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Showing posts with label Makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makeup. Show all posts
shu uemura brave beauty eye palettes

How would you categorize your day to day makeup?  For me, it has definitely become more neutral in the past few years.  I rarely do bold looks nowadays, part of it is because of my work, and part of it is just I'm kind of scared of it.

I remember when I first started with makeup, when I got a collection of colourful eyeshadows, I would always play around with different looks.  It seems like my brave self has taken a deep hibernation.

"be brave, there is no need for hesitation, beauty is where you find it", Kakuyasu Uchide—shu uemuera International Artistic Director.

shu uemura Brave Beauty Eye Palettes Give You the Courage to Be Bold

October 7, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , • 23 comments
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Summer is half way through!  Enjoying the sun or not, thanks to the invention of bronzer, ladies from the Great White North, too, can get instant sun kiss glow.  There are so many beautiful bronzers available this Summer (literally, the designs are out of this world).  I have round up a few that you need to go to the makeup counter now to stare at, adore and swatch!

It's Summer Time! Be a Bronzed Goddess | Guerlain, Dior, Lancôme, Chanel, Maybelline, Clarins & Benefit

August 6, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , , , , , • 7 comments
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Shu Uemura wanted women "to enjoy make-up more freely" and have fun playing with colours.  With that in mind, the brand has created a new line of eyeliners called Drawing Pencils that are inspired by their own Aterlier's professional palette.  These pencils feature a soft blend able formula that allows you to mix and match, draw and blend, while also provide a great colour payoff.  There are in total of 21 shades and 4 textures (matte, pearl, metallic, glitter).

Shu Uemura Eye Event Collection | Enjoy Makeup this Summer & Instagram Contest | Review, Photos & Swatches

August 5, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , , , , • 13 comments
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Launch of the Most Innovative Eyeliner


Benefit said it's their biggest innovation in history.  After 5 years of development, the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner (CA $29 / US $24) is finally launching globally this Friday on June 27, 2014!  

I was fortunate to have previewed and tried the product before its release.  It is probably the most unique eyeliner I have ever used.  Believe me when I say I have tried a lot of liners, but never have I ever seen an applicator like Benefit's patented Accuflex tip.  The gel formula comes out from within the applicator with just a few twists.  The flexible tip is designed to be lash hugging, which allows you to get as close to your lash line as possible.  It also gives great control that you can get the line as thin as your like or as thick as you like.

From L to R: They're Real Mascara, They're REal Push-Up Liner, They're Real Remover, Simone ;)
The formula in this liner is phenomenal.  It's smooth, creamy, and pigmented, which are basically what you would want from a gel liner.  The staying power is out of this world.  It stays put all day (even on the waterline) and it doesn't smudge.  To take it all off, I would use the They're Real! Remover (CA $22), which has now become my holy grail eye makeup remover.

When Benefit comes up with the concept of They're Real Push Up Liner, they want to create something that is fool proof and easy to use.  That woman can apply it in seconds.  I find that it is very easy to get a one stroke liner.  The trick is not to drag or push too hard, and to also ensure that there is enough product on the tip to apply.  That way you will get a smoother and quicker application.  That being said, also be aware not to twist up too much; but if you do, not to fear, you can just wipe the excess product on the back of your hand and dip it when you need it.

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes / Folded Eye Lids

I can do a regular winged liner, no problem, and with this, it just makes getting ready in the morning so much more faster.  However, the regular winged liner doesn't necessarily look good on my eyes with my eye shape.  I got a chance to sit down with Benefit Canada Regional Education Manager Maddox Lu (@maddox_thinks) to pick his brain and get some tips on how to apply this liner on my hooded/folded eye lids.

Maddox said the best liner look that suits hooded eyes the best is the "Hook" liner; as well as those with folded lids, droopy lids, "Asian eyes" (disclaimer: not trying to generalize but a lot of east Asian would have some type of folded eye lids).  Basically, if you see a broken line when you have your eyes opened with a regular winged liner on, then you will be able to benefit from the "Hook" technique.  There are a few simple steps:

Step 1: Draw a thin line like you would normal do from the outer corner to the inner corner because we want a thicker line in the outer corner.

Step 2: Align your eyeliner from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eyes to find the ideal angle.  Then, create a wing by pressing the Accuflex Tip down on your lid.

Step 3: Fill in the wing.  And when you open your eyes, you would see a broken line because of the shape of your eyelid.

Step 4: Stare straight into your mirror.  Take the wing and connect straight across from wing to your crease, just a small line.

Step 5: Look down and connect downward from the end of the new line you just create.

Step 6: Fill in the line and you're done!

Before...

After...

Maddox gave me a lesson on this technique and demonstrated on my left eye.  I then tried it out on my right eye and got the same result too.  It might take once or twice to get used to but it's definitely a brilliant technique.


This technique is not only great for hooded eyes, but also "droopy eyes" and "Asian eyes" (most of us tend to have a fold on our lid, myself included).  It will work well too if the corner of your eyes points downward.

Okay, sounds like I need it, now what?


Well, the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner is launching this Friday on June 27, 2014 worldwide and they are hosting launch parties across Canada (check their Facebook page to see if it's coming to your Sephora).  In Toronto, it will be held at the Sephora inside Toronto Eaton Centre.  Benebabes will be in store to help you with your liner on both Friday and Saturday (June 27-28, 2014) from 11AM to 9PM.  Guests will get a special gift if they purchase their They're Real Push Up Liner on those two dates (while supplies last).  If you're planning to go, a little bird told me there's a special secret happening between 3:30PM to 4:00PM.  If you're around, don't miss it!

Until next time,


x Rica




*Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided to The Office Chic for review consideration.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser, affiliate, public relations firm or brands.

Benefit Launches They're Real Push-Up Liner | Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes Tips & Tricks

June 25, 2014 • , , , , , , , , • 9 comments
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Pores oh pores... my biggest (yet smallest) nemesis...  They are all over my face and doesn't seem to want to shrink because the 13 year old Rica didn't ponder skincare.  She thought she was young and invincible.  Fast forward to right now, all current Rica could do is to hide her pores.  This is where Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse Poreraser (CA $46) comes in handy.

Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse Poreraser will brighten & tighten | Mika for Shu | Review, Photos & Swatches

April 10, 2014 • , , , , , , , , , , • 6 comments
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This Spring, Dior is nailing it with their Trianon Édition Collection.  Available at Sephora now and coming to all counters on January 30, the new collection features a beauty rosy coral blush with a pretty and cute bow embossment and a limited edition 5 colour pastel eyeshadow palette.  They're also bringing on the bright lips to prep for the summer and delicious floral hues for the nails.  Not to mention a limited edition shade for a cult fave, Dior Lip Glow.

"This collection can be defined by its desire to divert Dior, disrupting and pushing it to a place where lyrical romanticism can be dangerous; there where the most beautiful rose garden seems poisonous," —Raf Simons, Creative Director of Christian Dior.





Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte (CA $32 / US $30)
  • 091 Nocturne
  • 761 Mirage
  • 641 Fantaisie
  • 121 Celeste (LE)


Dior 5-Couleurs Trianon Édition in 234 Pastel Fontages (LE) (CA $62 / US $61)


Dior Backstage Primer (CA $30 / US $28)


Dior Pore Minimizer (CA $42)

Dior Glow Maximizer (CA $42)


Diorblush Trianon Édition in 763 Corail Bagatelle (LE) (CA $44)


Dior Addict Lip Glow in Coral, LE (CA $35)


Dior Addict Lip Gloss, LE (CA $31 / $29.50)
  • 442 Pétillante
  • 772 Exquise
Rouge Dior, LE (CA $36)
  • 531 Rose Crinoline
  • 774 Allégresse

Dior Shimmering Matte Effect Top Coat in 197 Perlé (LE) (CA $26)

Dior Vernis (LE) (CA $26 / US $24)
  • 204 Porcelaine
  • 457 Bouquet
  • 777 Bloom



Also new this year is an addition to their Capture Totale line—Dior Capture Totale Dream Skin (CA $115 / US $110). Dior says their scientists have spent over 1000 hours and conduct hundreds of trials to formulate this new treatment to achieve "an immediate ultra-natural finish for all skin types and tones while fighting against signs of aging". The expected results after regular use of Dream skin are firmer, plumper and smoother skin, as well as radiant and youthful glowing skin.

"This breakthrough formula features a combination of optical active ingredients as well as the active biological ingredients from the Dior Gardens. Together, these ingredients work to immediately recreate beautiful skin on the surface while fighting deep down against wrinkles, redness, dark spots and loss of radiance over time." — Dior


I have major soft spot for a beautiful blush, especially one with a bow embossment, so I deem that this blush would be a must check out item in the collection.  The Dior lip colours also look extra delicious, as always.  I have used Dior makeup for a long time but have never actually tried their lipsticks and lip glosses... maybe I'm missing out.  I'm also very curious about the Shimmering Matte Effect: How can it be shimmery and matte? I need to swatch.  As for Capture Totale, it's an interesting idea because it claims to produce a homogenous colour that will blend with your skin and blurs imperfection after applied.  I wonder if it's like BB or CC creams out there.

What about you? Which product from this collection intrigues you?

Until next time,


x Rica

Dior Trianon Edition Collection for Spring 2014 & Capture Totale Dream Skin | Beauty News

January 22, 2014 • , , , , • 9 comments
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The first red carpet event of the year is happening tonight at 9PM EST.  Hosted by the 2 Broke Girls starlets Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings (I'm a fan of Max lol), the People's Choice Awards has a star studded guest lists, which would mean that there will be some major beauty moment on the red carpet.

image courtesy of http://blog.peopleschoice.com/

Celebrity Makeup Artist Amy Nadine forecasted that will be 3 major makeup trends:

1. The Metallic Sparkle Smudge

As Amy puts it, this is a reverse sparkly smoky eyes, so all the drama happens on the lashline and add the shimmer eyeshadows on top.  This look is simple to do too and she suggested to use the following COVERGIRL products:

covergirl-clump-crusher-flamed-out-shadow-pots-ink-it-eyeliner
T to B: COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara, Flamed Out Shadow Pots in Molton Black (shown here, or try Melted Gold), Ink It! in Black Ink (shown here, or Liquidline Blast Eyeliner in Black Fire or Brown Blaze)

People's Choice Awards Red Carpet Trend Forecast & Giveaway | Beauty United

January 8, 2014 • , , , , , , , , • 16 comments
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"When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do is take a look at you, then I'm not so blue" - A Groovy Kind Of Love by Phil Collins.

... I could do that, or I could just play with makeup like the holiday kits by Benefit Cosmetics: Groovy Kind-A Love* and Let's Make Lovely*.  This Holiday, Benefit has come out with many different makeup and skincare kits that will meet every makeup enthusiast's need.

Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love & Let's Make Lovely Holiday Kits Bring You Joy to cure Mid-week Crisis | Review, Photos & Swatches

November 27, 2013 • , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , • 11 comments
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From T to B, L to R: Benefit Skinny Jeans, My Two Cents, Hoola, Watt's Up
Shimmer Down, Kiss Me I'm Tipsy, Brow Zing, Hello Flawless Powder
Gilt-y Pleasure, Tickle my ivory, Benetint, Fling Thing

It's the time of the year again when your inbox is filled with invitations to all the holiday parties and gatherings.  It's great and fun but usually you will have to go straight from work and there's not enough time in between so we can all use a quick turnaround in terms of makeup.  So here's what I propose...

Daytime Office Look
Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love Makeup Look

From Office Chic to Party Rocking | How to Transition from Day to Night Makeup with Benefit Cosmetics | Holiday Look Book & Extras!

November 26, 2013 • , , , , , , • 17 comments
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Going to the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS) in Toronto has become a tradition for me.  For those you don't know what IMATS is, it is a trade show for makeup artist and industry but it's open to public.  Vendors at show will showcase their services and products, usually be at a discount.  IMATS also have seminars where makeup pros provide education and demonstrations to show goers.

It is indeed a makeup enthusiasts heaven where you can get industry discount and also learn more about the makeup industry.  For my first IMATS, I was completely overwhelmed and got "I-have-to-get-everything" mentality.  This year, I browse around, learning about new products brands have to offer and look at the makeup work of artists of different booths.  Their work of art is truly amazing and I admire their creativity.

One major mission that I always have is to shop for what I want/need.  This year is no different.  I met up with Jessica, Stacey and Steph again to get our shopping done.  Here's what I got...

IMATS Toronto 2013 Experience Part 1: Haul

November 11, 2013 • , , , , , • 0 comments
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Benefit x Matthew Williamson The Rich is Back Makeup Kit
The Rich is Back!  Benefit Cosmetics have collaborated with British fashion designer Matthew Williamson to create a limited edition high fashion makeup kit (CA$40).  Being the queen of makeup kits, it is actually their first fashion collaboration and this kit is debuting in store and online on June 10, 2013.  But us Torontonians got a sneak peek last week at the One Day Flash Sale at Sephora in the Toronto Eaton Centre.  Being a fan of Benefit for years, I couldn't miss it (plus I work close enough so it works out perfectly).

One Day Only Flash Sale on May 10 with exclusive Benefit bangle as gift with purchase

The Rich is Back! | Benefit Cosmetics x Matthew Williamson High Fashion Makeup Kit | Flash Sale

May 17, 2013 • , , , , , , , , , , , • 4 comments
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Almay Smart Shade CC Cream complexion corrector in 100 Light
By now, you probably have heard and read a lot about BB Creams.  What about CC Creams?  Almay is launching their own version called Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector* (CA $16.95) in June 2013 in Canada (I believe they're already out in the US).

Almay Skipped the BB,and Jumped Right Into the CC Cream | CC Cream Review & Swatches

May 15, 2013 • , , , , , , , , • 12 comments
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Last night I got an exciting news that the Canadian own Annabelle Cosmetics now has a online shopping site!  Hurray!  To celebrate their new shopping site, Annabelle is have a promotion for its customers for a limited time (online only)!
  • Spend $25 and get $5 off your orders
  • Spend $50 and get $15 off your orders
  • Spend $100 and get $40 off your orders
Now, you don't have to be a Mathie like me to figure out the discount (of course, the $40 off $100 is the best deal).  If you are new to Annabelle and not ready to commit, no worries, Annabelle is also offering free shipping on all orders until May 12!  So for those of you who have been wanting to try their Smoothliner but don't have Annabelle near you, now its time!

If you're ready to try Annabelle out but don't know what to get, let me help ya.  To get you started, let me share with you a few must-haves from Annabelle...
Also, my wishlist...
I feel like I'm like an infomercial guy, but there actually is more. To add a cherry on top of the sundae, if you're one of the first 100 people register your online consumer profile and benefit from free shipping, you will get free shipping for life!

Don't forget to enter my blogaversary / 100th post / blog makeover GIVEAWAY!  I'm giving away a Too Faced Boudoir Soft & Sexy Eye Collection!

Until next time,


x Rica

Annabelle Online Shopping is Up and Running, and They're Taking Orders for Canada and the U.S.

May 7, 2013 • , , , , • 2 comments
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Earlier this week I had the chance to attend the Almay Playfully Pretty Tea Party.  It was a lovely event on a lovely sunny day, perfect Spring day to have a tea party!

Tea party with Liquid Lip Balm
Beautiful cups and plates ALL THE WAY from England!
One main theme about this event is Mother's Day.  Almay has partnered up with their current spokemodel Kate Hudson, as well as her mother, Goldie Hawn.  The award winning actresses mother-and-daughter-duo is the face of this special campaign feature their intense i-color line.  They have a mother-daughter makeup and makeover station to celebrate this special occasion.
Almay Mother's Day Campaign

Almay Playfully Pretty Tea Party: 2013 Spring/Summer Product Launch

April 26, 2013 • , , , , , , , , , , • 6 comments
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Maybelline Color Whispers
"I love tinted lip colour. I love moisturizing lip product", I screamed and shouted and let it all out...

 Sorry for the bad pun, but if you know me, you know I love a good tinted lip balm or any easy-to-apply lip colour with moisturizing properties.  So Maybelline Color Whisper seems right up my alley.  The Color Whisper range has 20 different colours.  Here are the 5 colours that I have...
From L to R: #15 Some Like It Taupe, #25 Lust For Blush
#55 One Size Fits Pearl, #60 #Petal Rebel, #85 Berry Ready
From L to R: #15 Some Like It Taupe, #25 Lust For Blush
#55 One Size Fits Pearl, #60 #Petal Rebel, #85 Berry Ready

 Maybelline describes the Color Whisper range as "Pure color pigments suspended in a weightless gel. No heavy waxes or oils. Soft, sexy gel-color."  I have to agree with how light it feels.  While it doesn't really feel like weightless, it definitely does not have a masking feeling or a vaseline feeling on your lips.  It's easy to apply because I can just apply right from the tube without worrying about it looking weird, well, except the bolder shades.

Let the Lips do the talking - Maybelline Color Whisper by ColorSensational

April 17, 2013 • , , , , , , , • 4 comments
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