Chanel Rouge Allure 138 Fougueuse

One of my new favorite lipsticks! I'm 50/50 on this Chanel vs my YSL Volupte #12 (my previous review: http://natalieskirakira.blogspot.ca/2014/11/ysl-rouge-volupte-shine-12-coral.html?m=1)... Maybe more so 60/40 since I find YSL bit more creamy than Chanel's. 

Until recently though, I hadn't learned that Sephora Canada doesn't carry Chanel - kind of a shock for me, really. This Classic French brand probably is a statement piece by its packaging and the brand name itself. It is almost to the extent that it's all about "I'm wearing Chanel." 

Chanel Rouge Allure is a formula of lasting wear that is hydrating and easy to reapply. This #138 is also a color that could be worn all year around: bright pink /bit of strawberry/slight coral mix with subtle satin finish. Great pigmentation too - I normally apply 2-3 layers max and it stays on 3+ hours (until lunch time, really!). It is never heavy on your lips either. Like I mentioned earlier though, in comparing to YSL Volupte Shine lines, Chanel is not as creamy as YSL's - not to the extent that it feels dry on your lips still! 

 The left is after 3 times of application vs. 1 time on the right

Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur

Out of all the oil cleansers I've used including Lancome, Shu Uemura, Bobby Brown - I loved Lancome the most. It had the thickest oil and I enjoyed giving myself a massage every evening. As the oil moist my skin thoroughly, the dead skin would peel away along with the makeup residues of the day. A lot of my girlfriends vote for Shu Uemura and would purchase 2-3 bottles every time we go through duty frees, but I did not find it thick enough.

For some incomprehensible reason, Lancome's Oil Cleanser (Huile Douceur) has been out of production and I could not purchase it for some time everywhere! Seriously devastating...! I've heard amazing things about Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil but I decided to stay loyal to Lancome and try their fresh water cleanser.

Paula's Choice had warned me about the water cleanser and the exact words were: "why bother?"

A fancy French name with scientific claims and a spa personality cannot change the fact that this toner is a great big “why bother?” of a product. For your money, you’re getting mostly water, slip agents, fragrance, and preservatives. Any alcohol- and menthol-free toner from the drugstore would beat this product by a long shot, and save you a good deal of money to boot.

(www.paulaschoice.com)

Read more after the jump!! :-)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Ballerina Flat

Ever since I saw this picture from instagram, I couldn't stop thinking about this beauty. The only clue I had was that it's from Marc Jacobs and I started searching for it with that one clue. I could find it easily because it turns out it's their new Resort '15 collection and is called the Jerrie Rose Specchio Ballerina Flat.

The mary jane style and the feminine floral print stole my heart instantly and I could find myself reaching out to the checkout lol.

Skinny Nail / 100% Nail Strips Review

I declare to the world I no longer will be visiting nail salons!!! I have seriously fallen in love with Skinny Nail Strips.

Nail strips can be easily found at any drugstore/shopping centres now including Sally Hansen. I had purchased Incoco previously via their online website and I liked the quality and durability. The only trouble I had with Incoco was very strong nail polish smell that we're all familiar with from wearing nail polish. I also remember being extremely disappointed with Sally Hansen's nail strips as it was not water resistant as they claimed. It was not durable at ALL quite frankly. In very harsh terms, they were pretty band-aids and felt very bothersome on my fingertips - they did not last on my nails more than couple days. However - Skinny Nail Strips are a huge hit in South Korea now, and knowing what a picky consumer market it can be, I decided to give it a try.

Currently sold exclusively online at www.nailistic.com, I was thrilled to find FREE SHIPPING SIGN! Nailistic offers more than 20 patterns to satisfy everyone's different taste. I chose Modern Boy (CA$12.99 after 15% Opening Sale!) but I'm already eyeing on few other patterns. 

Christmas in Manhattan

Holiday Vacation in New York, New York! 

Coach's New Floral Print Collection

On my last visit to Metrotown, boldly accepted the challenge to finally finish my Christmas shopping for once and for all, I came across the new prints at Coach!

I am in no way commenting on originality of the design but I am inferring certain brand names to explain the texture and other features (that I love of this new line!). The embossed leather is like that of Prada and the perfect square size resembles Tod's crossbody bag: combination of fashion and function! Most importantly the floral print which seized my attention right away along the glass show window, reminds me of Max Ernst's Shell Flower hung at Pompidou (...pretentious enough?)

Shell Flower by Max Ernst

YSL Tint-in-Oil on Lip (No. 4 & No. 5)

Hi! I am back with photos of how YSL's Tint-in-Oil product when applied on lips as promised.

Hope this post helps you see the the actual colours of after application. 

The shape of the applicator is designed with science so just the right amount of oil remains.  The hole in the middle of the tip holds the oil and the outer part helps spread the product on the lips.

This is the colour of no. 4 I Rose You under vanity light. I used a bit of foundation on my lips to cover my natural lip colour prior to applying the product. 

Festival of Lights - VanDusen Botanical Garden (Video)

Gorgeous sparkles and twinkles decorating the winter garden! This really is a magical walk in the park when you make a visit to VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver every Holiday season. To be honest, I was not expecting MUCH and did not even bring my camera. On top of that, my phone decided to die after a few minutes entering the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden.

Ryan thinks it is a blessing when I don't have a camera/phone on me though - so that we can truly enjoy the scenery and carry on the appreciative thoughts. Anywho, I only have few photos to share but please consider them a preview! The virtual experience is nowhere comparable to the actual visit with hot cocoa in your hands and the cold wind tickling your cheeks! :-P

Osaka Day 3: Tempozan Ferris Wheel

We also got on the giant ferris wheel called Tempozan which was almost the highlight of the trip. It literally is the largest in size in Asia and second to London Eye in the world. You can have the panoramic view of the sea as it's right by the strait shore, the mountains, and the whole city. They only offer 2 transparent passenger cars so we took the time to claim it! It was set up very cleverly with transparent stickers to help you understand and give guidance to different buildings and part of the city. 

Open Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM (Ticket sales until 9:30 PM) 

Transportation: 5 minute walk from Osakako Station (Chuo Subway Line) 

Admission Fee: JPY700 

Address: 〒552-0022 1-1-10 Kaigandori Minato-ku, Osaka City

Osaka Day 2: Osaka-Jo, Kita, & Amerika-Mura

The second day of my Osaka trip stretched for the full day from morning to finish. Osaka Castle or Osaka-Jo is one of very historic sites that you can find in Osaka. We happened to go on a day where kindergartners (so i presume) had their field trip. It was very grand and very well maintained considering it goes back to year 1597. Then we walked around Minami's Amerika-Mura area for bit of shopping and visit to a cafe. My friend SJ insisted we wait for sunset to go up the Floating Garden of Umeda City and then onto Hep Five Ferris Wheel to finish!

More details of the trip after the jump! :-)