Stila Colour Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set (Photos and swatches)

Hello

If you are someone who have a long list of Christmas gifts to strike off, why not consider the Stila Colour Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set!

 

 

Taken from Sephora.com

A festive collection of nine Lip Glazes, packaged in three trios.  


To give or to keep? That is the question. Give this Lip Glaze collection in its entirety or break it apart and cross three names off your holiday list with individually packaged trios. As always, Stila's famed Lip Glaze delivers a glossy shine on lips with delicate flavors and scents. These iconic click pens are perfectly portable for a glistening pout anytime, anywhere.

- 0.45 oz x 9 Lip Glaze in Cranberry, Persimmon, Melon, Dazzleberry, Wildberry, Strawberry Cream, Passion Fruit, Kaleidoscope, Amaretto

A close up shot

From L-R: Persimmon, Melon, Cranberry, Dazzle-berry, Wildberry, Strawberry Cream, Kaleidoscope,  Amaretto, Passionfruit

 

 

and of course, swatches!

From L-R: Persimmon, Melon, Cranberry, Dazzle-berry, Wildberry, Strawberry Cream, Kaleidoscope,  Amaretto, Passionfruit

 

 

Retails for USD$28 ($124 Value), that's a little over $3 per pen, full sized! What's convenient about this set, it is already individually packaged in 3 packs of 3. All you need to do is just write the receiver and giver name at the back! Great stocking stuffers! And I do not need to say how much these lipglazes are already loved by many.

So the question now, to give or to keep?

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (Photos and Review)

Hello

Hourglass ambient powder has always been on my Wish List/To Buy List ever since saw it on YT and beauty blogs. But with a price tag of $45 for a finishing powder, I can just wish that it will magically appear in my hand. Ok I know that's pretty much impossible because no one knows I want this.

Anyway, I was looking at Sephora's website to check what's new and I saw this Hourglass palette. Without even thinking twice, added it in my cart and check out immediately! And, here's the beauty:

Taken from Sephora:

Available at Sephora's Website
A limited-edition palette featuring three shades of Ambient Lighting Powder, the high-tech, soft-focus finishing powder that features state-of-the-art technology to recreate the most exquisitely flattering types of light. 
Create your perfect light. Ambient Lighting Powder is a groundbreaking collection of finishing powders that capture, diffuse, and soften the way light reflects on your skin. Unlike traditional powders, which merely cloak imperfections, Ambient Lighting Powder utilizes photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of the complexion. The powders deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer and lit from within. The finishing powders enhance skin in any type of light, including flash photography. With three universal shades available in the Ambient palette, you can create your desired effect

This palette includes one new limited-edition shade, Incandescent Light, and two existing shades, Dim Light and Radiant Light. It also comes with a complimentary 0.16 oz deluxe mini sample of Veil Mineral Primer. This product is free of talc, gluten, fragrance, and nanoparticles.

Pictures are taken in different lightings

 

 

Retails at $58, I can finally justify my purchase. Instead of 1, you get 3 finishing powders. Though it is smaller than the regular size, it is perfect for a makeup junkie like me!  It was hard to capture the swatch on camera, however I did manage to do a before and after picture with this product.

Before

 

 

After

 

 

My thoughts:
I feel that it looks amazing when photographed. My under eyes area are usually my biggest issue due to the Syringoma but this powder helps to blur it out. Nothing can cover my syringoma so to have a product that blurs those imperfections, I give it a two thumbs up. What I also love about this palette is that I can use all 3 powder on my face at one go. Here's how:

Incandescent Light- Use as a highlight on my T-zone, cupid's bow and chin
Dim Light- Use all over my face after my foundation especially under the eyes
Radiant Light- Use on temples, jawline and near all hairlines
All in all, I did not regret getting this palette and foresee myself trying more of Hourglass's products, if not, more of the ambient lighting palette.

So, will this be in your Wish List? Or would you just rather get out and purchase this yourself a.s.a.p?
P.S: This palette was OOS on Sephora's website when I last check on 12th November!

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Urban Decay Vice 2 (photos and swatches)

Hello

I have been into LE palettes lately and since I do not have any other UD palette beside the Naked Basics, I decided to order the Vice 2 from Sephora.com .

Taken from Sephora.com

Retails at USD$59. this palette contains:
-0.03 oz x 20 eye shadow in:
Smokeout (dark taupey-black satin),
Lovesick (black matte w/iridescent micro-glitter),
Shellshock (bright metallic silver),
Coax (medium metallic pink w/golden iridescent micro-sparkle),
X-Rated (baby pink satin),
Prank (deep navy matte w/turquoise floating pearl),
Madness (bright metallic blue shimmer w/blue micro-glitter),
Strike (antique gold shimmer w/silver micro-glitter),
Stash (deep olive green shimmer w/iridescent micro-sparkle),
Poison (charcoal satin w/iridescent micro-sparkle),
Radar (metallic brown shimmer w/iridescent micro-glitter),
Damaged (bright metallic emerald shimmer),
Voodoo (metallic purple shimmer w/iridescent purple micro-glitter),
Betrayal (bright purple satin w/blue shift),
Derailed (medium metallic taupey-brown shimmer),
Dope (warm champagne satin),
Toxic (metallic copper-pink shimmer w/tonal micro-glitter),
Habit (light nude matte),
Ambush (metallic brown satin) and
Rewind (medium brown matte)
- Full size double-ended Good Karma Shadow and Crease Brush

Here are the swatches:

 

 

Vice 2 is drenched in a pretty-but-edgy, abstract orchid design that’s applied with a special process—so no two palettes are exactly alike—and topped off with a gunmetal jeweled UD icon. With the touch of a button, the case opens slowly to unveil all those gorgeous shadows, along with an oversized mirror and a double-ended Good Karma Shadow and Crease Brush. 

 

 

I'm in LOVE with this palette. The shades are dramatic and eye-catching! They feel so creamy and soft and swatch amazing! However, this would not be a palette I would travel with just because the packaging is bulky.

 

 

I won't go into more details cause you can just read about it almost everywhere but be sure to keep a look out for my MOTD featuring this palette!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Ida Erin Chan

MOTD - Tarte's The Tarte Of Giving Set

Hello

Here's my makeup of the day using the Tarte's  Holiday kit. Click here for more photos of the kit.

 

The colours I use from the palette are all on the bottom left corner of the palette namely:
-Steph's pearls (browbone)
-Erica's dollhouse (all over lid)
- Jess's storybook (socket)
-Meredith's hula hoop (outer crease)
-Sam's ice skate (lashline)

I did apply an eyeshadow base to make the colours more intense cause like I said in my previous post, this palette does not have the most pigmented colours.

 

Blusher:
Amazonian clay 12-hour blusher in Memorable

 

Lipgloss in Kam

 

 

For the rest of my face:
-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation
-Sonia Kashuk Concealer palette
-Chanel Loose Powder
-Clinique Eyeliner
-Maybelline Lashionista mascara
-Maybelline Define-a-brow pencil
-Hourglass Ambient lighting palette

 

 

So that's my MOTD!

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Tarte The Tarte Of Giving Collector's Set & Travel Bag (Photos and Swatches)

Hello

My first Tarte product was the Amazonion 12-hour Clay blush in Exposed and I have to say I am totally in love with it. I love the colour, pigmentation and what I love most is the staying power! It is also my go to blush when I am just lazy to choose a colour to match the rest of my makeup. It is also my favourite blush when I am sporting the "nude" look makeup because it is , as described by Tarte, a nude shade. Since I love it so much, I thought why not take this opportunity to try other Tarte products. So I ordered the Tarte of Giving Collector's Set & Travel Bag and also Off The Cuff Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush Palette & Bracelet.

 

Taken from Sephora.com, this kit consists of:
- 20 x .07 oz Limited-Edition Amazonian Clay Eye Shadows
- 8 x .059 oz Deluxe Maracuja Lipglosses
- 0.23 oz Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil
- 0.08 oz Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment
- 0.05 oz Deluxe Limited-Edition Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable
- 0.17 oz Deluxe Cheek Stain in Flush
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara
- Travel Makeup Bag

Retails at USD$59 ($490 Value) , this set is a total steal! What's convenient about the palette is that these eyeshadows are grouped in 4 groups of 5 ( 4 eyeshadow shades and 1 eyeliner shade) saving you the time of having to think of a colour combination or look for another colour from anywhere other than this palette. Of course its totally up to you to use the colours within the group for one look or just match any colours from the palette. you can also use the liner shades as an eyeshadow too!


Eyeshadow swatches:

 

The eyeshadow palette was abit of a disappointment for me. It shown up differently from the pan when swatched. Not the most pigmented nor the most buttery eyeshadows in my opinion. Even with a primer underneath, it does not look as vivid as it looks in the pan. However, if you are a beginner or someone who rarely wear eyeshadows, they might work for you. Because I have a lot of eyeshadow palettes which has better pigmentation than this, I don't think I will be reaching for this palette often.

With that said, I have a totally opposite opinion for the Lipglosses and here's why:

 

Look at the swatches! Gotta love those. With 4 glosses containing shimmer, these kit has a nice selection of colours from a nude to a deeper plum.

Here's the cute babies in the kit:

Top: Stain

Bottom: Blusher

I love the blusher. Even though it contains shimmer, does not really show up on the skin. I have not try the rest of the mini products but have read a lot of good reviews on the Maracuja oil. I am excited to try the rest on the minis.


All in all, I would say this would be a great set to put under the Christmas tree for that special someone on your list that is just starting out on makeup!

What do you guys think? Will this be in your Wishlist? Or would you rather give a pass?

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Introducing the NEW Hada Labo SHA 'Light' Hydrating Lotion

Hello

Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion is not something new in the market. It is the bestselling hydrating lotion in Japan (1 sold every 2 seconds) and now, it is the bestselling hydrating lotion in Singapore too. In 2013, Hada Labo introduces the NEW  'Light' Hydrating Lotion. Specially formulated for those with oily and combination skin, it is lighter in texture and more refreshing.

Here's why:

My thoughts:

I was already in love with the original formula and now a formula for my skin type, what's not to love about it. My skin loves it, I love it! I don't just use this after cleansing, I use it any time of the day to 'freshen up' my skin when I have no makeup at all!

Would like to try this? Head over to Samplestore(dot)com to redeem your free sample of the 'Light' Hydrating Lotion.

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan


Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review purposes. My opinions are not influence by anyone and are honest review.

Sephora Favourites - Give Me More Lip Set (Photos and Swatches)

Hello

In today's post, I will be showing you swatches and details on the Sephora Give Me More Lip Set.

Taken from Sephora.com , the Give Me More Lip Set  consists of:

- 0.12 oz bareMinerals ® Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Never Say Never
- 0.05 oz Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Pomegranate
- 0.04oz BUXOM® Full-Bodied™ Lip Stick in Menance
- 0.07 oz BUXOM® Full-Bodied™ Lip Cream in White Russian
- 0.03 oz Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon
- 0.03 oz Kat Von D in Everlasting Love Liquid Lipstick in Backstage Bambi
- 0.042 oz Kat Von D Foiled Love Lipstick in Adora
- 0.1 oz Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bare Naked
- 0.05 oz Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural N45
- 0.33 oz Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Strumpet
- 0.1 oz Smashbox Be Lengendary Lipstick in Nylon Nude
- 0.14 oz Smashbox Lip Gloss in Pout
- 0.03 oz Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Sonya
- 0.03 oz Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lip Color in Dolce
- 0.009 oz Tarte Glmazon™ Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick in Inspired
- 0.11 oz Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Marshmallow Bunny

 

Retails at USD$59 (Value of $209), consisting of 16 lip products (4 Full Size) ranging from pinks, nudes, plums and reds, you can layer the products within the set or just wear them on its own. Each colour family has different types of lip products from lipglosses, lipstains and lipsticks.

Afraid of wearing loud and bold lips? Fret not as this set has a fair amount of sheer and opaque products within each colour family

Here are the swatches:

Nudes

Clockwise: Smashbox, Laura Mercier,

Buxom, Stila

 

With Stila being the most pigmented, I thought I was gonna dislike the Smashbox, but surprisingly, I like the way it looks when applied on my lips. As for Buxom and LM, they are still wearable and great for layering even though they are the sheerest out of all 16 of them.

Pinks

Clockwise: KVD, Smashbox,

Too Faced, Bare Minerals.

 

As much as I like the Smashbox from the nude family, I totally dislike thes Smashbox Lipgloss. It makes me look so ghostly and unflattering on my lips. The KVD was a little too dry on the lips but will work just find if you apply some gloss on top. It has the most matte finish and can look super "unnatural" and "chalky". With Too Faced being the least opaque from this group, my favourite will have to be the Bare Minerals. It glides on smoothly and a pretty wearable everyday pink.

Plums

Clockwise: Tarte, OCC'

Buxom, Stila

 

Perfect for fall, the plums are my most favourite. I love all four of them. From sheer (Stila) to opaque (BM) to all day staying power (OCC) to an everyday fall colour (Tarte), you cant go wrong.

Reds

Clockwise: Bite, MUFE,

KVD, Hourglass

 

These reds are also my favourites. I can have a 'BAM IN Your Face' red with the Hourglass or just a hint of red with the MUFE.

So there you have it!

All in all, this is a great set to give or receive as you get to try different brands, finishes and types of lippies. Great for lip junkies! You can also gift each colour family or pick a product from each colour family to 4 different people for a great stocking stuffers! Or just keep them all to yourself!

Have you got this on your Wishlist already?

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Huge Beauty Haul!!!!

Hello


Holiday season are always the best time to shop for beauty products. Not only you get pretty limited editions, you can also save money with value sets, discounts or gifts with purchase! My Christmas shopping started as early as October! With companies already bringing out the holidays specials, I could not resist waiting or risking it going OOS! And I did a major haul.

Disclaimer: All of the following things were bought with my own money and I am not showing off. All the products are bought partially for reviewing purpose and of coz as a treat to myself.

In this post, I will only be providing links to where I purchased the products. Detailed reviews and pictures will be done individually as I do need time to play around with all of this. Hopefully I will be able to do a post on X'mas Gift Guides after I have completed individual reviews on all of these items. If you have anything that you would like me to review first, let me know in the comments. Also, if you have other products that you would like me to try or review, let me know in the comment section as well... So lets start!

I did a lot of damaged at Sephora.com  and here is what I got:
- Philosophy Hope In A Jar Day & Night Duo (link)
- Bumble and Bumble Thickening Serum (link)
- Sephora Favourites Give Me More Lips (link)
- Stila Colour Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set (link)
- Urban Decay Vice Palette 2 (link)
- Benefit Cosmetics Gettin' Cheeky (link)
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (link)
- Tarte The Tarte of Giving Collector's Set & Travel Bag (link) and Off The Cuff Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush Palette and Bracelet (link)

From Nordstrom.com, I got only one value set
- Clarins "Firming Experts' Age-Control Trio (link)


And lastly from Drugstore.com/Beauty.com
- Philosophy Purity Made Simple Duo (link)
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup (link)

Keep a look out for the individual reviews in the next few blog posts.
I hope you enjoy reading my haul!

So what have you hauled so far? Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Guerlain Haul - First Impression

Hello

When Mr Hubby went to Hong Kong for business trip, I sweetly requested him to purchase the Guerlain Metoerites for me at DFS. He also bought the Day and Night cream for me from the Abeille Royale Age-Defying Care range. In this post, I will be giving my 1st impression on the skincare. You may wonder, why a first impression on skincare right. You will understand as you read this post further.

                                               A group picture of my 1st Guerlain products

 

 

 

Taken from Guerlain official website
Abeille Royal - Bee products are some of the world’s most effective natural healing substances. Guerlain Research has extracted their active power to create Abeille Royale: a skincare programme with Pure Royal Concentrate that stimulates the key mechanisms in the healing process within the skin* to continuously help to repair wrinkles and loss of tissue firmness (*In vitro test).

Retailing around SGD$360 for both (estimated conversion from HKD as it was purchased at Hong Kong Airport), the day cream and night cream are house in a heavy glass jar with a reflective gold lid. On the lid, "Guerlain" is engraved at the lower part and a "3D" bee sits at the top part of the lid. The packaging definitely feels and look luxurious and would be a great vanity top "accessories".

 

 

My first impression:
The day cream is meant for normal to dry skin and I have combination skin, so this will rich in texture. As for the night cream, its even more rich as with all night creams is. Based on Guerlain's website, this helps in repairing wrinkles and firming. So the question is, how do I incorporate this in my current skincare and will it work when I have no wrinkles in the first place?

Here's why I decided to a first impression. Because its creamy, it is not such a good idea for me to use it everyday. So on days that I feel I need some pampering on my face, I would apply this and when I do, I take a very small amount for my whole face and neck. Not only it smells luxurious, it does not add extra "oil" to my face as I use a tiny amount.

While I have no wrinkles to repair yet at this age, I take into consideration for its firming properties. Thanks to my pregnancy that I had a chubby face so, yeah I need some firming "action"!
With this 50ml jar, I foresee that this luxurious products will definitely go a long way with me applying tiny amounts twice a week!


I am definitely glad that I have something that I can look forward to applying on my face when I need that pampering moments or when I just want to feel like a "tai-tai"(rich man's wife) for that day or night!

So, what are your favourite products for that pampering moments? Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan

Winner for International Giveaway!

Hello

First, let me apologise for announcing the winner late. Being a Mom of two small children can have a lot of "surprises" and disrupt my initial plan.

So........here is the winner!

Congratulations to Mandy Cheung. Please email me your residential address within 3 days at budgetbeautyida@gmail.com

If you are under 18, please ask for your parents/guardian permission to provide me with your mailing details.

Thank you to those who have entered the giveaway and following my blog. Most importantly, thank you for taking your time to read my blog. Nothing feels much better than knowing that there are people who read my blog and commenting on them.

If you did not win this time, don't despair as there will be more Giveaways in future!

Thanks for reading!

Ida Erin Chan