I, for one has been taking pride in travelling with everything full size. People say I’m crazy but I just like how all the full size beauty products lining up at the hotel bathroom against the huge mirror . Well, that was until the recent Singapore trip with Olay where I find myself having trouble stuffing all my beauty products into my luggage. I was only going for a few days so I do not plan to bring a bigger luggage. The issue occurs because I brought my running gear with me. So that took hella lots of space hence lesser space for my beauty products . I have come to realisation that I need makeup kit that has everything I need, minus the bulkiness and luggage space. Hence I went online to Sephora.my and found these two Travel-Friendly Makeup Kit that covers everything that you need.

When it comes to travelling, I do not put on a lot of makeup. The most important is the base makeup aka face, eye makeup, cheeks and lip. Sometimes I even skip eye makeup what more eyeliner. No cat-eyed eyeliner for me. The makeup kit that covers EVERYTHING for the face that I have personally tried and was surprised with it is the Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything in Light.

Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything in Light (RM155)

When it comes to base makeup, I always go for the lightest shade. Benefit offers How To Look The Best At Everything kit in a few shades such as Fair, Light, Medium and Deep. As this is my first time trying out Benefit base makeup, I have no idea what is my shade. So I went on to Benefit.com to look at the shade chart. It is pretty easy and handy looking at the shade chart as they also provide shade preference on real human.

What I like about this this kit is that it has everything from primer to foundation to concealer, powder and even a miniature brush. With only this kit, I do not have to bring anything else. Just this will do.

The foundation turns out to be exactly my shade. It has a light to medium buildable coverage. The photo below is just one light layer. It does not covers all the flaw but it evens out my skin tone pretty well.

Something I did not expect from the kit is that they have two Boi-ing industrial-strength concealer in shade 01 and 02. How thoughtful it is to include not one but two concealer shades in the kit! I used the lightest shade to highlight and cover the dark circles on the under eyes and the darker shade for acne spot concealing.

I was pretty happy that Light is still available so I quickly put that into my cart to check out. What I forget was I am darker now due to excessive running under the sun. So the Light kit turns out to be too light for my skin tone lol. If I am not mistaken, the shade Medium will suits me better. So please forgive the white face turnout. The powder – Hello Flawless is a powder foundation, which can be used alone minus the use of foundation. Therefore if you are using the powder to set your foundation like I did, please do note that it can get a little bit too heavy and thick on the face. It will be thicker on the places you had the concealer on. On my face it is my under eyes hence you are looking at a fairer under eyes .

Tarte Energy Noir Clay Palette (RM155)

Tarte on Sephora online has the most travel kit of all. There was once I looked at my shopping cart and it was full with Tarte! But the one palette that is versatile enough for travel is the Energy Noir Clay Palette.

While everyone went crazy with other Tarte palette such as Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette or even the Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette, I had my eyes on the Energy Noir simply because the shades are wearable and it comes with a blush in it.

Personally, I am more drawn to purple or mauve shade so this palette is just perfect for me. I also like that there is a bone shade (hallelujah!) a brown and also two deeper shade as liner. I know many people like to see a black shadow in their palette but not me. However, when I travel I do not draw on my usual winged eyeliner so this time the black as liner works well for me.

I starred at the palette for a while trying to figure out what look I can create with this palette because I am used to using a warm light brown as my transition shade but this palette does not have one. Then I figure I could get away with the dull light purple as transition shade and I was right. My favourite has got to be the deep purple shadow, which I used on the outer V. There are two shimmery shadow in the palette that are perfect to pop onto the center of my lid. As for the inner corner highlight, there is a strip of highlighter in the palette which doubles up as upper cheek highlighter as well. If you want deeper outer V, just dip a little bit of the dark brown and deepen the shades of your outer V will do

For this look, I skipped mascara altogether. The dark eyeliner I had on using the black from the Tarte Energy Noir Clay Palette managed to give my eyes the deep and dark look that I wanted. Anyway who have the time to sit down and remove mascara at the end of a long day when they travel, eh? . I would not want to seriously.

The palette surprised me just as much as the Benefit kit as this palette literally have zero fallout. The quality of the shadows are as good as the rumours I heard. These shadows are quite pigmented and easy to blend away except for two lighter shades which I used as transition shade. That two takes a little bit more building to get the colour payoff that I like.

There you have it! My travel-friendly makeup kit that I think everyone should have when they are travelling. Now, if you still have yet to check out Sephora, you got to because Sephora is like a makeup heaven for all of us beauty enthusiast. You can now shop at Sephora online for your favourite make up products here! Sometimes you may even spot some online special deal that physical store do not have.

The post Travel-Friendly Makeup Kit: How To Look Glam and Save Luggage Space When You Travel appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Okay you guys, I had a sudden idea to show you all the fabulous 2014 Holiday Collection a few days ago but my blog was having some problem that needed urgent attention so I’m only able to do this now.

Over the past few years, I’ve seen many bloggers blogging about holiday collection and somehow I wasn’t fascinated. Don’t ask me why. I’ve no idea why. This year however I’m super excited with the holiday collection. I literally wanting to bag everything if I can! The naive me thought I can lump everything in a single blog post but that’s not going to happen with the amount of holiday sets available. So I’m going to do a series of updates on 2014 holiday collection starting today. Bear in mind these may or may not be available in Malaysia. You can find most of it in Sephora beginning 6th November 2014. Also bear in mind I might missed one or two sets because everything is so messy on Google *faint*

Let’s start with Tarte Cosmetics Sweet Dreams Holiday Collection 2014

Tarte Bon Voyage Collector’s Set And Travel Bag – USD59 with product value of USD423 / RM210 (Sephora Exclusive)

This set includes:

• 20 x 0.07 oz Amazonian clay eye shadows in Palace Of Versaille, Moulin Rouge, I Think I Cannes, My Own Cotes De Rhone, Boudoir Noir, Fall In Louvre, Provence Upon A Time, Eiffel For You, Too Haute To Handle, Bastille In The Night, Chantilly Lace, Merci You Later, No Champagne, No Gain, Take On Bordeaux, French Riviera, C’est La Vie, Marseille The Word, Play Nice, On A Good Notre Dame, Le Cordon Bleu
• 0.13 oz Deluxe lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara
• 0.17 oz Limited-edition deluxe cheek stain in Muse (soft nude)
• 0.27 oz LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary (apricot)
• 0.06 oz LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic (peachy nude)
• 0.23 oz Deluxe maracuja oil
• 0.07 oz Deluxe smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder
• Limited-edition collector’s travel bag

For product link, click here.

Tarte Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector’s Set – USD48 with product value of USD420 (Ulta Exclusive)

This set includes:

• 16 full size, French-inspired Amazonian Clay Eye Shadows (0.07 oz. each)
• 4 full size Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes: Irresistible (soft melon), Envisioned (sheer coral), Limitless (peach rose), Intrigue (rose petal) (0.158 oz. each)
• 3 deluxe Maracuja Lip Glosses: Paris (raspberry), Cannes (light pink), Nice (nude mauve) (0.06 fl. oz. each)
• Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
• Portable collector’s compact (0.14 oz.)

For product link, click here.

Tarte Petite Treats 12 Days of Tarte Deluxe Collection – USD37 with product value of USD122 (Ulta Exclusive)

This set includes:

• Limited-edition LipSurgence Lip Tint in Wishful (pinky nude) (0.056 oz.)
• Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelette 1 Ct.
• Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hour Perfecting Primer (0.25 fl. oz.)
• Limited-edition Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder (0.07 oz.)
• MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer (0.14 fl. oz.)
• Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara (0.1 fl. oz.)
• Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara (0.16 fl. oz.)
• Double Detox Amazonian Clay Exfoliating Facial Mask (0.1 oz.)
• Maracuja Rainforest Glow Instant Waterproof Body Perfector in Park Ave Princess (0.5 oz.)
• Limited-edition Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Thrilled (light pink) (0.05 oz.)
• Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment (0.08 oz.)
• Limited-edition Maracuja Oil (0.23 fl. oz.)

For product link, click here.

Tarte Sweet Dreams Best-Sellers Collection – USD19 with product value of USD36 / RM75

This set includes:

• Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment (0.08 oz.)
• Deluxe Maracuja Oil (0.23 fl. oz.)
• Deluxe Cheek Stain in Dreamer (pinky nude) (0.17 oz.)

For product link, click here.

Tarte Chic To Cheek Deluxe Amazonian Clay Blush Set – USD35

This set includes four limited edition shades – Amour, Classic, Prim, Daydream.

For product link, click here.

Tarte Kiss & Belle Deluxe LipSurgence Lip Set – USD34 with product value of USD100 / RM119

This set includes:

• 4 deluxe LipSurgence Lip Tints: Dreamy (cool raspberry), Alluring (mauve), Innocent (warm nude), Dainty (pink) (0.056 oz. each)
• 2 deluxe LipSurgence Matte Lip Tints: Eternal (pinky nude), Fancy (plum berry) (0.056 oz. each)
• 2 deluxe LipSurgence Lip Glosses: Kiss (light pink), Belle (raspberry) (0.05 fl. oz. each)

For product link, click here.

Tarte Pin Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette – USD42 with product value of USD110 / RM159 (Sephora Exclusive)

This set includes:

• 5 x 0.158 oz Amazonian clay 12-hour blushes in Breathless (pinky beige), Embraced (plummy rose), Whimsy (light pink), Bashful (rosy peach), Irreplaceable (mauve rose)
• 2 hair pins

For product link, click here.

Tarte Tres Chic Park Ave Princess™ Contour Palette – USD34

This set includes:

• Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess (0.21 oz.)
• Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Posh (pale pink) (0.105 oz.)
• Amazonian Clay Highlighter in Champagne Gold (0.105 oz.)

For product link, click here.

Tarte Brushed With Destiny Set of 5 Bamboo Brushes & Makeup Bag – USD44

This set includes:

• Contourtionist™ bamboo cream blush & contour brush
• The Balancing Act™ bamboo foundation brush
• The Buffer™ airbrush finish bamboo foundation brush
• Double-ended bamboo eyeshadow brush
• Undercover Lover™ bamboo concealer brush
• Limited-edition collector’s brush & makeup bag

For product link, click here.

Tarte Ladies Who Lash Limited-Edition Picture Perfect™ Eyelash Curler – USD19

This set includes:

• Limited-edition pearl Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler
• Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara (0.1 fl. oz.)

For product info, click here.

Tarte All Eye Need 5-piece Skinny SmolderEYES™ Eyeliner Set – USD27

This set includes:

• onyx (black)
• bronze agate (bronze)
• smoky quartz (grey taupe)
• peridot green (olive green)
• plum tanzanite (dark plum)

For product link, click here.

Which one of these are on your wish list? I’ve already bought Ladies Who Lash Limited-Edition Picture Perfect™ Eyelash Curler and I’m eyeing on Bon Voyage Collector’s Set And Travel Bag as it’s quite reasonably priced in Malaysia for the amount of products included

The post Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Tarte Cosmetics Sweet Dreams Holiday Collection appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Ahhh favourites of the month. I never do any of this favourites post before because I never find it interesting. Besides favourites, most people also do empties. I don’t do empties post but two years ago I gave it a twist and did something called “Newly Opened” because I’m rebellious like that

The reason why I never find reading favourites of the month interesting is because most people either (1) repeat the same product from last month and they can like it for a few months in a row. Nothing’s wrong with it though, don’t get me wrong. (2) Most favourites product had been reviewed before. So if I’ve already read the review, there is no need for me to know if you like it or not for a second time. (3) Most favourites product is the product that was reviewed within the same month. So long story cut short, I was itching to do something different and I’ve decided to come out with favourites of the month post too BUT, it will be on things that are not in the blog.

With all the non-stop shopping, I do try loads of new products off camera and usually these are the things that either make it to the blog or it never come near at all. Here is my August 2014 Favourites.

Bioderma Sébium H20 Purifying Cleansing Micelle Solution
I met up with the beautiful ladies of Bioderma two weeks ago and Datin Juli Azmi, Chief Marketing Officer even came out to meet me. It was such a privilege to be able to meet with the people behind the highly raved brand and they brought me gifts! Datin Juli said that if I like Sensibio H20, I would like Sébium H20 even more. And she was so right. After trying the cute 20ml Sébium H20, I can say that I would prefer it over Sensibio. It has a pleasant scent to it and it is not as oily as what I’ve heard.

Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner Corrective Care for Enlarged Pores
I had my eyes on this one the first time I saw it at Guardian KLCC. I was extremely happy to find a sample size in my gift bag and I put it on my face the next morning. I like that it mattes out my skin but due to the fact that my pore size is extraordinary larger than ordinary large, I haven’t see any difference yet. Afterall I only had a 5ml tube. I think I would need to get the full size and try for a few months straight in order to see anything. However, that doesn’t stop me from liking this product. It smells amazing and it makes a good makeup base too. *waiting for sales*

ZA Perfect Fit Liquid Foundation #OC10
This is one of my favourite liquid foundation! It is not out in the market yet and due to be released by October 2014. You can read about the product at this link. Initially I was given the shade PO10 which is a pink base foundation but I exchanged it with OC10. OC10 is too dark and OC00 would be a better match for my skin tone. This is a water based foundation that goes on slightly matte. It offers medium coverage that is buildable to full coverage. I also like it for it’s flawless smooth finishing. I would definitely get OC00 soon.

Dr. Brandt XYY Eye Cream
Right after my trial with Clarins Extra-Firming Complete Rejuvenating Cream, I was eager to use my press sample bottle of Dr. Brandt XYY Eye Cream. During the blogger event, I found out that this range as well as DNA range is powerful in combating signs of aging. You all know how bothered I am with my under eye wrinkles so I HAD TO TRY THIS. This eye cream works best in smoothing all the fine lines by moisturizing the area. It is an anti-oxidant eye cream to protect, hydrates and smoothes eye area by providing a 12 hours of protection agains free radicals. After a few tries, I was impressed. Makeup on my under eye doesn’t cake up and concealer doesn’t accentuate the wrinkles I had. I didn’t want to neglect my Clarins so I only use this at night with just a rice size amount. Review will be up in a few months time.

Dior Diorsnow Iconic Overcurl Mascara #090 Over Black
I can’t remember where I got this travel size mascara. It has a normal brush size that is curvy like an eye shape. The formula is slightly dry, which is the type of consistency that I like. It gave my lashes volume, length and curl at the same time. The best part is that it doesn’t smudge on me. One thing good about travel size mascara is that the wand is shorter so I can get a better grip near my eye lashes.

Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek & Zoeva 228 Crease
My latest Zoeva brush purchase is also my favourite brushes at the moment. I got the 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek for contouring. It gave my cheek a diffused contour line which no other brush can do. It’s either I get a harsh line or I get a blush-like effect. This brush is in between both .
I was looking for 227 Soft Definer but it was not in stock so I got the 228 Crease instead. I get this brush mainly to apply transition color on my upper crease before eyeshadow. The reviews online is 50/50. I’m so glad I bought this because it fits the purpose superbly.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse with Eyebrow Brush & Spoolie
I was eyeing on Too Faced Bulletproof Brows but the shade I want was out of stock. Thank goodness for that because I later found out that the gel dried up fast. Tarte had something similar as well so I bought that instead. I usually use a small plastic spatula to scrap some product out and only dip my brush from the spatula instead to prevent the gel from exposing to air for too long. It does take me a few usage to get used to the whole brow filling with a brush and gel. I used this product a lot but when I’m really rushing out of the door, I would go back to my ZA Ever Brows lol. Okay, this rushing thingy only happen once in a blue moon.

Make Up For Ever 210 Round Shader Brush
Recently Make Up For Ever launched a whopping 75 brushes and I’m already eyeing a few. Bless my wallet please . One of the press sample brush that I had is the 210 Round Shader Brush. To be honest I had no clue what I was going to use it for. At first I used it to line my upper eyes with darker eyeshadow and it work out well. But lining my upper eyes with eyeshadow is something that I don’t do very often. Contrary to that, I do line my lower eyelash on everyday basis. This brush has quickly become my favourite eye brush. I love the handle the most. The bristles are the softest that you can find for the delicate under eye lash. There is no fallout when I used this brush at all.

Some Random Mask Brush & Spatula
I bought this in a set from Mr. DIY for RM1.90 if I’m not mistaken. I have no idea why it took me this long to get a mask brush because I get the job done in a jiffy! I mainly bought it to apply GlamGlow mask and every other cream mask that I had at home. Best tool to get as I no longer need to waste tissue papers to wipe off the excess mask from my fingers. Mud mask is the most troublesome to clean I tell ya.

Honda Water Flask
Something not beauty related . I was given a limited edition water flask by my friend who happens to be the Sales Manager of Honda when I pick up my car one year ago. Being in the automotive media for a few years, I get countless of water flask from various media launch event. You can say I’m a bit bored with getting water flask although I do collect Honda merchandise. When I did a furniture reshuffling of my room a few weeks ago, I threw away every other water flask I had and decided to take this out to use instead. This one stays on my work/vanity table as I’m too lazy to walk to the kitchen for water. Usually merchandise like this is not in the best quality but I discovered that this one is different. One particular day I pour in 10% of hot water and left it on my table for a good few hours. When I opened the cap, the water is still warm! I am already thinking to put coffee in the flask instead

Glass Containers
You see this coming didn’t you? It is not a secret that I’m very much into crystal-like, shiny glass containers at the moment. It all started when I found a large glass container that was meant to put candies after watching Huda Beauty beauty storage ideas. That’s the large one you see on the right below. I wouldn’t just buy any glass container available as majority of it is dull and yellowish looking. What I was looking for is something clear, clean, crystal-like and with good workmanship. A few weeks after that I stumbled upon an identical but smaller size glass container so I bought that too. The larger one I used to store cotton buds, MUJI Peelable Cotton and normal cotton pads. The smaller one on the other hand is a bit small to store anything that I have so I used it to store travel size skin care that I wanted to use up, thumb drives, tweezer, brow scissors and so on.

Phew! That’s a lot of products that I like eh? I hope you like this new favourites post. Do let me know what you think so that I know if I should continue for the coming months. What’s your favourites product for the month of August? Anything interesting?

The post August 2014 Favourites: Things that are not in the blog appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona