Want longer lasting...............................Make up?

(Dear Sydneysiders, remember the billboard? And no, we ain't talking about sex here today. :P) 

I have my fair share of events to attend in my duo life as a beauty blogger. It's great if its in the morning because I will have a fresh face of make up (although getting out of bed would have been a mission). However, most of them are usually held after work.Not that I'm complaining because its pretty sweet to wind down a busy day after work with a glass (or a few) whilst playing with new beauty products. See, I'm quite a lazy person - touching up an entire face of make up after a long day is quite a chore and I try to avoid it as much as I could. 

THANK GOD after playing and trialling a million and one different products, I have came up with my long-lasting day make up and doesn't take more than 5 minutes to touch up (or 10 if I decide to slap some falsies on!) which involves cleaning up my undereye with a concealer and further intensify my eyeliner (and maybe reapply the blushes depending on the blush I'm using that day). And of course, finishing up with my trusty setting powder and apply the power lipstick of the day. 

Without further ado, let's get to these products! 

The main and "core" products that keep my face from melting away - also what I called the 

"skeleton" products: 

Face Primer: Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30*

I have never really been a huge fan of face primer as I tend to have really dry skin and most of the time, I am ok with almost flawless foundation routine with my freckles still feasible. HOWEVER, my life changed when I discovered this baby! It's velvety texture glides on my face like silk to form the perfect canvas base for my foundation application. This primer is pretty pigmented with a neutral, colour correcting tint that evens out my skin tone. So, my dears, a little does go a long way here. 

Foundation: Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation (#11)

Always go back to this baby if I want that flawless, porceleine finish. #11 is my perfect match for foundation and doesn't leave me looking like Snow "White".  This foundation provides full coverage with a natural matte finish (yes this is possible!) and it lasts forever!! By forever, I meant all day, all night. 

However, I might take a step back on this foundation as the temperature rises as I find it a little too heavy in the warmer months. And, it's all about the freckles in summer, right?

Concealer: Borjois Healthy Mix Concealer in Apricot

If you have been reading Through Beauty Eyes, you would have known I am a HUGE fan of Benefit Fake Up concealer (especially after a night of shenanigans! I gave you some tips on how to hide your "I am so effing hungover" face HERE.). As the coverage of the Skin Base Foundation is pretty solid, I rarely find myself requiring heaving concealing. A tiny pea size of this concealer is enough to cover any remaining dark circles I have and around my nose and it blends with my Skin Base foundation pretty awesomely, just like a dream. 

Setting Powder: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish (Medium)

BEST setting powder ever and I am onto my second one already. I set it after applying my foundation and concealer and set it again after my blush and contouring routine. No, I do not look like a cakeface and this is why I love MSF! 

This is my "perfect" face routine at the moment as most of the time, I find myself needing to touch up my face make up by the end of the day before any night events. Not with this golden combination however. The most I would do is just to mattify my face a little with MAC Mineralized Skin Finish (if I am not too lazy, that is :P)

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion

I don't think I need further explanation on this, do I?

Eyebrow: Face of Australia Eyebrow Kit*

Cheap cheap, create that ideal brows that last all day - what more can you ask for from an eyebrow kit? And to support your local brand! 

Eyeliner: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner

This has been my HG eyeliner over the past 1.5 years and I am probably on my 6th or 7th one now. Perfect felt tip that makes it easy to create that gorgeous cat winged eye and most importantly, it doesn't crease! Did I mention it has now been repackaged and the tube is pink? (Not that it's an important factor, but pink is always brownies point :P)

It is available on Sasa.Com but I usually stock mine up when I am over in Asia.

Eyeliner: Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner in Black

Another HG Eyeliner pencil which I have been using for years and repurchased countless times. Did a detailed review and swatches almost THREE years ago HERE - yeap have been a loyal fan since then. If you are looking for an affordable, pigmented and crease prove pencil eyeliner, you might have just found the one. 

Mascara: Dolly Wink Volume Mascara (Purple Tube)

HG Mascara, nuff said. Just like the Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner, I have been going through tubes after tubes over the past 2 years. This works amazingly well on my Asian lashes and give me half decent curls that holds and volume. In fact, this puts me off falsies for the past 2 years as I am pretty damn satisfied with applying it on its own, until I discovered Katy Perry's KAPOW falsies of course. 

As for my eyes, I go with either the neutral taupe/gold smokey eyes (when I am wearing bright, bold lippies) or purple-grey smokey eyes (for days when I prefer the subtle lip colours over loud ones)

Neutral taupe/ gold smokey eyes

Creme Eyeshadow: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad To The Bronze & Bold Gold

I LOVE these little pot of awesomeness - works well on its own for a quick over the lid colour or perfect as a base to hold your eyeshadow even better. This + UDPP = killer combination to ensure your eyeshadow stays! 

Eyeshadow: INGLOT Freedom Palette (AMC Shine #34, Matte 378 & Pearl 422

After rediscovering my INGLOT palette which I conveniently ignored not long after purchasing them two years ago, I was reminded how great these eyeshadows are! Super pigmented and vibrant, minimum fall outs and doesn't crease! No touch up needed at all when I use them! 

Purple-grey smokey eyes

Creme Eyeshadow: Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Illusoire 

This is my favourite purple-grey-ish (forgive me for the lack of better word) colour and like the Maybelline Color Tattoo, it works perfectly well as a base or on its own. Except, this costs you a few extra plates of dumprings money. :P 

Eyeshadow: Smashbox Girls On Film Softbox Eyeshadow Palette* 

(reviewed and swatched HERE)

I am usually good to go with Minx + Sienna but on days that I felt like a heavier look, I would add a matte black/ burgundy shadow to further intensify the smokey look. Easy peasy. 

Katy Perry X One Direction Fragrance

Lashes: Katy Perry KAPOW lashes* (Massive rave about it HERE) 

As seen in my recent post, I am a HUGE fan of this natural - looking lashes with a hint of purple tone and have been rocking them at every launches I went and Friday night drinks. ABSOLUTE DARLING! 

A fresh look at 8amin the morning! 

This is how it looks at 11pm - as you can see apart from a slight smudging at my lower eyes, the rest of my make up is still pretty intact! All I did was touch up my blush, apply falsies, mattify my face with MAC MSF and apply a bright lip colour! 

And the eye make up is almost as fresh as 7am in the morning! 

You can check out my FAV lip products for a night out/ events HERE. 

I hope you enjoyed this post on my long- lasting make up "secrets".

What are you favourite long lasting products?

OR any secret tips?

Do share in the comment below! 

XOXO,

A

 *PR Samples

FOTD & TIPS: Simple tricks to create a "done up" look!

Whats up buttercups? 

It has been a while since I last updated this humble space of mine. As some of you may already know, I have been living in a sea of tax textbooks, slaving away for my CA last week. Thank god, it is now over , for now. 

Hence, ThroughBeautyEyes.Com will be back and active again. No more solely Photolog and Instagram posts. :) 

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

Have a party to attend but in a hurry? Wanna rock your favourite Kim Kardashian's smokey eyes but running out of time. Fret not, here are a few tips on how to create a "cheating" eye make up that looks more done up than it actually is. 

You can play around with different eyeshadows and lipsticks to look like you have created different look everyday but the basic techniques are the same! 

 Step 1: After applying an eyeshadow primer, apply a cream shadow which matches the eyeshadow colour you will be using later. It helps the eyeshadow stays better and makes it more vibrant. I used Bloom Eye Crayon in Taupe. Chanel D'Ombre in Illusoire is a my other to-go-for cream shadow. 

Step 2: Apply a dark-based eyeshadow such as taupe, grey, dark purple... anything that gives you the smokey effect all over your lid. I used my INGOT taupe e/s here but Minx from Smashbox Girls On Film Palette (swatched and reviewed) is also my other all-time favourite. You may pat on extra eyeshadow on the outer corner to create a more smokey effect. Don't forget to blend away the harsh edges! 

Step 3: Line the lower lashline with a waterproof pencil liner. The last thing you want is have your eyeliner smudging halfway through the day. My HG eyeliner pencil is Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner Pencil in Black. 

Step 4: Set the eyeliner with a black eyeshadow. My favourite combination now is Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner Pencil and the black eyeshadow from NVEY ECO Eyeshadow Palette. 

Not only does this step help your eyeliner stay in place, it softens the look and makes it smokier too. Double bingo! 

Step 5: Apply waterproof liquid liner on your upper lashline. Don't forget to wing it. I am using Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner in Black.

Final step - Apply generous coats of your favourite mascara to complete the look. My current favourites which give me those luscious lashes are Australis Voluptulash and Australis Killer Curls. 

VOILA - the complete look! 

Don't forget to put on your favourite coloured contacts/ circle lenses. It does make a difference. I am using EOS J203 Adult Green (reviewed HERE) but EOS G201 Max Pure Gray(reviewed HERE) is also my other favourite when I want to go for the more dolly/Japanese look. 

On my FACE

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Soft Nude

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory (as highlighted)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Make Up

Hello Kitty Compact Powder in Pashmina Ambre (as bronzer)

ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Glow

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

On my LIPS

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

As it was just another casual Sunday, I decided to go with a more neutral-toned lips rather than a bold one. But feel free to swap it with a loud fuchsia lip or a bloody red lips if you wish to - whatever that floats your boat. 

Another version - using Minx from my Smashbox Palette and MAC Watch Me Shimmer lipstick PLUS falsies :)

This is what I like about make up - there is so much room for creativity - as long as you don't go overboard, mix and match fun times always give you a pretty final result. 

Running out of getting-ready time before a night out with the chicas? Here's the wrap up for a few tips that could come in handy :P

* Put on some coloured contacts/ circle lenses

*Use darker eyeshadows (swap taupe for grey or dark purple) for a smokier effect

* Smudge your lower lash line 

* Coat on LAYERS of mascara (Or you might add on some falsies if you wish)

* Play around with your lipstick collections 

What are your cheat-tricks when you are running out of time to get ready?

Have a great week lovelies!!

XOXO,

A

REVIEW & SWATCHES : MAC WATCH ME SHIMMER + FOTD

HAPPY SUNDAY!

It has been a pretty hectic end of the week (not that I am complaining) and weekend shenanigans but more on that later! :) Daylight savings officially ended for us peeps here in Sydney and yays to an extra hour of sleep!

So, if you are a ThroughBeautyEyes follower on twitter OR Instagram (@ThroughBeautyEyes), you would have probably already known that I have been pretty obsessed with this new bright coral lippie as of late. 

Looks familiar? ;)

Isn't this the MOST gorgeous coral shade EVER? Slightly more loud than your usual coral lippies, yet not overly bold. 

Huge thanks to my lover Miss Wendy and Co for grabbing it for me on her recent trip to Hong Kong. :)

MAC WATCH ME SHIMMER 

(Amplified)

From SHOP Collection. 

Natural Light

With Flash

Quick thoughts on this lippie: 

* GORGEOUS coral shade

* SUPER PIGMENTED - As this shade is of amplified formula, it is very pigmented. All you need is one sweep across your lips. 

*AMAZING LASTING POWER - It lasted me through morning coffee and breakfast with the water-sippings in between for at least 5 hours. Even then, the colour doesn't fade completely - just a tad lighter. 

This is the perfect lipstick for someone who wants to go for the statement lips look but wanna step away from the conventional bloody red lips.

A bold coral lips also emanates a young, vibrant and flirtatious vibe, me thinks. =P Perfect for a Friday night out after work, just a sweep and it instantly brightens up your entire look. 

HERE's a quick FOTD using MAC Watch Me Shimmer: 

FOTD using my favourite Stardust eyeshadow from the Sisley Mystic Harmony Collection (Reviewed & Swatched HERE)

With a darker shade on the outer corner of my eyes to give more dimension and complete the look with wing-ed eyeliner and generous coats of my favourite mascara. 

As I was using a bold lippie, I keep it simple with the blush, with my all time favourite Illamasqua Blush in Lover (BEST peach blush EVER!)

ON MY EYES

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Illusoire

Sisley Pyoto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadown in Stardust

INGLOT Single Eyeshadow

Kiss Me Heroine Volume Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel

Have a good weekend lovelies!!!

Have you tried anything from the MAC Shop Collection?

What's your take on bright coral lips?

XOXO,

A

ASIA HAUL 2012 #1 - SINGAPORE DUTY FREE ft Chanel, Shiseido, Victoria Secret & Revlon

It's the EVE again, thank god! So glad it's nearly the weekend, work has been barely bearable this week. In order to "celebrate" that we are closer to the weekend, I shall share the first loot of my Asia Haul - stuff that I purchased from Singapore Duty Free. 

(No, I didn't buy half the Duty Free shop. :P I am actually pretty proud of my self-control. :D)

Before going ahead with the loot, may I reiterate how ridiculously priced beauty products are in Australia. A Revlon lipstick here is almost the price of a Chanel lipstick from Singapore Duty Free! Preposterous, I know. I believe, this is probably a good reason for me to stick to my no-hauling-in-Australia-ban. :P

Anyhoo, without any ado, it's time to share the love  as well as the pain of my poor purse. 

Singapore Duty Free haul - told cha I was being good. :P

It's about time I popped my Chanel cherry - my first Chanel purchase. :)

Chanel Illusion D' Ombre in Illusoire (SGD 38.50)

Look at how pretty it looks. In fact it's too pretty to be used! I haven't touched this baby besides a few "photoshoots". Should probably take Illusoire out for a "test drive" soon after all the praises it received in the blogosphere. 

Chanel Rouge Coco in Rose Comete (SGD$ 33.50)

The classic Chanel design.

Simple but chic and classy! Me love!

With Flash

Without flash

Rose Comete is a frosty baby pink colour. It is a rather unique colour, not something I would use on a daily basis though. Swatches to come sooner than you say ABC. :P

Next up, 

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Parfait in PK 307 (SGD$ 33)

Being the twitter stalker I am LOL, I knew I had to give the Rouge Parfait range a try when I stumbled upon Cheri and Dana's conversation on the awesomeness of this range. 

With Flash

Without Flash

Compared to Chanel Rose Comete, Shisedo's Rouge Parfait in PK307 is way more wearable and will be probably be on high rotation once I am back to natural pink "lip phase" again. 

As mentioned earlier, swatches to come faster than you saying ABC. Not lying there peeps! 

With Flash

Without Flash

Next up, my Revlon loot. :)

The lipsticks were a quarter of the Australian price (I KNOW RIGHT!) and the eyeshadow palettes were at least half the price here (See what I mean by ridiculous price?)

Revlon Custom Eye Palettes in Party Pop and Naturally Glamorous (SGD$ 12.95)

These palettes come with 5 gorgeous colours - albeit not with the best pigmentations, they are really smooth and glide on easily on your lids. Naturally Glamorous is great for starters (as a start up kit) as well as an awesome palette for your make up bag (as a touch up kit) as it has all the colours you need - from highlights to v-brow colour. I came across Party Pop when it was used on  me at the Revlon Luscious Pumping Mascara Event a while ago. Great spring/ summer palette but I have yet to try it out! Whist Party Pop and Naturally Glamorous are palettes that I adore, with great colours, I don't think I would fork out the full Australian price for it. 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Softsilver Rose (SGD 7.95)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wild Orchid (SGD 7.95)

When I saw the Super Lustrous range was only SGD 7.95, I could not resist. Heck, its cheaper than a bowl of salad or my favourite sandwich here! I was hoping to pick up Siren, which was also used at the    Revlon Luscious Pumping Mascara Event but unfortunately, they didn't have it at the Duty Free. So, I picked up another pearly bright fuchsia lipstick named Wild Orchid and also a pearly coral-pink lipstick named Softsilver Red.

Swatches as below:

With Flash

Without Flash

Due to the lack of brands in Australia (need I emphasize more on this point again?), a Duty Free trip isn't complete without a Victoria Secret purchase! Agree, no?

VS Beauty Rush Fragrance Mist in Sweet Tease and VS Fragrance Mist in Gorgeous 

(SGD 22.95 and SGD 14.95)

I love love love these 2 fragrance mists - they are perfect for a little pick me up after a long day. Yes, smelling absolutely yummy is a form of pick me up too! :) My sisters reckon Sweet Tease is way too sweet and it's a tad revolting (imagine "yucks" coming from them everytime I spray) lol but I love it cos I love sweet scent - think: DKNY Delicious, SJP New York City... you get the jizz. :)

That's all I got from Duty Free. Truth to be told, there will probably be a couple more stuff in my shopping bag if I wasn't short of time. Another good way to reduce spending in a Duty Free - pick the connecting flight with the shortest transit time. :)

Hope you enjoy this Duty Free Haul Post - more Asia Haul post to come! 

HAPPY THURSDAY, LOVELIES! :)

Have you been travelling lately?

Did you break your bank account with Duty Free Shopping?

Don't forget to share your hauls :P

XOXO,

A