Review: Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow No.22 Pale Barley

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow No.22 Pale Barley ($30 for 0.088 oz) is one of the two new additions to the permanent line from the Spring 2012 collection. At the first glance, I thought I had something "similar" in the stash. Honestly, it looked rather boring in the pan. Pale Barley turns out to be an original and gorgeous shade. Beautiful. Truly versatile. Easy to wear.  

 

It's hard to describe Pale Barley (to me). It's a brown beige fused with delicate golden and champagne shimmer, creating a nuance and understated sheen on my lids. It might sound like "just another neutral" and you might picture a subtle beige on your lids. But Pale Barley delivers the unexpected. It blends in with my skintone (medium warm undertone) without looking plain. I imagine it would pop out more on lighter complexion and even work as a highligter on darker skintone. Interestingly, the more intense the layering, the more golden it becomes. You can use this to add more drama to the look or tone it down to just a wash of golden sheen on your lids. Burberry executes this shade beautifully! I can't say enough how impressed I am.

I wore this fresh and clean look, pairing Pale Barley with Midnight Brown. I also used Taupe Brown at the outer corner for some depth. Below are some comparision swatches with some of my favorite Dior quints that contain certain shades I thought would be similar to Pale Barley and Burberry Midnight Brown. 

Like other Burberry eyeshadows, Pale Barley glides on the skin smoothly. The texture is buttery soft without being powdery. No fall-outs was detected through the day. It stays fresh for at least 10 hours with a standard primer like Urban Decay Primer Potion. If you still hesitate to try Burberry eyeshadows, I urge you to visit a Burberry counter! Or take a chance to order online;) You won't be disappointed!

Bottom line. Love so much! Phenomenal color and quality. Extremely versatile. If I could only have one Burberry eyeshadow, I would pick Pale Barley. 

Review: Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow No. 09 Rosewood

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow No. 09 Rosewood ($29 for 0.088 oz) was the first eyeshadow I wanted to try from the line. The reason: it seems like it suits both warm and cool tone; and the shimmer is subdued and soft. I had high expectation for Rosewood quality-wise and color-wise.

Rosewood crosses between a taupy brown and rosy mauve, i.e. really a soft rosy wooden color. I don't own any color like this. Dior 5-color quint Sunset Cafe has a silver mauve that is more mauvy; Urban Decay Toasted is more rosy; Urban Decay Sidecar is more taupy. Rosewood has subtle pearly finish that produces a sheen for your lids.

Burberry Rosewood would work great for a wash of color on light skin and cool undertone. For medium warm tone like mine, the wooden undertone matches my skin too close. It still looks good on me but not as great as it could. If used alone on me, it looks rather plain since it lacks of depth. That doesn't bother me but deflates my excitement a bit. So I layer either Burberry Taupe Brown (which by the way is a surprisingly interesting color!) or Burberry Midnight Brown at the outer corners for more definition. Urban Decay Hustle also compliments Burberry Rosewood beautifully.

The texture of Rosewood is buttery smooth without any fall-outs or over-powdery. It's very easy to blend and layer. It stays fresh 10 hours with a standard primer, looking exactly the same as when first applied. Now, among all the six Burberry eyeshadows I own, Rosewood lies on the sheer side but in a good way. No matter how sheer I apply Rosewood on top a primer, it stays put. 

Bottom line. Phenomenal quality. It's blendable, layerable and stays fresh for at least 10 hours. I highly recommend Rosewood for light complexion with cool or neutral undertone. 

Guest post on MSodapop

While my blog focuses on high-end cosmetics, I have recently discovered many drugstore products that are serious competitors to my favorite high-ends. When I find a great product I have the need to share (thinking of the hubby at the moment :D). So I'm thrilled that Christine of MSodapop is hosting a guest blog series on her blog. She has keen sense of style and writes objective reviews. Her blog has a relaxing, friendly air that I feel at eased immediately.

I'm so excited to present you my guest post for MSodapop. It features L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows in Bronzed Taupe and Liquid Diamond. If you want to see my post, please click here.

Look: Peachy Pink with Burberry Beauty

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you're all enjoying your weekend. Mine really just revolves around grocery shopping, cleaning up, gardening and finishing whatever left from work. Nothing exciting. My photos on the recent Burberry goodies still need editing and touch-ups. In the meantime, here is a look with Burberry eyeshadows in Pale Barley, Midnight Brown, Taupe Brown, and lip cover in Devon Sunset. 

Five hours later....

Clarins Ever Matte Foundation

YSL Touche Eclat

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar

Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush Rose Brazilia

The Body Shop Brow and Liner kit 

Burberry Sheer eyeshadows in Pale Barley, Midnight Brown, Taupe Brown

Bobbi Brown Long-wear gel liner in Espresso

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara

Burberry Lip Cover in Devon Sunset 

I'm in love with Devon Sunset lipstick. It has Belle de Jour vibe of the 60s but not as pale and peachy. When first applied, it's more chalky and peachy. After about an hour, it becomes a natural medium pink on my lips. I never own any lipstick like this. Love!

Burberry Pale Barley, Midnight Brown and Taupe Brown are my current favorite eyeshadow combo. They're not at all sheer as the name suggests. Very chic, elegant and wearable! 

Review: Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Initiale Fall 2012

Chanel Joues Contraste Rose Initiale ($43 for 0.21 oz) is the new blush of the Fall 2012. Good news is it's added to the permanent line. You might already seen the 987654321 reviews of Rose Initiale by now. It tells you how popular Rose Initiale has become. For very good reasons.

When I first saw the pictures of Rose Initiale, I thought it'd be just another peachy pink blush I already owned. But no, I don't have anything this sophisticated. And the baked formula is actually buttery smooth, not at all how I pictured it in my mind. 

Chanel Rose Initiale is a muted peachy pink, not really pink nor peach. I feel like it has the equal mix of both. When worn, Rose Initiale looks very natural, just like a pink rosy flush on the cheek. Very nuance, very muted yet pinky and peachy. It doesn't lean cool nor warm, which makes it universally flattering on all skintone. It's one of those classic blush that you don't have to think hard of what it will match. It goes with almost every look from natural to dramatic. It's sheer but buildable for intensity. I used two layers on the apple of my cheeks for the look below.

The subtle golden shimmer brightens up my cheeks with a very soft sheen. So don't let the shimmer worry you if you more prone to matte blushes.

Heavy swatch  (natural light)

 Heavy swatch (direct sunlight)

What sold me completely though is the staying powder. I was running errands and 5 hours later, Rose Initiale sill looked fresh. It only started fading after 8 hours. Love it so much! Blushes generally don't last over 4 hours on me so I was thrilled. 

Like other Joues Contraste, Rose Initiale is infused with light rose scent elegantly though. I prefer fragrance-free products but this is actually quite pleasant. It comes with a large mirror and a decent brush. 

Bottom line. Totally in love! Rose Initiale is a great natural blush that flatters all skintones. Easy to wear and easy to use. Thinning my wallet for a $43 blush definitely consumes lots of thoughts. For me, it's totally worth it.

Have you tried Rose Initiale? How do you like it? What do you pair with it?

Here's a look with Rose Initiale (photo taken at hour 5)

Makeup breakdown

Clarins Ever Matte Foundation in 108

YSL Touche Eclat in 08

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight

Chanel Joues Contrase in Rose Initiale

Dior 5-color eyeshadow Beige Massai (all 5 shades!)

Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Liner in Espresso

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara 

The Body Shop Brow and Liner Kit (dark brown/black)

YSL Rouge Couture in  Fushia

The Liebster Blog Award

Back in July, Tina at 2Petite nominated me for the The Liebster Blog Award. I was so happy and honored. Her blog is just as cute as herself!  There are so many awesome bloggers out there and this award encourages me to connect with them. 

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

The rules for receiving this award are simples:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. Remember, no tag backs!

My answers to Tina's questions

1. How would you describe your fashion style in 3 words?

Chic. Effortless. Classic. (and I aim at the elegance as the final results but still work on it :D)

2. What is your must-have clothing item in your closet?

White shorts and ankle pants. I'm obsessed with white bottoms. They go with everything. You can dress them up or down. 

3. What color is your favorite?

Tough question! I love different colors for different things, for example, tan shoes, yellow sweaters, red skinny belts, taupe eyeshadows, natural pink blush, rosy lips etc.. Probably navy blue because I always prone to anything navy blue. 

4. What are your favorite clothing stores or websites?

I like LOFT and Target in general. My other favorites are H&M, Babana Republic, and JCrew (especially their shoes and jewelry), and New York and Company pants. 

5. What is your favorite book of all time?

Another tough question. Probably Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer or Martin Eden by Jack London. 

6. What is your dream job?
Open my own business, a bridal studio for example.

7. Who is your celebrity fashion inspiration?
I don't really have a fashion style icon. My inspiration comes from everyone around me rather than a celebrity. 

8. Which city do you prefer, New York or Los Angeles?

LA. I LOVE the weather in LA!

9. What is the most expensive item you've ever splurged on?
A Coach purse :D. 

10. Would you describe yourself as more down to earth or  idealistic?
Down to earth.

11. Why did you decide to start blogging?
I need an outlet to de-stress myself, document my love for makeup and release my husband from beauty ramblings :)

My questions to the nominees

1. What part of the world are you from?
2. What is the focus of your blog?
3. What are your current favorite beauty or fashion blogs?
4. Who is your style icon?
5. What are your favorite beauty or fashion brands?
6. Where will/did you go for vacation this summer?
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
8. You can never have too many of [fill in the blank].
9. What is your favorite cartoon character?
10. Red lips or nude lips? 
11. What is your must-have beauty product?

My nominations in no particular order

http://backtofive.blogspot.com/

http://limitedlucy.blogspot.com/

http://withlovex0-ploy.blogspot.com/

http://marielovesheels.blogspot.com/

http://yingcbeauty.blogspot.com/

http://frowardfashion.blogspot.com/

http://www.paintpotted.co.uk/

http://vintagewalls.blogspot.com/

http://abdofolio.blogspot.com/

http://walkinyourownshoes.blogspot.com/

http://www.crazystylelove.com/

xxx
Joanne

Look: Meet Jessica - Part 2 Sultry chic

It's finally Friday! 

Before I get caught up with all the boxes in our garage, I thought I'd post the second make-over look for my friend Jessica. The first look focused on keeping everything natural. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill in Pulp Fiction immediately popped up in my mind even before I did a test makeup with her. The pictures didn't do its justice! I wanted to create a shimmery silver eyes pair with natural pink lips and cheeks. All photos were taken by my friend Doan and edited by me :). 

Face

Korres Matifying Primer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Dollface

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

Eye

Guerlain 6-Ecrin Eyeshadow Palette in Place Vendome (dark grey for the brows and define the crease)
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow in Pulp Fiction
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero
Bobbi Brown Party Extreme Mascara

Lip

Chanel Rouge Allure in Exquisite

This picture has nothing to do with her makeup. I simply adore the V-neck line in the back! 

I hope you enjoy the mini make-over with Jessica. Have great weekend!

Joanne

Yumeko's Weekly Photo Challenge # 10

Yumeko's hosting a weekly photo challenge. This week it's all about summer must-haves. I did my summer beauty essentials a couple of weeks ago but the idea is so fun that I decided to join her.

1. Base makeup
My T-zone gets extra oily during the summer and Korres matifying primer is my life saver.

Korres Matifying Primer, Kiehl's super fluid, Kiehl's Damange-Repairing Serum, Clarins Ever Matte Foundation, Laura Mercier Translucent setting powder

 2. Point makeup

Glowy peachy tan cheeks

Edward Bess Sunlight and Afterglow give me a seamless sheen that look natural under direct sunlight. Dior Aurora and Edward Bess Monte Carlo are perfect peachy bronzes that are smooth and have a little bit of sheen. Obsessed!

Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight and Afterglow, Dior Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora, Edward Bess Quad Royal Monte Carlo

Neutral colors, long-wear formula for the eyes
I've been wearing Dior Beige Massai non-stop since March. I find it compliments summer bronze looks particularly well. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch mascara holds the curl all day, lengthens my lashes and doesn't smudge. It's not waterproof but I never have a problem.

Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel liner in Espresso, Urban Decay Primer Potion, Dior 5-color eyeshadow quint in Beige Massai, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch mascara

Bold or Nude lips

In the summer, I either go nude with Bobbi Brown High shimmer lipgloss in Beach and Edward Bess Pure Impulse or bright with YSL Rouge Couture Innocent Fushia. And my lips need extra moisture under the sun. My current favorite lip balm is EOS. 

4. Bodyspray/ Perfume

Tocca Giulietta, Tom's deodorant (natural!), The Body Shop Salt Body Scrub

3. Cover up

I'm brave. I only shield my eyes! Sunglasses from LOFT

5. Other must-havez

I can't endure makeup long in the summer. Even can't wait until I got home. So I use Boots No.7 makeup remover wipes in the car:) 

Boots No. 7 Quick thinking 4 in 1 wipes, The Body Shop Aloe exfoliator

Water, Fruit and Sandals!

If you want to join us, please leave the link to your post for Yumeko here and in the comment of this post. I'll stop by to leave you comments. Rouge Delux and BirkinBagBeauty have shared their must-haves! 

What are your summer must-haves?

Burberry Haul

Finally. I have the budget for Burberry!

Every year, I saved for one or two beauty lines that receive phenomenal reviews yet less well-known or less accessible. Last year's exploration were Paul and Joe Beaute and Edward Bess, in case you're curious.

Burberry Beauty in the US is available on burberry.com, nordstrom.com, saksfifthavenue.com and selected Nordstrom and Saks stores. To take advantage of the cashback on ebates, I placed half of my order online. I purchased the rest that was unavailable online via phone at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza. My thoughts on the line will come soon:) For the moment, let's enjoy Burberry incredible design!

First row: Midnight Blue, Taupe Brown, Midnight Brown (Left to Right)

Second row: Pearl Grey, Rosewood, Pale Barley (Left to Right)

Gift with purchase from Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

And this giant makeup bag 

The girl at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza didn't mention anything about GWP so this was a nice surprise. I heard Nordstrom San Francisco offered GWP with $125 order. Mine didn't reach this threshold, though. Gotta love Nordstrom customer service! She also gave me the samples of Burberry Sheer Luminous Foundation in No. 5 and No.7 and their fluid makeup base.

Samples of Burberry Sheer Luminous Foundation in Trench No.5 and Trench No. 7 

and Fresh Glow Luminous Base

First impression

Burberry check pattern is omnipresent. The case, the velvet pouch, the products themselves. It doesn't bother me at all although I'm not a Burberry admirer.

Luxe packaging and actually functional! I tend to not paying much attention to the packaging as long as it's sturdy and handy. Yet my jaw drops at this elegant luxurious case. Exquisite! I much prefer this metal case to the plastic from other designer brands like Dior or Chanel.

My Burberry adventure doesn't end here. I need the foundation for the winter and two blushes in Cameo and Tangerine. But they have to wait a little for my wallet to recover....

Until next time, have you tried Burberry beauty? What else will you recommend me to try?

Review: Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow in Spicy Bronze

Bronze is among the most challenging shades that I love being able to pull off. Better yet when that workable shade comes from a drugstore brand. A treasure I would call. Rimmel Spicy Bronze ($2.45 at my local Walmart) is one special bronze. It leans warm without being too warm. It's neutral and muted enough to look good on both warm and cool skin tones.

I expected hard and dry texture as well as poor pigmentation. It was a nice surprise that I was wrong in both aspects. Spicy Bronze has decent color payoff, although layering is needed to build up the color. The texture is actually soft and smooth. The shimmer lights up the lids without being over the top. I've worn Spicy Bronze for daytime, looking perfectly natural. 

 A couple of comparison with other bronzes....

Rimmel Spicy Bronze is sheerest of the bunch. It's redder yet less metallic than Urban Decay Smog. The bronze shade in Revlon Adventurous quad is more neutral and less shimmery than Rimmel Spicy Bronze. Texture-wise, Rimmer Spicy Bronze doesn't beat the other two but it's definitely more wearable (to me).

Bottom line. Highly recommended!

Look: Meet Jessica - Part 1 Natural Nude

I'm so excited to share my mini make-over of my friend Jessica. She was very kind to bring her own makeup bag. I ended using her Estee Lauder Foundation. 

Jessica also loves makeup though not as addictive as I do. When you talk to her, you can feel her positive and calming energy. I really love her natural coloring so I decided to keep her make up as nude as possible. I used peach and plummy brown to define her eyes and keep the rest of the makeup soft and nude. Photos taken by my friend Doan and edited by me :)

Face
Korres Matifying Primer
Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Dollface
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

Eye
Boots No. 7 Mineral Perfection Eyeshadow Trio in Topaz
Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara

Lip
Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipgloss in Beach

Hope you enjoy meeting Jessica! Have a great month of August!