All Posts By

Sabrina

Uncategorized

South Coast Plaza Hearts Bloggers Event

June 24, 2010
I was invited to my first blogger event hosted by South Coast Plaza for an afternoon filled with fashion, beauty, travel-packing tips, good food and great shopping. It was a great event and I was able to meet bloggers Stef and Tyna from We Heart This, Diane from Orange2LA, Alex from Blab Communications and many other wonderful women from the South Coast Plaza marketing team.
SCP is over an hour drive from where I live, and since I don’t go often, I’m always up for any excuse to go. When I received the invite, I knew I had to attend. While I’m lucky enough to have access to most of my favorite brands, South Coast Plaza does have a number of unique stores that I don’t get to shop at frequently. Among my favorites to check out are MAC Pro, Shu Uemura, Miu Miu, the Bloomingdales Chanel Studio (which carries select imported Asian/European exclusives), and the corner where they have Space NK. In addition they have a gigantic Sephora and large J.Crew store which are always fun. The mall also carries a wide variety of designer boutiques including Tod’s, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dior, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Ted Baker to name a few. One can definitely say that there’s something there for everyone.

The event was focused around a travel/bon voyage/jet setters theme and they gave us a tour featuring a few select stores with product demonstrations at Tumi, Spa Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, and a new lingerie boutique called Intimacy. While I don’t normally shop at the stores that were featured, I found the product demonstrations helpful, interesting and educational. I know that I will definitely go back to Tumi in the near future with my husband to shop for travel gear. There are so many different options to make packing easy and efficient. So many fun accessories. In my excitement, I wasn’t able to get as many photos as I wanted, but here are a few that I was able to capture.

Tumi Demonstration:

Henri Bendel (smaller version of the one in
NY, but still chic and cute):

Rows of my most favorite candles in the world
(but I purchase mine at Bath & Body Works):

Loved the design of the cute scent cards:

Found this note pad amusing (want vs. need):

The new Intimacy Boutique:

We were given about 1 hour to shop on our own time before cocktails (hardly enough time) so Diane and I rushed to Bloomingdales to see if Chanel Fall had arrived (no luck yet), then to Molton Brown to check out their shower gels and hair care line. I’ve been a huge fan of Molton Brown’s Coco De Mer Shower Gel – but unfortunately the stores near me no longer carry the line which makes it a bit difficult for me to replace these days. I wanted to try something new, so I picked up several shower gels in their travel size (6 for $49) in Heavenly Ginger, Inspiring Indigo and Cool Buchu (for the husband). For visiting, they gave us a complimentary goody bag filled with some minis to try out.

My Molton Brown purchases (left) + gift (right):

I went back to SpaceNK at Bloomingdales to check out more Rococo nail polish shades. My readers know I am a fan of Rococo Nail Apparel for their color selection and quality. Those not familiar with the line, check out my previous articles, swatches and reviews (linked here) of the nail polishes. I have forever been trying to purchase Fashion Victim Day and Fashion Victim Night but it seems as though they are always out of stock. There was a lovely dusty purple cream shade that I was enamored with, but they were sold out of that color too. I settled for a raspberry red shade called Trash (shocking for me, I know, but the color is really lovely).

One hour later, we were treated to appetizers, cocktails, dinner and a fashion show featuring Jimmy Choo and La Perla at AnQi by Crustacean. I sat with Stef, Tyna and Diane (all beauty bloggers) and we had chatted non-stop about our beauty favorites, compared cameras, discussed our favorite brands, shared skincare tips. Stef & Tyna have a wealth of knowledge from testing a wide variety of products. Both had flawless skin so I need to find out their secret. I am reading through their blog right now to see what new lines I should try out based on their recommendations (I hear Kate Somerville is good). Diane and I hit it off from the start – we both love the same brands (among our top two picks include Chanel and Paul & Joe). Her eyeshadow look was incredibly gorgeous and she has lovely hair (I immediately took note of her favorite hair care brands and am determined to try them out in the next month).

The customized Anqi menu for the bloggers:

The La Perla Fashion Show:

It was an eventful afternoon and it was great to meet other bloggers and marketing professionals. Even though the event lasted from 2 pm to past 8 pm, there was still a lot more I wanted to visit but didn’t have the time. I definitely have more to explore at South Coast Plaza. I’m already planning my next trip – hopefully in the next few months or so.

Diane has also written an article on the event. Check out her fabulous blog and article here at Orange2LA.com.

7 Comments
Uncategorized

Laura Mercier Candlelight Mineral Illuminating Powder

June 22, 2010
A rediscovered favorite: I featured Laura Mercier’s Mineral Illuminating Powders last October in my Color Focus: Neutral Sparkle & Glow post. I’ve pulled out my Candlelight shimmer powder again recently and have fallen back in love with it for a pretty soft nude-rose glow. More close ups and swatches. Works wonders on the eyes for an all over natural glow. Also pretty on the temples for a highlight.

Now if she would only release a tan-nude type shimmer! She has a lovely silver, pale gold and a deep bronze. I have been looking for a good caramel-nude-honey contouring shimmer powder.

Do you have a favorite loose shimmer powder? Or series of favorites? Please share!

4 Comments
Uncategorized

NARS Turks & Caicos Multiple Tint

June 21, 2010
NARS Turks & Caicos completes my trio of the new Multiple Tints ($38 each). I previously reviewed Beverly Hills and Cadaqués here and am equally thrilled with Turks & Caicos a bright orange shade that reminds me of an orange popsicle. Those who avoid orange (like me) should still try this one out. My first reaction was “orange?!” but having experienced the genius of NARS products, I knew I had to try it out. NARS has a way of making odd or bright colors look amazing. I don’t know how they do it! Turks & Caicos has a sheer transparent-like tint that goes on a sweet peachy apricot with a hint of pink. For some reason, each multiple tint pulls a bit of pink on my skin. The color definitely shows up, but I will say that one swipe might leave you disappointed. Swipe it 2 to 3 times and then you will see the color better. On the plus side is that blending doesn’t make the color disappear.


Swatched on the back of my hand (do note that this is washed out a bit due to the flash and for some reason my camera flash doesn’t do so well with neon colored products hence the almost electric-orange glow on the multiple):



At this time I’m not sure if these are limited edition. I was told by my sales associate that they were (I found mine at Nordstrom instore), but I’m never really sure the sales associates know for sure until the product is sold out and not restocked. For more details on how they compare to the regular multiples, refer to my previous post on Beverly Hills & Cadaques.
16 Comments
Uncategorized

Look of the Day Inspired By My Daily Reads & Readers

June 20, 2010
Today’s look is inspired from a few of my favorite daily reads and readers. The bits of inspiration include the following:

Today’s Look: Summer Casual


Top: J.Crew Perfect-Fit Stripe Boatneck (S)
Shorts: J.Crew
Sandals: Tory Burch
Purse: Chanel
Guest Puppy Appearance: Mr. Jake

Makeup of The Day:

Face: Chanel Sunkissed Illuminator
MAC Refined Golden Bronzer
MAC Dollymix Blush

Eyes: Paul & Joe Eye Gloss 05
Bobbi Brown Seashell Shimmerwash
MAC Naked Dark Pigment (swatches here)
Bobbi Brown Java Metallic Eyeshadow
(Java comparisons)

Lips: MAC Dervish
Paul & Joe Liplacquer 06

Brushes Used:


Eye look was a smokey taupe, here’s how:

  • Step 1: Apply Paul & Joe Eye Gloss in Murmur 05 on lids (for asian eyes, 1/2 way up eye from lash to middle of eye, heavier near lash line)
  • Step 2: Apply Bobbi Brown Java Metallic from lash to 1/2 way up lid for a smokey eye, also heavier near lash line
  • Step 3: Apply MAC Naked Dark Pigment over center of eye to blend out any harsh lines from the darker shades
  • Step 4: Apply Bobbi Brown Seashell Shimmerwash from brow downwards softly to create a subtle highlight
  • Step 5: Curl lashes and apply mascara

Nails of the Day: Chanel Django & Nouvelle Vague



The mani/pedi combo:

I’m surprised that I’m liking the blue nail polish! FYI – the Jcrew top seems to run a bit small. I’m normally an XS in their shirts but found it to be a bit too snug. Or perhaps I just have been having too many sugary drinks and gained weight.

Feedback appreciated! Too much info in one post? Is the look too casual to write about? Would you style the top differently? I like that it can be dressed up a little with a nice skirt or dress pants. But it’s nice as a loungy-carefree-top too. Being in Southern California – my daily style is pretty casual.

I already did a lip swatch and EOTD attempt – neither turned out decent this morning. I’ll try and feature the Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer by itself in another post in the near future.

22 Comments
Uncategorized

NARS Ita Kabuki Brush – How Do You Use It?

June 19, 2010
I got the NARS Ita Kabuki brush as an amazing gift-with-purchase at a recent Nordstrom Trend Show Event. It’s one of the NARS Kabuki Artisan Brushes and this one has a wide flat brush with black goat hair and comes in a nice black box. I love that the brush is extremely soft and feels so smooth on the skin. The shape intrigues me as I am enamored with odd-shaped brushes – however, there’s a slight issue: I do not know how to use this.

Do any of you have it? If so, how do you use it? I know it’s meant for contouring and highlighting but I still feel clumsy swiping it. It’s so wide that it covers my entire cheek and then some. I need to go back to the NARS counter to ask them to show me how it’s to be used. If any of you own this, I’d love to hear your tips on how you use this one!

I did have the regular Ita Brush before but never used it so I ended up gifting it away to another happy home. I do have to say I’m a bit worried about how I’m going to keep the handle clean and prevent it from getting sticky.





Have you ladies ever been to a Nordstrom Trend Show? For those not familiar, call your local Nordstrom and ask! I think Nordstrom.com has a list of events per store, so you can search in advance. The events vary per store, but it seems like the Nordstroms near me typically have around 2 Trend Show Events per year. They are a store-wide event that starts early in the morning (around 8 am) for an hour presentation featuring various products, trends and models wearing the season’s current makeup trends. They have raffle giveaways, coffee, cute gift bags. All you have to do is sign up in advance and you can get your makeup done at any counter too. Most of the lines usually have some sort of promotion or gift. They can be hit or miss. And also very crowded. On more recent events, if I can’t get the first makeover opening appointment, I’ve opted to skip the show and just get my makeup done during one of the later time slots to avoid the crowds and pushing (yes, sometimes pushing).

I’ve been to about 4 in the past few years and the ones I’ve been to are really fun (although extremely packed). The gift with purchases can be a hit or miss sometimes but recently, there was an incredible promotion going on with NARS. I was so excited to get my makeup done again but unfortunately I had last minute change of plans and wasn’t able to attend. Thankfully, my sales associate was willing to do a pre-sale for me so I was still able to get the GWP. The first level GWP was with a $75 purchase and the step up (to get the multiple duo and brush) was with over $150. Definitely well worth the purchase and much better than previous GWPs at other counters which have been a mini double-sided lipgloss with a $75 purchase which I think is hardly an incentive.

Here is the GWP: Mini South Beach Multiple, Multiple Duo,
Full-Sized Mindgame Lipstick, 2 Mini Lipglosses, Kabuki Ita Brush



7 Comments
Uncategorized

Recent Dolce & Gabbana Additions from Saks

June 19, 2010
Happy Friday everyone! Here are some recent Dolce & Gabbana additions from the past few months. A bit from spring, summer and the regular line. I really love Dolce & Gabbana for their high quality products. The pigment is great and textures/finishes are superb. Blushes have a soft flawless finish. Nail polishes are richly pigmented, creamy and apply extremely smooth. Lipsticks have a subtle rose scent that fades and have great coverage (lasting power varies per shade). If you remember my first article on Dolce & Gabbana (back last May when the line first launched) I wasn’t sure that the price justified the purchase. In playing around with my purchases more, I have come to really appreciate the quality of the products. Granted the prices are still hard to swallow sometimes – I have been happy with most of the things I’ve purchased, even with a couple things I didn’t think were really me (such as Apricot Blush and Caramel Lipgloss). The customer service of the Dolce & Gabbana sales reps I’ve worked with is excellent as well. There’s nothing that can compare to having a great experience with knowledgeable sales associates who are helpful, professional and know what they are talking about.

In the U.S. these are exclusively at Saks stores and saks.com. I prefer to order through the stores because they occasionally have great gift-with-purchase events. Various GWPs include full sized mascaras and lipglosses – although the minimum purchase requirements are typically higher (ranging from $100 to $250 depending on the event). I definitely recommend calling your local store to check out their upcoming events. Check DolceGabbanaMakeup.com for locations and more product info.


Left to right: Tan Blush, Glossy Lipgloss, Delicate Lipstick,
Emotion Lipstick, Petal Nail Polish,
Nude Nail Polish, Drama Nail Polish

  • Glossy Lipgloss – I exchanged my Caramel Lipstick for this at Beverly Hills. I was a bit nervous about exchanging it because I hate returns, but the sales associate was very kind, especially since it was unused and still brand new. Even he agreed that Caramel was an unflattering color. Glossy is a really pretty gold shade – but on the lips it’s a bit too glossy for my taste but I guess that’s the point of lipgloss. I have to use this one sparingly.
  • Delicate Lipstick – A lovely fresh and light golden apricot, really pretty for both spring and summer.
  • Emotion Lipstick – Another winner, lovely cool pink with gold shimmer. Reminds me of MAC Fabby but better.
  • Petal Nail Polish – A cream nude pink shade. It’s like Chanel’s Jade Rose but a notch up in color and without any iridescence.
  • Nude Nail Polish – I love this nude shade. My application was sloppy but I think if applied the right way, it would give a perfect nude manicure.
  • Drama Nail Polish – A neutral lavendar cream. I’m not sure how I feel about this one. Purple creams like Paul & Joe 06 and this one look pretty in the container but on my fingers the just seem a bit muddy looking.
  • Tan Blush – I ordered this sight unseen and have to admit I was shocked at how flat and greyish looking it was when I received it. However, on the cheeks it makes a really nice contouring shade. There are some comparisons to other brands (MAC & NARS) below, but due to their nude-ness, I couldn’t get swatches to show up.

L to R: Delicate, Emotion & Glossy

L to R: Petal, Nude & Drama

Tan Blush:

Dolce & Gabbana Tan compared to MAC Emote, MAC Strada and NARS Zen

Have you seen the Dolce & Gabbana Spring or Summer collections yet? Any winners for you? In case you missed it, you can find my report on the Dolce & Gabbana Spring Collection here.
10 Comments
Uncategorized

MAC Nude Story Pigments: Naked, Naked Dark, Naked Deep Dark

June 18, 2010
It’s not often that I get to a MAC Pro store, so I get excited any time I am near one. Pro stores are just like the freestanding stores (there are 3 near me) but they carry certain products that are exclusive to their locations and that are “developed by makeup artists for makeup artists and industry professionals.” Being the fan that I am of nude-makeup looks, I was excited to check out the Nude Story collection a couple weeks ago at the MAC Pro Store on Robertson Blvd. Naked Pigment is a staple for me that I use on a weekly basis so I was excited to check out MAC’s newest variations of the shade. (Those not familiar with MAC pigments, note that Naked is in the original container and the new nudes pigments are in the new container/packaging.)



I have to say Naked is still my favorite. I was hoping that Naked Dark would be the equivalent of my holy grail nude eyeshadow Camel (long discontinued). It’s close but not quite what I wanted. Naked Dark and Naked Deep Dark go on borderline orangey on my skin if applied wet – but I still like them for layering and contouring. I am in desperate need of a tan so in a few weeks, hopefully they will be more “nude” on me versus “tan.” I wonder why MAC skipped all the other shades in between such as Medium and Medium Dark. However, a bonus of MAC pigments is that you can mix them together and create your own colors.
Here they are swatched over MAC Prep & Prime.

Some have asked me to include some details on the brushes I use with each makeup item for a while. I will definitely try to include this feature more often. I did feature all my eyeshadow brushes about a year ago. Check out this post for the photos and comparisons Beauty Tools & Essentials: Eye Brushes.

For MAC Pigments, there are a variety of brushes I use depending on how light or dark they are. For the medium-deeper ones I like more denser brushes. For lighter colors, the ones I find myself using the most frequently include the ones below (left to right):

  • Laura Mercier All Over Eye Colour $30 – I like this brush for an all over wash. The shape allows for a quick and easy swipe giving a smooth even wash of color.
  • MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush $28 – I like this because its fluffiness gives a sheer wash of color for a nice highlight. It’s also a great brush to blend different colors on the eyes together to remove any harsh lines.
  • MAC 213 Fluff Brush $22.50 – This is a smaller brush that is nice for a more detailed color application. It’s not as dense as some others which also makes blending easy.
  • Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Brush $28 – To me this is essentially the same as MAC’s 213. The one photographed was part of the Black Plum Brush set (click here for more details).
  • MAC 217 Blending Brush $22.50 – The white-haired brushes by MAC are my holy grails of brushes. I wish MAC would make more brushes in this type of material. Soft, smooth, has a great tapered shape. I use these for just about everything.
  • MAC 239 Eyeshadow Brush $24.50 – Again, can’t rave enough about these. Densely packed so you can get a heavier application of shadow but makes blending easy.

There was already much debate about the pigments when MAC released the new packaging containing significantly less product for the same price. I have mixed feelings about it – all of which have been expressed by many others. All I will say is that I feel the new packaging is more difficult to work with. Previously I always dipped my brush into the pigment and tapped off the excess back into the container. Now the size is so small that any tapping would result with the entire contents ending up on my floor. Here you can see what I mean.

Original packaging:

New packaging:

That being said, it won’t stop me from purchasing pigments (as it clearly didn’t stop me from purchasing the new nudes). One more swatch view + a mixture of all three plus a bit of Vanilla pigment on the far right (which I am still experimenting).



Have you tried these yet? If so, what’s your skintone and do you find these to be “naked” on you?

11 Comments