Review: Napoleon Perdis NP Set Lash and Dash Lipgloss Palette and Mascara

I happen to be in the town area, dropped by Kinokuniya and came across this set of freebie that came with a Australian magazine "Dolly". I was quite curious about the set as i do recall reading it somewhere about NP Set and so i decide to satisfy my curiosity.

NP Set is a drugstore or rather pocket-friendly brand (it is not available in Singapore from what i know), it is a lower end brand which was developed from Napoleon Perdis (a high-end brand whereby a 4 colour Eyeshadow palette is priced at US$35.00). The founder of the brand is none other than Napoleon Perdis himself, a native Australian who is currently based in Los Angeles. Apart from developing cosmetics, Napoleon Perdis has a skincare line and a Makeup Academy in Australia and USA.

And so... the review of today's loot.....

L-R: NP Set Lash & Dash Lip Gloss Palette and Black Mascara.
NP Set Lash & Dash Lip Gloss Palette.
Made in China, 3g or 0.11oz.

Inside of the Lip Gloss Palette.

Swatches L-R same order as the Lip Gloss Palette.

Swatches again.

A closer look.

The Lip Gloss Palette is packaged in a compact that resembles those plastic compact mirror that one can easily get from stores like SASA. It doesn't feel all that filmsy but at the same time it doesn't signify quality too, which is pretty reasonable as NP Set is a lower end branch of Napoleon Perdis. Having said that, there are drugstore brands whose packaging are much more prettier to look at and sturdier too despite its lower end price tag.

Personally, i am not too keen on the white plastic compact that house the Lip Gloss Trio, especially the double end lip gloss applicator (usually i will just throw away those and use my own brush). I rather the people at NP Set totally do away with the applicator and give more or better products.
The Lip Gloss Trio has a fruity vanilla scent which might appeal to the younger female demographic (young ladies : ) ), i am neutral to scented products most of the time but this is a little too artifical for my liking.

When i tried to use the given applicator to do the swatching, i realised that the applicator is unable to pick up the lip gloss properly (the texture of the lip gloss is rather jelly-like). Despite trying a few times, the swatch turn out to be too sheer, so what i did in the end was to dig and scoop the lip gloss in the palette and spread it on the back of my hand which the colours turn out decently (though they are sheer and the shimmer in the lip gloss didn't show up in the swatches). If you are into pigmented lip gloss, this is clearly not for you.

The colours in palette were not stated anywhere and so i will describe them to the best i can (from left to right), Bright berry red, Coral Orange and Dusk Violet Pink.

I would say the colours in the palette are universally flattering and there shouldn't be any problems carrying off them, however one needs to reapply quite frequently as they don't really have much staying power. The amount in the palette, i think is sufficient to last a week or so.

This palette is more suited for the 12+ (in my humble opinion), serious or hardcore makeup fanatics need not apply.

The Black mascara on the otherhand didn't fare that bad......

NP Set Lash & Dash Black Mascara. Made in China, 4.3ml or 0.15oz.

The applicator.

Swatch of the mascara.

Trying out the mascara.

Eye Shut.

I am not usually a mascara user and it has to be quite some ocassion if i were to put it on (too much of a hassle for me... cannot rub eyes, bad skills in removing them blah blah blah). I was quite keen to find out how it would fare and so i curled my lashes carefully with my Maquillage Eyelash curler and apply the mascara to it.

Upon application, the first thing i noticed was the instant lengthening effect it has on my lashes, it doesn't clump but i do notice too that the mascara doesn't hold the curl of the lashes well, so my lashes appear to be long and straight, no volumising effect too. I gather this is a very basic mascara that girls who are blessed with thick nicely curled eyelashes would be able to put much use into it. I am not saying that it is a bad product, just that it doesn't WOW me or maybe wrong technique in the application.....

In conclusion for both the lip gloss palette and mascara, its ok to splurge a little money to try out brands that we can never get here (yet), especially since they are freebies from magazine. However if you ask whether i would give my dime to buy them from the stores... nah at the moment.

Do check out the websites if you are keen on them,
NP Set :http://www.npsetcosmetics.com/

Napoleon Perdis:http://www.napoleonperdis.com/

Sample Promotion: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Fresh Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil

Till the end of May, Shu Uemura is having this: Bring your used/unused cleanser (worth more than S$42) to the Shu Uemura counter and get a 20ml Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil, available at Tangs Orchard and Vivocity, while stocks last.

This is an effort to promote the latest addition to their range of legendary cleansing oil which has already attained some form of cult status. According to the Beauty Advisor, this range is lighter in terms of texture (which means it is more suitable for people with oily skin), plus it is supposed to be able to improve skin texture (it contains sakura leaf extract, lipo HA and Cherry extract), smaller pores and smoother texture.

I have gotten my sample today at Tangs Orchard, the Beauty Advisor didn't really check the brand of the bottle of facial cleanser that i brought for the redemption, however you will be required to give your name and email address (as it is one per customer, which i think is a good idea to attract the correct group of audience that was targeted).

My previous experience with Shu Uemura's cleansing oil was the High Performance Balancing Cleansing oil Enriched (suitable for dry skin conditions), that was quite a few years ago and since then i think my skin condition might have changed (now more prone to being oily). Thus, the new fresh pore clarifying oil is the one that would be suitable for me currently.

Back then, i bought the 150ml of the enriched oil followed by the 450ml version after having finished the smaller bottle, and for me to actually purchase such a large bottle, i must have been impressed by the results of the product. I do remember getting compliments from my BFF that my dull skin then looked more radiant after a weeks's use of the enriched oil.

Being adventurous in trying out new stuffs, i "strayed"away from Shu Uemura's cleansing oil and went on the try Fancl, Origins...etc...

I can't really say much about this range for now, hope to give my 2 cents worth when i have tested it out.....so till then, if you are interested in trying out this new cleansing oil, do drop by Shu Uemura's counter at Tangs Orchard or Vivocity soon (while stocks last).

Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil -20ml.


The Pretty Sakura.

Explanation of the function.

The active ingredients.

How it works and method of usage.

The comprehensive range of the legendary cleansing oil.

The Legion of Saviours of my Nails......

Introducing the legion of saviours of my nails and i should be using them as frequent as i should be but is not.....
The sacred 5......

The Legion.

OPI Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil.

Totally love the scent of the oil (its slightly fruity), the OPI Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil is rather heavy duty in performance yet light in texture despite the fact that it is oil. I use it whenever i need to give my nails a break and when they look like they could use a bit of nourishing treatment.

A little goes a long way, the amount that one brush holds is sufficient for 5 fingers (1 left hand or right hand), i always do the thumb first (to deposit more oil due to the larger surface area) then ultimately the pinkie finger. Slowly massage the oil into the cuticle and then the remaining oil traces on the fingers, i massaged it into my hands. Its nourishing oil, whats the harm anyway?

Maquillage Quick Dry Oil from Shiseido.

This is the saviour i whipped out when i need the coat of polish to dry really fast and yes, it did what it says.

Maquaillage Nail Protect and White.

It is supposed to protect your natural nails from being stained by the pigment from nail polishes and to keep your nails white. It can also function as a base coat as well as for nail colours to show up nicely.

Crabtree & Evelyn Nail and Cuticle Therapy.

Performs the same function as OPI Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil, it is slightly thicker in texture (gel to cream like), took slightly longer to absorb, love the La source scent nevertheless.

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Daily Nail Growth Programme.

I am already half way through the bottle, i bought it initially to speed up the growth my nails (i used to be a habitual nail biter-quit the bad habit totally now), and discovered that it can perform more function that really prove its value for money. It gives my naked nails a healthy pinkish sheen, speed up the nail's growth process and it is a excellent top coat. Love it.

That's my legion of saviours of my nails... new members to be added?

We shall see, shall we? : )

Back from Short Getaway.......

I am finally back from the much awaited Getaway..... yes, get away from the crowd, the stress and everything that frustrates me to no end.

And, yes.... i came back feeling much rested and not as irritable as before (but how long can this effect last? I have no idea but perhaps another one much later in the year? We shall see about that. ; ) )

Although i am happy to be able to make it for the short trip, a BBF is unable to make it and so i picked up these beauties for her as i was strolling along the beach with the fellow kakis.

The white sandy beach, light blue and green sea plus the breeze and a cute little dog make the island trip a memorable one. I was quite happy to have picked up these pretty sea shells and the small piece of coral (i was sadden by the fact that only dead corals are white, despite that its still pretty).

Well, there is always a chance next time (BBF, i am talking to you girl : ) ), until then these handful of keepsakes are for you......

Review: Chanel Particuliere vs OPI Over the Taupe

This is the post that i have been wanting to do but for some reason i kept putting it off until my good sister reminded me when we were browsing at the Chanel's counter at Metro Paragon during the members' sale day (i prefer to browse certain counters during sales as that's when the not so helpful SAs are busy to attend to "big fishes"and so the "planktons" can browse and check things out to their heart contents in peace. : ) )

This post might be quite similar to one that i have done earlier introducing the Browns in my collection, in fact the point of this post is to answer a question that is there hanging in my head whenever i see OPI's Over the Taupe: Is Particuliere = Over the Taupe? Are they identical Twins? A 100% dupe for each other? Or they are merely related?

Now, the answer......

Nope, they are not 100% dupe for each other. Yes, they are related and might very well be identical twins (if one doesn't put them side by side and scrutinize them closely).

L to R: OPI You Don't Know Jacques, OPI Over the Tapue and Chanel Particuliere.

L to R: OPI You Don't Know Jacques, OPI Over the Taupe and Chanel Particuliere.


T to B: OPI You Don't Know Jacques, OPI Over the Taupe and Chanel Particuliere.

L to R: Chanel Particuliere, OPI Over the Taupe and OPI You Don't Know Jacques.

In terms of formula, I find that OPI applies more smoothly than Chanel (i applied 2 coats for each), and that OPI has thinner consistency plus it takes a much shorter time for each coat to dry totally compared to Chanel (i accidentally snag OPI Over the Taupe when i was applying the 2nd coat : ( ). Since Chanel's has a thicker consistency, 2 coats of the polish gives a more "solid" or opaque look than OPI's which i think can be achieved with a 3rd coat.

I do find Particuliere is more of a brown than Over the Taupe, it is not as "bright"as Over the Taupe whereby Over the Taupe has a little of a red or pink tone to it. It is slightly warmer than Particuliere. The difference between the 2 is more obvious when they are placed side by side especially when the tones are highlighted upon closer look. However, i do find that they are very similar to each other and yet so different in some aspects.

In conclusion, personally i prefer Over the Taupe more as it looks better with my skintone and i very much prefer OPI's formula than Chanel's. Price wise, OPI retails at S$23.55 (if you are spreeing, OPI would usually cost around S$9.00 per bottle) and Chanel retails at S$36.00 (if i remember correctly), OPI wins hands down economically. Of course the exception would be if Chanel has a colour that there is absolutely no dupe or anything remotely close to it, then yes go ahead and splurge on THAT colour, otherwise nope....

I swatched You Don't Know Jacques for the comparison and yes... it belongs to the Browns family but a distant relative, whereas Particuliere and Over the Taupe are close siblings born perhaps a year between each other.

OPI

Priced at S$23.55 for 15ml, available at Sephora and Metro Paragon (as well as online Spree).

Chanel
Priced at S$36.00 for 11ml, available at all Chanel Counters (it is a permanent colour, from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection).

Review: Nail Polishes Coming soon......

My humble nail polish stash..... Reviews coming soon......

Review: OPI My Private Jet and Black Shatter, Chanel's Black Satin and Givenchy Elegant Pearl

Every now and then, i will tidy up my makeup and skincare stuffs which i do feel therapeutic and that's when i realised i actually have enough nail polishes to group them into colour groups (although my nail polish stash might seem to be small compared to the others out there).

This post is about the Blacks and the Silver that i have currently in my nail polish stash (which is evergrowing as days went by, depending on what interest me. : ) )

Without further introduction, i present the Blacks and the Silver to you......

L to R: Givenchy Elegant Pearl, Chanel Black Satin, OPI My Private Jet and OPI Black Shatter.

Givenchy Elegant Pearl from 2009 Holiday collection.

167 Elegant Pearl - 5.5ml.

Chanel 219 Black Satin- 11ml.

OPI My Private Jet.

NL B59 My Private Jet-15ml. OPI Katy Perry Collection Black Shatter NL E59 Black Shatter- 15ml
L to R: Chanel Black Satin, OPI My Private Jet, OPI Black Shatter on top of MAC Originality and Givenchy Elegant Pearl.



L to R: Givenchy Elegant Pearl, OPI Black Shatter over MAC Originality and Chanel Black Satin.

My favourite of this lot is Chanel's Black Satin (permanent item), it applies smoothly and evenly for me, i just need 1 coat for the colour to show plus the glossy finishing is something that makes the black pop for me. There are some blogs that compared Chanel's Black Satin with Zoya's Raven as well as OPI's Black Onyx.

However, i am unable to lay my hands on Zoya's Raven at the moment (they are not available in Singapore if i am not wrong) and i do not have OPI's Black Onyx in the stash to do a direct comparison. Perhaps when i am able to lay my hands on both polishes, i will do another review : ) Currently, it is still my favourite out of the lot (though i can't wear this colour to work : ( ), i will still grab every chance i can to put it on.

OPI's My Private Jet (permanent item) is sort of a "legendary" favourite among many nail polish fanatics and i can see why when i first swatched it. To call it a black is misleading because it isn't a black nail polish, but a steel gray with tiny silver shimmer in it. Nevertheless, just as expected from OPI, My Private Jet swatch beautifully with just 1 coat and that's all i need for application. A unique colour, i would say.

I happen to come across Givenchy' Elegant Pearl by chance (got it during a sale) and was immediately attracted to it. Some may have compared it to Chanel's Steel (though i did swatch it at Chanel Counter), i do find that they are 2 very different nail polishes. Elegant Pearl is a lighter steel gray with a little shimmer in it whereas Steel is a dark steel, almost black polish with shimmer. I would say Elegant Pearl and My Private Jet are rather similar in colour (in the bottle), but when they are swatched the difference is more promiment. 1 coat is sufficient to obtain a decent opaque swatch.

Now, for OPI's Black Shatter from the Katy Perry Collection....... this is the nail polish that i had trouble hunting it down (having to go to quite a number of places to hunt for it, its even out of stock for a long time on certain spree website for the entire collection! ).

My perseverance did pay off as i spotted it in Metro during the 20% storewide sale, i knew i had to grab it and so i did. Well, this is indeed a interesting item to add into my collection. As you can see in the swatches above, the polish "cracked" into pieces which resembles leopard prints to me (perhaps due to MAC's Originality which i used as a base colour to show the "crack").

When the crack dried it is actually a matte black and it is quite fragile (it rubs off easily even when completely dried). What i did was to apply a top coat to give it some shine and to "seal" the cracks. Definitely a must have if you are seeking for something outside the norm or to spice up your collection.

A word of caution for application of Black Shatter, you must wait patiently for the base colour coat to dry completely before applying the Black Shatter plus Black Shatter dries very fast and easily so one has to be quick in the application otherwise the polish on the brush can become lumpy in no time.

For the Black Shatter fans, there are news that OPI is going to introduce more "shatter" polishes but i am not too sure of the colours that will be available... that's something to look forward to : )

OPI nail polishes

Priced at S$23.500 for 15ml at Metro Paragon and S$23.50 at Sephora (wonder why the S$0.05 difference ? ). Much cheaper if you plan to go on a spree with friends.

Chanel nail polishes

Priced at S$35.00 for 11ml, available at all Chanel counters.

Givenchy nail polishes

Price unavailable for 5.5ml ( i bought mine at a sale, so its only S$10.00)