Review and FOTD: Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Blossom

Hauling... there are just some days that you feel like nothing but to haul.

Okie, here's my most recent cosmetic hauling, a very small but quality haul. : )

I present Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in No. 5 Blossom.

                                Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Blossom, 7g or 0.24oz.

                                                         Light Glow in No. 5 Blossom.

                                                  The iconic design, velvet-like pouch.

                                The details that the people at Burberry pays attention to.... : )

                                                                       Just Gorgeous.

                                                                 A Close look at the blush.

      The brush that comes with the blusher is not too bad, good if you are touching up outside.

                                                 One gentle swipe with my MAC129.

               After a whole day's work (8 to 9 hours later), i used 1 swipe on each side of the cheek.

Note:I usually go for the neutral and "try to have good complexion" kind of look as my company would not take certain look too well.

                                           The troop of makeup that i use in the morning.

The bases (L-R): RMK Pressed Powder in 04, RMK Smoothing Polished Base, RMK Liquid Foundation in 104 and Creamy Makeup base in 02.

Stila Eyeshadow Palette (forgot the name, it's a neutral palette), Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx, The Bodyshop Brow & Liner Kit in 02 and Maquillage.

                        Highlighter: Chanel Empreinte de Chanel (used on top of the cheeks sparingly).

L-R: MAC 219, MAC 217, The Bodyshop Liner Brush, Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush and MAC 129.

Well... well... well, i have heard so much rave about the quality of Burberry's makeup line and so now here's my humble take on the Blusher (the one item that interest me most, and the liquid foundation would come a close second).

Packaging is something that Burberry did very well in this aspect, the cloth cover and the metallic casing with the house's signature design simply ooze high-end, especially the lid is held closed with magnetic strip.

In terms of texture, the blusher is extremely soft and well...... buttery. It makes the picking up of powder a breeze, a very gentle swipe of my brush and what i get is well enough for 1 application. Impressive.What's more, the plaid design does not disappear that easily, i have been using it almost everyday (except my off-work days), it is still very much intact.

Colour payoff is something i would be quite concern about, considering that i am rather tan and most blushers would not show up that nicely on me. I realised my worries were actually unfound. The pigmentation of this blush is WOW. The very first swipe impart a healthy pinkish coral on my cheeks, it has a certain transparency that looks as if it is in my cheeks, not sitting on top of it. Intensity can be built up very easily, yet one does not have to be overly cautious as i do need to be with NARS blushers (yes, i am talking about my beloved Taj Mahal). Again, impressed.

Now, lasting power..... i have oily combination skin. In our tropical hot and humid weather, i would not expect the blush to wear as well on me as our foreign counterparts. I get about 5 to 6 hours of decent wear and by the time i reached home to take a snapshot of my face which is about 9 hours later (apologies of the half face photoshot, i swiped a cotton pad full of makeup cleanser before realising i have not taken a photohot yet). A hint of the colour remains, not too bad. I guess it will stay on better and longer on other skin types.

Overall, i really like how easy it is to wear the blush and the quality of it wow me. At this stage i am very much eager to try another blusher of theirs and probably their liquid foundation too.

So, yah i like it.

Priced at S$61.00 for 7g or 0.24oz, made in Italy. Available at Tangs Orchard.

Note: The Singapore pricing is quite comparable with the US pricing, so it is not necessary to ask friends to haul this for you overseas. Though i do find overseas GWP more generously than Singapore.

Review: RMK Mix Colors for Eyes EX03 Purple

 This is my first RMK eyeshadow palette and honestly speaking after hearing so much about RMK's eyeshadow, how pigmented they are, how expensive they are and how easy they are to use, etc.

Naturally, I am excited to lay my hands on one of them and try them out. Imagine my delight when i saw them in a sale, the EX-03 purple from the 2011 Summer makeup collection. It's one of the palette that aroused my BFF's and my interest back then.

I hauled not 1 but 2, one for my BFF and one for me.

While RMK's makeup base and blusher impress me, sad to say i can't say the same for its eyeshadow palette, especially after my encounter with this particular palette.

2 words- very disappointed, read on and you will know why.

 The nifty signature silver cardboard packaging.

EX-03 Mix Colors for Eyes (Shiny, think its shimmery) Purple palette.

List of ingredients, contains 5.7g or 0.19oz in total which evens out to a 1.4g per color.

 Finger prints prone shiny surface, its not metal but metallic coated plastic.

In terms of packaging, the eyeshadow palette is housed in its signature sleek silver coated plastic holder, as usual the highly reflective shiny cover is a fingerprint magnet. Other than that, its actually very convenient to bring around, especially if you are travelling overseas, the niffty palette doesn't take up much space. I like the packaging just not the shiny fingerprint magnet casing. 

The beautiful colors.

The colors, oh they are beautiful and the combination is very different from what i have currently in my stash (browns, beiges and blacks dominate most of the time). I have to confess that i am a purple and gold lover in secret, though i do not think i can carry them well, but when i first lay my eyes on this palette i knew i have to have it.

On the palette, the the lavender or lilac purple looks like it can work on my skintone, the light gold and whitish silver look sophisticated and elegant enough to layer on, my only problem lies with the baby blue. It has the potential to look awkward on me and i risk looking like something went totally wrong in the morning.

Still, i hauled it without being able to swatch them on the spot as i really like the other 3 colors. 

That's when things turn out unexpectedly, when i first swipe my MAC 217 on the purple, nothing came off and so i tried with my 239, likewise nothing came off. Now, after trying with 2 brushes, the surface of the eyeshadow became a little waxy and this doesn't seems right to me.

Then i wipe the surface with tissue paper, so the colors managed to came off which i try using my fingers (clean of course), the texture is rather waxy too and i have only hints of color on my fingers. Bad feeling just gets stronger.

Finally, i resort to using cotton buds to apply the eyeshadows, and yes finally we have some decent color payoffs here. The cotton buds literally took off chunks of the eyeshadows (they are actually soft but why waxy? That i do not understand), while i managed to spread them out on my arms, which they finally look pigmented enough, however there are some fallouts as well in the process of swatching as you can see in the pictures below.

Another way for the eyeshadows to show up nicely would be to use those plastic spongue applicators that comes with eyeshadow palettes.

Maybe i got a dud, but i am skeptical about that. QC for japanese products are usually very strict and my previous pleasant experiences with RMK, Lunasol and Shiseido simply does not warrant my doubt that i got a dud.

I understand that the colors are supposed to be sheer and subtle, however that should not translate to bad color payoffs and, especially at the retail price point of S$65.00 for this palette. 

At that price point, personally i would expect at least good color payoff (be it sheer or pigmented), good lasting power (number of hours of wear) and good packaging. Otherwise, i might as well spend my pretty penny elsewhere.

Hope my 2 cents worth helps, as a matter of fact despite this experience, i am not so quick to write off RMK's eyeshadows totally yet. Maybe next time.

 After using my MAC brush to swipe across several times.

 After using cotton buds to swipe it a few more times.

Taken under normal sunlight near the window.

L-R:light gold, whitish silver, purple and light baby blue.

Taken further in the room, under normal sunlight.

L-R: light gold, whitish silver, purple and light baby blue.

 Taken under the lights in the room.

L-R: light baby blue, purple, whitish silve and light gold.

The cotton buds used to swatched the palette.



Review: RMK Loose Powder in N00

This is actually a long overdue post..... which i really should have it done it sometime in July of 2011.

Although it is really late, i think its time to credit one of the unsung hero in my stash....

I hereby present the RMK Loose Powder in N00.

RMK Loose Powder in N00.

4.0g and Made in Japan.

The soft rubbery net that protects the powder from falling out.

The small slits that allow the puff to pick up the loose powder.

The loose powder applied on the back of my hand.

I don't usually use loose powder as 1. i am terribly scared of looking very powdery,2. picking up too much powder and in the process of applying it, i will scatter it all over my table and 3.i am a total klutz during the morning rush and the probability of the typical loose powder in a jar knocked over by clumsy me is real high, which in turn will make me in a madder rush trying to clear the mess in the morning.... and of course the reasons for being resistant towards loose powder in a jar goes on and on.

What appeals to me in this particular case is the the accident-proof packaging of the RMK loose powder that draws me to it. No worries about powder spillage in the mad mornings and even if i do drop the whole compact onto the floor, no serious harm done which means there is very little product wastage. Good.

It comes with a soft puff enclosed between the lid and the soft rubber net, plus the handy size of the compact makes it easy to travel with. However, the real reason that sold the loose powder to me is the fact that although it contains shimmer... not only my face doesn't turn into a disco-ball in fact this "miracle powder" managed to "blurred" the look of the pores on my face. It makes my makeup look softer, especially layering it over after applying the blusher (it can also soften the look if i do happen to apply my blusher a little too heavy handed). I do not detect any scent when i was applying it.

I chose N00 which is translucent, if i am not wrong there are 2 other shades for fair skin and darker skin ladies.

The texture of the powder is very very fine, it is finely milled so there isn't any feel of too much powder on the face as i just need a tiny amount of powder to work around my face. The end result is a velvety smooth and matte finish which i like it very much.

The staying power is around 3 to 4 hours depending on the weather and what else i put on my face, and since this is a loose powder i am not expecting it to perform the miracle of not having to touch up for 8 hours.

The staying power is decent enough and as usual, i would need to touch up a bit after 4 hours or so after blotting a little oil with tissue (i have oily- combination skin type).  

I may not have used a lot of loose powder but i do like RMK's loose powder's texture and packaging. The only con that i can think of is its rather high price point, S$75.00 for a mere 4.0g which is really a tad too high compared to Bobbi Brown's Loose powder, around S$60.00 for 28.0g. The refill itself doesn't come cheap either, its about S$57.00 for 4.0g.

In this case, i prefer its quality, accident-proof packaging and travel handy. Sometimes I just wish that RMK would give more of it to make shelling out S$70+ for the loose powder a less painful experience.

Priced at S$75.00 for 4g or 0.14 oz, available at Takashimaya and Isetan Scotts Shopping Centre.

Review: RMK Smoothing Polished Base

After having reviewed the RMK Sheer Powder Checks Blusher from the Dusty Bright Colours collection, today i am going to review another item from my previous RMK haul at Takashimaya- RMK's Smoothing Polished Base.

I have been using RMK's creamy makeup base for quite a while which i would say i am rather fond of it, in fact i think RMK actually monopolised my base makeup... from makeup base to liquid foundation (of course the other liquid foundation would be Bobbi Brown's Moisture Rich liquid foundation)... pressed powder and then loose powder.

I am open minded when it comes to mixing and matching base makeup items from various brands as long as they suit me, so in that sense please don't mistaken me for a "purist". The 2 deciding factor as to why RMK monopolised my base makeup stash, would be the colour match and the staying power, so far my experiences with RMK in this area are quite pleasant and so i don't see the need to switch unless of course something better comes along.

As i have oily combination skin (think large pores around the checks and oily T-zone and some dry patches), naturally i am inclined to check out their Smoothing Polished Base (anything to make those pores smaller) which i have not purchased before (i think it was launched together with the improvised version of the creamy makeup base earlier on).

RMK Smoothing Polished Base.

 20ml.

 Before application.

After application.

In terms of packaging, the product is housed in the typical RMK silver box and it comes in a squeeze tube just like the creamy makeup base. So far so good, no pots to dip my fingers into it.

No scent detected too. Good good.

Texture-wise, it is of a much thicker consistency than the creamy makeup base or any other makeup base that i have tried. It is more paste-like and requires quite a far bit of blending done to achieve the "smooth" appearance. 

According to the RMK SA, this Smoothing Polished Base is not supposed to be used all over the face, it is specifically targeted at the T-zones and areas where there are fine lines, it is also capable of controlling oil.

The size of this base is 20ml which is a third smaller than the makeup base, this is fine for me since my intention of purchasing this product is for creating a smoother appearance (minimizing appearance of the pores around my T-zone and my nasolabial folds =laughing lines).

In terms of performance, yes the product is able to create a smoother surface, probably by "blurring"the apearance of the pores (around my T-zone, especially my forehead and my laughing lines are less obvious, this is good as i don't find my foundation setting into the lines that much (usually i moisturise like mad.. haha). It does produce a natural smoother surface for me. I tried to show the effects in the photos above, apologies if they are not clear enough for you.

Where oil control is concerned, i don't find it particularly good at that which i don't really fault it that much as it is not a "Oil control Smoothing Polished Base" afterall. The Smoothing Polished Base does wear quite well around 6 hours or so which is more or less around the same as the creamy makeup base (i do need to blot my face especially T-zone a few times, other than that so far so good).

Would i recommend this to anyone?

Sitting on the fence on this product, considering that i have higher expectation of it at the current price point and the fact that this product is not versatile enough to be used on the whole face.

People who have deeper laughing lines and enlarged pores might not find this product working as well for them as they would like to. If you are looking for something to achieve that flawlessly porcelain smooth skin, then this product might not be your cup of tea

I say, don't be shy. Go to the counter and try out the product. I do find RMK's SAs really approachable even if you don't purchase any products at the end of the day (which is partly why i am inclined to the brand as well : ) ).

Priced at S$41.00 for 20ml, available at Takashimaya and Isetan Scotts Shopping Centre.

Review: RMK Sheer Powder Cheek Blush in EX-02

This has to be the most expensive blushing beauty i ever had in my stash to date..... and who am i refering to?

My splurge item from my latest haul - RMK's Sheer Powder Cheek blush in EX-02 from the Dusty Bright Colours Collection.

There are 3 limited edition blusher shades in the collection, namely EX-01 Beige Pink, EX-02 Orange and EX-03 Rose Brown, i am not really into Pink and Plum like blushers, EX-02 Orange caught my eyes instantly even from a distant.

Although it caught my eye instantly, the decision to purchase it was not an impulse, it was in fact after having tried it on and some careful swatching plus examining that i finally decided to snag one home.

Why?

For the reason that it seems to resemble NARS's Taj Mahal which i already owned and love to the bits.... and partly due to the shimmer that i see in the pan (i have visible pores and so shimmer on the pores is not such a good idea), and most importantly the price tag of the blusher... if it wasn't for the discount i would not have bought it to be honest.

It was a tough decision to make, a decision that i am glad i made the correct one- i brought it home with me.

 The highly reflective surface and huge fingerprints magnet.

EX-03 Orange-2.0g.

 A closer look.

The brush applicator that comes with it.

Rather soft and of better quality than the average ones you get.

Swatches L-R: heavy swatch and blended nicely.

 NARS Taj Mahal.

 Taj Mahal- 4.8g.

 Taj Mahal Blusher.

Swatches Top to Bottom: NARS's Taj Mahal and RMK's EX-02 Orange.

I do not like the packaging of the RMK's EX-02. Imagine after having applied your primer, foundation, eyeshadows and whatnots, my fingers would not be as clean as i hope they would be and these are the same fingers i use to pry open the casing to get to the product. Yes, of course you will see all my fingerprints on the cover, fingerprints so complete that CSIs would be overjoyed to collect them. Plus, its plastic .... i have nothing against plastic just that if i am paying at the price point of S$65.00 for a mere 2.0g of product, please give me something of better quality (sturdier and no fingerprints magnet please).

In terms of texture, i would say RMK's EX-02 is really very soft, to the extend that its too soft to be powder. The softest textured blusher i have in my stash currently. I am very happy with the pigmentation and the result of the application... my worries of having excessive shimmer showing in my big pores were unfound as true to the claim of the Beauty advisor, the shimmer is there to make the blusher stands out and will not be noticeable.

EX-02 looks good on my tan skin (i am a RMK 104, MAC 35 or 37 if i recall correctly), a little goes a long way, so just a few light sweep with my brush and i am good to go (i very much prefer to use my own brush than the one that comes with the compact unless i am left with no choice), the colouring looks natural and fresh.

That is a totally different feel whenever i am putting on Taj Mahal, i always felt that Taj Mahal deserves a more dramatic eye makeup to go with it or to be worn when i am able to do better eye makeup. Its more luxuriously and rich in terms of colour payoff and intensity.

Remember i said it reminded me of NARS Taj Mahal... well, i was wrong......

Taj Mahal is a golden burnt orange with golden sheen, whereas EX-02 is a bright fresh orange with shimmer. Both belongs to the same family and yet very different.

Like it?

Yes... yes... especially at a good price.

RMK: Priced at S$65.00 for 2.0g available at Isetan Scotts (Takashimaya is already out of stocks for it).

NARS: Priced at US$28.00 for 4.8g (Available at http://www.narscosmetics.com/)



Haul: RMK and Bobbi Brown at Takashimaya Sale

When you are in the mood for anything, nothing or rather there isn't anything that can stop me from doing it.... yes hauling. And so, when the opportunity arises.... the shopaholic in me is once again alife....

Yes, yes.... i did some hauling over the weekend at Takashimaya, mainly RMK and one or two Bobbi Brown items which is a first for me... with the excellent deals around and vouchers on hand, i can't resist but to stock up some essentials.

Here we go..... reviews coming up hopefully soon.....



 When RMK meets Bobbi Brown......

A tower of RMK essentials and splurge. 

 The RMKs....

Unveiled.

RMK Smoothing Polished Base- a mattifying makeup base that is supposed to minimize the look of pores especially to be used around the T-zone.

 Smoothing Polished Base- 20ml.

List of ingredients of the Smoothing Polished Base. 

RMK Face Powder in N00- essential backup.

 Contains 4.0g.

 List of ingredients of Face Powder N00.

RMK Pressed Powder in 04.

List of ingredients of Pressed powder in 04 (darkest shade 05). 

 RMK Sheer Powder Cheeks Blusher in EX-02 from the Dusty Bright Colours Collection.

 The fingerprints magnetic compact case.

 Limited Edition from the Dusty Bright Colours Collection.

 List of ingredients of the sheer powder cheeks blusher- the Splurge (by far the most expensive blusher i have ever owned).

 The Bobbi Browns......

 Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15- 30ml.

Liquid Foundation in Warm Sand 2.5 - surprisingly much lighter than my RMK liquid Foundation colouring.

List of ingredients of the foundation. 

 Bobbi Brown Loose powder in Soft Sand 5.

 A hefty 28.0g compared to RMK's 4.0g

 List of ingredients of the Face powder.

 GWP from RMK- deluxe sample size of the smoother (toner lotion) and makeup base, usual sample size creamy soap and sun protector.

 GWP for purchase beyond S$220 plus if i recall correctly.

 Another GWP from RMK-USB holder with mirror (which i chose over the Dusty Bright Colour collection pouch).

I was quite skeptical if i should go ahead with the hauling initially, however with the Takashimaya storewide 10% discount, plus the 20% from RMK (my birthday month) and the Takashimaya vouchers i have on hand, this is a haul that is bound to happen no matter how.

If i do recall correctly, i got the RMK face powder (UP: S$73.00) and Smoothing Polished Base  (UP:S$41.00) at only S$64 plus as they have a promotion for purchasing the duo. Unfortunately, the day i bought the duo happens to be the last day of the promotion.

However, currently there is another promotion going on... which is with the purchase of a eyeliner (UP: S$40.00) and a mascara (not too sure about the price, i think it is around S$30 plus), you get to get a full sized eye colour plus you get to choose any colour (UP: S$57.00). Promotion ends end of October, do check out the RMK counters if you are interested in this promotion.

Meanwhile, stay tune for upcoming reviews....

Thank you.