Katelyn Tan | A Singapore Beauty, Travel and Lifestyle Blogger
Showing posts with label swatches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swatches. Show all posts

[Review] Jacqueline Burchell Pink Gradient Collection

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Here's another review for Jacqueline Burchell!
I did a review for them last year too - Jacqueline Burchell 2013 Review
I like how their nail polish are chip-free and stuck on well to my nails.
I have itchy fingers and like to scratch nail polish off hahas.
But Jacqueline Burchell's nail polishes are stuck on really well
to the extent I can't really scratch them off on the first few days =P

My favorite shade from them is still "Behave!"
I think they discontinued that :( But there is a similar shade in this collection!

Left to Right:
1. Mr Perfect
2. See You Honey
3. Next Stop, Stars
4. Aint in Love
5. Trouble in Winter

I like every single shade from this collection!
I love pastel pink nail polishes and the red here happened to be my fav dark oxblood red =P

♥♥♥

Here are the swatches!
I swatch them respectively from my pink finger to my thumb :)

1st Application
As you can see, Shades 1, 2, 5 are rather sheer.

2nd Application
Most parts of the nails are covered properly by the 2nd application.
But I like my nails fully painted so I would usually do a 3rd application
as 1 and 2 still have some empty spaces.

3rd Application
All nicely colored and smooth.
I didn't time myself but they dried rather quickly.

After adding Top Coat

I took about less than 10minutes to finish painting these 5 nails plus add top coat.
And if you are wondering, I left my nails looking like this.
They match well with one another so I fine having 5 fingers with 5 different colors.

♥♥♥

That's all for this review!
I will be giving away one set of this nail polish in my Blog Birthday giveaway too!
So do keep a look out for that! ;)

[Review] Spring'14 Arty Blossom Palette by Make Up For Ever

Saturday, 11 January 2014

The Arty Blossom Palette is offering 8 fresh and trendy eye shadows in a variety of soft, iridescent and satiny textures suited to the Spring Season. This limited edition has a new formula of luminous eye shadows that ensures buildable coverage and perfect blendability for a sophisticated bright make up result.


“Arty Blossom was inspired by nature, by flowers in bloom, and by the colors we see in nature at this time of year. I started with a face chart composed of watercolor shades. Pure and translucent, yet still fresh, a palette where color reigns supreme. And a face, painted like a watercolor.”

The palette comes in a wide range of trendy soft shades: 6 limited editions made of Gold Plum, Gold Beige, Fresh Peach, Fresh Pink, Fresh Pink, Pearly White and 2 existing shades Metallic
Copper and Pearly Turquoise. A collector palette that evokes romanticism & femininity with an artsy twist to create a luminous and translucent beauty look for eyes, lips and face. Less of a city girl and closer to nature.

Same as the previous palettes (Blue Sepia and Midnight Glow), this palette is very travel friendly, colors are smooth and easy to apply, won't flake and are long lasting.

Here are the swatches:
Don't the colors remind you of spring and gardens?
The colors are very buildable. The above swatches were done with two swipes.
As it is watercolor inspired, it's supposed to go on lightly.
I think it's great cause you can choose how strong you want the colors to appear.
P.S I think this palette is great for doing rainbow eyes too!

The palette includes 2 exclusive mini eye brushes with “new cutting edge synthetic fibers.
These brushes pick up the colors well and they are smooth and soft, not hurting to the eye at all.

♥♥♥

Here are some looks that you can try:

I tried look 1 - Smoky (cause I love the gold plum shade)
and modified it a lil to make it an everyday look!

I added pearly white at the bottom (below the lower lashes) to brighten up the eye,
something like the popular Korean aegyo-sal (puffy eye) look :)

That's all for this review.
Make Up For Ever Spring'14 Arty Blossom
is now available at SGD75 :)

You can get them from the following stores:
Sephora ION Orchard
Sephora Ngee Ann City
Sephora Marina Bay Sands
Sephora Great World City
Sephora VivoCity
Sephora Plaza Singapura
Sephora Bugis+
MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy & Pro Loft
( 36 & 38 Armenian Street #01-06 & #02-06 )

[Review] Make Up For Ever Holiday 2013 Collection + Smoky Extravagant Mascara

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

 Here is Make Up For Ever Holiday 2013 Collection Review!
Followed by Smokey Extravagant Mascara Review ;)
This post is supposed to come after the Pro Finish post.
But since this is limited edition, I want you all to have a glance at it first.
So you all can rush to the shop to get them tomorrow if you are keen ;)
The Make Up For Ever Holiday 2013 collection will be launched on 14th November!

Make Up For Ever Holiday 2013 Collection
is all about Glamour, Shimmer and Shine!

- from press release -
This festive new collection is inspired by the elegance and mystery of Venetian balls, where women would wear eye masks so they could carouse without being recognized. These exceptional masks, embellished with lace and sparkling stones, are worn to hide their wearer’s identity while enhancing her beauty.

Sensual and luminescent, the Midnight Glow collection lights up the holidays with products that create a dreamily romantic style. These 100% exclusive products offer a completely fresh approach: designed specially for the occasion, they celebrate the mystery of femininity in crystal-clear, iridescent textures with the subtle glint of gemstones. Breaking away from the traditional Christmas colors, the collection mixes Gun Metal and Gold Pink, the two iconic shades of the look, with Snow White, Metallic Taupe, Midnight Purple, and Icy Blue.

♥♥♥

First up would be the star product for the Midnight Glow series:
Midnight Glow Eyeshadow Palette
Retail Price: SGD75

This palette comes together with 2 small brushes made of synthetic fibers.
One (the left) is designed for precise application of eye color on the eyelids.
And the other (the right) is used to create a gradient or emphasize the crease.

Here are the swatches for for the palette!
Left to Right:
Snow White, Gun Metal, Icy Blue, Icy Pink,
Black, Gold Pink, Midnight Purple and Metallic Taupe
The above swatches are all done using 1-2 swipes.
All colors in this palette are limited editions, except Black and Metallic Taupe.

My review:
All the shades in this palette are really pretty.
The glitter shades are all quite sheer and comes with very fine glitters
so these shades can actually be use as everyday eyeshadows too!
I'm not a fan of huge striking glitters and I prefer such fine glitter eyeshadows.
Those glitter shades may seem a lil rough when I first swatched them on my fingers.
However, when I blend it into my arm, it became really smooth and blends easily.

Here is a tutorial that came with the eyeshadow palette!

♥♥♥

Next up would be:
Midnight Glow Aqua Rouge
Waterproof Liquid Lip Color
Retail Price: SGD40

- from Press Release -
This look has another delicious surprise in store: a "diamond" effect that adds a new twist to Aqua Rouge for even brighter lips. This iconic waterproof lipstick, known for its long-wearing results and comfortable application, now comes in a new, natural Satin Pink tone paired with a transparent, pearlescent top coat.

Here's how the aqua rouge looked like on my lips.
1. I applied a concealor to wash out my natural lip color
2. I applied the color side of aqua rouge
3. I applied the "diamond" top coat

My Review:
The texture and pigmentation of this aqua rouge is awesome and it does not dry out the lips!
My lips were very dry before I tested this product and the product was able to cover all the cracks.
Also, the glitters are rather subtle. So from far it looks like your lips are glossy, bright and shiny.
I love how this product comes with a matte part and a glossy part.
So I can actually choose and decide the type of finish I want on my lips.
The only downside is that you have to leave it awhile to "dry". Before it dries, it has a sticky texture. But once it is no longer sticky, I tried washing it with water and it would not budge at all!
And do remember to not apply too thick a layer else it might feel a lil clumpy.

♥♥♥

Here is the review for:
Smoky Extravagant Mascara
Retail Price: SGD44

- from Press Release - 
After Smoky Lash, the brand’s iconic extra-black volumizing mascara, MAKE UP FOR EVER launches Smoky Extravagant - a mascara that combines a high-performance, long-lasting formula whose optimal design ensures an impeccable result right from the first application. Created in a rich black hue, this new eye make-up tool fits all of Dany Sanz’s demanding quality standards:

1. Dramatic impact: an ideal, non-sticky consistency with no clumping thanks to an exclusive complex that combines a wetting agent and a blend of waxes (Beeswax, Candelilla, Carnauba). The result is a wonderful sensation that glides smoothly onto the lashes. From afar, the look is strong and dramatic, with spectacular effects in curl, length and volume.

2. Graphic precision: a texture that coast the lashes one by one from the base to the tip, providing elasticity and flexibility for infinite length and lash care protection. The secret? Special polymers and D-Panthenol mixed with Bio-extender, a red seaweed extract that is rich in minerals (magnesium, calcium, manganese and zinc) that strengthens the lashes and improves flexibility and lengthening capacity. Upon close-up, it displays awesome definition. Lashes are flawlessly separated with professional precision. An exemplary clump-free mascara; this is the signature expert perfection of MAKE UP FOR EVER.

The latest addition to the SMOKY franchise, a select line of state-of-the-art mascaras loved by women and make-up artists alike, Smoky Extravagant’s ergonomic design ensures that lashes are treated with comfort and precision, making it ideal for professionals, who have to work fast and effectively, as well as for women looking for a high-flying mascara that is easy to apply.

So the purpose of this product is mainly to give the user defined and visible lashes.
It does make your lashes slightly longer too ;)

Here are the 6 methods of using the mascara!

What I did:
1. Curl my lashes
2. Open the mascara and dap it on a piece of tissue
3. Apply it on my top lashes using technique 2 and bottom lashes using technique 6.
P.S I only applied a coat to get this effect.

My Review:
The mascara is really thick! I feel that it does clump up a lil. But I have no issues with that.
I love how this mascara was able to lengthen my lashes and define it with just one coat!
Just imagine the outcome if I apply a few coats! ;)
Also, the mascara has a great brush. Notice that my inner lashes had mascara on as well?
I could apply the mascara easily with no issues at all. :)
Showed my mummy my eyes and she was like "you put on fake eyelashes ah?" :)
P.S My lashes are thicker at the ends so it looked slightly more clumpy there.

♥♥♥

That's for for this review!

The above stated products are available at:
Sephora Bugis+
Sephora Great World City
Sephora ION Orchard
Sephora JEM
Sephora Marina Bay Sands
Sephora Plaza Singapura
Sephora Suntec Sephora VivoCity
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Loft

Midnight Glow collection will be launched on 14th November.
Do note that the Midnight Glow collection is limited edition!
So if you are interested in getting them, do get them asap tomorrow :)

[Review] Bobbi Brown Products

Sunday, 10 November 2013

here is the review for the stuffs I received from Bobbi Brown at the event! :)

Really awesome goodies!
I love to try out new makeup products!

♥♥♥

Left: Creamy Matte Lip [1, Color Red Carpet]
Right: Rich Lip Color [2, Old Hollywood]

Both lipsticks are really creamy, moisturizing, smooth, pigmented and long lasting!
I'm not a fan of full red lips but I think red lips are making a comeback!
Nonetheless, I still have uses for these two lipsticks.
I've tried patting them on really lightly to create ombre lips and it works really well.
All you have to do is apply them on the middle of your lips
and keep patting outwards for the gradient effect ;)

♥♥♥


Lip Gloss [15, Spun Gold]

This lip gloss is smooth to apply, moisturizing and non-sticky!
I think Bobbi Brown lip glosses are great for everyday use.
Cause... I hate sticky lip glosses. Reason why I rarely use lip gloss.

♥♥♥

Left to Right:
Blush Pale [9, Pink]
It may look like it is too pigmented to be a good blush.
But... here's I actually swatched many times to get such pigmentation.
For natural looking blush, all you have to do put on one or two swipes to get a natural blush!

Eye Shadow [2, Bone]
Love this cream color eyeshadow.
The texture of this eyeshadow is really smooth.
I think it makes a good base to brighten up your lids!
Some of you might know that I'm currently addicted to watching Pony's makeup video.
And... a few days ago, I saw her use this product in the video!!!
In the video Pony said for bright eyes,
eyeshadow base is a must as it helps the color stand out and brightens eye area,
and also natural looking eyes!
P.S Her Bobbi Brown hit pan already! Shows how much she uses it right?

Metallic Eye Shadow [9, Burnt Sugar]
I usually don't do full matte eyeshadows makeup.
So such metallic colors always comes in handy ;)
It's smooth to apply and really pigmented!

Sparkle Eye Shadow [20, Cement]
This eyeshadow is has pretty tiny glitters, is smooth to apply and sheer!
I swatched a lot of times so in the swatch it may look like the product has too much glitter.
Actual fact is it's a really pretty sparkle.
Just one swipe and you will get just the nice amount of sparkles.
I would suggest using this as a top coat to highlight/glam up your look ;)

♥♥♥

 Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner [1, Black Ink]
I've heard from many that this is an awesome product!
They say it's like Bobbi Brown's holy product and it really is :)
Swatched the product on my wrist and did two tests.
This eyeliner is smooth, waterproof and smudge-proof!
I believe it is long lasting too since I took awhile to remove it with eye makeup remover.

♥♥♥

That's all for this review! :)
Hope I will have a chance to try out more Bobbi Brown products :)

[Review] NCLA Santa Monica Shore Thing

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Here to share a nail polish brand with all of you today!

It's NCLA, a Los Angeles Nail Lacquer and Nail Wraps brand!

Beauty. Fashion. California.
NCLA creates luxury nail products by effortlessly combining the love for everything fashion and beauty. The results are exceptional visuals and superlative products they unconditionally believe in.

NAIL LACQUER
The complete line of luxury nail lacquers is a ‘5 Free’ range of haute couture for your nails. NCLA proudly makes all their products without any harmful toxins and do not test on animals. Ever. The formula is California styled and 5 Free guaranteed!

 All nail lacquer collections are entirely unique, high-fashion head turners.
 All our colors are ‘5 Free’ (no toxins such as DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor and not tested on animals.)
 The luxurious NCLA formula is high shine, quick dry and chip resistant.
 The Dupont flat brush allows for an easy, perfectly smooth application.
 Combined with Gloss It Base and Flawless Top Coat, it delivers a chip-free manicure.
 The color range is a constant evolution, expansion, revolution. NCLA sets the trend!

NAIL WRAPS
The patent pending nail wrap designs are runway inspired, very easy to apply and extremely long lasting. As an added bonus they actually help to protect your nail beds. And all you need to apply is clear coat. Done.

 Ultra thin and extremely long lasting.
 Very easy to apply, without any heat source.
 Runway inspired designs that dress up any look.
 Superior quality and patent pending technology.

Live NCLA. Every day.
(above from NatureLova)

The reason why I love this brand?
Cause they remind me of USA!
1. Products are made in USA
2. Designed and crafted in South California
3. The names are related to LA

Every single bit of the nail lacquer reminds me of USA! I miss Los Angeles so much!
I really wish I can go back there again! Any travel sponsorships? Lols.

Anyways back to the nail polishes =P

If you are looking for NCLA nail polishes, I would recommend you go to NatureLova
because... they have the lastest collection (June 2013 collection) there!
Here is a 10% discount off NCLA products for all of you :) 
Just key in "NCLA10" upon check out ;)

♥♥♥

Time for a NCLA Nail Lacquer review?

The shade I picked was Santa Monica Shore Thing
I picked this because it reminds me of LA,
we went to Santa Monica for a couple of times when we were in LA!
And also because I love this shade!
P.S It's one of NLCA's best selling shade!

The color is not really mint green (photo of the bottle above), sadly.
It's similar to the background splash color in the photo above!
I was looking for a mint green color!
Nonetheless, when taken under strong lightings, it does look closer to mint green color.
And also it appears mint green/tiffany blue in photos. No idea why.

A very unique light green color.
Sort of reminds me of seaweed ;)

A normal brush, slightly more than 1/3 the size of a nail.

Color is more true to this photo.
Here's how it looks like with one coat (left) and two coats (right) on.
The nail polish is really thick and smooth.
It goes on really easily and dries quite quickly :)
Gives a really nice coverage with two coats on.

Conclusion: Will definitely get more of NCLA Nail Polishes!

Totally agree with this! Since I can't go to LA immediately, I shall use their Nail Lacquers!
Btw, they are famous for their pretty Nail Wraps too! Remember to checkout the SG shop here ;)
Get 10% off NCLA products by entering "NCLA10" upon checkout.

[Review] Jacqueline Burchell

Friday, 18 January 2013


I not sure if all of you here heard of this brand before.
They are a Singapore based cosmetics manufacturer that specializes in Nail products and have over 250 Nail Lacquer colours in their catalogue. Note that their speciality is Soak Off Gel Polish, which they have over a 1000 colours for their customers to choose from! Their products are easily found in many Nail Salons around the country. Most importantly, they are one of the safest products on the market as all Jacequeline Burchell products have been tested and verified by the swiss certification firm SGS to be safe from Toluene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phthalate!

Here are some shades I swatched!
They are normal nail lacquers not soak off gel polishes.
I've linked each of the colors to the direct product link so you can take a look there too :)

Initially I thought it was gonna be a simple and plain ivory color.
But to my surprise, it was such a unique and pretty ivory color with a blueish tint in it!

A simple nude color.
Definitely something that will not go wrong for work ;)
Love how smooth looking they are.

A pretty dark/slightly hot pink color. Really pretty.
A little sheer but even after applying 3 layers to get this color, I don't feel that it is too thick!
My second favorite color! :)

Think this is a nude color that is more true to normal nail colors?
It will look like you have really healthy pink nails!
Suitable for working or when you don't want people to know that you have nail polish on ;)
Smooth and easy to apply.

Love the turquoise color and also how they have square glitters instead of normal ones.
But it can be a little hard to apply and it is rather thick and no so smooth.

See so many photos above? Cause it is my favorite color!
The first photo was without top coat.
Look at the last two photos. They look so pretty after I applied top coats!
A pretty, slightly oxblood red color!
In a dark room lighting,
you will see that it looks like a very dark oxblood red.
In a brightly lit room
you will see that it looks slightly brighter (still oxblood red) but the red glitters become more obvious.
Under the sun or under strong direct lightings
you will see a bright red nail polish with red glitters.
I love this nail polish color very much! It has been on my nails for a week plus with very little chips.

I don't normally apply cuticle oil.
But this has vitamin E and olive oil in it!
Must be really good for the nails ;)

It's slightly thicker than normal base coats but it has calcium in it!
Very unique right? I've never seen calcium base coats before.

Just like normal top coats.
Couldn't really tell the difference. But good thing is they come in small bottles.
I hate how I am always not able to finish my nail polishes and they end up drying or spoiling!

Here is a photo of No More Excuses.
Looks really dirty right? Cause I helped out with painting of the walls at home!
The white/blue-ish parts are not scratches. They are paints left on my nails.
You realize how there wasn't any chips even after doing all the rough works (painting, climbing, etc)?

Those who knows me well should know that nails polishes cannot stay on my nails for long.
Itchy finger girl here will always somehow scratch and peel them away.
But the nail polish "Behave!" has been on my nails for close to two weeks and I haven't been able to peel them off! They are like stuck to my nails but yet can be easily removed using nail polish removers!
I love how lasting these nail polishes can be! Yay!
Plus I love how smooth their nail polishes are (with exception of tangled in seaweed).
Can't help but keep touching my nails when I had those nail polishes on :)

Remember to check out their shop here!
If you only wish to buy one, I really really highly recommend the color "Behave!"
But why buy one when there are so many pretty colors right?
May all of you have pretty pretty nails! :)