I want to start April by leaving some old stuff behind. I used up quite a few things since the last Empties post, and I want to share with you. There are a few makeup items I devoured – pretty happy there! So, let’s start with makeup

Out of the 5 items shown here, all are eye products except one. I actually used up a lip product. Such a feat I tell you! I have been talking a lot about the Lunasol Full Glamour Liquid Lips, and I have finally used the last drop. Next please! You can see 2 brow products here, one is a brow pencil by Empro and another is a liquid brow pen by Suqqu. I have been enjoying my Empro brow pencils for a few years, and this is my 5th one, if I’m not mistaken. That was BEFORE I discovered Shu Uemura. While this brow pencil is good, I find it softer compared to Shu Uemura. This one feels more waxy while the Shu Uemura hard pencil fills in my brows in a more natural way.

The Suqqu liquid brow pen is a dream to work with. It is easy, soft and subtle, making it quite hard to go wrong, really. However, it dries up rather quickly, making it a hefty investment. I might have bought it for GBP20, which is equivalent to RM100. While the effect is pretty good, I don’t think it’s worth the price. There are others out there which do just as well, with a lower price tag. The mini mascara from Dior is a gift and it’s a Diorshow mascara. It volumises amazingly, and after 3 months of use, it’s time to say bye bye. I don’t grow attached to any mascaras and while this has been great to my lashes, I am now enjoying others which are good too. Last but not least, my eye liner duo by Urban Decay. It came with the Naked palette that I got nearly 2 years ago. It has served me well. Both shades Zero and Whiskey are very versatile.

I have talked about all these skincare products before.

Kiehl’s UV Defense (This is actually my second tube. However, now I find it a little too moisturizing compared to Shiseido UV Perfect which is so comfortable on my skin)

Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential (I use this under my eye cream. I’m still using this. My HG!)

Kanebo Lip Fresh (Don’t know about repurchasing. Probably won’t)

Clarins White Plus Intensive Whitening Smoothing Serum (It was a duo and I’m half way through the second bottle!)

Are there any items you used up recently?

xoxo Lily

The Diorshow Art Pen is a sharp felt tip pen that is flexible for both thick and fine lines. When you apply less pressure, you can get the thinnest line ever. With a bit of pressure, you can get a more dramatic line. To achieve the perfect cat eye with a pointy wing, this is what I reach for. The felt tip is so sharp that I don’t have any problems with it. If you are new to liquid eye liners, it can be a bit tricky. The felt tip pen is not too stiff, but it does have a bit of give. Compared to L’Oreal’s felt tip eyeliner pen, I prefer this. The tip is much more pointy, and it doesn’t move around too much, unlike the L’Oreal’s. If you compare this to MAC’s Penultimate Liquid eyeliner, Dior’s Art Pen is less stiff and hard. For me, the Art Pen is just right. It’s not so stiff that it scratches my eye and it has just the right give so that I can still have 100% control over it. It also has a glossy finish so if it’s not your taste, just use a matte black powder over it. This Art Pen is NOT waterproof so you can just rinse it away. It stays the whole day on my lash line, but if I were to apply a very thick line, the fold of my normal / oily lids and all the blinking will smudge it away. To make it stay, setting it with a black eye shadow does the trick for me.

The Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara has a big V-curled wand with long and short bristles. It catches all my lashes with just one scoop of the wand. I was definitely impressed. I think it would work better for those with larger eyes and longer lashes. Mine are of medium length, but I still have to exercise this with care. The mascara is easily transferred onto my lids if I’m not careful. However, Dior has a “magic pen” that will erase it with ease. I will talk about that another day. This mascara leaves my lashes soft and long, and it volumizes in just 2 coats. The formula of this mascara works well on my lashes and it keeps the curl nearly the whole day.

Here is a before after photo for you to see the difference. On the left is my bare eye and curled lashes. See how fine the lashes are? On your right, I lined my eyes very thinly and then I thickened the line as it goes out. I only applied two coats of the mascara. Can you see how much it volumizes? You can see my lashes THROUGH the eyeliner. For me, it’s good enough already. I like doing this for an every day look. You’ll be surprised how much more awake I look with just these 2 products. Makes my eyes look bigger too, don’t you think?

The Art Pen retails for RM105 and the Iconic Overcurl Mascara retails for RM110. Have you tried these yet? Have you tried my simple technique to get defined eyes?

xoxo Lily

The Cherie Bow Palette comes in a slim bow like case, with plastic flip top and metal base. Its design is simplistic, and sweet at the same time. The 3 colours of the case, coincidentally, are very similar to what we have inside. We open the case, to find 3 eye shadows, 1 black liner and a lip gloss hidden in the flip top divider. Dior has made this design theirs, and like I’ve said many times before, it’s great. There are 2 applicators inside the palette, and I usually throw these away. For this palette, in particular, I find the applicators rather unhelpful.

The 3 eye shadows are shimmery white, pale pink and a warmer candy pink. The black cream liner is actually a soft black, not a fully opaque black. The complementary lip gloss is a peachy pink, which don’t show up much on my lips at all.

These eye shadows are difficult to pick up with the sponge applicators. They are also difficult to swatch using fingers. They feel hard on the surface, and lack the soft buttery feel of their quints. However, when picked up with a brush, there isn’t any problem! All the shades go on my lids smoothly. There is minimal fallout only with the shimmery white shade, while the other two are pigmented and easily worn on the lids for a brightening effect. The cream liner doesn’t transfer on my lids, and I like to use black eyeshadow to press over the liner. I like my blacks to be really black, not soft.

I have done a look using this palette, and I will show it to you in my next post. While the palette is not something I’d pick for myself, it does provide a variety in my stash. The quality is good (when using eye brushes!), the packaging is girly, and when worn, eyes look angelic. Yes, angelic, wide eyed, bright eyed Stay tuned for that post!

This is my last review of Dior’s Cherie Bow collection. Did anything catch your fancy? Have you picked up anything? My recommendation would be the blush. Go for Tender Coral…. my fave

xoxo Lily

I was sent 2 shades: 840 Ballerina Pink and 060 Grey Sigh. The Twinset eye shadow is one of my lemmings because I was excited about the concept and it’s something new from Dior. One end of this pen is a sponge tip that picks up powder, and the other end is a thick pencil. This concept is not unlike the Shiseido Macquillage brow pencil I’m used to, where one end is a fine brow pencil, and the other end a sponge applicator with brow powder. This Twinset eyeshadow is just a fatter version.

I actually like this concept very much because it is very convenient, and I can just chuck this in my makeup bag and I’ll have a liner cum shadow. I find the powder to be like talcum. It doesn’t adhere to my skin very well. The powder is very light and airy, and there must be a base for it to stick to. That is why we have the other end of the pen. I use this thick liner as a base, applying it all over my lid before setting with powder. It actually applies very smooth without tugging my lids. This Twinset eye shadow is a bit on a sheer side, but pigmentation is buildable.

While the concept is there, the performance of the product is lacking. Even with primed lids, there is substantial sign of fading and creasing by the second hour. My lids are normal / oily (not too oily) and usually, Dior eye shadows stay on my lids for at least 4 hours even without any primer. That’s why I’m so disappointed. I LOVE how Grey Sigh looks on my lids, but I just can’t get it to stay fresh. I used the liner on my bottom lash line, and after a few hours, it’s completely gone. I think I applied it correctly, and the last time I checked, my makeup skill is a little above average >.< You can see how Grey Sigh looks on my lids here.

To be honest, I haven’t been using these much because after 3 tries and NOT getting them to work at all, I gave up. Is there anyone out there who don’t mind having these? Let me know. Maybe they will work better on you. I’m sorry, Dior. It’s not you. It’s my sometimes oily lids, I think. Still, I want these to work on me! Imagine the thrill of finally being able to try these babies, and then find out that they do not work at all. So sad *sob* *pout* *wail* So, to complete the title, it should be “Tried, Tested and… Trashed Archived”. I don’t throw away makeup just because they don’t work, OK? Perhaps I can still use it if I know I’ll only be out for an hour. Eye makeup will stay fresh that way! Hahahaha

Anyhoooo, I shall retire now… and dream about my version of the perfect Twinset

ps: Dear Dior, can you please try again with better formula? Pleeeeeeeeeeeease?

xoxo Lily

For me, the most important would be my base makeup. I have been loving this combo and I’ve been using it religiously. I apply the Bobbi Brown BB Cream on my entire face and dab on some RMS ‘un’ cover up where needed. With my ring finger, I dab some Raspberry on my cheeks, and set everything with this Dior face powder. It is not cakey, it doesn’t make me look oily. Some pigmentation spots still show, but that’s how I’ve always preferred it. Erm, excuse the dirty sponge. I sometimes put a powder brush in the bag because I prefer to dust some powder on.

When the base is done, I’d curl my lashes with Lunasol lash curler, tightline my eyes and apply 2 coats of mascara. When I have more time, I would dab on some eye shadow. At the moment, the one in my bag is Dior Twinset Grey Sigh because I’m testing the wear. Otherwise, I’d leave it like that. Brows must be filled in and I’ve been using this Empro brow pencil for the last few months because I really want to use it up. I’d finish the look by dabbing some Raspberry on my lips. Minimal makeup, yes. At least I don’t look like the undead -_-

In my handbag, I always have a lipstick for touch ups. At the moment, it’s Dior Addict Extreme Black Tie. I change this quite frequently. What about you? Do you keep any makeup in your office? What makeup goodies do you have in your handbag?

xoxo Lily

I’ve reviewed Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex here. It was sad to see it go because of the hefty price tag for repurchasing. Darn my skin and its expensive taste. Not doing my wallet any good.

I haven’t talked about this before, but Bobbi Brown makes a pretty good conditioning brush cleanser. This tube has been with me for 2 years and I’m only using it up now. You squeeze some of this clear liquid into a cup, fill in some water, swirl your dirty brushes in there, rinse them with clean water and voila! Clean brushes with really soft hair. It is good for brushes with natural hair, those you use for powder products. I’m afraid this isn’t strong enough for your foundation or concealer brushes.

The Eyeko Grafitti Eyeliner Pen was good while it lasted. I didn’t use it for a few months, and when I decided to use it again, it dried on me. Dry like a desert, but it’s been more than a year. It was good to know you!

The gold tube of Lunasol Treatment Mascara Base is good stuff. While it conditions lashes, it does great things to short fine Asian lashes. It adds volume and length, so any crappy mascara you use later does a magnificent job. However, it is rather pricey, so I’ll just look for a more affordable base. This stayed with me for about a year already, so it’s time to go.

The L’Oreal mascara has also outlived its life span. It’s been with me for more than 6 months already, so it’s time to go. It has dried up a little and I find I have to do a lot more to get it to work. I’m too lazy for that. Next please!

What have you used up this month?

xoxo Lily

Look at how the bag blings! I probably have no use for it, but just looking at it gives me that festive feeling Anyway, let’s get to the goodies. You get a few full sized items which are absolutely fabulous. Others are deluxe sample sizes and they are the best of Lancôme, which include:

• Bi-facil 125ml (reviewed here)
• Maqui Miracle Liquid Foundation PO-03 5ml
• Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara
• Color Design Golden Frenzy Palette
• Mini L’absolu Rouge 363
• Mini Color Fever Gloss 321
• Mini Crayon Khol
• Gold Champagne Vanity Case
• Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl™ 5ml
• Visionnaire Serum 7ml
• UV Expert BB Complete Shade 1 30ml
• Blush Subtil Rose 20
• Mini L’absolu Nu 365
• Trésor in Love EDP 5ml
• 3pc Brush Set with Elegant Pouch

The 3 brushes aren’t too bad at all. I thought they would scratch like most holiday sets would, but they are actually surprisingly usable! I mean, don’t have any high hopes of them being soft and luxurious, but I don’t mind them at all. Below are some swatches for you to see.

I will review the skincare products in due time, but I’m just really happy to get this deal Check it out before they’re all gone. These are limited edition after all!

xoxo Lily

I finally decided on the set with black pouch. The lip and nail colours are of a deep classy red and the blush is quite neutral. I was also attracted to the bright pink blush in the metal pouch set, but I wasn’t feeling the rest. Here are the photos, together with the press photos of the other sets for comparison purposes.

My 8-item set includes:

1. Black pouch designed by Michael Kors for Estee Lauder
2. Deluxe Blush Compact in 74 Soulful Spice (left), 09 Brazen Bronze (middle), 10 Lover’s Blush (right)
3. Blush brush
4. Pure Color gloss in 15 Garnet Desire (4.6ml)
5. Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in 74 Cherry Passion (full size)
6. Pure Color Nail Lacquer in 03 Enchanted Garnet (5ml)
7. Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner 01 Blackened Black (mini pencil)
8. Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara 01 Extreme Black (mini mascara)

All of them are for keeps except for item number 3. The bristles are coarse and rough and very scratchy. So really, it’s a seven item set. Here are the swatches for you, and I will definitely wear them all for a FOTD soon

This photo above is when I wish I had a better camera so picture would appear less grainy!

This set is available at RM200 when you make a purchase of RM150 and above. I initially went to restock my eye cream, and I came home with an extra set. I have seen the other holiday sets by Estee Lauder, and these 3 sets are by far the most attractive to me. You can build a complete look with it. All you need is your own base and brow products.

Have you seen them yet? If you’re going shopping tomorrow, I suggest you take a peek. This is quite a nice one

xoxo Lily

The palette, when closed, is held together by the eye pencil. I think it is a very clever mechanism! Take the eye liner away, open it and prepare to be amazed by the glitz and glamour in the palette. The eye shadow duo is absolutely gorgeous to look at! The practicality in me asks if I’d use the gold and silver shadows much, but they are an eye candy.

There are 2 glosses in the palette, covered by a flip top lid. This is no stranger to Dior’s palettes, and I adore it that much more. This prevents powders from sticking onto the gloss and this little detail makes the palette that much more appealing. There are also 2 applicators in the palette, but I don’t usually use these. Most of the time, I chuck them out and use my own brushes instead. Below is a close up of the eye shadow. Look at the details.

The gold, when swatched, is surprisingly warmer and darker than what it looks like in the pan. The silver is not as light either. The gloss that looks white in the palette actually has little golden sparkles, and the red is sheer. The eye liner is surprisingly pigmented, and it stays on my lashline without smudging.

Natural day light

With flash

I will create a look using this palette, and I most likely will re-create the pictures from the press release. This palette is a treat for your eyes and if you love collecting limited edition items, this is a must have. However, the price point makes you do a double take, especially if you want to make the most out of this palette. I don’t use gold or silver eye shadows every day, probably only at night or on special occasions. So, no, I won’t be using this much (probably just the eye liner though). If you’re looking for an eye shadow palette, I do recommend looking at their Fairy Golds or Night Golds. That said, I have been adding some gold to my brown eye shadows and it makes me look so awake. In the end, it really depends on how you use it.

Have you checked this out yet? Which Holiday Collection caught your attention this year?

xoxo Lily

My first impression when I saw this packaging is that the liner looks like Eiffel Tower. I don’t know, it may be the tall tip, it might just be me. A very handy concept to this packaging is that you also get the eye liner brush attached to the cap. All you have to do is detach the brush from the cap, flip it so the brush is facing out and stick it back. See picture below for the brush. I have to say though, brush aside, this cap is *darned* difficult to open. You twist the cap to get to the gel inside, but maybe it’s because of the tiny circumference or my huge fingers, it’s very difficult to twist. My fingers kept slipping all the time.

See what I mean by the pot being tiny? It’s just too cute. The opening of the tub is even smaller. I tried putting my fingers in. Fit just nice without much room to move. My thumb couldn’t even get in. So I dug in, using the brush, literally, and below is the swatch of 002 Brown. It is more of an ashy brown which I like. It goes on very natural on my lash line. I tight lined my eyes with this, and I’m happy to report that the gel liner does not stray. It stays on for the whole day, impressive staying power. It did not irritate my eyes either.

All good things must come to an end. I have a hard time drawing a line without re-dipping. With my Bobbi Brown or MAC gel liners, I can draw one full line with just one swipe. This one, I can’t. I have to re-dip at least 3 times to get the result I wanted. I could overlook the little tub that I find inconvenient (albeit cute), but the fact that it dries before I could finish lining ONE eye really pushes all the wrong buttons. I find it a hassle to dip, draw half a cm, dip, draw another half, dip, finish the line. Can you feel my frustration? Maybe I’m just all sorts of a fussy hussy

In that swatch above, I think you could see that by the end of that lopsided ‘Z’, the gel liner is already less pigmented and already drying. If only Revlon could make this gel more emollient, where I could finish lining my eye in one smooth swipe. I could have loved it. A pity, really.

Have you tried Revlon Colorstay Gel Eyeliner? Did it work for you? Any good drugstore gel liners to recommend?

xoxo Lily