White + Rose

Cushion compacts have long been a staple in the typical woman's makeup bag in Asia. I've had a dabble with some of the affordable cushion compacts myself and thought I'd report on it. Personally, I don't think the cushion will be a long affair. It's more economical to get a bottle of foundation or a tube of BB cream, and less waste. Skin condition: Oily-combo, acne-prone, dehydrated L'oreal Nude Magique Cushion RRP: AUD$29.95 (I picked it up at 50% off in my local Coles supermarket's cosmetic section) Colour: 01 Porcelain Finish and coverage: Dewy and buildable light-medium coverage Lasting power: About 2-3 hours on face Notes: Porcelain was too light and slightly pink for me, though it oxidised to fit okay. Perhaps 03 Vanilla would be a better fit. The compact lasted me about 2 months but it should last roughly 4 months for someone who does not require more coverage. Packaging feels cheap but I like the choice of pink with a metallic lid. Oth...

How about new skin for the new year? The whole appeal of the French Pharmacie brands are that they're a slice of luxury but without the high-end prices. They've been quite trendy in the past year and have been available in various pharmacy chains in Australia for the past year or so. The French woman is often idealised as a flawless, natural beauty with a  je ne sais quoi. In the international market, the allure of these brands is that you can have access to what a typical French woman use. Among the cult classics of the French pharmacie are Avène, Bioderma, Nuxe, Klorane and La Roche Posay. Caudalie and Vichy are ones I have yet to find in store but are sold in online boutiques. I've only tried the products that have gained a lot of hype amongst makeup artists and beauty bloggers alike. Most of them work just fine but there are cheaper copy-cats out there that work just as well or alternatives that suit me better, or that it just doesn't seem necessary. For m...

The world has witnessed the power of product placement, after many of the lipsticks worn by Cheon Song Yi (played by Jun Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun) were sold out and has a wait list. This includes YSL Rouge pur Couture in #52 Rosy Coral, which had been  sold out worldwide . It was later released that the lipstick shade in question was made from various products and none were from YSL. AmorePacific was one of their sponsors and provided most of the products used while  YSL just got a free ride . Nevertheless, Rosy Coral was a popular shade prior to the drama release but it probably wouldn't have sold out if it weren't for the rumour circulating. I've put some time aside for a drama marathon and watched all the episodes. I joined the masses of people, swept in the craze to purchase what she wore and even to eat her favourite food & drink: chicken and beer . I think it's mostly Jun Ji-hyun's charisma that sells these products. While I don't feel com...