Shiseido Beauty Event Malang, 24 November 2012

Dear beauties,

I have something exciting for today's post. Last Saturday, I was actually attending Shiseido beauty event held by Jayanata in Hotel Santika Premiere, Malang. And to let you know, it was my first time to officially attend a beauty event. I was so excited about it and think would be nice to write a blog post about it. So, here I am sharing my experience with you all ;)

As a matter of fact, I have no idea that this event was mainly  for Shiseido. I thought there would be some of other beauty brands in the event, since Jayanata staff was the one who contacted the invitees. Honestly, it was my mom who was invited to attend this event but unfortunately she couldn't make it, and ask me to go instead. Luckily, I wasn't really disappointed with all that, because as you all know Shiseido is literally a good brand too.

I actually found out later on that Shiseido was celebrating their 140 anniversary and specially introduced their Autumn/Winter 2012 makeup collection during this occasion. I actually aren't too familiar with the Shiseido product lines because I have never really using Shiseido products, except their Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover. When I first arrived, I actually expected they will do slight presentation about the brand, so I could have more knowledge about it, but unfortunately there was none. 

Basically, I was greeted and escorted to the seating area by one of Shiseido staff and she started asking the problems I got with my skin etc.., then she recommended some products might be effective for my skin. The good thing was they offered some discounts with the purchase amount of IDR 1.500.000 (US $155.00) and IDR 2.000.000 (US $205.00). And, I actually forgot the exact discounted price :( 

I know that is big amount of purchase, but as you know their products are relatively in higher price. 

After you made some purchases, they did offer you a free skin check & consultation or a free make up. And as you know, of course I chose for having a free make up by Shiseido MUA. I actually requested to have a natural smokey look. Et voila...here is the result!! 
(I'll try to link the products used for this look if I could remember all the names)

Products Used:
Perfect Foundation Brush
Refining Makeup Primer SPF 21
Perfect Smoothing Compact Foundation SPF 15
Eyebrow and Eyeliner Compact - Deep Brown
Automatic Fine Eyeliner - Black
Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio - Snow Shadow
Nourishing Mascara Base
Perfect Mascara Full Definition - one of Shiseido New Collection products
Luminizing Satin Face Color - Orchid
Bronzer
Smoothing Lip Pencil
Lacquer Rouge (forgot the name) - one of Shiseido New Collection products

What I love the most of this look was definitely the eye make up. It was a center point of the overall look. Pretty vibrant, yet natural and classy. The eyeshadow shade was actually a deep dark blue, however it appeared more grayish in the picture. The pictures might not show the justice since I was mostly using my camera phone, but the eyeshadow colors are absolutely gorgeous and well pigmented in real. Here I'll try to show you some best close shots of the eye make up for inspiration: 

top: under natural light
bottom: under flash light

Last but not least, here are all the products I got at the event. I did purchase some skin products from Shiseido, because I'm the type of person who prefer to invest more in the skin products. Besides, I almost finish up my current skin care products, so I thought there's no harm to alternate my skin products. Other products I got was actually their welcoming gifts. I was really exciting to try those all. Eventually, I will do product reviews for you guys ^^ and don't forget to follow my blog if you would like to get the updates.

WHITE LUCENT Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+
WHITE LUCENT Brightening Protective Cream W SPF 15
WHITE LUCENT Brightening Moisturizing Cream W
Refill Perfect Smoothing Compact Foundation SPF 15 - Natural Light Ochre (O20)
Sample Advanced Hydro-Liquid Compact - Natural Light Ochre (O20)
Sample Perfect Rouge Lipstick - Mystery 
Calendar 2013

For disclaimer, I did not receive any paid or other things from Shiseido to write this post, I actually purchased all the products I got with my own money.

Thank you all for stopping by and let me know if any of you, including Malang beauty bloggers, happened to attend this event too.

Amour, 

NOTW: O.P.I Black Onyx & O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle

Hi lovelies!

Today I'm back again with NOTW post. For today's post I actually gonna feature two nail polishes at once, which are O.P.I Black Onyx and O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle. 

As my previous post, My Favorite Fall 2012 Nail Polishes, I mentioned that I tend to wear darker shades these days. Yesterday I did paint my nail black. Somehow I don't want it to be plain black, that's why I added a silver glittery top coat, and it turned out really pretty as what I imagined.

 O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle over O.P.I Black Onyx under direct sunlight

Without further rambling, let's jump to the product review!! ^^

O.P.I Black Onyx

I would describe O.P.I Black Onyx as my perfect true black polish. It is the nicest and most pigmented black I've ever gotten. It's a bit hard to find truly black polishes that not tend to fade easily. 

I love the consistency of this polish, like always with most of O.P.I polishes, it took me about two coats for excellent coverage. If you would like to wear this shade alone, you actually could skip the top coat part since the polish already has a shiny finish on it. But for me personally, I would add a layer of top coat to make it all glossy and classic. You also don't need to worry to reapply this polish often, because it stays on for days and doesn't chip as easy. The only downside I experienced was during removal process. Since it is a dark shade, I got the shade is a bit hard to remove, especially when it stained on the skin around your nail. I required quite amount of nail remover to clean it thoroughly. 

under flash light

O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle

Sometimes I did wear O.P.I Black Onyx on itself, but today I don't feel like to wear it simply bold black. Hence, I paired it with O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle for layering. O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle is actually from the New York City Ballet Collection 2012. It is a gorgeous clear base glitter polishes with very fine yet tiny silver glitter and some larger hexagonal silver flecks. 

I'd rather using this polish over the other colors, since it is quite a soft sheer color and certainly require many coats to build full coverage up. This polish is quite versatile, you basically could pair it with any colors, either dark, bright, or even pale soft shades from the same collection. When I used this polish as a top coat, I normally applied 1-2 coats to even out the glitters dispersion. The other thing that I also love that the sparkles are not too chunky, so it won't overstate/overpower the other shade, instead just add elegant and dainty look to the nail. 

Similar problems as my previous NOTW post in September, I found it's as hard as O.P.I Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It for fishing out and placing the larger hex silver flecks, as well as for removing the flecks off your nails. I guess O.P.I should give more attention to overcome these problems for their next glitter polishes. But after all, I still love this polish. I often get compliments every time I wear it; it's a definite glitter polish you all should invest in. 

indoor

So, how do you like both polishes?? Have you ever tried them?? And I'd like to know what shade are you wearing on your nail now?? Let me know in the comment below ^_^ and thanks for stopping by!

Amour,

Review: Maybelline Volum' Express The Mega Plush Mascara

Dear beauties,

Today I'm back again with other beauty product review. I've been eyeing this product for quite long ago and managed to get it last month. This product is Maybelline Volum' Express The Mega Plush Mascara and has been my everyday mascara ever since. For me, mascara is my staple eye make up I should wear every time I went out. It just simply makes my eyes appear wider and more awake. That's why when I heard good review of this mascara I can't wait to try it on.

Product Details

Maybelline Volum’ Express has extended their line with the new Mega Plush formula in Summer 2012.

Why You'll Love It?

• It is Maybelline's first gel-mousse mascara with 40% less hard waxes for massive volume with a supple touch

• Extra-soft, patented Flexor Brush caresses lashes

• Lashes never brittle or flaky

• Available in washable and waterproof formulas

For Best Results

Apply the Flexor Brush against the lashes and sweep from root to tip until a full plush look is achieved. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water or Expert Eyes® 100% Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.

(Info taken from maybelline.com)

Ingredients

Formulation

As this mascara is their first gel-mousse formula, I was a bit hesitate at first whether I'd like this new formula or not. And I'm really glad that I decided to try it out. In fact, I like that the formula is super light and it doesn't make my lashes all hard or brittle. The gel-mousse formula definitely leaves natural look to my lashes, feel like not wearing any mascara. The shade I got is also a very rich black.

Brush and Application

Brushes always drew the most attention of any mascara component. Up to now, there are many different types of mascara brush available in the market. For this particular mascara, I found it is pretty simple to apply. The brush has large and soft bristles that comb through and separate my lashes pretty well. However you should be careful especially on the lower lashes application considering the brush is kind of big. Sometimes when I applied my lower lashes, I accidentally touched my under-eye skin and left a bit of mascara goop behind.  

Maybelline Volum' Express The Mega Plush Mascara also has a flexor or flexible brush, which is specially made to move freely and reach the root of the eyelashes deeper than the normal straight wand. I admit that I don't really make use of it because I already could reach the root of my eyelashes without wriggling the brush too much.

Results

Maybelline Volum' Express The Mega Plush Mascara on the upper lashes

This mascara definitely gives decent length and soft touch to my lashes. However, if you expect to have super voluminous lashes, like what they claimed in the packaging, you might be a little disappointed. It adds pretty decent volume to the lashes, but certainly not a mega or massive volume one. Whenever I had a special occasion or just felt like to have more dramatic look, I normally layered two mascaras. I applied this mascara first considering it nicely separated and gave a darker and longer lashes, then I layered it with my other Maybelline mascara, Maybelline Volum' Express The Hypercurl.

I did get the waterproof version and it obviously lasts longer and doesn't have to be reapplied as often. It also doesn't smudge easily. With this mascara, I don't have any flaking issues either. Somehow I found it is a bit trickier to remove than what they claimed, you definitely require a good eye make up remover. 

Overall Thought

I really like this product. It is definitely a good everyday mascara. It is easy to apply and results of separate, longer and darker lashes without making it all hard and gross. I could not ask more for effortlessly soft and naturally awesome look lashes. This mascara is retailed at $7.99 in Drugstore right now. 

On the contrary if you're looking for a dramatic look lashes with a lot of volume, this mascara alone would not do justice for you, but you always could layer it up with other mascara.

So, would you like to give this mascara a try?? And let me know in the comment section below what is your favorite mascara of all time??

Amour, 

My Favorite Fall 2012 Nail Polishes

Hello everyone,

Before ending Fall 2012, I decided to share some nail polish shades I am loving this season. I usually switch over to darker-colored polishes and stick with them throughout most of fall and winter. There are lots of options here when it comes to shades, you can go with a bold black or a polish with blue, purple, red or brown undertones. Dark colors look chic on shorter nails, and do require more maintenance than lighter hues because chips are more obvious. 

For an early notice, you will see most of the recommended shades are from O.P.I, as you all know I love their polishes with no doubt. So without further ado, here are my top five fall shades for this year:

1. Deep red burgundy

Source: google.com via Blue on Pinterest

This shade is rockin' this season and it is one trend I totally all about. I would simply pick German-icure by O.P.I as the best burgundy red shimmer at the moment. It's really worth to splurge on this shade because it's simply classic and suitable for any outfits you wear. I bet this particular shade will remain on trend through winter season.

2. Vampy plum creme 

Source: google.com via Blue on Pinterest

Since I'm still in James Bond's spirit, O.P.I Casino Royale has become one of my favorite shades recently. It is a deep vampy plum creme shade. These kind of colors are perfect for Fall and Winter when you want a deep color but don't want to be too dark. Besides, this color is sexy and perfect for a night out.

3. Neutrals

We could never forget that neutral colors are basic shades we should have. When you don’t want to fully commit to a bold shade, this shade could be your instant pick up. Neutral shades, like O.P.I Bubble Bath and O.P.I Don't Pretzel My Buttons are the perfect polish to wear if you want a barely-there look that will never appear over-the-top. I also love neutrals more towards the brown side, whether it’s a light or dark taupe brown, for instance O.P.I Berlin There Done That or O.P.I You Don't Know Jacques. These are great fall colors that will look effortlessly beautiful. 

4. Dark and Mysterious

For this Fall, I'm looking forward to moving away from happier into a more mysterious tones. Dark nail polish is always great option for Fall and literally goes with everything. Finding your perfect dark nail polish is not too hard. You just have to find what looks best on you. I remember how black nails have been huge for the past few years. I always grab my O.P.I Black Onyx as my true black polish. However not all people love black nails, so a dark grey, O.P.I Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! will be a great alternative. Another alternative is actually a dark green that almost looks black when you applied it about three coats. My favorite dark mysterious green shade is O.P.I Here Today Aragon Tomorrow.  

5. Duochrome effect 

As I remember, duochrome polish was really huge during Fall 2011. We  absolutely still can rock the trend for this year too. Duochrome effect is a two-toned effect, shifting from one color to a second color depending on the light and angle. I suppose Chanel Péridot was the first to have started the whole green and gold duo-chrome trend. If you are gravitated to this trend, you could grab the dupe of Chanel Péridot, which is O.P.I Just Spotted the Lizard, a green, gold, bronze and a bit blue multi chrome polish. Depending on the light, it could appear as greenish gold or goldish bronze. It is also shiny and metallic, perfect for a night out or special occasion during Fall time. The color reminds me a lot of changing color of leaves.

Anyhow, it doesn't matter what time of year it is, your nail colors always could spice up an outfit and reflect your personality at the same time. Let me know what your favorite fall polishes are in the comments below and I'd love to try some of them out :)

Amour,

Review: TRESemmé Deep Repair Shampoo + Anti Hair Fall Conditioner

Happy November beauties...

If you happen to live in Indonesia, you might notice how TRESemmé advertising campaign is really big right now. Its advertisement is literally everywhere... Honestly, I was first aware about this brand through Youtube beauty gurus' videos. That's why, I was so excited when I know this brand enter Indonesia market. 

Earlier last month, I picked up a shampoo and conditioner from the brand. There are 3 variants available in Indonesia market: Smooth and Shine, Deep Repair, and Anti Hair Fall. 
Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get the same variant, because at that time there was only one variant of conditioner available at the store, which didn't match to any variant of its shampoo:( They are TRESemmé Deep Repair Shampoo and Anti Hair Fall Conditioner. 

Before moving forward to the products, I will share the information about the brand itself and continue afterward with my verdicts of the products!

About the brand 

TRESemmé was first founded in 1947, and first manufactured by Godefroy Company in USA and was distributed only to salon. Brand name is referring to Edna Emme, a national spokesperson for professional hair care industry. 

In 1968, the brand was purchased by Alberto-Culver, an American corporation whose principal business is manufacturing hair and skin beauty care products. First major retail launched in US market in 1992, and all other markets remained as salon exclusive. Then in 2004, it launched in UK market.

Alberto Culver was acquired by Unilever in 2010 and since 2012 TRESemmé is available globally in 25 countries all over the world, including Indonesia. 

(Info taken from TRESemmeIndonesia)

TRESemmé Deep Repair Shampoo ~ for dry and damaged hair
This shampoo is enriched by Vitamin E, its formulation gives the optimal nutrition to the most damaged part and maintains hair strength and smoothness. Healthy, smooth and shiny hair looks as easy as after hairdresser treatment. 
How to use:
Apply on wet hair, massage until it foaming. Then, rinse off. 
For optimal result, complete the treatment with TRESemmé Deep Repair Conditioner every day and Hair Treatment Mask once a week. 

TRESemmé Anti Hair Fall Conditioner ~ for brittle and hair loss
This conditioner is enriched by strengthening system, completed by amino vitamin complex which treat brittle hair intensively and effectively reduce hair loss since the first use. It results smooth, healthy, and strong hair as a hairdresser treatment.
How to use:
After shampooing, apply the conditioner from the middle to tip of the hair. Leave it about a minute for a maximum result. Then, rinse it off. 
For an optimal result, use it regularly along with TRESemmé Anti Hair Fall Shampoo every day and Hair Treatment Mask once a week. 

Actually those products are not my first TRESemmé product. I did snatched TRESemmé Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray for a while ago and totally in love with it!! (I'll make sure to write a post about it pretty soon)

In the matter of hair care, I'm the kind of a loyal one. I always stick on a certain product that works great on my hair. I tend not to alternate the brand so much. I was using my L'Oréal Expert series for last five years and totally love it. However, since I discovered and in love with the TRESemmé Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray, I decided to try the shampoo and conditioner. 

My verdicts:

1. For me, no doubt that both packaging look professional. Do you agree with me?!!
2. These shampoo and conditioner contain biotin, or at least that is what they say on the label. As you might know, biotin is a B complex vitamin, which is believed in helping hair growth. Therefore many people feel if they get extra biotin logically the result will be healthier hair. The good thing after I used it regularly for over a month, I noticed that the amount of my hair loss is slightly less than before. 
3. What I most love about TRESemmé product is definitely the smell. I love the scent both of these shampoo and conditioner, including my TRESemmé Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray. It leaves a refreshing smell on the hair. Every time I smell it, I feel like just came out from my hair salon, because it's kinda have a similar scent. Besides, the smell actually last on your hair for quite a while. Even after washed my hair in the morning and finished working out in the afternoon, I could still smell the scent.
4. I wouldn't say they are total ground breaking, however these products still work great on my hair. It doesn't weigh my hair down. In addition, my hair looks away more straight than before.



Top: TRESemmé Deep Repair Shampoo;
Bottom: TRESemmé Anti Hair Fall Conditioner

5. As you can see from the image, the shampoo has gel texture, and the conditioner is more creamy. The shampoo is practically clarifying and lather pretty easy, meanwhile the conditioner is indeed moisturizing and smoothing your hair.
6. The price is absolutely affordable. I got mine at IDR 16.000 or USD 2 each for 220 ml size. You might purchase the bigger one for 400 ml size at IDR 28.000 or USD 3. I suggest you to buy the smaller size first for testing it out, and if you indeed like it, you always could buy the bigger one. These products are literally available everywhere now, such as Guardian, Hypermart, Giant, Hero, Carrefour, Alfamart or Indomaret and many other supermarkets.
7. Will I repurchase the products?? Yes, definitely ;)

Please let me know some of your experiences with TRESemmé if you have any, and thank you for dropping by. Have a wonderful November ahead everyone.. :)

Amour,