Saturday, December 27, 2014

Collage Consumption

Every now and then, I get the urge to make a wishlist. There's just something so therapeutic and satisfying about compiling a visual representation of my current material wants. Adult scrapbooking, you could call it. It's also fascinating to look back on past wishlists and see how my tastes have developed from 3 years ago, what items I ended up purchasing, which products I still want but don't have (Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita palette, I'm looking at you) and things that were just passing fancies. The usefulness of wishlists lies in how they make concrete the products you really want and would be willing to splurge on, distinct from stuff that just happens to be on sale, or buying for the sake of being bored and wanting to splash some cash. Bringing to mind your current wishlist is a means of insuring against impulse shopping, minimising waste and regret, and ensuring considered purchasing decisions.


1. Tom Ford Private Blend Café Rose Eau de Parfum
I casually sniffed this the other day and it was instant infatuation. Boozy sweet, seductive and expensive. One slight problem: a 50ml bottle is $295. There's just no way I could justify that, especially since there are more affordable rose perfumes out there (Jo Malone Red Roses comes to mind). I'm also eyeing the limited edition Ecoya Rose Blush and Cedarwood candle exclusive to David Jones to satisfy my rose kick. On the topic of Ecoya, their scrumptious Guava & Lychee Sorbet candle is also eminently covetable.

2. Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush
I've watched a few videos where Tanya Burr used the Face Blender to apply her foundation (usually NARS Sheer Glow). Since switching to my Real Techniques Multi Task Brush from the Buffing Brush to apply my base, I'm now convinced of the advantages of a softer, fluffy, rounded brush over a more dense, flat top kabuki-style one. I don't need this, but it's basically a fancier version of the Multi Task Brush that I'm sure I'd reach for on a near-daily basis.

3. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork
This is one of those more utilitarian products I have a gut feeling I need in my life. I have one Paint Pot in Rubenesque which is the wrong colour for me, but I can't fault the creamy and smooth texture. While I have lots of metallic and shimmery cream shadows housed in pots (favourites include Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, Face of Australia Bronze Sphinx and Essence Pas des Copper), I'm missing a mid-tone, neutral, matte option. I'm counting on Groundwork to be an ever-reliable staple that I can hastily apply as a wash over the lid for fuss-free but polished definition.

4. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream
I've yet to really find "the one" when it comes to a holy grail moisturiser, but on that front, I'm keen to experiment and eternally optimistic. Although I've cautioned myself against buying more skin care until I use up my existing tubes and bottles (along with makeup, candles, soaps/shower gels, makeup brushes and pretty much everything that interests me shopping-wise), this moisturiser is top of my list when I do allow myself to buy, or cave and break my "ban". Caroline Hirons-approved, it sounds gentle, non-irritating, beautifully hydrating and soothing on the skin.

5. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Grey Pearl
After my little Caviar Stick swatchfest recently, Grey Pearl stood out to me as a must-have for defining the lower lash line. And thankfully, it's not bronze! The last thing I need is yet another addition to the multitude of nearly indistinguishable bronze eyeliners I have. Rather, it's a beautifully hazy purplish grey that reminds me of the kind of colour I most love wearing on my nails (see Nails Inc. Porchester Square, Sportsgirl Storm). I find taupes/greys to be more understated and sophisticated on the lower lash line than darker bronze or copper shades that "pop" more but can lack subtlety for the daytime.

6. Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Set
This was something I stumbled upon a couple of weeks ago and felt immediately compelled to buy. I mean, just look at it. Look at that shiny rose gold perfection and those gorgeously shaped, fluffy, versatile brushes that I know I'd use with love and care. Don't tell me money can't buy happiness. Even the pouch looks well made and stylish. Though it's not cheap at about $100, for 8 brushes, it works out to be pretty good value. I don't know all that much about Zoeva, but the general impression I have is affordable quality. The only thing that's stopping me from adding to cart and entering my credit card details is my attempt at adhering to my no-buy list (see point 4). Do. Not. Need. More. Brushes.

7. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede is my favourite red lipstick and this is the closest thing I've found to it. I've tried the tester a couple of times at Mecca Cosmetica and each time, I come away fully convinced Red Square will be mine one day. It's not a matter of if, only when. I rarely wear and arguably don't even like reds, but I love this one. It's the only kind of red I can pull off and perks up my whole face.

8. Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Eau de Parfum
When perfume God Luca Turin (co-author of the ingenious Perfumes: The A-Z Guide) gives a newly released perfume 5 stars in his "Message in a Bottle" column for Style.com Arabia, you bet I will hunt it down and I will sniff it and I will want it. This perfume is heady, enveloping, soapy, powdery, musky, creamy, warm and feminine, especially when left to meld with one's skin. I don't know when I became partial to expensive-smelling, refined, big soapy fragrances, but I can't seem to get enough.

9. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil
A cult product from the brand, I feel like I've been reading about this shower oil on blogs for an eternity. I'm convinced that if I did buy it, I won't be disappointed. I'm fascinated by the concept of an oil that foams up when it's applied to the skin. Everything about it, from the ingredients, packaging, scent and the way that I imagine it would feel on the skin, promises an indulgent shower experience.

33 comments:

  1. I really love the zoeva brushes and the price is not too bad considering you get 8 good quality brushes.
    Lusting over so many things now after people posting up their gifts on instagram~

    Hope you have a lovely day ♥

    Ying | * Y i n g c b e a u t y *

    X x X x X

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  2. Ohh Zoeva <3 I'll probably get their Rose Gold eye set soon - I really need more eye brushes...but I'm thinking about later getting this set too *cof cof* although I have tons of face brushes... *cof cof*
    I really should control my spending...I got crazy Yesterday at Sephora (although...it's worth it since I'm quite happy with what I got). I finally got Benefit's My Two Cents but...Groundwork looks also pretty! (but I'll get Patisserie first! Finally <3 )

    I can't wait to see how this ends :P
    Take care*

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    1. My Two Cents is such a pretty orangey coppery brown colour. Really nice all over the lid and not too warm or reddish. Love Patisserie, definitely one of my favourite everyday lipsticks, if not the favourite :)

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  3. I will convince you even more that if you bought the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, you won't be disappointed hahaha. I bought it recently and have been lathering myself on it once every two days (so I don't use it up in two weeks). But I'm still not sure on how properly use it though. At first, I use it on my already wet skin but felt like it's not supposed to use that way so now I apply it on my dry skin before hop into the shower and just wash it away with water. So I only use it on days when I don't have to wash my hair too.

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    1. Oh, sounds lovely :) I'll keep that tip in mind about applying it to dry skin first. I really need to use up some of my existing shower gels first though before letting myself splurge on the L'Occitane ...

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  4. Your collage looks pretty and so well-composed! I think I've tried something like this just once, and I remember it being quite challenging. LOL
    I have LM caviar stick in Grey Pearl, but never thought of using it on the lower lash lines. Shall try that today.

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    1. Haha thank you Lena :) It's part of the fun of creating them, configuring the items so they fit as nicely as possible :p

      Oh, do you normally just use it over the lid? Does it show up as quite grey-leaning on your skin tone?

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  5. Love seeing and reading peoples wishlists! The Zoeva brushes are sooo worth the money!
    xprincessjas | ♥

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  6. Love seeing people's wish lists, thanks for giving a little detailed description for each as well x
    Wishing you a lovely new year
    Stefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin

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  7. Oh I just realized, the Zoeva set is 100 Dollar?? I believe it is more affordable here, but maybe I mistaken it for other set.. Because Zoeva is a German brand so it supposed to be cheaper here..
    MAC Paint Pot Groundwork is on my wishlist as well. I watched it couple times at MAC Counter and still regret the fact that I didn't pick it and picked 'Quite Natural' instead which I barely use now :/

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    1. Picking the wrong shade is such a cause for regret! I feel your pain.

      How much is the Zoeva set in Germany?

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  8. Love your wishlist. I am keen on trying the Goat Milk cream too and the Zoeva set becasue it looks so pretty.

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  9. Oooh the Kate Somerville Goat's Milk Cream sounds like it would be worth trying out! ^ ^

    www.thedailydollyblog.com

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  10. You must try the Kate Somerville Goat's Milk Cream!! It's amazing :)

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  11. I have my eye on so many of these products, most notably the Zoeva brushes! They will be mine one day!

    Angie | www.anobsessionwiththefabulous.com

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  12. You really spiked my interest about the Kate Somerville moisturiser! I'm also in my search for a good one.

    Zoeva brushes are very good, I have one of the normal sets (not the rose gold, even though they are VERY tempting - so pretty!) and I'm very happy with them. I'm also very curious about the L'Occitane shower oil. I'm very lazy when it comes to body moisturiser (I shower in the mornings and usually sleep untill I don't have much time left, haha), so all the moisture I can get inside of the shower is more than welcome, really.

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  13. I think I've actually looked at every thing on this list and agree with you entirely. Groundwork is high on my list of to-buys and I've been desperate for some L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil for the longest time. I can also vouch for the fact that the Zoeva brushes are a must have - I've had them for a while now and each brush amazes me with their quality. The NARS Velvet Matte lip pencils are also soooo good - try out Dragon Girl next time you're in store, such a good one! :)

    Ash / http://thebeautycollection.wordpress.com/

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  14. I agree, often compiling a wish list is enough, without then having to actually buy every thing on it. It's funny how these things work! The Kate Somerville moisturiser sounds lovely xo

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  15. I swear I commented on this post before but it has completely disappeared!

    I've had my eye on Zoeva brushes for ages, the quality and price point look very reasonable. The major thing that's holding me back probably, is having to pay for high shipping (I should probably just get used to it though, living in Australia and all). I want to try out a few of those NARS lip pencils, Anna from VDM raves about them all of the time. I missed out on buying the lip pencil set that came out for Christmas, it all sold out by the time I came back from my holiday!

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    1. That NARS lip pencil set was such good value. I would have definitely purchased it but I already had Yu which was included so I passed.

      Blogger comments can be super strange sometimes, I've had that happen to me as well where I'm confident I left a comment on someone's post but then go back and can't find it!

      Luxola ships for free as does Beauty Bay (at least for the Zoeva set which is like $90-$100).

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    2. Ooh, thanks for the tip!

      And the commenting thing happened again - I had to submit my comment on your latest post twice. :S The first time the page just refreshed and my comment wasn't there so I luckily copied + pasted it into the box the second time around and then it did appear. I have a funny feeling this might have happened on some of your older posts without me realising. :P Switch to Disqus comments! :D It's simple to install and makes keeping track of comments (and replies to comments) super easy. :D When I was on Blogger I was really averse to Disqus for some reason, but I'm really liking it now.

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    3. Daaamnnn, that sucks! :\ Thanks for letting me know there could be an issue with commenting.

      Disqus definitely makes replying to comments better and keeping track of them, but I don't know, I don't find it as convenient or immediately accessible as the Blogger comments system. I guess because virtually everyone who comments on my blog has a Blogger account, whereas I'm not sure I could say the same for Disqus. A lot of people seem to be making the switch to Disqus though - I might sooner or later with enough convincing :p

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  16. I've wanted those Zoeva brushes for so long as well, but its so expensive! xx

    Colorful Closets

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  17. Your tone makes it sound like you've bought half the items already! I like the idea of trying out softer, fluffier brushes for foundation instead of flat top kabuki brushes but I haven't plucked up enough to try it! Your wishlist is so nicely curated- at the mo mine stands at a meagre 2: NARS RCC in Custard and a new liquid foundation.

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    1. Hahaha, in my mind perhaps ;)

      I'm ridiculous anyway, I'll be in the moment at a shop and suddenly the new shiny thing I'm looking at will be either the next addition on the wishlist or will bypass the priority of the wishlist altogether (negating its purpose). Like today when I was at Mecca Maxima and I wanted to buy the Bobbi Brown nude palette which was $90. I talked myself out of it...

      Custard is highly recommended. Any specific new liquid foundation you're contemplating/eyeing?

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  18. Nice wishlist! I love all Tom Ford scents x

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  19. what app or program do you use to make your wishlists?! the zoeva brushes are on my wishlist too. so beautiful.

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  20. $295 for 50ml?! I can't comprehend that. People actually fork out that much money for perfume?! Mind blown.

    I love the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks so, so much. I bought the Christmas set and am deadset in love. x

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    1. I was so tempted to buy that set. Ugh ... I don't know if I made a mistake not purchasing it. It was really good value and the sticks themselves looked so pigmented and shimmery!

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  21. I've seen Tanya use and talk about the Face Blender brush so many times, I want it now too!

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  22. Trust me, Groundwork is a staple. You have to try it! It is one of those products I don't feel right not having in my makeup arsenal.

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  23. Agree on the therapeutic nature of a visual wish board. Lately mine's been turning into a shopping list though. :x

    Half of these items have also spent time on my various lists but I can assure you that the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil is heavenly in colder seasons. I like just using my hands without a loofah to warm up the oil and start foaming. I haven't repurchased since finishing but I'd like to after I've tried some other products.

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