Favourites of 2012

The year is nearing to an end and I cannot believe it that tomorrow by this time, we will be counting down to the year 2013. New Year’s Eve. It’s like that movie, called New Year’s Eve – which I think was actually released a year ago yet I haven’t seen it. Perhaps I’ll watch it tonight. How has your 2012 been? What’s in store for you in this 2013? I can feel new adventures and new chapter of my life unfolding. Scary but I am restless too.

It may be a cliché that I shall end this year with a post like this – one that showcase some of my favourite products and items. Not even everything but I managed to pick the ones I know I will repurchase and literally almost grab every single day or if not, any other day. For a long while now. Yes I even have favourite nail polishes that I go back to every. single. time. adding a new one from NARS, oh yes.

Shall I start with what they are?

Let’s go from the bottom left… rotating clockwise.

Forever New sunglasses – I have no idea what it is called, but it has large gold frame and tortoiseshell sides

Mombasa Navajo turquoise necklace – Random find at Mombasa several months ago and fell in love with this turquoise necklace piece

Simplicite (skincare brand)
Exfoliating Face Treatment – Review HERE
Plant Gel Cleanser (green)
One Step Exfoliating Cleanser – I can’t deal with not having these two cleansers.
Lemon Night Crème – best night cream ever used with results showing the very next day, face feels well nourished.
And I love a number of their other products such as the Floral Toner, the day creams, etc
Great Outdoors Sunscreen – Review HERE

MAC Fix+ – this is my second bottle and have already repurchased, don’t want to deal without this, too

River Island Wrap Watch – I am in love with this watch. I’ll do a post on this soon. If you follow me on instagram, you would have seen it.

NARS Sheer Glow – I am in the shade Punjab. I’ve had this since September and have not ventured out into any other foundation because I am just that happy with this. Perhaps I shall try a Chanel foundation some day, but for now, I am happy with this.

NARS Eyeshadow in Coconut Grove – My first ever NARS eyeshadow and in love with it so much. I can use it as liner, eyeshadow and my brow colour. Loves it very much.

Chanel Illusion D’Ombre – creamy and bouncy eyeshadows that I use almost every time I do my eyes. Unless it’s a ‘barely there, no makeup’ makeup look then I use none.

Pearl stud earrings – pearls, what can I say, classic and timeless and goes with almost everything. Will be looking for a real pair next time, perhaps one that is of odd shape too.

Johnny Andrean hair spray – an Indonesian brand, picked it up when I was back in Indonesia and did my hair. The hairdresser used this and I like it. It’s super cheap when you convert it to Australian dollar. I’ll definitely stock up on this.

My iPod – my very first iPod, gifted to me. Love it. Have no problem with it. Treasuring it.

White statement necklace – I’ve worn this on several occasions on different outfits. Have had compliments with it. Shall keep wearing it. Shall look for more statement and vintagey necklaces teeheehee

Squishy bread ball – this is an artificial bread, plushie, a soft toy, my little destresser ball that I squish a lot of time.

Soap and Glory Hand Food – best hand cream. Does not go sticky, does not go slimey, feels and smells so nice. Will definitely repurchase the large tube. Don’t want to be without one.

Ben Nye Banana Powder – best loose powder, blends like butter, not cakey. Best part is, it is surprisingly cheap for the amount you get. The packaging is not the best design or the best looking thing but it works yeah.

Urban Decay Primer Potion – the best eye primer. Hands down. I have tried some other ones including the Too Faced Shadow Insurance, my eyelids still prefer this UDPP. Especially now with the new tube packaging. Love!

Lush Feeling Younger – this is a highlighter, an illuminator cream product that just looks really really nice on the high points of your face: the cheekbones in particular. I can even wear this even when I am not wearing any makeup on my face, just this.

Orly Top Coat – prefer this than Seche Vite. ‘nuff said? yeah, ‘nuff said. Will be searching to replace this once I am done with this one.

The Face Shop Face It Base Coat – have been using this since perhaps February this year and have not gone to any other base coat. Would probably repurchase.

A bunch of nail polishes I love, namely:

NARS Anardana; Illamasqua Stance, OPI Big Apple Red, Orly Sea Gurl, Essie Masquerade Belle, Essie Silken Cord, Australis Kick the Bucket, Australis glitter nail polishes top coats

Maybelline Age Rewind concealer – here I have the older version and the newer version. I like that the old one you have the two ends, the options of having the brightener and the concealer in one. But you get a lot more product in the new version with one tube of just concealer. Works well and not cakey.

A bunch of braceletes and bangles – been loving them, totally.

Lens cleaner – spritz this on my glasses/spectacles lenses and wipe them. Amazing clarity. I don’t know why I didn’t have this sooner. Makes such a difference.

 

Hopefully I didn’t miss anything. If I do, just shoot me a comment.

Happy New Year everyone

May 2013 brings you more SMILES and LOVES and PEACE :)

-x-

 

 

 

NARS Thakoon “Anardana”

Meaning Pomegranate in Hindi.

Inspired by the Indian spices, NARS teamed up with Thai-American fashion designer, Thakoon Panichgul in creating these vibrant and creamy nail polishes.

Have been eyeing this shade for a long while and snatched it right away when Mecca Cosmetica had them on sale for only AUD$13 instead of its rrp at AUD$25. These are Limited Edition, too, by the way.

Guess what, this was taken with 1 coat and no top coat. How amazing is this nail polish!

And you bet, I’m running back to Mecca Cosmetica tomorrow to get the other colours I have been lemming to have but contemplated but now I’ve made up my mind. Amchoor (dried mango powder) and Koliary (if anyone can tell me what it means, it would be much appreciated) are definitely the kind of colours I have been loving as well.

-x-

Merry Merry Christmas!

Loving Right Now: Copper

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Blow Dry, Baby! Blow Dry Bar Opens in Brisbane

At the Emporium, Fortitude Valley!!

We’ll blow your hair not your cash
(Quote: Blow Dry Bar)

I was lucky to be invited to check out the new hair salon at the Emporium last Friday.

Here’s my experience with them and let me tell you now – this coming week of

Monday the 10th – Friday the 14th

the Blow Dry service is having a promo at only $15!! $15!!! OMG $!%!!!!

(any length, any thickness of hair, one price)

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As soon as you enter, you can feel the vibe. The interior is of black intricate design and large rustic mirrors and chandeliers. Would you like some champagne? Tea? Coffee?

Welcome to Blow Dry Bar…

I met my stylist, David. He’s been a hairdresser for 6 years now and lives in Bribie Island! OMG and he has to travel to Fortitude Valley 5 days a week! That’s called love for his work, totally.

He washed my hair, massaged my scalp and let the blow drying begin.

We both agreed on a natural wavy, toussled look.

Fyi, my hair is naturally straight, naturally black, naturally flat and lack of volume, and soft that it is hard to style.

David worked his magic, brushing and twirling and…

Ta Da!

Here’s a photo with David.

I’m not sure how well you can picture my hair, but it was soft yet styled.
It was toussled yet having that natural bounce.
He sprayed a touch of hairspray (brand: Silhouette) and done!

Truly an instant pick me up!

Here’s a photo with the 2IC of the salon, Liz.

She’s previously worked in a cruise, travelling all over the world! How cool is that!

Funny story, she thought I was from the Phillipines.

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Me being me was poking around the stores and caught a brand I’ve never seen before. Naturally I was intrigued! Bangstyle. Say, wha~?

I am on the lookout for a matte clay styling product and when I spotted this item I just had to take it home with me and I did. RRP$21.95

I have used it only twice and I’m loving it already!
Gives your hair a hold yet it looks like you have nothing on your hair! You don’t need much either!
Instant love!

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Blow Dry Bar is now available for bookings and services 7 days a week!

Monday 8am – 7pm

Tuesday 8am – 7pm

Wednesday 8am – 7pm

Thursday 8am – 8pm

Friday 8am – 8pm

Saturday 9am – 5pm

Sunday 10am – 4pm

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Emporium, Shop 13
1000 Ann Street
Fortitude Valley
Qld 4006

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Ph (07) 3666 0237
fortitudevalley@blowdrybar.com.au

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Prices:

Designer Blow Dry (includes wash and massage) – $40

Style Cut & Blow Dry – $80

Cut, Colour & Blow Dry – $160

Mens Style Cut – $35

Hair Treatments – $15 – $25

Upstyle – $45 – $80

Hair Extensions – $395

Blow Dry Party – $60 – $65 per head
(Please enquire. For 4 or more. Includes drinks, and champagne)

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Other hair products used in the store-

Revlon Professionals, ghd

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Will I come back?

YES!

-x-

 

Disclaimer: The blow dry service was provided complimentary of Blow Dry Bar – Thank you!
Bangstyle firm matte clay was purchased by Blushfully for personal purposes, no affiliation with the company or sponsor whatsoever. Orofluido mini was a complimentary gift.

Loving Right Now: OX

Loving…

This random ring found at Colette by Colette Hayman accessories. It was 25% off when I strolled into the store – score! 

I love it. So much right now. Perhaps someday I’ll get it remade with real (rose or white or mix) gold so I can wear it all the time and not take it off. Yeah, I’d like that. *grins*

How’s your weekend? =]

-x-

Favourite Eyeshadows

Q. Favourite eyeshadows?
A. Well, while I was doing a Q&A for some upcoming posts, I thought I  might as well let you know my thoughts on eyeshadows. This is worth a post on its own. As you will see why.
Not beating around the bush, here are my favourites…by the way, can you believe it, it's the end of November!!

Chanel Illusion D’Ombre – in shades 86 Ebloui, 817 Apparence, 83 Illusoire and one day I shall get my hands on Mirifique;

NARS – at the moment I only own Coconut Grove but definitely be looking into getting the duo in Surabaya and Kuala Lumpur and singles in Mekong and Bali or perhaps the palette someday; I love how I can use Coconut Grove as an eyeliner, eyeshadow and my favourite eyebrow colour!

Gorgeous Cosmetics – colours such as Fudge, Sesame, Charity, Hedgehog;

Stila – Champara, Kalahoo, Tolima, Golightly;

Illamasqua – i.e. Neutral Palette* of Stealth, Vintage, Obsidian and Wolf; Obsidian is a matte, longlasting, one of the two blackest black I own and ever tried! Second in place.

Inglot – favourites are the shades 423 and 399

Elizabeth Arden – an oldie but a goodie, this is one of my very first palette that ever purchased and still last till now and I love just using Beech Nut and Sand Dollar together!

Guerlain – The previous matte black Obsidian from Illamasqua is second to this unbeatable black shade from this Guerlain quad of the collection with the embossed bee print on the packaging. Gorgeous shades that speak for themselves.

And some others that you would have seen online would be:
Urban Decay Naked palette (No. 1)
Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette (LE 2010)
Becca Eye Tints – Baroque and Gilt would be amazing – but I don’t own any
Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye and Cheek Palette

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So there you have it – my favourites of all time that I can always reach any time any occasion and depending on my mood, they do not fail me, ever. I do use Urban Decay Primer Potion underneath anything I put on my eyes though. I love all of these products.

Oh and if you want to ask me anything for upcoming Q&A posts – feel free to do so in the comment section below.

-x-

Item marked with * has been sent for review consideration – in this case it is only the Illamasqua Neutral Palette. I have purchased all of the other items myself. All opinions expressed are honest and personal.

Simplicite Experience: Exfoliating Face Treatment

Not often you come across a good multitasking, multifunctional product ‘cause when you do, they either do not perform up to standard or they are asking the product to do too much. Although when you do find a good one, as you rarely do, like I rarely do, I fall in love. That’s not the case of one product but of a brand – Simplicite. This time I shall talk to you about the Exfoliating Face Treatment. One of the products I fell in love with in the brand. What is it?

How To Make Ondeh Ondeh

Aka glutinous pandan rice balls filled with brown palm sugar. It is commonly known as Ondeh Ondeh (own-day own-day) in Malaysia and Singapore; and it is more known as Klepon (kuh-luh-pawn) in Indonesia.

I shall tell you my recipe, being a student and all. Perhaps not the best way to give a recipe but I hope you get it.

You need:

- Glutinous Rice Flour
- Brown Palm Sugar
- Shredded or dessicated coconut
- Pandan essence (preferrably with the green food colouring)
- Water
- Ice cold water for the later process
- Pot to boil water
- Bowls and plate

Smooth Feet with emjoi PediSmooth Plus

Hi Sunday! Exactly a month till Christmas! Say, whaaaaa’!?!

Perhaps you need a little Christmas gift idea ? Perhaps, perhaps :)

This portable device came unexpectedly and I was lucky to have received this – to try it out. So do I like it? I would be honest with you, I’m on the fence on this one. One hand says it’s a cool gadget and I really like it, another hand asks me if I would tell you to get it right now… and the answer lies… in… you’ll soon find out why…

Rama

What am I to do
When he gazes so too
Intently as such, I
Can’t help but melt…

-x-

Becca 25% OFF this Monday Only!!

OMG! Look! Look! Look!

If you’re like me, and have always wanted to get your hands on some Becca products, this is the perfect time! Though, this is terrible, I’m broke… so I dunno if I would get anything… although, I could recommend you some… on what to get from the line:

- Radiance Primer
I’ve always been interested to try this primer! ‘nuff said. Haha, nah, I mean, it seems like a nice alternative to some of the more hyped up ones out there. It seems like it is better suited to the Australian scene, since Becca being an Australian brand, and its ideal lies in line with my ideals.

- Shimmering Skin Perfector
Lisa Eldridge has talked about it and now I really want it. It literally gives you that lit from within glow as though you have just had the best sleep, rest, spa, facials of your life. I think it is perfect to give you that extra boost on dull days as an instant perk me up. Available in a variety of shades including the latest one called Moonstone.

- Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation
This is an interesting one which got me fascinated right from the first time I tried it on. Pressed mineral? Not messy? Oh yes, please! Its range of shades is amazing too catering to light to even the darkest skin tone to give you that difused flawless look after using their foundation, or use this on your own as a more natural barely there no makeup look.

- Eye Tint
For those who want an easy slap on and blend eye product, this should be it. Comes in nude shades or a more glowy shades and even darker ones to give you that smokey effortless look. However, this product may separate at times, so it needs a little bit of shake before squeezing out. Same goes with their other tints such as the Beach Tint – lovely, but it might separate a little.

- New Radiance Liquid Foundation
Personally, I am interested. However I have not tried it yet. Sad.

- Eyeshadow palettes
They come up with gorgeous shades from time to time in their collections, that I believe would suit all kinds of skin tones.

Have you tried any Becca product? Will you be picking up anything from the sale? Which are your favourites? Any recommendation for those who are just branching out into the brand? Leave your comments below :)

-x-

Christmas Gift Idea–Part 1 “Burt’s Bees”

This shall be the first of what I plan on doing – Christmas Gift Series. That I hope will help you get some ideas for gifting the people around you, whether it be your co-worker, acquaintances, friends, and families.

Today I bring you Burt’s Bees Gift Packs.

What they have to say

All year round Burt’s Bees is committed to ‘The Greater Good’ philosophy and this year it’s pleased to support AFFORD (Australian Foundation for Disability), helping young people with disabilities by employing them to package up its Christmas gift packs.

With a selection of seven packs to choose from, with four containing exclusive gifts from Melbourne-based fashion and jewellery designer Geneine Honey - Burt’s Bees range of packs make the perfect present for natural beauty lovers this festive season.

 

Bee Kissed – RRP $14.95 (valued at $20.85)

This contains 3 Lip Balms and a bonus Geneine Honey key ring tin. To make sure you are ready to bee kissed!

Treats For Your Sweet – RRP $19.95 (valued at $41.85)

This contains all your hand and cuticle cream, including one of their best lip balm “Pomegranate Lip Balm”. Bonus Geneine Honey nail file.

Honey Holiday – RRP $24.95 (valued at $48.80)

This contains body lotion, hand cream, cuticle crème and lip balm in Honey. Definitely a great on the go and that would suit everybody from young to old!

Sweet Kiss – RRP $24.95 (valued at $34.85)

Cute little mirror and 3 lip products – Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm, Strawberry Lip Shimmer and Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm to get you ready throughout the holiday season.

The tinted lip balm looks like this…

I’ve been wearing it and it is so smooth and natural hue on the lips! Instant love!

Bee Good – RRP $29.95 (valued at $59.80)

Mango lip balm, Shea Butter hand cream, Lemon Butter cuticle cream, Cocoa and Cupuacu butter body lotion.

It’s A Cracker – RRP $29.95 (valued at $56.80)

For the lips, tips and toes!! Contains the Coconut Foot Creme and yummy Lemon Butter cuticle cream, Milk and Honey lotion, and Acai lip balm.

The Star Collection – RRP $49.95 (valued at $103.70)

The award-winning package, contains:

Radiance body wash, coconut foot crème, honey lip balm, acai berry lip balm, lemon butter cuticle cream, and cranberry and pomegranate sugar scrub

 

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Available now at David Jones, Myer, Priceline and selected pharmacies.

Simplicite Experience: Great Outdoors Sunscreen SPF15 with Fresh Aloe Vera

Oh Hellooo Summer!

I've been exposed to the sun, most of my life, like many of us. I usually get a tan. Very tan, very quickly. 

When I was younger (even until a few years ago), I was not well informed as to how much the direct sun could damage my skin. Now that I want to protect my skin, what to use?

I've never heard anything good about sunscreen. People have always said to me that they disliked putting 'this stuff' on their faces - either because it feels sticky, it stings or it makes them break out. I've heard that both from where I am from (Indonesia and Singapore) and also here in Australia where I now live.

Australia’s sun is so unforgiving. I see hyperpigmentation, brown spots, brown blotches, dark patches, red raw skin all around me as though it is the norm. I started to get serious on a quest to find “the sunscreen” and I believe I have found it in this understated white pump bottle.

In Just 8 Minutes

Perhaps I’m having my emotional moments where every kind of mushy romantic kinds of things move me, well, not really, I have been studying for my final exams. However, one short film, a very short one though it does not feel that short. One short film brought me to tears. Literally, especially towards the end.

I shall say no more and just share the video with you. Let it move you in its own special way. I am quite a reflective person who probably gaze at the sky a tad longer than I should have. The kind who would pen down words of thoughts when they come to me. This video, this video just bounced to me to be loved and to be shared.

For those who have found “the last” – think of how lucky you are and how amazing it is to be with that person. Cherish those moments.
For those who are unsure and going through the difficult times, don’t be despondent – life is about living and loving. Believe and keep going after your dreams, yet be open to opportunities and possibilities beyond your imagination.

 

Much love,

Dana

Updating life…

Skirt from TEMT – love it!

Sunnies from Forever New – love it!
And yes, how my bangs has grown!

Finally found this Konjac face sponge – been wanting to try it!
It came in different colours but green was no doubt the winner =)

Got myself some bathroom essentials. Nope, I didn’t have these before. They were on sale too! Yay!
That little brush was marked down to only 95cents. Go figure if I didn’t take the advantage =)

Love this heels – but didn’t like the price, so I didn’t get it, just tried it in store and I really like how it looks with my golden yellow toenails

Comfy wear I wore the other day

New things that came home with me this week. It’s been a long long while…
Both from Forever New

Sushi! Sashimi! Oishhhiiii~!!

New favourite – Campos cappuccino

A big pimple appeared on my forehead 3 days ago.
What do I do with it? Stay tune for next post =)