Blog Archive

Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

For those of you dying for more New Year's Eve beauty tips, here is a quick, stripped down take on the smoky eye.

I tried this out last night on a whim, and was extremely pleased with the results. This look is as easy as fingerpainting in the bathtub, but the results are very Taylor Momsen-esque.

1. Smudge a black eyeshadow across your eyelids with your fingers. One sweep for each eye should do. It should look grey-ish on your skin.

2. Smudge a dark, grey metallic eyeshadow across your eyelids again with your fingers.

3. Choose a light silver eyeshadow, and with a finger that hasn't touched the darker shades, apply it in an arc across the area right above your eyelids. Blend so that it looks shimmery instead of, er, a streak. Ya know?

4. Apply a bit of shimmery, very light taupe eyeshadow to the area under your eyebrow that is closest to your temples. It should be barely visible, but leave a natural sheen.

There's no need to rush, but if you have all the eyeshadows in front of you, this can be accomplished in one minute flat.

The finishing touches....

5. Finish with a reddish-pink lipstick and pink blush.

The smoky eye seems fresher and younger without mascara or eyeliner.

Product Talk: Try it with the eyeshadows in Too Faced's Smoky Eye Palette or the Sephora Collection Color Play palette (both available at Sephora).


Don't do anything we wouldn't do, unless it's with David Johansen. Have a Happy, Safe and Aware New Year's Eve.
READ MORE - Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

Nicole's Favourite Cosmetics for 2010

Well the year has come to and end or should I say that a decade has come to an end?? It had been a very eventful year, filled with laughter and tears. A good year nonetheless. 

Started beauty blogging this year and I didn't regret even a bit! Met many people, nice people :) Love you guys my readers! Before I continue the emo talk lets move on to something happier! My favourite beauty junks for 2010! Over 2010 my collection definitely grew larger! But these are the stuff I often find myself reaching out for.

Lets start off with the face!

My favourite primer (or primer substitute), 


Smoothen out your face for easy make up application. 

Concealer
Shu Uemura Mark Cealer and Pro Concealer


I have two shade of concealer because I normally will blend both colors together :) Works better on me.


Foundation
Averine Sheer Perfection SL02


This is easy to blend. Even with fingers. Totally love but once I finish this I definitely gonna try out other brands =) So far I've used 3 tubes of this!

Face Powder
Too Faced Absolutely Invisible (used to be Mineral Veil from Bare Minerals)


Match me pretty well packed with good benefits too.

Highlighter


My super favourite! I use this every single  time! My look will be incomplete without this on my cheekbone.

Bronzer


Love this shade.

Blusher
Shu Uemura Glow On Blush M Pink 30


I think I almost hit the pan with this one!!!! =D

Move on to eyes!

My HG eye primer!


Eyeshadows


I have this with me whenever I travel as well! Love!

Eyeliner
MAC Fluidline Blacktrack


Set very fast and don't smudge!

Brow pencil


Great for touching up the color of my brow :)

Mascara


I do use mascara occasionally, and among all my mascaras this is my favourite! 

Falsies
2 favourites, Doll Lash and Ardell


DN002 from Doll Lash


Demi from Ardell.

Favourite Lash Glue


This is my fourth tube I think. Not only that I bought for my cousins and mom as well :D

For lips.

Pencil liner.
Silky Girl Long Wearing Lip Liner in Nude 


Setting Spray


Things I couldn't live without. Aside from making my make up last longer. This gives me nice sheen, resulting in glowy healthy look :)

Lastly to remove all make ups. My favourite will be Biore Cleansing wipes!



I hope the post benefits you! Some of the products have been reviewed and some are not. Do let me know if you want me to review anything. Feel free to ask me questions.
Have a blessed New Year and have fun!  

Gonna post my nail polish hauls sometimes next week.
Muacks!
READ MORE - Nicole's Favourite Cosmetics for 2010

Eager for Ellery: Emerging Fashion Brand's Site Crashes


Garance Doré posted a picture of her designer friend Kym in one of her own creations today and a link to Kym's website, Elleryland.com. I can't even see the site. Maybe Kym will be 2010's last breakout fashion star? Time will tell.
READ MORE - Eager for Ellery: Emerging Fashion Brand's Site Crashes

New Year's Eve Makeup Tips: Do's and Don'ts

BEAUTY DO'S

1. Do wear makeup that you feel comfortable in...but don't be afraid to branch out and wear a daring combination of shades.

2. For a polished and easy look, focus on just one area: lips, eyes or cheeks.

3. If you always wear the latest trends, try either dark wine or fire engine red lipstick shades. These colors are hot.

4. Many gals apply basic mascara in a single sweep, but you can actually wear three or even six layers of mascara for heightened drama. We like Stila Glamoureyes Mascara ($22, Sephora). You can take the wand and brush it on at a slightly diagonal angle instead of just horizontally to get extra volume. Also, don't be afraid to apply a bit extra on the lashes on the outer corners of your eyes.

5. A metallic eyeliner in silver or white, some Bobbi Brown concealer under the eyes, and pink blush will always make you look more awake.

6. If your dress is very sparkly, keep the tone of your makeup neutral, bold or slightly shimmery for a tasteful head-to-toe look. (Don't shellac your lips and cheeks with tons of glitter. The makeup police will arrest you!)

7. Do top of off your outfit with a feather-embellished hair clip or a jaunty hat. You might even want to pin an unusual flower to a chignon for a showstopping look.

BEAUTY DON'TS

1. Don't forget to pack tissue, a small mirror and a cosmetics bag with makeup for touch-ups. If you opt for a vibrant shade of lipstick, you may want to check to make sure it isn't on your teeth.

2. Let dry skin stay that way. Use your favorite moisturizer (mine lately is Lily.B 24/7 Daily Moisturizer) before applying any makeup.

3. Wear liquid foundation that is old. If you have had it 6 months or longer, toss it out!

4. If you wear loose mineral foundation, apply it first and then put on your dress. This will prevent powder from landing on your fabulous outfit.

5. Forget to enjoy the compliments you are sure to receive! You are beautiful.

MORE: HAIR ADVICE ACROSS THE WEB

InStyle UK shares celebrity hair how-to's. Check out #30, Olivia Palermo's look.

Tutorial: Blogging sensation Keiko Lynn demonstrates how she makes her hair so wavy and pretty. Click here to see the video.

ALSO: A CRAZY TIP WE WILL PROBABLY USE...

The Beauty Snob tells us how to make our legs look skinnier in photographs.
READ MORE - New Year's Eve Makeup Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Color Play 5-in-1 Fashion Edition Makeup Palette Review

Shopbop and Sephora have teamed up to release a new limited edition Color Play 5-in-1 makeup palette ($30). The best part of this elephant-sized product is that it contains five unique sub-palettes, which can be removed individually and snap into a purse-sized case. It's quite brilliant!

At a fete last night in the Times Square Sephora, a gaggle of beauty bloggers testdrove the Color Play 5-in-1 palette and left with glorious results.

The shades work on absolutely everyone, and each sub-palette has a runway-inspired theme. In turn, Shopbop.com is selling fashion-forward apparel to match each of the palette's five themes.

The Nod to Mod sub-palette contains white, grassy green and juicy orange eyeshadow shades. These shades can be used to create a pretty Courreges-esque look, or applied every which way for a wild Harajuku-style makeover. For the full head-to-toe look, Shopbop is selling a sinfully hot red leather mini dress by Jenni Kayne to match this palette - and many other covetable items.


The only thing that could have been disastrous was leaving behind my sexier-than-fire new gloves, but when I returned to the party, no one had taken them. Next time, do...not...serve...me...champagne when I have fancy accessories to forget. Wink!

I am normally too modest to emblazon my picture all over the website, but this is me after the makeover:


P.S. Air kisses to fellow blogger-ettes Katy Atlas of Sugarlaws, Glasgow Skinner of My Life on and Off the Guest List, Kim of Fashionably Petite and Lisa of Beauty By Benz.

Written by Annie Wilner aka Charlotte
READ MORE - Color Play 5-in-1 Fashion Edition Makeup Palette Review

Beauty Inspiration: Marcel Proust


With his heavy eyelids, becoming moustache and fantastique mind, Marcel Proust is our "beauty inspiration" of the week.
READ MORE - Beauty Inspiration: Marcel Proust

Lily.B 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer Review

If you are dodging slushy puddles and mounds of ice Indiana Jones-style, this moisturizer will be your ally.

Lily.B daily moisturizer is a great solution for preventing dryness and curing problems if you have been zapped by icy winds.

I have noticed a marked improvement in my skintone since I began using this product. Sea algae harvested from coastal France and jojoba oil help soothe and moisturize. I wear it alone or with a few drops of lavender oil.


Grade: A, excellent for those with very sensitive and all other skin types
READ MORE - Lily.B 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer Review

Eyeshadow Government Photo Booth: Zineb

Last night, Eyeshadow Government visited Times Square, and met a gaggle of lipstick-ed, luscious-ed, and generally dazzling ladies at Sephora (details later!).

On the outskirts of the posse, I espied Zineb, 22, who hails from Casablanca, Morocco. With her transfixing almond eyes and easy-going demeanor, she embodies elegance, kindness and grace. Perhaps it was only natural to meet such a gorgeous person at the crossroads of the world.


This is her post-makeover, but I don't think that she needs a lick of makeup.
READ MORE - Eyeshadow Government Photo Booth: Zineb

Orlando Bloom for Boss Orange: Don't Change a Thing About Yourself

Sometimes Eyeshadow Government's boy-checking-out skills are lacking. We like boys. But historically, we have gone out on dates with boys who were major "eye candy," and didn't even know it. (Maybe we are kind of a mix between Chrissy on Three's Company and Penny on Inspector Gadget?) Anyhoo....

Finally, nowww we get what all the fuss is over Orlando Bloom.... Here is his new fragrance ad for Boss Orange. Sigh. Wistfulness. Sigh.

READ MORE - Orlando Bloom for Boss Orange: Don't Change a Thing About Yourself

Cold Comfort: Snowflake-Worthy Makeup + Hot Chocolate

Today is absolutely the day to wear shiny white eyeshadow and drink chocolate in liquid form.

I am putting up a pan of milk on the stove, and then adding Trader Joe's unsweetened cocoa powder and honey.

For makeup, try Stila Eye Shadow pan in Moonlight to make the color of your eyes really pop, and then add red lipstick.




You can really take your look over the top with a matching silver lurex scarf, like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs.


Buy it: Stila Eyeshadow ($18), Sephora.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs scarf ($250), MyTheresa.com.

Stay amazing!

XO,
Charlotte
READ MORE - Cold Comfort: Snowflake-Worthy Makeup + Hot Chocolate

Beauty Deals

Laura Mercier sale starts tomorrow on GILT.com, 12/29 at noon ET. Count me in.

Ongoing

At Lush,
buy one holiday item or soap, and get one free. Also, year-round gift-wrapped items are buy one, get one free too.

Sale items are an extra 20 percent off at Sephora.com with the code EXTRA at checkout.

READ MORE - Beauty Deals

Tapdance Tuesday

READ MORE - Tapdance Tuesday

Shu Uemura's Spring Makeup Collection: A Sneak Peek

This is a first look at the latest collection. Are you brave enough to wear technicolor eyeshadows?

[Source: Shu Uemura USA / Facebook]

More Recent Posts

Charlotte's Thoughts on Budget New Year's Eve Party Shoes

Missed Your Flight Home? Eyeshadow Government Has Tips for Chilling Out

Beauty Inspiration: Inge Grognard
READ MORE - Shu Uemura's Spring Makeup Collection: A Sneak Peek

I Laughed Tonight...

...when I noticed that the Cherry Blossom Girl has posted a picture of herself in floral embellished shoes, similar to the ones I just snapped photos of at Forever 21 a few hours ago.

For women on a tight budget, I thought these high heels would work for a New Year's Eve party. The price tag: $22.81.

Hers are Valentino, and so obviously of better construction. But you could "make do" with this pair for an evening.
READ MORE - I Laughed Tonight...

Missed Your Flight Home?

If you are a snowy plover or draped in mink and situated somewhere along the East Coast of the United States, it is highly possible that your flight has been canceled.

Disaster! Delays though are the spice of life, and if you are simply stuck, Eyeshadow Government has many tips for luxuriating, because that is how we spend most of our days....

1. Put on a pearl necklace
2. Make yourself a cup of tea
3. Eat cookies
4. Engage in idle chatter
4.5 If you dislike your company, read a book
5. Repeat

After you have ten pearl necklaces on, consider taking a bath. (Pearls dislike contact with water, so make sure to take them off.) Try Molton Brown Unwind Atoll Crystal Bath Soak ($35) with violet leaf, patchouli and bergamot essential oils.


Stay delicious!

XO,
Charlotte
READ MORE - Missed Your Flight Home?

Eyebrow Shadow: How to Choose the "Right" Shade?

If you tweeze frequently or simply like to apply powder on your eyebrows, always pick a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your natural hair color. If not, it will look too heavy and Dracula-ish.



Scroll down to to see videos, photos and read more makeup tips, including how to wear darker lip colors or look like Kate Moss.

Cheerio XO,
Charlotte
READ MORE - Eyebrow Shadow: How to Choose the "Right" Shade?

Vanity, Thy Name Is...

Pleased as punch with my new vanity area.... There's Chanel lipsticks for every day, vintage Bergdorf Goodman deadstock earrings, an antique vase, inlaid mother-of-pearl beads, an enamel locket and a jade charm for good luck. Take a look!

I also am breathlessly awaiting the arrival of a sample of Mandy Aftel's Wildflowers solid perfume. I expect it will be more than wonderful.




READ MORE - Vanity, Thy Name Is...

Ho..Ho...Ho.... Blessed Christmas everyone!

I know I have been missing for few days! Been really busy with Christmas! I am a day late for Christmas wish. Hope you guys had a blessed Christmas and a fruitful coming New Year!! muacksss!



I will be busy until after new year. No time for update.. =( So I wish you..
Happy New Year 2011! 

kisses and hugs!

Pinky promise, few posts will be coming up after New Year ;)
READ MORE - Ho..Ho...Ho.... Blessed Christmas everyone!

Beauty Look: Blackberry Jam

During the holidays, it's your time to shine. This is an easy "two-way" makeup tip.

Whether you're visiting your boyfriend's house for Christmas or spending time with more conservative relatives, you might consider wearing a toned-down makeup look to their homes. After spending time with family, you might attend a dressier party with friends closer to your age.

Here's how to go from a pretty, lady-like look to glamour girl in seconds.

***

1. Apply Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blackberry, or another deep berry shade that works with your skintone, and remove most of the lipstick with a tissue. This will create a universally flattering lip stain.

2. Next, trace brown eyeliner from the middle of your lash line to the outer corner of your eye. Smudge.

3. Sweep Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Blush in Rose across the cheeks.

Turn The Beat Around

1. If you go out later in the evening to a party with friends, take the same blackberry lipstick and re-apply it. This time, don't smudge it off.

2. Add a sweep of mascara, or several sweeps to amplify your lashes.



Knock 'em dead!

Kisses,
Charlotte
READ MORE - Beauty Look: Blackberry Jam

My Favorite Holiday Card

READ MORE - My Favorite Holiday Card

Gossip: How a Real Housewife of New Jersey Decorates Her Xmas Tree

A Happy Holiday, Jersey-Style: Caroline Manzo trying to figure out, in her own words, "how the F" she's going to get the bow on top. Click the link to see the picture.

Birth: Famous plus-size model Kate Dillon is now a mom. She gave birth to a baby boy, Lucas Dillon Levin, on Tuesday, Dec. 21. [Source: People]
READ MORE - Gossip: How a Real Housewife of New Jersey Decorates Her Xmas Tree

Beauty Inspiration: Inge Grognard

Inge Grognard is one of the most incredible makeup artists working today, and I am dying to talk to her.

I recently stopped short after seeing an image of her work in the book "Belgian Fashion Design" (Ludion Ghent-Amsterdam, 1999), edited by Luc Derycke and Sandra van de Veire. Grognard had created a deconstructed eyelash look by...I believe...snipping off the model's natural lashes, and then arranging bits and pieces of fake eyelashes along her eyes. The lashes curved and arced in every direction, like a Kandinsky painting.

This is a simpler look she did for i-D magazine with Kate Moss. Although this issue is from 2001, there is nothing dated about it.

Try it out: Apply Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick in Bronze Flush ($33, Sephora) along the cheekbones and blend. Wet an eyeshadow brush, dip it into a pot of Make Up For Ever Metal Powder in Honey Gold 3 ($22, Sephora), and carefully apply the gold color to each eyelid. Allow to dry. Leave the area above the eyelid and below the eyebrow bare.

Then, add liquid black eyeliner and black mascara. Keep lips toned down and subtle with a neutral shade, such as Tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss in Donutella ($15, Sephora).


Beauty Inspiration is a new weekly feature on Eyeshadow Government.

***

Fashion Rewind

If you haven't seen Nick Knight's tribute to Lee Alexander McQueen, which was released a few weeks ago, here it is again. Grognard was the makeup artist for this project:

READ MORE - Beauty Inspiration: Inge Grognard

Eric Daman: Master Trendsetter in Interview

Gossip Girl's costume designer Eric Daman gives Gilt.com a tour of the "Magic Room." This is what he calls the TV show's wardrobe closet. Cute! See shots from his inspiration wall and an intimidating necklace of walls we wouldn't mind being tangled up in.... He says he "wants to help women build confidence through clothing."

Also, Daman may be the master of the uptown frou-frou look, but he isn't too fancy. In interview, he has paired an elegant blazer with a denim button-down shirt. Lookin' great, Daman! Is it okay to catcall boys on the internet? Yes. You are hot!



Enjoy!

XOXO,
Charlotte
READ MORE - Eric Daman: Master Trendsetter in Interview

Fresh From the Farm


Goat Milk?

Alcea Rosea Farm produces fresh batches of soap from goat milk and essential oils. This mega-moisturizing soap has a rich golden color and a homespun texture. It's made by hand in Templeton, California and carried at the Southern California cult beauty store Beautyhabit.com, a haven for celebrities and hip L.A. ladies. You can also order it straight from the makers. The lemongrass scent is our fave.


***

Kansas Dreaming: While we're on the topic of things from the countryside, footwear from that ultimate "farm girl," Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz," is having a moment. Glitter shoes in every shape and size = oodles of fun. Check out this sparkly pair by Betsey Johnson.
READ MORE - Fresh From the Farm

A Plea for Tolerance

This past year, many of us read reports about hate crimes towards gay people and young gay teenagers who have killed themselves. At the same time, many politicians in the news thought they would get a "pass" for making intolerant comments about those in the LGBT community.

Often intolerant speech is confined to snippets overheard on the street. But this year, homophobic comments flew out of the mouths of too many high-profile figures and sometimes their kin. Rappers did it. Teenage girls did it. Old white men did it. Some apologized. Others did not.

The gay community in America has struggled for acceptance for decades and while they have made great strides, there are still problems. Therefore, it is wrong and immoral for public figures and celebrities to make prejudiced comments about a community that is too often a target of violence and discrimination.

Public figures should be setting a better example. And at the same time, teachers and school administrators must be more vigilant about monitoring for signs of anti-gay bullying, as well as protecting LGBT youth who are in danger or emotionally vulnerable.

If you're a teenager or a grown adult, and you hear a friend use a homophobic slur, let them know that it's not okay with you. We all have the power to help others and create a more tolerant atmosphere.

Related links:

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
http://www.glaad.org/
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
READ MORE - A Plea for Tolerance

"Problem Solved" Emergency Kit

Need a band-aid for your brain? In the middle of the holidays, stress levels can rise, but one thing that you can do to make your life is easier is create an emergency beauty kit with solutions for any problem that might arise.

For maximum impact, your kit should include:
  • Your favorite lipstick
  • Mineral foundation
  • Foundation brush or cotton balls
  • Concealer
  • Mascara
  • Moisturizer
  • Tweezers
  • Small hair brush
  • Nail polish remover pads
  • Lint roller
  • Anti-frizz hair product
  • Spot Cream
  • Commodynes makeup remover towels
  • Tissue packet
  • Luna bar
Once you have all 15 items assembled, place them in an extra-large cosmetics bag. Voila! You can use everything in this kit inside your home, and then toss the bag inside your purse when you're on the run.

Why is the list so long, you ask? Because you won't regret it.

Lint roller will save you from stray cats and your gal pal's mohair sweater.

If you notice you have a breakout a day or two before a party, apply a spot cream to the problem area at night before you go to sleep. We like First Aid Beauty Fab Blemish Eraser, which uses benzoyl peroxide and witch hazel to dry out spots.

If your mascara slips, any moisturizer and a bit of tissue will fix it.

Hats messin' with your hairdo? Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream smooths hair while adding tons of shine.

And sometimes people invite you to parties with microscopic hors d'oeuvres. Frustrating, right? Nosh on your Luna bar when no one is looking.

Need advice? Have your own holiday tips? Feel free to e-mail or leave a comment! Toodaloo, girlies!






READ MORE - "Problem Solved" Emergency Kit

Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose in It.

Mask time! 
 Soap & Glory needs no further introduction. So I am going straight to the product itself.
I purchased mine from Sephora Ion. For Malaysian, if you are interested in getting this you can always do it via spree or when you go for holiday abroad. 

Scrub Your Nose in It is a scrub. Duh! Well... a 2 in 1 scrub. A scrub and a mask. It claims to helps refine large pores and blemishes as well as deep cleanse your pores. Well lets put this to test shall we??

My expectation after using this product is to at least have a decent pore size, less blackheads and more polish and radiant skin. Let see if this product delivers all that. I had this for a month now, used it twice a week.

First of all! Their packaging! Their tagline is definitely catchy. I fall for that easily. Plus their packaging is pink (almost all their products are in pink), I guess the pink lover will definitely go gaga! Packaging overall I love. Simple, pretty and attractive. But we are certainly here not because of the packaging aren't we?



Product comes in 125ML squeeze tube. Nothing unusual. Retailing for SGD18.

Now lets take a look at the texture...




The product is in medium thick consistency. Even though they said that the product is a build in clay mask, don't expect any clay smell. The smell is actually similar to detergent. Ughh.. Some say like bubblegum. To me the smell is a turn off. Some will definitely like. As you can see from the picture, the scrub particles is not visible. It is not visible upfront too. But when you rub it with your fingers you can feel it. I guess it is fine enough...

The Yay!

For the minty lover, this will definitely be your favourite!! (I know my bf will) I've tried Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, seriously the minty feeling you get from that mask is no where near this one!!! This feel super extremely cold and minty!! Very refreshed. The mask made my skin look more radiant, feel smoother and cleaner. The mask works in term of getting rid off my excess sebum. 

The Nay =(

When it comes to removing blackheads, don't get your hopes up. Or maybe my blackheads are super stubborn that only can be removed via extraction. Since it doesn't removes my blackheads, it doesn't unclog my pores as well. They do feel cleaner than before using the mask but definitely not 100% clean. No pore refining effect on me. My pores are still the same size as they were before the mask.


Conclusion.
I have read good reviews on this mask on how it magically make ones blackheads disappear. I guess I am not that one person =( Results will vary. However, if you are still looking for that one perfect minty extra cooling effect mask then no doubt this is the one. I literally WOWed when I have this on my face! Plus for SGD18 (which is around RM44) I say this mask is in the okay range :) You will only need a pea sized product to be applied on your T-Zone. I guess I will need a year to finish this..or more than that! This might not be suitable for sensitive and very dry skin.

Now the Hows...

If you are planning to use this as a scrub, wet your face. Apply a pea sized amount on your damp T-Zone then massage GENTLY in circular motion. I some how feels that this scrub is rough even though the particles are super fine. Extend out to the less clogged on your face. Rinse. Apply moisturizer (very important!)

If you are planning to use this as a mask, do the same steps like above. Instead of rinsing it off leave it on your face for 3 mins (I leave mine up to 5 mins). Then Rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Thats it! Have you tried this before?? Share with me!! :) Or do you know any better mask. Share them!! =D Thank you lovelies for reading!

PS: For removing blackheads temporarily I still prefer the self-heating scrub or pore strip. How about you guys?



READ MORE - Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose in It.