Look: Soft stain lips

When the fall comes, I just simply can't resist deeper lip colors. My two favorite vampy lipsticks for fall are Bite Beauty Mulberry (review is here) and Tom Ford Black Orchid which by the way looks almost identical to its replacement Bruised Plum (yay!). I love the dark deep decadent shade of plum yet sporting it daily can be over the top. Lately, I've been wearing Tom Ford Black Orchid non-stop as a stain and pair it with his cream eyeshadows to create a softer and youthful look. Tons of compliments have been received. Hope you enjoy! The full list of products used is at the bottom as usual. 

Color products used. In my very own fashion, I forgot Dior Beige Massai :D but I link to it below. 

Look breakdown

Face

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick No 5

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate #2

Dior Healthy Glow Powder Aurora

Tom Ford Cheek Color Ravish

Eyes

Nars Pro-prime Eye primer

Tom Ford Cream eyeshadow in Pink Haze (main lid color) and Escapade (1/3 inner lid)

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad Golden Mink (the brown shade for outer V)

Dior 5-color Eyeshadow Quint Beige Massai (deepest brown to define lower lash line)

Sephora Eyeliner Retractable Waterproof #10 Matte Brown/Black (this baby puts Chanel version at shame) 

YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Babydoll Mascara
Tom Ford Brow Scupltor Espresso

Lips

Tom Ford Lip Color Black Orchid (2 sheer layers) 

Review: YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Babydoll

Ah, the never ending quest for a good mascara that holds curl, doesn't smudge, dries fast, separates and lengthens lashes and perhaps gives me some volume. Well, YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Babydoll $30 for 0.2 oz) does all of the above, except volume! As soon as I saw the brush, I knew it won't do add any volume. The bristles are too short and spiky for the task. But now that I've expressed my disappointment as YSL broke the promise, I must admit that it's a wonderful mascara for me. Here is why.

YSL Babydoll side by side Benefit they're Real!. Benefit bristles are spaced too far to catch my lashes. The formula is too wet. The brush is too large. I receive no benefit (punch intended)

My stubborn Asian lashes are 1) straight like sticks, eyelash curler is a must and drier mascaras generally suit me best for holding the curl; 2) medium length, some lengthening would be nice!; and 3) fine and silky in texture, heavy coats of mascara tend to make them droop quickly. So I usually don't have good luck with volumizing formula as it ain't dry fast enough and the brush is humungous. YSL Babydoll defines every single lashes! My lashes look literally like a pair of natural falsies (of course with the boost of an eyelash curler :D). The brush is a perfect size for my eyes and the bristles are cleverly spaced to coat between lashes. I love it!

Beside the razor shape definition, YSL Babydoll stays put all day until I take it off. It doesn't flakes, fall out, nor smudge for at least 12 hours. What's more impressive is the curl it holds all day for my flashes. Basically, my lashes look the same throughout the day. This alone beats my beloved Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch mascara.

Now, it doesn't automatically lengthen my lashes. But I've learned a new trick to extend my lashes regardless the mascaras. Problem solved! Although YSL Babydoll isn't perfect, I love it enough to replace Giorgio Armani Stretch. A full size order is being place as we speak.

Another look in the shade

Bottom line. My new favorite mascara. Hands-down. I'll get the full-size mascara once finishing this sample. The quest for volume goes on...

Have  you tried YSL Babydoll? Yeahhh or mehhhh? 

Look: Special Occasion FOTD - Silvery Taupe Eyes Nude Pink

Back in January, I was brainstorming a look for an evening special event. After twitting about my ideas, my blogger friends voted for 3 looks a) copper eye and bright pink lips; b) bronze eyes and dark lips; and c) silvery taupe eyes and nude pink lips. 

Guess which look I sported for the event? I picked this one! I though it contrasted my teal dress subtly and still added a bit of drama to the look :D. And to be honest, I simply love everything about this look and decided to go with my instinct.The high shimmery silvery taupe against nude pink lips. I love my glowy cheeks (thank you thank you Edward Bess!) that seamlessly changes from a highlighter to blush. Love Tom Ford blush in Savage for this look! It ties all color and texture together. 

Since the eyes are rather intense, I kept the skin very natural. On that day I used Burberry Sheer Luminous Trench 6 (review of Trench 5 is here). I replaced it with Tom Ford Traceless Stick Foundation Natural for this post while testing the sucker. It's phenomenal for my skin!! Reviews of Tom Ford items used in this post are on their way. I finished the write-up yet don't want to overwhelm you guys with my opinionated rambles ;;)

As usual, please scroll down for full makeup breakdown. 

I look funny but this picture shows the makeup the best

Look breakdown

Face

Tom Ford Traceless Stick Foundation 05 Natural (reviewed on the way)

YSL Touche Eclat 08

Laura Mercier Setting Powder

Laure Mercier Secret Camouflage SC-3

Tom Ford Cheek Color Savage (reviewed on the way)

Edward Bess All Over Seduction Afterglow

Eyes

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #4 Pulp Fiction

Dior 5-color eyeshadow Beige Massai (deep brown, ivory, peach)

Bobbi Brown Long-wearing Gel Liner Espresso

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Stretch Mascara

Lips

Chanel Rouge Allure Exquisite

Tom Ford Lip Gloss Rose Crush (reviewed soon)

Look: Special Occasion FOTD - Vampy Lips with Tom Ford Beauty

Hello lovelies, here is another look that I put together for my upcoming formal party. I'm wearing a dark teal dress and want something to contrast it. 

After twitting about my ideas, my blogger friends voted for 3 looks a) copper eye and bright pink lips; b) bronze eyes and dark lips; c) silvery taupe eyes and nude pink lips. Today's look features dark vampy lips. I decided to use Tom Ford Black Orchid at its maximum seductive dose :D. As usual, please scroll down for full makeup breakdown. 

So ladies and gentlemen, do you think this is a better idea for my teal dress? 

Trying to look seductive. I need to venture out of my comfort zone with posing. When reviewing all of my pictures, I felt my neck hurt :))

Me, holding a tissue to blot my lips :) Cute eh? ;;) 

Makeup Worn

Face

Burberry Sheer Glow Trench  6 (Trench 5 review is here)

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Intensity 2

Tom Ford Blush Lovelust (to be reviewed)

YSL Touche Eclat 8

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

Eye

Rimmel Spicy Bronze

Tom Ford Brow Sculptor Espresso

Dior Beige Massai (Ivory and Rusty)

Tom Form Golden Mink (Coral glitter) (to be reviewed)

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner Espresso

Lip

Tom Ford Lipstick Black Orchid (4 layers)

Look: Special Occasion FOTD- Coppery Eyes and Bright Pink

The type of makeup I sport frequently tend to be very wearable. So when a formal occasion comes up, I feel a bit nervous about my makeup choices. I still want to look like myself (hence no dramatic eyeliner) and play up one feature on my face. I'm wearing a dark teal dress and also want something to contrast it.

After twitting about my ideas, my blogger friends voted for 3 looks a) copper eye and bright pink lips; b) bronze eyes and dark lips; c) silvery taupe eyes and nude pink lips. Today's look focuses on the bright pink lips. You can find the full makeup breakdown at the end of the post. 

How do you think this against a dark teal dress? 

Strong bright lighting washes off the warmth in my skin :( I don't have to worry about this during the party but this pictures don't show the correct of the coloring

Slightly warmer lighting

Makeup Worn

Face

Clarins Ever Matte Foundation 108

YSL Touche Eclat 08

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

Edward Bess All Over Seduction Afterglow

Bourjois Blush le Cendre de Rose Brune (to be reviewed)

Eyes

Tom Ford Brow Sculptor Espresso

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Cognac Sable

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner Espresso

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Stretch Mascara

Lips

YSL Rouge Couture Fuchsia 27 

Review: Yves Saint Lauren La Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation SPF 19

Source: Sephora (not an affiliated link)

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation ($55 for 1 oz) has recently joined the army of new generation of lightweight foundations that are designed to give us the second skin effect. Particularly since I'm a fan of the well-known Touche Eclat highlight pen, I feel the urge to give the foundation version a serious try. 

Touche Eclat foundation has quite large shade range, addressing pink, neutral and yellow skin undertone. The pink-based shades are all named Beige Rose with a number indicating the intensity. Similarly, the neutral shades are all Beige and the yellow-based shades are all Beige Dore. I tried both Beige 40 and Beige Dore 40 on my skin and didn't notice much difference between the two. Beige Dore dries just a touch lighter. The good thing is this foundation doesn't oxidize a lot. A plus I should say.

Touche Eclat foundation offers sheer to medium coverage and natural finish. It covers the minor blemishes and even out the discoloration. It's light weight and feels comfortable on my skin. However, it doesn't provide the second skin effect. I can see the texture of my skin showing up lightly underneath this foundation.

Also, the consistency, the texture, coverage and even the shade of this foundation is very similar to Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum.  I swatch Beige Dore 40 and Beige 40 against Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum 53 below.  

The foundation is supposed to give you some sun protection. I don't get that SPF 19 thingy. Why not SPF 20? Anyway, I don't see my face turn ghostly white in flash photography so it can be ok for it.

Here are what I like about YSL Touche Eclat foundation

1. decent coverage for me 
2. natural finish
3. doesn't oxidize to orangy/muddy color
4. decent wearing about 6 hours without powder or primer
5. pretty good color match

And what I don't like most is that it doesn't smooth out my skin. Besides, it produces almost exactly same result as Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum ($18 for 1 oz on ASOS) does. Since I already have Bourjois', I skip Touche Eclat. 

Bottom line. YSL Touche Eclat is a likable foundation to me. Everything from coverage, texture, shading, wearing is decent but not impressive enough to call my love.

*****A side note on my skin and foundations*****

 I have medium yellow undertone (MAC NC 25-30) with some redness on the cheek and dull skin on the chin. My face skin is nearly one shade deeper than the neck. I look for a foundation that match my neck skin to create a seamless transition from face to neck. I don't classify my skin as good but I don't have break out or major skin problems. Loads of foundations turn orangy or muddy on me within one to three hours of wearing. This is the frustration of finding a good foundation for my makeup.  

Four must-have traits of a good foundation for me

1. doesn't turn orange or muddy throughout the day
2. dries in natural finish
3. evens out the color and smoothes the skin (finely milled texture)
4. covers veins, discoloration, redness and minor dark spots

Styling Friday - Feeling Blue Fall

Finally I can write Happy Friday to you all! This past week has been rough and exhausting. I managed to sleep a little and stay awake for work without coffee. It's time for another episode of styling dream, i.e. Victoria Beckham blue dress.

I think a smokey eye and warm complexion will compliment the vibrant blue. And there's a pair of spiky heels to add some edge. However, I want to keep the outfit chic, so yes, lots of gold jewelry. I hope you enjoy it.

Feeling Blue Fall by convenientbeaut featuring a shimmer eyeshadow

Review: Yves Saint Lauren Rouge Couture Lipstick No 27 Fuchsia

Fuchsia lipstick stuck in my wish list for years. I didn't have the gut to rock this color in public nor couldn't find a color that flatters my warm skin tone. When Ms. Lisa Eldridge created this look, I knew it was the one.

Yves Saint Lauren No 27 Fuchsia Innocent ($32 for 0.13 oz) is a gorgeous bright fuchsia. It feels spring, summer, party, young, bold, fresh, lively, dynamic, and modern! Fuchsia Innocent not only brightens up your face but will also add excitement to neutral, subtle outfits. I normally would think a bold fuchsia like this would turn my complexion ashy. What I figured was I actually need a deep enough fuchsia to create strong contrast on my medium warm tone. If it matches the depth of my skin color too closely, I'll look really cheesy and old-fashioned.

I also love the creamy finish and texture of Fuchsia Innocent. Since it's a statement color, a more glossy/shimmery finish would draw too much attention to the lips, in my opinion. Fuchsia Innocent goes opaque with just one layer, and that's how I love to wear it. You can build up to the max with 3 layers as the pictures below. I never wear it that boldly though. I feel like it will looks too purple on my skin tone. Two thin layers are sufficient for me.

Fuchsia Innocent wears well for 3 hours then it starts drying out on my lips, especially with drinking or eating. I always use a lip balm before lipsticks and this is a standard wear for a bold lip color on my lips. To reduce dryness throughout the day, I have to exfoliate my lips thoroughly. I also recommend apply Fuchsia Innocent in thin layers, blotting after each. That the color stays on better and less chappy. When I wear it this way, it lasts for good 6 hours.

 

Bottom line. Fuchsia Innocent is one of those lip colors that requires a bit more patience and preparation but it's well worth it. Highly recommended! 

Look: Meet Doan - Part 2 Modern glamour

I'd like to share the second look I did for my friend Doan. Again, I want to keep the makeup simple like the first look, focus on her lips this time to bring out the modern glamour inside. 

The center of this look is her full red lips. To keep the look modern, I skipped lipliner and lip gloss. I applied three thin layer of Laura Mercier Cherrywood with a lip brush (blotted between layers) on top of EOS lip balm. I used Guerlain Place Vendome's golden taupe on the entire lids, then define her eyes with the highlighter shade and the dark shade in the palette. To finish the look, I applied a thin line of Urban Decay 24/7 Zero following her lash line, no wing out. 

Close-up


In action...

Face

Chanel Mat Lumiere 4.0 Beige

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

YSL Touche Eclat 08

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

NARS Orgasm blush

Eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original

Guerlain Ecrin 6-color eyeshadow in Place Vendome 

Dior Show Extase mascara

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero

Lip
Laura Mercier Satin Lipstick in Cherrywood

I hope you enjoy Doan's lovely spirit as much as I do.

Joanne

Look: Meet Doan - Part 1 Young and Fresh

I'm so excited to introduce my friend Doan. She loves sport, food, traveling and photography, which is why she's helping me out with my make-over series. She's naturally gorgeous, fresh and dynamic, and very photogenic. So I opted to focus on her skin and brows and keep the makeup simple and understated. 

For the everyday look, I wanted glowy cheeks and soft pink lips. I also used plum eyeshadows to enhance her brown eyes and a silvery mauve (of the same quint) to brighten up the lower lashlines. 

Here is her gorgeous smile....

A close up

Photo by Doan (she was posing "innocent" for this particular look :))

Face
Chanel Mat Lumiere 4.0 Beige
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
YSL Touche Eclat 08
Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal
NARS Orgasm blush

Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original
Dior 5-color eyeshadow in Stylish Move (all shades but the pearl white)
Dior Show Extase mascara
Guerlain Ecrin 6-color eyeshadow in Place Vendome (the dark grey to define the brows)

Lip
Edward Bess Berry Chic pink gloss in the palette

Next time, we'll see her in a different style. I hope you enjoy this mini make-over. Thanks so much for reading!

Quick look

My friends and I had a girl's makeup/hangout the other day. I can't wait to share the looks I did on my friends. A special thank you to Doan and Jessica for their incredible patience. Also, I thought I'd post a picture of the look I wore that day. It's my husband's favorite and mine too, simple, easy and natural for everyday.

Photo by Doan

Face
Clarins Ever Matte Foundation 108
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder for T-zone
YSL Touche Eclat 08
Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight
Dior Bronzer in Aurora (as blush)

Eye
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original
Dior 5-color eyeshadow in Beige Massai (all shades except the rusty color)
Bobbi Brown long-wear gel eyeliner in Espresso
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch mascara (sample)
Shu Uemura eyelash curler

Lip
Dolce & Gabbana shine lipstick in Soiree

Have a great week!

Lately

I literally stayed away from beauty blog through out the months of April and May. My life has been hectic like hell and I lost my inspiration to blog. But all the beauty purchases I made since January were all huge success. I love every single one of them. So I decided to share a brief overview of these goodies and will do a more in-depth description later on.

First and foremost, I finally found THE foundation that I desperately wanted for years ever since my love affair with makeup began. Yes, nearly 10 years. Clarins Ever Matte Skin Balancing Foundation. Smooth with extra finely milled texture. Matte without being dull. Stay on all day (no setting powder needed). Natural like second skin. Doesn't turn orange half day through. Weightless. Cover well and buildable. I found my right shade. Affordable. Smell refreshing. Smart packaging that works well for traveling. I don't think it's the perfect match for everybody but it should work well on loads of skintone and type. I can no longer come back to my Chanel Matte Lumiere or Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. Totally in love!

Other awesome discoveries were Dior 5-color eyeshadow quint in Beige Massai and Chanel 4-color quint in Kaska Beige. Both are universally flattering neutrals with beautiful pop of colors. Beige Massai, in particular, has everything I love about the best of Dior 5-color quints. And Chanel Kaska Beige is simply a-must. Hands down. Sadly, Dior Beige Massai was discontinued (yes, I checked with Dior). So I had to raid ebay's beauty department and grabbed two (of course).

I've also been using Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Espresso Ink non-stop since March. YSL Touch Eclat is my new under eye concealer. Edward Bess Compact Rouge in Love Affair (seriously, every girl needs this) is my every day blush and will be until the fall comes.

Some other happy procurements include
YSL Rouge Couture in 27
Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Gloss in Beach
Makeup Forever HD Blush in No. 6
L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe
Maybeline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Tough as Taupe
Clinique Black Honey
Becca Shimmer Skin Perfectors in Pearl and Opal, both of which aren't new to my collection but I waited until I got a good use of them to write reviews.

I'm very excited to continue to share and learn more about makeup. I hope you are doing well.

Joanne

Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Sale 20% Off & Free shipping

It seems that every band has a good sale in November! I finally will lay my hands on Touche Eclat.

Enjoy!