Date Nights and the Makeup that Goes With It

Welp, a month since my last post has dazzled by. I've been a software engineer (!) a little over three months now, and I'm happy to report that I no longer feel the crushing imposter syndrome and anxiety I felt when I first started. I'm grateful for the many women who've paved the way before me in this industry and having the chance to participate in clubs like Women in CS, because hearing their stories made me realize that my feelings were normal, even expected, and completely self-imposed. In an Instagram post written three months ago, I wrote: "posting this as a reminder to my future self that we all start somewhere and felt hopeless once upon a time, but it’ll get better." I'm glad even as I was in the throes of doubting myself, I knew I could wait it out.

I'm pleased to report that my absence from writing was due to an incredible month of catching up with dear friends (all of whom lament the lack of time time time) and meeting (hopefully) new ones. They say it's difficult to make new friends in your 30s, but that's also the age they say you stop changing, and I refuse any notion that limits me from living the life I want. As luck had it, sometime in the past month I found myself in a four hour conversation with a couple I just met, which only ended because a) the restaurant was closing and b) we all had to wake up at a reasonable hour for work the next day. It felt like a really good first date, a feeling that's elusive to find in couple friends — it always seems like you get along better with one person, not both equally — and you bet I'm going to hit them up for a next hangout.

Speaking of dates, here's a serious throwback in more ways than one: a look I wore to a date night a few weeks ago featuring mostly old school classics (permanent products! taupe!) and some strong deer in headlights cheekbone action. After all, some things do stay the same.



Products Used (clockwise):
Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Initiale (I love that Chanel.com has free shipping for all orders)
Chanel Les Beiges Fresh Water Tint in Medium Light
Suqqu Retouch Pressed Powder in Porcelain
Burberry Eyeshadows in Trench, Rosewood and Midnight Brown
Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipstick in Perfume of His Gaze
Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink
Not pictured:
Guerlain Multi-Perfecting Concealer in Medium Cool
THREE Mesmerizing Performance Eyeliner Pencil 10
Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara



I'm possibly the last person to get to the Chanel Fresh Water Tints. The hype does not disappoint. I love that it feels like water and gives just a hint of coverage. It's enough if you have pretty good skin and all you want is a little rounding out, a tone down of the redness around the nose and cheeks. Spot conceal where needed — ever since I stopped using hormonal birth control I've started getting breakouts on my face again. /lament



Burberry Trench as base, Rosewood all over lids, Midnight Brown on outer edges and lower lash line. Nice thick eyeliner to give the appearance of ample eyelashes, swipe of mascara to create said eyelashes. I smudged the edges of the eyeliner just a smidge for a more natural look.



Blush above the hollow of cheekbones, highlight atop. Don't forget the middle of the nose, above the cupid's bow, inner corners of eyes. Lipstick and done!

A Plethora of Pinks

It's funny how tastes change. A year and a half ago, I wrote this Lipstick Bandit post about fearing pink, and this summer it seems to be all I wear. Now that I know I look better in cool pinks, I'm much less inclined to dabble with coral (that color is a whole 'nother headache). The pinks shown in this post are mostly old favorites that have become staples in my lip wardrobe.

Also, the whole time I was taking pictures, this scene was running through my head:

Sherlock Season 1 Episode 1: A Study in Pink. A glorious introduction to a fantastic TV series

Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 206 Sweet Watermelon

First, a light watermelon pink! I associate the finish that Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 206 Sweet Watermelon ($35 for the refill, $25 for the holder) imparts with "Asian girl" lips (sorry, stereotypes) – soft and balm-like with a hint of color. It's really great for when you just want to look a little more presentable. "Naturally pretty," if you will.

Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in 476 Plaza

Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in 476 Plaza ($32), reviewed here, is a step up from the Cle de Peau in terms of pigment. As you can see, the texture is also balm-like and it's very easy to wear. All these lipsticks make my peeling, wrinkled lips look happy and well moisturized.

I sense a trend in my selections. What can I say? I love comfort.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never

And to the matte selection! Do I detect a slight hint of purple? NARS' lip pencils (Velvet Gloss, Velvet Matte, Satin) are my favorite products from the brand. From packaging to texture to color selection, I don't think you'll find too many from other brands that can rival NARS. The one pictured above is Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never ($25), reviewed here two (!) years ago. I'm so grateful that it's part of the permanent collection.

I used a heavier hand when applying the blush, so my lips wouldn't wash out the rest of my face (balance is important!). Pictured above is Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Initiale.

Paul & Joe Manège + Le Metiér de Beauté Clearly Brilliant Lip Gloss

While the texture of Paul & Joe Manège is perfectly fine (full coverage, balmy finish), for some reason I enjoy slicking a clear gloss over it. I also just realized that the Le Metiér de Beauté Clearly Brilliant Lip Gloss ($36) is a great alternative to purchasing more Dior Fluid Sticks. It's a jelly gloss that produces high, watery shine. It completely transforms my lips!

Manège, a limited edition shade from spring 2013, is unfortunately no longer available. The good thing is I've tried on a few magenta shades since and found possible substitutes, so if you're interested, try Paul & Joe La Vie En Rose 305 or NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu.

What lip shades are you loving this summer?

Clé de Peau Beauté Spring 2014: Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink

Once upon a time, I thought nothing of the Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancers, dismissing them as "too sparkly" after a chance swipe at the counter. Little did I know it was all overspray (this is why I don't like overspray) and what lies beneath is highlighting gold. Another reason I may have overlooked this gem was because the existing shade selection didn't suit my skin tone, and this new spring shade Delicate Pink was just right.

One cannot discuss the Luminizing Face Enhancer without admiring the light-reflecting shell, though mine has been slightly marred by scratches. It goes to show how much I've been using this powder since I got it four months ago. I bring it everywhere even though the case is quite hefty. It's that good. I also have to give props to the included brush. The bristles are dense but soft, so it picks up a healthy amount of product and is a pleasure to apply.

Applied under eyebrow arch, at inner corners of eyes, down the nose, above cheekbones, on cupid's bow, above the chin

What makes one highlighter conclusively better than another, I do not know. Perhaps the shimmer in this one is just much more finely milled than the other ones I own, but it truly melds to the skin and imparts a lit-from-within glow. I have never skipped the highlighting step since acquiring this compact. It's amazing how much more alive my face becomes with these subtle strokes.

For those mystified by highlighting and its place in makeup application, you are welcome to visit my highlighting tutorial.

Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink retails for a whopping $95, though you can purchase the refill alone for $55. It is available at Nordstrom, Saks, and Barney's.

Products Used:
Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow in 40 Brown Black
Suqqu Frame Fix Cream Foundation N 102
Le Metiér de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer Shade 1
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 08 Eye On
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Clinique Cheek Pop in Plum Pop
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink
Shiseido Lacquer Gloss VI708 Phantom

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration. This entry also contains affiliate links.

Cat-eyes and Red Lips

Like an updated version of this post, but I was actually inspired by this simple look from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013 runway. Clean face, thick brows, a smudge on the eye, and a bold red lip:

Image via

The beauty of this look is it's so simple. The only trick that needs to be elaborated is the cat-eye: I love how her cat-eye wasn't precise, like it was more of a smudge (note the blended out edges). I recreated it using the Shu Uemura Kolinsky Brush 10f dipped in black eyeshadow, flicking it out from the outer corner of my eye. Instead of a q-tip, I used my fingers to straighten out the edges (this could get messy, but since it's black eyeshadow instead of liner, the mess wouldn't stay on skin if you rub it off quickly. Or if it does, clean up with a q-tip dippped in makeup remover!).

As for the rest, I applied foundation and highlighted my face, painted on eyebrows, tight-lined my eyes, swiped on mascara, and made sure that red lip stayed within the lines.

Products Used:
Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow in 40 Brown Black
Suqqu Frame Fix Cream Foundation N 102
Le Metiér de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer Shade 1
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 08 Eye On
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Le Metiér de Beauté Nouvelle Vague
Clinique Cheek Pop in Plum Pop
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink
Burberry Lip Velvet in Military Red
Chanel Le Vernis Dragon

Editorial: Purple Smoke with Rouge Bunny Rouge

INSPIRATION is such a beautiful word. While it's been said true artists/writers are the ones who slough through regardless of its presence, I'm sure we all can agree that when it's there, life is a million times easier.

I've been meaning to feature a trio of shadows Rouge Bunny Rouge sent to me, but just couldn't figure out how to use them together, until I stumbled upon this photo.

The eyeshadows in question are Snowy Egret, Lilac Reef Curassow, and Eclipse Eagle — an icy gold mint, a lilac, and a purpled brown.

L-R: Snowy Egret, Lilac Reef Curassow, Eclipse Eagle

Here you can see them housed in a nifty little case (RBR' Trio Eye Shadow Keeper)

As you can see, I switched up the colors from the original photo (which are breathtaking, by the way. I want everything used on her), but conformed to the same shading shape. Basically, think of your eyelids in thirds. After applying primer, I patted on Lilac Reef Curassow to the center (2/3) of my lids. I then applied Eclipse Eagle to the inner and outer lid (1/3 and 3/3), making sure to blend, but not overly blend into the lilac. More detail went to shading the inner lid, as the makeup artist extended the shade to the side of her nose bridge instead of stopping at the edge of the lid. I applied Snowy Egret to the inner corners of my eyes and smoked out the bottom lash line with Eclipse Eagle.

I could discern only the faintest inkling of a line on the model's eyes, so I tight-lined using a black pencil liner. Two coats of black mascara, and done.

The Look

Rouge Bunny Rouge products are available internationally on rougebunnyrouge.com and zuneta.com.

Products Used:
Rouge Bunny Rouge Time Defying Foundation in Wheat Cream
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light
Guerlain Meteorites Perles du Paradis
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base
Rouge Bunny Rouge Eyeshadows in Snowy Egret, Lilac Reef Curassow, and Eclipse Eagle
THREE Flash Performance Pencil Eyeliner in Eye On 08
Pop Beauty Peak Performance Mascara in Blackest Black
Addiction Blush Mix in Brown Toast
Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer in #201

Necklace from Intermix, dress from Free People.

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration.

In Which I Get 'Editorial': Lush Emotional Brilliance

Let me preface this by saying it's entirely unintentional that for both my Lush looks I had a wind machine (or an AC unit blowing in my face) and a glossy eye on (which promptly smudged my mascara like crazy in thirty seconds). I don't quite remember what was going on, but it sounds like I had fun.

L-R: Lush Focus, Wise, Strong

L-R: Strong, Focus, Wise

Some time ago, I was sent three random products from the Lush Emotional Brilliance line to review (so, no. This is not a product of the "pick a color" game). I was glad a lip product was included because to be honest, I have never been sold on a liquid eye product. Even Ellis Faas, whose eyeshadow formula I absolutely adore, gets the back-of-the-drawer treatment in my book. Just because liquid eyeshadows are so tricky.

That said, I'll try anything.

L-R: Wise applied with fingers, Wise applied with brush

The foremost question on my mind when using liquid products is how to blend so they look natural. On my right eye, I tried applying the shadow with the doe foot wand, then finger-blending it. On the left eye, I applied with the Shu Uemura #10 synthetic fiber brush. Perhaps it's my lack of expertise, but the result is as you see in the picture above. To its credit, after the eyeshadow dried it didn't crease or budge at all.

"Wind machine" aside, lips: Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer #1

On the other hand, I definitely get along with liquid lip products. In fact, I was just searching for an orange-red that was orange enough without actually being orange (think about that a minute) when I received Strong. The formula is lightweight and slick, as in when you first press your lips together it slips around. I had no trouble applying it with the included wand, and in my tests it stays on until you have a giant oily meal. My applicator was a little loose at the base, but it could be that my sample was just defective. The only thing that bothered me was there's a sort of plastic taste and smell to the formula. By no means off-putting since I don't intend to eat my lipstick, but good to note.

Glossy eye courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté Magic Lustre Cream

I'm perhaps one of the last bloggers to be writing about this, but I would like to say that we might all be a little hard on the brand. After all, it is their first cosmetics collection, and as much as I won't be purchasing the eye products, I do believe the liquid lipsticks stand a fighting chance in the current market. It's at a relatively affordable price point and boasts a much wider range compared to its more conservative counterparts (I mean, they have one that's straight up purple), so I definitely think Lush is on to something. 

Lush Emotional Brilliance products retail for $22.95 and can be found at Lush stores or lush.com.

The products in this post was sent by the PR of the company for editorial consideration.

Girl Crushing on Shu Pei or How To Fake A Higher Nose

via Asian Models Blog

I usually drool over every editorial scoured by the lovely people of Asian Models Blog, but this one of Shu Pei in the June edition of Vogue China just evoked such feelings in me. The location, the styling, the makeup, and for goodness sake can Shu Pei be a more perfect specimen of the human race?

I'm not and can never hope to be Shu Pei, but that shouldn't stop me from having some fun.

The look is ridiculously simple. Eyes are Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eye Liner #1 (limited for fall) tightlined and smudged out with Shu Uemura 10F, a light touch of smokey grey eye shadow to blend the edges, Burberry Trench Eyeshadow on the brow bone and inner corners, and Burberry Effortless Mascara for just-there eyelashes. I shaded a barely-there contour with Chanel Orchid Rose Blush (think a sideways triangle) and highlighted with Burberry Fresh Glow. For lips, a slick of Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer #201.

More importantly, Shu Pei's nose. I've never seen her in real life so I can't say for sure, but I want to bet that it is flatter than it seems. If you've been here long enough (or have me on Twitter/Facebook), you've probably heard me say I have no nose. While obviously not strictly true, glasses or anything that requires a nasal bridge to function is a bane, if not impossible for me to use.

Since I can't alter the height of my nose, I'll settle for the appearance of one. Note: pictures show accentuated shading so you can, well, see it. I usually go with a much lighter hand.

here's a close-up, and mandatory funny

People with tall noses have different kinds of shadows on their faces, and as I've explained in my face contouring tutorial, it's all about manually creating light/shadow. I used a contour powder one shade darker than my skin to darken the hollows (the two triangles) by the nasal bridge, blending it into the eyebrows. Then, I shaded the sides of my nose (the two straight lines).

Also, a sorely-needed update to my brow tutorial (cringe). While the specifics of where your arch and tail should be have not changed, I've since found out where your brows start does affect the perceived height of your nose. A brow specialist at Shu Uemura told me I should only have the space of two fingers between my brows, and I realized it really does make a difference.

The Summer Lip Conundrum

I've been trying out the "bronzed summer look" recently and since contouring is one of my favorite things to do, you can imagine how much I'm enjoying it. That said, I'd get my brows, eyes, cheeks done but can never figure out what lip to pair the look with. I have a bronze goddess image in my mind that lacks a pair of lips. Eep.

So today I took it as a personal challenge to find a lip that works! I tried on a couple lipsticks I've been eyeing for a long time but never really had a chance to use, and some well-loved glosses for good measure. (Only while writing this post I noticed I forgot to include a peach selection. Sigh.)

Cle de Peau 206 Sweet Watermelon

I've been trying to make Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 206 Sweet Watermelon work on me for the longest time. For some reason this coral pink clashes with everything I wear–in fact, even when I'm not wearing any eye makeup! This looks okay in pictures but in real life I felt it was too warm for the overall look, or specifically my skintone.

Burberry Feather Pink Lip Mist

Burberry Feather Pink Lip Mist No. 209 was my first ever Burberry acquisition. It was a welcome gift at one of my first internships and I cherish it to this day. While swatched similarly to Cle de Peau 206, on the lips it's lighter, cooler, and much pinker. While pretty, it somehow also doesn't fit the whole look.

Chanel Calypso

I thought Chanel Calypso Glossimer would do the trick. After all, isn't coral the quintessential summer color?

Eh.

LMdB Indian Summer (Copper Leaf layered over Ginger Snap)

Finally I thought, since I was going for this bronze-y feel copper might be a good direction to head toward, and I do think it does the trick...

Bare lips... okay no, a slick of Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment

But I found that a bare lip works best in the end. I suppose since summer is all about paring down, less really should be more!

(Also, just so there is no confusion. All the products featured in this post wears fantastically and are some of the most comfortable lip stuff I own. I was just particularly hard on them in terms of how well they work with the look I was going for.)

For reference, here are swatches of all the lip products used in this post:

L-R: LMdB Indian Summer layered, Copper Leaf, Ginger Snap, Chanel Calypso, Burberry Feather Pink, Cle de Peau 206

Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 206 retails for $60 (the refill is $35 and holder $25. Yikes!), Burberry Feather Pink Lip Mist is $30, Chanel Calypso Glossimer is $29.50, and the Le Métier de Beauté Indian Summer duo is $65.

What is your go-to summer lip product? I would love to get some ideas!

Oh, and Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Dior Summer 2012 Croisette Collection

Here are some swatches of the Dior Croisette Collection for summer. Apologies for the shoddy department store lighting, but I take what I can get. 

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Brun Panama and Orange Sari

Dior Liner in 258 Turquoise

Top-bottom: Dior 5 Couleurs Croisette Eyeshadow Palette in 224 Swimming Pool and 654 Aurora

I couldn't swatch the eye glosses because the testers have not arrived. I also only swatched two of the three glosses because the pink-peach gloss didn't look very special to me (and in truth, I forgot). Although early press info from other blogs showed a fourth gold gloss, I did not see it at the counter. 

I tried on everything I swatched at the counter, but so far I was only moved to purchase the orange gloss and the nail polishes. I really liked how both the eyeshadow palettes looked on the eyes, but I was reluctant to purchase something I'd only use for a couple of months. We'll see if I change my mind in the next few weeks! Also, for inquiring minds, the orange gloss is pigmented. It will show up on your lips.

I took the pictures below when I got home a few hours later. I didn't pick up the turquoise liner but am now regretting it - it might be the first thing I've placed on my bottom lash line that wouldn't budge. I have Swimming Pool (anyone else think it's an unfortunate name?) on and it looks better than I thought cool blues could look on my eyes.

Lips: Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer in 201

Cheeks: Le Métier de Beauté Blush Kaleidoscope 2nd and 3rd tier, topped with Guerlain Sun Shimmer Highlighter in Spicy Coral

I believe the Dior counter at Saks Fifth Avenue New York is the first to receive the collection. I suppose it'll roll out at counters nationwide any day now. If you can't wait to get your hands on this, you can contact Aliyah (who's an absolute sweetheart) at 212-940-2260. Tell her Xiao of Messy Wands sent you!

Update: I just heard on Twitter that several pieces of Dior summer arrived on Sephora.com today!