7 REASONS WHY I LOVE IVY POOL BY MERIVALE. AND LIPSTICKS LOVE.

Ivy Pool & Lipsticks. 

It's a weird combination for a blog post, innit?

But, I love them BOTH.

Ivy Pool - Penthouse view

Also, because I am in the mood for some swanky, badass cocktails and obviously, being the responsible adult I am, the closest I could get is probably drinking vicariously through my photo albums. *Light bulb moment* Why don't I just do a blog post on my favourite bar of all times?

AND, the reason I included lipsticks into this post is - I am wearing different lipsticks with different outfits in the photos in this post! Unintentionally.

Beauty + Bar ? 

Massive score in my books. 

Sipping CC Dry by the Pool on another Friday :P

WEARING: FLOMAR matte lipstick in #35 (swatched HERE)

If you have been stalking following me on my various social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), you would probably come to one of the following conclusions: 

1. Adeline is the Ivy Pool Ambassador.
2. Adeline owns the Ivy Pool. (Yeh, I wish)
3. Adeline has share holdings in the Merivale Group (hence, constantly contributing to Ivy Pool's weekly sales revenue)
4. Adeline is the Brand Advocate for Ivy Pool.
5. Have I mention, Adeline probably owns some shares in Merivale Group?

All of the above?

I WISH.

Why the above conclusions, one may ask.

Absinthe Shots in the infamous Ivy cups. (Anzac Eve 2013)

Why the above conclusions, one may ask.

Where do you want to catch up for drinks? Ivy Pool.

Where should we meet this Friday? Ivy Pool. 

Where should I check out when I am in Sydney? Ivy Pool.

Where is good for some groovin' & dancing post Friday after work drinks? Change Room (The level below Ivy Pool)

Oh, what about Ivy Bar? They are shit, come to Ivy Pool.

Where are you going to be after work on Friday? Oh, come on now is this a rhetorical question?

(Whilst I may have discovered a few new bars filled with men in suits, I always ended up at Ivy Pool at some point of the night)

Yeap, you get the point.

Amazing View - What's a better way to wind down after a long week on a Friday than to sip a glass of wine or your favorite drink of choice by the pool?

Please note: This does NOT apply when Sydney's weather decides to go temperamental on us. But lucky for Sydneysiders, we have significantly better weathers on Fridays than miserable ones.

Outdoor DJs (ie #Moonshine) + Palm Trees - There's a DJ deck right next to the pool - playing catchy tunes that gets you into groovy mood. Do you REALLY need more reasons? =P

On the downside though, this outdoor DJ only exists during the warmer months! 

SUMMER LOVIN - CC Dry + Pool <3 td="">

WEARING: REVLON LIP BUTTER IN LOLLIPOP

PERFECT settings - Combining all the factors above: palm trees *fantasising that I am in the sunny state of California instead of Sydney*, pool view (or dipping your feet into the pool), grooving background music, a glass of wine in hand while catching up with your friends/ colleagues/ partners/ parents/ grandparents.... SERIOUSLY, what more do you ask for? 

 WEARING: MAYBELLINE LIPSTICK IN VIVID ROSE + CK ONE GLORIOUS

Civilised Crowd - Mainly corporate crowd and you don't get random creeps trying to hit on you every 5 minutes. That gives you a great peace of mind to enjoy your bubbles.

Please note: This only applies 99% of the time - you do get the occasional random creeps grabbing your hand and plant a kiss on your palm and offering you shots after. 

Strawberry & Lychee Martini (ANZAC Eve, 2013)

Strategic location - located less than 5 minutes walk from Wynyard Shop makes getting home for Tipsy Adeline way easier. 

Robert & Yours Truly

 WEARING: RIMMEL LIPSTICK IN PINK BLUSH

Robert - Ro - whaaaaat? No, he is not Ryan Gosling lookalike. Robert is ALWAYS there in his coloured suit (bright pink, yellow, blue, white... you name it) crackin his ballroom-dance moves. By always, I really do mean ALWAYS. Like, every week. Everytime I am there, Robert is there. No joke. Anyone who is a frequent patron at Ivy Pool knows who I am talkin' about. :P

3AM by the pool post Christmas Party last year.

WEARING: RIMMEL Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in #11 (reviewed & swatched HERE)

EXTRA: You may jump into the pool for a cool down after an epic dancing session in the Change Room. Strictly optional. 

THE GORGEOUS NIVA <3 nbsp="" td="">

WEARING: MAC CANDY YUM YUM

I am pretty sure my gorgeous twitter-friend-turned-bestie Ms Niva Jean could vouch that Ivy Pool is pretty awesome when I FINALLY took her there when she visited Sydney a couple of weeks ago. RIGHT? 

WEARING: MAYBELLINE LIPSTICK IN VIVID ROSE + CK ONE GLORIOUS

In all seriousness though - it's a really good place to catch up with friends or colleagues over a few drinks as it isn't too loud and noisy. Whilst I am generally loud 24/7, I don't enjoy having to yell out loud throughout the entire conversation. :P The pool, palm trees and groovin music is undoubtedly relaxing for winding down after a long week! After a few drinks, head down to the Change Room to shake ya tail feather before catching the last train home across the street! That's how my typical Friday sounds like. :P

I know this is not your typical beauty/ bar review posts but it's always fun to mix something up! I hope you guys enjoyed this post whilst counting down to Friday after work drinks! 

My Sydney readers, have you been to Ivy Pool? 

IF not, what's your favourite bar to hang out?

XOXO,

A

FRIDAY FAVOURITES: LIPPIES (QUICK REVIEW + SWATCHES)

Happy Friday lovelies!

Feeling absolutely jolly and chirpy as I'm writing this - Sydney is at its best, showing off its warmth; it's FRIDAY (Friday FRIDAY!); life is a whole lot better compared to the first three quarter of 2012; just demolished my daily dose of small strong latte, about to get myself a grilled chilli prawn pizza LOL and just simply because its SUNNY FRIDAY! (Now, to assess whether hitting Bondi Beach is feasible during lunchtime =P)

At days like this, I am usually spotted with a bright coral/ orange lippies to match the mood. On a moody day, I can be seen with bright fuchsia or a cooler toned pink with lavender undertone lippie. On days that I feel a tad under the weather or having some self-doubts (you know, one of those days), I turn to my faithful red lippies for some confidence booster!

(Did I just write a paragraph on the relationship between my mood and my lippie of choice?)Yes ladies (and gents), this is totes, like, legit.

Just thought I'd share with you the lippies that have contributed to my right biceps (read: lippies that I carry in my bag with me) and are currently on high rotation:

(Please note: These are my current favs in no particular order. As mentioned earlier, it's highly dependent on yours truly mood at time of selection).

REVLON Lip Butter in Trutti Fruti: PERFECT everyday, to-go-to corange (coral + orange) lippie - it's moisturising, pigmented (for a "lip butter" standard), long lasting and not too OTT. If you have always wanted to try orange lips but feel that it's a tad too much, this is a great product to start with! (You can vouch me for that =P)

Wet & Wild Lipstick in 907C – This baby is a scarced resource in the land down under – I was lucky enough to try this lippie thanks to my lovely twitter-pal, Gwen who kindly included in my love package a couple of months ago . I am never a firm believer of love at first sight, except when lipsticks are involved. And this is a prime example. This is a cool toned, bubblegum pink colour *squeals* with matte but non-drying formula, smooth, long lasting, pigmented… what more can you ask for? I can definitely see more wearage out of this in the cooler months.

Without Flash

 L-R: Revlon Trutti Fruitti, WnW 907C, Australis Make A Wish, Rimmel by Kate #20, Shu Uemura Parisienne Pink, Australis Fandango, Sisley Rouge. 

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Make A Wish (Limited Edition) - This could be a tad too much for work, but it is one of my top lippies and it's usually spotted after hours - be it an event or after work drinks! Pigmentation - superb; lasting-power - amazing; best part is its super affordable! Priced at $12.95 a pop (you can get it at a cheaper price during specials) - pretty on the lips, easy on the purse! (For Australian standard, that is). I have already bought a backup for this lippie, seeing that it’s a LE collection. #Hoarder

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in #20 and #22 (not pictured)* - If you haven't tried the lippies from this range, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? If I gotta pick ONE fav drugstore brand (please don't make me do that, it's a very hard decision to make), this range will probably get the title. Buttery smooth texture, extremely pigmented, long- lasting, sleek packaging, has a natural rose scent (not the usual yucky plastic lipstick scent!) and incredulously affordable for a product of such quality! #20 is my favourite fuchsia shade - and also my instant "glam-me-up" product that takes me from work to an event! #22 is a siren red whenever I need an instant pick-me-up to feel like a Wonder Woman.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Parisienne Pink from Karl Lagerfield X Shu Uemura collaboration* – Isn't the packaging SUPER ADORBS with the kawaii Monshu Girl? Parisienne Pink is very toned down in comparison with the other lipsticks of choice - more of a lip balm texture, sheer and extremely moisturising! I find myself reaching out to Monshu Girl on days where my lip requires some immediate TLC or when I'm having bolder smokey eyes! 

With Flash

L-R: Revlon Trutti Fruitti, WnW 907C, Australis Make A Wish, Rimmel by Kate #20, Shu Uemura Parisienne Pink, Australis Fandango, Sisley Rouge.  

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipgloss in Fandango* – This is probably a cheaper “dupe” for SISLEY Phyto Lip Gloss in 6 Rouge - but a tad brighter. As mentioned earlier, I am not usually a fan of lipgloss. However, Fandango looks absolutely amazing when layered on top of Make A Wish to give a plumper effect – perfecto for a weekend night out. Did I mention, it actually tastes quite yummy too? #DontJudgeMe

SISLEY Phyto Lip Gloss in 6 Rouge* - The hybrid between a lipstick and lipgloss. Rouge has the texture of a gloss (thicker than a lipstain) but with amazing pigmentation and it lasts longer than a lipgloss! I opt for this precious over Australis Make A Wish when my lips are exceptionally dry (which happens a lot over the past few weeks!) and I am in the mood for bright co-range lips. This is a fantastic product for the fans of lipgloss, looking for something more pigmented. However, for yours truly, lipgloss formula has never really been on my favourite list! Lipgloss, long hair, wind... you get the picture. This stays in my make up pouch to save me during my “dryer” days. LOL

As you can see, I'm definitely no brand snob here. If you are, you should definitely give these drugstore products a go, you'd be surprised! Same amount spent, you get more products or you could use the change to grab yourself a glass of bubbles. =P 

Have you tried any of the above lipsticks? What are your favourites?

Can you guess which one did I wear to work and what will I be wearing?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

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

PHOTOLOG: Featured on PRIMPED, lotsa F00DP0RN & Outfits of the Day

I think I can now proclaim April as my favourite month with the public holidays we have. :) 

Have a smile now if you're as excited as I am to have another 4 day week thanks to Anzac Day on Wednesday. The thought of having midweek off makes Monday slightly better. 

Tuesday feels like Friday and its effing ah-ma-zing!! 

Like most of every other Mondays, this is a photolog post to have a quick recap of any interesting events from the past 2 weeks. :)

ThroughBeautyEyes was featured on Primped last Friday along with Miss Chew, Hair Romance and Swatch Girl! Thanks Primped for the special shout out. :)

Read the original post on how to rock them glasses without looking like a Plain Jane HERE. 

NOTW - LAYLA Magneffect Nail Polish

Magnetic Nail Polish seems to find its way to the top spot of current nail trends, after knocking crackle nails off the list. 

Took me 2 goes before getting the effect I want - a tad troublesome and effort for a lazy sh!t like me but am definitely lovin' the magnetic effect! 

Sunday Lunch @ Bills, Surry Hills. 

Sweet corn fritters with grilled tomatoes, spinach, bacon and extra haloumi on the side. 

It was as delicious as it looks, however I felt a tad sick after 2 pieces of deep fried fritters. I was probably still suffering from some pork hangover from the night before (you will get what I mean shortly =P).

Sunday dessert sesh with the girls @ Le Renaissance, The Rocks

BEST dessert place EVER in my humble opinion. The lime tart (bottom right in pic above) is still my absolute favourite and they make awesome coffee too! 

For you macarons lovers out there, their macarons are committable to Adriano Zumbo, if not better! It comes in Jasmine Green Tea flavour too, which is extra macaron points! #punny

FOTD 

My current favourite everyday look and a sneak peek of next upcoming post! :P

 (It looks more done up than it actually is, in fact it's pretty simple effortless!)

Saturday morning face, after a night out!

I LOVE the colour of my hair under the sun! Unfortunately, I might need to go black as I am getting allergic reactions from patch test and it seems almost impossible to touch up my hideous roots which is growing like there's no tomorrow! 

If any of you has sensitive skin and is aware of any organic, vegan brand that might not give rise to any sort of allergic reaction, please do share. I will ruv you forever! :)

Roast Duck Noodle Soup @ Hong Kong Noodle House, Burwood

 EPIC post night out food, nuff said.

The bestie and I.

So, the bestie (Miss Wendy & Co) and I managed to finally have some #boobtime D&M catching up sesh and random #sneakytime on Saturday night.

#SaturdayNight @ Lowenbrau, The Rocks

 Remember the statement I made above about pork hangover earlier? I reckon the massive pork knuckles (bottom left in pic above) gives a pretty good explanation, doesn't it?

#fatshit

Yours truly rocking them 3D glasses LOL

This is what accountants do on a Friday arvo when you're so over the week and you're just counting down to wine o'clock.

@ La Bodego, York St. 

 Friday drinks this week was with my Friday buddy Janice, aka Chaigyaru after missing each other for the past couple of weeks. :)

REVLON Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie

 One of the new found loves I recently acquired. :)

Pad Kee Meow @ Thairiffic, Westfield Foodcourt

 After all the rich and unhealthy shit I consumed in the past 2 weeks, I shall attempt to #eatclean this week. Even hardcore gyming isn't sufficient to keep my guts in place. =.="

Casual Sunday OOTD 

Singlet - Forever 21/ Shorts - Nichi, Malaysia/ Sandals - Sports Girl/ Studded bag - Dotti

With Ze Girls outside Circa, Parramatta

Baked Eggs @ Circa, Parramatta

Max Brennar for dessert!! <3 

Standard Friday night feats MAC Lipstick in Nicki Minaj & CC Dry @IvyPool

Two of my favourites - CC Dry and Lipsticks! <3

Posing #likeaboss in Ivy Change Room 

Top - Forecast/ Skirt - Dotti/ Ankle Boots - Wanted

As you can tell, nothing really exciting besides food and Friday nights and more food! After collating all the required photos for today's post, I realised that I have been having alot of heart-attack-on-a-plate I  in the past 2 weeks that even my intensive gym sessions wouldn't be able to save my ass. =.="

That being said, I shall try to #eatclean and be healthier this week. Lets hope my next photolog post is healthier than this. :P

Hope you lovelies had a great start to the week.

It's freakin' awesome when your Monday feels like the Eve! Whoop whoop! 

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. 

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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:

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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