SHINE, SHIMMER & SPARKLE

Hello!

A little while ago I was part of a feature in TODAY daily newspaper on Foundations - the story was entitled A Work Of Art and featured a wide range of foundation shades.

The article aimed to show readers that there now is a wider range of foundations available in our stores to suit a wide variety of skintones - previously, MAC, Bobbi Brown and Make Up For Ever were the major brands that brought in a wider variety of shades. Recently, the arrival of Burberry Beauty with 13 shades of foundation, Laura Mercier with a good handful of shades, Becca with mind-boggling variety, there are so many more to pick from. 

The article also featured a chart of skin shades so that readers could try to gauge where they belonged - I liked how the chart was more nuanced than just very fair, fair, medium and deep which seems to be the most common way skintones are often described.

Here is a closer look at what foundations were used on me for that article:

The lipstick used in that photo was Maybelline Color Sensational in Crazy For Coffee, featured HERE

In real life, I also use the same shades in Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder. I thought I'd do an extension of this article and feature all my base products in a series of entries and I start off with my foundations in this first installment.

These are the foundations I currently rotate - I missed out the Benefit Oxygen Wow foundation in this shot though.

Let's take a closer look at everything.

The Burberry Beauty Sheer Finish Foundation in No.10 is my current favourite for its creamy texture, dewy finish and accurate shade for me. It is one of the few foundations I can use on it's own without mixing any other shades in. I also love it for the ease of application.

In Singapore, there are 3 more shades deeper than No.10.

Click HERE for my review

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Next up, another new foundation which I have been using off and on is the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in Amber. This has a much lighter coverage than some of the other foundations in my  stash. For this, I can either use it on its own or mixed with the teeniest drop of my Laura Mercier shade. This has a nice glowy, luminous finish.

In Singapore, there are 2 more shades deeper than Amber.

Click HERE for my review

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One of my favourites in terms of longevity is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Warm Bronze. This has great texture and a very smooth matte finish which lasts for long hours. Unfortunately, Warm Bronze is a little too deep for my skintone - from application itself, it has a more brown, caramel look about it. Nonetheless, I can adjust the shade by mixing a lighter shade in it - I don't need to adjust it too drastically which is great because I still enjoy the long-wearing properties of this foundation.

I just realised that I never really reviewed this foundation - I've mentioned it numerous times on this blog as part of the makeup breakdown in looks though - I've been using it since last March and I've gone through quite a few bottles already. Since I use this primarily to mix with other shades, I prefer to use a pump with it for easier and more accurate mixing - the foundation pump from MAC fits the neck of this bottle perfectly (you might have to trim a little off the tube though).

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This is the Laura Mercier foundation I'm enamoured with - Laura Mercier Moisture Supreme Foundation in Golden Beige.

I love pairing this with the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Warm Bronze in a 1:2 ratio respectively.

This has a thinner texture as compared to the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation which makes this a perfect partner - the resultant texture is smooth, creamy and spreads very easily on skin. Laura Mercier's Golden Beige looks a little deep in the bottle but is lighter when pumped out - there is this golden-yellow tone to it that makes it great for illuminating the visage.

Golden Beige is the second deepest shade available in Singapore - there is yet a more brown-toned shade, Rich Sienna.

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Make Up Forever Mat Velvet Foundations are also known to be long-wearing foundations like the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundations. I initially bought 65 but stopped wearing it after I found it to oxidise a tad brown on me - I very recently bought 55 to mix into it. I like the texture and finish - smooth and rather matte and it lasts relatively long on me. However, since these are not pump foundations but smooth, viscous formulas that pour out easily from the spout, eyeballing the accurate mix needs a little practice. 

The MUFE Mat Velvet foundations have several other deeper shades (it goes up to 90).

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And finally, I have Guerlain Lingerie de Peau in 24

I made a mistake with this purchase actually - I think I'm supposed to have bought 23 instead, which is wee bit lighter and yellower. I love the texture of this foundation - it's very smooth-flowing and hydrating and skin feels so comfortable when I use this. I sometimes mix a little Laura Mercier Golden Beige into this or I use this to play with light.

This bit about playing with light - I learnt it from Makeup Maestro Larry Yeo (who did the makeup for the TODAY article) and I've also read other makeup artists like Scott Barnes talk about it. Deeper skintones sometimes require more than just one foundation shade - looking at the mirror with no makeup on, I can see that my forehead, nose and the front of my chin and the tops of my cheekbones are slightly lighter. Hence,  like what is written in the article, I can use a slightly lighter, more luminous foundation on these areas and then fill the face with a shade that's closer to my skintone. I can go a step further and contour with an even deeper shade.

Using this same logic, I often use the Guerlain Lingerie de Peau around the jawline and blend it down towards the neck - its a little deeper but the fluid texture makes it blend very well around these areas. 

The technique of playing with light and using different shades of foundation to contour - it takes a little time and practice to get it the way it's supposed to be and it also has to be done in a room with good lighting so you can see exactly how it looks. I do it sometimes but more often than not, I just use one shade (either alone or mixed for colour accuracy) and then contour a little with the Guerlain Lingerie de Peau around the sides of the face and below the jawline. I also use a powder contour - Bobbi Brown's matte bronzer in Dark.

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Here are a couple more shots from the TODAY article shoot - it was nerve-wrecking for me because I had dear Larry looking really closely at my bare skin (which was quite spotty around the chin at that time) and then the camera and the lights - the photographer, Jason, was very very nice and made me feel comfortable. The chaps who did my hair - Alvin and his friend - and Larry were all very chatty and chirpy and that put me at ease too :) It was fun and very very memorable. 

All the foundation laid out for use - so neat and organised! They were also recording the specific products used for all of us to ensure no mix-ups.

The very simple set - everything was to be clean, white, neutral.

And here's how the makeup looked in real life - pretty much similar to how it looked in the print version of the TODAY newspaper - the online version looked very different (the lipstick looked almost purple!). Larry snapped this shot with his phone. 

A lot of folks told me I looked very different - I think it's the very neutral eye! I liked it though - very clean and simple. And I loved the contouring around the cheeks!

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Thanks again to Larry for the lovely makeup and everyone on the set for making me feel so comfortable. Also thanks to all my chums who were excited for me :)

Thanks for stopping by and hope you found this useful! The next installment in this series will feature Concealer, Corrector and my Concealer brushes :)

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Disclaimer: All products featured in this post were purchased with my own money. I am not affiliated to any of the brands mentioned.

Hello!

I NEED to do this .. I NEED to use all my eyeshadow palettes which I've been buying buying buying because they look so pretty and feel so good ... I've used them occasionally but they need to be used and showcased more often!

That's not the entire lot - there's more from where THAT came from ....

So I thought I'd do Palettes-A-Plenty - where I shall use and focus on the virtues of one palette (multi-shade, quint, quad or duo) in each entry. I'm starting off this series with one of the palettes I reach for pretty often - Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs Les Aquas which premiered for Guerlain Spring 2012.

A sleek gold compact encases 4 complementary eyeshadows in slate grey (satin finish), deep cobalt  (shimmer), golden aqua (shimmer) and silver (high-shine frost). 

I love how the aqua shade has such a golden tone about it - it makes this an amazing shade to blend with gold. The shimmer is also not too dominant so I like using it in the outer crease and blend the gold highlight shade into it. 

My favourite is of course the blue - it is rich and deep but there's a brightness about it too - it has blue pearl in it that gives it some oomph when worn. 

All the 4 eyeshadows in this palette can be worn either dry or wet - I prefer using them w a damp brush because it just makes the colours pop a little more. Using them with a damp brush does not leave a wet spot on the eyeshadow.

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I just wanted to point out the weight of the newer packaging - although the older quads have smaller compacts and smaller looking eyeshadow pans (like Bronze Doré on the left), both the new and old palettes weigh in at a hefty 7.2gms - each individual eyeshadow in the quad is a generous 1.8gm. 

Notice how Bronze Doré is brand new?

See how badly I need to do this Palettes-A-Plenty?

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Among all the new palettes I have, I reach for this a little more often - I've gotten a couple of people asking me what eyeshadow I'm using when I wear this out. More often than not, I use the deep blue and aqua combination, although I've used the silver and slate grey occasionally.

In this look, I've done exactly that - I focused more on the blue and aqua shades, keeping the look Les Aquas :)

See the blue pearl in the deep blue shade? It reflects light beautifully. And I love how the aqua blends into the gold.

I've used this palette with both deeper and lighter lipsticks and I think both work well. 

Base: Olay White Radiance Sunblock; Smashbox Photofinish Hydrating Primer; Burberry Sheer Foundation in #10; Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage in SC-7, Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Golden Orange

Eyes: MUFE Aqua Cream #20 (sheered out as base); Guerlain Les Aquas (deep blue on lids, golden aqua on outer crease and beyond); Inglot AMC Shine 26 (gold highlight); Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Eyeliner; Clio Gelpresso in Navy Chic (waterline)

Mascara: Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

Cheeks: MAC Fleur Power; Guerlain Cruel Gardenia

Lips: MUFE Rouge Artist Intense in 29

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In the second look, everything is more or less the same, except the lips and cheeks

Base: Olay White Radiance Sunblock; Smashbox Photofinish Hydrating Primer; Burberry Sheer Foundation in #10; Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage in SC-7, Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Golden Orange

Eyes: MUFE Aqua Cream #20 (sheered out as base); Guerlain Les Aquas (deep blue on lids, golden aqua on outer crease and beyond); Inglot AMC Shine 26 (gold highlight); Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Eyeliner; Clio Gelpresso in Navy Chic (waterline)

Mascara: Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

Cheeks: Illamasqua Hussy; Bobbi Brown Cranberry (as a cheek contour) Guerlain Cruel Gardenia

Lips: Guerlain Shine Automatique in 263 A La Parisienne

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I really love Les Aquas - for someone like me, who loves blues, Les Aquas is a great combination of shades although one part of me wishes the slate grey was more of a shimmer or frost finish as opposed to a satin finish. Nonetheless, all the 4 shades in this palette are immensely workable - smooth, pigmented and the blues are gorgeous. 

I've been swatching and you know what? Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs Les Gris is very very pretty also ... #justsaying.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fab friday!

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Disclaimer: Guerlain eyeshadow palette featured was provided for consideration. All other products were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.

Hello!

I've been using the recently launched Guerlain Shine Automatique in #263 A La Parisienne for a little while and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on it. 

The idea behind Shine Automatique is bold colour that is sheer - a little of a contradiction yes? But that is exactly what Guerlain wanted to achieve - the idea of vibrant, joyful hues in a crystalline, sparkling formula for a luminous, brilliant pout.

And Guerlain wants this bouquet of luminous kisses to be loved by everyone - Shine Automatique is available in a 4 different shade families of Red, Orange, Pink, and Beige - a shade for every season, time of the day and mood.

Let's look at some random swatches of the shades available

See the way it catches and reflects light? I love the reds - I think these glossy, crystalline reds are a great way to wear a red without feeling the full on force of a red lipstick which can sometimes feel intimidating. 

I like the packaging - a sleek gold tube which you can open and close with just one finger.

I know - the swatches above look a tad sheer for a lipstick that looks so bright in the tube so I too was wondering how it would look on my lips. My upper lip is slightly more pigmented than my lower lip so very sheer lipsticks need more work on me.

Eyes: GA ETK in Obsidian Black & Madre Perla

Cheeks: MAC Fleur Power & Guerlain Cruel Gardenia

I'm using A La Parisienne (#263) which is the iconic shade in the range - it is a warm pink that borders on red although it looks scarily fuchsia in the tube. 

I'm using it on its own, only having lined the outer rim of my lips, like I do with the rest of my lipsticks. It covers the deeper pigmentation on the upper lip well, as well as the freckle on my lower left lip. So I totally get Guerlain's point of having colour as well as that crystalline sheerness - which is a refreshing change from the much thicker, opaque lipsticks I always reach for.

Here's what I like about the lipstick:

• It has adequate pigmentation to cover my natural lip shade evenly

• It applies smoothly without any grit despite it having micro-sparkles

• It feels really soft on lips - it doesn't cake or feel like a layer

• The colour can be layered on for greater intensity

• It doubles up as a glossy topper over other lipsticks

• It has the crystalline shine of gloss but it is NOT STICKY at all

• I love the one-finger operational packaging - works fab in restrooms where there's no place to put your bag down and fumble with everything

• It has a classic "lipstick" scent but it doesn't bother me and goes away after a while

Maybe this isn't even a point of contention - it lasted through a meal for me. But ALL my lipsticks last through meals for me - which irritates my Mom and Amy especially, to no end. I often don't really have to reaply lipstick after a meal - think it's just the way I eat. Well, unless its burgers :P

One thing I must add - because of the high level of shine and micro-sparkles, you MUST exfoliate and moisturise your lips before wearing the lipstick - the glimmer will highlight chapped and flaky skin which isn't what we want.

The only one thing that isn't so friendly is the price - it retails at SGD$51, and is slightly more expensive than Chanel and Dior but Guerlain is unapologetically luxurious and a treat. 

I'm really eyeing the red - I think it was #220 that I liked - but I swore that I will finish at least 3/4 of some other lipstick in my stash before I think of buying another so #220 (or is it #221? Now I'm not sure) will have to wait. Perhaps as a Diwali or Christmas present for myself? :P

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Thanks for stopping by and hope you found the review useful

******************************************************

Disclaimer: Product featured was sent to me for consideration. I am not affiliated to Guerlain and all opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone. 

Hello!

I've been using the recently launched Guerlain Shine Automatique in #263 A La Parisienne for a little while and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on it. 

The idea behind Shine Automatique is bold colour that is sheer - a little of a contradiction yes? But that is exactly what Guerlain wanted to achieve - the idea of vibrant, joyful hues in a crystalline, sparkling formula for a luminous, brilliant pout.

And Guerlain wants this bouquet of luminous kisses to be loved by everyone - Shine Automatique is available in a 4 different shade families of Red, Orange, Pink, and Beige - a shade for every season, time of the day and mood.

Let's look at some random swatches of the shades available

See the way it catches and reflects light? I love the reds - I think these glossy, crystalline reds are a great way to wear a red without feeling the full on force of a red lipstick which can sometimes feel intimidating. 

I like the packaging - a sleek gold tube which you can open and close with just one finger.

I know - the swatches above look a tad sheer for a lipstick that looks so bright in the tube so I too was wondering how it would look on my lips. My upper lip is slightly more pigmented than my lower lip so very sheer lipsticks need more work on me.

Eyes: GA ETK in Obsidian Black & Madre Perla

Cheeks: MAC Fleur Power & Guerlain Cruel Gardenia

I'm using A La Parisienne (#263) which is the iconic shade in the range - it is a warm pink that borders on red although it looks scarily fuchsia in the tube. 

I'm using it on its own, only having lined the outer rim of my lips, like I do with the rest of my lipsticks. It covers the deeper pigmentation on the upper lip well, as well as the freckle on my lower left lip. So I totally get Guerlain's point of having colour as well as that crystalline sheerness - which is a refreshing change from the much thicker, opaque lipsticks I always reach for.

Here's what I like about the lipstick:

• It has adequate pigmentation to cover my natural lip shade evenly

• It applies smoothly without any grit despite it having micro-sparkles

• It feels really soft on lips - it doesn't cake or feel like a layer

• The colour can be layered on for greater intensity

• It doubles up as a glossy topper over other lipsticks

• It has the crystalline shine of gloss but it is NOT STICKY at all

• I love the one-finger operational packaging - works fab in restrooms where there's no place to put your bag down and fumble with everything

• It has a classic "lipstick" scent but it doesn't bother me and goes away after a while

Maybe this isn't even a point of contention - it lasted through a meal for me. But ALL my lipsticks last through meals for me - which irritates my Mom and Amy especially, to no end. I often don't really have to reaply lipstick after a meal - think it's just the way I eat. Well, unless its burgers :P

One thing I must add - because of the high level of shine and micro-sparkles, you MUST exfoliate and moisturise your lips before wearing the lipstick - the glimmer will highlight chapped and flaky skin which isn't what we want.

The only one thing that isn't so friendly is the price - it retails at SGD$51, and is slightly more expensive than Chanel and Dior but Guerlain is unapologetically luxurious and a treat. 

I'm really eyeing the red - I think it was #220 that I liked - but I swore that I will finish at least 3/4 of some other lipstick in my stash before I think of buying another so #220 (or is it #221? Now I'm not sure) will have to wait. Perhaps as a Diwali or Christmas present for myself? :P

******************************************************

Thanks for stopping by and hope you found the review useful

******************************************************

Disclaimer: Product featured was sent to me for consideration. I am not affiliated to Guerlain and all opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone. 

Hi!

In addition to the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush and the Meteorites Perles d'Azur (both featured HERE), the other item in this amazing collection that I was immediately drawn to was the Terracotta Vernis in Riviera. The stock for this was rather delayed in all the Guerlain counters and the moment I was notified of its arrival, I zoomed down to pick it up! I just HAD to have this electric indigo lacquer!

Maybe I missed it, but I don't quite recall Guerlain doing nail lacquers before. The bottle has a very simple design - a uniformly-cylindrical bottle with a wooden cap, emblazoned with the Guerlain insignia. The wooden cap, though big, didn't get in my way or result in clumsy painting.

Formula-wise, my bottle of Riviera was smooth and flowed easily across the nail and 2 coats gave me complete even coverage. For a metallic finish, I didn't quite notice obvious, streaky brush-strokes.  My experience is rather markedly different from Temptalia's where she noted a thicker texture and a little more pronounced brushstrokes

So the texture worked out well. And the colour ... beyond gorgeous!

Riviera is a gorgeous electric indigo with a metallic finish - the metallic shimmer is so so so fine but the lacquer is heavily laced with it that gives it such an edge. 

In the original swatch shot I posted in an earlier entry HERE, you can see how Riviera luxuriates in heavy ribbons of shimmer. Paradisio, a hot red-coral is the other lacquer in the Terra Azzurra Collection.

In some lighting, Riviera looks rather blue but it mostly looks like a very violet-toned indigo. It's electrifying alright - it drove my camera MAD MAD MAD. The mysterious violet that makes it so attractive in real life REFUSED to be picked up by the camera - like it didn't want to be seen and just shied away into oblivion. It's there - you have to see it in real life to swoon like I did. Promise.

After perhaps 45 shots, I gave up trying to catch that violet-indigo tone. You really have to see it in person to get that!

The Guerlain Terra Azzura Collection by Emilio Pucci is currently available at all Guerlain counters. 

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Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

*********************************************************************

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to Guerlain. Featured product purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.

Hi!

In addition to the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush and the Meteorites Perles d'Azur (both featured HERE), the other item in this amazing collection that I was immediately drawn to was the Terracotta Vernis in Riviera. The stock for this was rather delayed in all the Guerlain counters and the moment I was notified of its arrival, I zoomed down to pick it up! I just HAD to have this electric indigo lacquer!

Maybe I missed it, but I don't quite recall Guerlain doing nail lacquers before. The bottle has a very simple design - a uniformly-cylindrical bottle with a wooden cap, emblazoned with the Guerlain insignia. The wooden cap, though big, didn't get in my way or result in clumsy painting.

Formula-wise, my bottle of Riviera was smooth and flowed easily across the nail and 2 coats gave me complete even coverage. For a metallic finish, I didn't quite notice obvious, streaky brush-strokes.  My experience is rather markedly different from Temptalia's where she noted a thicker texture and a little more pronounced brushstrokes

So the texture worked out well. And the colour ... beyond gorgeous!

Riviera is a gorgeous electric indigo with a metallic finish - the metallic shimmer is so so so fine but the lacquer is heavily laced with it that gives it such an edge. 

In the original swatch shot I posted in an earlier entry HERE, you can see how Riviera luxuriates in heavy ribbons of shimmer. Paradisio, a hot red-coral is the other lacquer in the Terra Azzurra Collection.

In some lighting, Riviera looks rather blue but it mostly looks like a very violet-toned indigo. It's electrifying alright - it drove my camera MAD MAD MAD. The mysterious violet that makes it so attractive in real life REFUSED to be picked up by the camera - like it didn't want to be seen and just shied away into oblivion. It's there - you have to see it in real life to swoon like I did. Promise.

After perhaps 45 shots, I gave up trying to catch that violet-indigo tone. You really have to see it in person to get that!

The Guerlain Terra Azzura Collection by Emilio Pucci is currently available at all Guerlain counters. 

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Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

*********************************************************************

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to Guerlain. Featured product purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.

Hola!

I told you - the collection is irresitible - and I actually have my eye on a couple more items!

First up - the Meteorites Perles d'Azur - gorgeous packaging ....

... gorgeous in the tub. The blue pearls, if rubbed hard enough on the skin, has a lovely teal-blue shade to it. Swirled, the blue pearl, together with the coral, white gold and pink pearls create a lovely iridescent effect. 

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Not that I'm going to be carrying the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush around, but that pouch .. that pouch is just so gorgeous. It doesn't help that I am already partial to such colours. As has been noticed with Guerlain, they have incredible attention to detail which just ups the luxe factor.

Beautiful shades in a fabulous texture - I used to think that the deeper the bronzer the better, but I've come to realise that these softly shimmering, finely milled golden hued ones are more versatile and easier to use. I can also use these atop blush for a more glowy effect.

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I keep saying I'm on a lip product ban but I've picked up a couple of lip products from the new collections recently - all happen to be in the coral-orange family (well it IS the year of Tangerine!)

The Terracotta Gloss in Porto Fino has a lovely creamy yet jelly texture - I can't quite decide what it's really like. But it is the loveliest non-neon coral pink I've seen recently, with a good amount of pigmentation in it.

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And that concludes my Guerlain Terra Azzurra Collection By Emilio Pucci ... for now ... there might be a Part Deux to this!

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Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

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Disclaimer: All products featured were purchased with my own money. I am not affiliated to Guerlain; all opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.

Hola!

I told you - the collection is irresitible - and I actually have my eye on a couple more items!

First up - the Meteorites Perles d'Azur - gorgeous packaging ....

... gorgeous in the tub. The blue pearls, if rubbed hard enough on the skin, has a lovely teal-blue shade to it. Swirled, the blue pearl, together with the coral, white gold and pink pearls create a lovely iridescent effect. 

********************************************************************

Not that I'm going to be carrying the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush around, but that pouch .. that pouch is just so gorgeous. It doesn't help that I am already partial to such colours. As has been noticed with Guerlain, they have incredible attention to detail which just ups the luxe factor.

Beautiful shades in a fabulous texture - I used to think that the deeper the bronzer the better, but I've come to realise that these softly shimmering, finely milled golden hued ones are more versatile and easier to use. I can also use these atop blush for a more glowy effect.

*********************************************************************

I keep saying I'm on a lip product ban but I've picked up a couple of lip products from the new collections recently - all happen to be in the coral-orange family (well it IS the year of Tangerine!)

The Terracotta Gloss in Porto Fino has a lovely creamy yet jelly texture - I can't quite decide what it's really like. But it is the loveliest non-neon coral pink I've seen recently, with a good amount of pigmentation in it.

***********************************************************************

And that concludes my Guerlain Terra Azzurra Collection By Emilio Pucci ... for now ... there might be a Part Deux to this!

************************************************************************

Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

*************************************************************************

Disclaimer: All products featured were purchased with my own money. I am not affiliated to Guerlain; all opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.

Hola!

The Summer collections have arrived and one of the collections many were eagerly anticipating was the Guerlain Terra Azzurra Collection by Emilio Pucci for Summer 2012.

I've a couple of the Guerlain Meteorites in my collection and made the silly mistake of passing on the Holiday 2011 release. So when I saw promotional images of the Summer 2012 version and in the aquamarine and indigo themed packaging, I was thrilled. As it turns out, this is one collection where I'm totaly attracted to everything.

In celebration of the launch of the collection, Guerlain organised a makeup demonstration recently, helmed by celebrity makeup artist Larry Yeo at the Guerlain counter in Takashimaya. In this entry, I share how Larry created a sunkissed summer look with products from the Terra Azzurra Collection. 

Starting off with clean, fresh skin, Larry highlighted that sunscreen is a total must - it's a mantra that everyone, especially in our climate MUST follow. As is his usual tip, for even application and coverage, it's best to "divide" the face into 3 sections (the centre and 2 sides) and apply sunscreen.

Following the application of suncreen, Larry applied a makeup primer on the model's skin - one tip he mentioned was that if the makeup primer is of a particularly fluid nature (one of the Guerlain bases - the name evades me now - is in a mist form), then it is best to pat on the base. Rubbing or smoothing it in will only mess with the already even sunscreen application.

Larry encouraged the audience not to be afraid of using more than one shade of foundation - the key is to learn which areas need highlighting and which areas need contouring and using slightly different shades in the correct way can create a more 3-dimensional look. In the case of the model, he first used a slightly lighter foundation on certain parts of her face - the chin, nose, forehead. As the model had a small forehead, he blended the lighter foundation upwards to accentuate it. He mentioned not to be afraid of the lighter shade at this stage as it will balanced out later.

He then chose a slightly deeper foundation than the first - closer to the model's skintone and proceed to blend it together with the areas that had lighter foundation to create a more sculpted visage - notice the deeper shade goes around the areas that need a little contouring like the cheeks and lower jaw. This lighter-deeper foundation trick can also be used where skintone is a little uneven - use the deeper shade where there the skin appears a little grey to counter-act the tone.

Moving on to concealer - Larry pointed out that it is good to apply concealer in an appropriate amount in a V shape towards the cheeks (i.e it should taper down towards the cheeks in an inverted triangle shape) - this allows for a more seamless blend of concealer. 

On using concealer to cover pimples and scars - Larry pointed out that it was essential not to pile on foundation and concealer on these areas as these may inadverdently end up highlighting the blemishes when base makeup starts to cake.

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Larry used the Meteorites Perles d'Azur next. He mentioned that one of the virtues of the Meteorites is that it is so fine that it never really has the ability to look cakey and heavy - a feature that has won Guerlain legions of fans.

Larry was using the Meteorites Pucci Collector's Brush on the model - the indigo brush nestled in the beautiful aqua and indigo brush case is totally lust-worthy. It's sure to draw a couple of looks when whipped out of the makeup pouch in the powder room. 

Moving on to another star of the Terra Azzurra Collection - the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush.

The bronzer is really lovely - weighing in at a whopping 16.5gms, it is a soft golden tan bronzer with strips of coral and pink blush and highlighter.

Using the Meteorites Pucci Collectors Brush, Larry swept the bronzer from the outside of the face, towards the nose - the outside-in method avoids too muddy and tanned a look. The first contact point of the bronzer usually delivers the most colour - starting from the cheeks and sweeping outwards may inadverdently deposit too much colour on the cheeks instead. To balance the contour, you can also extend the bronzer towards the temples.

Larry then used a blush brush to pick up blush from the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush and applied the blush to the apples of the cheeks.

For a more finished, polished look, Larry also suggested continuing the blush up the temples, from the brow bone towards the hairline. Instead of picking up more colour, he dusted off the access on his wrist first

******************************************************

Larry used the Ecrin 4 Coleurs Eyeshadow palette in Capri on the model - I really love the rose-gold shade and the pearl white and brown-black are very pretty too (the pink throws me off a little though but it seems workable from what I've seen)

Larry first picked up the rose-gold shade in the palette with a flat brush and applied it to the model's eyelids

Then using the same flat brush, he picke up the gold pearl shade in the palette and applied it to the centre of the eyelid

In this shot, you can really see the complete 3-D sculpted effect Larry has created on the model's face!

Instead of using a brow-bone highlighter, Larry then blended the pearl gold upwards (still in the centre of the eyelid, just above the iris), towards the brow bone

**************************************************************

To line the eyes, Larry used the Kohl Kajal in Blue Acqua - he lined both the upper and lower lashlines and connected the eyeliner at the outer corners for a beautiful effect.

Larry mentioned that several eyeliner products, especially the Kohl Kajals, tend to have a protective film around the tip - to ensure you get maximum colour from the first usage, test it on the back of your hands first before applying to the eyes.

**************************************************

Larry used the Le 2 Mascara in Blue 2 Pucci on the model - it appears to be more of a dusty violet blue. Larry's tip for those who want the mascara to hold the curl of the lash in place - blot off the excess on tissue and wave the wand in the air for a couple of seconds to create a dryer finish. Then apply the wand to the base of the lashes and zig-zag the wand upwards from root to tip for a voluminous curled lash effect

And there we have it, a beautiful summer eye ...

I must admit - the Kohl Kajal in Acqua Blue was not really on my radar at first but as I edited the pictures, I realised what a beautiful shade of indigo this is - neither too purple, neither navy - and nothing like the 94738 eyeliners I have. I am so so so tempted to get this - it also apparently doesn't require sharpening provided you apply it in a slanted way to the eyes.

************************************************

Larry finished off the look with a slick of lipstick and topped it off with the blue jelly gloss, Porto Azzurro

He quipped that the blue gloss need not be feared and wouldn't turn lips dark or blue - instead, it tones down the existing lipstick shade for a more mauvey look.

*************************************************************************

Also part of the collection are 2 nail polishes - Paradisio and Riviera - Larry swatched Riviera on 2 of his nails (can you spot it in one of the shots?) and it was a total tease since Riviera was not in stock at that moment. Gorgeous metallic indigo blue that just goes so so well with the theme of the collection. 

Riviera drove my camera nuts - the mysterious touch of violet that makes Riviera much more of an indigo shade rather than the blue picture above, just refused to be captured. If you like blues, indigoes and violets, you must check it out. Paradisio - retina searing hot coral!

***************************************************************************

Hope you found the tips and the shots from the makeup demonstration useful. 

A really beautiful collection that had so many of us gasping when we first saw the display - I'm really glad Guerlain brought in the entire collection including the polishes!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

*****************************************************************************

Hola!

The Summer collections have arrived and one of the collections many were eagerly anticipating was the Guerlain Terra Azzurra Collection by Emilio Pucci for Summer 2012.

I've a couple of the Guerlain Meteorites in my collection and made the silly mistake of passing on the Holiday 2011 release. So when I saw promotional images of the Summer 2012 version and in the aquamarine and indigo themed packaging, I was thrilled. As it turns out, this is one collection where I'm totaly attracted to everything.

In celebration of the launch of the collection, Guerlain organised a makeup demonstration recently, helmed by celebrity makeup artist Larry Yeo at the Guerlain counter in Takashimaya. In this entry, I share how Larry created a sunkissed summer look with products from the Terra Azzurra Collection. 

Starting off with clean, fresh skin, Larry highlighted that sunscreen is a total must - it's a mantra that everyone, especially in our climate MUST follow. As is his usual tip, for even application and coverage, it's best to "divide" the face into 3 sections (the centre and 2 sides) and apply sunscreen.

Following the application of suncreen, Larry applied a makeup primer on the model's skin - one tip he mentioned was that if the makeup primer is of a particularly fluid nature (one of the Guerlain bases - the name evades me now - is in a mist form), then it is best to pat on the base. Rubbing or smoothing it in will only mess with the already even sunscreen application.

Larry encouraged the audience not to be afraid of using more than one shade of foundation - the key is to learn which areas need highlighting and which areas need contouring and using slightly different shades in the correct way can create a more 3-dimensional look. In the case of the model, he first used a slightly lighter foundation on certain parts of her face - the chin, nose, forehead. As the model had a small forehead, he blended the lighter foundation upwards to accentuate it. He mentioned not to be afraid of the lighter shade at this stage as it will balanced out later.

He then chose a slightly deeper foundation than the first - closer to the model's skintone and proceed to blend it together with the areas that had lighter foundation to create a more sculpted visage - notice the deeper shade goes around the areas that need a little contouring like the cheeks and lower jaw. This lighter-deeper foundation trick can also be used where skintone is a little uneven - use the deeper shade where there the skin appears a little grey to counter-act the tone.

Moving on to concealer - Larry pointed out that it is good to apply concealer in an appropriate amount in a V shape towards the cheeks (i.e it should taper down towards the cheeks in an inverted triangle shape) - this allows for a more seamless blend of concealer. 

On using concealer to cover pimples and scars - Larry pointed out that it was essential not to pile on foundation and concealer on these areas as these may inadverdently end up highlighting the blemishes when base makeup starts to cake.

*******************************************************

Larry used the Meteorites Perles d'Azur next. He mentioned that one of the virtues of the Meteorites is that it is so fine that it never really has the ability to look cakey and heavy - a feature that has won Guerlain legions of fans.

Larry was using the Meteorites Pucci Collector's Brush on the model - the indigo brush nestled in the beautiful aqua and indigo brush case is totally lust-worthy. It's sure to draw a couple of looks when whipped out of the makeup pouch in the powder room. 

Moving on to another star of the Terra Azzurra Collection - the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush.

The bronzer is really lovely - weighing in at a whopping 16.5gms, it is a soft golden tan bronzer with strips of coral and pink blush and highlighter.

Using the Meteorites Pucci Collectors Brush, Larry swept the bronzer from the outside of the face, towards the nose - the outside-in method avoids too muddy and tanned a look. The first contact point of the bronzer usually delivers the most colour - starting from the cheeks and sweeping outwards may inadverdently deposit too much colour on the cheeks instead. To balance the contour, you can also extend the bronzer towards the temples.

Larry then used a blush brush to pick up blush from the Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder and Blush and applied the blush to the apples of the cheeks.

For a more finished, polished look, Larry also suggested continuing the blush up the temples, from the brow bone towards the hairline. Instead of picking up more colour, he dusted off the access on his wrist first

******************************************************

Larry used the Ecrin 4 Coleurs Eyeshadow palette in Capri on the model - I really love the rose-gold shade and the pearl white and brown-black are very pretty too (the pink throws me off a little though but it seems workable from what I've seen)

Larry first picked up the rose-gold shade in the palette with a flat brush and applied it to the model's eyelids

Then using the same flat brush, he picke up the gold pearl shade in the palette and applied it to the centre of the eyelid

In this shot, you can really see the complete 3-D sculpted effect Larry has created on the model's face!

Instead of using a brow-bone highlighter, Larry then blended the pearl gold upwards (still in the centre of the eyelid, just above the iris), towards the brow bone

**************************************************************

To line the eyes, Larry used the Kohl Kajal in Blue Acqua - he lined both the upper and lower lashlines and connected the eyeliner at the outer corners for a beautiful effect.

Larry mentioned that several eyeliner products, especially the Kohl Kajals, tend to have a protective film around the tip - to ensure you get maximum colour from the first usage, test it on the back of your hands first before applying to the eyes.

**************************************************

Larry used the Le 2 Mascara in Blue 2 Pucci on the model - it appears to be more of a dusty violet blue. Larry's tip for those who want the mascara to hold the curl of the lash in place - blot off the excess on tissue and wave the wand in the air for a couple of seconds to create a dryer finish. Then apply the wand to the base of the lashes and zig-zag the wand upwards from root to tip for a voluminous curled lash effect

And there we have it, a beautiful summer eye ...

I must admit - the Kohl Kajal in Acqua Blue was not really on my radar at first but as I edited the pictures, I realised what a beautiful shade of indigo this is - neither too purple, neither navy - and nothing like the 94738 eyeliners I have. I am so so so tempted to get this - it also apparently doesn't require sharpening provided you apply it in a slanted way to the eyes.

************************************************

Larry finished off the look with a slick of lipstick and topped it off with the blue jelly gloss, Porto Azzurro

He quipped that the blue gloss need not be feared and wouldn't turn lips dark or blue - instead, it tones down the existing lipstick shade for a more mauvey look.

*************************************************************************

Also part of the collection are 2 nail polishes - Paradisio and Riviera - Larry swatched Riviera on 2 of his nails (can you spot it in one of the shots?) and it was a total tease since Riviera was not in stock at that moment. Gorgeous metallic indigo blue that just goes so so well with the theme of the collection. 

Riviera drove my camera nuts - the mysterious touch of violet that makes Riviera much more of an indigo shade rather than the blue picture above, just refused to be captured. If you like blues, indigoes and violets, you must check it out. Paradisio - retina searing hot coral!

***************************************************************************

Hope you found the tips and the shots from the makeup demonstration useful. 

A really beautiful collection that had so many of us gasping when we first saw the display - I'm really glad Guerlain brought in the entire collection including the polishes!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

*****************************************************************************