Archives for January 2013

Simple Blogging Tips: Are Extreme Close ups of Makeup Necessary in a Beauty Blog?

Paris B 65 Comments

are extreme close ups necessary

Hello all! 😀

I haven’t been talking about blogging tips for a while (cos I’m never very sure how helpful it is, seeing as to how there are so many other wonderful bloggers out there doing a much better job of it!) but I was thinking about this one recently as I did some image searches on the internet.

I notice that it seems de rigueur for many bloggers who blog about beauty, to include an extreme close up of the product being reviewed in action, primarily, makeup. This could be an extreme close up of their lips, eye and especially, nails.

I’m curious to know if you feel, as a blogger, that an extreme close up of your eye, lips or nails is “necessary” when you blog about beauty. Is it something you feel compelled to do because everyone is doing it? As a reader, as much as we appreciate the work and detail that goes into an extreme close up, do you think it “necessary”?

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Facelift in a Bottle: That’s the La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift promise

Paris B 49 Comments

There are luxury brands and then, there are LUXURY brands. La Prairie falls into the latter category. The category talked about in hushed tones of awe, where the brand name is reverently whispered and not shouted in plush surroundings, and where local prices start at 4 digits. Its not something you can run out and say “I think I’ll give this a go” without thinking twice, or multiple times.

Yet, the brand just celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year in 2012 with its caviar standard of skincare. That’s 25 years of people using and supporting the brand, which says something, I’m sure.

la prairie skin caviar liquid lift

In conjunction with its 25th Anniversary, Swiss luxury brand La Prairie introduced the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift Serum. This serum slots in to the already popular caviar range of skincare which is said to derive its skincare benefits from caviar – yes the sturgeon fish eggs so enjoyed by the rich and famous on little hors d’oeuvres that us mere mortals would only savour on the rare and wonderful occasion we choose to splurge on our food.

The serum is supposed to contain the highest quality caviar extract and as the name of the product implies, serves to “lift” the skin, firming and tightening and leaving skin feeling smoother. In the picture above, you will notice that the serum is a milky white emulsion. But it doesn’t come that way. What comes in the bottle is “golden caviar” 😉

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Rose Tinted Memories contained within the Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy Body Oil

Paris B 36 Comments

Body oils. I am a huge huge fan! I can’t bear using body lotions, but am happy to slather on oils because my skin just feels so darned good (and I smell so darned good) thereafter. I presently have 4 bottles by my bedside – a delicious buffet of oils to choose from every night before bed 😀

I recently received one a couple of months ago, from New Zealand brand, Linden Leaves. Locally, they are brought in by a distributor – The Skin Topic – and the counters are available at Pavilion KL and Subang Parade. Now, I’m probably the first one to line up to check out a new brand of body oil, so this was quite exciting for me.

linden leaves memories rose body oil

The Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy Body Oil comes in 4 variants – Memories (rose), Absolute Dreams (lavender), In Love Again (orange), Pick Me Up (lemon). What is probably most eye-catching and interesting is that each variant has within it, a flower or fruit representing the key scent.

In the case of Memories, it is a single stalk of a rose bud. This is the 60ml bottle so it fits 1 stalk. From images I see online, the larger 250ml bottle fits a couple more so it doesn’t look so lonely 😛 So, descriptions aside, what you can expect from Memories therefore is a rose scented body oil. We know how tricky rose scents can be, don’t we? Its a risky business, rose scents. So, what can you expect from this one? Good memories? Nightmares? 😛

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Dior Cherie Bow Spring 2013 Collection: A lengthy overview

Paris B 76 Comments

I’m going to say up front here, that Spring collections aren’t my strong suit. My personal preference leans to the Fall/Winter collections. For the most part, Spring tends to be light, sheer, pastel… and pink. I can handle light and sheer but pastel and pink aren’t attributes I particularly prefer for makeup. I think Dior did a fairly good job for Spring 2012. Remember the Garden Roses collection? The Rosy Glow blush in Petal did so well that they have made it permanent, the last time I checked at the Dior counter. I specifically asked the SA and she confirmed it, and I am very pleased because I’m a picky person, and the fact that blush made it to my top pick for 2012 is really saying a lot!

dior cherie bow spring 2013 makeup collection

The Cherie Bow Spring 2013 collection sparked a lot of interest towards the end of 2012. If there is one thing Dior does well, it is their imagery and the romanticism they project. For Spring 2013, Dior went all out to be girly and sweet and faith! Nothing is more girly and sweet and romantic than pinks and ribbon bows.

I particularly like how Dior makeup and Dior couture remain consistent in their approach to a season, and in staying true to the roots of Mr. Christian Dior. Dior Spring 2012 makeup was all about roses because that is what Mr. Dior loved, and when Raf Simmons debuted his couture collection at the House of Dior, they filled the rooms with millions of roses. I love that symbiotic relationship that transcends seamlessly through a brand. Brands that showcase different approaches for their couture and makeup line jars with my sense of symmetry.

This year, Dior took on the houndstooth print for their makeup, and the imagery of ribbons and bows. What does this bode in terms of fashion, I wonder. Will we be seeing houndstooth and ribbons and bows on the runway this year? Ah, I guess we’ll have to wait and see 😀

For now, this is the Dior Cherie Bow Spring 2013 collection. I have decided to take this on by way of an overview of the collection, telling you what I think in gist and then, I’ll take on each item individually in separate posts (or at least those that interest me most) so we have one single point of reference. Ok with all that? Now, grab a cuppa tea or coffee, sit back and let’s take a look at the collection 🙂

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