M.A.C. Pro Longwear Lipcolour, 8ml, CAD$25.00

Since we have entered the season for summer weddings, I thought I should share this with any brides-to-be. I have tried a lot of so-called transfer proof lipcolors out there, from Covergirl to Revlon, each promising food-proof, kiss-proof, 8 hour wear. But unfortunately for me, even on my wedding day, none of these actually worked - they felt dry on my lips, make them appear cracked, and after a few rounds of photo sessions and a few slightly oily au’dourves, flaked off leaving uneven stains on my lips. more…

Avon Anew Rejuvenate Day Revitalizing Cream SPF25, 50ml, US$32.00

Being a fan of the Avon Anew line, I was excited to try out the Rejuvenate products, since they claim to shrink pores, lessen fine lines and even out skin tone. Having tried the Force Extra Lifting Night Cream and Alternative Intensive Age Treatment, I was hoping the Rejuvenate Revitalizing Creams will be similar without the sting (I have sensitive skin) factor. And I am glad at least in that department they didn’t disappoint. more…

Olivia Chantecaille for Chantecaille

It took them long enough, but it’s finally up and running!

Chantecaille is one of the most luxurious skin care brands using very pure and high end ingredients but never quite became a household name. I can’t think of any reasons why - Chantecaille products are highly botanical, natural and effective - except perhaps a rather low-key, minimal advertising at least on this side of the world. It might also have to do with the lack of web presence - most beauty brands have rather elaborate websites and online stores of their own by now - and if that is the case, I hope that the new launch of the Chantecaille website and online store will rectify that problem! more…

Sulwhasoo Snowise

So here we are - the show down of whitening products between Sulwhasoo’s Snowise and The History of Whoo’s Whitening line, Gongjinhyang:Seol. Both are comparable, high end luxury brands and use oriental herbs in ancient Chinese formula, but which one does better? more…

Diorsnow Sublissime Whitening Fresh Lotion I, 200ml

With the exception of Sekkisei Cosmetic Lotion, I generally don’t find any toners to have brightening effects when used as toners. Because toners are only Step 2 preparation (pre-treatment) items and should be used in conjunction with another whitening treatment product (moisturizer, cream or essence) to achieve results, I tend not to expect too much and only want them to be hydrating for my dehydrated, dry and sensitive skin. more…

38 year old Korean actress Lee Young Ae for The History of Whoo, by LG

There were many Korean herbal brands ever since Sulwhasoo’s debut in 1997. Even under the same manufacturer such as LG, there could be multiple oriental-herb based brands - e.g. Soo Rye Han (Sooryehan) for the slightly younger group, and The History of Whoo, the high end, luxury Korean herbal brand that sports Korean actress Lee Young Ae as its spokesperson. more…

Beautiful Korean Actress Song Hye Kyo for Laneige White Plus Renew

LANEIGE White Plus Renew Line, formulated with Manassantin B, AMOREPACIFIC’s exclusive patented whitening ingredient, realizes the all day care system that completely takes care of the discolored cheek zone, retexturizing your skin with more brightened and clarified look. more…

2009 Summer Creation - Mascaras by Paul & Joe Beaute

As part of its 2009 Summer Creation, Paul & Joe just released two new mascaras: more…

Illuminating Bronze Look by Bobbi Brown

Bronze, sexy and sun-kissed - that is the theme for Bobbi Brown’s summer 2009 Illuminating Bronze Collection. As if Bobbi Brown hasn’t made enough shimmer brick compacts, this collection boasts yet another one - this time for the body: more…

Monica Bellucci for Dior's Diorshow Iconic Mascara

There was a time when I didn’t think a US$24.00 mascara is any different from a US$7.00 mascara, but ever since Hypnose, I am a changed woman! And once you have used a great mascara like Hypnose (by Lancome), you can never go back to cheap drug store brands again!

When I ran out of Hypnose, I was curious to try another popular mascara that has generated so much buzz (if not more than Hypnose). Diorshow has a variety of mascaras that are all the rage these days, reaching a monstrous cult status quickly after their launch. So naturally I just have to try at least one! more…

Aquatic Nymph - Summer 2009 Look by Jill Stuart

Despite the crummy weather here in Toronto, Canada, I am still convinced that yes, summer is coming! Take a look at all the major releases from J-brands and you will see what I mean. more…

Aube Couture June 2009 New Products

Is it me or does anyone else think the compacts in the Aube Couture collection (pictured above) look a lot like a pink version of Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or? Not that it matters, Aube is another one of my favs, and I have nothing but high praise for its products. more…

Kanebo Coffret D'Or 2009 Summer Look with celeb spokesmodels Kou Shibasaki (left) & Takako Tokiwa (right)

Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or is a rising superstar brand by Kanebo - being more affordable than Lunasol and yet remains a high quality trendy brand. What I love about Coffret D’Or is that unlike many other cosmetics brands which tend to issue a couple of new shades for a particular season, Coffret D’Or actually creates a whole new line for their new season launches. more…

The Spring and Summer 2009 Collection by Visee focuses on the eyes.

Kose’s Visee is one of my favorite affordable yet trendy brands which I remain quite faithful to over the years. The quality is good even though the price is still considered to be mid-range and I would buy Visee over many western brands any day. more…

Nanako Matsushima for Sekkisei

Most of us usually read user reviews of certain products before we buy. It’s a good habit - to inform yourself whether something actually works - but some reviews may not apply to you. For example, I am often skeptical when I read that people expected miracles from using a product only a few days, and leave negative feedback when dramatic results didn’t happen. more…

Frederic Fekkai Salon Color, US$30.00 each

I am usually not fond of DIY hair color but this is pretty cool - a salon quality at-home hair dye by a famous hair brand (celeb stylist). I like the fact that this is supposed to be professional quality and it only costs US$30.00, slightly double the price of a drug store brand but with Frederic Fekkai you would expect it to be good quality. more…

Tropiques Muse by Lancome

Lancome is one of my favorite Western makeup brands, and the new Tropiques Muse collection looks absolutely delicious! With the ever-so-gorgeous Ines Sastre wearing the latest summer colors and a few new limited edition products, the collection is sure to inspire. more…

Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Makeup Collection

Paul & Joe’s makeup is getting more and more irresistable every time a new collection is launched! The latest makeup collection is in a gold theme, from yellow gold, pink gold to bronze gold, it has everything to help you create the perfect sun-kissed look for summer. more…