NARS Spring 2010 Collection is overtly dominated by bright sunny yellows, luscious berries bright lilacs and rich plums, which clearly remind us of the approaching season.  Amber Valletta graced the ad campaign, emulating French actress Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in the movie, La Chamade.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in the movie. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed” – Francois Nars

The collection features two duo eye shadows, one single eye shadow, one lipstick, two lip glosses, one glitter pencil and a nail polish. OTOH, Amber’s Impeccably sculpted and contoured face is made possible by using Amour Blush and Albatross Highlighting Powder.

The Collection:

Duo Eye Shadows

in Kuala Lumpur

in Carmague

Single Eye Shadow

in D. Gorgeous

Glitter Pencil

in Bains Douches

Lipstick

in Cruising

Lip Glosses

in Easy Love

in Ophelia

Nail Polish

in Purple Rain

Get to know more about the collection here.

All Images from: NARSCosmetics.com

I would have thought of doing something creative, like getting myself a snapshot in my quirkiest pose donning the quirkiest makeup. But, since fresh is the theme, I’ve chosen this look  I pulled off at a Christmas Party.

Boho Makeup-No Makeup Look at the Christmas Party

Makeup: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation, Dollface Cosmetics Oil-Absorbing Mineral Finishing Silk, Shu Uemura Sheer Face Powder, Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Mascara,  Shu Uemura Pro Concealer, Bloom Retractable Brow Definer, Bloom Eyeshadow Liner,  Nars Orgasm blush, MAC Bronzing Powder and MAC Lip Gelee.

Back then, I remember using loads of makeup. And by makeup, I mean loads of foundation and concealer–obviously to hide “something”.  My face is oily, and so it’s prone to acne and scarring. It’s not that I hate being oily (well sometimes, I do). It’s just that it totally melts the makeup away, and gives me unwanted breakouts here and there. Wearing heavy makeup did cover my flaws, but it made my look somewhat unnatural as much as it felt.  I can’t deny that there’s this heavy feeling wearing such makeup everyday. And so, I resorted into ditching using heavy makeup (well, only if there’s no special occasion).

And so, I learned about mineral makeup–which is well-known for its almost all natural (organic) properties. At first, I was bothered about the mess it always leaves, as it kinda stains on everything it touches. Mineral makeups are usually of loose powder type. But then, as I reap the great benefits of using MMUs, I try adapting to “change”. Later on, I found the El Dorado–MMUs in compact powder and liquid types.

And for the whole look, I always go for the makeup no-makeup look. I just admire [and envy] how Koreans pull it off with so much ease! Maybe because, they’re already born with clear, radiant skin. But, that didn’t stop me from hoping to achieve it. Mineral makeup looks and feels so natural with my skin. Albeit it doesn’t have as much coverage as compared to traditional types, it gives me the just-right coverage that sets in my concealer in place.

Speaking of concealers, I use as little as possible. I tried not to layer it too much lest it will look streaky as soon as my face gets oilier and oilier. Time after time, my face gets clearer and clearer, so I use less concealer. Sometimes, I don’t use it at all!

Whenever my skin gets oily, I just blot the excess oil using oil-control films and dab  some oil control powder on after. With this look, I opted to skip blotting oil from my cheeks, giving ‘em some sheen.

Back in college, I made a full switch to using VMV Hypoallergernics products: from powder-foundation down to concealer. As soon as I started working, I upgraded into using MAC Cosmetics, hence the studiofix, concealer and lots of lip glasses.

I just hate to see blemishes standing out on my face, so I stashed in Cinema Secrets Concealer to do its job.

Due to my studiofix rant (couple it with my being adverturesome when it comes to makeup), I decided to make another switch, yet again, to Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation, along with its Pro Concealer.

Oh well, much has been changed. First, breakouts are finally going, going, gone (I hope this is gonna be the last time I’ll be seeing you, zits!), that’s why I don’t have to put on loads of kabuki-thick makeup. Then, I finally learned how to set my makeup to last longer (thanks to my mattifier, oil-blotting sheets and loose powder), and to practice the cardinal rule of skin care by wearing sun block everyday.

Enough gab, here’s my present kikay kit:

Starting off with my Wicked Sista makeup bag from Beauty Bar. They got pretty makeup bag designs that’s proven to be durable and waterproof. I’ve been avidly using these for almost a year. xx

Here’s what’s inside my makeup kit. I know it’s not a lot, but these are essential stuff meant for everyday use (well, at least when going out!). Products are:

Shu Uemura Sheer Colorless Loose Face Powder – Lurve this. Sets my makeup well for a smooth, flawless finish
Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation in 754 - My new makeup BFF. Not too sheer, nor too heavy. It gives just-right coverage
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer in 7YR (Blendable. Perfect for Tropical Climate. I used Cinema Secrets though when I was in Belgium, coz this one was as hard as a rock! See review here)
Bloom Shadow Liner in Ebony Brown (My HG eye liner)
BeneFit Eye Shadow Duo in Fate Made me Do It (Lavender/Smoke Gray)  – I don’t really use it that often. But, this is the smallest e/s set I can stash inside my makeup bag
Lancome Virtuose Mascara – Lengthens and Defines my Lashes. See review here
Smashbox Anti Shine – Great for keeping oilies at bay. Sometimes heavy on the skin, so I don’t use it everyday. More review soon!
Chanel Lumiere Lift Concealer in Beige Lumiere – I’m a freak when it comes to anti-aging stuff. Lurve how it blends and moisturizes the skin around my eyes. Lessens its puffiness to boot. Can double as liquid foundation See review here)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Gaily – I don’t hafta wear lipgloss over it, coz it’s that moisturizing
MAC Lip Glass in Soft and Slow – Only if I wanted nude lips xx
MAC 3D Lip Glass in Wondershine – Has rich red color for a bolder look.
The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain – Good thing Body Shop reformulated this from liquid to gel. Use it everyday for that just-bitten, reddish lips.
Agent Provocateur Lip Balm – Not really that effective to keep lips from chapping. But, heart its cooling effect, making my pout look naturally redder xx
Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited Sample – I just put it for the sole purpose of making my makeup bag smell good. Ha-ha!

(Not in pics: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blotting Tissues, Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra-Sheer SPF 50 Sunblock, Shu Uemura UV Base and Shu Uemura Curlash)

Hoping to see what’s yours soon! xx

This actually reminds me of the cute, cuddly yet dark characters of Happy Tree Friends. Obviously, it won me aesthetically. It’s very affordable to boot. Each only costs € 2.35 (about $ 3.10), so grabbing a piece or two won’t hurt my skimpy pocket.

So there, I had an eyeshadow duo in baby pink and purple, enclosed in a tiny metal-like canister that’s really, really handy. I also had this blackberry flavored lipgloss in rose that comes with a cute bear charm (which also doubles as a phone charm[!])

I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m so giddy to finally open and give ‘em a swipe. It may not be as good as MAC, Smashbox or Bobbi Brown, but surely it’s worth a fab collector’s item.

If you tried and loved Barbie loves MAC, then this Stila collection will surely eat your heart out! It’s composed of various makeup sets and palettes, all beautifully crafted to fit Barbie’s glam and charm. If you want to sport an enchanting doll-face look [just like Barbie's], then grabbing one of these fabulous sets will definitely do the trick. Each set is made ideally for every Barbie’s exquisite look as it evolves through the years.

You can also opt getting Barbie loves Stila Talking Palette or  Barbie loves Stila Eye Shadow Trio & Lip Glaze Combo for a try.

The makeup sets include:

Barbie loves Stila Ponytail Doll Set (for a striking & glamorous look)

This set includes:

• 3 Pan Palette with a soft shimmering pale pink eye shadow, a sky blue eye shadow with white shimmer, and a golden bronze bronzer
• Lip Glaze in Malibu (pale pinky peach)
• Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie loves Stila Malibu Doll Set (for a fresh & sun-kissed look)

This set includes:

• 3 Pan Palette with a soft shimmering pale pink eye shadow, a sky blue eye shadow with white shimmer, and a golden bronze bronzer
• Lip Glaze in Malibu (pale pinky peach)
• Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie loves Stila Foxy Doll Set (for a bold & stunning look)

• 3 Pan Palette with soft wheat eye shadow with white shimmer, mid-tone brown. with gold shimmer, and matte soft berry cheek color
• Lip Glaze in Foxy (sheer tangerine color)
• Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie loves Stila Jewel Doll Set (for a pretty & sassy look)

• 3 Pan Palette with a tan eye shadow with pink shimmer, a brown eye shadow. with gold and brown shimmer, and a shimmering pink cheek color
• Lip Glaze in Jewel (shimmering vivid pink)
• Multi-effect Mascara in Black

Palettes & Combos include:

Barbie loves Stila Talking Palette

An eyeshadow quad palette in cool pink shimmer (base), bright lilac with gold sparkle (lid), deep pink (crease), and dark purple with blue sparkle (liner). It also includes an insert card with instructions on step-by-step makeup application, and information on Barbie through the decades.

Barbie loves Stila Eye Shadow Trio & Lip Glaze Combo

A combination of eyeshadow trio in matte nude pink (Base), shimmery champagne pink  (Lid) and shimmery soft black (Liner), plus lip glaze in  Jewel (shimmery vivid pink).

Prices range from $28-$40. For more details, click here.

Every piece in this collection is worth keeping for. The palette compact as well as the boxes are beautifully embellished in paint splatters, which reminds me of Jackson Pollock‘s masterpieces. One product to look forward to is the Cream Eye Liner Pencil that you can buy in a set of 4 lovely colors! It effectively accentuates the eyes, and is easy to blend due to its cream consistency. Of course, you won’t go wrong with the best-selling Bionic Mascara for longer, stronger and more voluminous lashes that truly stand out. The Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer works as Photo Finish primer and highlighter in one. Lastly, the Muse Artist Eye Palette is composed of 10 velvety eye shadows plus a custom shadow brush. I consider the latter as one of the unique, practical finds in this collection.

The look won’t be complete without the Muse Blush Rush and the Muse Lip Paints that give the right amount of tinge for cheeks and lips.

Wanna get this gorgeous look? Simply watch this tutorial video featuring Smashbox National Artist Hank Hoffman here.

Products:

Bionic Mascara – $48
in Black Violet (Black with a hint of Violet)

Crease Brush #10 – $28

Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer – $34
in Bare Canvas (Luminous Champagne)

Muse Artist Eye Palette – $48
in Biscuit, Chocolate, Soft Green, Dark Celery Green, Light Silver-Blue, Dark Blue-Grey, Sheer Lilac, Deep Orchid, Rose Copper and Coffee

Muse Blush Rush – $24
in Masterpiece (Warm Peachy Coral)

Muse Cream Liner Pencil Set – $36
in Lapis (Deep Ocean Blue), Imperial (Deep Violet), Slate (Deep Charcoal) and Gold (Deep Gold)

Muse Lip Paints – $21
in Luminary (Creamy Nude)
Artiste (Creamy Berry)
Virtuoso (Creamy Pink)

From environment friendly shopping bags and goodies to cruelty free makeups, truly the fashion and beauty industry have gone more responsible! This is actually the first time I uncover an eye shadow palette that is 100% vegan (no animal byproducts whatsoever at all).

Smashbox Palettes for PETA are two sets of vegan eyeshadow palettes in a pretty compact case that’s formulated for superb blendability and has never been tested on animals. It includes a mirror and a double-ended brush for blending, lining and smudging.

Palletes

Earth Mother - shimmery beige, taupe, chocolate brown
In the Wild – shimmery pale gold, pink champagne, seige green

These gorgeous palettes are coming soon, so watch out ladies! Check http://www.smashbox.com/PALETTES-FOR-PETA for more details.