Powderfuu Stories

Favourite February 2011 ELLE Cover!

2011-01-21T11:34:00.000+08:00

Make Up: Venetia Stravens
Hairstyling: Edward Chong
Styling: Daphne Chen
Photography: Thomas Mangieri

Elle Singapore December 2010 Issue

2010-11-29T14:33:00.000+08:00

Make Up: Venetia Stravens
Hairstyling: Dexter Ng
Styling: Daphne Chen
Photography: Thomas Mangieri
Model: Liu Wen

Sephora & Her World Magazine Christmas special booklet

2010-11-29T14:28:00.000+08:00

Designaire Magazine Jewellery Spread

2010-10-22T17:35:00.000+08:00

Make-up: Venetia Stravens
Hairstyling: Marc Teng
Styling: Jeremy Tan
Photography: Mark Law

Designaire Magazine

2010-10-22T17:30:00.000+08:00

Make-up: Venetia Stravens
Hairstyling: Marc Teng
Styling: Jeremy Tan
Photography: Mark Law

Elle Singapore November Issue

2010-10-22T16:56:00.001+08:00

Make-up: Venetia Stravens
Hairstyling: Edward Chong
Photography: Thomas Mangieri

Cleo Magazine Beauty Spread

2010-10-22T16:53:00.000+08:00

Make-up: Venetia Stravens
Hairstyling: Edward Chong
Photography: Colin Wee

Cleo Magazine Beauty School

2010-10-22T16:47:00.000+08:00

Add caption

Elle Singapore October Issue

2010-10-01T16:31:00.000+08:00

Make Up: Venetia Stravens
Hair: Rick Yang
Photography: Justin Jonah Ng

Elle Singapore September Issue

2010-09-14T13:56:00.000+08:00

Model: Sarah Tan
Make up: Venetia Stravens
Hair: Edward Chong
Photography: Thomas Mangieri

Harley Davidson Boutique Ad- Hair and Make-up by Venetia Stravens

2010-08-12T11:28:00.000+08:00

Woman's Weekly August 2010 Interview

2010-08-11T13:03:00.000+08:00

ICON Magazine July 2010

2010-08-11T12:58:00.001+08:00

Style Magaine June 2010 Fashion Spread

2010-05-26T16:42:00.001+08:00

Female Magzine June 2010 Fashion Spread

2010-05-26T15:02:00.003+08:00

Per Se in NYC by Mr. Thomas Keller

2010-05-11T13:56:00.009+08:00

Having had the opportunity to dine in one of New York's finest restaurants and then get a personal tour of the kitchen, I had had HAD to document my experience!

Per Se, located in Time Warner building overlooking Central Park is THE finest fine dining restaurant in NYC! We had to wear formal attires and our lunch lastest 5 and a half hours!

The last time I ever ate like this was when Mr. Sergio Herman was in Singapore in 2008 at The Cliff restaurant on Sentosa and it was my husband's birthday dinner : ).
This time round, my husband, being in the F&B industry, had been in contact with Mr. Thomas Keller and had made reservations weeks in advance.

Per Se's kitchen is so perfect, so squeaky clean and SO organized! There was not even a grain of rice or a fly-away chopped onion to find on the floor!! All the veggies, meats and fish are all documented on their tupperwares, stating specifically who cleaned them, what date and time it was refrigerated, immaculate! The kitchen is like twice the size of the dining area and all the chefs were working away like busy bees getting dinner ready, unbelievable!
I know I sound so silly, I mean, what else would you expect woman???

Hers's some information on Thomas Keller:
Thomas Keller (born October 14, 1955) is an American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook writer. He and his landmark Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry in Yountville, California, have won multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation, notably the Best California Chef in 1996, and the Best Chef in America in 1997. The restaurant is a perennial winner in the annual Restaurant Magazine list of the Top 50 Restaurants of the World.
In 2005, he was awarded the three star rating in the inaugural Michelin Guide for New York for his restaurant Per Se, and in 2006, he was awarded three stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide to the Bay Area for The French Laundry. He is the only American chef to have been awarded simultaneous three star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants.

What I ate that day, to name a few, consisted of Minestrone Soup, Macaroni and Cheese, Coffee and Donuts, the true american menu. Here are some pics!

*The last pic is the 3 of us after that grand meal, (so full to the point of illness but filled with glee and contentment for having experienced gluttony), in a cab on our way home to just lay down and not eat for the next 12 hours at least!

Latest ICON Magazine Spread I Love!

2010-05-07T17:08:00.002+08:00

This spread was done with Jeremy Tan, Mark Law and Marc Teng. They really are my favourite people to work with! Marc is one of the very few really creative hairstylists. He can do magic with hair, its amazing! As for Jeremy and Mark, I've had the priviledge of working with them for so so many years and have done so many beautiful spreads with them, its fantastic!
Here are some behind the scenes shots sneaked in with my iphone!
Model Alyona from Mannequin Agency is a dream to work with! Here she is enjoying our local favourite nasi lemak for lunch!

Simply Her Magazine May 2010 Issue

2010-05-07T16:52:00.000+08:00

I love it when people read my blog and especially love it when magazines read my blog! In this May issue of local magazine, Simply Her, all the beauty products that I've recommended are there! Thank you guys for the support! <3

Who Is Linda Mason?

2010-05-07T16:20:00.007+08:00

Linda Mason is THE guru of fashion make-up! She has been THE make-up aritst for the biggest brands in fashion during the 70's, 80's and 90's having done Jean Paul Gaultier, Yojhi Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, Giorgio Armani, Thierry Mugler...(just to name a few!) fashion shows, Linda has also worked with countless Hollywood celebrities and Supermodels like Christy Turlington, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Brooke Sheilds...and I found her by chance one day while searching for content to write on my blog!

Learning that she conducted Make-up classes in N.Y.C Soho, I flew to the States to meet with her and take her course in Make-up!

It was such a fun week! Linda taught me to take things easy and to let my artistic juices flow naturally. To use make-up as a form of self-expression and not to fear colors and textures. As I was not 'on the job' this time, I had a chance to experiment with all sorts of textures and was able to create looks my own way. It was a blast!

I also had the opportunity to meet some really great people! Coco, she's 58 and still modelling and I swear looks 30!! Unbelievable! And actress Mimi, also in her 50's but with the spunk of a 20 year old and some of Linda's old friends who were supermodels in their time.

When I started my career, the supermodels ruled the fashion world, there was no such thing as Photoshop,(we swore by countless test polaroids) and yet all the international magazines were producing flawless pictures! Mind you, I can't say the same for our local magazines at that time, I have done some pretty scary stuff then! So meeting Linda and having the opportunity to learn from her was a truely special treat!

What blew me away about Linda is that she is a true artist. She has an art gallery next to her make-up studio with all her art work. They are stunning! To me, she especially did children portraiture best. The little girls and boys looked so adorable and she had captured their innocence in their eyes onto her canvas.
My very supportive husband , son and in- laws tagged along with me on this trip and I cannot thank them more for being there for me and letting me experience my course.

You know, New York is a really special place in this world, something about it, a kind of magic. It wakes you up, shakes you around abit and opens up your eyes. The people living in New York are sassy, street smart and super energetic. By getting around, one has to talk alot, mingle, get to know people. Its a survival of the fittest.

If there's anywhere in the world I recommend a person to go when they're single, troubled or just need to get out, I say go to New York! That big city wih its bright lights will not fail to disappoint : )!

For more information on Linda Mason and her work, go to www.lindamason.com

My Linda Mason Experience

2010-05-07T10:23:00.000+08:00

M.I.A in N.Y.C

2010-05-07T10:17:00.003+08:00

Hey Bliss Fans Listen Up!

2010-04-05T12:33:00.000+08:00

The Elixir

2010-03-30T15:57:00.001+08:00

I've managed to get rid of my yucky dandruff and kept it off! I wrote in my earlier blog, 'That yucky thing called dandruff' about Phyto's amazing Dandruff shampoo that got rid of that dirty problem of mine.
Well, during my last trip to my favourite Sephora!, I discovered they're carrying Phyto's wide wide range of hair products and bought myself the Phyto Phytopolleine Universal Elixir.
This forest smelling scalp treatment stimulates and purifies with essential oils and is 100% botanical. I've used it every 2 days to sleep, massaging gently into my scalp and waking up in the mornings to wash as usual and I have a squeaky clean nice smelling scalp! No more embarrassments yippee!

My Favourite Hair Brand

2010-03-30T13:58:00.000+08:00

My favourite hair product in the world Fekkai has come out with home D.I.Y colour! I'm such a sucker for packaging as well, but if it's Fekkai then it can't go wrong : P
I can't wait to try this on myself!

I Like I Like I Like!

2010-03-30T13:52:00.000+08:00

Beautiful simple packaging! Pantone's Make-up Collection is a drooler! So yummy! Now I have to find where to buy them!

Dior Fanatics Listen Up!

2010-03-30T13:45:00.002+08:00

Here's a collector's item! Dior always has these objects of temptation! This lippy comes in a shimmering facade engraved with the famour Dior logo and address of the Couture House in Paris.
The 'Addicted to Dior' collector's item can also clip onto your Summer 'it' bag!

What's not to like? You get a chic bag tag and lippy in one! I like the Coral and Gold one! Perfect colours for Summer in the sun!
Retails for S$85.00. Now that will definitely not burn a hole in your pocket for such a luxurious item!

Dior's Exciting Summer 2010 Pick

2010-03-30T13:39:00.001+08:00

Remember Lip Glow? The gloss I was raving about in my earlier blogs... well, Dior has come up with Nude Glow! It does exactly the same thing as the Lip Glow, bringing out the pink in lips but this time they're bringing out the pink in skin!

It adorns the face with a beautiful perfectly even luminous effect and gives that famed 'glow' effect! I gave it a try yesterday on one of my lovely regular clients and ta dah! It has successfully proven a definite must-have in your make-up drawer!

My client had such beautiful skin it reminds me of that 'glow' you have when you're in love!
Its also a universal shade that will flatter any skin tone : ).

Nice!

2010-03-26T13:44:00.000+08:00

Diane Kruger looks so chic on the cover of German Vogue! I love that Fendi hairdo on her. Those cheekbones of hers are to die for!

I love my Fred Farrugia!

2010-03-25T17:59:00.000+08:00

Everything I need! Throw out the dirty make up pouch in ur handbag and go get Fred Farrugia's stackable 'everything u need in your handbag' cosmetics!
I got myself the concealer, cream blush, eyeshadow and lipstick palettes n I'm a happy happy camper!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Oh! New Product Alert!!

2010-03-22T16:32:00.002+08:00

I Just read on Karen's http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/the-brow-benefits-of-tweezerman-for-benefit-beauty-tools/ that Benefit Cosmetics has teamed up with Tweezerman and come up with really cute cute Tweezers, Eyebrow styler and Eyelash curler. But I'm salivating over the Tweezers!!!
You know, I have a Tweezerman Tweezer that's about 15 years old and all the paint has long flaked off, it really looks pretty embarrassing, but I just love my Tweezerman! The longer I use them, the sharper it becomes...hmm... sharp but not harmful. There are some tweezers that are so sharp, you actually accidentally poke yourself while at it!
So, maybe its time for me to change and upgrade my tweezers...? These look good to use!

O.M.G

2010-03-18T21:40:00.000+08:00

A supermodel is a supermodel...sigh..! How can popping 4 kids not do anything to a body???

Did You Know...

2010-03-18T21:08:00.000+08:00

That facial sponges can help prevent breakouts! Yes! Its true! I've been diligently washing my face with these sponges the past 3 weeks and haven't had a single breakout since!
I mean, they're so cheap! Like $3.50 or something like that for 2! All those scrubs that I've been using or deep cleansing washes are all useless without the sponge. And nothing, really, can get all the dirt and make-up off your face for good. Imagine all the gunk stuck on all that invisible facial hair of yours, aha! That is definitely the culprit!
If you have problem skin like me, go try some facial sponges and see how it works for you!

Beautiful Braids

2010-03-17T13:59:00.000+08:00

Saw these pics on Paris Vogue n thought they were beautiful!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Anthropology Closing Down Treasure Find

2010-03-16T21:14:00.001+08:00

The shop Anthropology, whcih sells all kinds of knick-knacks is finally closing down all their branches- for good : (. Sad. Apparently they did really badly all of last year, and really, how in the blazing world can you really make money here through a shop...the landlords will kill you first! Rent here is so ridiculous I woldn't even entertain any opening store kind of notion!
Anyway, I was down at the Anthropology store in Holland Village and came across these LA Tweez tweezers. They were going for $6.00 (dirt cheap!!!) so I bought one to give it a go. They're so much fun!! I can tweeze my eyebrows while my husband sleeps! I really doubted it at first, being a tweezerman fan for years and years but these LA Tweez ones were good! Sharp and tight enough to pull! Velly good la!
They're opened till the end of the month so go shopping!

A Vending Machine!

2010-03-16T20:56:00.000+08:00

Sephora has apparently sprout up these fantabulous beauty products vending machine all over the United States of America airports! I think its fun! But...how to test out the products first? Or is it meant only for people who've tried and tested and are sure of their purchase?
I can't wait to bump into one of these! Coming to Singapore anytime soon?

The Woman Behind The Marie Claire US Style

2010-03-16T20:44:00.000+08:00

I love Nina Garcia! If not for Project Runway, I wouldn'd really have known who this wonderful woman is. After watching her on telly, I bumped into her books at the bookstore one day and discovered that she has cleverly used her fame to come out with style books. I bought one of them, the golden book called the Style Strategy.
The book was ok to me, but if I wasn't working in the fashion industry and was clueless, this would definitely be a godsend! I think it's a great book for the early 20 something to own...a little guide book..
But! The reason why I love this woman is because she makes me love Marie Claire US so very much!
She just understands us and gets us! Everything I see in the mag I like or I want! Its like she takes all these elements, grunge, rock chick, hip hop, etc.. and makes it feminine! Its simple uncomplicated and yet beautiful!
A beautiful woman with lots of brains! You go girl Missy Nina!

Estee Lauder's Creative Make-Up Director

2010-03-16T11:12:00.001+08:00

Mr Tom Pecheux led Estee Lauder Cosmetics into its first fashionweek debut this year backstage at Derek Lam. Another success story of a really talented and creative Make-up artist, I always respected Mr Pecheux for his blending skills. I mean, really, no one can blend as well as this guy does!
Looks like getting hitched to a big global beauty company is the way to go!

Sejaa Natural Skincare

2010-03-16T10:40:00.000+08:00

Gisele Bundchen has given birth to a new line of products! All natural Sejaa Skincare looks like a treat. A 100% natural line from the manufacturing process (windpower) down to the soy-based VOC-free inks used on the packaging! Wow! Pretty impressive.
The three-product line, which is sold solely on the brand's website, consists of a Day Cream, Night Cream ($70), and Mud Mask ($56). It also features a Pure Skincare Kit ($120), which includes a two-ounce jar of each product, a spa towel, and a mud applicator.
A definite drooler!

The Woman Behind Shu Uemura

2010-03-16T10:29:00.001+08:00

Beautiful Gina Brooke! She's been Madonna's Make-Up artist since 2002 and Shu Uemura's Artistic Director since 2005. I personally think that's pretty darn successful! Take a look at her website, she's done so many shoots that I remember seeing and thinking how good they were.
www.ginabrooke.com
And with so many David Beckham pics...could she be his personal Make-up artist too?

Pat McGrath's All About Brows Now

2010-03-15T13:07:00.000+08:00

Forget the bleached Eyebrows look, this Fall's 2010 beauty trend are all about brows! Thanks to Make-Up genius Miss Pat's creations for Prada and Balenciaga, eyebrows are making a comeback!

Urban Decay for Alice In Wonderland

2010-03-15T12:02:00.000+08:00

SO fun! I love that Urban Decay came out with a palette of colors inspired by our childhood favourite book of all time, Alice in Wonderland!

Someone once commented the author must've been tripping on an acid tab to have come up with a story like this...! But, did they have acid back in 1865??? The Alice in Wonderland novel was written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. It tells the story of a girl named Alice, who fell down a rabbit's hole one day and comes across another world filled with peculiar creatures.
I can't wait to catch the movie in 3-D and let it bring out all my childhood fantasies into reality : )

But back to beauty! Urban Decay came out with a 16 color eyeshadow palette that you can let your imagination run wild with and create anything you want with it! They've added their star product, the Eyeshadow Primer Potion (which you don't have to apply loose powder to set! pretty good!) and 2 travel size 24/7 eye pencils as well.
Bring your mind set to when you were 10 and had a palette like this in your hands, oh my! I would invite all my bestest girlfriends for a tea-party and beautifying session!
This Book of Shadows palette sells exclusively at Sephora for SGD$88.00

I Miss U Lush!

2010-03-15T11:32:00.000+08:00

Its always been a love-hate relationship with you. I love love love your products but I could never spend more than 5 minutes in your store before getting a headache from all that sweet smelling products of yours!
Lush was shortlived in Singapore, barely 2 years maybe...that's all it lasted. Sad! But I suppose Singaporeans don't really enjoy the bath concept. Probably cause its too warm in this silly country! A quick cold shower is the best way to go about it here, quick and refreshing cool down.
So everytime I travel, I make it a point to Lush myself! The bath balls are my all time favourite and I love how the bathroom smells after, so LUSH!
I'm craving a Lush bath bomb!

M.A.C + Liberty London

2010-03-15T11:06:00.006+08:00

I AM A M.A.C FAN!

Very pretty florals and birds decorate another successful M.A.C collaboration! This time with Liberty of London, the cosmetic cases are covered with all pretty things that any girl couldn't resist! But really, that nali color looks really exciting and its' not always about the packaging (is it?)!
I have yet to try and test them out and will update further : )

I read a good article on M.A.C:
In addition to its impressive permanent stock of lipsticks and eye shadows in a range of fashion-forward colors—not to mention what is quite possibly the widest selection of complexion-perfecting foundations, powders, concealers, and primers on the market today—MAC Cosmetics has become a force to be reckoned with in the limited-edition collaboration department as well. - Very true and totally agreed!

Look Out!

2010-03-15T10:50:00.000+08:00

Think your skin is so annoyingly sensitive just cause its so? Think again! There are so many harmful ingredients in skin care and make-up that we really have no idea about!
Take a look at these ingredients and then go through your beauty cabinet and see how many of your products do not have any one of these on their labels?...None!

PHTHALATES: A plasticizing ingredient commonly listed as DBP or di-n-butyl phthalate, it is used most often in the beauty world to give nail polishes increased pliability. Considered to be a potential carcinogen and possible cause of birth defects, allergic rashes and eczema, they are already banned in Europe. When shopping for lacquers, look for phthalate-free formulas. Neither Zoya nor Spa Ritual has ever used the ingredient in its lines, while Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen altered their formulations in recent years to get rid of it.

SHEA BUTTER: It may seem completely harmless, but anyone with a nut allergy could find themselves with a heightened sensitivity to it. "I have seen reactions among those with nut allergies to both shea and cocoa butter," says Dr. Ellen Marmur, author of the new book Simple Skin Beauty. "Even organic or natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions."

TRICLOSAN: Flu season and the ongoing swine flu epidemic have made hand-washing a frequent ritual, and in some cases, it's the soap that causes the itchy rashes creeping up on palms and fingertips. If your hands are inflamed, steer clear of any soaps or sanitizers with this antibacterial agent.

BALSAM OF PERU: Fragrance is the number-one cause of allergic contact dermatitis, and Balsam of Peru, a resin that is actually a conglomeration of scents, is often responsible. Because of its phototoxic ingredients, when the skin is exposed to sunlight, brown or reddish streaks called berloque dermatitis may occur wherever the scented product or perfume was applied—dermatologists report many incidents of berloque behind the ears. The key is to look for products that are totally fragrance-free — which is not the same as unscented. "Unscented means that a product can contain a masking fragrance to camouflage its pungent, unpleasant odor," says Bank. "Fragrance-free means truly no fragrances."

FORMALDEHYDE: While most beauty products won't include this ultra-common makeup, skin, and haircare preservative on the ingredient list, many will have a formaldehyde-releasing agent like imidazolidinyl urea or quaternium 15, which can be equally reactive. Therefore, those who experience an allergy or irritation to formaldehyde actually have a list of names to be on the lookout for. Nowadays, two of the most frequent places where contact may occur are the nail and hair salon. "The most common cause of eyelid dermatitis is the formaldehyde in nail polish," says dermatologist Dr. Marsha Gordon. "After you polish your nails, there is a day or two when the finish is not rock hard, and that's when formaldehyde may be released. Your hands may not show redness because that skin is tough, but when you touch your eyes while washing or moisturizing, you can end up with dermatitis there."

PARABENS: They are the darlings of preservatives among mass manufacturers since they're cheap and stable. It can be downright difficult to find products that don't contain parabens like methyl, propyl, and benzyl hydroxybenzoate. Those who experience redness or a rash can avoid them entirely by seeking out lines such as Aubrey Organics, Burt's Bees, Dr. Hauschka, and Weleda, whose formulations are all paraben-free.

ACIDS: While the majority of acids — azelaic, alpha hydroxy, benzoic, lactic, sorbic — are tolerable in modest doses, cinnamic can pose a problem. A tartar-fighting agent in toothpaste, it can be the reason for itchy eruptions on the lips and around the mouth. Look for toothpaste without cinnamic acid (like Tom's of Maine), or if you're attached to a brand that has it, dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross recommends applying Vaseline around the mouth and chin before brushing to form a barrier.

PPD: Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is found in most permanent hair dyes. Those who are allergic will likely develop a rash not on the scalp but around the hairline on the forehead and neck and behind the ears. According to Gross, allergy to PPD seems to increase with age. Avoid contact by requesting PPD-free dyes or opting for henna and color rinses that don't contain the irritant.

RETINOIDS: Most dermatologists will concur that despite a laundry list of antiaging and acne-fighting benefits, retinoids are also a classic irritant. "They make your skin more sensitive to the sun in the summer and more prone to dryness in the winter," says Gross. "What really matters is the net concentration that you apply to your skin. Using something weaker more often is better than something stronger that can only be tolerated a few times per week." Marmur also has a little retinoid magic trick: "If you want your antiaging without the red, raw skin, put on your retinoids for 15 minutes at night, then wash it off with a mild cleanser. I call it 'short-contact antiaging.'"

Creative Venetias Around the World

2010-03-15T10:01:00.003+08:00

Venetia Burney- 11 July 1918 – 30 April 2009

Ok She's not 'creative', but then again I haven't really read her life story... This Venetia, however, was lucky enough to have named a planet! She suggested the name Pluto for the object discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. She was 11 years old.
On 14 March 1930, Falconer Madan read the story of the new planet's discovery and mentioned it to his granddaughter Venetia. She suggested the namePluto (the Roman God of the Underworld who was able to make himself invisible).
Falconer Madan forwarded the suggestion to astronomer Tombaugh who liked the proposal because it started with the initials of Percival Lowell, who had predicted the existence of Pluto.
On 1 May 1930, the name Pluto was formally adopted for this new celestial body.
Cool!

Creative Venetias Around the World

2010-03-13T13:42:00.001+08:00

I got bored and started googling my name and found Venetia Scott! She's a photographer and Stylist and does really nice pictures! I'm not just saying it cause we share the same name... but really! She is good! She shot Kate moss for Dazed and Confused!!! So she must definitely be fantastic!

Prescriptives and Max Factor R.I.P

2010-03-13T13:17:00.001+08:00

So the beauty industry is afterall, not recession -proof! I just read (yes, i know I'm abit slow) That Max Factor and Prescriptives succumbed to the US recession with Prescriptives shutting down completely! Max Factor apparently can still be bought in stores outside of the States. I don't recall seeing Max Factor here in Singapore...but I remember them to have wonderful affordable Mascaras back in those days.

And dear dear Prescriptives! I think they were like the first few brands that ever sponsored me. So sad : (. A definite sadness in my heart to hear that you're forever gone. You guys were the first to come up with this loose powder that felt like liquid...what was it called..Yes! The magic liquid powder! That was probably in the late 90's!
Last chance to get your hands on this about to be extinct brand! www.drugstore.com and www.prescriptives.com are selling all stock until it all clears out! Hurry! I'm going to order my magic liquid powder just for sentimental sake!

Mr Peter Philips Again!

2010-03-12T16:14:00.001+08:00

I've been reading up on Mr Peter Philips (Chanel's Creative Make-Up Director) lately and found his life and creativity really interesting!
Philips, had an artist for a biological dad and a business-owner stepfather. He decided on a relatively traditional course of studies at first and got a degree in graphic design in Brussels. But soon after graduating, he headed back home to attend the Antwerp Academy, where he became swept up in the fashion revolution.
Chanel's Jade Le Vernis nail lacquer, (I blogged about it few months back) was such a hit but it wasn't the only success story for this true living beauty genius!

This Belgian-born face painter hadn't pick up a makeup brush until he was 27!!! when he attended the Paris shows as a dresser and caught the beauty bug. Philips was then a self-confessed fashion victim and saw something in makeup that was intricately linked to fashion but didn't require having to make a collection. People took notice of him when he did a shoot for Raf Simons. He drew a Mickey Mouse face onto a model and the fashion people quickly took notice of this face painter.
One day Karl Lagerfeld met him on a Fendi shoot and soon enough Chanel's former creative directors Heidi Morawetz and Dominique Moncourtois—the latter of whom was the last employee to have been handpicked by Mlle Chanel herself—invited him to their atelier and asked him how he'd feel about taking over. What a dream!
Take, for instance, the temporary tattoos that he and Lagerfeld dreamed up for Spring 2010. The two-dimensional strings of pearls and baubles, which were devised by Philips, go on sale this month and there are already 3,589 names on the wait list in the States!
This guy has creativity seeping out through his pores and all the success that is his now is definitely well deserved!

Miss Tilda Swinton

2010-03-12T15:21:00.001+08:00

Look at Tilda Swinton! She is so stunning with that androgynous look and her hair do just makes her so stylish! I like!!

Dior's Poudrier Dentelle

2010-03-08T14:09:00.000+08:00

This was one of the really pretty products given to me that I really couldn't bear to use! I had an aunt come to visit one day and I decided to let her have it and kind of forgot all about it till she gave me some really informative feedback recently.

This Dior 2010 Spring Poudrier Dentelle, the star porduct is an illuminating powder. I never thoguht to try it on myself due to my oily face, any more illuminating and I could fry an egg!
My Aunt Audrey, so smart of her, used this under her mattifying M.A.C face powder and swears that it creates this porcelain effect!
What a fabulous product it is! Now I have to go out and buy one!

Goodbye Nicole

2010-03-06T14:55:00.004+08:00

I'm sure you all know or have seen or heard of model Nicole, also knowned as Daul Kim. I did this shoot years ago with her when she was just 16. We went to shanghai together. With photographer Geoff Ang, stylist Johnny Khoo, hairstylist Dexter Ng n I did make-up.
Nicole (that's the name I knew her as) was soo young n I didn't have much to say to her so we all kind of did our jobs and kind of did our own thing...
Only when I learnt that she passed away by taking her own life did I become interested in her life... Very sad. I managed to read her blog- iliketoforkmyself. before they privatized it n read all her entries that I realized how intelligent, complicated and interesting this little girl was.
She was fantastic with poetry. She was stylish, she was really good with her music choices too. Very mature for her age and definitely had alot of substance.
It's been months now since she died and I always wanted to write something about how kind of bad I feel not not having given her the time of day.

This was a special being that was so disturbed by herself that even though she was on her way to becomning Karl Lagerfeld's new muse, she couldn't give a damn n took her life anyway.
Rest in peace dear Nicole... I hope your parents will find it in their hearts to forgive u so that they will one day smile again.

I can only imagine what they are going through having lost a child.

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That yucky thing called Dandruff!

2010-03-05T14:40:00.003+08:00

I've been having this really annoying itchy scalp and dandruff lately and was found out by Cleo's beauty Editor Miss Cynthia Chew! Eeps! So embarrassing!! So she recommended me to this Phyto Hair Spa at Wheelock place to get it sorted out. I, however remembered using this brand a long time ago when it was sold exclusively to salons and called Phytologie.
It was really really good and decided to just go to the Pharmacy (it sells in all major pharmacies now) and get some products for help.
I checked out the website for the spa and it was going to cost $108.00, which really, isn't too bad for a treatment.
But that was going to be my last resort, cause really these spas and facial places are always trying to sell you packages and products! The products I don't mind, cause I will definitely use, but I really don't like the idea of packages! They cost a bomb and then get forgotten and not used or expired...the list goes on! And then I end up having to waste all this energy trying to fend them off!

Anyway, back to the shampoo, ONE WASH was all it took la! I first applied the shampoo onto my scalp and left it on for half an hour and then lathered and washed off.
This is so good for hair! All natural botanical ingredients and none of that shit perfumes and wax, my scalp is squeaky clean once again! And I don't have to go through anymore embarrassments, phew!

But if you are one of those who love packages and have dandruff or thinning hair, maybe you should check out the Phyto spa!
Go to: http://www.phytohairspa.com.sg/phytohairspa.html

I just read this article on BellaSugar and it says the temperature of your water can be the cause of your itchy scalp and Dandruff!

It says: hot water takes moisture out of the skin, stripping the hair and skin of natural oils. Couple this with frequent shampooing, possibly harsh ingredients, and dry air, and you'd be scratching your noggin, too!

So try cooling it and see if that works first!

Getting it right!

2010-03-04T11:43:00.009+08:00

Beauty Tips and Tricks:

Sexy Eye Shadow

Achieving that Smokey, Smoldering look (like my ICON Magazine spread I did awhile back featured above) depends on the right tools you choose to use. The shape and size of your brush can help tremendously with Blending and Contouring (Shu Uemura’s Eye Shadow brush no.14 is a personal favorite of mine!). It cuts my blending time in half and helps create a nice soft shadow on the Eyelid, also bringing out the contours of eyes. Always brush your Eye Shadow from the outside inward towards your nose bridge; this will help lift the eyes. Doing so in the other direction might cause eyes to look droopy and sad.

After applying the Eye Shadow all over your eyelid, take a sponge tip applicator and apply a darker shade of color close and above your lash line (a little on your lower lash doesn't hurt too). This effect will also make your lashes look fuller and help ‘open’ up your eyes. Shu Uemura’s brushes are one of my personal favourites. Some of my brushes are 15 years old and it’s still in tip top condition and working its wonders!

And not forgetting the most important, Eyeliner and Mascara! Without these 2, Eyeshadow will be dull and lack-lustre. ONLY use waterproof! Its a pain getting it off but would you rather smudge like a grunge rock chick or put in a few extra dollars for that good old reliable remover?
Try Benefit's BadGal Waterproof Eyeliner! I Like!

Chanel's Summer Is On Its Way!

2010-02-26T11:13:00.004+08:00

Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel Makeup Announces a Carefree and Happy Summer!

Nouvelle Vague Hello!!! This turquoise Nail Polish is SET to sell like hotcakes!! Jade, you can now step aside! So heartbreaking that I never got to try you but Chanel's Summer 2010 Nail Colors are so yummylicious I'm satisfied! Riviera is so Pop! I Likey

As for Makeup Colors, it seems like its all about being tanned and natural and being adventurous with lips! Peter Philips is trying his best to get you girls to convert to lipstick users! I'm a new convert and now I do love wearing lipstick (but usually on special occassions or evenings out, still trying to get used to the idea of day lipstick!).
A beautiful bronzer gives cheeks a golden glow. So I guess you just need to go out and get those sunnies and you're set for Summer!
The SUMMER collection will be available at all CHANEL beauty counters from end April.

Cream to Powder Foundation

2010-02-25T16:36:00.000+08:00

My latest crush! Oh I cannot express how much I'm in love with this Urban Decay Cream to Powder Foundation! When Miss Gelainza from Sephora was introducing the brand to me, she kept going on and on about this product and gave me one to go home to try. And, my dear dear Gelainza, this product is da bomb!!!!

I love it love it love it!!!! ANd I recommend EVERYONE to please go and get one for yourself! Its so easy on the face, really silky and I can't feel like I've got foundation on! The best thing? It's NOT OILY yippee yay yay : P

Oh and it does the job of even-ing out skin tone!

It's Amazing!

2010-02-25T16:26:00.002+08:00

Just landed in my hands! And coming soon to a Sephora near you!
The Amazing Cosmetics collection! The brand name is just hilarious cause when I tried the concealer, the first word I said was 'amazing'! I can't wait to try out the other products! And btw!, if Allure Magazine votes this product with their beauty award, they're serious its good!
All it takes is a tiny dab of this product to take away eye bags. The texture is creamy and wet and this helps with blending and getting it into creases like around the nose area.
Say "Au revoir" to dark circles, blemishes, sun damage, broken capillaries, redness and more!
I say AMAZING!

Read more about it at:
http://www.amazingcosmetics.com/shop/amazing-concealer

Kelly Chen wears Chanel Tattoos!

2010-02-25T16:15:00.000+08:00

Look at this! Beautiful Kelly Chen wears Chanel Tattoos on her thighs for her new music video!

Her rocker outfit includes the trench coat from Chanel's Cruise 0910 and gladiators from Chanel's 2010 Spring-Summer Starting Point.

Personally though, the way Peter Philips did it on his models had this amazing gently flow and, really, he did it best! But then again, he IS Peter Philips : )

Another attractive product by Urban Decay

2010-02-19T12:26:00.000+08:00

These very attractive glitter Eyeliners are packed with so much gliter that one brush line is all it takes for glittery eyes! Great for a party night out on the prowl hee hee!

Yummy Edible Marshmallow

2010-02-19T11:50:00.001+08:00

I'm going to cover all my brides from now on with this yummy edible powder! Smells like the yummiest toasted marshmallows, this dusting body powder from Urban Decay shimmers like pearl under an evening light and just brings sexiness and hotness to a body! The leopard preens (haha sorry I just had to make fun!) puff just makes it all the more sexy.

I think any new husband will be more than pleased that his new bride smells this good and tastes so sweet : )

Anna Sui's Best Sellers

2010-02-19T11:24:00.000+08:00

EVERYTHING in Anna Sui's collection of Make-up smells like a bed of roses! Her cosmetics look divine on any dressing table and using her stuff just takes me into a prairie world.

I'm wondering how the products manage to smell of roses even after 8 hours on, especially the nail polishes, how do they manage to smell so nice even after a week!

But don't doubt the quality of the products either, the mascaras are fabulous. Waterproof ones last the whole day and the 'long' one is packed with fibers to help lengthen lashes.
The liquid eyeliner, however, comes with a brush and might be difficult for a 'newbie' to master...

This is my very own personal stash of Anna Sui!
I love the eyelash curler, which is slightly flatter ( really good for Asian shaped eyes) which help prevent accidental clipping of skin!
The make-up brushes have been with me for about 6 years now and still do their magic. And the flat round brush is fantastic for applying blush on the apples of cheeks.

Anna Sui have gifted me the brush holder recently and I LOVE IT! Thank you guys for completing my set :)

Rouge Coco

2010-02-19T10:15:00.004+08:00

Ladies! Peter Philips wants to transform us into feminine women again! He's created a new lipstick line called Rouge Coco to inspire and help us silly women to learn how to move away from glosses n balms and to start using lipstick again!
Well actually, depending on which era you're born in, you might not ever have used a lipstick even!
My mother in the 70's used to go to work with a full face of make- up and watching her apply lipstick was so 'adult'! I was always in awe of my mom (and still am!) and because of how she put herself together for work every morning, I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world :-)
Now thinking back and having all these Rouge Coco's in my hand, I will be inspired to act like a lady!
Ladies! Throw away those metallic glosses n get yourselves a lipstick!

I'm a fan of 05 Mademoiselle (first one from the left) and 31 Cambon (middle red shade)

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Exclusive Interview with Peter Philips for Chanel's new line of Lipsticks Rouge Coco

2010-02-19T09:45:00.003+08:00

Urban Decay!

2010-02-16T11:49:00.001+08:00

It's finally back in Singapore! Exclusively sold at Sephora only n with a brand new cool packaging! Love the lipsticks with a dagger at the end. Like it's been inspired by Chrome Heart. I have yet to try my stash generously given to me! The powder foundation, which has a really interesting texture, comes in a fun purple plastic container. Only down side to it is it's not reuseable. They really should make refills for them cause it's such a good quality case it could last alot longer then just the product!
The marshmellow edible body shimmer powder smells so yummy, I'm sure that will be a hit with my brides :-).
I've also been told that spending $120.00 n above gets u a really great deal goodie bag (worth $145.00!) Pictured below, has make-up remover, 2 eyeshadows, mascara and 2 eye pencils in it!
That is such a super good deal!
Ok will update and recommend as I try n test them!

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Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

2010-02-03T10:28:00.000+08:00

If you're into that minty, fresh, tingling shower, you have to try Dr. Bronner's Peppermint pure Castille Soaps. Apparently this soap is 3 times stronger than any other soap in the market! So a 50 cent coin amount will do the trick for your whole body! I got it from Four Seasons Organic Shop at Great World City and the lady behind the counter said that I could even use it to brush my teeth!!!!??? Ok, so far I haven't tried it and really am not quite into the brushing teeth with soap...?

Organic and packed in a recycled container, I think it's a fantastic product. One tiny step to becomming more earth friendly : )

This is the website: http://www.saffronrouge.com/dr-bronners/liquid-soaps?p=2

There's an unscented one that's great for babies!

COGIT Sauna Burn Fat Mask for Entire Face

2010-02-03T10:10:00.002+08:00

Ok, I really have an obsession with face slimming I admit. Why wasn't I born with a slim, svelte, small head...sigh... with deep set cheekbones....
So anyway in my boredom I decided to google face slimming producs and came across this!

The COGIT Sauna Burn Fat Mask for Entire Face. This is the full name of the product! Yes, and it's pink but really, what will my husband think when he sees a female Hannibal Lector in his bed?? And best of all it states that it will burn fat off your face for an entire day! So we go to work with it too?

Maybe come up with a floral design...? Or how about Camo?

But anyway, this website is jam packed with yummy looking products! Go check it out!

http://www.imomoko.com

Cool Clinique

2010-01-26T22:24:00.001+08:00

You know how the saying goes 'if it works, don't change it' Clinique hasn't changed their ads layout since like the 80's or something and I still love it! Everytime I see a Clinique ad it makes me want the product!

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Pineapple Tarts

2010-01-26T15:40:00.000+08:00

I decided this year to make my own Pineapple Tarts and refuse to make the same mistakes over and over again by buying all sorts and never being really happy with the product! And it was a success!

That Blue Eye Shadow Feeling

2010-01-25T22:15:00.001+08:00

This was the look for The Calvin Klein Show at Queenstown Remand Prison held last Friday 22 January. What an eerie place! The Make-up room blacked out for about 45 minutes and we were all abit afraid!

The Dior Palette was from last year's collection, can't recall which season... but the Chanel Blusher is from this Spring/ Summer 2010

Don't know if you can see it, but there this gold highlight on Elena's cheekbones, very subtle in daylight but with some night spotlights, it gave the whole look a reinvented 70's feel.

Nazoru Oekaki Pikatto Kaketa

2010-01-18T10:15:00.007+08:00

The Japanese have done it once again! In our time it was the Magna Doodle, we were so blown away by the magnetic pen and stamps and could spend hours just doodling. I actually went out and got my son a Magna Doodle just a few days ago and what a waste of money that was!

My husband had come back from Tokyo on business bearing gifts and one of the gifts, from a Japanese friend was a Sega Toy. An illuminating see- through board with 3 colours! Red, Green and Yellow. It's see-through board is meant for kids to put a picture under it and trace!

Nazoru Oekaki Pikatto Kaketa

This toy was the Winner of the Universal Award at the 2009 Japan Toy Association Awards and will probably hit stores worldwide in like 2 years...
And to be honest, I've been doodling again! : )

Chanel Lip Lacquer

2010-01-15T14:28:00.004+08:00

Today is Chanel day for me! Everything I'm raving and lusting over is Chanel : )

The Chanel Lip Laquer has been tried and tested and I love the product! I think it came out some time before Christmas last year.
This Lip Laquer takes away ageing lines on lips and plumps up lips like Jessica Rabbit's! I kid you not!

You can see it online at: http://uma.chanel.com/-makeup-lips-lipstick-rouge-allure-laque-luminous-satin-lip-lacquer-/product/MALPR36S

Ming and Santal are my favourites and for the adventurous ones, Dragon and Dynastie are definitely for you! If you're asking, what's so special? Isn't it just another lipstick? Well, it definitely is not!

Go try it at the counter! U will not be disappointed I promise!

The Thing I've Been Lusting Over!

2010-01-15T14:11:00.001+08:00

Where oh where can I find you??? I really really want you! And the more I see you, the more I lust over you! There is none left at Chanel counters in Singapore that's for sure! Sigh!...

I searched for it on Ebay and it's going for S$215.00! Really!!!! Excuse my language but WTF??!! How to justify???

Chanel Tattoos!

2010-01-15T14:08:00.001+08:00

How creative is Peter Philips?!!! The global creative director of Chanel Makeup decorated the models for the Spring 2010 runway show with beautiful ethereal Chanel tattoos. The signature double c logos, chains and pearls elegantly dressed up the models wrists, neck and legs that played up on the clothes.

AND! Chanel will be selling these tattoos at Metro Paragon and Takashimaya Beauty Counters from March 2010. They'll be priced at S$105.00 for a packet of 5 sheets. Grab it!

Talika Lash Extender

2010-01-12T23:21:00.003+08:00

I bought an exciting product from Sephora yesterday, the Talika Eyelash Extender (s$45.00). A while back I blogged about the traumas of eyelash extension and what terror I went through when the lady took out all my lashes (after I had them for only 2 days and couldn't deal with the constant itching and discomfort!) and I walked around with a heavy liquid eyeliner for the next 2 weeks to cover the baldness!

Trust me, I've heard loads of similiar stories but there are some girls out there who seem to be able to live with them! Wow! Kudos to them! All in the name of beauty : )

Now, this Talika Eyelash Extender (www.talika.com) comes in black fibers that you're able to apply to your lashes after applying a coat of mascara.
For Asians, you must must curl your lashes first! Or else the product will be too heavy and you'll end up looking like snuffulufugus (Sesame Street?)And don't forget the No.1 rule, Waterproof Mascara please!

When applying the fibers, its best to sit down, set a mirror on the table and look down into the mirror while applying. This helps prevent the fibers from getting into your eye. Apply a second coat of mascara after to set the fibers in. Then, take a fan brush (after 2 minutes or when you feel Mascara is dry) and gently brush off excess fibers. So easy! No trauma comes in this name of beauty!

P.S They have an Eyelash Conditioning Gel that apparently grows and thickens your lashes in 28 days! And not fogetting their Eyebrow Extender too! So good!

Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura

2010-01-12T14:44:00.001+08:00

U know, I was digging through my cosmetics fridge (yes! I have a fridge where I store all these yummy goodies for future use!) And stumbled across my Tsumori Chisato Shu Uemura Palettes!!! How could I have forgotten all about these, oh dear!
Well, they were too cute to use and I thought I'd just store them away for the time being and completely forgot about them, eeps!

So I hope I'm not too late blogging about them! I'm sure you might find something at the store...doubt it! Ebay?...Try the store first!
Perfectly useable, the limited edition cat couture palette comes with blush (fantastic shade!), 3 shadows, 1 cream eyeliner and 1 cream highlighter. Very Japanese, very young and trendy!

If you're adventurous, try the fake lashes! Very easy to apply and reuseable. Just wash with light soap after every use to get rid of old glue.

And my favourite is the Lipstick! The cover with the mao mao can be removed and fixed onto another Shu Uemura lipstick! So you can have it in your little evening handbag, so cute!

They're actually still available online at www.shuuemura-usa.com!

The Natural Beauty Workshop

2010-01-10T14:42:00.000+08:00

Look what I found Online! A really interesting Malaysian Blog site (http://www.naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/making_natural_skincare_products/) teaching you the ways of making beauty products naturally, oh what fun!

From Making your own sugar scrubs to lipbalms and even your own natural body powder!
What really caught my eye were these do-it-yourself powder puffs, they are just too nice!!! I have to attempt one!

To make your own powder puff you'll need the following supplies:

1 8" x 8" swatch of plain Cotton, Terrycloth, or Bamboo Fabric
1 8" x 8" swatch of Fleece or another fuzzy textured Fabric
1 6" - 8" long piece of Ribbon
Cotton or Synthetic Batting

Creating a powder puff is easy. Simply follow the simple sewing instructions below:

Trace a 6 inch circle onto both pieces of Fabric, then cut them out.
Sandwich the Ribbon between the two circles and stitch most of the way around the outer edges, leaving about an inch of the circle open.
Turn the circle inside out and stuff it with batting.
Using a slip stitch, close the opening on the puff.

SK 2 Skin Signature Cream In Foundation

2010-01-10T00:01:00.001+08:00

I have the worst kind of skin. I break out at every PMS since like the age of 16 and only visits to Dermatologists have managed to keep things under control.
My secret is: the only over the counter product that works for me is SK2! This Pitera ingredient seems to tame my zits and keep them under control! No kidding!

I've been comparing notes and have reallized that SK2 doesn't work for everyone. Some ladies complain about breakouts after using the product or that it doesn't do anything for them... but it really works for me! Skin becomes smoother and more radiant, and my blackheads don't come out as much, hence less zits!

Well, of course before you go out and buy a whole set of SK2 that will burn a deep hole in your pockets, maybe you should get some testers from the counters to test the products on ur skin for a week to see if there any signs of improvement...

The SK2 Skin Signature Cream in Foundation is a lovely foundation to use. Dewy and smooth, it sits comfortably on skin. Perfect on its own in a drier climate, it needs some dusting of loose powder to mattify it down abit here in Singapore.

Dior's Pretty Lace

2010-01-09T23:37:00.001+08:00

Here's one palette to drool over! Dior's 2010 Spring Lace Eyeshadow palette in Coquette is THE eye shadow palette to own! Really easy to use colors, it's nude/ grey, lilac-ish hues give eyes such a soft smokey effect, bringing out any eye color wonderfully- its just perfect for day or night.

The lace embossed palette seems too pretty to use! But I've used my palette about 6-7 times now and the lace is still there! This one gets my most favourite eyeshadow palette for Spring : )

Thsi is how the palette looks on! Beautiful Nikita from Oz

MAC Mineral Loose Foundation

2010-01-09T23:15:00.001+08:00

For all us lazy girls out there, MAC's Mineral Loose Foundation is definitely the one for us! Really easy to use, this loose foundation covers spots, evens out skin tone and mattifies all in one!

Use the puff applicator on your face and a big brush to blend and take away excess powder, that easy! It's also fantastic for touch ups and small enough to take with you to the office.
And the best thing about MAC? They always have your color tone!

Tip: Get a slightly lighter color as it tends to oxidize (bringing the tone half a shade darker than the shade u actually see when first applied) and if you feel you just can't leave the house looking like a ghost, shade ur jawline and cheekbones with a powder 2 shades darker than your natural color!

Scrub a Dub-Dub

2010-01-09T18:02:00.003+08:00

This is THE yummiest scrub I've come across mmm....! Bliss's blood orange+white pepper sugar scrub smells like a delicious grapefruit morning drink. It starts larthering up into this milky, foamy, frothy cream as soon as you rub it on! And unlike lots of scrubs that can leave an uncomfortable film of 'grease' (really terribly uncomfortable for Asian humidity!) this one leaves you fresh and squeaky clean.
I likey!

Hey, also if you need a good foot spa treat or a place for a girlie gossip with the girlies while getting your toes scrubbed, massaged, polished... check out 'Foot Patrol' at Bliss Spa at Sephora Ion Orchard. It's pretty expensive ($90), but its a real delightful treat!
I had a 75 minute pedicure that was out of this world! I think I got a good half an hour foot massage! BLISS!

Oh and BTW, Sephora is having a sale now! Worth checking out. Very good discounts : ) The Libote Sakura cleanser is going 1-for-1!

True Asian Cuisine

2010-01-08T11:04:00.003+08:00

If you really want to know the true flavours of Asia, you have to check the Nyonya Chef's blog! His blog contains ALL the most delicious and important recipes you'll ever need to try!

I tried his 'kiam chai ting', which is basically salted veggie soup (http://www.nyonyachef.info/search/label/Kiam%20Chai%20T%27ng) and it was superb mmmmm......!
Hey, if the pig's legs and tail ingredient irks you, just use pork ribs instead.

This guy truely knows passion for food!

Shhh...! Urban Decay is making their way back to Singapore!

2010-01-07T17:33:00.001+08:00

Hey remember Urban Decay? I think they used to be in Tangs, if I'm not wrong... Well, they closed down and have been missed but Sephora is bringing them back to Singapore! Yippee!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2010-01-07T17:21:00.003+08:00

I've just started on a Trilogy that has finally been translated from Swedish!

It has sold millions of copies in Sweden and has been the most read books of all time! This is, according to my in-laws who are such avid fans of the books. They said it was so addictive and full of suspense that they couldn't put the book down!
Well, I'm on page 100 now and I'd probably be on page 300 by tonight!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first part of a 3 part series. A crime novel set in Sweden written by Swedish Noveliest, Stieg Larsson, who has since passed away...
He apparently went to his publisher with these 3 books and passed away while he was writing his 4th and last sequel, so sad!
The word is Mr Larsson smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day and hence caused his untimely death in 2004. He was only 50.

Steig had a life long companion (since he was 18), Eva, who apparently had gained nothing (ok, very little compared to the amount of money he has made!) from his success as she wasn't married to him. And over the years, there have been trials and court over who would be his rightful inheritor (Steig's father and brother are in the picture).

It reads on his Bio page:

A life under constant threat

During the last 15 years of his life, he and his life companion Eva Gabrielsson lived under constant threat from right-wing violence. When a labor-union leader was murdered in his home by neo-Nazis in 1999, the police discovered photos of and information about the couple in the murderer's apartment. So it was not without reason that the couple took precautionary measures. They were never seen together outside the house, they moved mirrors in the hall and they always kept the blinds down. Those are just a few examples. Stieg was an expert in the area, and wrote a book of instructions on how journalists should respond to threats for the Swedish Union of Journalists ("Överleva Deadline", 2000).

Sounds like his own life was a novel worth writing about!

Sneak peek in my toilettries cabinet!

2009-12-26T22:18:00.001+08:00

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Make Up Forever Colour Crayons

2009-12-23T13:35:00.000+08:00

All I want for Christmas is this Aqua eyes pencils! Looks like such fun to play with!

powderfuu stories guest starring Susie Chow!

2009-12-17T22:05:00.013+08:00

This is too awesome! Susie is going to guest star on my blog! She's a fantastic writer and mother to 2 beautiful boys! A freelance copywriter and storyteller. Here's what she has to say about our favourite topic: beauty products! Yummy!

What’s the best thing about being best friends with a make-up artist? Beauty advice of course! My gorgeous friend Venetia put me onto this amazing Japanese beauty range called Libote. The first thing that caught my eye when I saw this range was that it is made with 100% “hot spring water” – I felt squeaky clean just thinking about it!

Libote Sakura Cleanser

I have 3 letters for this amazing cleanser… O.M.G! You know those little icky itty bitty black heads you get all over your nose (well me anyway….), this is the first cleanser that I have found that really really gets rid of them! As you can see the cleanser is black. Well… it should be, it’s got charcoal in it! And I truly believe that charcoal is the magic ingredient. After all, charcoal has already been used for hundreds and thousands of years as an absorbing and cleansing agent (what do we know?!). And every time I use this cleanser, I just get this image in my mind of the charcoal working like a big black magnet pulling and drawing out those little stubborn black heads in my nose leaving my pores absolutely clean and clear. Ooooooh how utterly delightful!!!

Libote Sakura Moisture Cream

So what else would you expect from a Japanese beauty range but a moisturiser that actually produces beads of water on your skin as you apply it? Sheeeeeesh! These Japanese are just too much for me! Yup, this little genius moisturiser starts off as a light cream, but when you rub it into your skin, it beads up into tiny little water droplets (hot spring water, might I add) for the ultimate hydrating experience.

Chloe EDT

Last night Venetia gave me a bottle of the new Chloe EDT! Awesome!! Well actually, I’m not really that much of a perfume person, but only because I’m scared. I’m terrified of those heavy overbearing stenches that can make you go from chic to cheap in a nanosecond! You all know the ones I am talking about!

Anyway, the Chloe EDT was not scary at all! It was um… er… how do I describe it? I’m not much of a perfume connoisseur so a quick search on the internet gave me this description... “Soft floral tones reminiscent of magnolia, rose and lily of the valley with a cedar wood and amber base”. Whatever! To me, it was more like laying in front of the fireplace on a cold December night, after having soaked in a long and decadent bath, and cuddling up to your favourite Audrey Niffenegger novel! Delicious!

Cool kiddie bike

2009-12-16T19:17:00.000+08:00

Hey! This looks like a new and awesome way to learn how to ride a bike! Teaches kids balance and seems sturdy enough. Looks like the tricycle we used to ride on is way passe!

Chanel's very wearable Spring 2010 palette!

2009-12-16T19:09:00.004+08:00

Ok I LOVE LOVE LOVE this palette of colours! Such wearability and what beautiful smokey shades they are! The lipstick might be a tad too pale for the asian market but looks so sexy on a caucasian girl. The nail colours are just as delicious too, a plae dusty pink and a dull brown (featured on model below).

Definitely worth the investment!

And here is my interpretation on beautiful Polish model, Victoria:

Malin+Goetz Perfume

2009-12-16T18:56:00.001+08:00

Was doing a photoshoot today at House on Dempsey and discovered they have a Beauty Emporium selling yummy things! Tested all the Malin+Goetz Perfumes and they were yummy! My favourites were geranium and petitgrain tonic!
Still sniffing at my hand after 5 hours and it smells so delightful!

Hey this House on Dempsey is also a great place to go for a pedicure and lunch with the girlies!

My Wisma Ad

2009-12-13T22:20:00.000+08:00

Did this Wisma Atria Christmas Ad with photographer Roy Zhang. Always so nice working with him!

Her Fearful Symmetry

2009-12-13T16:25:00.001+08:00

All us Audrey Niffenegger fans had to wait 6 long long years for her second novel to come out, and it has proven that patience pays off!
She is just such an entertaining writer, with little eccentricities that I find myself enjoying while reading her books.

In Her Fearful Symmetry, a ghost story set in and around Highgate Cemetry, Niffenegger tells a story about identical mirror twins Julia and Valentina's strongly entertwined relationship and how they struggle with trying to be independent individuals.
It becomes a ghost story and of course, ends ironically, just like her first novel, The Time Traveller's Wife.

No doubt her first novel will always be my favourite, but Her Fearful Symmetry was just as entertaining!

My Cleo Singapore January Cover!

2009-12-13T15:22:00.002+08:00

Wanna watch a step by step video of achieving cover worthy look?

go to: http://www.askcleo.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=singapore&Itemid=64

and watch me do Cleo's Star winner, beautiful Miss Farhana Sheikh's January 2010 Issue cover!

She's just too cute! Malay, Indian and Chinese all mixed into one so pretty!

4 Fingers BonChon Chicken

2009-12-13T14:20:00.005+08:00

This is a concept created by my husband, along 3 other business partners and the Asylum team. If you haven't tried 4 Fingers BonChon Crispy Chicken, you really don't know what you're missing out on!

Founded in NYC by a Korean, BonChon Korean Crispy Chicken has been voted THE no.1 chicken in the USA by GQ and Esquire magazine. And I kid you not, this chicken is damn good!

While in its heyday, I was made to taste the chicken, hot, cold, fresh, 2 days old and flown directly from NYC. I had BonChon chicken everyday! But I never tired of it! Unbelievable!

Who doesn't like a good chicken wing? I could eat 12 of them at one go! Not forgetting my favourite KimChi coleslaw, which was my husband's brilliant idea!

It makes for a good party/ pot luck food, but it's not ready with delivery services yet. You could head on down to B4 Ion Orchard... but better yet, if you're reading this blog and would like to get your hands on a big order (100 pieces or more), you're very welcomed to get in contact with me and I can try my best to sort you out! : )

I check my blog everyday!

Four fingers in the air!

Snowman In Africa

2009-12-13T14:00:00.002+08:00

Need a Christmas gift idea?

For the 2009 Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF, Frida Giannini has commissioned author Michael Roberts to create a sequel to his popular children's book, Snowman in Paradise, which was published in 2004.

The new book, titled Snowman in Africa, will be exclusively on sale in Gucci stores and on Gucci.com from November 16 through December 31, 2009. Gucci will donate 100% of the retail price of the book to UNICEF programs for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa..

The book will come wrapped in beautiful Gucci ribbon with a card and information about the book and Unicef.

So if you want to do something nice with style, head to your nearest Gucci boutique!

Fat Girl Slim

2009-12-13T13:44:00.004+08:00

Feeling fat around your neck? Why not try an ass cream!

A couple of weeks ago I was seriously contemplating going for botox around my neck...I couldn't see where my face ended and neck started and looked soo awful in pictures! There was no more definition and I felt so yucks!

One day while in my bathroom staring at my fat face and wondering what I could do about it, I saw from the corner of my eye, a jar of Fat Girl Slim I had gotten as a gift after being invited by Sephora to try out their newly opened Bliss spa. It's been sitting there and this crazy idea of using it on my neck came to me!

I swear to you, its been 8 days and my face has found its definition! I diligently applied it on my neck area with an upwards massage for about 5 minutes, twice a day and voila! No need for botox!

I guess now it s time to start application to my ass then!

Trixilini Christmas 09 Promotion

2009-12-11T22:28:00.004+08:00

For the month of December I will be conducting make-up services for Trixilini customers at a fraction of the price!
Services will be held in their very stunning boutique (with VERY beautiful dresses!) located at Millenia Walk.
So ladies, if you need to look beautiful for an event or that special date, ring Trixilini now and book an appointment!
Go to their blogpage for more information

http://trixiliniboutique.blogspot.com/

Chanel Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder

2009-12-11T22:17:00.002+08:00

Make-up palettes nowadays are just too beautiful to use! This is Chanel's Spring 2010 limited edition Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder. Gives cheeks and eyes a soft sun-kissed glow. Beautiful to use with a dewy foundation and very little loose powder or even on its own. Thumbs up on this great, easy to use product!

Dior Cristal Boreal

2009-12-11T22:08:00.002+08:00

Every year Dior cosmetics come up with a star product even better than the last, and this year's star product for the festive season is the Cristal Boreal. A beautiful elegant necklace made with Swarovski crystals that reflect off light beautifully. The face of the pendant swivels to reveal a pretty lipgloss with so much shimmer it'll make your lips glow! Very nice Dior! You've done it again!

Harajuku Lovers

2009-12-11T21:46:00.004+08:00

2 months ago I was invited to be one of Cleo Singapore's panel of judges for their annual Beauty Awards. 4 huge cartons of products arrived on my doorstep and I had a month and a half to go through and test each and every product from skin care to fragrances! It was mayhem, but a really nice smelling mayhem!
It was then that I discovered my favourite perfume, the Harajuku Lovers! What a fun product it was, the packaging is too cute and having them on my dressing table brings the little girl back in me!

G is my personal favourite! I feel like I'm on a beach holiday so yumms! Super kawaii!

Lovely Bones

2009-11-14T09:55:00.002+08:00

Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family, and her killer from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. Movie will be directed by Peter Jackson... very interesting! Trailers already look better than the book so maybe this will be one of the rare 'movie better than book' ones. Anticipating!

Sephora Christmas Palette

2009-11-13T14:35:00.002+08:00

Christmas is the best time to go make-up shopping! Almost every brand of make-up comes up with a Christmas palette all looking so yummy its almost palatable!
Sephora has a wonderful palette with 100 colours that can satisfy your every craving. I likey!