contoured cheeks for days

Contouring: Is it necessary? It sure is for me!

So I've been using and loving the Illamasqua eyeshadow in "Heroine" as my contour powder for the past year. Quick side story:  I was in Sydney and the makeup artist at the Illamasqua counter was helping me pick out a bunch of blushes and as always, I inquired about a contour colour for my chubby face. Instead of directing me to "Disobey" (a super popular contour powder colour from the brand), he suggested I use Heroine as he thought Disobey would come up too orange on my fair Asian skin (MAC NC 25-30 for reference). I'm so glad he took the time apply some Heroine on my face and show me how well it worked because never in a million years would I have thought to use an eyeshadow colour as a contour colour! The only time I've used eyeshadow somewhere else other than on the eyelids was through my eyebrows (matte grey eyeshadows works really well through dark brows). 

The Illamasqua eyeshadow in "Heroine" is super pigmented (so are the rest of the Illamasqua products for that matter), easily buildable and in my opinion, one of the best shades out there for contouring the face! It's an ashy sort of taupe colour (but not too ashy) and the texture is soft and smooth without being too powdery. The eyeshadow has a very cool undertone and usually one dip in the pan per cheekbone works perfectly to give you a natural contoured look. Considering it is only 2g in weight, this product has lasted me so long due to the high levels of pigment...and that's what I look for the most in my powder products! 

(Above: Illamasqua eyeshadow colour in Heroine - which I used and still continue to use as a contour powder. I only ever hit on on stuff I really love and dang, I've hit pan hard on this one!)

As I had hit pan on the eyeshadow powder, I was looking for another contour shade to try (not that I didn't like the Illamasqua shade, I simply just wanted to check what else there was on the market). Then wholy moley...I had caught wind from the online beauty community that NARS had recently released a contour blush range (and this occurred just before my friends and I were about to put through our makeup order from a US website). It was meant to be!

Many people consider contouring an optional step in their makeup routine, but for me, its pretty much a necessary step as I want to add some dimension to my face (aka make my face less chubby looking). The new NARS contour blush range will now form part of the permanent NARS cosmetics range and consists of three shades:

1.  Olympia (lighest shade - Ivory/rose);

2.  Paloma (medium shade - Pink beige/ deep rose); and

3.  Gienah (darkest shade - Honey/ Amber). 

Of course as always, I did some online research. This means scouring the internet looking for swatches from American bloggers as the range had already been released in the U.S. but not yet in Australia. My initial plan was to get the lightest shade as I am fairly pale however upon research through online pictures I thought it looked more like a dusty pink blush colour than a contour (still a bit confused about that shade to be honest). So I ended up ordering the medium shade in Paloma. On the NARS website it does kinda look dark but when I read the numerous blogs and looked at swatches I was convinced the shade didn't look too dark or too orange (oompa loompa?)for my skin tone.

The contour shade in "Paloma" would in my opinion, suit a vast variety of people. From the super pale to the golden tanned skin tones. But any deeper than that then I suggest trying Gienah. All three NARS contour blushes come as a duo with a contour shade as well as a highlight shade. 

(Above: Nars contour blush in Paloma)

(Above: L-R Nars Paloma highlight shade + contour shade and Illamasqua eyeshadow in Heroine)

(Above: Swatches when the powder shades have been slightly blended out)

I contour pretty much everyday unless I'm just popping to the grocery store then I don't bother too much with makeup. The contour blush and highlight shade in Paloma are both matte with absolutely no shimmer. The powder formulations are soft, buildable and has decent colour pay off on the skin (again, hands down to NARS for great pigment in their products). I'd say compared to the Illamasqua eyeshadow, the NARS contour blush shade in Paloma has a much warmer undertone to it and could even be used as an all over bronzer for the face, a blusher colour and as a socket shade for the eyelids (whereas I would apply Illamasqua in "Heroine" only for eyelids/ contouring). That's another thing I love about NARS products; the products themselves can be used for multiple purposes! When contouring, I like to lightly powder my cheeks down first (after foundation application), then start with very little contour product and build slowly until I reach my desired effect. If I do however, accidentally apply too much contour, then I gently buff over the area using my powder brush and some face powder - works every time! I have found that the NARS contour lasts very well on my skin which may also be due to the fact my cheeks aren't oily. I'm personally not a fan of matte highlighters because I like my highlighters to have some shimmer in - which provides this overall glowy, youthful skin effect. Instead, I use the matte highlighting shade in the contour pan as a base eyeshadow colour to neutralise the skin on my eyelids and take out any redness caused by lack of sleep. 

I like to alternate between the two products and if I'm travelling, I like to take the Illamasqua powder since it's smaller thus easier to pack. So for those who are interested in getting into contouring or purchasing a new contour powder, I recommend the Illamasqua eyeshadow in Heroine or alternatively, the NARS contour blushes. I like that both products don't look too orange or too ashy on my fair Asian skin causing me to look like I've got two orange stripes across my cheeks. Instead, they're the right tone to add dimension to your face. I hope this was helpful!

Love, Twin #1

the ILLAMASQUA petition

Illamasqua - a brand many of you may or may not have come across. It's an independent British cosmetics label which was predominantly founded on principles of self-expression. Their take on makeup is that the consumers are beauty, and that the Illamasqua products themselves are simply just colour.

The emerging brand is committed to making their cosmetics line more accessible and affordable for  Australian consumers and have adjusted their cosmetics prices in Australia to reflect the current economic climate. In addition, the label has launched a "Australia fight for a fair beauty price" campaign.  The campaign is aimed at making their prices as well as other iconic cosmetics brand prices uniform across the globe.  

Illamasqua's determination to bring a lasting change to the Australian beauty industry is one that I am all for - why should Australians be paying more for their cosmetics items compared to consumers in other parts of the world?! I constantly find myself purchasing items online from international websites due to the price difference (essentially $80 AUD may only get me 2x lippies in Australia, but from an online US store I could get 3x lippies - SAY WHAT!). So it would definitely be nice to be able to try and purchase items in Australia knowing I'm not paying any more for it than for instance, a consumer over in the United States. Getting ripped off sucks.

If you're interested, you can read more about Illamasqua's campaign and sign the petition here.

Love, x

COLLECTION: NARS Lipsticks & Swatches

I've finally have had time to write this post and as promised, it's lipstick related! Horay!  So as I mentioned previously, I am a lipstick collector/ junkie/ hoarder (you can say whatever you want, it really doesn't bother me because I know it's true!). This post is all about my NARS lipstick collection *squeal*  

I have tried and tested numerous lippies across the board and have narrowed down my pre-requisites to: - 

1.  MUST be highly pigmented; this means I can choose to wear the lipstick as a sheer stain or in between sheer and heavy or very heavily as a statement lip (the option I tend to lean towards more);

2.  MUST not be over drying but rather, hydrating enough that it feels comfortable on the lips - let's face it...it ain't a good look when your foundation base, eye shadow and cheeks look perfect and then you have some flakey lip action going on - EW;

3.  Lipstick packaging needs to be practical - meaning the lid must "click" into place securely. I don't want my lipsticks rolling around at the bottom of my handbag making marks all over the insides of my Alexander Wang hand bag. That would be in all honestly, a real nightmare for any Alexander Wang handbag owner;

4.  Matte lipstick formulations (some satin formulations are an exception in my books, just not the super glossy ones). I personally am not one for a very glossy lipstick look and the only time when I sport a sheen on my lips is when I am simply wearing lip balm (with nothing else underneath or on top);

5.  NO glitter in the lipstick formulation. I don't know about you, but I feel a bit weird with frosty lips :\

Also, in my opinion, it would be an added bonus if the lipstick packaging looks sleek and pretty (purely aesthetic I know). This leads me onto my next point. You probably either get the gist or already know that I am a self-confessed NARS fanatic, however in all honesty - NARS lipsticks tick all the boxes for me including the additional bonus criteria (the black sleek and chic packaging gets me every time!). Thus my favourite lippies are in fact, all NARS. But in case you were wondering, I do enjoy other non-nars lipstick items every now and then.

*drumroll* it's time for the swatches! 

NOTE: I have swatched the the Satin & Semi Matte Lipsticks separately from the Satin & Matte Lipstick Pencils.

Nars Lipsticks

(From left to right: Pigalle, Scarlet Empress, Afghan Red, Jungle Red, Red Lizard, Heatwave, Manhunt, Schiap, Funny Face, Goodbye Emmanuelle [limited edition], Niagra & Barbarella)

 (Taken with flash)

Something I recommend doing prior to any lipstick application is applying a very thin layer of your lip balm or my personal favourite, the Egyptian Magic balm/ Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream all over the lips. Then using a cotton tip, gently roll over your lips and push away any loose bits of skin. This will not only remove excess dry skin, but also work as an additional hydrating layer. If I really had to choose a favourite from the swatches above, then I'd have to say "Heat Wave" and "Schiap" are hands down my go-to lipsticks. Both have a beautiful semi-matte finish, and can be matted down even more by blotting the lips with tissue or by applying a 1ply tissue layer over the lips and lightly dusting some finishing powder on top of it. I love how vibrant both lipstick colours are and I often receive a lot of compliments when wearing them. 

Nars Lipstick Pencils

(From left to right: Never Say Never, Mysterious Red [limited edition], Dragon Girl, Red Square, Bolero, Torres Del Paine [limited edition] & Biscayne Park)

(Taken with flash)

Please excuse the extremely messy swatches for the lipstick pencil collection. I had to swatch the lipsticks on my right arm using my left hand as my left arm still had lipstick stains from previous swatches done above. Oh and for reference I am right handed.

At first I was a bit hesitant to venture into this range, purely because it came in pencil form and it meant I had to sharpen the lipstick pencils after continued use. But alas, I had convinced myself it was worth a try and I am so glad I did! Having the lipsticks in the form of a pencil makes application so much easier to apply and take around with me. I should probably add that since I've started my NARS lipstick collection, I've never had to use any lip liner (for reals!). I guess don't feel a need for them anymore. The lasting power is simply divine. I kid you not, I have worn each and every one of these bad boys out on dinner dates with the boyfriend and I am constantly amazed at how well they wear and last (even through pasta and pho). And sometimes touch ups aren't even necessary! My most used lipstick from the Pencil Lipstick range would definitely have to be "Dragon Girl" although "Red Square" is definitely making it's way up on the list as well.  They are both matte formulations and are super comfortable to wear on the lips. I've never had any dry lips problems or any feathering whilst wearing them.  The satin lip pencils by NARS provide high levels of pigment but with much more hydration compared to the matte formulations (you can see from the swatches above that Torres Del Paine and Biscayne Park have more of a sheen to them compared to the rest).

Wow - I really can go on about lipsticks...but I will leave it there for today. So case in point, I definitely think NARS lipsticks are a worthwhile investment! Go on, you know you want to!

Hugs and kisses from my house to yours!

Twin #1 

REVIEW: EVE LOM Cleanser

OK I'll be honest, I initially had inquired at a Mecca store whether or not they stocked the Emma Hardie Amazing Face cleansing balm. To my surprise, none of the assistants had even heard of the Emma Hardie skincare line to begin with! I mean, it was all the rage and all over youtube! LKWETNFAKDLFNA

Since the store did not stock the Emma Hardie skincare range, an assistant directed me to the EVE LOM range. Fun fact#101 the EVE LOM cleanser is known in the beauty industry as the the original balm cleanser; it cleanses, decongests, tones, exfoliates, and removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup AND is a multi-award winning product.  OK - she totally got me hooked at that point.  I decided to fork out the big bucks ($172 AU) and purchased the biggest possible tub (200ml 6.8floz) as it came with a muslin cloth and I justified (in my head) that the tub should last me quite a while.

Naturally, I couldn't wait to tick off work so that I could rush home and try this cleansing balm (first cleansing balm I had ever purchased = excitement overload). I read the instructions probably 5 times over before I really understood what I was meant to do. So you're meant to massage a small amount directly onto dry skin over the grime & makeup, run the muslin cloth under hot water, wring it out, "steam" your face with it and then in circular motions, rub around the face to remove all traces of the cleanser and makeup. Repeat three times.  HUH?! This was totally bizarre to me as I had always religiously taken off my makeup using makeup wipes before going into my actual cleansing routine.

(Above: The 200ml tub of Eve Lom cleansing balm comes with a muslin cloth which is key to the cleansing routine. The balm is quite thick in consistency and only a small amount is needed each time) 

The initial feeling I had was "this feels as though I am just moving makeup around my face with grease - EW". But to my delight the 5-10 minute routine is super relaxing and is more or less like a facial spa treatment in the comfort of your own home. In addition, the cleansing balm removed all traces of my makeup - even the heavy duty waterproof mascara that I use (I pretty much use waterproof mascara exclusively). I even did the toner test and again, I was thrilled with how well the cleanser performed as there was no remaining residue on the cotton rounds. My skin did not at all feel tight or greasy. It just felt super clean and super supple. 

I use the EVE LOM cleanser to remove my makeup only on nights when I'm sporting quite a heavy makeup look. Due to the cleansing balm containing mineral oil as an ingredient, I avoid using it as an everyday cleanser as I'm weary it may block my pores. Some reviewers have noted that the mineral oil content isn't high, thus it shouldn't affect the skin too much - but I'd rather be on the safe side of things. So would I repurchase this product again? Hmm...it definitely is a luxurious product, but I'm not too sure if it's worth the money because I feel as though there are other cleansers that do the same job just as effectively minus the hefty price tag. I really want to try other cleansing balms that are out there on the market (that don't contain any mineral oil) before I decide whether or not I want to repurchase this again. I'd give it a 7/10 - which means I do like it and it does work, but I can't say it has HG status for me.

Love, Twin #1

lets get vampy

Hey again peeps!

So we are now into the season of Autumn (here in Australia)and I couldn't be happier! Why you ask? Because I get to whip out my Autumn lipstick colours that I have abandoned for many months now. Don't get me wrong, I love my red lippies (blue-reds, orange-reds, tomato-reds...I just love red okay?!) but I am super excited to use take out my deep plums and do those vampy makeup looks again. I love those Lorde-esque types of plummy colours.

For those who don't already know who Lorde is, she's a New Zealand singer/songwriter. In fact, I have been listening to her album "Heroine" on repeat. Check her out, she's pretty rad. On a side note, Lorde is doing a collaboration with MAC cosmetics and will be releasing a MAC lipstick line which of course, will include lots of purple/plummy colours, so be sure to keep an eye out for that!

On another note, I just love the cold chill that Autumn/Winter brings and not to mention Autumn/ Winter fashion! Fat Eskimo look here I come! Just kidding...or am I?!

From left to right: NARS Scarlet Empress; MAC Media; NARS Afghan Red

Hugs and kisses from my house to yours.

Twin #1 x

REVIEW: Nars Sheer Glow foundation

After owning and using the Nars Sheer Glow foundation for some months now I thought it was time to do a full on review on it. So here it is!

Initially the makeup consultant had matched me up with the shade "Santa Fe" and when he had swatched a little bit of it on my wrist as well as on the side of my face and neck, I was convinced it was too pink and too light for my liking. I have yellow undertones and me being me, had done a tonne of research online prior to going in store.  So I asked to see the other colours in the range and matched myself up to "Fiji" which is described as Light#5 in the range. After debating for a few minutes if it was the right shade for me, I decided to trust my instincts and I am SO glad I did. Fiji suits my skin perfectly! It has yellow undertones but isn't too yellow. [For reference I am MAC NC 25-30; Asian with yellow undertones]

On the Nars website Nars Sheer Glow foundation is described as a glowy foundation with sheer and buildable coverage. I couldn't agree more. It definitely is a buidable foundation. It has a satin like finish and in my opinion is a light weight foundation (but by no means is it sheer like a tinted moisteriser). It doesn't feel heavy on the skin and I prefer to apply this particular foundation with my fingertips as the warmth from my hands allow the foundation to blend in seamlessly. By using this method I am also able to control how sheer I want the foundation to be. A tip with this foundation (and all other foundations) is that less is more; so I always like to start off with a tiny amount (usually one pump is more than enough for my entire face) and building more only in areas that require a bit more coverage. I like foundations that allow my natural skin to show through underneath the foundation and Nars Sheer Glow definitely does that for me. 

I have combination skin and this foundation lasts so well for me. Since my skin is combination/oily, I like to lightly powder down my T-zone using the Nars loose powder in the shade "Beach" to ensure that my foundation doesn't move around/rub off. I usually just need to blot down my t-zone with blotting paper every 4-5 hours and no actual touch ups are necessary. Since it is a high end and hence fairly expensive foundation, I tend to save it for special occasions such as special dates, birthdays and weddings. Did I mention how beautifully this foundation photographs?! It makes your skin looks so flawless even in flash photography (and without the white cast).  My only recommendation is for those who have dry skin should exfoliate prior to using this foundation as it may cling to dry patches.

(Nars Sheer Glow foundation in the shade "Fiji" - 4th picture demonstrates what the foundation looks like once it has been blended out)

(Above: Full face foundation using Nars Sheer glow foundation. This was roughly 6 hours after initial makeup application and I had not yet blotted the skin)

So does this get my HG stamp of approval? Hells yeah it does! I give it 10/10. It's pricey but a little bit definitely goes a long way and it does everything I want a foundation to do. I will definitely be repurchasing this when I run out of it without hesitation!

Love, Twin #1