Bobbi Brown Nude Drama Palette : Review, Swatches, Video Demo.

Sephora US launched this Bobbi Brown Nude Drama Palette (Limited Edition) last week as a store exclusive - which means you probably can only lay your hands on it through direct purchase at Sephora Store (or Online store). I am not certain if non-U.S countries will eventually launch this; but in any case, you can try personal shopper websites.

This limited edition Bobbi Brown product at a significantly lower-than-its-regular-prices price point, undoubtedly is going to garner much attention.

Shade Names (from L to Right) : Ivory, Halo, Bonfire, Antique Rose, Sunkissed, Pink Bellini, Earth, Terracotta, Velvet Plum, Saddle, Black Sand and Espresso.

MY THOUGHTS 

Every major makeup brand came up with their own neutrals eyeshadow palette, even Bobbi Brown itself (this is like its third one, I think?) so this is nothing new really. However, with Bobbi Brown's huge success with its predesssor Nude on Nude palette, it's only natural that they want to replicate that success by formulating an improved & more expansive version.

Packaging

Fans of pinkish nude/rose brown will adore this high quality square nude pink case that neatly houses 12 shades. Quite a handy casing, light enough for travel, fitted with a mirror huge enough to see the whole face and not just the eyes.

Shades

12 shades in total ranging from cream, nudes, orange, rose, taupe, to light and dark browns. It is a good blend. This palette basically got you all covered, if you are into neutrals. With the inclusion of Espresso, you don't even need an additional eyeliner.

Texture & Quality

5 shimmering (some have bigger speckles than others and these are the so-called 'sparkle' finish), 5 mattes and 2 metallic finishes; with the mattes mostly sculpting shades like brown... which I LOVE! Powders are considerably smooth like the usual Bobbi Brown shadows.

Affordability

Price: USD59. For a high-end brand like Bobbi Brown well-known for its quality, this is rather value-for-money as you get 12 shades for that price. Single colour pans/pots already set you back by about USD26.

Ease of Use

Some of the shades are not super pigmented. Certain matte shades doesn't adhere to the brushes. Eg: Ivory and Antique Rose don't show up on me without heavy layering. Shades with larger shimmers have potential for fallouts - this problem gets exacerbated when you don't use a good brush. Some may also find the sparkle shades a little too glittery. That said, I still find the shades glide on smoothly and look very pretty on the lids. Bonfire, Sunkissed, Pink Bellini is way up my makeup alley.

Longevity

Needless to say, Bobbi Brown shadows has great staying power.

Fall look 

Will I recommend this purchase?

Yes, if you're a fan of Bobbi Brown or if you're looking for a good-quality, easy-to-use, comprehensive eyeshadow palatte that takes you from day to night.

No, if you're a hardcore beauty junkie who owns countless neutrals eyeshadow palettes OR if you're into densely pigmented eyeshadows, you will not fall for this. I'd say, go for Too Faced (much cheaper) or Urban Decay (similar prices and unbeatable shades & pigmentation).

Natural Day Look

Still unsure? 
Just spend a minute watching my video demo below!

Click on image to link to the video!

Side note: I have recently started my *YouTube channel, but currently it only serves as a platform to house my collection of  mostly one minute Instagram videos. If you'd like to see longer, more detailed makeup tutorials or my travelogues videos, subscribe to my channel and let me know! Otherwise, I am just gonna leave it dormant and do what it was suppose to do. 

*FYI, I am not monetizing this!

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Bobbi Brown Nude Drama Palette is currently available on Sephora.com at USD59.00.

L'Oréal Makeup Designer New Releases 2017 : First Impressions, Swatches, MOTD (Superliner V-Sculptor, Infallible Pro-Contour, Extender Setting Spray, Lash Brow Serum)

Sponsored

 

Following L'Oréal Makeup Designer Infallible 24H Foundation and Color Riche Collection Star 24 Karat Gold lipsticks release last year, L'Oréal Paris Singapore is bringing yet another bout of exciting launches in Singapore this February/March 2017! Just in time for Spring!

As promised, I'd be sharing my first impressions of the following new releases: Superliner V-Sculptor, Infallible Pro-Contour,  Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray and Lash & Brow Serum.

Disclaimer: I haven't been using them long enough, so these aren't detailed reviews.

These new makeup really look like they have lots of potential. So let's start with ....

Superliner V-Sculptor (S$18.90)

In spite of its name as a "super liner", these black elegant sticks are in fact gel-powder formula cushion eyeshadow sticks. Applies as a gel but as you blend out the pigments, it dries to a powdery finish.

 Unblended swatches above.

Color is very intense, so when it's applied on the lids, there is a need to blend quickly before it dries & sets. The cushion applicator covers quite a wide surface area (maybe I've got small eyes?), so if you intend to quickly shade your eyelids' outer V corner without proper blending, think again. Conventional lining the eyes with this thick cushion tip won't work apparently, that's why "eyeshadow cushion stick" is definitely a more accurate representation for this product.

I used an eyelid primer underneath the eyeshadow. Blended with my fingers. Monotone colour (as above)

The four colours are gorgeous. Going mono (using a single color) is fuss-free & easy. I have a personal fondness for the Burgundy shade, while I enjoy playing with Brown shade as it is incredibly easy to wear. However, I prefer to create more depth for my dull-looking peepers by layering different shades. As a result, I created a natural day-to-day eye makeup look where I mix and match Bronze, Brown and Burgundy.

For black smokey eye makeup, the Black shade is a godsend. Superliner V-Sculptor functionally combines lining and blending into one easy step so this brings more convenience to those who wants a bold look.

TIP: Remember to tap off excess powders from the cushion tip before applying onto eyelids. The fallouts are pretty terrible, so get your fan brush (or a normal face brush) ready. Lightly dust away the fallouts under your eye area. NEVER use a tissue paper to wipe! You may end up smearing the tiny speck into a bigger splotch, and mess up the rest of your MOTD.

Take away the issue of powder fallout (I blame it on the low quality cushion tip), I'd have loved this product to bits. The pigments, texture, colour and sleek packaging are fantastic and of course not to mention, the affordability. Application is fairly easy if you are accustomed to working with your fingers. For those who are used to using makeup brushes, this product takes a bit of getting used to.

Infallible Pro-Contour S$24.90

Are you a fan of contouring & highlighting but often skip this step due to time constraints?Or you are new to makeup so a lil' hesitant to jump onto the contour/highlight bandwagon?

L'Oréal heard YOU! 

Infallible Pro-Contour is a handy compact of contour & highlight powder that comes a special designer fish tail sculpting brush which fits perfectly to the curves of the cheek! One effortless sweep on the cheek defines & sculpt the face quickly and conveniently!

Available in 3 shades: Light, Medium, Deep.

The powders are said to be formulated for humid climate, so it is expected to be long-wearing and fade-proof.

On photos, Medium shows up better than Light. NC 25-30 skin tones like mine should definitely skip Deep.

The effect of this contouring palette is very natural... reminds me of Korean contour/sculpting powders. I love it that it doesn't contain shimmers like many other Western brands bronzers. Makeup newbies often confuse the two (bronzers and sculpting powder) and unknowingly used a bronzer to sculpt/contour their faces in hope of a smaller, V-shape face..which obviously couldn't happen because of the shimmers!

Infallible Pro-Contour won't pose such a problem. One swipe and you can witness a difference of your face shape already! Yes, your newly-acquired V shaped face is an illusion, albeit a very beautiful one! Haha! And the best of it all? This requires ZERO skill and possibly less than 30 seconds of your life; and you're ready to face the world with a seemingly smaller face. :)

 Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray, S$23.90

This setting spray is a lightweight, ultra-fine, oil-free mist that helps to ensure your makeup stays longer and fresher, preventing color from smudging or settling into fine lines. It can be used as a facial mist prior to base makeup.

I used it once and truth be told, I don't think I will reach out for it again unless my vanity closet totally runs of facial mists. That being said, it is not a bad product...but the smell is kind of repulsive to me. It reminds me of Chanel CC Cream's scent, which on a popular beauty review website, someone described its scent as a granny's perfume mixed with saliva smell. (Yikes, I know.)

Well, putting the issue of smell aside... this spray does deliver its claims of holding up makeup and making it last. My makeup that day lasted for several hours AFTER an intense KPOP X Fitness workout! I perspire buckets, and usually my makeup would have worn off  the moment I head out of the gym.

This spray bottle mechanism is different from aerosol-cans type, as you can probably see. So a few presses would be necessary instead of one single "press & hold" continuous motion of misting... And also because of this mechanism, I'd say the mist is not "ultra-fine" per se. A couple of rather huge drops of mist landed on my forehead, which then fortunately, evaporated rather quickly. Phew. But on the unfortunate side, that part of my forehead broke out into three tiny pimples that night.

Lash Brow Serum S$22.90

An essence oil infused with densifying molecule Filloxane™, castor oil and Arginine (amino acid in Keratin) to lengthen and thicken hair fibers on lashes and brows. Filloxane is a trademark technology of L'Oréal Volumizing Hair Care line for many years. For the first time, they added this to their makeup product which obviously makes sense since this is a lash thickening serum.

I have not personally used this Lash & Brow serum. I tried it once on the lash line and it feels okay - no adverse reaction such like sting & itch. I can't use it yet because of my current lash extensions (and I am blessed with thick eye brows, thank God.) so I probably have to update on the results after I get to use it in future.

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Superliner V-Sculptor and Lash & Brow Serum will be available in Singapore Watsons, Guardian, SASA, major supermarkets and selected departmental stores from February 2017.

Infallible Pro-Contour and Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray
will be available in Singapore Watsons, Guardian, SASA, major supermarkets and selected departmental stores from March 2017.

For more information, follow L'Oréal Paris Singapore on FACEBOOK.

 

 

Beauty News: RMK COLOUR CHANGE Event + 1st Impressions of RMK 2017 Spring Summer Makeup Collection

Sponsored

 

To mark RMK's 20th birthday, the brand has picked pink & beige hues to kick start its anniversary celebration. RMK's Creative Director, Kaori, came up with a refreshing take on these chosen hues and incorporated into the core of RMK Spring/Summer 2017 makeup collection.

RMK Colour Change SS 2017 is all about fun, vibrancy and creativity while expressing one self through her makeup regime. I had the pleasure to witness for myself first hand how the brand's senior makeup artist Mr Toru Kobayashi create different day & night looks using the new collection; which later on I will try my hands to replicate onto my face!

The entire collection consists of lipgloss, lipstick, nail polish, eyeshadow, blusher (which can function as highlighter), highlighter and bronzer (that can double up as eyeshadows). This is a massive line of make up that takes you as far as your imagination can!

RMK Face Pop Eyes, $58. 

6 Limited Edition Shades

With pink and beige as main themes, medium browns and dark browns are included in the eyeshadow collection to help create a beautiful blend on the eye lids. The shimmering pinks contains iridescent specks of glitter that is really attention-grabbing when applied on the middle of lids.

Obvious blue tone iridescent shimmers under lighting

Faithy's Application Tip: For hooded Asian eyelids, go easy on the pinks that contains bigger specks of glitter. Remember to tightline your lash line with dark brown or black eyeliner, curl your lashes and apply mascara to complete the look.

RMK Face Pop Creamy Cheeks and 

RMK Face Pop Powder Cheeks, $49.

4 Limited Edition Shades and 

3 Limited Edition Shades respectively.

The four pink shades in Creamy Cheeks is used as a cream blusher and has a soft and airy finish. Comes with a sponge, however, you may also use your fingers to softly dab and blend to create effortless chic looks. With the exception of 01 Silver Pink which can double up as a highlighter, the rest of the pinks are sweet, sensual kind of shades showing on the cheeks nicely.

The three brown/coral shades in Powder Cheeks sets a more mature yet playful and adventurous tone, and comes in a pressed powder form, leaving a lustrous sheen finish on the skin. These work well as bronzesrs too; or you may want to layer on a pink blusher to create more depth & dimension to the face. Since it contains shimmers, it is not recommended to use as your regular matte sculpting/contour powder. However, shades such as 01 Soft Brown and 02 Soft Coral are perfect to be worn alone on the eyes for more definition!

Faithy's Application Tip:

1. Use your ring finger, dab a little of 02 Soft Coral  and spread evenly on the entire lid to instantly brighten your peepers! Very fast & convenient during the morning hustle.
2. Using your thumb, tap & blend 01 Soft Brown under the hollows of your cheek bones to contour your cheeks, giving a slimmer look to your face. Remember to blend together with your other shades of pink blusher!

RMK Face Pop Creamy Lips and 

RMK Face Pop Matt Lips, $45.

4 Limited Edition Shades and 

3 Limited Edition Shades respectively.

Creamy Lips is a collection of four beige based lip colours with a moisturizing formula, making it a breeze to glide onto the lips. Through its clever combination of pearl types, they perfectly complement different skin tones. Despite their subtle differences, the most apparent and pigmented nude colour here would be 04 Red Beige - a universal MLBB colour suitable for every skin tone.

Matt Lips, as its name suggested, sees a collection of matte lipsticks. Despite being marketed as "matte", they feels vastly different from other matte lipsticks you will find in the current market. The texture is light, smooth, creamy and completes with a brillant matte finish. Bold and vivid, all the pink colours are surprisingly flattering and natural-looking at the same time!

Faithy's Application Tip: Create your favourite K-ombre lips using pinks in the centre, nudes on the outer edges of the lips. OR you can apply your preferred pink shade first, and top it off with Creamy Cheeks #01 Silver Pink to create fuller lips! The possibilities are limitless!

RMK Face Pop W Stick Gloss, $58.

4 Limited Edition Shades

W Stick Gloss - a dual end lip gloss that carries the two main hues, pink & beige. One side is the Jelly Gloss (a thick gel on the pink side) with a plastic strip applicator, and the other is the Colour Gloss (a creamier beige colour gloss)with a sponge felt tip,  that melts onto the lips to create a two-dimensional juicy effect when combined. Allow your look to match your mood or fit your style, with one gloss stick.

Faithy's Application Tip: Lip gloss on its own is not pigmented at all, so layer on top of a lipstick will produce a prettier, fuller lip effect. 04 Glam Glitter has the most potential to hold on its own without another layer of lipstick underneath - check out my above swatch! See the shiny juicy pink lips?

RMK Nail Color EX, $25

6 New Limited Edition shades

Coat your fingertips with bright pops of pinks or go au-natural with nude beiges! These high quality nail polish is a perfect complement to your MOTD.

Faithy's Application Tip: Sorry I currently have gel nails so I can't swatch on my fingernails. But I intend to wear all the colours on my fingers! Who says you need to choose either pink or nude? Do both on a single hand!

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So here is my attempt on various MOTDs...

DAY LOOK

 NIGHT LOOK

Which do you prefer? Day or Night?

MY THOUGHTS ON THE ENTIRE RMK SS17 COLLECTION

I repeat, this whole Color Change collection is a limited edition to commemorate RMK's 20th anniversary, so this is by far the most comprehensive & huge makeup range from RMK ever! Base on this thought alone, we know how special this entire collection is to RMK and RMK fans & supporters.

COLOURS

Personally, I love pink & beige - it's my kind of colour combi and I believe many women love these hues too! This collection has a good mix of cool tones & warm tones makeup, so I believe even if you think you can't wear pink, you WILL find something you like here. Overall, the glitters reflect more of a blue, pearlescent effect - so this could be a hit or miss with some skin tones.

TEXTURE

RMK has excellent hydration & moisture in their formulas, so application and comfort is a score. This RMK SS17 stash particularly loves shimmer, glitters, sheen; so all of the makeup exudes some party/glamour vibes...yet they are very wearable, even in the day! That's the unique point about this collection. Glam yet down-to-earth, in a special way.

LONGEVITY

Apart from the lip gloss which hold zero lasting power, the rest held up pretty good on my face for 6 hours at least - no melting, sliding of sorts. Lipsticks can last through drinks, no meals.

PACKAGING

In case you want to see the outer packaging, it is a sleek metallic silver carton box, housing a fuss-free white transluscent plastic case. Very Japanese-style. Very minimalistic & classy. The theme of white & silver reminds me of Winter snow, and pink & beige reminds me of Spring blooms...so it feels like a transition of cool winter to warm spring.

VALUE (And Products I highly recommend)

RMK is a premium Japanese beauty brand with quality on par with its price point. Creamy Cheeks and Powder Cheeks are not to be missed! They have multi functions - blusher, bronzer, eyeshadow and highlighter and furthermore, the colours are all so gorgeous! Eyeshadow shades such as 03 Red Brown Beige and 06 Silver Mauve Beige are distinctively beautiful - it's hard to find a dupe! So yes, must buy! I also adore their pink lipsticks, especially 03 Holographic Sheer Pink because of the attractive blue undertones and alluring shimmers that is bound to be a talking point when you wear to dinner gatherings/parties with girlfriends!

I am still not quite sold on their lip glosses though - felt like this is a bane of their existence. Haha! Too sticky and too sheer for my liking. Not worth the $58 even though it gives you two colours (shades that you can hardly differentiate in any case) in one stick. Other than the lip glosses, I believe this entire collection is a nice splurge to pamper yourself and to... of course, hoard on your vanity. :)

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RMK SS 2017 Colour Change Collection will be available from 6 January 2017 at all RMK Counters:

Isetan Scotts Level 1, Takashimaya Department Stoner and Isetan Serangoon Central.