above your natural crease as well, creating an illusion of a deeper crease when your eyes are open.  Blend to soften the harsh edges.

Kim's makeup artist only applied eyeliner on her lower lash line.  I feel naked without eyeliner on my upper lash line but for the purpose of emphasizing the colour contrast, I suggest you skip it too.  Because our eyelids are narrow, applying eyeliner on the upper lash line will cover too  much eyelid space.  Complete the look with a pair of natural false lashes and you're done.

This is not an easy look to accomplish but keep on practicing and you'll get better.  Play around with different tools as well.  You may find using something other than a pencil brush easier. I like to keep things natural but feel free to make your darker colour even darker than what I've done. 

On my eyes:

• MAC eyeshadow in All That Glitters and Contrast
• Kryolan eyeshadow in white
• MAC Prep and Prime in Medium
• Diorshow waterproof eyeliner in black
• Rimmel Max Volume Flash mascara in black

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Gift Set!!!

Last week, my cousin Hanis and her husband Faizal stopped over in London on their way to Paris.  They stayed with me for two nights and it was a ton of fun.  I loved having them over and it's just so nice to have family visit when I'm so far away from home.  

Anyway, I was so touched by the gift they got me and I wanted to share it with you because it is honestly my new favourite scent.  I've bought products from L'Occitane in the past and always loved them but I've been stocking up on Bath and Body Works over the last few years as I love sweet smelling body products. 

The Cherry Blossom gift set came with a shimmer body lotion, shower gel, hand cream and bar of soap.  I wish Internet had some kind of scent application because this range smells so amazing.  It's sweet and floral at the same time and totally what I love.  If you're a fan of summery, sweet scents that make you feel so yummy, this is one to try out.  I LOOOOVE IT!!!  And the packaging is so pretty as well. L'Occitane products are also very high quality and well worth the splurge.  

Check out my gift!!! 

The pretty box!!

The gift set!!

Thank you Hanis and Faizal!!  I enjoyed your visit and wish we had more time together!!!

Threading Update!!!

Hi everyone!!  As you all know, right after Christmas, I was called in for work and therefore haven't had as much time to work on the blog.  However, I am working on it as and when I do get the chance so you'll be seeing some new things over the weekend.  Friday Alter Ego looks are definitely more time consuming but I promise to get a new one out soon.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I tried to thread my eyebrows last night and the night before using the technique in the video I shared from You Tube.  It was a little awkward because I'm not used to it, but I wanted to share with you that it does work and I think it's amazing.  I don't think I'll ever go back to plucking my eyebrows again!!!  My eyebrows look as if I had gone to get it done professionally.  I guess the difference is that it's really hard to get a hold of the finer hairs when plucking but threading picks them up real easily.

Once you're done shaping your eyebrows, there may be some strands of hair that are longer.  Just use a pair of small scissors to trim those.  Brush your eyebrows up and whatever sticks out should be trimmed accordingly.

If you're worried about accidentally pulling hairs out that shouldn't be pulled, use a piece of tape to cover the parts of your eyebrows that you don't want to pull.  The video below shows you how to do that!  Anyway, try it out.  You'll be amazed at the results too I'm sure.  And, if you're not that good at it and feel awkward, just keep practicing like I am.

BB Creams!!!

Over the last month and a half, I've been writing about different makeup looks and products and I realize I've mentioned and shown you photos of the BB cream I use as a foundation substitute but I've never really explained or talked about BB creams in much detail.  Some of you may be wondering what a BB cream is, so here's a little product knowledge for you.  

You have probably seen ads for BB creams in magazines, television and on posters wherever you live.  In North America and Europe it has just recently gained popularity but in Asia it has been a big hit for quite some time.

BB cream was developed by Korean plastic surgeons to help treat post laser surgery patients while concealing their healing scars.  I've recently read that the original formula was actually created in Germany.  Anyway, no matter where it was produced originally, the results were amazing and mild enough on the skin, it eventually made it to the commercial market by way of various cosmetic companies in Korea.

Having many benefits in one product, it promises to even out skin tone (whiten), provide SPF coverage, moisturize, prevent and treat aging skin and wrinkles and provide the same coverage as a medium to full coverage foundation without feeling heavy.

Many western companies are starting to join the trend and produce their own BB cream.  You'll find BB creams from MAC, Garnier, Clinique, Chanel etc.  However, a very wide range of Korean cosmetics companies are also still producing BB creams too.  Now, I don't know about you, but I prefer to buy products from companies that produced them and caused the hype rather than companies that decided to hop on the band wagon to take advantage of the trend and make some money.

BB creams are great but do your research if you have oily or sensitive skin.  Some brands have been known to cause breakouts on those with sensitive skin and some have been known to be oilier and may not be suitable for consumers with oily skin.

BB creams are also usually produced in lighter shades and don't come in a variety of colours like foundation does.  They are much more suitable for pale skinned girls.  Think Japanese/Korean celebrities who have been setting the pale skin trend in Asia.  However, lucky for you bronzed beauties out there I've discovered from reading other blogs that Missha, a Korean company, actually produces BB cream for tanned skin people.  It's part of their Perfect M line in number 31 (you can purchase it online if Missha isn't available in your country).  If you still find the shade a little light, mix it with a darker foundation like I do.

I really do recommend BB creams because it is so much better for your skin overall.  I love the coverage and the finish.  Sometimes, if I am too lazy to remove my makeup before going to bed, I don't feel so guilty if I'm wearing BB cream.  It's like a tinted moisturizer but with more benefits and more coverage. 

Monday Lunchtime Threading Video!!!

Hi ladies!!!  I just wanted to share with you something I discovered over the weekend.  Did you know that people actually thread their own eyebrows and upper lip???  I was really surprised when my friend Anita started to thread her own eyebrows and upper lip the other night before getting ready to go out.  My surprise came mainly due to the fact that she doesn't know much about makeup, but the one beauty thing that seems quite complicated and that not many people know how to do themselves...she could do!!!  And, for some reason, it really, truly never occurred to me that you could thread your own eyebrows and upper lip. 

Anyway, since Anita learnt how to do it through watching YouTube videos, I thought I'd share one with you!! 

Beauty Makeover #1

I've had plans to do several makeovers and post them on my blog!  Last night, I finally managed to get one makeover done.  I did my friend Anita's makeup for the Asian party we went to and I'd like to share the makeover with you!

Anita's Makeup Profile:
Anita likes to keep things simple and she rarely wears makeup.  In fact, I think she never wore makeup until recently, but only when she's going to a party. 

What I Did:
Because Anita has amazing eyes I wanted them to stand out a little more.  I used a dark brown colour on her eyelids and a dark blue (MAC eyeshadow in Contrast) in her corners and creases.  I love a thicker liner on Indian eyes so I tried that out on her.  She used a deep brownish red lipstick which I think matches her skin tone perfectly. 

Here's the makeover!!! 

without makeup

with makeup

I think she looks good either way but the look with makeup is certainly more fitting for a night out!!!  And, it seems to have made her quite a hot commodity at last night's party!!!!

Asian Party!!! Celebrating Chinese New Year in London!!!

First of all I want to say Gong Xi Fa Choi to anyone celebrating Chinese New Year out there!!!  Last night, I went to an Asian party at a club down in East London.  What's an Asian party?  Well, I was wondering about that myself before I went but I guess it's a party for Asians, with Asians!  According to my friend Polly, they have these parties all the time in Sydney where she comes from but it only happens once a year here in London!  Anyway, it was in celebration of Chinese New Year.  The theme was to wear red or something sexy and Chinese.  It was a pretty cool party complete with a lion dance parade in the club which was extremely cool!  I've seen many lion dances in my life, but never in a club!  

Anyway, I wanted to share my look for last night with you!!  I went out and bought a red corset bustier top.  This thing was amazing.  It's a proper corset and not recommended for ladies who live alone coz you're gonna have to call your friend over to get you into it.  My friend Anita helped me out and she literally pulled the corset tight until my boobs were sky high and my waist was teeny tiny.  It was a little hard to breathe but totally worth the end result!!!  

Here's the a full length look at my outfit!!!  You can't really see the sky high boobs in this photo but I think it would be a little too scandalous to post one with so much boob exposure anyway. :)

Here's a look at the back of the corset.  These are the strings that have to be pulled to cinch your waist!!

Here's a look at my makeup for the night!!  I left it simple!!!  I think you can sort of see the corset's effect on my boobs peeking through my hair!!!

And finally!!!  It was an Asian party so I'm leaving you with the obligatory Asian victory sign!!!

Ladies....I recommend you get yourself a corset!!!  It makes you feel so good about your body!!!!!

Friday Work Look!!!

I'm loving this morning's look for work!!  I think it's perfect for a day at work and for my Friday night dinner after!!!  Thought I'd share it with you!!!

How to Make Foundation Last Through The Day!!!

If you have oily skin or live in a country that is incredibly hot, your foundation will most likely melt before the day is even half way over.  You've probably tried applying loose powder over your foundation but noticed your makeup still runs.  Well, like me, you probably need a little bit more help.  Layering is a great way to help your foundation stay longer.  Here is what I do to keep my foundation fresh all day. 

Layer 1:

I don't usually use a primer, just any moisturizer I am using at the time.  For foundation, I am currently using a Missha BB cream, mixed with MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC 45 to match the colour to my skin tone.  You don't have to choose the same foundation.  However, oily skinned folks should opt for oil free foundation.  If you haven't read up on BB creams yet, I don't recommend just buying from any brand.  Some of them may actually make your skin oilier.  Do your research on which is most suitable for your skin type.

Layer 2:

Next, I like to apply a powder foundation over my liquid foundation.  My favourits is MAC Studio fix Powder.  In order not to have a thick, cakey mask-like finish, instead of using the sponge that the product comes with, I like to use my duo fibre brush.  It just helps to apply a thin and even layer of product that holds the liquid foundation in place. 

Layer 3:

A loose translucent powder or a compact powder applied with a large powder brush will hold all of it together without adding any extra thickness to your base. 

Throughout the day:

Oil can still sneak up to the surface of your skin throughout the day.  In order to keep it under control, I suggest using a blotting powder when necessary.  My favourite is from MAC and it's the blot powder in medium dark!

Give layering a try.  It really does work.  

What's In My Bag?

I bet because I love makeup, own a ton of products and don't like leaving my apartment without makeup, you probably think I carry a whole makeup case in my big bag!!  You may be surprised to find out that this is  far from accurate.   I always carry a little purse inside my big purse and it only has a handful of products I just can't leave home without!

Hand Cream:

Skin can get really dry whether you are in London or an air-conditioned building in the sweltering heat in some tropical country.  I've been told that hands are a tell tale sign of age because they are often neglected.  I like to carry a small tube with me wherever I go.  It's great for moisturizing my hands...and my legs before heading into the gym with shorts!!

Lipstick/Lipgloss:

I usually carry the lipstick or lipgloss that I'm wearing that day.  This is just for touch ups throughout the day. 

Lip Balm:

The air is incredibly dry here and my lips feel chapped all the time.  This little tin of lipbalm is a life saver.  It's so uncomfortable to have chapped lips and it looks unsightly under lipstick!

Eye Drops:

Just in case my eyes get dry I like to bring eye drops that are packaged in individual tubes.  One is enough for about 4 drops in each eye.  It has a longer shelf life than regular bottled eye drops that have to be thrown out after 3 to 4 weeks of opening.  With these, I can keep them in my purse until I need them and they won't expire for at least a year.

Compact powder:

I bring this to blot oil off my face and set my makeup.  It's also great to have the mirror around just in case my eye makeup smudges during the day. 

Anti Blister Stick:

In case I feel my shoes rubbing against my feet, it's always great to have around to prevent blisters. 

Tissue:

After living in Asia for many years I've realized you never know when you're gonna need tissue so it's always good to have a small pack in your bag.

Hand Sanitizer:

Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer from Bath and Bodyworks is my favourite.  I love the way they smell and I always stock up on them when I'm back in Canada or the States.  Again, you never know when you're gonna need it. 

So there you go!!!  And they all fit into one tiny little bag!!

All About Eyeliners!!

You're probably wondering why there are so many eyeliners out there and what the difference is between all of them.  Is it just a matter of giving consumers a variety of choices or do all these eyeliners really work differently?  I actually have several types of eyeliners, having started off my makeup escapades with just eyeliner and experimenting over the years to find ones that worked best for my oily eyelids. 

So here is the breakdown of eyeliners out there, with some categories having even more variety!!! 

LIQUID
Variety: Felt tip pen, thin and soft brush in a bottle or tube, thin and firm brush in a bottle or tube, waterproof, regular

Best used for creating very defined line with or without a prominent wing tip.  Liquid liners with firmer brushes are great for making finer lines as they provide great control.

PENCIL
Variety: Khol, waterproof, regular, smudgeproof, comes in a wide range of colours

Best for creating a smokey look.  You can purposely smudge this type of eyeliner.  A pencil liner creates lines with softer edges.  It can help to create a casual and edgy look.  It comes in a variety of colours and in my opinion is the most versatile of all the eyeliners available.  Pencil liners can be used to line the eyes, work great as an eyeshadow base and can be used to line both your upper and lower waterline. 

GEL
Variety: In colour mostly

It is smudge-proof and great for oily eyelids.  Great for creating classic looks (from the 50s and 60s) with medium line thickness.

Apply with an angled brush to create a sharp, angled wing tip. 

CAKE
Variety: Not much variety and usually available in brown and black

This has been around for a long time. In my opinion, it's probably the hardest to master and has the least amount of staying power.  It's almost like a water colour paint and requires a wet brush to work the product.  The lines created are similar to that of a gel liner but I find the colour intensity usually quite disappointing.

Unfortunately I also can't show you how it looks as I don't own one of these!!!  I had one 10 years ago from makeup school but I'm not a big fan and there are much better products to work with these days. 

I recommend a pencil for the absolute beginner and a firm brush tip liquid eyeliner for slightly more advanced beginners!!! 

My favourite pencil eyeliners are Diorshow waterproof eyeliner and Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes eyeliner.
My favourite liquid liners are K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasing Eyeliner and L'Oreal Superliner.
My favourite gel liner is MAC Fluidliner. 

Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna Review!!!

When I finally arrived in London and had access to Illamasqua, which was recommended to me by a friend, I started to review a number of their products.  Having read amazing things about their Intense Lipgloss, I quickly put it down as one of my 2012 makeup wish list items. 

I went in before Christmas and tried on Belladonna.  I was rather surprised at the intensity of the colour as I had never ever seen a lipgloss quite so rich before.  The photos that appear with the product online don't really do justice to how vibrant the colour really is.  I had assumed intense referred to the glossiness and staying power of the product.  However, the colour looks just as opaque as lipstick but as glossy as a MAC lipglass. 

I chose Belladonna because it is a beautiful deep raspberry colour.  It's so different from what I own and it's a great alternative to a red lipstick paired with nude eyes.  Even though it is quite bright and appears to be more suitable for night time, I wore it to work with neutral eyes and I'm so in love with the lipgloss and the look.  The staying power is INCREDIBLY AMAZING!!!!!   It is much better than MAC lipglass.  It lasts longer and isn't sticky!!  After a little snack, a few glasses of water and an entire afternoon at work, there was still colour and gloss on my lips. 

Belladonna is a little bit more of a statement lippy for sure but the Intense Lipgloss line comes in a variety of bright and bold colours that can be surprisingly natural (http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/catalogue/category/lips/products/intense-lipgloss/28/).  My next purchase will be the Intense Lipgloss in Move.  It's a very natural colour that would be great for everyday use.  It is described as deep purple online, but didn't appear as purple on my lips as on the Illamasqua website.  

I am so impressed with this lipgloss and think that it's worth the £13.  Throw away all your other lipglosses ladies!!!  This is the only one you'll ever need!!! 

For those of you living in countries where Illamasqua is not available, check their website for international delivery options.

My Makeup Pick of the Month!!!

MAC Lipstick in MAC Red!!!!

This is officially my first red lipstick.  I've never owned anything quite so red and to be honest, I wasn't sure I liked red lipstick on anyone let alone myself!!!  It's very trendy but a trend that women tend to love and men tend to hate!!!  I didn't dislike it because of that but it is rather bold and makes quite a statement!  However, this is a look that has grown on me and I realized that it can look very classic when paired with extremely nude eyes and simple hair.

Similar to other MAC lipsticks, this one does not dry out my lips.  It has a satin finish which is neither glossy nor shimmery but gives lips a nice dewy finish.  I love the texture, finish and the colour.

And...I got it for free!!!  You can get yours for free too with MAC's recycling program!!!  Collect 6 empty MAC containers (not the boxes that they are sold in but the plastic or glass containers that stores the product) and trade them in for any lipstick of your choice.  This is practiced all over the world, in every MAC store. 

Quick Mid Afternoon Thought!!!

Do you like matching your eyeshadow colour with your outfit?  I've heard contradicting theories on whether or not you should match your eyeshadow colour to your outfit.  I know many people like to wear blue eyes with a blue outfit, or silver eyes with a silver outfit!!  To be honest, if there is a rule to what you should do, I'm not too sure what it is.  However, I suggest using complementary colours.  For example, wear brown shadow with a green dress, silver with a blue dress, gold with a brown dress!!!  Try it out!!!

Friday Alter Ego: Leopard Eye Makeup

I finally managed to find some time to come up with an alter ego look for this week.  This is really easy to do.

Eyeshadow:
Apply a brown eyeshadow all over your eyelids and a coral coloured eyeshadow on your corners and the hollow part of your eyes just under the brow bone.  Use a gold eyeshadow on your brow bone.

Leopard print:
Draw large and small circles all over your eyelids using a black eyeliner.  It's really easy because the circles obviously don't have to be perfect.  Apply brown eyeshadow to the inside of each circle.

Eyeliner:
When drawing your eyeliner, extend beyond the natural outline of your eyes on both corners and bring it up a little on the outer corners.  Make a a sharp point on the inner corners too.  This will create a cat like effect on your eyes.

Eyelashes and eyebrows:
Define your eyebrows with a very dark pencil and put on some dramatic false eyelashes to complete the look!!!

This is a really easy and it looks impressive so try it out for your next fancy dress or Halloween party.

What I used:
K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner in black
Ros n Roy eyeshadow in a brown shade
MAC Peachtwist blush (on my eys because I don't have an orange toned eyeshadow)
L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Goldmine
Diorshow eyeliner in black
Illamasqua false eyelashes (not sure which number)