COSME-DE.COM - Be the Beautiful One

Lick your lips!

2012-01-06T00:12:00.001+08:00

One of our many makeup obsessions is lip glosses. We find the sight of a lusciously coated, shiny lips irresistibly seductive. The thought of subtly biting our lips while smiling at a cute guy from across the restaurant... Now that's an image you want to be the protagonist in, no??

However, nothing too over the top for us. Here are some of our favourite picks:

1. Nars Lip Gloss, US$27

This has to be an all-time favourite makeup brand. Serious shine and sexy color in sheer, cream and semi-sheer formulas. Extremely wearable and versatile colors may be worn alone or over any lip product for more drama.

2. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer, US$8

Moisturising for the lips while making them look good for an incredibly affordable price of US$8. Yeah, we can't believe it either! 100% Natural. A kiss of color and pearlized shine perk up our world famous 100% natural lip balm, while natural ingredients like vitamin E and coconut and sunflower oils moisturize and soothe your lips

3. Anna Sui Mini Rouge V, US$23

Anna Sui Mini Rouge V (Limited Edition) in decorative design with chain and mirror. It is easy to bring around for lip gloss touch up anytime, anywhere! Also a fashionable accessories for your handbag or mobile. We also love the signature Anna Sui scent where it makes us feel putting on its gloss is such a luxurious treat!

4. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss Ultra Shiny, US$23

The bestseller of all times, Lancome Juicy Tubes are cult favourites. A delicious, gourmet delight for your lips! This ultra-brilliant, flavoured gloss slicks on easily, thanks to its handy tube-tip applicator. Totally transparent shine, plus a hint of shimmering colour makes lips glisten for a glamorous lacquered effect.

5. Kokuryudo Privacy Liquid Rouge, US$7

Kokuryudo Privacy Liquid Rouge with soft in texture, and sharp in color. Your lips are gorgeous and sharp immediately. Lotion ingredients allow translucent but watery and sexy lips. Long- lasting wear. Fragrance-free. One of Cosme.de's regular customers have left a review: "Reminds me of Nars's Orgasm albeit a little too sheer. It is a hair and dust magnet so placing lip balm/powder over it will help tame the glossiness a bit. The color is sexy, though." Elsa Salanga, Philippines

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-02T22:04:00.000+08:00

How was your Christmas and New Year celebrations? We gave and received lots of awesome gifts and we believe the best way to get what you want, is to give it away first. :) We also, feasted a lot on endless amounts of delicious ham, turkey, fillings and bread and pudding. Then, we ushered in the new year by partying till the wee hours. Two days past, our knees and calves are still aching from the hours spent on our feet dancing the night away.

Regardless of how your 2011 was, we hope it was an amazing year of learning and gratitude and now to what 2012 has in store to offer! We have a feeling in our bones that it's gonna be amazing and if you feel it, all the better for it to happen for real, no?

But first, to get rid of the extra flab we've accumulated over the festive period... :(

1. Decleor Aromessence - Firming Body Concentrate, US$76 (100ml)

Based on highly advanced scientific research in the field of aromatherapy, this preservative-free elixir features the proven firming effectiveness of a unique cocktail of eight 100% pure, 100% natural Essential Oils, specially selected for their ability to help maintain skin firmness. The skin is toned and supple. It feels soft, firm and smooth. The figure seems firmer and revitalised, as if visibly re-sculpted. Ingredients include essential oils of immortelle, rose and camomile.

2. Clarins Body Shaping Cream, US$56 (200ml)

Effective action to help reduce stubborn curves. Body Shaping Cream helps to reduce fatty deposits and minimize skin's puffy appearance in problem areas.

3. FANCL Calorie Limit, US$26 (for 30 days)

FANCL Calorie Limit helps to reduce calorie intake and curb the total calorie intake from food and blocks the body's absorption of fats, sugar and excess carbohydrates. Active ingredient Butter Bean Extract helps to control absorption of carbohydrate while Chitosan binds around fats and cholesterol for subsequent excretion.

4. SANA Esteny Salt Massage & Was, US$15 (250g)

SANA Esteny Salt Massage & Wash contains with sea salt which gently remove dirt, odor, and dead skin cells from arms, legs and back, all over your body. It makes a really fabulous body scrub as the salt crystals slough away dead skin leaving my skin (especially elbows, feet, knees etc.) super smooth and soft. It is also recommended for cellulite massage. This medium scrub massage with grain salt brings out the streamlined body! With Black Currant (Cassis) scent.

5. Bliss Fat Girl Scrub, US$42 (226g)

Scrub-A-Dub-Blub! Himalayan pink salt is the star ingredient in the Bliss Fat Girl Scrub exfoliant. By stimulating circulation, it helps smooth away unsightly lumps and bumps for a smoother, slimmer silhouette. Red algae enhances skin repair function, and helps diminish the appearance of excess fluid retention, while grapefruit and peppermint extract provide antioxidant protection and refresh the skin. It promotes circulation through exfoliation and massage. Also it helps reduce accumulation of stagnant fluids that contribute to lumps and bumps. Sloughs off dead skin cells.

Brand rave - Pangea Organics!

2011-12-05T17:56:00.000+08:00

Hopping onto the organic skincare bandwagon is Pangea Organics, a Boulder/Colorado-based American company. We love the company's holistic approach that uses free trade and cruelty-free methods. You will never find petroleum, sulfates or detergents, synthetic preservatives, artificial colours or fragrances in Pangea Organics products.

Pangea Organics is committed to using beneficial, organic, raw ingredients, providing open-disclosure and transparency of ingredients and operating under responsible business practices that benefit people and planet.

Here are some of our favourite products:

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Italian Red Mandarin with Rose (dry to mature skin), US$43

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Italian Red Mandarin with Rose formulated for dry to mature skin, this facial cream provides superior hydration as well as anti-aging, antioxidant, smoothing and calming benefits.

Pangea Organics Facial Toner French Rosemary & Sweet Orange (dry to mature skin), US$37

Pangea Organics Facial Toner French Rosemary & Sweet Orange delivers targeted herbal extracts that are ideal for dry to mature skin types.

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry, US$41

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry (All Skin Types) gently exfoliates, cleanses, detoxifies and regenerates skin cells.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Moroccan Argan with Willow & Rosemary (oily to blemish-prone skin), US$43

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Moroccan Argan with Willow & Rosemary formulated for oily to blemish-prone skin, this facial cream provides weightless hydration plus sebum-control. It calms surface inflammation and regulates oily shine while offering a flawless foundation for makeup application.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme (normal to combination skin), US$43

Pangea Organics Facial Cream Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme formulated for normal to combination skin, this facial cream penetrates deeply offering superior hydration with environmental protection. Spicy and sweet, this cream creates a balance yet leaves a slightly matte finish to the skin.

Last but not least, Pangea Organics is also a huge believer in doing good. 5% of its profits goes to Women for Women International, a global non-profit organisation that envisions a world where no one is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalised.

And did we mention Pangea Organics' founder Joshua Scott Onysko is a devout yoga practitioner? No wonder the holistic approaches of the company and the feel-good benefits of its products! Just saying!

Tis' the season to be jolly!

2011-11-21T02:09:00.000+08:00

Sha la la la la, la la la la!

Have you completed your Christmas shopping yet? Or worse still, are you like me, who had barely started?! I know. It's nerve wrecking when you think about how many people you ought to shop for and how much you haven't accomplish. Very, very daunting thought.

But well, we have to get started somehow and for the lovely women in your life, what better way then getting them looking and smelling good? And trust me, no woman, absolutely no woman doesn't love a good beauty product as gift. We have some for your pickings... But try not to keep them to yourself and be the good friend, daughter/son, sister/brother wife/husband that you are!

Guerlain Meteorites Poudre D'or Exceptional Pressed Powder, US$126 (Limited Edition)

Guerlain Meteorites Poudre D'or Exceptional Pressed Powder (Refillable) is a stunning mix of beige/gold illuminating powder accented with lavender, pink and white bees, all in a stunning collector compact decorated with real black Swarovski crystals. A surprising new powder design featuring imperial bees.

L'Occitane Immortelle Skincare Travel Set, US$28

L'Occitane Immortelle Skincare Travel Set includes:

Immortelle Biologique Brightening Cleansing Foam 50ml
Immortelle Biologique Essential Water Face 30ml
Immortelle Biologique Precious Cream 3ml
Tote Bag, size around 35cm x 29cm

Jill Stuart Fairy Garden Collection, US$89 (Limited Edition)

Christmas night, with snowflakes falling like glittering flower petals. Christmas fairies invite you to their secret garden and enjoy the happy moments! Jill Stuart Fairy Garden Collection (Limited Edition) includes:

Jewel Crystal Eyes #104 Fragile Opal
Loose Powder N #101 Twinkle Dust
Jelly Lip Gloss #103 Crystal Kiss
Jill by Jill Stuart Fragrance Sachet x 2
Fairy Garden Pouch, size around 13.5cm x 14.5cm x 13.5cm

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skincare Travel Set, US$38

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skincare Travel Set includes:

Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 30ml
Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer for Face SPF 15 30ml
Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 High Protection 30ml
Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15 0.13oz / 3.7g
White Cosmetic Bag, size around 20cm x 14.5cm

Clinique Happy Perfume Spray, US$53 (50ml)

Clinique Happy Perfume Spray is chic, modern, multi-layered floral with sparkling, lingering fragrance of Ruby Red Grapefruit, Boysenberry Bush Flower and Hawaiian Wedding Flower. Wear it and be happy!

Masquerade!

2011-11-14T00:53:00.000+08:00

We have a little confession to make. We hoard facial masks like Gollum hoards the ring in Lord of The Rings. Especially the deep cleansing masks made with clay or earth. Why? Because clay, with its thicker consistency, will draw out the impurities and dirt that are deeply embedded in our pores that the usual cleansing wouldn't be able to reach.

According to a recent newsletter by The World Of Organic Skincare, mud and clay masks are great for balancing out oily skin – a view that is also echoed by Howard Donsky, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and staff dermatologist at Toronto General Hospital.

According to Dr Donsky, “Clay masks or mud masks are worthwhile.” However, he also cautioned that masks will make skin feel good and look better only temporarily. Additionally, the darker brown the clay (mud), the more oil it can absorb. White or rose-colored clays, though, are gentler and work best on sensitive skin. (Source: The Doctors Book of Home Remedies)

We've try a wide range of them and here are the ones we felt that worked:

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask, US$35 (90g): Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask is a holistic exfoliant and deep purifying cleanser for all skin conditions. The Herbal Extracts in a base of clay is to absorb skin secretions. The appearance of blemishes and blackheads of skin can be reduced, when dead skin cells are also sloughed away.
Origins Clear Improvement, US$33 (100ml): When environmental toxins, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental toxins, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that ""stuff"" down there, skin ""breathes a sigh of relief"".
Decleor Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask, US$40 (50ml): A cream mask enriched with a cocktail of herbal and plant extracts. A deep skin cleanser, it dissolves all impurities and helps cleanse the skin without dehydrating it, has a natural absorbent power, refines skin texture and clears the complexion. It leaves your skin clean and soft. Your complexion is clear and you feel wonderfully refreshed.
Borghese Fango Delicato Active Mud for Delicate Dry Skin, US$58 (430ml): Soothes and comforts skin affected by stress, weather or pollutants. Gives devitalized, time-worn skin a new surge of vitality with clear, youthful radiance. Moisturizes skin so dry, fine lines become less noticeable. Helps form and tone body skin, leaving skin looking and feeling refreshed, resilient, and purified.
Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask with Red Clays, US$81 (60g): The powerful absorbent properties of Clay, combined with extracts of Licorice, Wild Daisy and Rose Hips, gently cleanse the surface of the skin in record time, eliminating surface impurities that may dull the skin and absorbing excess sebum. The botanical essential oils of Camomile and Rosemary in the formula have purifying properites, enhancing the effects of the natural plant extracts. In a matter of five minutes at most, skin is cleansed and refreshed. Complexion is brighter, even and matte, and the skin is refined. The skin appears relaxed and smoothed and the face looks rested. Suitable for all skin types.

If you find your skin too itchy and dry after a clay mask application, throw on a hydrating mask like our bestselling Neutrogena Deep Hydrating Mask, US$18 (5 sheets) because just because your skin is oily doesn't necessarily mean it's not dehydrated. So be sure to moisturise your skin properly after using clay mask!

A smoky, metallic eye

2011-09-26T04:23:00.001+08:00

Option 1 - Do it with neutrals
A smoky eye doesn't have to be full-on vamp. If you're an earth-tone minimalist, simply dust metallic eyeshadow over what you normally put on.

Cosme-de.com recommends:

Coffret D'or Beauty C Curve Eyes in 001, US$37

Coffret D'or Beauty C Curve Eyes is the latest makeup collection from Kanebo. "Beauty Curve" series is designed to enhance the natural curves and contours of eye-makeup. This 4-color eye shadow set is featuring a glossy shine that enhances the C-curve from the eye area to the cheekbone to emphasize the eye zone and create large, dimensional eyes.

M.A.C. Eye Shadow X 4 in In The Gallery, US$60

M.A.C Eye Shadow x 4 is a limited edition palette of four eye shadows in various complementary finishes as seen by artist Richard Phillips. Reflects the artistic mood of the Make-Up Art Cosmetics colour collection.

Option 2 - Use the darkest metallic shimmer as eyelinerTo make it even bolder, paint it across your whole lid. Powder shadow naturally smudges easier; liquids will give it a super defined line.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in 81 Beige Velours, US$61

Personalised eye makeup. The advanced texture and the multiple harmonies of LES 4 OMBRES allow you to create infinitely varied and sophisticated makeup effects: matt, powdered, satin, metallic and intense metallic.

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 01 Pink Quartz, US$57

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes is quad eye shadow compact with featherweight texture. Creates a veil of brilliance for soft, alluring eyes. Beautifully wearable colors and princessy packaging, a must have makeup item for you!

Beautify from inside out!

2011-09-03T18:28:00.000+08:00

Our latest obsession at Cosme-De.com is beauty supplements. Almost every woman in this universe aspires for a clear, smooth skin. The firmer your skin, the younger the appearance. For gaining that radiant beauty, women get luxurious skin care treatments. Cosmetic world brings ample of treatment options which are costly as well. In the quest of less costly options, women are showing their interest on various effective beauty supplements.

Cosme-De.com offers a whole range of beauty supplements from leading Japanese beauty brands such as Shiseido, FANCL and DHC. Find our recommendations for different purposes below!

Collagen

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium, US$50 for one month's supply:

Meiji Amino Collagen Premium is a superb combination of the latest trend of most needed beauty ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid (for daily moisture) and Coenzyme Q10 (to support energy for easy absorption). It is one of the best-selling collagen products in Japan and is great for women who is seeking firmer, more elastic and radiant skin.

Shiseido The Collagen Enriched, US$124 for two months' supply:

Shiseido The Collagen Enriched uses fine fish collagen, along with eucommia leaf, ginseng, lotus germ, Indian gooseberry, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10 and other high-quality ingredients in this patented luxurious blend to give you younger, better-looking, more resilient skin. Create beauty from within with this collagen and hyaluronic acid supplement.

Whitening

FANCL White Advanced, US$32 for one month's supply:

FANCL White Advance is a daily inner whitening care that nurtures skin fairness from within for a healthy and even skin tone. It encourages the production of fair melanin and suppresses the production of dark melanin over a sustainable period. It's formulated with Oleuropein, an Olive Leaf Extract derivative, it prolongs the whitening effects of Hydroxytyrosol to lighten dark melanin for lasting skin luminosity.

Weight Loss:

FINE Metabo Coffee (Diet Coffee), US$14 for one to two months' supply:

FINE Metabo™ Coffee is made from quality Brazilian coffee beans and it includes 3 weight-losing ingredients:

Chlorogenic Acid - It is clinically proved to have a significant effect on the absorption and utilization of glucose from the diet. If used for an extended time, may result in reduced body mass and shown to have an effect on weight loss.
L-Carnitine tartrate - an amino acid that assists the body to burn fat all day long. Accelerates metabolism
Fructo-oligosaccharide - Reduces the level glucosein blood. Improves the level of triglyceride. Contains botanical fiber to enable better intestinal movement to prevent constipation.

BO Fixer

DHC Bulgarin Rose, US$24 for one month's supply:

DHC Bulgarin Rose can effectively modify body smell.This product includes DHC Rose oil that has a mixture of Citronellol, Geraniol and Linalool. This can remove unpleasant odour.

Queen of Essential Oils

2011-08-20T20:55:00.001+08:00

You'll notice that a Decleor Aromessence serum-oil doesn't leave any stickiness. Solange Dessimoulie, who founded the brand in 1974, tells us more about essential oils.

How did you discover essential oils?
"I had pimples when I was young. Only essential oils helped as they have antiseptic and detoxifying benefits."

Are they suitable for sensitive skin?
"It's true somehow when some doctors say essential oils are aggressive on sensitive skin. But it depends on what you're using. The bottle may read 'lavender oil' but you never know which type the brand uses. There are so many kinds of lavender oil: some for skincare, some for perfuming the home... We have customers with red, sensitive skin but they have no problem with Aromessence."

So, can I mix my own essential oils?
"The process is like baking a cake. You can follow a recipe but it won't taste the same as your mum's because she made hers from experience and with love. At Decleor, aromatherapy is a science. For example, did you know the firming benefits from lemon oil are only boosted when combined with camomile, grapefruit and chrysanthemum oils?'

Here are some of our recommendations from the Aromessence range:

Decleor Aromessence Iris Aromatic Balm, US$290 (100ml)

Aromessence Iris Aromatic Balm offers all the benefits of a made-to-measure aromatic night-care treatment. It is a deep-acting night emulsion instantly erases visible wrinkles, refines skin texture and maintains ideal moisture level. It is fast absorbing with its rich, melt-in texture.

Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Night Balm, US$54 (15ml)

With its lush, melt-in texture, AROMESSENCE BAUME DE NUIT YLANG YLANG offers all the benefits of a made-to-measure Aromatic night-care product. It cleanses and purifies the complexion and also helps to re-balance the skin, diminishes imperfections and reduces inflammation.

Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate, US$52 (15ml)

AROMESSENCE NEROLI is an elixir of 100% pure and natural essential oils specially formulated to comfort and treat skin exposed to daily stress. It is the quickest and most direct Beauty routine available to leave skin visibly smoother, softer and glowing with radiance.

Decleor Aromessence SPA Relax - Relaxing Body Concentrate, US$56 (100ml)

A pure concentrate of essential oils carefully formulated to bring you serenity and well-being. This light, yet luxurious oil works in perfect harmony with your skin to envelop your body with an intensely soothing sensation, soften your skin and leave it silky smooth.

Decleor Aromessence Circularome Balm (Leg Relief), US$52 (15ml)

Discover the original sensation of a marvellously creamy with 100% natural essential oils, Decleor Aromessence Circularome Balm (Leg Relief) is a unique aromatic treatment that helps promote body's micro-circulation and stimulates energy exchanges within the skin. With every application, your body discovers a delicious feeling of lightness.

Brand rave... Benefit

2011-07-27T13:49:00.000+08:00

Ahhh, as a typical girl, we just can't get enough of Benefit! What's not to like about the cute brand? It's fun, its packaging rocks, its products awesome and their names always amuse us to no end!

Benefit was founded in 1976 by a pair of twin sisters - Jean and Jane. It was a beauty boutique in San Francisco with a whimsical candy store atmosphere. "Who says makeup has to be serious to be good?" they said. The twins then successfully built Benefit Cosmetics into a global beauty brand, with over 2,000 counters in more than 30 countries.

These are our all-time and new favourite Benefit items:

Benetint (Rose-tinted Lip and Cheek Stain), US$38

We love this product so much! And we're naturally a fickle bunch, especially when it comes to cosmetics. But this stain, which we DO use on both our cheeks and lips for the most natural yet alluring blush and pout, has us hooked for five years now! We just keep going back to it. And despite using it every day, it lasts us for a good year and half per bottle - talk about value for money!

Psst, do you also know the legend behind Benetint? Jean and Jane created this in 1977 for an exotic dancer who requested something to make her nipples look pretty and pink. "The sexiest flush you can get from a bottle" soared to cult fave status... today it endures as a favourite of celebrities, makeup artists and girls all over the world. Well, we hear ya!

High Beam, US$34

Benefit High Beam is a pink pearl liquid highlighter leaves a young, radiant, fresh complexion on all skin tones. Apply on top of makeup to your T-Zone area and cheekbones. For a sheer overall radiance, you can also blend it with your liquid foundation or moisturiser.

We've came to be acquainted with this product only recently but we're blown away by the natural subtle glow it provides when applied very sparingly above your cheekbones and at the inner corners of your eyes. There was a day where we had very little sleep the night before and just a dot of High Beam on our cheekbones and our eyes' inner corners, viola! Instant radiance!

It's Potent! Eye Cream, US$41

Have you smelt this product and the rest of its range before? So fresh, so light - we feel a little smile curling up on our lips every time we apply it to our face. This eye cream fades dark circles and helps smooth fine lines for brighter, younger looking eyes. It contains a peptide complex known to help restore elasticity and firmness, a blend of hydrating botanical extracts including apple extract, known to help boost collagen, and loquat extract, known to help protect the skin from free radical damage.

BADgal Waterproof Mascara, US$30

With a big, bad brush and a rich, black formula, Benefit BADgal lash mascara is like wearing a set of false eyelashes without the glue. With perfect waterproof! After applying it on, we have gorgeous and seductive lashes - so dope!

Smokin' Eyes Makeover Kit, US$48

If you want sexy, smoky, cover-model eyes and perfectly groomed brows... here you go! Benefit Smokin' Eyes Makeover Kit contains:

Pink Highlight Shadow 1.10g / 0.04oz
Pewter Base Shadow 1.10g / 0.04oz
Deep Charcoal Shadow 0.90g / 0.03oz
Smokin' Liner 0.39g / 0.01oz
Brow Zings (Light) 1g / 0.04 oz
Eye Bright 0.90g / 0.03 oz
A Fluff Shadow Brush + Hard Angle Brush
A Tweezies
Complete Beauty Lesson

And did we mention how much we love the cute little kit?

Five-Step Plan to Healthy Hair

2011-07-27T09:08:00.000+08:00

Have split ends become an everyday thing where you just cut it off when you see one? That's just a temporary measure and it's time to get to the root (pun intended) of the problem! When hair is so damaged that it snaps or splits, you need to take steps to savage it:

Lay off the chemicals.
Even the strongest hair can't withstand a full-on assault of peroxide and straightening solution. Talk to your stylist or colorist about how to give it a rest for at least three months (it may require a different cut or daily routine to camouflage roots or unwanted waves).
Shampoo gently.
Hair that's weak or damaged needs a moisturising shampoo. Wash as infrequently as possible, and unless hair filthy, there's no need to scrub hard - just rub shampoo into the scalp and let the runoff clean the ends.
Don't stint on conditioner.
Those weekly deep treatments some consider a luxury are now a necessity for you. Consider slathering them on every other day before shampooing then following the wash with a regular rinse-out formula.
Protect yourself.If you can't lay off the blow-dryer completely, at least minimise further damage. Coat strands with a protective styling product, wait until hair is mostly dry (so you spend less time under the nozzle), use the warm setting instead of hot, keep the dry six inches from the head and don't point it on one area for too long. If you insist on flat-ironing, coat hair with a leave-in conditioner first.
Stay out of the sun.
UV rays dry out hair and ruin its colour. Before going outside, douse your hair with a leave-in sunscreen treatment - or better yet, wear a hat!

Here are our newest haircare products that promise to show your hair some tender loving care:

John Masters Organics Lavender Lavender Rosemary Shampoo (for Normal Hair), US$23 for 236ml

This shampoo contains lavender and rosemary extracts combined with 13 other certified-organic ingredients plus soy protein and wheat amino acids to leave hair healthy, shiny and manageable. It doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate and is safe for colour-treated hair.


John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler, US$23 for 236ml

This shampoo detangles and conditions with a highly-effective combination of 18 certified-organic ingredients. Natural soy proteins and borage oil replenish lipid content, wheat and soy proteins restore strength and shine, and essential oils of rosemary and peppermint provide an exhilarating scent. Safe for colour-treated hair.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler, US$23 for 236ml

This shampoo detangles and conditions with a highly-effective combination of 18 certified-organic ingredients. Natural soy proteins and borage oil replenish lipid content. Wheat amino acids and soy proteins restore strength and shine, while essential oils of grapefruit, lemon and neroli provide an uplifting aroma. Safe for colour-treated hair.

L'Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Serum (Dry and Damaged Hair), US$35 for 100ml

This leave-on serum smooths and nourishes hair. It repairs split ends and prevents frizz. The non-greasy formula protects against the damaging effects of environmental stresses and preserves the shine of hair and the brightness of color.

Summer of Love

2011-07-05T04:17:00.000+08:00

Take a sunny disposition, add tinted lip balm, plus an easy chignon and you're on your way to having the summer of your life! And hold it, not forgetting the all-important sunscreen!

Dermatologists rave about retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and hydroquinone, but they all agree that everyone of these ingredients is a big old waste of time without protection from UV rays - and for that reason, sunscreen might just be the biggest innovation of all. Sun exposure is responsible for 95 percent of wrinkles. It is the single most preventable cause of ageing.

This summer, Cosme-de.com resolves to helping you prevent that very cause of ageing with our range of sunscreens!

Shiseido Anessa Suncare Travel Pack, US$46

Shiseido Anessa Suncare Travel Pack includes:

Anessa Whitening UV Protector SPF 32 PA+++ 60ml
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ 12ml

Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15, US$52

This lightweight, oil-free cream provides the ideal combination of moisture to combat dehydration, antioxidants to protect against free radical damage, UV protection and long-lasting color. Natural Zinc Oxide minerals protect against sunlight, provide a sheer wash of color and make skin radiant, while extracts from Olives and Walnut Seeds provide antioxidant protection and improve skin texture. A full spectrum sunscreen provides daily solar defense. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Kiehl's Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35 PA+++, US$44

Specially formulated for Asian skin, Kiehl's Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35 PA+++ is sunblock cream with a cool, refreshing texture, and oil-free herbal extracts which prevents the growth of free radicals and spots on your skin created by the sun. The unique nympaea alba and jasmine extracts have a soothing, calming effect on the skin. It also contains a blend of vitamins C and E to fight free radicals.

Avene Very High Protection Tinted Cream SPF 50+, US$26

Avène Very High Protection Tinted Cream SPF 50+ (Sensitive Skin) is a 100% mineral sunscreen cream provides non-irritating, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is safe for even the most sensitive skin, including infants, babies, and post-procedure skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+ (Dry Skin), US$24

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+ (Dry Skin) is for those who are allergic to sunlight. Extreme UV Protection UVA/UVB protects the skin even the cellular damage by Providing Cellulaire protection. non-comedogenic and tested under dermatologic controls. Fragrance Free.

Brand rave... L'Occitane!

2011-06-10T22:57:00.000+08:00

We at Cosme-De.com really, really adore the French brand, L'Occitane! It's not exorbitantly expensive, value-for-money and ahhh, don't you agree all L'Occitane products just smell absolutely yummy?! From the look at how popular L'Occitane products are on Cosme-De.com, we're pretty sure you agree with us. ;)

Founded in 1976, L'Occitane is sold in over 85 countries around the world and creates only high quality, efficient and sensory products formulated with traceable, natural and active ingredients that are inspired by Provençal traditions. We love how the brand aims to offer the experience of well-being and its beautiful packaging doesn't hurt our eyes too!

Also, have you ever wondered how to pronounce this brand?

We've got lots of new products from L'Occitane recently and here are some of them:

L'Occitane Purifying Deodorant, US$34, enhanced with essential oils of lemon, cardamom and eucalyptus, is a blend that helps eliminate toxins and impurities. It controls odor, purifies the body and helps to keep skin dry all day.

L'Occitane Fleur Cherie Body Lotion, US$37 for 250ml, is like a cloud of creamy, satiny softness that envelops the skin. This indulgent body lotion leaves skin supple and perfumed with a beautiful, sparkling, floral scent. Yum!

L'Occitane Organic Olive Shower Cream, US$30 for 200ml. Indulge in a moment of sheer pleasure when you cleanse your skin with this rich and gentle shower cream, which leaves behind a light, fresh scent. An incredible creamy organic formula enriched with Organic Olive Tree Extracts, this shower cream leaves skin feeling wonderfully supple and as soft as silk.

L'Occitane Rose des Neiges Body Cream (US$68 for 200ml) is a creamy luxurious formula that softens your skin and envelops your body with a captivating scent of Snow Rose.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Mom & Baby Balm, US$34 for 50ml, with organic formula contains 40% Shea Butter, makes the perfect nourishing and protective massage balm for babies! It also helps mom to prevent stretch marks and improve elasticity.

L'Occitane Verbena Body Salts Scrub's, US$63 for 400g, salts from the Mediterranean Sea combine the refreshing fragrance of pure extracts of verbena, orange, geranium and lemon tree. Essential oils of grapeseed, apricot and sweet almond in this luxurious exfoliating body scrub nourish and moisturise. Anti-oxidizing vitamin A helps to tone and maintain healthy appearance. Skin turns silky-smooth as dead skin cells are massaged away. Body and mood will feel revived.

Do you know L'Occitane conduct free guided factory tours in France? You can witness how their products are manufactured with natural ingredients using traditional Mediterranean methods. We'll be sure to register if we ever find ourselves in the country. Check out the details here.

PS: Remember to check out our Mother's Day promotion!

Mother Nature with Father

2011-06-03T03:14:00.003+08:00

We first read the article below from the March issue of Her World magazine in Singapore. Even though it's not about skincare products or cosmetics, we thought it's an interesting read to share with you anyway! Hope you enjoy it. :)

The Clarins family – group chairman Christian Courtin-Clarins and his two grown-up daughters, Claire and Virginie – seeks out exotic locations to enjoy nature. They tell Dylan Boey their secrets to travelling as a clan.

Christian Courtin-Clarins

What is your favourite country to enjoy nature?

Claire: Virginie and I just spent Christmas in Myanmar. It has no easy access to the Internet or phones, and we love it there because it’s still pure.

Christian: Australia is a fantastic place to observe the way a place can be urbanised sustainably. Its Kimberly region (which is over 400,00 sq km with only about 40,000 people) can show the world how to preserve nature.

Is nature a big factor when you choose where to holiday?

Virginie: We live in the city, so it’s good to go somewhere different for a change and to be in communion with nature.

Christian: I prefer pure environments, such as the French Alps. We have a house up in the mountains. I can see a grey cloud hovering about the city.

So that’s your idea of a great vacation?

Christian: Yes, to be far away from everything.

Where on earth are such places?

Christian: Turkey, for one. We rent a sailing boat there every year. The sea is clean and the winds are fresh. In Egypt, the desert is like the sea. There is nobody and it’s peaceful. One of the world’s most beautiful oasis is the Siwa Oasis in the Libyan Desert. I stay at Adrere Amellal, a five-star desert eco-lodge. There's no electricity - we have to light candles at night - so you can't cook any meat. You eat only vegetables and they are fantastic because it's an oasis where there is a lot of water to grow them. I hope that, one day, Claire and Virginie will visit with me.

Claire and Virginie Courtin-Clarins

Does the family travel together a lot?

Christian: Yes but never enough. Last year, I was in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo for work and Claire came along. The cities are known for Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer's work and Claire enjoyed herself. Once, we stayed at an organic farm in Tuscany with a magnificent fruit garden where we plucked fruit to eat every morning.

Claire joked over lunch that the family travels together only when the girls break up with their boyfriends.

Christian: It's true that they will be freer to travel with me if they don't have boyfriends. As a father, I don't interfere as long as they're happy. From a selfish standpoint, I'm happy to have more time with them. They see things differently from me and I love it when they open my eyes.

Virginie: Claire will look at all the architecture that dad and I don't look at, and will point it out to us because we are not as artistic as she is. Travelling with our father is the best because he can tell us everything we need to know. Like restaurants, for example. In Taipei, he introduced us to dim sum at Din Tai Fung. He's like our private tour guide.

Christian: Fortunately, I have the money for them to experience the best things.

What's the key to having a great vacation together?
Christian: To listen. And to respect one another.
Claire: Freedom, too.
Christian: Yes, like you allow one another to do what you want...

So where's the next family vacation?
Claire: I dream of going on a safari. He took us when we were children, but we were too young to appreciate it then.
Christian: We'll go to the Okavango Delta next July during the winter season, when the place - an inland delta in Botswana - becomes flooded and attracts all kinds of African wildlife.
Virginie: Actually, I would be happy to go anywhere in the world, if I'm with my father.
Claire: We travel very well together.
Christian: Voila!

Their two beauty travel essentials:

1. Clarins UV Plus High Protection Day Screen SPF40, US$44

"This sunscreen provides all-round protection, even against environmental pollution and electromagnetic waves." - Claire Courtin-Clarins

2. Clarins Double Serum Generation 6, US$110

"This daily moisturiser and anti-ageing serum supports the skin's five vital functions - hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and revitalisation. So my skin gets adequately nourished and revived." - Christian Courtin-Clarins

Zits happen

2011-04-20T09:10:00.061+08:00

Monster zits still take us by surprise. God knows why, since studies have shown that more than 70 percent of women aged 25 to 49 had an acne attack in the past year - and that includes beauty editors like us who wake up to find an angry red bump between our eyes.

The first, and often biggest, challenge is to resist the urge to scrub and scrub the blemish without mercy. According to Yale University dermatologist Lisa Donofrio, women past the age of 20 require gentler products than teenagers and applying a treatment more than twice a day can break the skin, infect the surrounding area and eventually form a crust. This in turn slows healing and increases the chances of leaving a red mark that lasts for weeks. Charming.

Instead of caking on zit cream, start by washing your face twice daily with a cleanser containing up to 5 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce redness. Wait five minutes for skin to dry then dab the pimple just once in the morning and once at night with a speck of a 2 percent salicylic acid or 7 to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide ointment (you can also try a topical antibacterial lotion or mask containing sulfur). This should kill the bacteria that caused the mess in the first place. And forswear retinols on the area for a few days; while they do help prevent blemishes, they also exacerbate the redness in an existing zit.

If your breakouts are big, ugly and prolonged and don't respond to traditional lotions, ask a dermatologist to pull out the big guns. For some women, that's a prescription antibiotic or sulfur lotion; for others, it may be oral antibiotics, the Pill or in extreme cases, Accutane. Laser sessions, while expensive, have been proven quite effective in zapping away zits, scars and redness.

Whatever you do, remember not to poke, prod or pop. Ever. Adult pimples tend to start far underground and almost never come to a head so squeezing them will only make them bigger.

Here are our suggestions of gentle but effective deep cleansers:

Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Complexion Soap (for oily and troubled skin), US$18. This hand-milled soap is made to naturally cleanse and balance oily and troubled facial skin. Tomatoes are a great source of carotenoids like lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which are effective antioxidants. This soap also helps to refine enlarged pores and soothe skin.

Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, US$49. Recommended for acne- and breakout-prone skin. This non-irritating, naturally-foaming cleanser is the perfect start to around-the-clock control of breakouts, comedones and excess surface oils. Salicylic Acid sloughs off dead skin cells to clear clogged follicles, helping to prevent future breakout activity.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser, US$9, refreshes your skin and awakens your senses with a super tingly foaming lather that deep cleans down to your pores. This ultra-exhilarating formula provides an invigorating surge of clean for a long-lasting fresh feeling.

K iehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser, US$34. Inspired by Kiehl's venerable and most enduring preparation, Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, this purifying gel cleanser thoroughly cleans pores and removes traces of dirt, residue and oil which can lead to acne break-outs. Mild cleansing agents are used to formulate a completely oil-free but non-drying preparation which helps keep skin clear of new acne blemishes.

Biotherm Biopur Pore Reducer Gentle Purifying Gel, US$24. Saponine water, Copper and Zinc (for oil-regulating) are combined into a purifying cleansing gel to deeply unclog pores and reveal clearer-looking skin. It eliminates excess sebum and allows skin to appear fresh and healthier looking throughout the day.

Crash course: Fake lashes

2011-04-06T18:01:00.001+08:00

Back in college, we swore to our friends that we'd never fake it. Now that we've been around the block a few times, we realise that we're willing to make an exception to this rule - if just for one night. Here's how to make fakes look as natural as possible:

1. Choose clusters of individual lashes, not a full band. Find ones that are the same length as your natural lashes or trim them with eyebrow scissors, snipping a tiny bit off each lash (at an angle) so they're slightly different lengths. Reserve the longest clusters for the outer corners of the eyes.

We recommend KOJI Dolly Wink Fake Eyelash in No. 5 Real Nude, US$18. It's designed for extend eyelash length. The intertwined spread of each lash makes your lash look thicker with volume. The end of the lash is longer and denser which makes it spread like a wing of an angel. Your look will become more defined.

2. Before attaching the fakes, curl your own lashes and line your eyes with a dark brown or black pencil. This will help conceal the lash roots.

We recommend KOJI Eyelash Curler, US$9. It fits all eye shapes to give straight lashes the perfect curl.

And Imju Dejavu Lasting-Fine Eyeliner in Real Black, US$16. It's the ultimate 24-hour eyeliner which provides super holding power. It is soft and gentle to skin with revolutionary silicon fixing ingredient makes it last long! It resists oil, sweat and tears for a long-wearing, rub-proof finish.

The soft lead of lasting-fine allows you to draw smooth eyelines, the deep black formula gives eyes a stunning impact with bold high definition, yet easily removed with regular cleanser. Twist-up ensures fine, precise lines at all times without sharpening.

3. Put a drop of lash glue on a hard surface, like the outside of the case the lashes came in and let it dry for a minute until it's tacky. Hold the lash tip with tweezers and dip the root in the glue.

4. Starting at the outer corners, wedge the glued end between your natural lashes and hold it in place for a few seconds. A couple of clusters at the outer corners of the upper lashes are usually enough but you can also use them to fill in sparse areas. For the most natural effect, don't glue on more than five clusters to each eye and steer clear of the inner corners.

5. Once lashes are set, apply shadow and a few coats of mascara to blend the fakes with your natural ones. To remove, wet lashes with water or an oil-based makeup remover - that should be enough to soften the glue.

We recommend Guerlain Le 2 de Guerlain Two Brush Mascara 360 Lash in 10 Noir, US$41. The first brush transforms the eyelashes with a single stroke, fills them out, lengthens, curves and separates them.

The second, miniature brush is designed for the inner and outer corners and tilted 7 degrees, to reach and grab the smaller eyelashes and make them up easily without smudges or mistakes.

And DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, US$30. Try this amazing cleanser and you'll see why it's so popular. Dirt, excess oil, makeup - even waterproof mascara - and other pore-cloggers dissolve easily, leaving your face a grime-free zone that is soft to the touch. Its unique water-soluble formula rinses completely, so you'll never see a greasy residue. Olive oil and vitamin E help ensure you won't see dryness either.

Dramatic skin-evening results from Clinique

2011-03-23T00:53:00.003+08:00

Blame it on the sun, genes or lack of moisture from the winter season that just passed us. Women are at high risk of developing dark spots on the skin, a notoriously stubborn problem.

But before you seek out a brightening procedure with your doctor, try Clinique's Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence, US$86. Designed exclusively for Asian skin based on Clinique's rich dermatological expertise, this ground-breaking innovation uses Clinique's most advanced technology to deliver clear, even-toned and translucent skin in as quick as four weeks.

Powered by CL-302 complex
The secret behind Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence lies in its top-notch formula that's powered by the breakthrough CL-302 complex with vitamin C and other ingredients that is clinically proven to improve evenness of skin tone, radiance and clarity.

It consists of five synergistic brightening ingredients, including:

A rare botanical extract derived from Dianella ensifolia (Border Silver) - fights free radicals, reduces and prevents the appearance of uneven, pigmented skin and contains anti-irritant properties to soothe sensitive skin.
Ascorbyl glucoside - a potent vitamin C derivative to even out existing and emerging dark spots.
Blackout yeast extract - breaks up large clusters of pigment at the skin's surface intro microscopic particles that are eventually diffused.
Acetyl glucosamine and salicylic acid - regulate cell turnover and help to shed pigmented skin cells for renewed clarity and brightness.

Not all sunscreens are made equal
Did you know that other than UV rays, harmful pollutants can also penetrate and irritate the skin, causing excess melanin production? To keep your skin dark spot-free, even-toned and radiant, step up on your current Derma White regimen and shield your skin against environmental aggressors with Derma White City Block SPF40/PA+++, US$45.

Also, dermatologist-produced and proven, fragrance-free and allergy tested, this new formula contains an invisible pollution filter, potent antioxidants and brighteners to help skin appear more even-toned. The subtly tinted, lightweight oil-free cream, which is suitable for all skin types, also imparts a flawless protective base that primes skin for makeup application.

Like many women, I've suffered from uneven skin tone and other than using foundation to give the appearance of a smooth complexion, I wasn't sure how to solve the problem until I started using these two products. After two weeks of daily application, I witness a subtle yet obvious brightening in my skin and even without makeup, my complexion is fresh and more even toned!

How to Make Lipstick Last

2011-03-09T17:11:00.001+08:00

1. Go for sheen. Many "long-lasting" lipsticks are matte and can dry out your lips. We prefer to use a satin-finish, pearlescent lipstick such as Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Colours (US$39). Because the the shine is created by pearl pigments and not by the texture, it's not as moist as a creamy lipstick and will therefore stay on longer.

2. Be strong. Go for a bright or dark shade; they tend to last longer than soft ones because they have more pigment. For example, this Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in 33 Fabulous (US$39).

3. Prep your lips. Lipstick holds up best on a smooth surface, so gently buff your lips with a damp washcloth. Pat on a clear lip balm (check out our bestseller, Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, US$7) and give it a few minutes to sink in, then blot with a tissue.

4. Pencil it in. Lip pencil adds a layer of pigment and helps your colour last. Choose one that matches your lipstick - unless it's very dark, in which case, go one shade lighter. Lightly trace the pencil along the inside edge of your lips, then fill in your mouth and blot.

5. Swipe it on. Don't use a brush - you'll get richer colour if you apply your lipstick straight from the tube. Blot the first coat with a tissue then add another layer.

6. Finish with powder. Women think powdering their lips will dry them out but if you don't need much. Close your mouth, smile and then dust a little face powder (try SK-II Facial Treatment Advance Protect Loose Powder UV, US$84, for additional skincare and UV protection) on your lips with a fluffy brush. Don't reapply lipstick or it could get cakey.

Hope these tips are useful!

Spring colours!

2011-02-23T13:20:00.001+08:00

As the temperature rises to a comfortable weather, get ready for Spring and bring out the colours already! Here at Cosme-de.com, we have some wonderful makeup palettes and sets to share with you so you can beautify yourself conveniently and without fuss!

Jill Stuart Secret Tease Collection, US$97

We just LOVE this Jill Stuart Secret Tease Collection! It looks so princess-y which never disappoints the little girl in us. Packed in a pink beauty pouch that evokes a delicate lingerie bag are:

Blush Blossom 5g 101 Sensual Dahlia 5g
Night Jewel Perfumed Body Powder 3g
Jelly Lip Gloss 102 Silky Pink 9g
False Eyelashes with Glue 1pair
Jelly Eye Color N 104 Satin Lingerie 6g

Christian Dior Cannage Couture Eyelook Makeup Palette (Limited Edition) in 001 Dawn Grey, US$68

Smoky greys are not what you’d expect in Spring, but their cool elegance means you can wear them for any occasion and any season. A touch of pink on lips makes the look modern, not washed-out. Paying tribute to the iconic Dior bag, the Dior Cannage Couture Eyelook Makeup Palette features such couture-like details as the quilted leather exterior and Dior letter charms, D-i-o-r.

M.A.C 6 Mystic Cool Eye Shadows (Limited Edition), US$88

This fun palette includes six exciting colours of:

Cool Incantation Opalescent white gold (Frost)
Shhh, Don't Tell Pale neutral pink (Frost)
Blue Enchantment Dark frosted turquoise (Satin)
Rose Potion Mid-tone frosted rose (Veluxe)
Deep Secret Deep frosted indigo (Frost)
Violet Vow Deep cool brown (Satin)

Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Shades (Limited Edition), US$59

Four shades, two finishes, two palettes offering a variety of colour harmonies and contrasting effects. Eye make-up at its most sophisticated, inventive and adaptable. Each palette is designed and arranged to help you create the perfect look: subtle or dramatic, natural or bold, at a skilled of more artful stroke ... a mini beauty organiser for every woman.

Have a ‘scentsual’ Valentine's day!

2011-02-07T22:20:00.002+08:00

It’s February and love is in the air. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you will be overwhelmed with gift options from the saccharine sweet chocolates, to the perennial favourite—flowers. Sure, they are expected and girls never seem to grow sick of them, but why go down the same old predictable route? Nothing shows your affection like a scent in a pretty bottle and instead of putting your nose to the test and sniffing out options in the fragrance section; here are two new additions you can pick from!

Harajuku Lovers Eau de Toilette, US$39 for 30ml

Created by the uber cool Gwen Stefani, these dolls are super cute and feminine and look great on your dressing table. There are different characters such as Lil' Angel, Love, Music and Baby. Our favourite is the sweet and girly Harajuku Lovers Baby Eau de Toilette with its powdery mush of sparkling bergamot, tiare flower, jasmine petals and soft white musk.

Gucci by Gucci Eau de Parfum, US$64 for 50ml

Gucci by Gucci is the signature fragrance for the modern day icon, a strong yet sensual woman driven by both her desire for achievement and her unmistakable feminine allure. The new Gucci fragrance falls into the Chypre floral scent family, with a top fruity citrus note and a woodsy base note.

Gucci by Gucci Eau de Parfum emerges with a unforgettable combination of pear Guava accord and rapsberry, over rich sensual heart of notes of Tiare flower, spider lily and orange blossom and deep, lingering base notes of musk and honey that add a new sensuality and warmth to the strength of patchouli.

Achieve the Au Naturel look!

2011-01-24T21:55:00.012+08:00

We all wish we have perfect, flawless skin (I know I do!) and while achieving it is a slow work in progress (taking in mind your diet and skincare habits), you can attain it instantly – thanks to the magic of makeup!

Here are five easy steps to having the skin of your dreams:

Inner glow

The best way to begin is with a well-cleansed face that is prepped with a thin layer of moisturiser (try Covermark Day Nourish Fixer SPF 20 PA+, US$42). Tackle any dullness on your skin with an illuminator (try Dior Backstage Makeup Radiance Booster Pen, US$38).

Flawless skin

Try using a primer before foundation (try our favourite Laura Mercier Basic Makeup Trial Pack US$18. It contains a Foundation Primer and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20), which will minimise unevenness in skin texture such as large pores and scars.

To attain the most natural effect, avoid matte foundations and liquid foundations because they tend to look too heavy and cakey. Apply foundation under natural light and only where needed. Be sure to blend thoroughly up till your hairline and jawline.

Next, dab little dots of concealer (try Kokuryudo Point Magic Pro Eye Concealer, US$12) under your eyes to hide those dark rings deftly with your fingertips. Be certain to dab gently and not drag your skin, as the area is extremely delicate and more prone to lines and wrinkles.

Set the foundation with a light dusting of loose powder using a powder brush. Your powder of choice should be translucent, not bronze-toned nor shimmery (try Benefit One Hot Minute, US$37).

Beautiful eyes

Keep your brows soft by using eyebrow powder (try Bare Escentuals Essential Brow Kit, US$35) instead of penciling and rim eyes with dark brown eyeliner (try Missha The Style Fit-in Eye Gel Eyeliner, US$15). Keep to gel and pencil texture as they set a more natural and softer tone, compared to liquid eyeliners.

Sweep a soft pink shadow (try Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Cosmic Girl 2810, US$24) across your lids and in the socket creases and smudge for a diffused effect. Finish with a coat of lengthening mascara (try our bestseller Imju Dejavu Fiberwig Paint-On False Lashes Extra Long Mascara, US$16) to open your eyes.

Blushing beauty

The most natural blusher (try Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush, US$38) is one that is a couple of tones darker than your natural skin tone but rosy blush also gives an equally flattering flushed look.

Apply the blush to your cheekbones (smile to locate the apples of your cheeks) using light sweeps and blend well.

Sheer lips

Prettify your pout with a peach-toned lip colour. However, apply nude lip gloss directly to your lips can give it a fake, muddy look. The fix: prep your lips with a thin layer of foundation to neutralise the pink tones in your lips before apply a shiny nude gloss for a luscious finish. (Try Nars Lip Gloss, US$26 – they have a long list of various nude shades!)

Save your lips this season!

2011-01-09T23:54:00.001+08:00

Do you get plagued by dryness on your lips constantly like I do? All my friends know that I reach for my little jar of Kiehl’s Lip Balm (US$12) every two hours but in this current dry winter climate, I’m reapplying every 30 minutes. Anything longer and I can start peeling dry skin off my lips and bleeding is not an uncommon sight!

Our lips may cover a very small area on our body but it’s definitely one of the most essential organs – we speak, eat and smile with them. Take good care of your lips and they’ll go a long way! Here are some tips on having beautiful lips, even in winter:

1. Gently exfoliate your lips daily with a light toothbrush and lip cream. This helps to remove fine cracks on your lips.

2. Mash a quarter of a ripe papaya into a paste then lie down on a towel behind your face and apply a generous amount of papaya paste to your lips and the skin around them. Leave the paste on for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse it off and apply lip balm. Papaya contains exfoliating enzymes and helps to soften and refine lip lines.

3. If your lips are prone to dryness and cracking like mine, check out daily maintenance creams with skin-exfoliating AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), moisturisers, vitamin A and E and an SPF 15, which have been shown in clinical trials to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the lips in a month.

Our lips are one of the most exposed areas on our skin but yet they have an extremely thin outer layer and few sebaceous glands. Centrally heated offices and the harsh winter winds can take a toll on your lips. Here are some products we highly recommend:

1. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (US$6) – This bestseller from this great brand contains the healing benefits of beeswax and allow your lips to feel the instant gratification from the hydrating and soothing effects of beeswax.

2. Dermalogica Climate Control Lip Treatment (US$10) – This is great for everyday use, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who love snowboarding and skiing! This therapeutic balm is formulated with exclusive Anti-Ozonate Complex to help heal acutely damaged lips suffering from extreme weather conditions – perfect for the current winter!

3. Decleor Aromessence Lip Balm (US$23) – Its ingredients of essential oils, lemon, vanilla and tonka bean intensively nourish and soften the lips and overnight, my lips are supple and shiny again. However, I don’t recommend it for day use as it could be a little too oily for some people. It’s perfect for night use though!

4. Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 (US$12) – My all-time favourite! It’s great to use in the day because it contains SPF 15 and if you’re not used to grimy fingertips after dipping into the jar, use the remnants of the lip balm on your cuticles – guarantee you smooth cuticles within a week!

5. Benefit Benetint Lip Balm SPF 15 (US$34) – My favourite Benetint now comes in solid form with a SPF 15 protection! The packaging is cute and it has a blend of vitamin E in light rose fragrance – what’s there not to like?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T00:49:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year to all of you! May you be pretty and happy every day!

The 1st day of my year 2011 is to attend a wedding banquet of a long time friend, and as usual, I asked my make-up artist friend to do the make-up and hair for me. I especially requested a French Roll hairstyle this time as I always find it very elegant. And here is how it looks:

Personally, I really like it. It's neat and tight and elegant. If you'd like to know how to make it, give me a shout in the comment and I will make a tutorial of it. :)

For shampoo and conditioner, my new favourites are:

It gives you soft and shiny hair.

Shiseido TSUBAKI Shining Shampoo with Tsubaki Oil EX, 220ml, USD9.00

Shiseido TSUBAKI Shining Conditioner with Tsubaki Oil EX, 220ml, USD9.00

Your skin will love you more if...

2010-12-30T02:33:00.000+08:00

Nowadays, people are so lucky to have all kinds of products to help with keeping skin in good condition. However, I still think that the basic rules for having good skin shouldn't be forgotten, so here they are, my attempts to get everyone back to the basics:

1. Drink lots of water. Water helps detoxifying your body, flushing out unhealthy stuff inside your body which could in turn affect your skin condition.

2. Average adults need 7-8 hours sleep a night, try to go to bed before 10pm. (The Centre for Integrated Healing says, “From a complementary medicine perspective, an hour of sleep before midnight is worth 2 hours of sleep after midnight, because sleep before midnight optimizes melatonin production.”)

3. Clean your face before going to bed (no matter how tired you are!). There are lots of dirt which stick on your face every day, and they really shouldn't be a companion of your skin in bed, the accumulation of dirt can clog your pores and form sebum, cause skin infection which could turn into pimples. After cleansing, don't forget to apply a gentle night cream before sleeping.

4. Use moisturizing mask once or twice a week to keep your skin supple and moisturised.

5. Massage your face and neck in light circular motion with your fingers every day for 1-2 minutes to help with blood circulation.

6. Go to have a facial treatment once in two weeks for deep level skin cleansing and relaxation. Sometimes it's just good to not have to take care of your skin for a while, just let your beautician do the work!

These are my basic tips, if you have anything to add or comment, please feel free to post on the comment area.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T00:00:00.009+08:00

Merry Christmas

Wish You have a Beautiful Christmas and have lots of joy & presents!

COSME-DE.COM

Be the Beautiful One

Christmas gifts 2010: Budget below USD20

2010-12-06T13:39:00.009+08:00

Christmas is a season for gifts, but buying gifts can really "hurt" the wallet, especially under this kind of economy condition. So I have put up some BARGAIN gifts for you to choose from!

Fragrance

(left to right)

Anna Sui Flight of Fancy Eau de Toilette (4ml), USD8.00 - Save 36%

Anna Sui Flight of Fancy - Radiant and embracing, luscious and young, the floral-fresh fragrance leads to a dream world where blossoms sparkle in the sun. It is exactly here that a young woman can discover her true self.

A delicious burst of Litchi, Yuzu and Java Lemon entices exploration... what can be next? The soft floralcy of Star Magnolia, Rose Blossom and sheer Purple Rain Freesia awakens the heart to delight, as a warm undercurrent of Amber Crystals, Skin Musk, and White Woods create a tranquil serenity, stirring feelings she hasn't felt before.

Burberry London for Men Discovery Fragrances Set, USD15.00 - Save 41%

Burberry London for Men Discovery Fragrances Set includes:

London for Men Eau de Toilette 0.15oz / 4.5ml
London for Men Hair and Body Wash 1.7oz / 50ml
London for Men After Shave Emulsion 1.7oz / 50ml

Jennifer Lopez Still (Eau de Parfum) (15ml), USD13.00 - Save 50%

Jennifer Lopez Still Eau de Parfum is sensual as sable over bare skin. As delicate as pink satin. As refreshing as a first sip of champagne. This fragrance is a sheer, sexy blend of fluid, spicy notes mingled with soft blossoms, warmed by soothing woods.

Jennifer Lopez Still Eau de Parfum has notes of sake, white pepper, mandarin, earl grey at the top, a bouquet of freesia, honeysuckle, orange flower and wild jasmine at the heart and a base of sandal wood, musks, ambers and orris.

Lips

Etude House Hello Kitty Mini Lip Gloss (4.5g), USD8 - Save 50%

Etude House Hello Kitty Mini Lipgloss contains fruit scented in a lovely and mini design.

Kokuryudo Privacy Liquid Rouge, USD9.00 - Save 33%

Kokuryudo Privacy Liquid Rouge with soft in texture, and sharp in color. Your lips are gorgeous and sharp immediately. Lotion ingredients allow translucent but watery and sexy lips. Long- lasting wear. Fragrance-free.

Estée Lauder Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick (Mini), USD5.00, Save 50%

Pure impact, Pure luxury, Pure emotion, Pure Color - Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick - with luxurious formula pampers, comforts with Vitamins C and E plus natural moisturizers. Delicately fragranced with a delectable fresh fig scent. Intense, long-wearing color creates maximum impact.

Eyes

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, USD19.00, Save 30%

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow contain light iredescent pearls to softly illuminate lids. Can be used on lids as shimmery liner, or as highlighter shade under brow bone.

Tame your messy hair

2010-11-15T00:17:00.004+08:00

My hair is always a big problem for me, they are as dry as straw, that's how I usually call them. I tried numerous shampoo and conditioner, and none of them really help. I was about to give up recently, but accidentally, in a hotel room during my short trip, I found a set of L'Occitane 5 Essential Oils Shampoo and Conditioner. And they revived my hair.

The shampoo is not so foamy which I didn't feel very comfortable with at first, because I always think that only foamy shampoo can clean my hair thoroughly, anyway, at least the smell was quite nice, I thought to myself in the shower room. But the conditioner felt good on the hair, very pampering for the hair, smell is light as the shampoo.

The result wasn't significant until the next morning (I wash hair in evenings normally, so my hair can have a whole night to get back in shape, well, better shape at least). When I saw myself in the mirror, I was like: "wow, this is the very first time which I don't need a hair straightener!". My hair was soft and straight and shiny (well, of course not as shiny as in hair product TV ads, but much shinier than normal).

I was so pleased with their performance, and of course this L'Occitane set has now become my bathroom essential!

Tips: No liquid eyeliner pen should be brought on the plane

2010-11-12T16:57:00.001+08:00

It's like this on the plane, and it's like this ever since! It's been over a week already, and it's impossible to use, it just smudge all over the eyelid...so sad! It has to be thrown away I guess.

So, don't bring this type of eyeliner on a plane ride.

With this set, Winter is not scary anymore

2010-11-03T00:47:00.000+08:00

I am sure many people are like me, going through an on-going journey, looking for the perfect moisturiser. Good news! I think I have found mine! And not just one, but a whole set of them!

Laneige Water Bank Essence Special Set

This is a set of what I would call "all-rounded" skincare set, from essence to sleeping gel to emulsion to emulsion to moisturise cream. And the essence is 60ml! Normally the essence is the smallest among a set, right?

Use them all every night you will witness the significant change on your skin's suppleness, I especially love the sleeping pack, very easy to use, no need to wash, just sleep through it, then the next morning, the skin is fresh and "bouncy".

Try it for yourself, you will understand what I meant!

A facial mask you(r skin) can "eat"

2010-10-20T01:06:00.001+08:00

I am always lazy to put on masks, so in order to stimulate my interests, I look for interesting masks. This time, I found this, The Face Shop Strawberry Yogurt Pack, I almost mistaken that The Face Shop has started selling healthy yogurt of their own, you know, it's not unpopular for brands to do that these days.

After I examined the pack, I realised it's facial mask and immediately fall in love by the "yogurt" packing. And it doesn't just have a good look, the smell is really nice and sweet. The after-effect is fresh and moisturising, leaving your skin with a slight sweet strawberry taste. Yum!

If all masks are of similar moisturisation function and effect, I'd rather choose something which is more interesting and "edible" (well, at least it looks like it is :P).

Kill the irritating ulcer in no time!

2010-10-04T02:06:00.001+08:00

Summer is always the peak ulcer period for me, probably because of the hot and humid weather and lots of deep fried snacks, what I always use is an ulcer gel, but the problem with it is that you have to dry the ulcer before applying and the worst thing is, you have to hold your mouth open and stop talking in order not to wet that area and sweep away the gel.

Great that now I found this Taisho Mouth Ulcer Patch, you basically just need to stick it onto the ulcer and then the pain will be lessened, the healing time is faster than the gel!

I love this product!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

2010-09-13T00:14:00.003+08:00

I first got this L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream a couple years ago as a birthday gift from my friend. Since then, I have never stopped using it, especially in winter. I mentioned other hand cream I used before, no matter how many brands I tried, I would always go back to this one. Yes, this is how addicted I am, it's a core item of my skincare collection.

The thing I love most about it is the smell, the smell of babies (a hint of mutton smell too), I know some people can't stand the smell. It's like either you like it or hate it. Every time I used it, I can't help smelling my hands time and time again. (sounds obsessive, I know, and I am! :P)

Of course, you can't love a hand cream just for its smell, it has to be moisturising too. This product can be absorbed easily, but not watery, leaving your hands feeling supple and soft.

Keep using it and you will see the result yourself. I hope you will like it as much as I do.

You are also welcome to share your favourite with me in the comment!

Summer should be colourful: OPI

2010-08-31T00:55:00.001+08:00

I am sure no one would disagree if I say summer should be flowery, colourful and happy. And so if any packaging that give me this feeling, I would be very tempted to buy them. Like this one, OPI Summer Flutter Minis.

I just can't resist it, the colours, the flowers, the box, oh so nice! All four colours are bright and easy to match, so get them and start showing off eye-catching summer finger and toe nails (that's what sandals are for, right?) colours!

BAWANG Anti-Hair Fall Pack

2010-08-16T00:18:00.001+08:00

My friends always tell me that BAWANG shampoo really works but it has a very strong herbal smell, and THAT is what stopped me from buying.

Then why did I buy it at the end? It was when I found that quite a lot of my hair fell off for a continuous period, and it really bothered me. So I gave BAWANG a try. When I opened it, it did have a strong chinese herbal tea smell, and I used it anyway. After a week, it's about three times because I washed my hair every other day, the hair loss situation improved significantly. Not only that, the hair condition improved too.

So aside from the smell, it's really worth trying!

Tips: Use it in the evening before you sleep (of course blow dry before sleeping). If I have to go out after washing my hair, I use my other shampoo with nice smell. :P

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Set

2010-07-31T10:34:00.001+08:00

It's summer time, have you found that the eyeliner you used to use is not as good as before anymore? Because the sweat and oil make it flake, and only until noon then you have already become a "panda". It's annoying, isn't it? I had the same experience until I found.......Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner!

I remember when I first saw this product, the first question I had was "How can this brush draw out a fine eyeline?" That's why I didn't buy it. And until recently, my friend gave hers to me, and I tried for the first time. Incredible! Not only you can draw a fine line with the brush, its softness just made you feel so nice.

Mine is the black one, but the colour looks more dark greyish which is good because it looks more natural that way. The best thing about this eyeliner is that it doesn't smudge around the eyes even after a long time, thus Long-wearing as they put it! Also, it's water-resistant, so it's sweat-proof.

I don't think there's a better product than this one for the summer.

Tips: Remember to use tissue to clean the brush every time after using it, otherwise it will become hard after while and then won't be usable anymore.

O'slee ROSEHIP BB Cream

2010-07-10T09:55:00.001+08:00

"Breathable but water-resistant veil once applied"? Sounds strange, doesn't it? This is how O'slee describes this Rosehip BB Cream HD Flawless SPF 26 PA++, they made it magical by using the most advanced ionic membrane technology.

I have been using it for a week now, and this is the fourth BB cream I tried (all different brands). O'slee's no doubt very thin and breathable, but I guess my face has too much flaws for it to cover :(. So it's actually a bit too thin for my liking, but if you don't usually put make up on when you go out, it's a perfect product to just brighten up your face (afterall, if you like a full make-up, you don't really use BB cream :P).

Since it's super hot in Hong Kong now, after walking outdoor for a while every morning, there would be sweat above my upper lip, and I usually just wipe them off with my index finger, and this morning when I arrive the office, I checked the mirror, and I haven't turned into a dirty looking baby with upper lip as dark as a moustache. :P So I guess the "breathable but water-resistant veil once applied" really does work!

But normally after lunch, I will have to re-apply it, whereas for the last one I used, the fading wasn't as obvious. (Yes, I admit that I am a very lazy person who don't re-touch my make-up in the afternoon).

The texture is quite watery, I guess that's how it could be so thin and breathable on the face, you basically don't feel that it's there after putting it on your face, but it does have a brighten effect.

So do try it and let me know what you think!

Best After-sun Soothing Products

2010-07-04T23:57:00.001+08:00

Have you been enjoying the sun on the beach? Every time after sun-bathing, you should use after-sun products to cool and refresh your skin. Here are some good after-sun care products.

Personally, I really love gel type after-sun products, I normally store them inside the fridge to maximise the cooling effect:

Clarins After Sun Gel Ultra Soothing can be used on face and body.

If you don't like gel, here are two lotion which are good too:

Dermalogica After Sun Repair uses its very own reparative complex together with seaweed extracts and soothing botanicals, protecting your skin cells while restoring the skin's condition.

L'Occitane After Sun Balm formulated with organic vegetable butter of Cupuaçu, it's the the ideal ingrdient to intensely hydrate and regenerate the skin after sun exposure.

Remember to protect your skin both before and after sun-bathing.

Imju Dejavu: Bigger and brighter eyes

2010-06-13T22:41:00.002+08:00

Last night, I tried out the new Imju Dejavu Fiberwig Lash Knockout Mascara, the result is soooo good that I decided to make a video of it to show you how good it is. But first of all, some photos:

The mascara is incredibly light, it feels like there nothing inside, so just want to let you know when you receive it, don't think that it's a defect product with nothing inside, it's just the material of the container which is light.

The applicator is straight, just like a normal mascara, it doesn't have the curl shape or anything fancy with the design, which I think is good, because I'd rather the brand focus on the function and quality rather than the design of the applicator.

And finally, how does it perform?

It's easy to apply, and it doesn't produce clumps like many other mascaras, so you won't feel that your eyelids are "heavier". And see...my left eye is bigger and sharper! (And I haven't applied eyeliner yet! So I am sure it would be even better with eyeliner)

Don't you wanna buy one and try it yourself?

LANCOME Sunblock + BB Base??

2010-06-08T11:28:00.003+08:00

This is the first time I heard that a sunblock has BB base (BB cream), attention, it’s not BB cream with SPF, it’s the other way round.

The launch of Lancôme UV Expert Active Protection BB Base SPF 50 PA+++ proves that Korean BB cream trend is hotter than ever. The texture is quite soft and light, easy to apply, and just a small dot (see picture and video below) is enough for the whole face because this small dot I took, it's too much for the hand. It covers up fine lines and it suits Asian’s skin colour because the yellowy colour is gone after applying, making you look bright and nice. And it’s also good for other skin colours, because its BB cream base can adapt to the skin colour and balance it, so it never gets too dark or too pale.

It’s still a bit sticky as other sunblocks, but at least the smell is nice and flowery, not too strong though. A sunblock which can be used as foundation, sounds good, right?

Have a look at the Sun Protection blog post

Getting ready for the SUMMER!

2010-05-30T23:54:00.004+08:00

I love summer and I love getting tanned, but in order to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, skin discoloration, and skin cancer, one must use sun protection lotion to protect yourself, so that you can get a healthy nice tan. All sun care products contain SPF, but do you know what is it and is it the higher the better?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor

It only measures the protection from UVB (which causes burning), not UVA rays (which causes tanning).
Sunscreen must contain avobenzone (also known as Parsol® 1789), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide to protect from both UVB and UVA rays.
A sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks nearly 95% of UVB, while SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB.

How to measure what SPF do I need?

If your skin normally turns red after 10 mins of sun exposure, a SPF 15 can let you stay out at the sun for 150 minutes without getting burnt.

Tips:

No matter what SPF you use, be sure to reapply every two hours because they do get rubbed off, even the waterproof ones!
Don't forget to apply to ears and lips.
Everyone should use at least a SPF 15 sunscreen.

Some recommended sunscreen products:

Face

(left to right)

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream High Protection SPF 30 (Sun-Sensitive Skin)
An ideal protection for sun-sensitive skin or skin exposed to intense sunlight. It provides reinforced sun protection (heat-resistant UVB-UVA filters) and against dehydration. Helps prevent visible signs of premature skin aging.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 High Protection
A high performance lightweight and oil-free suncare lotion which helps shield skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, surface skin cell damage and premature signs of aging.

The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 25 (Face and Body)
This product uses three novel natural ingredients to promote safe, golden tanning. Anti-ageing extracts and nourishing plant oils leave skin soft smooth and protected. The non-whitening formula means you can use it anywhere on the face and body with ease.

Lips

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15
An all weather treatment stick for softer, smoother lips. Sunscreen ingredients (SPF 15) guard against the damaging effects of sun exposure.

Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15
Kiehl's Lip Balm is designed for irritated lips, effectively relieves any dryness of lips and protects them from sunburn with SPF 15, leaving your lips soft and supple.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15
This moisture-enriched formula soothes and conditions your lips, keeping them healthy looking and soft in all weather. Contains a PABA-free SPF 15 sunblock for added protection from the sun. Leaves lips soft, smooth and moisturized.

Are you now ready to enjoy nice sunny summer?

Coming up next time: After sun soothing products, and make-up products for you to get the most attention on the beach!

Sephora Eyeliner

2010-05-17T00:47:00.000+08:00

As promised (a while ago :P) that I would write about the Sephora Eyeliner, and here you go!

I have used it about 4 times, the first time I used it, I really liked it because the lines are pretty obvious and the texture is soft. It's only after a couple hours that I saw the negative side of it.

I guess since the colour is easy to get on the eyes, it's easy to come off as well. Towards the end of the night, when I looked into the mirror, I saw my lower eyelines towards the outer corners are blackened. I found myself like a panda...

After the 4 times usage, I need to sharpen it already, since it's quite a short eyeliner to begin with, I don't think it could last for long.

So to conclude, I like the colour and texture of it, but not that when it comes off to the lower eyelines.

Recommended eyeliners:

The best Mother's Day gift

2010-04-30T23:21:00.005+08:00

Mother's Day is coming up, and it's time for us to think of a way to thank them, and what's better than bringing them back their youth? Here, take a look at this Biotherm Lift Instant Flash (Filling Vials Lift and Instant Radiance) which I just tried out.

The vials and the tip in the middle.

1. The vial. 2. After shaking, break open the vial.

3. Put the tip halfway down the vial. 4. Shake it once, and the content is out.

5. Squeeze the tip, so the content flow into your palm. 6. After it's all out.

When I broke it open, I was a bit nervous, it's the first time I used this kind of product, I was worried that the glass would broke into a mess. :P But it's all fine, you just have to apply a bit more strength (and braveness) to break it.

The content is certainly more than enough for the whole face, so I applied the excess to the neck as well, you know, that's where the visible wrinkles are! And in order to not waste any of it, I kept hitting the bottle against my palm to get everything out, and applied them to the back of my hands as well. :)

The smell is nice and natural, not too strong, and the face felt as if you have applied a film of egg white on the face, it's tightened. The feeling slowly went away after 15 mins. As magical as it sounds, the wrinkles on the face seemed to be ironed out.

It feels great! And it's cheap, USD38 for a pack of 8. A nice and ideal gift for mums this Mother's Day. Buy now!

Other great gift ideas

Bioderma Hand Cream from France

2010-04-18T01:03:00.003+08:00

Before I talked about the Sephora eyeliner, I'd like to talk about this Bioderma Atoderm Hand Cream I found in a local french pharmacy near metro station Place Monge.

The whole shop isn't the most organised, but the products they provide are of wide-range, and most importantly, they are cheap! Although I didn't buy many things there because I didn't want to carry them back, I managed to find this Bioderma Atoderm Hand Cream (50ml), which was only 1.49 Euro! And the size is handbag-friendly, with the dry weather in France, it's perfect for replenishing my dry hands.

Since the line Atoderm is for very dry sensitive skin, I expected it to be quite thick and oily, but to my surprise, it's fairly thin and non-sticky (maybe it's because of the dry weather? Not sure.). Anyway, it's not as long-lasting as I thought it would be, but it's good enough for SOS dry hand situation. It doesn't have a smell to it, so I guess it's more natural which is good.

I was happy to be able to find cheap things in Paris! :D

Product of the same line:

Bioderma Atoderm Nourishing Cream for Very Dry Sensitive Skin

Sephora in Paris

2010-03-31T08:40:00.000+08:00

Bonjour!

I am travelling in Paris at the moment, it's been a relaxing day today, and I think it's becoming a habit that I visit Sephora in every city I go. I went to the Sephora here in Rue de Rivoli, a street full of chain stores like Etam, ZARA, H&M...etc. I just bought a Sephora glitter eyeliner, it's 4.5 euro, when I tested it, it looks very dark and the glitter isn't too shiny (which is good). I haven't tried it on my eyes yet, so will let you guys know how it looks actually when I finish my Za eyeliner. I don't have the card reader yet, so can't load the photo up here now, will do it soon, so you guys could see how the Sephora looks like here, and of course also the eyeliner I bought. :)

Au revoir!

Dermalogica - An unforgettable first encounter

2010-03-10T00:43:00.000+08:00

I have been using Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant for quite some time now, like a year already, but I still can't forget the first time of our "encounter".

When I first poured them out, they are dry, white powder, and very fine textured. In order to start the process, I just needed to mix it with water, then they started become slightly foamy to the level which I think it's just right for face cleansing. I normally apply it to a dry face since it feels more effective if the foam doesn't get too watery, after massaging on the face for like a minute or two, just wash it off like you do with any other face cleanser. Sounds just like another face cleansing foam? You are totally wrong if you think so!

I think just from the name of the product - Microexfoliant - you know that this is a product different from any other, it's not exfoliant, which usually contains coarse particles for rubbing the dirt on your face away, and it could potentially enlarge your pores, that's why they are not meant to be used daily. However, this is Daily, and it's Micro? Why? The reason is that the powder is so fine that it won't over-stimilate your skin, and the result is just amazing! After cleansing, my skin feels very smooth and supple, and most importantly, it feels very clean. Honestly, I was and still am amazed by the result it brings, never in my life (so far) I have used an exfoliant so fine and effective.

Does it sound like an exaggeration? Go buy and try it yourself, I am sure you will agree with me.

Paul & Joe - Alice in Wonderland Collection

2010-03-01T17:12:00.000+08:00

Based on Lewis Carroll's novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871), the movie features an A-list cast including Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as The White Queen and Mia Wasikowska as 19-year-old Alice, as she returns to Wonderland.

To mark the film's release this spring, Paul & Joe has lauched a limited-edition Alice in Wonderland collection, Fantasy and Daydream, in two beautifully designed compact tins.

The package is in pastel colour, incorporating retro-styled illustrations of Alice, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. Products include blotting paper with beautiful prints on them (with mirror), a refill pack and a lip treatment. The Fantasy Lip Treatment is in Sweet Milky Pink and the Daydream Lip Treatment in Sheer Orange.

These hot items have arrived COSME-DE.COM, indulge yourself in the childhood fairy tale fantasy.

Weekly Bargain Picks - 18 Feb

2010-02-18T23:47:00.001+08:00

1. Etude Moistfull Collagen Cream Set (USD18 - Save 34%)

Moist! Moist! Moist! is all you need in this cold dry winter weather.

2. The Face Shop Nutri-Life Mask Sheet Set (USD16 - Save 50%)

When cream is not enough, supplement your skin with masks, not just one, but 5! (and it's cheap!)

3. O'slee Clear Spa Sleeping Mask (Advanced Formula) (USD13) 2 for 1 price only

What about when I sleep? This is it! "Water" your skin even during sleep!

4. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (USD96 - Save 30%)

Before all the moisturisation, don't forget about the basic (but magical) essence.

Makep up tips: Lower eyeliner

2010-02-08T01:23:00.003+08:00

Normally for daily make up, people just put eyeliner for upper eyelid in order to brighten the eye, ignoring the lower eyelid to avoid looking too "fierce". But it's actually not true that you would look "fiercer" with eyeliner applied to the lower eyelid, it's just a matter of where you apply it on.

My friend K is taking a make-up course and I am lucky enough to be asked to act as her make-up model the other day. It's was a make-up practise for an evening occasion, so it's a bit more intense than daily make-up. At the end of the it, she asked for teacher's opinion, and that's where I learnt the new tip for eyeliner: she took the eyeliner pencil, pull down my lower eyelid a little bit, and then start "drawing" on the lower eyeline, the moist line, NOT the outer skin, i.e. the root of the eyelash. This can avoid a fierce look while looking sharp and bright! :)

Point: You must pull down your eye to be able to draw it. And you need to use eyeliner pencil, not liquid, not gel because that line is wet itself, only pencil will stay.

Some eyeliner pencil recommendations:

Anna Sui Eyeline Pencil (USD$20)

Benefit BADgal Extra Black Waterproof Eye Pencil (USD$28)

Weekly Bargain Picks - Jan (2)

2010-01-31T23:59:00.000+08:00

1. Burt's Bee Marshmallow Vanishing Crème (USD32 - Save 25%)

Natural ingredients to moisturise and soothe your skin.

2. LANCÔME Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss Set (USD45 - Save 42%)

How about some shiny sweet colours for Spring?

3. Herbary Exfoliant Gel (USD14 - Save 29%)

Don't forget to exfoliate your skin regularly.

4. Kiehl's French Rosewater Skincare Travel Pack (USD24 - Save 33%)

Save a lot of hassle in packing with this set while travelling.

Weekly Bargain Picks

2010-01-24T00:20:00.006+08:00

Everyone loves bargain products, that's why I introduce this Weekly Bargain Picks to highlight the great deals which you might have missed at COSME-DE.COM. Enjoy!

1. Bobbi Brown Nude Lip & Eye Palette (USD45)
Perfect for those who likes natural nude style.

2. Anna Sui Beauty Tray R Set (USD50)
Beautiful red tray to organise your cosmetics products.

3. Dermalogica Day Bright SPF 15 (USD39)
Who say you don't need sun protection in winter?

4. Jean Paul Perfumed Shower Gel (USD12)
Have a sweet nice shower.

How do you treat your hands?

2010-01-19T02:19:00.002+08:00

I think most women have a handcream or some sort in their bags, especially in winter when the weather is dry. And of course I am no exception. But I put it in my office desk instead of my bag for 1. I am worried that the bottle would burst and mess up my bag (it happened once to me :( ); 2. I don't like applying handcream when (I feel that) my hands are not clean. Thus, I normally put on handcream after washing hands in toilet, this explains my photos taken in the office today.

I have 2 bottles of handcream in the office: Crabtree and Evelyn Summer Hill Hand Therapy and Johnson's Extra Care Healing Hand Cream. The former is given to me as Christmas gift, the latter I bought for myself a while back. I have been using Johnson's one for a couple of months, it's fairly cheap, and I like it because it's not greasy, and has a slight sweet smell to it. However, ever since the dry weather hit Hong Kong, my hands become drier, and dry skin and cuticles keep wrapping around my fingers even after applying the handcream. The more I cut/bit my cuticle and dry skin, the more they appear (irritating!). At first I thought I didn't drink enough water to moisturise my skin. But it's actually because of the handcream.

Why am I so sure? Because I notice today that my skin around my nails are more moisturised and healthy (it's pinkish instead of white! Yay!) It's been almost 3 weeks since I switched to the Crabtree handcream, the texture is soft, not too greasy, and very easily absorbed by skin. And the good thing about it is that it doesn't leave a film of cream in the palm, for some creams I tried, it always leaves a strange feeling on my palms which I couldn't stand. As for smell, this Summer Hill is quite a light smell, enough to let yourself appreciate it, but too strong that others would find it annoying (you know, some pungent fragrance women put on could really affect people). Not to miss is its size, this is a 25ml bottle, very handy and convenient for women's hangbag.

Tips when applying:
1. Make sure every finger and nails receive some cream. I usually wrap each finger with my other hand.
2. Squeeze each palm for a minute to encourage blood circulation.

For winter weather, I vote Crabtree handcream for all beautiful ladies.

P.S. Hands can reveal your age, so don't be lazy to apply handcream daily.

Holiday Remedy: Tired Feet

2010-01-05T02:11:00.016+08:00

While you are giving so much attention to your face, foot always get forgotten, but don't forget that they do work hard while you are dancing around in your pointy high heels. So I think they do deserve some premium care. How about a nice massage?

Soak your feet in warm water (personally I prefer higher temperature) for 10 minutes. This not only warm up your feet, but also soften skin for better absorbtion of cream or oil. Make sure you dry your feet completely before massaging.
Apply some cream or oil to hand for ease and comfort. Rub your hands to warm them up beforehand.

First start stroking the top of foot, from toe to ankle, and then the sole.
On the sole, move in circular motions with thumb (also fingers if you are massaging for others, thumb is easier to apply pressure for DIY massage), apply extra pressure on heel and balls as these are the areas which suffer most from your high heels.
Hold your foot on lower calf (right foot with right hand), then use the other hand to hold first the ankle, then the ball of the foot, gently rotate 5 times each direction.

After rotating both feet, hold the foot again with one hand, the other hand make a fist, knead the sole with moderate pressure, from ball of foot to heel.
Take each toe individually from big toe to pinky toe, hold each between thumb and index finger, slide down the toe to end with gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
Use your index finger to slide down between each toe for 5 times.
Use your thumb and index finger in circular motions over sole, end the massage by stroking sole and instep with palm.
Wipe off excess cream or oil gently with soft towel.

Origins Leg Lifts To Rev Up Tired Legs Decleor Aromessence Circularome

Kokuyudo Luscious Tension L (Leg Massage Gel) Aveda Foot Relief

More Foot Care products More Massage Oil

Keep the parties going!!!

2009-12-31T17:19:00.001+08:00

How are you all pretty ladies? Party party party at Christmas? Let's not let it stop, keep on partying!

Happy 2010!

While the make-up are drying up your skin, use this magical Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with Pump. I first thought it would be oily (as it looks very thick textured), but actually it's more watery to oily. And VERY moisturising. Love it. Use it to replenish the water your skin needs, and then move on to the next party tonight!!

French cosmetic tycoon Yves Rocher passed away

2009-12-29T01:48:00.003+08:00

I remember the first skincare prodcts I bought when I went to France for exchange programme was from Yves Rocher. R.I.P. Mr Yves Rocher.

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Yves Rocher, founder of a world-wide cosmetics empire, died in Paris on December 26, 2009 at the age of 79.

"I confirm that he passed away this morning," said a spokesman without giving a cause of death.

Rocher founded the company in 1959 and nurtured it into a firm with annual sales of over $2.9 billion and a presence in over 80 countries.

The company is renowned for cultivating its own plants and running stores, mail order, and online business. Yves Rocher offers several beauty lines including skin care, cosmetics, fragrances, and hair care.

(news adapted from Examiner.com)

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-25T16:23:00.001+08:00

My friend and I made these gingerbread men for Christmas, this is the first time I made them, it's fun and tasty! Too bad I couldn't let you guys try them, so I made it into a Christmas card for you all! : )

2009 Christmas Gift Guide - Fragrance

2009-12-18T02:04:00.050+08:00

GIFT HER - Fragrance

(left to right)

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum Spray (USD57.00 - Save 20%): Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum is a sparkling floral bouquet featuring the same notes as the original Daisy Eau de Toilette with enhanced notes of jasmine petals, violet petals and gardenia, all captured in a deluxe collectable black bottle with a luxurious gold daisy cap that expresses edginess with an offhand charm.

Armani Code Pour Femme Eau de Parfum (USD42.00 - Save 13%): Giorgio Armani Pour Femme Eau de Toilette seduces the senses with an intriguing orange flower note, fresh ginger accents and the caress of honey. Sandalwood accords create an unforgettable and captivating new encounter. A woman's mysterious code of seduction revealed.

Notes include: orange, ginger, and pear sorbet softened with hints of sambac jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender honey, warmed with precious woods and vanilla.

Stella McCartney Sheer Stella Eau de Toilette (USD45.00 - Save 15%): Stella McCartney Sheer Stella Eau de Toilette includes notes of spicy white rose, peony, white freesia, pink pepper, white musk in the base, and raspberry. The bottle has a feminine frosted glass exterior, with a beautiful etching of a rose flower.

Floral notes of peony and white freesia combine with a spicy heart of pink pepper and rose. As a final contrast, white musk in the base gives a warm sensuality, combining with the crisp finish of raspberry.

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette (USD57.00 - Save 12%): L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette is a fresh and floral fragrance that celebrates the beauty of the cherry blossoms during the first days of spring. It is a soft, fresh and floral fragrance with ...
Top Notes: cherry, freesia and blackcurrant.
Middle Notes: cherry blossom and lily of the valley.
Base Notes: rosewood, amber and musk.

Jill Stuart Eau de Toilette (USD73.00 - Save 10%): Jill Stuart Eau de Toilette expresses the dreams and wishes that transform an innocent girl into a woman. The bottle is designed to capture the beauty of a big, sparkling diamond.

Top notes: Cassis, Pair, Green Apple, Lemon, Aquatic Green
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, Gardenia, Peony, Lily of the Valley, Indian jasmin, Magnolia, Tunisian Orange Flower
End notes: Musk, Sandalwood, Cedar Wood, Amber, Vanilla

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette (USD57.00 - Save 20%): Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. At the heart of Daisy is a floral with vintage edge: violet. Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavor of Marc Jacobs' feminine, edgy designs.

2009 Christmas Gift Guide - Lip Gloss

2009-12-09T01:10:00.014+08:00

GIFT HER - Lip Gloss

1. Stila Gift of Glaze (USD41.00 - SAVE7%): Lip Glaze is Stila's most popular lip gloss product. Add a splash of color and fabulously matching flavors and scents in one easy click of the famous pen. (Grapefruit, Apricot, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Nutmeg Spice, Candy Cane)

2. Jill Stuart Jewel Collection Diamond Dew Lip Colour (USD81.00 - SAVE 14%): Jill Stuart Jewel Collection Diamond Lip Colors are luxuriously glossy for a diamond-like shine. They glide smoothly onto lips for even coverage and a wonderful feel, leaving a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

3. L'Occitane Lip Gloss Trio (USD38.00 - SAVE9%): Discover the sweet deliciousness of rose petals, honey & lemon dessert, and cherry blossom in this set of 3 lip glossed. Enriched in shea butter and delightfully iridescent, they leave lips nourished and protected, ultra shiny and sparkling.

4. LANCOME Jicy Glace Ice Cream Lip Gloss (USD23.00 - SAVE22%): A fresh and cooling lip gloss, just like an ice cube on the lips enriched with a coconut milk aroma, and an instant plumping effect that glides on and moisturises dry lips.

5. Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion Collection (USD49.00 - SAVE30%): LipFusion Collection contains six purse-sized Micro Collagen Lip Plump Color Shine in Clear, Bare, Blush, Crave, Boca Babe, and Goddess.

2009 Christmas Gift Guide - Skincare

2009-12-01T00:48:00.007+08:00

For this Christmas, I have selected especially some of the best products

for you to GIFT your family and friends. I hope you will like them!

(from left to right)

Clinique Daily Essential Set includes: (USD57.00 - Save 9%)

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel 1.7oz / 50ml
All About Eyes 0.5oz / 15ml
Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula 1oz / 30ml
Clarifying Lotion 3 2oz / 60ml
Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips 1.7oz / 50ml

Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Essentials (USD63 - Save 15%) contains three absolute must-haves from the Rosewater range, tucked into a pretty pink printed cosmetic bag. Made from a distillation of Rosa centifolia - the legendary hundred-petal rose - cherished for its clear, sweet fragrance, these are classic English tonics for the skin.

Rosewater Hand Therapy 3.4oz / 100ml
Rosewater Bath & Shower Gel 8.5oz / 250ml
Rosewater and Glycerine Hand & Body Lotion 8.5oz / 250ml

A classics collection of Jurlique's hero products (USD167 -Save 15%) which help to balance, renew, protect and moisture skin. Jurlique Classics Collection includes:

Herbal Recovery Gel 1.0oz / 30ml
Rosewater Balancing Mist 1.0oz / 30ml
Daily Exfoliating Cream 1.4oz / 40ml
Moisture Replenishing Day Cream 1.4oz / 40ml

OPI Hong Kong Collection SS 09/10

2009-11-23T12:57:00.010+08:00

OPI is going to launch a Hong Kong Collection, it immediately catches my attention, I am happy that they are inspired by the Pearl of Orient, a name for Hong Kong as known to people in the world. This collection includes 12 shades:

- Bling Dynasty

- Red My Fortune Cookie

- Hot & Spicy

- Dim Sum Plum

- Jade is the New Black

- Suzi Says Feng Shui

- A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find

- Lucky Lucky Lavender

- Meet Me on the Star Ferry (I love this name, sounds romantic)

- Panda-monium Pink

- Pearl of Wisdom

- I'm Chop-Ssticking to My Story

Personally, I think it's more like a old Hong Kong, like in the 60s/70s, especially from the setting above with the boat, and also the hair style and chunky accesssories (below). As for colours, Mathilda's favourites are Red My Fortune Cookie and Suzi Says Fung Shui.

This collection is set to be in stores in February 2010.

(Photos credit: P'ssion)

Sidenote: Dell has launched OPI X Dell laptop, so nice! I like No Room for the Blues by OPI.

My own Clinique 2-step skin care system

2009-11-10T16:55:00.002+08:00

Clinique's 3-step skin care system is very well-known, I am not sure how many people are following it completely, I just know that I am not one of them. I have created my Clinique 2-step skin care system. Since for its Step 1: Cleanse, I replace it by Bioderma Non-rinse cleanser which I wrote about a while back on this blog. It's simple and fast, can be used for eyes and mouth and face.

Then it's Step 2: Exfoliate

I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion No.2 (normal/combination skin) for exfoliation, my face feels very clean and fresh everytime I use it. But I have to admit that although they say that it's alcohol-free, it's very strong when I sweep on my face with the cotton pad, every time I do it, I have to close my eyes and stop breathing, otherwise my eyes and nose wouldn't feel well. Anyway, afterwards my face feels cool and fresh, and as the product description said "A gentle 'tingle' tells you it's working", and that's what I feel on my face, so I suppose it works every time! :D

Step 3: Moisturize

I bought this Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief solely for my long-haul plane ride in June initially, and after that I have put it aside for the whole summer. It's only until recently, the weather becomes drier, and it comes back to my magical product. Every morning and evening, I would apply it after the Clarifying Lotion, before the foundation. I can feel that my skin immediately becomes more supple and smooth, and elastic. It's a perfect product for Autumn/Winter seasons.

Mascara Comparison: HR VS Revlon

2009-10-17T23:48:00.002+08:00

This is the first time I do any product comparison, and I think it's quite clear from the image which is the winning product. Helena Rubenstein won by far, then why did I buy Revlon? Because one day I found that my beloved HR was lost, and I was in a rush, so I just went into a shop to buy Revlon Lash Fantasy Mascara. After using it for the first time, I immediately realized how much I miss my HR Lash Queen Mascara (Waterproof). Why?

First, there are 2 sides on the Revlon mascara, the white one as base, and then the other side to put on top, the base is supposed to enhance the volume of the lashes. But it didn't work on my lashes, maybe I didn't put enough? (My lashes are not short ones) I did make sure I cover all lashes before applying the mascara though, anyway, after applying the black mascara, apart from being clump free, I can only see small effect and not-so-volumous eyelashes. Whereas the HR mascara, although it doesn't have a base coat, the lashes are instantly thicken and lengthen. Undoubtedly there are a bit of clumps compare to Revlon, but if eyes look bigger and sharper, I guess a bit of clumps don't matter, right?

Sometimes, you really have to spend more to have good results.

Brand new make-up "bag"

2009-10-05T01:52:00.007+08:00

Ok, I love it when designers put creativity in product designs. And I can’t stop myself from writing about this innovative new product. So, now, everyone, take a wild guess, what’s this thing in the picture? Kitchen tool? Key ring? Speakers? No! No! And NO! Alright, for those who didn’t cheat and scroll down to look for the answer, this is a make-up bag, um, ok, I know, it’s not a bag. It’s a white chunk of layers, but it indeed performs the function of a make-up bag. So how does it work? Look at this picture:

Is this clearer now? Oh…still not quite, right? Ok, how about this one?

Yes, it’s a stackable make-up palettes! How genius! Launched by former Lanôme artistic director Fred Farrugia. This neat new product range aims to de-clutter consumers make-up bag, making it easy to find what you need, including eyeshadows, lips colours, blush, and foundation.

The individual palettes are designed by Ora-Ïto, they can be clipped and stacked together to make a compact and complete make-up set in one.

Moreover, applying them are like finger-painting, you don’t even need a mirror. You can choose from 104 stackable palettes of colors. For those who aren’t accustomed to finger-painting, the range also includes a make-up tools set to suit your needs:

Make-up Products: Autumn 2009

2009-09-21T01:19:00.144+08:00

Candy colours

(click to enlarge)

Pinks and purples are usually spring colours, but this season they also appear to be the main colours, showing a sense of romance.

Earthy colours

(click to enlarge)

Earthy colours for autumn are the ever-lasting, classic shades. The main products are eye shadows, the tones include golden bronze, chocolate brown and olive green.

These are best for the less adventurous consumer, because they are easy-to-wear and natural, you can’t possible go wrong with them.

- Benefit Brow Zings – Color: Light – USD34.00 (save 10%)
- Bobbi Brown Nude Lip & Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – USD55.00 (save 32%)
- Christian Dior Iridescent Eyeshadow –color: 559 Parisian Lights - USD55.00 (save 12%)
- Lavera Lipstick – Color: No.25 Brown – USD12.00 (save 52%)
- YSL Multi Usage Make-Up Palette – USD41.00 (save 28%)

Blue shades

(click to enlarge)

This season’s top colour is precious blue, most obvious are the eye colours. NARS Liquid Eyeliner’s turquoise blue is a lighter alternative for this colour trend. There are many brands offering a blue palette, so I believe this will be a big colour trend for autumn.

- Jill Stuart Illuminance Eyes – Color: 08 Dazzling Moon – USD53.00 (save 9%)
- Chanel Noire Et Marine Professional Eyeliner – USD45.00 (save 10%)
- NARS Liquid Eyeliner – Color: Neverland 8105 – USD28.00 (save 5%)
- Chanel Irreelle Duo Silky Eyeshadow – Color: 73 River-Light – USD41.00 (save 12%)
- Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow – Color: 92 Bleu Celestes – USD58.00 (save 8%)

Make-up colours: Autumn 2009

2009-09-09T17:17:00.023+08:00

In addition to the usual plum and earthy colour, this autumn adds vibrant turquoise, pink and purple as a contrast.

Be a doll

(click to enlarge image)

Smoky browns, plum tones and red lips
Softer, more romantic and youthful look
Browns, greys and taupes to purples, pinks and blues
Perfectly flawless base

Exaggerated

(click to enlarge image)

More suited for the evening or a party occasion
Bold mouths and smoky eyes
Bright two-tone shadows
Purple, turquoise and yellow
For lips: use lipstick not gloss

Sexy appearance

(click to enlarge image)

Sultry, alluring make-up look
smoky shading on the eyes
sculptured cheekbones
bronze, browns and gold tones
grey and green shadows
Lips: browns, natural or nude shades

What products are suitable for creating these looks? Don't forget to come back and check out my autumn cosmetics products guide!

The Devil wears Prada

2009-08-27T10:20:00.007+08:00

I especially like the comment Anna Wintour made on Letterman at the beginning "You have interesting socks", haha!! A truely fashion-focused person. This interview is interesting, I love it.

For those of you who aren't familiar with who Anna Wintour is, she's the "devil" in the movie of The Devil wears Prada, the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, as you would have known from the movie if you have seen it, she's decisive and seems like a very cold person, but very charismatic. Watch out for the "September Issue" documentary, it's intriguing. For now, take a glimpse of it with the trailer:

Za eyeliner

2009-08-07T15:31:00.005+08:00

I am always adventurous when it comes to cosmetics products, and I have just finished the eyeliner I bought in Thailand in March, so about 4 months. (hehe, I forgot the whole cosmetics bag in HK that time, quite disastrous...) So I was looking for a new one, and here it is, Za Ever Liner for eyes. It's been like a week I have been using it, this time I bought black, not brown, and was thinking whether this colour would make my eyes look bigger. Um. I guess it makes my eyes look brighter than the brown colour.

It doesn't have a cap, so it's good because I don't have to worry of losing it while putting my eyeliner on (on the bus/train). Yes, I mostly do my makeup on public transport :P. Anyway, you just need to turn the head (the transparent part of the photo) of the pen then the eyeliner will come out, convenient! And I also like the colour of the eyeliner itself, white, simple and clean.

As for the texture, it's very easy to apply, it doesn't require a back and forth drawing for the colour to stand out, just basically one stroke is enough. I am lovin' it. I still remember the first eyeliner I had, I need to re-draw and re-draw to have a nice solid colour, so much effort. And this one is so much easier.

How about you? Any eyeliner you recommend to everyone?

Disappointing OPI x SEPHORA

2009-07-30T00:20:00.013+08:00

I was so happy that I could finally bought the OPI x Sephora Nail Polish when I went to the US in June. First it was cheaper (US$9) than normal OPI edition, and (I thought) the size is smaller because it does look smaller on the USA Sephora site. :P

I didn't use it until like 2 weeks ago. As much expectation as I have in it, it does really disappoint me...I normally start polishing the thumb first, and you know how the nail size is bigger than others, and the first touch the brush had with my nail, the first impression I got was "What? It's so thick" Anyway, I just keep applying on the nail, but it's so hard to make a nice, smooth surface compares to other nail polish I use (e.g. Missha, Revlon). I still did put them on all my finger nails and toes. However, I had to clean the index and middle finger afterwards because they were screwed up (uneven surface). And I didn't re-apply until like 2 days later...
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So 2 days later, I gave it a second chance. Again, I failed, I started to think whether it's my applying skills or what, but it couldn't be because I used to be good with other ones. So I concluded it's the nail polish's quality. So I cleaned (yet once again) the 2 fingers and just left them, really can't be bothered anymore. So for like a week I was with 3 fingers on orange-reddish nails and 2 with none (yea, looked so "nice") :(
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I told my friends about it, and they couldn't believe that the quality is that bad. But again, maybe I was just unlucky to have picked the not nice bottle, afterall, I only bought 1 bottle. But I swear that OPI version are all good ones.
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Has any of you have a different opinion about this product?

Shu Uemura X Moyoco Anno

2009-07-07T14:04:00.004+08:00

Shu Uemura collaborated with one of Japan's most famous manga artists, Moyoco Anno, to create a limited collection of cleansing oils and make-up tools designed with an image of the cute Tokyo kamon girl.

Audrey Tautou Chanel No 5 Commercial

2009-06-30T17:19:00.005+08:00

I like her style in there and the make up, so elegant, yet a bit mysterious.

Enjoy!

Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum

1.5ml - USD 16.00

100ml - USD 159 (Save 2% - Original USD 161)

Victoria's Secret Mist

2009-06-28T17:24:00.015+08:00

I went to San Francisco early June, went shopping and I found Victoria's Secret, but I didn't buy any underwear there, what did I buy then?

Yes, dream angels heavenly, it's a mist, and to my surprise it's quite cheap, US$15, not bad. Although it's plastic bottle, not glass, it's good enough for me. The smell is nice, a bit like the male Jean Paul Gaultier I used to love a long time ago. The smell is light, just enough for myself and people standing close to smell it, not strong. I like it.

And I have to say that this is the first mist I bought for myself. I don't put it on every day, just sometimes when I feel like it, I don't want it to be my signature "smell", you know how smell would remind people of you, i mean fragrance smell, not body odor. :P It would just be boring if I am just a particular smell. I like myself to be more diversed and unpredictable...haha!

I like this dress

2009-06-24T15:24:00.004+08:00

Don't you just like this dress? And it's Kate Hudson, it just shows her lovely body and accentuates her honey skin colour. And the black graphic sculpts her waistline so well.

Lovely!

My new BB cream

2009-06-21T16:50:00.012+08:00

Here it is, my new BB cream! Etude BB Magic Cream SPF 30 PA++

Etude is a Korean brand, like I said before, BB (Blemish Balm) cream is originated from Germany, popularized by the celebrities and ladies in Korea. The reason I prefer this to Missha is 1. the design of the bottle, 2. the texture.

As you can see from the left and centre photo, the bottle is slimmer than the Missha one, and it's easier to squeeze the cream out with the compress bottle mouth. And when squeezed out, it's like the right photo. The texture is watery, yet still perform the even colour tone function. Below is the demonstrating photo I took.

You can see that my face is brightened and colour so even. It might not be as good as other thicker texture BB cream in covering the spots, but it's good enough for me, i prefer watery.

The trick in using BB cream is to wait for about 5 minutes before applying anything else on top, like eye shadow, blush...etc. And it's ok to also apply BB cream around your eyes. It wouldn't hurt the delicate skin around it (but do apply eye cream beforehand though). The reason for waiting 5 mins is that BB cream normally takes a while to get into the skin, and then when the skin absorbs it, it will start the tone-evening and other functions it possesses. You can see in the photo very obivious that my forehead colour difference is gone and became brightened.
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BB cream normally doesn't have different colour or just 2 or 3 colour tones, this is because it simply just adapts to your skin colour after a while, so it doesn't really matter what its colour shade is.
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My daily routine for a light and natural make-up is:
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1. Dermalogica day bright SPF 15
2. Dermalogica total eye care SPF 15
3. Etude BB Magic Cream SPF 30/PA++
4. Blush
5. Eyeliner
6. Eyeshadow
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That's it, I don't need to use concealer or powder, and a simple and natural make-up is done and I am ready for work!
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It's takes only about 10 mins or less for me to get the make-up done. Hassle-free! Go get your own BB cream now!
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BB Cream

2009-06-15T22:30:00.005+08:00

The first time I heard of BB cream was about 2 years ago, and I thought that it's a cream for babies, well, BB cream, it makes sense right?! But then I found out it's originated from Korea, BB stands for Blemish Balm, its functions include:

1. Moisturize

2. Repair

3. Evening face tone

4. Oil control

5. Whitening

6. UV protection

7. Anti-wrinkles

8...etc.

The first one I bought was a bottle of Missha, it's quite good in the sense that it evens my face colour, so my face looks more awake and brightened, and it's also good for moisturization, I just need to put on a thin layer of UV cream and then BB cream, it's enough to last for a 8-hour day or more. I have been using this Missha one for like a year until I found a better one...

It's to be revealed tomorrow, stay tuned...

The Lady Dior short film

2009-05-21T10:20:00.004+08:00

Dior’s Hitchcock-inspired film starring Marion Cotillard, this is the first of a four part series advertising the Lady Dior handbag. Intriguing!

And on this link http://www.ladydior.com/thefilm/, click on "The Legend" at the bottom, you can see the making of the legendary Dior bag, how they sew it and carve out the D logo. Check it out!

Foundation advice needed

2009-05-11T17:19:00.003+08:00

Hi all, how's your Mother's Day, I had a great dinner with my family and relatives, a whole bunch of people, it was such a lovely evening!
I have been hunting for a good foundation recently: Bobbi Brown, Armani or IPSA? I really don't know which to choose, a friend said IPSA's is very thin and light, almost too thin to cover your imperfections; and another friend said Armani is thin and better, oh my god! Which one should I choose?

Could anyone give me some advice?

Special Cleansing Gel - It's really special!

2009-04-18T23:29:00.007+08:00

Guess I am just a really bad blogger...alright, I promise I will keep up with the pace of my blogs. Anyways, here's another great product's review: Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel.

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Have you ever come across facial cleansers that left your skin dry and tense? I do! I can't remember how many different brands I have tried until I found this perfect cleansing cleanser! Yes! It's really true to its name, Special Cleansing Gel. It doesn't produce enormous amount of foam when rinse with water, but enough to make you feel that your face is being cleansed. I use daily during shower, and after using it, my face is clean and supple. And afterwards, I just need to put on toner and then go to bed, doesn't even requires moisturizer. How great!

I highly recommend this to all of you who's searching for a good facial cleanser.

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P.S. Recently I am addicted to this Dermalogica brand. Next time I will tell you about the other products from it which I am also using. :)

Dry Skin SOS!

2009-04-05T23:47:00.008+08:00

Just came back from Beijing (China), oh my god, the weather was SOOOO dry there, my skin literally cracked. And the worst thing was that my sensitive nose became crazy, I kept sneezing for the whole 1st day, and my nose was in so much pain. And you know what, in the next few days, the skin beneath the nose began to dry and none of the moisturizers i brought helped. And that's when I really wanted to have Sisley Comfort Extreme Day Skin Care (Very Dry and Sensitive Skin).

I remember the last time I used it while i was in Hong Kong, I felt that it's a bit too rich because Hong Kong is humid. But it's perfect when it's for such dry weather like in Beijing! If I had it, I would put a thick layer on my skin and my nose wouldn't look as bad as it had been. If you have experienced what I had experienced, you would know what I meant, I couldn't even put my foundation on because it would look even worse...poor me...so the next couple of days I was meeting people with the peeling skin underneath my nose...

So next time, I would remember to bring the a-little-too-rich cream with me whenever I am travelling to dry places!

Hello Kitty X MAC @ Thailand

2009-03-14T00:07:00.006+08:00

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Hello Kitty, MAC and Thailand, they don't seem to relate, do they? They actually do!! I just came back from a holiday in Thailand, went to Bangkok, and I saw the launch of MAC and Hello Kitty crossover limited edition. I know it's not anything new, but it's cool that I actually saw the launch of it in Bangkok and a human male mascular Hello Kitty! :)

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The product range includes everything from eyeshadow, eyelash, blush, lip conditioner to face powder...etc. Basically, everything your face needs for a beautiful make-up.
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Abstracted Info from WWD:

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While the 34-year-old Hello Kitty character is usually assumed to be a cat, she is actually a girl, according to Sanrio. And a girl without a mouth, so she “speaks from the heart,” the company MAC said. “She may not have a mouth, but she’s going to sell a lot of lipstick,” cracked Demsey.
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“To me, MAC Hello Kitty embodies the ultimate beauty icon,” said Jennifer Balbier, senior vice president of product development for MAC Worldwide. “She’s sweet and sexy, slightly edgy, and appeals to a wide range of customers. We wanted to reflect that through a sweet side, but also something slightly mischievous when it came to the colors. I started out by creating a palette of pinks, since they fit and always trend well in the spring. And this look is so much about the eyes that we did two eye shadow quads.” The Lucky Tom quad has violet blue, brown, gold and pink-coral shades, while the Too Dolly palette has mint, blue-silver, pale pink and magenta shades.
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2009 Lady Dior Radiant Couture Touch Up

2009-02-13T10:04:00.008+08:00

How would you like a Dior bag combined with your beauty magic inside? It sounds like a perfect match, isn't it? Here it is, the beautiful Lady Dior Cannage bag has been combined with make-up for both cheeks and lips, how exciting! Look at the right of the picture here! It's so cute and yet elegant.
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Lady Dior Radiant Couture Touch Up in Parisienne Chic or French Chic, a complexion highlighter and a creamy tint for both cheeks and lips.

Want to own this before the start of Spring? Check out COSME-DE.COM!