WELCOME TO 2012!!

this post is actually a bit left behind than it supposed to. I can't give any reason for that since I am totally neglecting this blog for a while. But I do know that I must post up something in January 2012, to give it a new breathe of air:)

Fret not, I am back;- crawling slowly. How I wish I just have that inspiration and determination to be an avid blogger. I think all this while I was being so ambitious everytime I want to write a blogpost but then it ends up to nothing and I am so lazy...*tet!!* I must say that writing reviews and do swatches on products really consume times and a lot of works. I really need a superpower to juggle this passion with work and life.

I do think of to delete or deactivate blogging -period, BUT I just love this blog that i just couldn't do it. I knew one day I will miss it - so better be, just let it alone.

However, thanks to the blog -  I just couldn't stop loving anything about makeups and beauty products. I have updated my wishlist for this year. Hence, I do really looking forward this 2012 and I crossed fingers of my 'slowly-crawling-back' to my blog.

:: MAC Pro Longwear eyeshadow - Sweet Satisfaction swatches ::

As part of the Pro Longwear collection, I must say i quite impressed with this e/s. First, it is very pigmented, buttery smooth texture and it glides smoothly. Overall, there are 16 eyeshadows of this line but i only get one because it is quite pricey to compare with regular one (RM 60, refill - RM46). However, I am thinking of getting some of neutral shades. Thank goodness that this will be in permanent range so no haste in getting those;)

The size of the e/s is bigger than regular e/s which is another bonus. According to the MUA, the e/s will last approximately 8 hours and using e/s based would help to enhance the e/s color and the stay-put.

I'm getting only 'Sweet Satisfaction' for this time around because it is a very beautiful neutral beige and you cannot go wrong with any brown-beige shades. I is in frost finish which gives a nice sheen of champagne look..that shiny frosty finish:) owh yes, i love anything that shiny metallic finish;p

 :: Sweet Satisfaction::

:: MAC Pro Longwear e/s : Sweet Satisfaction::

:: 3.4 g...when will I be able to hit the pan...::

:: Size comparison with regular e/s::

:: Finger swatch - one swipe and that is all the color that i get..impressive::

:: Haul!! MAC Me Over collection! :)::

Hai everyone! New MAC collection was released on early September  - yup, you heard me. MAC Me Over collection and the new addition to the family which is Pro-long wear (foundation, concealer, lipgloss, lip liner and eyeshadow). Since I was at KL, I've made a frequent visit to MAC store and I always end up with few things when walked out from store (hubby just sigh:P)

This is the Haul! based on my 3 times visits in just a week!!haha

I was lucky to be in KL last month and able to get my hands on these stuffs  ( and be able to swatch it personally). I know it is a huge collection released and trust me, i'll be broke by the end of the month if i am getting what i want which is almost everything. But anyway, I am glad that i was there so i can pick my limited edition collection, personal favorites and some pro long wear items too..

:: MAC ME OVER Collection ::

since this is a massive haul, I'm going to do a bit review swatch for MAC Me Over collection first;)

:: Essence products?? ::

I went to KL last weekend for a short getaway. So as usual, I must make a trip to my favorite stores which are not here in Miri such as MAC, F21, Divas etc. Even in KL, I will drop by at Guardian and Watson's to check out their item because some of the items or products are not available in Miri's. I was lucky that we get a hotel nearby to Bintang Walk as it was surrounded by all megamall such as Pavillion, Lot 10, Low Yat, Sungai Wang, Times Square, Fahrenheit and Sephora. So, walking is just a distance away;)

:: MAC Semi Precious Pt.3 . . LIPPIES!!

This is what i get from this collection:

:: MAC Semi Precious Cremesheen Glass::

:: Pure Indulgence (top) and Natural Flare (bottom) ::

 This is my first cremesheen l/g and I must say, I am really impressed with it.I never bother about this l/g because it is kind of pricy (RM80 for a l/g - emmmmm~~ now, where is my NYX l/g??) First, the texture is smooth. Next,not that sticky and yes,it makes my lip looks so luscious~!:D I'm starting to like this cremesheen!

:: MAC Semi Precious Pt.. 2 - Warmth of Coral Mineralize Blush ::

Warmth of  Coral definitely reminds me of MAC Peaches powder blush,the color and the pigmentation. Adding another peach color blush won't make a harm anyway, and I'm happy to get this one!:) So here's the swatches and bit review about it.

:: MAC 'Warmth of Coral' mineralize blush::

:: Front::

:: MAC Semi Precious Mini Haul Pt. 1 ::

Just a tiny haul from MAC latest collection, ' MAC Semi Precious' - so I got few items as well after watching and reading few reviews and swatches, finally I decided to get these:

 Owh ya, at that same time I also received a package which is my order from Sephora and NYX.So, that's why both items were in the pictures. I am getting back up for my favorite blush from NYX which is Natural. You can check the post about it here. I have always wanting UDPP in Eden for a longest time already because UDPP original has done miracle, so it's time to try its 'sibling' - which I am going to do short review about it soon.

For this post, I'm going to divide it into three - e/s, blush and lippies...so here's the first one:)

:: MAC Surf Baby ::

MAC Surf Baby collection was released a month ago and I love the packaging so much. Since it was LE, I managed to get few items from the collection.

MAC SURF BABY LE COLLECTION

:: MAC Surf Baby - my haul + pigment samples ::

:: Love the packaging!::

I got myself l/s - Naturally Eccentric, Strange Potion l/g, Sun Blonde e/s and My Paradise cheek blush. The MUA was so nice and gave me sample of stacked pigments. (I don't know the color because it was not indicated)

I know this collection was so overdue and there are already gazillion swatches and reviews made on the Internet, now let's add another short one;)

:: Shisem Nail Polish..could be another favorite??::

I find myself was really into nail polishes lately . Every month I will get new nail polishes and since i discovered Nailfiesta , I am glad that this website is here and buying OPI, China Glaze, Essie, Zoya, Misa, Seche Vite etc is not troublesome anymore and they offer very affordable price,half the price of the local market. Here OPI can costing to RM60 per bottle but nailfiesta only selling aroung RM30-ish which is very affordable. Alright, to cut the long story short..here's a new nail polish brand I found in local mall today, Parkson. It's not a very famous or high-end brand, I knew about this nail polish from LYN before but never bother to get it because the color that i wanted has always OOS.


To see this nail polish at the local shop made me kind of ga-ga and i was contemplating whether to get it or not. Few of the shades that I want are all there and they were offering a very good price which is per bottle RM7.80, buy 3 bottles for RM20 (LYN is selling RM12 per bottle)


What nail polish I'm talking about?? ...Shisem!! ( Have you heard of this nail polish? anyone?)

:: A103, M50,C358::

:: MAC collection mini haul: Wonder Woman, Jeanius and Quite Cute [swatches & mini reviews]::

[ Please Click on the pictures to enlarge]

As promised, this is my recent MAC haul. Just a few items, not many - blushes and the l/g which only from the Quite Cute collection, which I think is enough - promised myself not to hoard make up, i am trying u know~;)

:: Sephora's: Illamasqua's Katie and Nars Sex Appeal ::

:: Top: UDPP Professional Size::

::

Bottom : Illamasqua Katie & Nars Sex Appeal

::

My not-so recent order from Sephora. hehe..I have to get the UDPP Professional Size because it's HUGE and in TUBE!! could last for a long period and definitely hygenic and convenient to use;)

:: Nature Rebulic: Baby Tok - Lip and Cheek color ::

Isn't these cute?? the shades are pretty natural and leave a sheen of natural color. My favorite shade is Shade 03 as mentioned from the previous post. I grabbed this often ever since i purchased it and i wear this to work. It's moisturizing and non drying which is a plus. Staying power is okay, it's not that bad.  however, i haven't try to use it on cheek yet.the only downside for this product is the packaging- in a jar which is not really hygienic (for me).i use finger to use this product rather than using a brush because i'm just too lazy to do so hehe price wise - a bit pricey, RM25 for a jar. There a few shades to choose from, so go and check it out:)

:: Shade 03 & Shade 09 ::

:: Collective Haul~::

Aha..sorry for the late entry for the year 2011. This post is dedicated to my long overdue reviews and post which was supposed to be blogged last year, but since life was so happening latter last year, hence, it have to wait..


To top the list~
1. URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE!!
Finally, i have my hand on this HG palette and ever since i owned it, i couldn't take my hands off this palette and bring this everywhere whenever i travel. I used this for Xmas, for my honeymoon, for New Year, whenever i move back on forth to my parents and in-laws houses..this palette come along with me

i just can't keep my 'hand' off from the palette... i just love it too much~

i won't be reviewing or do swatches about this palette on this post because i believe there's gazillion reviews, swatches and blog post about this palette out there and trust me, this is one palette that u wouldn't want to miss for this decade. however, if u want me to do swatches n review about this palette in detail, just let me know because i would love too;)


2.Skinfood Masks

I grabbed few masks and restock my favorite masks. I was lucky to get a Xmas set where i get two mini masks which is Fresh Aloe Pack for hydration and Rice Mask Wash Off for brightening (this is LOVE~ i found another good mask from Skinfood!).

Also, I tried their new mask which is Omija Whitening Mask Sheet, which i bought and tried a day before my wedding to get that glowy and radiance look. However, i can't say much about this mask yet but i will give it another try before i give my says about it.Since this is a new product, hence the price is little bit pricey compare to other masks, RM16++.

Skinfood Omija Whitening Mask Sheet

 I heard about this eye patch from my friend and she said this is good..period~ I used this one a day before my wedding as well and i was impressed with the results. It's brighten  and reduce dark circles. I'm going to get this one soon but this one would be a bit pricey.

Skinfood Salmon Eye Patch

 3. Nature Republic 'Baby Tok Lip & Cheek Color'

:: have no idea y d pic is upside down..can't be adjusted tho;( 

::

 Isn't this cute? Ya, the name is intended to be spelled that way instead of saying 'Baby Talk', it says 'Baby Tok' ..so cute~  this is sort of like a lip balm and cheek color which is to give a slight hint of color on face to opt for the natural look.  I use Shade 3 often because i just love the peachy color and it looks nude that close to MLBB.


i will make a review and swatches on these two babies later~


ok, till d next post


p/s: connection is really bad big time..an upload take an ages. my gawd!!so demotivating;/

:: Another wish...::

So, this year come to its end and soon, we are welcoming another great year, 2011. 2010 passed by really quick and a lot of amazing things happened in this year. I'm just thrilled to be given another blessed year to expect more exciting adventures, hopes and opportunity to meet expectations and undergo another interesting way of life. Emmm..so excited to see what 2011 will offer me this time around.

i know this is not meant to be a personal blog but for me this blog was an interesting invention despite lack of update. I must say, i am guilty for not doing so but as a human,my weaknesses are not able to keep up with times and let my work taking a toll over my life. Moreover, i am just starting embarking another amazing journey as a newly wed, married and career woman. 2011 surely will be a challenging  year for me, but i'll try to adapt and cope..we'll see.

Nevertheless, my love and passion for makeups, beauty stuff and recently - handbags, accessories and perfumes shall not die or fade;p I know my boyfriend-now-husband whined a lot about my spending and passion but what i should be proud of him is that he learned and knew about cosmetics brand which i loves n not (at least he knew when i talked about MAC, it is not the MAC Apple software;P). i should give him a round of applause for that..for straight guy, if u know what is MAC, Urban Decay, ELF, NYX etc..then u'll sure be a girl best friend!hehe kidding~ bt u girls get my point right?! hehe nevermind~

For dear reader or blog-walkers, i know i've been lack of updating this year or which i like to call it seasonal blogging..i am very sorry and would like to apologize. I have a lot of things and cosmetics which are yet to be blogged about but this year have been really 'adventurous' for me. I'll try to make it up next year. There's a lot of things that i wish to share and review about. like seriously~

before i end this 'end-year' post, i would like to wish all of you HAPPY NEW YEAR and MAY GOD BLESSED US ANOTHER YEAR AHEAD. May all of your wish and resolutions fulfilled this year!

 

Much loves from me~

Isabelle;)

:: ELF Studio Sunscreen Powder and ELF Mineral Blush ::

Earlier of this month , my ELF that i ordered just arrived. This time i purchased two products which are the sunscreen powder and the powder blush.

ELF Mineral Blush and ELF Studio SPF45 Sunscreen powder

:: What it says..::

:: Inside - translucent powder which i think would likely to suit any skin colour:: * i already used the product before i took the picture and reviewed it, thus explain why the puff is dirty..;D

Sunscreen is very important, to prevent skin from further pigmentation or getting dry ( much worse, getting darker or redness or even sunburn). My skin is very sensitive and easily get red when expose to sun which i think is normal if u have super fair skin and lack of melanin pigment. Not only that, it tends to get dark when i exposed to sun for a long time in a long period of time. I've been neglecting about my face when i was a teenager thus now i get the consequences, where my neckline and my face line have different shade and few freckles and pigmentation already shown on my face. 

however, thanks to my own self awareness where i notified sooner when i was in early 20's-mid 20's,that i realised those dark spots and discoloration on my skin n i began to take care of my face by using sunscreen. Yes people, sunscreen! but finding a good sunscreen at the time was difficult because most of it is mainly for body with a very high SPF and the texture are greasy and oily.

Now, there's a lot of product which manufactured for Asian market that mostly contained SPF or UVA/UVB protection thus it is more convenient and hassle-free to look for sunscreen for face. ELF have come out with their own product of sunscreen powder which would be suitable to be used as a finishing powder or loose powder. I use this as a finishing powder. So far, i am pleased with the product because of the high SPF which suitable for Malaysian hot and humid weather, and the staying power - at least it keep my face matte for at least 5 hours before the next touch-up.

:: ELF Mineral Powder Blush ::

:: Pink and Peachy ::

 Swatches::

ELF Mineral line has come out with a new shades as another addition to their powder blush family. There are two new shades which are Pink and Peachy. As a blush- junkies, I was excited.The two colors are my favorite shades. 

However, it was a turn down for me.I am not very happy with the shades because it has shimmer to it - i don't find it is suitable for everyday use and i don't want to enhance or highlight my oily face with its shimmer. The peachy color is so dark and it's more to brown - orange colour rather than pinkish-orange color -where i think it would compliment those who have tanned skin or medium to dark skintone. Oh well~ in the end, i just put it at the end of the drawer - looking for a day where i will grab it and find it useful..*sigh*

so, till then..have a nice day and xoxo;D

:: Dec..i am slowly coming back~~::

Yeap people, i am slowly coming back. November was a wreck month, I can't find a time to blog and not to mentioned, i have a lot of collective hauls dying to be reviewed but i just can't. Everything was taking a toll in my life. Works..works..examm..papers..end year school programmes, arghhh..just about everything ( being an educator is not an easy job, owh please tell me..:/) I rather just read, relax and have my own time than blogging. that's how demotivated i was/am.

I am so sorry for such a long hiatus. I'm not sure if i have an avid reader (s) or anyone aware of what happened in my situation right now but yes, December 2010 is one of THE totally AMAZING month for me this year.. my birthday was a week ago, my Dad's birthday was on last Saturday, Christmas is just around the corner and yes, my wedding bells are ringing soon, like real soon..I am kinda looking forward for this month in the calendar.

I am busy with all of this wedding preparation and doing a lot of things in last minute is really kicking my gear and my kinetic phase to fast-forward phase. Yes, I am anxious, nervous and of course, anticipate for it. And I can't wait for it to come and it's over..

Enough about  lil update..so, since Christmas is just around the corner. Have u made your wishlist yet? Awh yes, i've been thinking and yes, i can't wait to put my monthly salary buying make up again, this wedding thingy for sure eat a lot of my salary and i've been 'fasting' or 'in rehab' from buying anything eversince;(

Let me show a peek of my wish list this xmas...

 #1. I've been thinking of UD Naked Palette lately. At first i was able to hold my temptation since it's just those normal brown or neutral shades. Awhhh i have it and sure can find dupes. I found out about this palette since it was first launced, i think it was somewhere around August huh?? not sure.. but then, i saw a lot of beauty bloggers lemming about this palette and whenever i saw they used the palette somehow it looks nice and i was tempted. I just could not hold my temptation any longer when it shows SOLD OUT and LIMITED EDITION..damnnn~ i just knew i gotta have this palette. So, let just say i found one seller selling this palette and she still one more left..so crossed fingers she will give a good new soon..

#2 Sleek Sparkle i-Divine Palette - Based on my experience with Sleek palette previously, i have no doubt that this palette also would be one of the best palette from Sleek.my only problem would be with this palette is the red color eyeshadow. I just don't know if i can pull a look with that color - or use it as a blush?hehe gliterry blush, emm on second thoughts, nevermind then...

#3 A getaway - I need a break to a very isolated place where i can do whatever i want and just relax, takes off my mind and just enjoy nature gifts. owhhh..so looking forward for the honeymoon..

#4 Good Books : Gregory Maguire's novel - Although i loves make up to the core however i still enjoy reading and good books ( thanks to my degree programme before, it just cultivate my passion for books and reading). Macguire's has been my 'looking-forward' author eversince i got hooked with his books ' Son of A Witch' which u can called a sequel to "The Wizard of Oz' -to what happened to the bad witch after that. For me, his novel is sort of interpretation of Shreck animation in a novel form where happy ending does not necessarily happily ever after and yada yada yada..

 

Wicked - the first volume

Confession of an Ugly Stepsister  - yes, from Cinderella's

and also, i am hooked with this kid lately..

The Wimpy kid - Greg Heffleys by Jeff Kinney

i already read Part 1 and 2..now i am thinking of getting this soon...

- minus 'Rodrick Rules which is #2

and of course the latest one...

oh well, so those are part of my wish list crave. At least not all of it is entirely makeup ( i know i am pleasing someone here)..

have u think of yours already?? i am SURE u have..:D

so till the next post,

xoxo

:: Nail Polishes Haul - OPI & China Glaze ::

Nude/Mannequin-hand shade nail polishes and summer colour nail polishes have become one of my addiction lately~ I can't believe that I have been collecting a numbers of nail polishes this year and the collection is growing...which is scary for me~ Fiancee just shook his head..hehe

Yesterday, my order of OPI and China Glaze have arrived after 2 months of long waiting from MBS~ I am so happy that finally my OPIs are here and since OPI is no longer available via online sales thus ,at the time, it was my only chance to get my hand on few colours (plus it is way cheaper to purchase OPI via online). 

:: it's worth to wait for 15 nail polishes!!::

:: haha..don't be surprised that all my OPI colours are all almost the same..blame on the nude/mannequin shade fever!::

So, for this post i made an exclusive swatches for you..

OPI : 1

:: From L to R : Have a Tempura Tan-Trum, Miso Happy With This Color, Tickle My France-y, Dulce de Leche, Polar Bare::

:: Applied 2 coats: - thumb - : Have a Tempura Tan-Trum, Index - Miso Happy With This Color, Middle - Tickle My France-y, Ring - Dulce de Leche, Pinkie - Polar Bare ::

These shades are more to nude and mannequin hand shade. It's hard to define the color precisely as some of it look beige, pale brown, pale pink, peachy pink, grey-ish etc..so, i don't dare to justify or define the color firmly but can be seen from the swatches:

alert!:: color justification is based solely on MY OWN OPINION.. it might differs from yours opinion

Have a Tempura Tan-Trum - beige. It looks kinda pale on my nail and not really suits my skin color.

Miso Happy With This Color - beige-pinky. I loves this shade because it's really nice color. I would let you know why i heart this shade by the end of this post;)

Tickle My France-y - Greyish with slight brown-pink hue.I kind of hate this color initially because i saw some of the swatches, it looks really ugly. But then, once i applied it..i started to like it and it turns out not that bad.

Dulce de Leche - light brown with mauve. This shade kind of similar with Revlon 'Touch of Mauve' but this one appear slightly darker than it.

Polar Bare - Peach! yup, that's it! 

OPI 2:

:: From L to R : Coney Island Cotton Candy, Canberra't Without You, Malaysian Mist, Fair Drinkum Pinkum, It's a Girl ::

:: Applied 2 coats :- thumb - Canberra't Without You, Index - Coney Island Cotton Candy, Middle - Malaysian Mist, Ring - Fair Drinkum Pinkum, Pinkie - It's a Girl! ::

:: Up close view...*ignore the color that spread at cuticle::

This 5 shades are more to sheer finish and suitable as base for french manicure. 

Canberra't Without You - light beige with small silver glitter specs

Coney Island Cotton Candy - milky beige color, really sheer

Malaysian Mist - sheer soft peach ..* i bought this simply because it named after 'Malaysian'..hehe and turn out, the color is pretty good in peach! I loves this shade;) 

Fair Drinkum Pinkum - the name of this polish remind me fairy-thingy and it's so sweet. it's a light pink with a small glitter specs, like Canberra't Without You and remind me of fairy, ballerina and tutu skirt;)

It's a Girl - sweet baby pink and it's sheer, true to its name..this color would be great for french manicure base and it makes nail looks healthy. Among my favorite shades as well~

Overall, I am happy with all my OPI orders although all of it categorized in a same color chart (but who could blame nude/mannequi/sheer polishes that never go outdated)! Oh well, since some of the shades are difficult to find here in Malaysia, so I am not really regretting my purchase. Plus, OPI retail price here in Malaysia is too expensive..RM50-60++, OMG! But i got mine through online purchase for only RM 27! Half of the price..talk about a good bargain here!;)

CHINA GLAZE

:: From L to R : Agent Lavender, Light As Air, Something Sweet, For Audrey, Flip Flop Fantasy::

:: Applied 2 coats:- thumbs - Agent Lavender, Index - Light As Air, Middle - Something Sweet, Ring - For Audrey, Pinkie - Flip Flop Fantasy::

:: Up close view...*ignore the over-spread color to the cuticle::

 For China Glaze, I wanted to play with colorful shades and yes, i am liking purple/lilac color! Owh dear, what a wonderful world of colors!!;D

Agent Lavender - yes, pretty lavender color! it's kind of similar to Light as Air but a bit darker.

Light As Air - bluish lilac color;) it's hard to distinguish it from Agent Lavender, but this one lighter..let me show the pic..

[click on the page to enlarge]

Something Sweet - bubblegum soft pink..in the bottle it looks like a soft purple-pink shade, however it turns out so pink..i don't know if i can style this shade though, bubblegum pink not really loves me tho~ emm

For Audrey - i don't know how to define this shade, it's in between pastel green, turquoise, minty green..ya, it's somewhere there. This shade is so refreshing and the color is really pretty!

Flip Flop Fantasy -  this is neon pink and it's cool! and it's matte finish on nails. Haha.. well, gonna wear this shade when the time is right~~;DD

Last but not least,

here is OPI shade I am wearing now... I am so loving this nude color,

:: ya~...Miso Happy With This Color ;) ::

however, i start to get that 'meh~' feeling... it's kinda bored then (after 2nd day)

so, hopefully this post really helpful for those who loves nude/ mannequin-hand shades;)

till the next post,

xoxo