Les Nudes: Chic in a Bottle

Call this the anti-nail revolution. In a time when everyone seems to go gaga over twinkles and spangly nail adornments, I for one, revel in the simple chic factor of the nude polish. It just seems to cleanse the palette y'know? And though I have nothing against nail-art and the DIY bells and whistles, I do believe that when all is said and done- a well manicured set of nude talons will remain timeless, effortless, and more importantly- FLATTERING. In varying times of the year, these colours remain in rotation (including my favourite dubonnet shades of wine and slick navy hues- I guess you can say I like my primary-ish varnishes...) and why not? Think about it. Not only does a well painted nude varnish make your fingers look slimline like delicate tapered candlesticks (trust me, in Filipino culture- that is the pinnacle of elegance), but it also sets off just about every outfit. It just goes with everything. Plus- it doesn't have to stay beige! There are so many wonderful nude shades out there to choose from to suit all skin tones. In fact, let me give you my favourite ones to date. These varnishes have all been tried and tested (and as soon as I finish the bottles- trust me, with these colours, I do- they will be repurchased, wholeheartedly.)

Liz Earle Strengthening Nail Colour in Quicksand- my current favourite 'flesh-tone' nude, and the most recent of the lot. Liz Earle's new nail colour range definitely does impress- with a beautiful, non-streaky formula (I swear, it evens out on its own!), fast drying to a beautiful sheen and a long lasting quality. The beauty of the collection is that it features classically chic colours, both fashionable and practical. This colour in particular is a standout for being ultra-flattering. 

Yves Saint Laurent No.22 Beige Leger- the first of the two YSL standouts, Beige Leger came out in the A/W13 collection along with the two other beiges. This one has a touch of pink to it, which, if you have a fair complexion- would be a fabulous equivalent to what Quicksand does for my tan. It's a soft, muted shell colour that gives enough throwback 60s vibes but also a current quality to it.

Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly- BEAUTIFUL. This colour has to be the prettiest slate gray shade EVER. Essie never ceases to impress, and this colour is one I shall be keeping in my arsenal for the long run. Perfect for the autumn, it gives the nails a city-living edge- perfect for those who trek the concrete jungles everyday. I mean, those who choose to wear grey, choose to go chic. 

Chanel Le Vernis 505 Particulière- Probably my favourite shade from Chanel (and isn't the colour just so? C'est tout!), Particulière is a lovely minky taupe colour, the darkest of the crop, and provides for a nice change. Yes its in the beiges but its deeper colour offers a great alternative for those looking for a clean polished look but beyond the ivories and the pinks. Also, the idea of sporting rich beige talons is just so Chanel no? However, a note to the wise- make sure to team this one up with a STRONG topcoat (I recomment Dior's Gel Top Coat.) Chanel polishes are notorious for chipping easily. 

Yves Saint Laurent No. 39 Beige Gallery- My favourite shade of greige. If I had to choose, I prefer this one over Beige Leger just because it's grey hue gives it a bit more edge. It's almost a milky, softer version of Essie's Chinchilly but with a touch more cream. I do applaud YSL for keeping these colours, this one especially(!), permanent because nothing gets me going like a madman than brands discontinuing potential and already-cult faves. Furthermore, you gotta love the formula too- fast drying, true colour and dense pigments, and strong. 

Lancôme Vernis in Love in 220M Jolis Matins- Last but not the least is Lancôme's saving grace. This is to date, the best nude in the French pink category. It's the perfect shade of pink for a french manicure, but instead of the traditional translucent formulations, Lancome's Jolis Matins is slightly more opaque. The effect is then giving your nails a good base colour that's just a better version of your actual nail colour- especially when they're looking a little yellow after constant polish wear. I do prefer to paint a layer of mattifying topcoat in between coats to make sure it doesn't streak, but if you want to just go for one coat, it gives a nice effortless finish. Like freshly buffed seashells. This formulation is also near chip-resistant, or at least so far for me. I don't really use alot of Lancôme's products but this polish I would buy plenty times over.

What is your favourite nude nail colour?

All-Time Favourite Mascaras

Like most boys and girls, mascara was the first cosmetic product I ever bought. It was through this gateway piece that I segued into the wonderful world of make-up and to this day, I depend on it. It's a definite must in my make-up bag, and even if I don't have one on hand, I would always carry a little travel size tube in whichever bag I would use. For me, not only does it help frame my eyes, it also helps elongate it by opening up the outer corner of my lashes- getting a more feline, more lifted effect than just plain ol' big eyes. Whenever I'm tired or in need of a pick me up, a coat or two of my favourite mascara instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel like I can conquer the world (to scale of course, so really- just Peterborough...) one smizing flutter at a time. Over the years I have done extensive testing, tube after tube after tube, and I have finally collated my list of wundertubes that have come through with flying colours (all in black ofc.) From left to right, take a look at my elite list of lash heroes!

Bare Essentials: Let's Touch Base!

After years and YEARS of trying different foundations, *and much money down the drain*, I've narrowed my wardrobe down to these three. I'm still open to trying new ranges from different brands- in fact, I'm currently testing out Dior's and Benefit's selection of bases, (and with positive response!), but in the last year or so, I've realised that I always come back to one of these three foundations. They are about as go-to as it'll ever get for me, and it's been a painstaking ride getting to this point.

Of course like most people, I have a few skin issues at different times of the year. I have found that I can't stick to just one formulation for a long time because my skin changes throughout the year- be it down to moisture levels, dullness, oiliness- and these really are the main three that shape the way I approach my seasonal make-up routine.

Another major issue for me is colour. These three are by no means THE perfect match, but out of all that I have tried and tested thus far, these are the ones that provide the closest match to my skintone without requiring much modification by way of warming up or otherwise. It's also no surprise that these are not cheap. The price points on these items go from £20+.

Though self-service brands seem to be more aware of the need for colour diversity these days, and they still have a long way to go- I still prefer to look at the higher end of the spectrum, those who have the luxury to produce those in-between shades of various undertones, because there's a higher chance for me to find my colour range. I can understand why drugstore brands won't do that, because it is expensive. And so, it's not about snobbery at all from me, as I wish I could find a cheaper (or accessible and available) brand with great colours, but I don't mind spending that much more if it means getting a product that really suits me. Furthermore, these three are suitable to all skin types! For me, that's a MAJOR bonus because throughout year, my skin literally becomes ALL skin types. 

On that note, shall we begin? Let's talk base!

Cheating a Holiday Tan

Despite just being back from a holiday, the expected result of 40-degree weather isn't all that evident. Actually, truth be told, I hid under an umbrella the whole time. Why? I didn't want to catch too much of a tan that I would need to get a whole new foundation colour. Silly I know, but since from the neck down I am actually quite fair-ish...I figured I can always just cheat a natural looking glow if I did feel like sporting it. Also, it really was too hot for me not to hide from the sun. I'm not a big sun-worshipper but I like the solar effect, so this way- it's a win-win! So here it is- my instant, faux-glow to cheat that post-holiday warmth. I did get quite a few compliments at work today so that's that job done!

PRODUCTS:

YSL Le Teint de Touche Èclat in BD60

YSL Touche Èclat in 4.5

Chanel Les Beiges in 30

Bourjouis Poudre Brozante in 51

MAC Cheek Colour in Pinche Me

1. Buff in a bit of foundation from the centre of the face outwards.
2. Brighten under your eyes with a peachy-toned illuminating highlighter. Also dab on the bridge of the nose, a tad on the middle of the forehead and on the cupid's bow.
3. Sweep bronzer under the cheekbones, sides of the temples, down the nose and chin. Thin layers create a more subtle, natural effect.
4. I used the Chanel Les Beiges healthy glow powder on the apples of the cheeks- almost as a light blush colour.
5. Finally, sweep the slightest veil of a warm, pinky tone blush on the apples of the cheeks for that slightly hot, warmed up rush of colour.


Try it out for yourself! Happy bronzing!

Everyday Au Naturel

As a beauty post (or perhaps, on a technical point- male grooming) this will come as boring as you can imagine. A natural, neutral look- how easy and predictable! However, from a personal standpoint, it has taken me this long to finally come to terms with what works for me- now that I'm old and all. For guys who are in a more conservative line of work who like wearing make-up (like the one I have now), it's a little restrictive especially if you have such artistic spirit. I get that. 

However, this is the look that I tend to favour these days, not only because of the reasons above but also because its a universally flattering look. It helps build up to a fresh, bright complexion that during the winter season, is frankly hard to attain. I tend to have problems with enlarged pores and acne blemishes and so putting a lot of make-up on just tends to highlight those issues- so this look does not have too much highlighting involved.Or at least, not around the cheek area. I did only target the shimmer on the brow bone and inner eye corner to boost a bright-eyed effect. Colour wise, I chose a warm, peachy swatch that just gives a look of health given this time of year. The overall finish is more matte- with a touch of satin sheen. Finishing off the look, I thought I would bank on my recently fuller brows just by filling in the gaps and following it's natural shape. It's not Lily Collins (I wish) but I feel like it just adds a bit of polish to the overall finish. Tweeze any strays but don't get too carried away! Remember, we want young, full brows- nothing within the realms of Rylan and the Scouse Brow crew. 

PRODUCTS:

FACE: Chanel Perfection Lumière B60, YSL Touche Èclat in 4.5, Chanel Poudre Universalle in 40 Doré, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC6

EYES: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sin, MaxFactor 2000 Calorie Mascara in Black/Brown

CHEEKS: Bourjois Poudre Brozante in 51, Estée Lauder Pure Colour Blush in Peach Nuance, and a bit of Chanel Tweed Corail 20

BROWS: The Body Shop Brow Kit in no.3

LIPS: No.7 Perfect Lips Pencil in Nude 20, Estée Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick in Cafe Chic 77, and Vaseline Lip Balm in Rose

Hope you like it!

Love,

PFW: Chanel Haute Couture S/S'13

The Kaiser created a mini forest inside the Grand Palais for his Spring Haute Couture showcase, and the models came out looking like birds from the Snow Queen's gardens. Adorned with feathery fascinators and a Kubrick-esque smoky eye, the Chanel girls glided down the runway in beautiful demure dresses in ethereal white, navy and black- classic and chic but not so austere thanks to an interlude of romantic floral accents. Classic Chanel elements were present; the LBD, camelias, tweed bouclés, and clean lines topped off by incredibly chic (there's no other word for it!) thigh high boots in lace and starlight silver leather. Finishing off the collection was the parade of snowy bridal dresses trimmed with a cloud of feathers, lace and pearl beading. Lagerfeld's silhouette was as willowy as ever with closed shoulders and closely fitted skirts, save for a couple of billowing chiffon dresses- which only emphasised the elegant, birdlike feel of the collection.

  

[images: Showstudio]

I'm Sending A Letter (Link) to Santa!

Dear Santa, 

Here's my grown up Christmas list and I don't think I'm asking too much. I've been good this year!

The bitching has been kept at a minimum and I've been doing good deeds at least once a week and I have been watching you on Christmas24 since November. I'm pretty sure that should put me back on your list.

Clockwise: Uniform Wares 300 Series Chronograph Wristwatch, Alexander McQueen Needlepoint Slippers, Bette Davis 100th Anniversary Collection, KitchenAid Electric Mixer, Game Of Thrones Season 1 Boxset, Linda Farrow for Alexander Wang, Bobbi Brown Caviar and Oyster Travel Brush Set, Bobbi Brown BBU Palette, Alexander Wang Tote, The Little Black Jacket by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld, Irreverent by Carine Roitfeld, Grace, A Memoir by Grace Coddington, Chanel Coco Noir Eau de Parfum... and NOAH MILLS (preferably like THAT) 

As for the second list...well, that's only if you're feeling extra generous this year. 

You haven't been for the last seven years but gotta ask to receive....right? RIGHT!?

Chanel Boy Bag, A set of Louis Vuitton Luggage, and an audience with the great Mao Asada (perhaps by way of a ticket and a VIP pass to the 2013 World Championships, or if she makes it, to the Sochi Winter Games) and my ultimate diva- Christina Aguilera. A tweet, a tour, a personal lap dance complete with ass less chaps...whatever! I need me some XTINAAA!

Lots of Love,

Chanel Vending Machines and Video Boys: Vogue's FNO '12

For Chynna's 18th birthday I decided to take her to FNO for a fun night in the town, and what eighteen year old would say no to cute male models, free cocktails and a chance to shop and rub shoulders with some of London's chicest? I wanted to get some nice beauty goods so tonight was a mix of running errands, a girl's night out and some serious stylegazing.

From a whimsical vending machines at the Chanel Beauty Pop Up to being complimented by some Made in Chelsea girl, all in all I think the birthday girl had a blast. However on my part, I had never felt more detached from this generation's pop culture. I was standing next to this guy who was actually Hugo from Chelsea (I don't watch the show but in the end he looked familiar) and I hadn't the slightest clue. Then while walking down Bond Street just outside Dolce & Gabbana, Chy spotted the dude from one of Rihanna's music videos (a.k.a Dudley O'Shaughnessy). Again, no clue- but he was cute and she was starstrucked so I asked to take a photo of them together. He was lovely and very sweet with fans so that was an extra bonus. I did scream like a little girl when I saw Alice Dellal and her fabulous icon of a mother from two feet away, strutting in sky high heels and nearly tipping on us. Another highlight was finally catching up the always chic Mademoiselle Poirot at the Liberty Scarf Room where we met the year before. It was a mini anniversary!

I went for the Provocante twinset of Allure Rouge Velvet and Le Vernis

...tokens in.. 

...et voila! the magical, albeit slightly creepy yet well-manicured hand comes out to pick it up.

She found love with Dudley..

We finished the night at the West End with Tash and Laura, with a Thai feast for a nightcap. Overall it was a good night. I didn't actually get into it as much as I did last year but it was still fun. We met some very interesting people, including the two guys who sat opposite us on the train. After some small talk over a McDonald's 'to eat or not to eat' sitch, we found out that they were directors who shoot promotional campaigns for hotels and the like. They had just come back from their latest job, shooting footage for a five star Moroccan fusion hotel in Marrakech where they also stayed, enjoying the great perks of the job. Unfortunately I didn't catch a name, but it was late and it went over my head. I think I might just dream the nights away with that beautiful male model bouncer from L.K. Bennett as tonight's leading man.

Hope you had fun last night!

Lots of love, and Happy Birthday to my baby sistah

Chanel Resort 2013

I am loving the Unkle K's recent showings at Chanel. First it was the embellished eyebrows in that crystalline A/W showcase, and now for his Resort collection, Lagerfeld modernises the decadence of Marie Antoinette's summers in the gardens of Versailles with a touch of harajuku chic. The hemlines were modern alright- with lace petticoat skirts ruffled above the knee with a distinctly Lolita-esque feel, while the top half remained sophisticated with dainty bouclé jackets. It wasn't too indulgent or ornate of a collection- in fact most of the pieces look wearable. That is, if you have a penchant for gilded denim or culottes. The palette was bright and pristine, delicate for strolling down the French sunshine but with just enough colour to remind us that summer is all about vivid hues and crispness- and most of all, itty bitty swimwear. The updates beauty mark of the bourgeoisie was also noteworthy for it was the Chanel logo. Who needs hearts and stars when you can have two C's to spark a twinkle in your eye? 

[images: Getty, via Fashionologie]

Beauty Haul: Winter Blues

Hello to you beauty-loving readers :) 

It's time again for another beauty haul post, and since I've bought a few items recently and it's been a while since my last post on make-up, I thought now's the perfect time to update. Especially since we are currently in the dead of winter, a time when we need the most care for our skin. It's cold and drying, and because the sun is rarely ever out, my complexion is in a rather complex state of sallowness and is in need of constant pepping. During the winter months, as with everybody else, my skin tone is lighter, therefore I always need to have a winter foundation alternative. It never really bothered me before but because I bought my NARS Sheer Glow Foundation last summer, of course it will look a bit more 'orange' around this season. And I'm not really bronzing as much either so, instead of trying to even out my darker complexion by bronzing head to toe, I decided to scope out some possibilities in the foundation area that would allow me to enjoy my lighter winter complexion. Along the way, I picked up a couple of extra bits and bobs to add to my stash. I like to rock dark blues and navys during winter, and although sometimes I look like a cross between Jenny Humphrey and Jared Leto, I tend to pull it off moreso than in the summer months. Plus I don't sweat eyeliner down my face. HUGE PLUS. 

So here are the things I purchased:

- Chanel Perfection Concealer in 40. I used to think that when it comes to under eye make-up, Touche Eclat was the shizzle. Often I find that light-reflecting concealers just look TOO white on my skin tone, and although there are more shades out there in the market, most of them still look a bit too pink. Not ideal for covering dark shadows. This concealer from Chanel was probably the priciest one I've purchased in a while, but it does the job to a T. It's light and it allows for building up product without looking caked on. The colour is more yellow-based so it's perfect for countering dark shadows and it lasts for a long time. It doesn't cake along the lines either so I don't look like I have tons of wrinkles unlike what other brands tend to do. 

-Bourjois Poudre Brozante in 51. It's the perfect, non-bank breaking matte bronzer out there in terms of drugstore make-up. The colour is great for most skin tones because it's not too orange or too 'bronzing'. It's subtle and can be used for light contouring as well as giving yourself a sun-kissed look while walking around the Northern climes. 

-Bourjois Bio Detox Foundation in 58. Oh my god. I have been singing praises of this foundation for weeks now! It's so good! The liquid formula is light and it gives a nice semi-matte finish that stays on for the whole day. The coverage is around...medium? but because it is so light and buildable, it is like applying fresh, smooth skin. It's not too beige as far as tone but its a good mix of yellow and orange, perfect for evening out my winter complexion. I find that if my skin looks particularly well on a certain day, I can just mix half a pump of this with my moisturiser and it makes for a great pep-up tinted one. 

-Bourjois Bio Detox Concealer in 3 Bronze to Dark. I find that my Chanel concealer works better with the foundation than this one. Maybe I just chose the wrong shade, but what I find with most drugstore brands, is that there is such a WIDE gap in terms of concealer shades. Maybe it is asking too much but I do expect that with the usual 'token' dark shade, that it would be fine. I haven't used it as much since I got it, partly because it is a shade darker than my foundation so maybe I'll save it for the summer when I'm darker. It works well when I mix it in with my moisturiser though for an everyday, light base if I'm just at home. 

-Bourjois Ombre Eyeshadow in Gris Eclat. There's a trend right? I guess I lingered too long in just one bay at Boots! I'm not biased about Bourjois at all, it just happened that most of the things I liked were from their line. This shadow is a nice shimmery, charcoal grey. Bog standard smokey colour but with a shimmery punch. 

-No7 Stay Perfect Nail Lacquer in Betty Blues. BEAUTIFUL shade of midnight blue with subtle flecks of glitter. A great alternative to black or red if you're a strict, dark vampy nail colour fan-which I am. I usually use a gold-flecked, clear top coat from Avon to get a midnight, starry sky effect. 

-Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Blue Riviera. Again, it's a great alternative to the usual blacks and greys for smokey eyes, and its matte. How rare! Good matte shadows are almost unheard of in the field of drugstore cosmetics, and while it's hardly MAC-quality, Revlon's matte range is great for its price and efficient availability. They have a great range of colours to choose from as well. 

Just quickly going back to winter foundations, I actually had a browse around Harvey Nichols to sample a few choices. At the moment, both Chanel and Lancome have released new lines to cater for a wider range of skin tones and since I wasn't about to drop £30 odd quid on the spot at the counter, the ladies were kind enough to give me some sample pots. I told them I wanted to play around with it before I commit to a full bottle, and under my trusty skylight. Any good make-up artist will tell you to always test foundation under good daylight and the lights they have at counters are actually the worst, so keep that in mind. 

      

-Chanel Perfection Lumière Foundation in 50. Easily the best foundation I've tried and tested to date. I can't fault it. The tone is a perfect beige/tan and the finish is as light as a dream. The foundation gives a medium coverage but again, it's as light and unnoticeable as skin. Definitely buying a bottle once I get my pennies in order. 

-Lancôme Miracle Teint in #055. It's a little heavier than Chanel and the cover is from medium to full. Definitely one for a photo-heavy evening or event but for an everyday base, I thought it was too much. 

-Laura Mercier Oil-Free in Suntan Beige. It's quality is similar to Chanel's and so is the price actually. I thought it was a good balance of light to medium coverage, and the fact that it is oil-free means it's a perfect choice for oily to combination skin types like myself. 

...finally

-MAC ProLong Wear Foundation in NW35. This foundation has all the favourable qualities you can imagine. It's light, perfect for combination skin, has a semi-matte finish and is the most affordable out of all the high-street brands. It's another perfect choice. 

Overall, I can say that I am happy with this current roster of favourites. I'm not a snob when it comes to make-up, not really. Especially since I'm in no position to buy everything from Tom Ford, but when it comes to the very basic elements of my kit, I like to really test and try out good quality brands because they are priced as such for a reason. At the moment, I constantly find myself veering away from having a full-face of make-up and most of the time I just make sure that my overall complexion looks healthy and polished. So, instead of splurging on things like eyeshadows and lipsticks, which I hardly ever use now, I just invest in a good selection of bases and concealers which I use everyday. You have to pay for the good things in life you know? Or at least, when it comes to cosmetics, for me, this rule applies heavily. No pun intended :)

Lots of love!

Top Picks: Spring 2012 Campaigns

Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld