YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks: Mauve Nihiliste (#58) & Noir Prima Donna (#63)

 Left : Mauve Nihiliste (#58) Right : Noir Prima Donna (#63)

I've been a fan of Yves Saint Laurent Lipsticks around when I was a teenager which I bought my ever first luxury lipstick. Yes... not Mac, Dior, Chanel nor the rest of the high-end brands back then... Love them ever since. It is a real long time since I had any from their Rouge Pur Couture Pure Colour Satiny Radiance (their classic square tubes lipsticks).

I love their shiny classic gold packaging, it feels really weighty and not to mention looks very luxurious as well. The only downside is that there'll be tons of finger prints on the casing.

  Left : Mauve Nihiliste (#58) Right : Noir Prima Donna (#63)

I went into the YSL beauty Counter wanting to find just 1 lipstick in a much darker colour but I pretty much come out with 2 almost every time and this is what I got.

   Mauve Nihiliste (#58) 

Rouge Pur Couture Pure Colour Satiny Radiance: Mauve Nihiliste (#58) (SGD $48) is a pinky purple with a slight shine. It had a quite an opaque coverage and feels very comfortable on my lips. you always wanted to try a purple you can definitely try this tone down shade. It glides on smoothly and doesn't seems to emphasize my dry flakey lips, the great thing is that it actually covers up my lip dryness.

 Noir Prima Donna (#63) (sheer out stain colour p.s. sorry for my dry out lips!)

  Noir Prima Donna (#63)

Rouge Pur Couture Pure Colour Satiny Radiance: Noir Prima Donna (#63) (SGD $48) is dark plummy eggplant shade with micro shimmers of red and blue. Can't really feel any shimmers or even see them when  I put it on but once photograph you could see the dimension that it gives on my lips. It is an opaque coverage and feels very comfortable on my lips. If you wanted to try a dark colour but you don't dare to just dap the lipstick colour on your lips and smooth the colour evenly out with your fingers to create a tone down shade, if not just go ahead with the full on all out with very dark and vampy lips. It glides on smoothly and doesn't seems to emphasize my dry flakey lips too.

I happy and glad that I got both of them and love both, they're definitely a different feel on the lips compare to their Rouge Volupte Shine or their Rouge Volupte that I had review a while ago ( I will link the reviews below if you would like to check them out). Not as creamy or glossy on the lips but they feel wonderful on and does not dry my lips out afterwards.

What do you think? Tried any YSL Lipsticks?

XOXO Diana

My other YSL products review is link below if you would like to check them out!

Link to: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipsticks: Fuchsia In Rage (#19) Versus YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks: Fuchsia Tourbillon (#31)

Link to:YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain: Rouge Gouache (#11) and Rose Pastelle (#18)

Link to: YSL Gloss Volupte Lipgloss: Fuchsia Vermeil (#4)

Link to:YSL Multi-Action Concealer

Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme Sebum Control Pore Minimizing Powder Foundation

As most of you guys will know that Singapore is a very humid country and most liquid foundation will not last if you are sweating even if you set them sometimes, this is why I would need a powder foundation to re-touch places where the foundation completely disappear on my face. Wouldn't want myself looking funny with patches of bare skin would I!?!


Chanel as always comes in a beautiful sleek and classic black compact with a great size mirror, a black velvety pouch and a sponge for easy application.

Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme Sebum Control Pore Minimizing Powder Foundation SPF 20/PA++ (#20 Beige Rose) (SGD $88) 
From Chanel's website: "Enriched with vegetal lipides and Lilium extract, MAT LUMIÈRE EXTRÊME mattifies the complexion with lasting results: sebum production is perfectly controlled and the appearance of pores is minimized. 
Coated powders and treated pigments ensure optimum makeup and colour hold all day long. With its SPF 20 / PA+++, it protects the skin from damaging UV rays. The soft focus pigments allow MAT LUMIÈRE EXTRÊME to conceal dark spots and imperfections while offering a luminous and even makeup result. Peach Extract, renowned for its moisturizing and emollient properties, offers the skin an excellent sensation of comfort. 

Apply with a dry sponge for a semi-matte makeup result. Practical in its refillable case, MAT LUMIÈRE EXTRÊME is ideal for touch-ups at any time of day."

The powder of this foundation is soooo smooth and fine that when I apply it on my skin, it does not look cakey at all even if it is applied underneath my eyes where it is the easiest to get overdone. The only thing is that as for a powder foundation the coverage is quite sheer even it is buildable to a medium coverage. The price is not that bad when it is compare to other luxury brands and the refills are quite reasonably priced(about SGD $60+) as well. Great for mattifying my T-Zone too.

Overall there are pros and cons for me, the price and quality is great but it is lacking of coverage for a powder foundation if I want to just use it alone. I prefer full coverage for a powder foundation and this just aren't enough for me.  If you like a sheer to medium coverage, it would be perfect to get  and try this!

What do you think? 

Happy weekend!!

Hugs & Kisses Diana

My Beauty Empties (#03 Jan 2015 Part 1)

Hello everybody,

This is the first empties of the new year 2015 and it is part 1 series for the month of January as I have quite a lot of stuff that I had used up. Lets get into it straight away....!!!

1. Thayers: Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera formula ( 355ml/12 fl oz)  is a Toner which is made from Organic Witch Hazel extract, Rose Petal water and Organic Aloe Vera.

It is Paraben Free, Pthalate Free, Alcohol Free which is great. The Un-Distilled Witch Hazel is with beneficial natural tannins which helps tighten pores, to smooth and beautify skin without drying. Also moisturizes and cleanses.

- Yes I will repurchase and will be trying other toners from this brand/line as they are very budget friendly.

2.  Michael Todd True Organics: Organic Lemon AHA + DMAE Toner (230ml/ 7.8 fl oz) Naturally antimicrobial organic citrus toner from lemons, oranges and cranberries reduces oiliness and noticeably improves complexion by lightening dark spots, promoting clearer skin and tightening pores.

Infused with AHA and DMAE to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. NO alcohol to sting or dry. And it didn't irritate my skin at all. Normal to oily and problem skin

- Already repurchase.

3. Fruit of the Earth Block Up! 50 (177 ml / 6 fl oz) is a sports sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF 50. With Aloe Vera, anti-oxident vitamins C and E. It is sweat & water resistant (80 minutes) with a spray nozzle and its suitable for face and body.

- A Definite NO! Will not repurchase... just use 1 and only time and it is still very full but decided to throw it away because it is really way too oily and it does not feel good and only makes my skin very greasy.

4. Bath and Body Works Dark Kiss fine fragrance mist ( 236 ml/ 8 fl oz.) A nice and seductive blend of dark berries with a kiss of vanilla to unleash your most primal passions.

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Incense, Mirabelle Plum, Black Raspberry
• Mid Notes: Amber, Burgundy Rose, Geranium, Peony
• Dry Notes: Dark Vanilla Bean, Labdanum, Vetiver, Sensual Balsam, Musks

- I'll repurchase.. But not that soon and maybe not the same scent.. love most of bath and body works fragrance and I still got more to finish before I will buy any others. The only thing is that fragrance mist does not last long on my skin.

5. Bath and Body works Candle in Winter Candy Apple ( Limited Edition14.5 oz. / 411 g - Large 3 wick candle)  A sweet yuletide treat of candied apples and spiced orange zest, with a touch of winter musk. The scent is sweet but not over powering, a pretty nice balance.

- Will always buy candles from them, love that they have a great selection of scents and those seasonal selection.

6. Yves Rocher: Ovale Lifting day cream (15ml / 0.5 fl oz sample) They claims that it will "restore volume and firmness to your skin with this day care enriched in sandthorn actives extracts.

- Restores skin’s texture
- Lifts visibly pronounced wrinkles
- Raises features to redefine facial contours

Its sumptuous texture envelops skin in an instant tightening mesh.

The result: skin regains support and elasticity, your face and neck are restructured."

- Nope will not repurchase. Never notice anything because I find that it is a bit greasy for my skin and I much prefer using lighter products in the day.

7. Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion (9ml sample) According to Hada Labo, Arbutin Whitening Lotion is so well loved by Japanese women that it is the "No.1 Whitening Lotion in Japan". It has a simple tagline: One Drop Reveals Natural Fairness. The Lotion gives users 3 benefits (of Shirojyun Whitening) in just 1 step >> Deep Moisturizing, Intensive Repairing, Double Whitening.Its main ingredients - Arbutin + Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid, helps users to achieve fair, moist and bright skin. 

Arbutin, an extract from natural plant bearberry, has natural whitening properties to fight dark spots. It also smooths and clarifies to optimize skin's radiance and translucency.

Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of dark spots to reveal clearer and fairer skin.

Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin intensely, leaving it feel soft and supple.

It is free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant. Skin pH balanced. Low irritation. 

 - Love this brand/line of products as they are budget friendly 'drugstore products' in Asia that works! Yes will buy if only I haven't got so much things to test out.

8. Giovanni Eco Chic Hair Care : 2 chic Tangerine & Papaya Butter Ultra-Volume Conditioner(250 ml/ 8.5 fl oz) A zesty and refreshing scent that I love for a pick me up and is suitable for my fine, limp hair which will:

1. Builds body without adding weight
2. Plumps & thickens every strand
3. Softens & detangles
4. Prevents dulling build-up
5. Makes hair shiny & bouncy

- Yes I will repurchase it once in a while as I have others I always use.

9. Loreal Ever Strong Sulfate-Free Hair & Scalp System Thickening Shampoo (250 ml/ 8.5 fl oz) For hair that needs extra strength and volume, discover hair care that's so gentle, yet so strong. The EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System contains L'Oreal's patented Amino Acid Complex, which helps weak, thinning hair to look thicker while caring for the scalp. EverStrong Thickening Shampoo gently cleanses and fortifies the scalp and adds body to fine, limp hair, leaving it strong and silky. Rich lather and natural aromatic properties from rosemary and juniper help energize and invigorate the senses, boosting circulation for healthier scalp and hair. A hair fortifying and scalp caring system that injects strength into hair from the first wash. Advanced formulas with Amino Acid Complex help weak, thinning hair to look thicker while caring for the scalp. Natural aromatic properties from Rosemary and Mint energize and invigorate the senses.

100% sulfate-free

No harsh salts. No parabens.

Natural botanicals

100% vegan

- Already repurchase and it's in my bathroom now, love this entire line from Loreal and I especially love this scent . Great formula!

10. Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser  (210 ml/ 7.1 fl oz) Love this cleanser and this is one of my favourites of all time. Done a full review before, if you are interested please click Here to check it out!

- Already repurchase and it is in my back up storage stash!

11. Clarasonic Replacement Brush Head  (Delicate)  Excellent for mild exfoliation or very sensitive skin types.. I have been always use this particular one as it feels okay with my skin.

- Already repurchase and it is in my back up storage stash!

10. Thann Facial Cleanser With Nano Shiso and Green Tea Extracts (5 ml/ 0.18 fl oz samples)  

 Soothes and softens sensitive skin while it cleanses, helping the skin retain natural moisture. THANN Facial Cleanser is completely non-alkaline, non-comedogenic and suitable for the sensitive skin.

Thann Facial Serum With Nano Shiso , Centella and Banana Flower Extracts (5 ml/ 0.18 fl oz samples)  Helps promote elasticity of skin and enhance skin radiance. Centella Asiatica extract stimulates the synthesis of collagen and rebuild skin’s microdepressive network. Banana flower extract, rich in Mucilages, Phytosterols and Cycloterpene derivatives, soothes the skin and reduces the effects of aging related hormonal modification. Nano Shiso extract moisturizes and helps protect the skin from premature aging.

Thann Facial Age Inversion Face Cream With Nano Shiso , Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Soy Protein and Black Tea Extract (5 ml/ 0.18 fl oz samples)  

Works on a comprehensive level to smooth outlines and wrinkles, revealing smoother, younger looking skin. Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Soy Protein and Black Tea extract promote skin’s ability to maintain and re-produce elasticity and collagen giving firmer and more refined skin. Nano Shiso extract nourishes and protects dry and sensitive skin from harmful pollutants and UV rays.

Here is a link to their website : http://www.thann.info to check out if there is a store in your country or where you are staying. If you are going Bangkok, Thailand you could check out their store at : 

THANN

Central World, 2nd floor

which I had visited. For singaporeans I believe there is a store located at ION in orchard (If I can remember correctly.)

- All 3 products got that nice clean and fresh scent I like it but won't be repurchasing any as I have other products that I like better.

10. Yves Rocher Ovale Lifting Contour Lift Eye Care (got quite a few packs of samples) They claim that it "erase wrinkles, fine lines and crow´s feet with this immediate 1 minute eye lift!

- Visibly lifts eyelids
- Decongests and reduces dark circles and bags.
Treats the fragile eye contour area with comfort and precision, as its releases an instant lifting formula.
The result: your eyes are more open. Redefined, they appear younger."

- Don't notice any difference but it is a nice rich eye cream, won't be repurchasing as I prefer others in my stash.

Yves Rocher Anti Age Global Complete Anti-aging Eye Care (got quite a few packs of samples)The skin around the eyes is fragile and requires special attention! They claim that "this Complete Anti-aging Eye Care is acts globally for maximum results.

This anti-aging product eyes is targeted to women over 40 for a daily use. It can be used as a cure for women in their thirties.
- Wrinkles and fine lines around the eye contour are quickly smoothed,
- Under eye bags seems delfated,
- Dark circles are visibly faded.

Beauty results: Day after day, eyes appear visibly younger!"

- Don't notice any difference but it is a nice rich eye cream, won't be repurchasing as I prefer others in my stash.

Yves Rocher Anti Age Global Complete Anti-aging Night Care (got quite a few packs of samples) They claim that "This anti-aging night skincare is targeted to women over 40 for a daily use. It can be used as a cure for women in their thirties.

- Skin is repaired and nourished by hydration for significant results when you awake,
- Skin appears restructured*,
- Visibly firmer skin, radiant with beauty.

Beauty results: Night after night, skin appears visibly younger!"

- Don't notice any difference, won't be repurchasing as I still prefer others. Not a bad product but it is just preference especially when it comes to facial creams because I'm quite picky and due to the climate here in Singapore most of us don't light creams that are too heavy.

10. Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in vanille (2.0 ml/ 0.07 fl oz sample) Not a bad foundation but I have mixed feelings on this product... Can't decide whether I love it a not... It is a light weight, watery, buildable medium to full coverage foundation.

- Too many foundation in my stash, won't be purchasing and its not really on my top list yet because I really can't decide anything on this foundation yet. Heard from other bloggers & utubers that it feels similar to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua yet I really don't feel or think so at all.

I have been trying to finish as many products as I could this few months and a part 2 will be posted at the end of this month.

Hope you will find my mini reviews helpful and enjoy them too!!

XOXO Diana

Charcoal Cleansers Battle! Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser Versus Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

I'm always searching for new and natural facial cleansers that are free from all chemicals and nasty stuff. I don't like anything that contains Paraben or Sulfates and mostly my minimum requirements for skin cleansers for face, body or hair if possible.

It has been getting easier to find natural products here in Singapore for the past 1 year which is a good thing but natural products are way expensive here which most shops/stores will jack up the prices by a lot here.

I love Charcoal Cleansers! They really helps when I have any break out here or there. Now let's first talk about :

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser (SGD $39 150ml/ 5 fl oz @ Sephora) is a warming cleansing gel that is suitable for all skin types. It is Preservatives, Colour, Gluten, Artificial fragrance and Ethanol alcohol FREE. The warming sensation last just less then 5 seconds so do not worry that it will cause any discomfort at all.

Boscia claims: "It deeply cleans and detoxifies, dissolves pore-clogging impurities, oil, and makeup as it refines skin texture, helps brighten skin clarity and minimizes the look of pores over time.

The Artichoke leaf Extract improves elasticity to help tighten pore walls. Charcoal draws out excess oil and impurities as it detoxifies. Glycolic Acid helps clarify skin and smooth rough texture. Vitamin C helps brighten skin tone and minimize fine lines as it defends from free radical damage."

The gel texture is slightly watery and not as thick to me for my liking and I do feel just a bit tight, a bit dry if I used twice daily. Thats why I do just use this only once either in the morning or night depending on what I needed that day.

Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser (USD $23 210ml/7.1 fl oz @ Michael Todd Website - link)  "This cleanser utilizes the properties of Activated Charcoal in a base of organic aloe vera to neutralize acidity and absorb impurities while sugar cane and maple provide gentle exfoliation for increased cellular turnover. Amazingly absorbent, Activated Charcoal is widely known for its ability to effectively cleanse the skin, unclog pores and remove deeper impurities and dead skin cells.

Beneficial for all skin types, powerful antioxidants and tea tree and other essential oils provide effective anti-aging and blemish healing properties, including treatment of acne, rosacea and eczema."Michael Todd True Organics claims

I love the thick gel texture and I think it is the perfect texture for my liking and the best part is I can use it twice a daily without leaving my skin feel even a tiny bit tight or dry. The best is they are 

Made in USA(I just can't stand products used on skin or for consumption from China because they really got a bad reputation for causing harm from a number of incidents already... made in any other place but China.. Just scare to use them sometimes.. only can except clothing items or if makeup is  only their powder form products.)

Made with organic ingredients

No added water

No parabens or triclosan, phthalates or sulfates

No mineral oil, artificial colour or synthetic fragrance

No animal testing (products tested on their chairman)

If I just got to choose, I much prefer the Michael Todd True Organics one better cause I think it suits me better. I still do like the Boscia one too and it is still a great product.

What do you think or feel? Which one do you like better?

Urban Decay Naked Basics Versus Naked Basics 2

I'm back!! With more eyeshadow palettes from Urban Decay!! Let's just get into it! After the holidays and with the Autumn and Winter season trends I had always been liking and using mostly warmer palettes all along but recently a sudden change happened. Not sure why or how but I'm leaning towards the much cooler tone palettes recently.

 Left: Naked Basics Right: Naked Basics 2

I'm not sure whether if you could tell that my Naked Basics Palette has been well loved in the picture above (there is already a dent and I think I'm hitting pan soon) but this is pretty much my go to palette if I do not know which or what shadows to use. I will always go back to the Naked Basics 1 or even 2 now!

Top: Naked Basics From left to right: Venus, Foxy, W.O.S, Naked 2, Faint, Crave.

Bottom: Naked Basics 2 From left to right: Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover, Primal, Undone.

The difference between the 2 palettes is just that 1 is a warm toned palette and 2 is a much cooler toned palette.  I love both Naked Basics 1 & 2 a lot and in terms of choosing which palette to buy is entirely up to whether you prefer the much warmer tone shades or the cooler tone ones. The price of each palette here in Singapore is SGD $45 @ Sephora. The formula of these isn’t chalky and is of standard Urban Decay exceptional eyeshadow quality.

Naked Basics 

Venus:  Satin pale cream

Foxy:  Matte peachy beige (also in the Naked 2 palette)

Walk of Shame:  Matte pinky beige (comes with the 6-pan Build Your Own palette)

Naked 2:  Matte pale taupe

Faint:  Matte dusty brown

Crave:  Matte black-brown

Naked Basics 2

Skimp: Pale nude satin

Stark:  Nude pink matte

Frisk:  Warm grey matte

Cover:  Muted red-brown matte
Primal:  Muted brown matte

Undone: Deep, Smokey brown matte

If I'm really force to choose I'll still get the first one, it is just a habit that I'll still love my warmer shades I guess to be on the save side. Either one Palette would be well-loved in anyone’s makeup bag, so which one you prefer?

Marc Jacobs: Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Eyeshadow ( #212 The Dreamer Palette)

This is my Second Marc Jacobs eyeshadow palette, I love the first one I got so I decided to get another one more. I had done a review with swatches on the first palette which I will link below if you would like to check out.

• The Dreamer #1 - A creamy soft cream shade with matte finish.

• The Dreamer #2 - A frosty mid-tone soft gold.

• The Dreamer #3 - A frosty champagne shade.

• The Dreamer #4 - A very dark yet neutral brown with a matte finish.

• The Dreamer #5 - A peachy orange colour with a matte finish.

• The Dreamer #6 - A rosy copper shade with a frosty finish.

• The Dreamer #7 - A frosty very yellow gold.

Marc Jacobs: Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Eyeshadow ( #202 The Dreamer Palette) (SGD $90)
A sleek and skinny design of seven harmonized eyeshadows palette of shimmery metallics, buttery mattes, and lustrous sheens are made with advanced pigments that allow true, instant color payoff, and plush performance with the longest wear. Besides the dark brown that is slightly dry and slightly powdery to the touch, there isn't anything bad. But no worries it is still fairly easy to blend.

Their palettes are great if you are wanting to splurge on a luxury eyeshadow palette.

Happy weekend!!