Wednesday, June 3, 2015

May Favourites

May, like any other month, was more of the same old. At least for yours truly. My dad, on the other hand, embarked on 3 week solo trip around Italy jam-packed with tourist activity, fortunately managing to make it back home in one piece. While he was gone, I spent some more one-on-one time with my mum, including a super indulgent high tea buffet at the Swissotel for her birthday. In terms of beauty, May has been all about returning to my first love: perfumes. Favourites-wise, it's been a successful month with lots of products I'm genuinely excited to have discovered or put to good use.



Serge Lutens Un bois vanille
To describe this merely as a vanilla perfume as I've done in the past doesn't do it justice. It's so much more than that, and it was only this month when that finally clicked in my mind. This is actually a busy, complex fragrance with A LOT of notes. According to Fragrantica, sandalwood, black liquorice, coconut milk, beeswax, bitter almond, musk, vanilla, benzoin, guaiac wood and tonka bean. I don't know if my nose detects all of that, but I do get whiffs or bursts of certain ingredients coming to the fore when I'm smelling it. There's almost a risk of too much going on, but it's too well-blended to be overwhelming or dissonant. There's an unpredictability and depth about it that keeps things interesting, but overall, this potent, full-bodied, somewhat spicy/smoky but lusciously sweet concoction is simply addictive. The lasting power is phenomenal and it's one of few perfumes I can easily smell on myself after I've applied it.


Cacharel Amor Amor
ZOMG. I discovered Amor Amor only this month and it's like I've been living under a rock all this time. Bit of trivia ... the nose behind Serge Lutens Un bois vanille, Christopher Sheldrake, named Amor Amor as one of his favourite perfumes. If that's not a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. This stuff is strong and very, very sweet. At first when I sprayed it on my wrist, I dismissed it as some generic, slightly chemical, overly sugary, youth-oriented frag that I'd quickly forget. How wrong I was. This developed and blossomed on my skin in a way that commanded my attention and soon, my wrist was glued to my nose. Someone on Fragrantica described it as smelling like an orange creamsicle and I'd have to agree. Fruity, sweet, creamy, edible, romantic, comforting. Call me utterly hooked.



Essie Cocktail Bling
Star polish of the month. You know it's a hit when it's on both my toes and fingers. Cocktail Bling is up there with Nails Inc. Porchester Square and OPI Tickle My France-y if we're talking unassuming, easy to wear, effortlessly cool neutrals. Eva Chen describes it as one of very few shades she repeats and it's not hard to see why.



First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream + Garden of Wisdom Argan Oil
Obsessing over this combo for my skin, day and night. Nothing else works as effectively in combating the winter dry spells. I wasn't a huge fan of the FAB on its own, and I'd completely forgotten I even had the Garden of Wisdom argan oil, but together, they're magic. As odd as it sounds, I find my skin responds really well to no-frills moisturiser mixed with a straightforward, one ingredient face oil. I was using rosehip oil (or rosehip oil with avocado oil) for a while, but I'm convinced argan oil is it for me. Nicest texture (not overly greasy or thick), largely scentless, great absorption, and noticeable, fast results. It's my favourite oil and I'll probably repurchase the Josie Maran travel size when I run out of the Garden of Wisdom.


Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Lovely Pink + Real Techniques Blush Brush
These Creme Puff Blushes from Max Factor do remind me a lot of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes, though they're not as long lasting. Still, I've been enjoying the sweet, girly, warm pink flush Lovely Pink gives. It's pink without being too earthy/ruddy or cool-toned. Texture-wise, it's smooth and soft but not powdery. The pigmentation is easy to work with as it's not too strong, but still gives good colour payoff. It leaves a glow to the skin due to the shimmer content, but it's not pore-emphasising or OTT. I've swatched it in a previous haul post here.

I've been relying heavily on my Real Techniques Blush Brush this month to apply Lovely Pink (and basically all my blushes). The fluffiness and large size is ideal to diffuse pigment and ensure a well-blended, natural-looking flush. It's so soft on the skin and the tapered shape helps to sculpt my cheeks when placing the colour. I love that I can also dab the round tip into my blush to concentrate the colour on the apples of my cheeks. In a way, I've always overlooked the Blush Brush for applying my blush, favouring other brushes like the Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone Blush Brush, or more recently, the Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek, but I've truly rediscovered it in May and realise the error of my ways.





Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Bare It All
I've finally managed to buy this darn lipstick, despite wanting it for more than 2 years after seeing it on clothesencounters in one of her tutorials. I tried to live without it, even going as far as attempting to replicate the colour by combining BYS Longwear Lipstick in Beautifully Bare with Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Ginger Rose. Now it's here, I wish I hadn't resisted for so long. The colour is spot on for me as a not too pale, reddish brown nude. A true "my lips but better" shade. The lip swatch doesn't even do it justice as it's coming off a bit too brown. The pigmentation is incredible and it's not especially drying for a fully matte lipstick. I also love that it's extremely versatile. Wear it lightly patted onto the lips for a barely there, fresh-looking stain, or built up to full opacity for a bolder, more done up look.

40 comments:

  1. I just somehow managed to get my hands on two of the Hourglass blushes so I obviously don't need the dupes but God knows I'll drop everything and buy these when they get launched! I had actually sniffed the Serge Lutens perfume in a boutique at Paris and was overwhelmed! didn't like it then and didn't pick any of his fragrances.. I'll probably give it another go this time!

    TheConscienceFund

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  2. Oh my gosh that Serge Lutens sounds sooooo goooooood. Yup Bare It All definitely looks good on you. Great list!

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  3. I just bought that rouge! It's really a beautiful shimmery color. Wish I found it earlier.

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  4. The Wet n Wild bare it all lipstick is a lighter nude on my pigmented lips, but it's one of my most worn lipsticks ever.

    RachelShuchatMakeup

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  5. Whooooo man that is a packed favourites! LOVE that you got your Un bois vanille at long last! And I think Cacharel goes wayyy back- it's hard to believe it's that good but if I ever find Amor Amor I'll have a sniff! Your dad going off on an Italian trip is so funny- nice to know that he's back safely and you kept your mum company!!

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    1. Yeah, my dad's solo travels (imagine middle-aged Asian man in foreign country) are a source of amusement. Especially since he is so frugal when travelling and his grasp of English is not amazing lol.

      Amor Amor was released in 2003 I think. Pretty old for a frag that's still around.

      I bought Un bois vanille in Japan back in September last year but this is the first time I've talked about it. Guess I didn't want to just be bandwagoning and wanted to make sure how I felt about it before just launching into a rave :p

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  6. FABs moisturiser is a true delight! I'm thinking about ordering a backup and a another box of their pads as well. ( I would just order their trial set but...that cleanser is just horrible! I had a huge breakout because of it >> )
    And that blush is just gorgeous! I've been trying to contain myself with blush ( speaks the girl who just ordered two zoeva palette... >:<)

    And I found myself loving essie more and more. I finally craved and got Mint Candy Apple and although I kinda hate how I need to work the two lairs of colour, the shade and the finally result are worth it. I think I'll try to snatch this shade next time ( along side with some deep blues, purples and reds for the winter time)

    I really should think about doing my favourites post. But college and finals are killing me TwT
    Take care*

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  7. As a fellow Aussie, from where do you buy your Wet n Wild cosmetics? Ta xx

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  8. The Max Factor blushes are just so, so lovely!

    nueyork.blogspot.com

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  9. Amor Amor brings such good memories to me, I used to wear that perfume when I was in high school :) I can't wait to get my hands on the MaxFactor blushes. We can't get them here in the US but I'm going to Europe this summer so I'll deff pick some up.

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  10. Cocktail Bling looks gorgeous! I also get so much use out of the RT Blush Brush. It's one of my favourite brushes :)

    Amy | Lilac Lemon

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  11. Thanks for sharing!
    I completely forgot about Amor Amor. I used up a small bottle a long time ago. Maybe I should grab another bottle soon. Cacharel actually makes many interesting ones but the house often gets overlooked.
    Love love Cocktail bling on you. It reminds me of essie Lapis of Luxury which is my favorite summer blue.

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    1. Hope Amor Amor brings back good memories if you do sniff it again :) What other Cacharel perfumes would you recommend checking out? Apart from the classic Anais Anais of course ;)

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  12. Bare it All looks amazing on you! Also that Serge perfume sounds amazing, some of my favourite notes are listed.

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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  13. Cocktail Bling is such a pretty understated blue x
    Maddy, xo // UNSTITCHEDD

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  14. Great favorites! I love the idea of mixing argan oil in with a moisturizer, my skin is super dry so I'll have to try that out!

    That lipstick looks gorgeous on you by the way :)

    xx

    Love, Krista | www.lovekrista.com

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  15. as always, perfect picks. I love Bare it all, not too nude and not too warm for my pale skintone :)
    Passing Fancy​

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  16. The blusher and lipstick look stunning x

    http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/

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  17. I wish I could get my hands on those blushes! They all look stunning xx

    Rita
    SEEKING ELEGANCE

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  18. Love that Max Factor product!

    http://kissand-make-up.blogspot.co.uk/

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  19. I love these Max Factor blushes, I've been wearing Seductive Pink all month long and I just can't stop. Also, the Wet n wild lipstick looks gorgeous :)

    sparklewithlaughter.blogspot.com

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  20. I love the RT blush brush for a nice natural flush of colour :) I need to try First Aid Beauty too! xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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  21. I am really interested to try some FAB products. Your skin combo sounds fantastic

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  22. I've been obsessed with baby blue shades from Essie and Cocktail Bling is no exception! I'm going to have to give mixing the oil and moisturizer a try as that's something I haven't really actively done before ;-)

    Stephanie | theFantasia.com

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  23. That Essie nail polish and Wet n Wild lipstick is gorgeous :)

    xx
    www.beautifyinglifee.blogspot.com

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  24. Well, I clearly need Cacharel Amor Amor in my life - I want to smell like orange creamsicle 24/7

    Ash / thebeautycollection.com.au

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  25. The essie nail polish is such a lovely colour!

    Jessica Grace

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  26. Lovely favorites you picked! ^^
    Now you made me want to try Amor Amor, sounds like something I'd love to wear :D
    I used up my Serge Lutens un bois vanilla about 2 months ago and have been tempted to repurchase, but I keep telling myself that I need to try something new hahaha

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    1. Do try Amor Amor... I find it starts to really shine about 10-15 minutes in. It's a bit chemical and overpoweringly sweet at first.

      Oh wow, a whole bottle?! I've had mine since September last year but I'm only about 1/8th through :p Then again, I can't even remember when I last finished a perfume.

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  27. I love Amor Amor. There were rumors that it was going to be discontinued back the in day... My bottle is way passed it's expire date, glad it's still on the market I need to grab it!

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    1. I've been seeing it discounted to quite low prices at chemists and department stores. Hopefully that's not an indication of impending discontinuation! It's almost a classic by now.

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  28. That is one lovely nude lipstick! And gah, really want to try the Maxfactor blushes *_*

    Sheri | Behind The Frames

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  29. I love this nail polish shade and the blush ;) I already have one of these Max Factor blushes, but the shade you've picked is so light and summery I might just have to go and get it myself ;)
    Best wishes,
    Arabesque

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  30. Great picks! I've been wanting to try FAB's creams as I've loved cetaphil's cream for multi-purpose usage but am looking for something else to try when my tub's done! Also that lipstick is gorgeous! I'm always on the look out for brown nudes and love one that isn't too reddish as my lips are pink enough on their own! Also I've got my first hourglass blush on the way right now! Just DYING over here waiting for it to arrive! Hourglass used to have a stand alone shop in singapore years ago my friend told me but they've not been selling in stores at all for the last 5 years at least so when a local make up seller said there was a preorder open, I put in my order! Being a blush crazy person I'm happy to own blushes even if I have similar in my collection! :p

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  31. I've always been lusting over the same Wet n' Wild lipstick because of clothesencounters. But even though i have a slightly more advantage to getting it being in NA but it seems to always be sold out whenever I remember to go look for it :( Still waiting for fate to make our lives cross paths haha *i'm so dramatic* :P

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  32. I loved Revlon Ginger Rose so much! I think I'll have a look at the Wet n' Wild lipstick but it's a bit hard to get for me at the moment

    sayyip.blogspot.com.au

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  33. Great favorites!!!! Want to try everything!!!!
    xo
    Stacy

    tastyrumors.blogspot.com

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