If you’re looking for a foundation that not only does it’s job (properly, that is) and is good for your skin, well… (pun intended) I think I may have found an option for you: W3LL People’s Narcissist Concealer and Foundation stick. In fact, I will go so much as to say I think I may have just found a gem of a product, ladies!
W3ll People is a supernatural mineral, organic makeup line created by Cosmetic Dermatologist Renee Synder, Makeup-artist and former NARS Corporate Leader Shirley Pinkson and Treehugger James Walker. What a team! With that being said, I like what I hear. (Plus … I have to support my fellow Renee. 
)
The Narcissist Concealer and Foundation Stick has plenty of benefits: first, it’s 100% toxic free and 100% natural. This means natural ingredients that don’t harm the skin, and you won’t find any nasty petrochemical, parabens, preservatives or phthalates. The stick also contains a mix of anti-oxidants such as organic green tea, reishi mushroom and pomegranate. And just to be even more ridiculous (in a good way), it also has oil absorbing silica to control shine, has an SPF 10 and nourishes the skin with organic sunflower oil and organic wild harvested bayberry….
I told you I found a gem.
Before I get to the review – can we please talk about the name ‘Narcissist’? Genius! I always said if I ever had a makeup line (that will never happen) I’d call it Narcissist or something along the lines. Love the name! Also, I love the fact that it’s organic – I mentioned that I’m using an organic loose power and really love it, and hoped to find an organic foundation as well, so I am really loving organic products – I know I’ll never get breakouts from them.
Though I’m not so much a fan of foundation so much right now, let’s be honest – I’d need all the help I can get when I’m older. Narcissist is a great alternative for those days when I may need a heavier coverage. It’s in a cream stick formula, so you know that the product is quite thick – no way will I be applying this straight to my face, unless I want a real ‘mask’ look. The best method I found to apply this as a foundation or concealer was to either use my fingers and ‘pat’ the product on, or a concealer or foundation brush. Also, a damp foundation wedge sponge would work really well. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly.
Like I said above, a real gem of a product. The only ‘con’ I see is that it is US$38, but I’ll look past that as foundations these days cost the same, yet aren’t as good for your skin as this. Also, it’s a fairly big product and you don’t use a lot at one go, so I could see this lasting for years.
What do you think about organic and natural foundations? Do you use them? Do you find them to be better than ‘regular’ foundations? I sure do! 
Two weeks ago, I attended my very first beauty event (cue the excitement…!!!), that was the launch of Skin Ceuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex eye cream. It was wonderful to be a part of a ‘media’ event, and the room buzzed with all sorts of PR and writers. I also recognized a few editors and writers, whose work I’d been reading for the past few years, so that was exciting.
It was good timing too – now that I’m 21 I think I should start with the anti-aging products, and you should all know about my panics of aging (especially mentally), so I was very eager to go to the event and learn about the aging process. There were two presentations on aging and … it ain’t pretty. Apparently when you age your feminine hormone lowers, so you can expect mustaches in the future. Yes, a mustache. The girls and I shuddered as we heard that.
Dr. Karen Soh is an aesthetic and anti-aging physician, so it was nice to educate myself about our skin and what happens when it ages! She has been trained in all aspects of aesthetic medicine such as lasers, fillers, Botox, Restylane, and much more. She also offers various aesthetic treatments at the Pacific Wellness Center, where the event was held. I’ll be going back in a week’s time to see Dr. Soh, so more info on that later. One point I remember Dr. Soh pointed out was that one of the worse factors of physical aging is smoking (I told ya!), so I was happy that I seemed to know what I was talking about. The above photo is me and Dr. Karen Soh.
The presentation also talked about Skin Ceuticuals new A.G.E. Eye Complex Eye Cream, and showed us some pretty impressive before and after pictures – I was especially intrigued at the before-and-after of the dark eye circles, because, as you know, dark circles and I are best friends who secretly hate each other. I’m still adamant on the fact that eye creams don’t work for me and these damn circles are here for life, but it’s always worth a try, no? The presentation ended off with a live-demo of an eye area treatment massage, which looked nothing short of heavenly.
Advanced Glycation End-products (A.G.E.) are the seeds of intrinsic aging that contributes to sagging, crackling and thinning of the skin. The A.G.E. Complex eye cream from Skin Ceuticals is formulated for those with mature skin (45+ years old) to prevent glycation and to combat the other processes of intrinsic aging.
I’ve been using the A.G.E. Eye Complex eye cream for a week or two, even though I think I’m a little under the target audience. Although I haven’t seen much results yet, it does seem promising. Application-wise, it’s painfully easy to use, and is very cooling on the skin. There is a slight tingling feeling which I liked as well, although I’m not sure what the tingling might mean.
Like I said, I’m not sure if I can ‘test’ its effects in such a short time, but from the presentation they did have some impressive looking before and after photos, so only time will tell! So far, it’s a nice eye cream. The only one I can compare it to is Clinique’s All About Eyes, and I feel A.G.E. feels more ‘concentrated’.
To sum it up, the event was a success in my humble opinion! I learnt a lot and met some really nice people. The atmosphere was great and the location was perfect – it was like a whole other calm, serene world tucked away in the busy city. Really loved it, thanks Mei Yan and Eileen for inviting me to my very first media event.
Overly dramatic individuals such as myself might know about the self pity that starts to creep in after being sick and living in your own filth for a few days. I always find myself being very dramatic when I get sick.
I’ve been sick these few days with a horrid fever (don’t know if you’ve noticed it’s been a bit quiet around here), and wanted to banish all self pity and misery, so I decided to try one of those DIY beauty recipes I keep hearing about.
I decided upon a DIY body scrub, (which I previously wrote about on my post Exfoliation 101) since I’ve haven’t had too much experience with them. I researched some easy to do recipes – especially easy for the sick and miserable – and found this organic recipe from Organic Authority. What also drew me to this recipe was lemon – it really lifts your moods!
These ingredients are simple and easy to find in your kitchen, and the scrub literally takes 5 minutes to make. The brown sugar exfoliates your skin gently without being harsh or drying to your skin, the grape seed oil is a great moisturizer, and the lemon invigorates your senses and lifts your mood, the smell was amazing!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup grape seed oil
- 1/4 cup grated lemon peel
Directions:
- Mix ingredients together in a jar.
- Gently rub the product on your body in a circular motion. Concentrate on rough areas such as your elbows, knees and heels. Next, breathe in the scent and relax!
- Rinse off when your done.
This recipe really relaxed me, I highly recommend it! Writing about it brings back the calm memories. Now, if only someone hadn’t renovated the bathroom and removed the bath tub, then I could really go all out in the at-home-pampering sessions! What do you do to relax at home?
Highly ancipated movie of the year, New Moon is finally out … and what a great way to end the year off. (Although I wish there was more Robert, hehe). I realized last month that my mom and I haven’t seen a movie together in 12 years (!!!) so when New Moon came along I forced her to come see it with me. We both enjoyed it, and I thought Bella (Kristen Stewart) looked even more beautiful in this movie than in Twilight.
Though the movie was just released, Norma Hill-Patton, the Makeup Designer for New Moon, shared what products she used on some of the characters of New Moon. I’ll keep updating this post as I get more info, so check back often – I’m really eager to hear about Bella’s makeup, I found her eye makeup very ‘natural’ and so sweet and pretty.
Bella Swan/ Kristen Stewart
Skin:
Chantecaille products were used on the lovely Miss Stewart. Products included Future Skin, Water Flower Fluid, Biodynamic Lifting Oil Free Fluid, Stress Repair Concentrate eye cream and Flower Harmonizing Cream.
Hair
Kerastase products were used on Kristen’s hair, namely Bain Mirior Shampoo and Conditioner and Nutri-Sculpt mousse for volume.
Makeup:
- Chantecaille Future Skin Oil-Free Foundation
- DuWop Reverse Eyeliner
- DuWop Reverse Lip Liner
While the exact products used for her eye makeup has not been revealed, the makeup artist did share how you can get the look at home. First, sweep peachy-ivory eyeshadow all over your eyelids. Take a fine brush and apply a brown eyeshadow on top and bottom lash line, as if you are applying eyeliner. Finish off by applying a darker brown eyeshadow at the creases of your eyelid for more definition. Voila! Simple, brown eyes.
Also, if you loved Bella’s makeup in Twilight too, you can check out exactly what was used for Bella in the first movie, here: Makeup Used in Twilight.
[read more…]
You know, I’m not one to submit to flashy advertising and pretty packag—
Alright, who am I kidding?
This perfume bottle and I are meant to be. Why? When I was a kid, every Christmas I’d dress up as a fairy! SEE? It’s a sign. I mean, totally. It was written in the stars and everything.
Alright I’ll stop being lame, but is this not the most beautiful perfume bottle you’ve ever seen?! Talk about the perfect interpretation of fantasy and magic in a perfume bottle – this is a total winner in my book.
In the words of Miranda Priestly… that’s all. I need to get my paws on this and write a review ASAP!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think any girl wishes for stubby, short and sparse eyelashes. Although I hate the way it has become part of a beauty ’standard’ for women, simple mascara can make anyone – regardless of their eyelashes – have lush long lashes, so why not give it a try? I sure did and now I’m in love.
I can be really honest and say I love eyelashes – on everyone! It just gives such an innocence beauty to the face and really compliments the eyes. (Cue in point: babies! Don’t you think they’re so adorable with their tiny lashes, or am I the only dork that notices it?!) Anyway, here are some of my tips to getting the full potential from your eyelashes, without falsies.
Treat them.
There are plenty of mascara conditoning serums out there that claim to make lashes grow longer, thicker and darker.
I’ve tried Mavala Double Lash in the past and though I can’t say I saw any miracles, my lashes did become stronger and darker, so I find these conditioning treatments work to ‘protect’ the lashes. I suppose our eyelshes are like the hair on our head – when conditioned and treated kindly, it does look much healthier! Another option I tried in the past that I’ve heard works (though I stopped due to greasiness and fear of milia seeds) is to take a clear plastic wand (steal them from MAC like me, hehe), apply a VERY thin coat of Vaseline, and gently apply to lashes.
Curl them!
Never underestimate the power of a few ‘presses’ from an eyelash curler! I am always so lazy about this and don’t like to destroy my lashes too much so I don’t do this often, only on special occasions – but daamn! They really do make all the difference. Another trick to get the most of your eyelash curler is to curl your lashes like this:
- Apply your eyelash curler to the base of your lashes and press gently, increasing in pressure slightly. Hold for about 10 seconds.
- Next, hold your eyelash curler mid-lash, and press ever so gently for a few seconds.
- Lastly, aim your eyelash curler at the very tips of your eyelash, and hold for a few seconds – this last tip really ‘pops’ your eyelashes out even more.
Build the base.
There are two options for this next step; the powder trick or the base mascara.
- The powder trick is really simple, I’ve read that this simple trick is used on the runways! All you have to do is close your eyes, and sweep some loose powder over your lashes. (Careful they don’t go into your eyes.) The powder ’sticks’ to your lashes, making them more dense and thicker when applying mascara next.
- Base/primer mascaras are sold separately and are normally white in color – they are the step right before applying mascara, and are said to thicken and lengthen your lashes with its fibers and formula. L’Oreal has put out some mascara that has both the base and mascara that are quite afforable, you should check them out.
Last but not least, mascara!
And finally, the next step is to apply the mascara. If you don’t know how to apply mascara, you can read my post, Make Up 101 – How to Apply Mascara.
Also, one of the best tips I heard when applying mascara is to position your mascara wand at the base of the root, and ‘wiggle’ it in a zig-zap motion as you apply the mascara, root to tip.
Another tip I’d like to share is to use two mascara formulas; a lengthening mascara and a volumizing mascara. (Although, if you had applied a base coat mascara, you should probably skip these two formulas and just apply your regular mascara – too much product and your lashes might weight down, or even worse, end up falling out!) I used to do this tip until I found my favorite mascara that does both! All you have to do is this: Apply your lengthening mascara first (one coat) and then finish off with a thickening mascara, which is heavier in product. This thickening formula thickens the lashes you just lengthened, so voila, you get the best of both worlds!
I recommend.
As always, here are some mascara recommendations that I have found and loved – please feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments, and thanks in advance!
- Lancome Virtuose - I know I’m always singing it’s praises but it really is a great mascara. I’ve tried some other great mascaras after finding Virtuose, but I always come back. It has the perfect formula of length, volume and not to mention, it holds a curl like nobody’s business, which is a huge plus for me – like I said above, I don’t like using a lash curler too much for fear of breakage. This mascara creates a curl as well. You can read my full review here.
- Clinique Lash Power – Another great mascara. In fact, I really, really, like this one – I would love it more than Virtuose but it lost out on it’s curling power. There are two versions, the normal one, which my friend Christine reviewed here, and the Curling version, which I reviewed here. I really loved this mascara, but like I said in my review, it lost out a bit in the thickening department. It’s still amazing, though.
- Maybelling Great Lash – This is either really loved or hated (from what I’ve read) but I do like it – it gives a very natural, lengthening look. Great for an everyday look. Also, it is very dark which I really liked! You can read the full review here.
- Chanel Exceptionnel – I wrote in my review that this mascara had many ‘flaws’, and I still believe it does, as it gets dry and clumpy very easily. However, when it’s brand new (the first 2 weeks) it’s fantastic and really ‘lifts’ the lashes up.
I hope my tips have helped! Have you heard any of these mascara tricks before? What do you do to get your best lashes ever?
Pardon my French, but what the hell. What is up with fragrance campaigns? They make me want to rush out and buy the scent, even though this one by Valentino will always be my true love. They are all so beautiful I want to make them into posters and stick them up on my wall (especially this campaign by Nina Ricci) and stare at it for more than 5 minutes. Parisienne by YSL is no exception. Kate’s smokey eyes, messy hair and that delicate rose are all telling me Bonjour. And that Eiffel tower. The LBD. Le sigh … Le everything. This ad is gorgeous, and Miss Moss (hehe, say it quick 10 times) still has it.
Parisienne is a scent that suits this eternal woman: she has personality, she is paradoxical, and she plays with convention. There is nothing obvious, only hints. This fragrance flows lovingly in a precious flacon, intricately carved like the labyrinth of Parisian streets, soft as the sheets she has just left behind, pink as the sky of a pale early morning, and as couture as the YSL label on black leather.
A beautiful presentation, just as Yves Saint Laurent dresses a Parisienne woman.
I saw the ad online and was determined to hunt it down at the department store, and shamelessly spray it all over myself.
I found out later that the target age was for women in their 30s, so I’m not sure I fit the target audience. However, when smelling this, the phrase “thirty and flirty” came to mind – it’s a flirty, floral fragrance. Notes include vinyl accord, cranberry, blackberry, damask rose, violet, peony, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood and musk. I like to think that the women who suits this scent loves to have drinks after work (to which she’s the CEO of course), is self assured, confident, yet soft and feminine. In other words, I like it, but I wouldn’t buy it personally … I don’t feel like a ‘woman’ yet. I mean … I’m not a girl, not yet a woman (yes, I went there).
To my hard-working, amazing career lady readers, I think you’d love this.
Awesome reader Lois wrote in to provide us with this week’s beauty tip … and it includes strawberries! She writes how strawberries are a great way to naturally whiten your teeth.
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, as I think this is one of the more popular natural beauty tips that actually work! For some reason I have Catherine Zeta jones in my mind; I think I read that she does this in a magazine?!
So what do you do? Take a strawberry, and rub it gently on your teeth. Alternatively, you can use mashed strawberries instead and put it on your toothbrush and start ‘brushing’ your teeth with it. However, and this is important: do not brush your teeth (with your toothpaste) right after doing this strawberry method. The acid in the strawberry can soften the enamel on your teeth, so if you brush right after, you could be spoiling your teeth! Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
Voila! Pearly whites.
What do you think? Have you heard of this popular tip, and have you tried it yourself? And thanks to Lois for this week’s tip! If you have any other beauty tips to add for future posts, just e-mail me.
Loading ...
I...