The 2 makeup items I can't live without - Chanel Le Blanc Brightening Makeup Base and Chanel CC Cream

 

One thing I realised is that Chanel makeup is pretty much underrrated or less talked about. Perhaps it is because they don't do mass PR for the brand or perhaps they believe that the brand speaks for itself.

Before I tried Chanel makeup, my perception of the brand was that it is expensive. But as I went into my comfortable early 40's and my curiosity were centred around luxury brands, I was taken by surprise that firstly, their foundation and loose powder are exceptional and value for money and as my curiosity developed into more products, like lipsticks, makeup base and CC cream, I think it's hard to not include this brand into my daily routine. Case in point, is the Le Blanc Light Creator Brightening Makeup Base with SPF 40 and the CC Cream with SPF 50. I have already gone into my 3rd bottle for the makeup base, and my 2nd tube for the CC cream. No matter how much I'd avoid from repurchasing them due to lack of access in PJ area (their standalone boutiques are only in 1Utama and Sunway Pyramid while their counter in Parkson Subang Parade is now closed), I find that I just have to brave the traffic and hunt for a parking spot in order to get my hands on these.

When I first purchased this, it was only around RM190 before they had the price increase early 2016. At just 30ml and now priced at RM220, it may be a tad bit expensive for a lot of us. I find that though it is a little bit on the high price, it works so well with my skin. The formulation is liquid, it feels so light yet covers up the skin pretty well as a makeup base that sometimes when I'm lazy, I would just layer on loose powder and my complexion looks smooth and radiant. No kidding. Best part is, the make up base last an entire day at work and when I do work extended hours (which I normally do) and the skin becomes a little oily, my skin still look naturally radiant, as if my natural oil blends well with the base. That effect, I can't find with any other makeup base or SPF products and hence why, I keep going back to it.

 

The packaging is a handy little squeezable tube and you only need very little to cover the entire face. They have 4 base colours to choose from and this one, in Mimosa is the right one for me to neutralise the redness of my complexion.

 

I'd usually just use a blob like this and as you can see, it is light and watery. According to Chanel, it uses "the Akoya pearl from Japan which is widely known for its exceptional luster, delicate colour and smooth surface. The pearls are cultivated especially for Chanel over the course of 2 years in order to ensure greater maturity for the highest quality pearls. Present in the Brightening Makeup Base, it lights up dull complexions and prevents yellow-toned skin, while moisturising. Combined with Liquorice Extract, a key brightening ingredient, it enhances the complexion with lasting purity and translucency."

 

As you can see in the above pix, the complexion and age spots look matt and blurried with just a layer of the makeup base. As the skin grows more mature like mine, sometimes wearing foundation doesn't necessarily really help make my skin look smooth and I find that minimal makeup can be best. 

 

As for the CC Cream, well I stumbled upon this by accident and glad that I did. Again, I tried to replace this with something else but I just cannot get the same positive effect I get from this especially on a long day at work.

 

 

It is slightly thicker than the makeup base and if I use this, I won't use the makeup base. It has the thickness similar to using a foundation but somewhat smoother, somewhat in between using a fluid and cream foundation. I have tried using a cream foundation as I find that the fluid and compact powder doesn't give me the smooth effect nor hide flaws well anymore but as my skin is not dry and just in between normal to dry, cream foundations just won't sit well, making the skin look really oily into the afternoon. So, I went back to the Chanel CC Cream and I don't even have to blot nor touch up towards the afternoon. Just like the makeup base, it comes on smooth and stays so well even on an active sunny day when I need to be outdoors at work. As it works just as well as a foundation but with much higher SPF protection, I have hardly worn a foundation for the past few months - just the CC Cream and loose powder and my skin looks done.

 

2 empties and 2 fully loaded packs. The CC Cream is at RM225 for a tube of 30ml.

There have been many more stuff I've tried from Chanel and I wonder why the brand has gone under my radar all these while, perhaps due to the perception of it being costly, perhaps also because when I had more youthful skin, luxury brands never truly hit me hard. Then again, I did use some of their makeup before once in awhile but it was just recent that they became generous with their samples and that was how I discovered their products. I especially love their simple packaging and hence, the minimalist packaging makes their makeup cost even lower than say, Dior, Lancome or Guerlain, and it is great that most skincare brands these days incorporate skincare ingredients into their makeup products, making the skin feel even more pampered.

Ran out of eye-liners? No sweat. A dark eye shadow can do the trick too.

 

Ok, when I typed out the header of this post, I realised I don't have a photo of any dark powder/compact eye colour, simply because I don't use eye shadows anymore. I've totally omitted that makeup step from my makeup routine as I start work at 8am, and I don't have time for that step. Also because I think an eye-liner already does it for me and I'm done for the day.

Looking back, I've not been very dependent on a sole tool for eye-lining. I used to have my favourite one, but when they ran out of stock, I just don't go looking for it as I'd wet my eye-liner brush and dab on a powder eye shadow, and the step just worked. Over time, I've tried the trick on my favourite eye cream pot and walah. I tried using the popular Bobbi Brown eye-liner gel in a pot as I think they were the first brand who made it popular but the thing didn't really work for me as it doesn't stay on my oily eyelids and it was quite an expensive mistake for me. The gel also dried out too quickly and I didn't like it at all. As for those gel-pencil eye-liners I've discovered and loved, I realised they're just too costly as they run out very fast and I always fail to get the same colour for replacement as outlets like Sephora Paradigm Mall and Clinique in 1Utama is poor in replenishing their stocks for this item. So, I have kinda given up on my favourite gel-pencil eye-liner.

But when I started using the eye shadow in cream formula, I realised that the cream stayed put from morning til night time. So when brands started to come out with eye shadows in chubby sticks, I felt that this, was it - I finally found the best eye-liners for me, as they're so easy to use, they last quite long, they don't need sharpeners or brushes and they can also be used as eye shadows, as what they are originally meant to do!

 

(L-R: Marc Jacobs in Twinkle Pop, Bobbi Brown in Bittersweet and Sisley in No. 3)

I discovered this awesome tool when I bought the Christmas set of Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Sticks. From then on, I've gotten cream sticks from other brands to try and they all work just the same - good staying power and very easy to use. And as I am not a big fan of dark colours like black, I usually use less darker tone like those above. The MJ Twinkle Pop is a tone of greyish silver, BB's Bittersweet is obviously a dark brown and Sisley's No. 3 is a tone of greenish bronze. While the dark brown is a bit flat boring, I would always go to the other 2 shimmering colours.

 

My makeup routine in the morning is cut by a good 1-2 minutes. Timing to me, is everything. If you want a sharper effect, I've tried using the eye-liner brush, slick it on the cream stick and apply on the eyelids. It gives a better effect but won't give you better timing if you're in a hurry.

So, if you're out of your favourite eye-liner, don't worry. I'm sure you'd have a dark coloured eye-shadow somewhere and they work just as well.

30-min fame on live talk show with Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural & Mineralize Blush

A friend sent me this picture after she saw me on a live NTV7 talk show recently. It was a scary moment for me as I didn't think I was ever prepared for a live interview especially when it entails a broad topic of parenting and not something straight forward like work, for instance. 

When I posted this photo on my facebook page (another photo sent by another friend), I received positive comments about my makeup. Come to think of it, after reading those comments, I recalled that even the makeup artist at the studio told me that my makeup was already good for the show and in her words, "beautifully done". All she did was to touch up with some powder just to dust off some shine from my face as I guess I had perspired a little while worrying much at the beginning after being briefed about the show. 

Myth: Expensive Foundation Will Make You Look Prettier. True or False?

This has always been the question posed by so many women out there and I've heard it ever since I started dabbling into the beauty habit - Does the more expensive foundations create a better outcome to an already troubled or flawed skin?

Wearable Colours with Shiseido's MaQuillage Spring/Summer 2012 Makeup

Shiseido recently launched their Maquillage Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The pastel-inspired collection includes their brand new lippie, the True Rouge, their limited edition Styling Eyes and Perfect Multi Compact foundation.

I am pretty new to Maquillage. The only Maquillage product that I have is their Glamorous Rouge Essence, a product I chanced by accident but totally love it for its moisturising benefit, silicone-induced plump effect and staying power. I have never really checked out the entire makeup range because I just think they are shaped in a weird form and I never believed in forking out extra $$ just to pay for complex packaging.

But when I discovered this range of makeup items, I guess price wise, they're not far off from their competitors. And if the product works, I guess I can learn to love their weird shapes...

this was displayed during the launch for some industry experts to try on their models.

This is True Rouge (Retails at RM90), a new line of lipstick that has apparently gotten rave reviews elsewhere. Notice the octagonal shape and the crystal like finishing on the top part of the packaging? This is what I meant by the weird shape that is synonymous with the Maquillage range.

The Maquillage True Rouge is available in 12 shades. It promises to deliver a soft and feminine look for up to 8 hours, meaning that the lipstick is supposed to last. However, different than other long-lasting formula, the lipstick is moisturising and appear soft like a lip gloss so that you will get that plumpy and lustrous effect on your lips.

It can be applied direct from the tube to give you that soft and natural look but if you want a shinier and glossy finish, you are advised to use a lip brush to apply the colour to your lips. And if you apply it direct, you would probably appreciate the strange angled shape of the lipstick because it is cut specifically to fit the angle and curve of most women's lips.

I was given the chance to try the lipstick and will share with you what I think in another post :)

These limited edition Maquillage Styling Eyes retail at RM135 each. It is formulated with a special pearl powder to make the colours last and have the right intensity when applied on the skin. It is smudge-proof and also promises to last up to 8 hours.

The Maquillage Perfect Multi Compact is available in 3 shades. I think for a compact, the packaging does look really pretty... doll-like pretty, don't you think? It doubles up as a foundation and finishing powder. Now, this is one product I'd really like to try. Notice the 3 different tones on the compact? They are supposed to help you highlight or create contours to your face, apart from its function as a foundation. Am not too sure if its any good for us regular women who'd just swipe our makeup sponges and apply powder foundation evenly on our faces... but it would be a nice way to practice some contouring technique since it is already available in that one compact. Colour wise, since there are only 3 shades available, am not too sure if you'd easily get a perfect fit but if it has that 3 tones in one compact, you may be able to at least achieve the nearest fit... maybe.

Overall, I think the collection is pretty safe... you don't need any excuse to wear the colours because the shades are all wearable in any environment. That said, when they look like any ordinary colours, one might have plenty of choices to pick from the many similar collections of every other cosmetic brands in the market but I guess when it comes to Maquillage, they would probably depend on their loyal fans or those who believe that Asian cosmetics understand us Asians better. Or like me, when I accidentally chanced upon their lip gloss, while walking around trying out stuff in a departmental store.

Are you a fan of Maquillage? What do you think of their latest collection?

Shiseido Spring/Summer 2012 Makeup Collection

With the so many brands out there in the market highlighting their Spring/Summer 2012 makeup collection, a lot of people may have missed out this one Japanese brand, that may be more popular for their skincare. And I am telling you that if you missed it because we are all more inclined to fancy packaging & gimmicks from the French competitors, you may be missing out on something really valuable. I myself was caught by surprise and it was a really pleasant one.

First up, I shall introduce the product that is probably the least popular on my list, the mascara (I don't think I've ever reviewed any mascaras on this blog). I hardly ever wear mascara because of many reasons... for one, since the past 4 years or so, the formula never worked on my short lashes - they smudge after 5-6 hours (even with waterproof ones) and if I do not use an additional tool like the lash curler, my lashes will never look pretty. Hence, I figured that it took too much effort and time for me and I shall just forgo it.

So, when I was presented with their new Perfect Mascara New Definition (Retails at RM89), I was game to try it on. It claims to give more volume to your lashes, separate and define them. It is also supposedly smudge-proof, lasts all day and easily washed off using warm water.

list of ingredients, if you'd like to know...

The result from the use of the mascara will be updated later on in this post.

Next, would be this super gorgeous shade that I got from the Shimmering Rouge range (Retails at RM95). There are 7 new shades and I absolutely love the colour, Sugarplum on my lips. In the tube it looks a little pale and I was initially worried that it would either not turn up on my lips or it would make me look like a malnourished tired old woman. But oooh.... I must seriously thank the person who helped pick out this colour because it came out oh-sommm.

L-R: PK214 Opal | PK415 Sorbet | OR316 Mango | BR317 Butterscotch | RD718 Sugarplum | RS619 Venus | RD320 Temptress

what the pack says...

and... the ingredients list.

The lip colours are supposed to come out sheer and moisturising, with an almost plumped up effect. I think a lot of brands are seen to have expanded their sheer lip colours. Even those brands who do not give much emphasis to sheer lip colours for their Spring/Summer collections, they would still tell you to layer lip gloss on top of your lip colour for that natural look and moist lips. I am so glad that my prayers have been answered and the range of lippie brands that I am able to use now has also expanded as my lip sensitivity towards those drier formula is given a new life ;)

Last but not least, the eye colours from the Shimmering Cream Eye Color collection (Retails at RM75). This is something that I've never tried because I never thought cream eye shadows are suitable for my oily skin. I think I have always understood that cream shadows are more for the mature market for its moisturising benefits.

However, I was told that these Shimmering Cream Eye Colors are supposed to last even on my oily lids and you'd remain looking fresh all day, similar to how you first applied them in the morning. They still have that same moisturising benefits making your eyelids moisturised and comfortable.

these were the colours on my wrist but they go really different when applied directly to the eyelids (L-R: PK214 Pale Shell and OR313 Sunshower).

this is how they look on my lids, with flash.

And now, for the verdict.

Like seriously, I have not done up a natural look in years! I have always loved the natural no-make up/warm look but as Mr Oosband had always preferred a bolder look, I have kinda put sheer pinks or nudes aside. Once I have gotten used to wearing reds and burgundy on my lips and put on darker shade of eye shadows so that my 'blue' eyes won't make me look tired, I never went out of the house without having noticeable colours on me.

But I guess, the colours from the 2012 S/S Shiseido collection gave me a breath of fresh air to my usual look.

picture without flash, taken in the early morning getting ready for 'work'.

The colours look amazing! I don't look overly pink and girly, nor do I look pale and tired.

My eye lashes couldn't be helped much. Therefore, I don't want to give unnecessary comments on the Perfect Mascara New Definition. I think no mascaras can help curl my lashes and I would need to use a curler if I really want that effect. But I do like the mascara because it didn't smudge, my lashes were coated separately and well defined, and didn't stick together... and my eyes didn't come out sensitive to its formula. They definitely look thicker too. So yeayy...

But in terms of how good it is compared to the rest of the mascaras in the market, I may not be able to give you an honest opinion. I've tried on a few but I've always remembered a few brands like Lancome and Estee Lauder for having really good formulation as well. However, plus points for Shiseido for a mascara that works and I love its packaging.

As for the Shimmering Rouge lippie, I think I have found a new love. Like, really. I can't find the right words to describe enough of how much I love it - it is not only moisturising, but the sheer colour actually lasts. The colour was still there even after 3 drinks during a breakfast meet with a fellow mommy at an non-air condition venue, and remained til mid afternoon, although a little faded. But yeah, the nude-y colour is still noticeable on my lips and I didn't look tired at all.

The best part is, it looks nudey-ish when applied and when seen in a different light, it may look a little pinkish whilst at some angle, the colour looked a nice orange-ish tone that perks up any tired look. I also love its packaging, making it look uber luxurious and sturdy. I love it so much that I instantly put it inside my handbag in case I need any touch ups along with my favourite Maquillage lip gloss, a must have in my handbag.

And the Shimmering Cream Eye Colors? I am so looking forward to check out other colours from their collection. The eye creams performed as well as they claim and totally took me by surprise. I didn't even have any concealer on yet the colours stood through the hours and my usual oiliness. Best part was - my eyelids didn't go any oilier than usual. After a hot and humid day out picking up my kids from school all at different hours apart from that long breakfast session, the colours remain til night time. I am truly blown away.

And because I am so vain (and love the natural look), I shall put up another picture of me, taken under the natural light while waiting for my son at school... ;D

Happy weekend, everyone!

Have you checked their latest Spring/Summer collection? What do you think of them?

Lancome's Spring 2012 make up collection launches with make up parties!

Lancome has launched their Spring make up collection and what better way than to have a make up party to celebrate looking pretty ☺

The Roseraie des Delices is all things pretty with pastels and shades of green and pink that will make you look and feel like a princess or that you’re surrounded by a garden of flowers.

I myself had the opportunity to attend their make up party at the Parkson Pavilion counter and truly enjoyed the make up ‘workshop’.

Using the colours from the Spring collection, the make up artists will be guiding you through a step-by-step make up lesson on how best you can use those colours. Unlike other make over sessions when you purchase a certain amount during launches like this, Lancome decided that they would not just do the make up for you. Instead, you will be personally taught on how you can apply the colours as they demonstrate on one half of your face and you can then try it on the other half yourself.

the busy counter...

Although you’d always think that a beauty blogger is an expert at applying make up, I found myself a little nervous when it comes to applying eye colours. This is because there are way so many techniques to apply them and there are always new ways to try to make the best out of the 4 or 5 colours that usually come in a palette. Hence, I find that the make up party is a perfect way to throw in a valuable ‘gift’ for the customers, via the personal tutorial.

I intended to take a photo of the eye colours and was pleasantly surprised to see one of my eyes nicely captured reflected by the mirror of the compact ;) oh, mind the fingerprint marks, though...

Don’t be mislead by the pastel colours…. I was surprised that the pink actually stood out when applied on my eyelids. I like the colour transfer and how the pigments can be light but come out stronger when layered on. And the technique to apply was really simple unlike how I’d apply eye shadows on a regular day. If you’d want to find out more, please do visit the Lancome counters to discover it for yourself.

On the left, is a peachy coloured blusher. And on the right is how the blusher actually looks like brand new! Apparently, when it is used many times, the highlighter (the white shade above the pink rose) will mix with the pink and transform the rose into a peachy tone. Don't be put off by this effect because the colour is actually very pretty on the skin and takes only a few swirl of the brush for it to tranform you into a pretty princess! :)

don't you think I looked radiant? ;) I love the lip colour. I had on 321 and colour fever gloss 310.

With the make up party, I also learnt the type of foundation suitable for my current skin concern and the shade that's perfect for my skin tone. But I especially loved that I was able to discover a concealer that made the eye colours stay on way til night time, even after a heaty experience cooking in the kitchen. Yes, with my make up on haha...

And if you purchase products worth RM500 during the party, you will receive this gift set. I don't know about you, but I hardly buy for the sake of getting the gift sets unless I know for sure I would be replenishing my products anyway.

And what better way than to smile perdy in front of all the busy people, working at the counter ;) thank you, Ms Paris B, for this photo... you take great candid shots *errkksss*

I went home admiring the blusher... pretty, no?

Their eyeshadow palettes retail at RM140, the blusher is RM120, the Le French Touch lipsticks cost RM80 and the Color Fever Gloss is RM70.

The Roseraie des Delices is available at all Lancome counters nationwide but the make up parties are only held at these places and you would need to book a slot with them for the make up workshop (check them out this weekend!):

Isetan KLCC (03-23820281) - 18 Feb

Parkson KLCC (03-23820280) - 19 Feb

Sogo KL (03-26944378) - 19 Feb

For more information, you can always check their Facebook page as they have frequent updates on their events and promotions.

Calvin Klein lip colours

I think today is the last day of the promotion in StrawberryNet where purchases of a certain amount will get you a complimentary lip colour from Calvin Klein.

I have never heard of Calvin Klein makeup and even if I did, I don't think I'd trust that brand for my makeup needs. I mean, if you've been following my posts from back then, you'd know that I have very sensitive lips and can only use lipsticks of only two brands - Bobbi Brown and Dior. I've tried many others - cheap or expensive, but they all seem to make my lips itch at the end of the day, which can leave my lips swollen at times.

But, I must say that a free lippie from the online site not too long ago totally surprised me when not only did I discover that the brand produces such a creamy lippie, the colour is absolutely gorgeous as well. And, my lips did not get any bad reaction from continuous use. Good, right?

Hence, recently when a promotion was up again on StrawberryNet and the price was so low (they're like less than RM50 a piece!), I took the opportunity to get some of Calvin Klein's lip colours.

Lipsticks (L-R): Trust & Perfect Stranger. Lipgloss: Moonbeam

On my lips is Perfect Stranger + Moonbeam

Would you try cosmetics from brands unfamiliar to you?

CLINIQUE Superbalanced powder makeup SPF15/PA+++

I know there are many other posts pending but this is one entry that deserves to cut queue ;)

Last weekend, I decided to check out Isetan's sale (finally!). I know I am a little late but as much as I didn't want any compulsive buy albeit their very attractive members' promotion on the first day of the sale a week ago, my shopping conscience finally got the better of me. My one-day of browsing through beauty counters at Isetan KLCC (sans any purchase, so proud of myself!) finally made me decide to go back to Isetan to grab their fantastic beauty deals.

Hence, I decided to check out stuff at CLINIQUE and this was one of the stuff I got... the CLINIQUE new Superbalanced powder makeup with SPF15/PA+++.

The SA explained that it is sort of a mineral makeup where it can be used on its own after you've put on your sunscreen. Note that these days, all beauticians will stress the importance of putting on sunscreen after your moisturiser, even if your foundation contains SPF. You can layer it on their Superbalanced liquid foundation if you like but apparently, the powder still suffice on its own.

I have to say that I am a little skeptical when it comes to using mineral-based makeup. I've used Bare Escentuals and Dior but both gave me rashes and they both clogged my open pores. But the 'gatalness' in me and the attractive packaging of CLINIQUE's powder made me try it out.

The SA swept 'Deep', the darker of the 2 tones they have and it came out perfect! The colour blended well with my skin tone and it looked like it gave a medium coverage just on its own. With an 18gm weight and a RM140 price tag, I say that it is worth to purchase.

The powder comes in a nice rounded thick compact-like-loose powder case. And like most mineral-based foundation, you'd have a brush instead of a sponge applicator. What I like about the brush, though, is that it isn't like those usual thick-rounded kabuki brush you'd normally get from buying mineral makeup. This one's broad enough for the powder to cover your cheek area in a few sweep yet slim enough to apply them powder neatly on your narrower eyelids and upper lip areas. Smart invention, no?

You're supposed to twirl the top circular part for the top compartment to express enough mineral bits for you to apply to the entire face... much like having a diving watch and you twirling the top dial to see how long you've been underwater ;P haha... really not the same reasons but you get my drift, right?

I used it on my skin today and I must say that I am very impressed with this product. I've never really had any good experience with CLINIQUE's powder makeups - be it their loose powder, pressed powder or any of their compact foundations. I like their liquid foundation but that's that. However, this one seems to suit me perfectly - the colour is just perfect, one sweep of the powder on my skin gave me a medium coverage enough to conceal my open pores, it doesn't make my skin itch, it gives me a healthy-radiant glow first thing in the morning and best of all, I think it's sorta sweat proof when I was doing my normal morning chores before leaving the house for work. I love it!

And as all the other mineral makeup, you just simply have to layer the powder if you want better coverage. So far so good. 2 hours later and the makeup blends with the natural oil secretion on my face, I look even more fresh and radiant.

Since I've only used it twice, I can't say much about the pore-clogging part yet. So far, if you use the right products from CLINIQUE that's suitable for your skin type, you may not encounter this problem. Therefore, I am keeping my fingers crossed but will update you if I do get breakouts from the powder.

here's the full list of ingredients, if you'd like to check it out.

Have you tried this product yet or would you like to try it out?

Estee Lauder's NEW CyberWhite Brilliant Cells

Just recently, I was privileged to get included into Estee Lauder's soft launch of their newly improved whitening range, now named, CyberWhite Brilliant Cells. I really have to thank this friend who has given me this sorta window of opportunity to get into the insights of the latest beauty products in the market :)

In this event, I only expected to be informed of the new range of products but I think most of us who attended the event was pleasantly surprised that we were given the first hand experience to try out the entire range in what was arranged as a fulfilling beauty workshop! They covered everything - from cleansing to the proper way of applying products especially when removing make up to how we should apply serum, moisturiser, eye care and SPF. Then, we were all given a thorough demonstration on how we can apply make up with all the proper tools.

But since many things were covered that day, I think I shall just in this post share with you on the new Cyberwhite Brilliant Cells range, which has not been officially launched.

Ok... what I always hate about brightening/whitening range is the so many stuff you need to slather on your face. But as many experienced women would say, you need sacrifices to be beautiful... not everyone is blessed with natural beauty and some would need to work harder than others :D

The new whitening range is a newly improved range from when EL made whitening popular with the CyberWhite EX. This time, the Cyberwhite Brilliant Cells (CBC) leads with new innovation and findings from EL's 25 years of brightening expertise.

From their new discovery, this range of products promises to deliver exceptional results targeting 4 key types of brown spots and make your skin look luminous, radiant and even. Their comprehensive, full spectrum brigtening technologies will hydrate the skin, even up skin texture, promote protection of collagen but what I like most is that they combat poor microcirculation common in most Asian skin.

When we were all brought through the entire process of using the skincare, I guess I kinda liked the lighter scent compared to their older EX version and their texture felt lighter on the skin. Of course, I couldn't vouch much because years ago I only used their samples which didn't work well on my oily skin but I did see very good results on a former boss. Thus, I gather that the products work better on more mature skin types.

We all also had the opportunity to try out their new gelcreme makeup with SPF21/PA+. With the proper tools and method of applying it, supplemented with a little brigtening essence, you will be surprised at how dewy and radiant your face looks. Seriously, I was impressed at myself and can't help admiring myself in the mirror *vain pot*

This must be one of their star makeup products. I can't get enough of the fine texture of the brightening loose powder but more so because when you finish up your look with this powder, your skin will be transformed into a more translucent and luminous appearance. Among many wonderful properties, it contains polarised pearls which reflect light, making your complexion looking a healthy pink. I'm still waiting for my photo from EL and will share it with you in another post.

this is just a sneak preview of the technique used in applying the gelcreme foundation, which i shall share in another entry ;)

these are the deluxe samples i received to try. the essence, though, is the actual-sized bottle :D

I do like to share with you that the Estee Lauder Cyberwhite Brilliant Cells will be available at all EL counters starting 26 February 2011. And in conjunction with the launch of the skincare range, you are all invited to join Estee Lauder for "A Time To Brighten" at KLCC Centrecourt from 11am-2pm that day. Come early because the 1st 1,000 early birds to bring any whitening product from any brands can exchange for a CyberWhite Brilliant Cells deluxe-sized sample.

The list of the products in this range, is as follows:

• Cleanser (125ml) - RM140
• Lotion (200ml) - RM160 (this is a toner)
• Essence (30ml) - RM350
• Milky Lotion (100ml) - RM210 (moisturiser)
• Moisture Cream (50ml) - RM245
• UV Protector SPF50/PA+++ (30ml) - RM175
• Brightening Powder Makeup SPF 25/PA+++ - RM140 (refill) & RM48 (compact)
• GelCreme Makeup SPF 21/PA+ - RM155
• Concealer SPF 35/PA++ - RM85
• Loose Powder SPF 15/PA++ - RM150

I'll be working in a fundraising charity drive at Berjaya Times Square on that day and may not be able to check out the launch in KLCC. So, do let me know if you managed to try the products.