NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

I'm so sorry for being MIA, guys. I had many things to do in these past days. But I'm back! ;D

In this post I will talk about the Nars Limited Edition Cheek Palette for last holiday season (Christmas 2014). It is labeled as Virtual Domination. A beautiful packaging cheek palette that contains a bronzer, a highlighter and 3 shades of blush. It comes so handy to bring on a vacation, just a palette with several choices.

The bronzer is the infamous shade from Nars which is THE Laguna itself. The golden, quite peachy toned, highlighter is Miss Liberty and for the blushes they are Deep Throat, Sex Fantasy and Final Cut. 

Different from their classy black matte packaging, this collection has been packed with white exterior. The box has the color of red as well which make it more festive as a holiday collection. Beyond all the holiday collections that are brought by cosmetic brands, the Christmas edition ones will always be my favorite. They always seem so chic, elegant, festive and of course CHRISTMASY --is that even a word ;P

 

I'm so sorry that it was too late to post about this my dear readers. I wish you still can have it from your local stores or online stores. Mai Shop on instagram (@mai_shop) still has it the last time I checked ;)

Never stop to inspire,

Suja

WORTH TO SPLURGE! Nars Audacious Lipstick and Benefit Rockateur Blush

If you wanted to splurge on high end make up, you could start with these two. The latest lipstick line from Nars and a well-known pretty rose gold color blush on from Benefit.

My first reaction when I put it on is amazed. I was amazed by its texture and boldness. It has creamy matte texture, which is good because lots of matte lipsticks are drying on the lips. The intensity of the color is nice. It is bold and long-lasting.

There are 40 shades from the audacious line. Two of them stand out in my preference. They are 'brigitte' and 'kelly'. Seems like I am in the mood of peachy-red lips because they both are in coral color tone. 'Brigitte' is more like a perfect coraly nude for my lips and 'kelly' is a lively bright coral. There are another bright coral shades though, but 'kelly' is such a darling to me. In the end, I chose 'brigitte' with a consideration that if I bought an expensive lipstick, I would want to use if often. And the nude one would do better for it. If you were interested to see another shades, temptalia shall satisfied you.

As an addition, look at its beautiful packaging! It looks so chic, modern and sophisticated. Still in all black color, like all nars products are--except some of its limited edition collection. Different from nars' general lipstick,  the edge of its shell is more sharp and the lid is magnetic. The lipstick bullet is even engraved with NARS letters, makes it so special.

Now, let's move to the other worth-the-splurge thing. It is from Benefit's boxed powders.

The Rockateur blush from Benefit Cosmetics has a beautiful rose gold color. Initially, the surface is coated with some kind of sparkly material. You will think it is a shimmery blush, but it will be disappeared after several wipes. Yet, it still gives you a beautiful glow when applied on the cheeks. Hello prominent cheek bones!

And these below are my narcissistic selfie with both darlings ;D

The swatches: blended rockateur blush - rockateur blush - nars audicious 'brigitte'

Never stop to inspire,

Suja

Bath and Body Works Haul: The Artisan Market Collection

Several days ago, I had a chance to step my feet across the country which was to Singapore. I didn't intend to waste this occasion and ran to Bath and Body Works, since we don't have it here--unfortunately. Though I have another things from this lovely shop, I dedicated this post just for its Artisan Market Collection. Because I love all of their scents. *gasp*

1. Banana Nutmeg Bread Pudding

A scrumptious, made-from-scratch treat of creamy banana, freshly grated nutmeg and brown sugar, inspired by thick-crusted artisan bread

I love this one at the first smell! Oh my God, it smells really delicious. When you're craving for a sweet treat, just burn this one. It was my most favorite at the beginning, before it's switched to the Wasabi Apple. ;P

2. Wasabi Apple

Kick up the heat with sweet, crisp apples & a surprising sizzle of Japanese wasabi

This is my favorite out of all the scents. It is so fresh and relaxing. The smell of the apple is more prominent than the wasabi. I suppose that the freshness comes from the wasabi which balance the sourness from the apple.

3. Blackberry Bramble Tea

The art of tea is perfected in sweet, fragrant blackberries combined with a hint of sugar and spice

It feels like you can feel it in your mouth. Smells absolutely tempting. I bought it in 3-wick candle version, but if you wanna make it as real as a cup of tea, you could buy it in the mason jar version!

4. Cayenne Caramel

Some like it hot! A culinary delight of cayenne peppers, rich salted caramel and a touch of brown sugar

I thought it would smell sickly spicy and I am wrong! It does smell spicy, but combined with the sweetness from its caramel.....PERFECTION. It will make you warm in rainy, even stormy days.

5. Vanilla Chai

Savor the fragrance of authentic, high-quality Madagascar vanilla bean blended with cinnamon, chai spices and foamy cream for the best chai ever 

I would not buy it initially. Unlike many people I know, I don't like vanilla chai drink. I don't like the taste, the smell, ....just, no. I even didn't like this one the first time I opened the lid and smelled it. Yet somehow, after several sniffs I kinda like it. Weird, huh? Instead of vanilla chai drink, it reminds me of kaya toast with a hint of cinnamon.

6. Sea Salt & Maple Popcorn

Sweet Vermont maple and just the right dash of sea salt make light, fluffy and perfectly crunchy corn absolutely irresistible

You know that smell as soon as you enter a cinema. Yup. That's it. It makes you wanna run and buy a large portion of sweet-glazed popcorn. The saleswoman in this store told me, one time she got back home and burned this candle. Her children came along and asked her "Mom, do you bring popcorn home?" Seems like the name says it all.

7. Bourbon Butterscotch

This creamy blend includes rich butterscotch, sweet vanilla, and a hint of that singularly American spirit

I really wanna buy this in 3-wick candle version, unluckily the store only have it in mason jar version. MINI mason jar :'( It has a slightly pungent alcohol smell with a light scent of vanilla.

Love, love, love, love, love them all! I didn't even plan to buy every single scent, but I couldn't help it. I don't want to be haunted if I didn't carry them all in my suitcase *bashful* Apparently, this Artisan Market Collection still has another candle scents which aren't available in the store. They are Chestnut Glazed Croissant (a true foodie's inspired by a modern twist on the quintessential French pastry - buttery, flaky layers topped with chestnut glaze and a generous sprinkling of sugar crystals) and Malted Pistachio Truffle (inspired by a melt in your mouth combination of malted pistachio dipped in deep, dark chocolate). How come they read so delicious and tempting? *drooling*

  

The grief of my failed attempts to lay my hand on both scents ends this post. I'll post another haul from Bath and Body Works soon this week.

Never stop to inspire,

Suja

WORTH THE HYPE! Maybelline Instant Age Rewind

 

Just like I said in my previous post, I have a new love which is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind. I've heard a lot of good things about this particular under eye concealer, but it was not until a month ago that I decided to buy it. At the first time I applied it, I regret.......I regret that I didn't have it for all this time. :')

Are you able to notice the difference between each eye? Can you tell which one with the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind? P.S.: Please don't mind my spots and that bare face of mine ;D

 

This concealer is so effective to brighten my under eye area. It can also be used as a 'normal' concealer anyway, to cover redness, blemishes and spots, as long as the color matches your skin. I have it in the shade 'light 120'.

However, it has many choice of shades which are 'fair 110', 'medium 130', 'honey 140', 'neutralizer 150' and 'brightener 160'. I read on the Maybelline site that it will be best for people with severe dark circles to apply the neutralizer shade. I think I would like to try the brightener shade, since it's stated to give a luminous touch. This concealer, formulated with goji berry and haloxy, diminishes puffiness and tired looking eyes also helps to vanish dark circles and fine lines.

 

I also love the micro-corrector applicator. It is so soft on the skin, which is good because our under eyes are so delicate. The size is small, easy to take everywhere. In your handbag, when you need a little touch up throughout a long day. It will be good for traveling as well. Yet, the packaging is user-friendly. Just a simple twist to release enough amount on its tip--the soft applicator. Use it directly to under-eye area and blend in outward motion. Voila!

Never stop to inspire,

Suja

What's in my (recent) make up bag?

Women don't need any make up to be pretty. We already are. BUT, at those times when we feel fancy and need a tiny bit more confidence, we can use some 'tools'. ;)

Here are some of my beauty things, wrapped not-so-tidily in this cute little make up bag by benefit.

1. Benefit Porefessional Primer

A good primer for those who have oily or combination skin like mine. It creates a super smooth surface before BB/CC cream or foundation application. There is no problem to put powder directly after this one.

2. Chanel CC Cream (20 Beige)

I, personally, don't like a cakey face feeling or appearance. And who'll like it anyway, when you look like you slap on tons of make up--hail to natural looking face! Instead of heavy foundation, I prefer this light CC cream. Its coverage is nice to even the skin. I won't recommend it to people who'd like a heavy-duty coverage.

3. Benefit Fake Up Concealer (01 Light)

Bad under eye area (though not as bad as panda eyes) is one of my problems. I use this concealer to brighten up my under eyes so I look fresher. Actually, I have a new love for Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. But I try to use up this one, since there is still a tiny bit left. :P

4. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (Transparent)

Already hit pan on this powder. Just like the name, it makes you matte. :D I use it only on my t-zone though.

5. Benefit Cha Cha Tint and Benetint

These two are the bombs! If you preferred a natural look--blushed cheeks like you glow from within, you definitely would love benefit's tints. Just apply a small amount and blend evenly on the apple of your cheeks, also can be applied on the lips. The Cha Cha Tint is a coral peach color and the classic Benetint is red.

6. Nars Blush (Douceur)

When you look Nars Douceur in the pan, its dusty color may not be that alluring. Once you have it on your cheeks, you will understand why a lot of people like it. Many says it resembles Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed. Both are really pretty and undoubtedly suit all skin tones.

7. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream (Antwerp)

Bright pink color will give your look an instant booster!

8. Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

It makes your eyeshadow stay in place, no smudging! My favorite beauty bloggers say this one is their favorite and it works even for super oily eyelids.

9. Chanel Cream Eyeshadow (Emerveille)

Instead of chunky glitters, it contains super fine shimmers. It looks pink in the pot, however it is not that pink in the application. After I smear the eyeshadow base evenly on my lids, I like to put the bronzer on my crease lightly to create a deeper socket. Then I pat Emerveille on the center of my lids and on the inner corners. Hello to bright wider eyes!

10. Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil (Dark Brunette)

Never fails to define my brows ;D Well done!

11. Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Liner (Black)

The application is easy. It is like a marker kinda eyeliner. Also, the black is BLACK.

12. Dior Maximizer Lash Primer

It gives additional volumes to your lashes. Just applied it before your usual mascara and boom!

13. Benefit They're Real Mascara

What can I say about this mascara? It is a kind of push-up bra, but for your eyelashes. Even without the eyelash primer, it absolutely does the job. Serious guys, it works. Unfortunately, several friends of mine says that it's not waterproof and smudge easily. Still, I never get a problem with this mascara.

14. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

By its name, you already know that it is the mascara for our bottom lash. This mascara changes my life! Oh my God, I looooveee it. Since I like dramatic lashes, both top and bottom, I am amazed by the performance of this mascara. Unlike They're Real, all people I know--include myself, claim that it is waterproof and smudgeproof. And gives volumes for those lashes for sure.

15. Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

It smells literally like hot chocolate! Too faced also has this bronzer in a darker version, the Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.

 

16. The Balm Cindy-Lou Manizer

It is one of the latest products from The Balm. Cindy-Lou has sisters, who are Mary-Lou (a champagne color highlighter) and Betty-Lou (a shimmering bronzer). Cindy-Lou herself is a pretty pink highlighter. I love to put it on top the Nars Douceur. It gives my cheeks an extra glow. Look at her mesmerizing color.

 

That's it! My daily make up products. By daily here, I mean those times when I am bothered to do it. ;)

Never stop to inspire,

 

Suja