daffnee: November 2015

i will always love you.

27.11.15

i love you so much, i broke you.

25.11.15

Not having the best DIY record, I'm usually quick to replace something once it shows the slightest sign of tear. But there are certain products that I just can't bring myself to replace as I've developed a sentimental bond with the broken ones.

The Ecotools Blush Brush was one of my first ever brushes and I can't bring myself to part ways with it, regardless of the tiny fact that it's been slaughtered at the waist. The kitten-fur soft bristles combined with the shape and size of the brush makes it the perfect blush brush that squashes all the other blush brushes I've tried when I was still foolishly trying to find a replacement for the Ecotools offering. I think they've repackaged the brushes now and the new ones have a slanted brush, which I'm less in love with. So for the time being, I'm still sticking to this broken one.

It wasn't until I started noticing my hairs being plucked out every time I curled my lashes did I realise the deep gap in the rubber bit of my Eyeko Lash Curlers (£12). I've routinely used these over my Shu Uemura ones for the past couple years as it holds a curl and the rubber padding is a lot softer than the Japanese brand, making it slightly easier on the eyes. However, the gap that's routinely ripping out my lashes means that I need to go back to using the Shu Uemura ones (which are still great - don't get me wrong).

Moving onto the fun bits, makeup! I don't know how I forgot to photograph this one, but theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer (£17.49) has made it's shattered appearance on the blog more than a couple times. A highlighter that'll give you a heavenly glow, I don't even know how I managed to shatter this little one as I've been extremely careful with it. Note that this should be taken care of with extreme caution, and by that I mean, constantly bubblewrapped while wearing infant gloves. Not even kiddy gloves, infant gloves. Yes, quite some hassle, but oh my, the effect is so worth it.

If you've watched my MAC lipstick collection video to the very end, you've witnessed the tragic beheading of MAC Peach Blossom (£15.50). It literally, snapped in two when I attempted to do a proper arm swatch. The things I do for you guys. I've tried the melt and reattach method, but it's snapped again since and basically, I think I need to set this one to the retirement home soon. Or go in with a lip brush.

Another lipstick, MAC See Sheer (£15.50) is a messy one. I'm not sure if it's the particular tube I have or if lustre finishes have a softer formula, but my tube is literally, a leaning tower of Pisa. Or like a kid stepping into mud and leaving their tracks everywhere as I have melted lipstick all over the insides of the tube. It's a makeup massacre.

These are all products that have the markings of time and wear on them, but it also means that they've been well-loved. Some, I can keep using and finding ways to try and fix. Others, sadly, I'll need to ditch as to save the eyelashes I have left. What are some products that you've loved so much, you've broken?

With Love, Daphne x

slightly disappointed: three mascaras

23.11.15

I'm not particularly picky with mascaras as well, let's face it, I don't generally have hopes for any mascaras. With a basically non-existing performance standard, it's not that easy for a mascara to leave me disappointed. But after testing out mascara after mascara for the past several months in a desperate hail Mary attempt to get out of my rut, I'm yet to find one that excites me but I have come across three that left me slightly disappointed.
You know what I just said about not having hope for mascaras? Scratch that for this one as I did have hopes for it. Not too many expectations, mind you, but I had upped the standards with the hype surrounding the Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara. I was hoping for some volume and maybe a tiny bit of drama, but nothing drastic nor life changing. I'm sad to say that the hyped up Maybelline didn't even fulfil the little expectations I had. The formula didn't cling to my lashes at all, or the little amount that did ended up smudged all over my face after a couple hours. So, technically, I guess you could say there was some drama, just not the kind I would've preferred.
Now this one might be slightly unreasonable. I'm not too fond of waterproof mascaras as they are, pardon what's to come but, a massive pain in the butt to get off. But I've tried my fair share of mascaras and most mascaras are able to stand up to a tiny bit of water before going all 'Blank Space' on me. But not the L'Oreal Voluminous Black Mascara. This stuff is like cheap toilet paper when it comes to water and will instantly smudge without remorse. It's a good mascara but it doesn't deliver the voluminous results I was expecting. It's a nice everyday mascara when you want a natural look, but it fell short against expectations and claims.
Last but not least, I was once all about the L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara, so I purchased the L'Oreal Miss Manga Black Angel this time around with the anticipation that it would deliver the results I once loved. I don't know if this formula is different to the original one, or if my taste in mascara has changed, but the Black Angel's effect on my lashes was neither black nor angelic. My lashes were darkened, but no more so than any other regular black mascara and this formula seemed to be more clumpy and 'weighing down to hell' than 'angel wings lifting to heaven'.
Mascaras are a personal and quite peculiar product. They're also quite easy to fall into a rut as they're probably the one product that cannot be tested out in stores. I'm sad to say that I've been disappointed by three offerings when I didn't have much hope for them in the beginning. Have any lash coatings disappointed you lately? With Love, Daphne x

worth investing in #2

20.11.15

I've been toning down the makeup spendings since I moved back to Taiwan. I'd like to think that it's mostly because I'm more than happy with my makeup collection - which I am - and am now more sensible with money (read: I'm batshit poor). But let's be real, my mum's horrified reaction when she saw all the makeup I owned and the following lecture is probably what's stopping me from raiding the Korean makeup stores that seem to be on every street corner here.

Anywho. That ramble has a point, which I probably should've made like, three sentences ago. There's a difference between products worth the money and those worth investing in. I've gathered together some more products that have a performance record well beyond their price tag and worth those hard-earned pennies.

I've been quite vocal about the Urban Decay Naked Basics (£23) since back when this blog had a culinary name. Fast forward 2.5 years later and I'm still very much in love with this palette. Depending on your preferences, both the original Naked Basics and the Naked2 Basics are worth investing in as matte eyeshadow palettes are already rare enough and for the each shadow to be insanely high quality is like finding water in the desert. Plus, it's not just an eyeshadow palette. Old dog, new tricks. Break the rules, think outside the box. I like to bring this little one when I travel as I can also use the midtoned shades for contouring and the one shimmer shade as a highlighter.

Another old love that's been well documented on the blog, the Bobbi Brown Corrector (£19) is one that you need if you have serious dark circles. Like bold, capital letters NEED. I've always had this little pot of perfection in my makeup bag since, well, since I started wearing makeup. It works wonders at colour correcting even the darkest of pits, meaning that you minimise the potential for major undereye concealer cake-up when piling on concealer after concealer in vain.

I haven't talked about the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (£30) in a while, but it's still well loved. This is a tinted moisturiser that's different from everything else on the market. It's a satin/matte finish that seriously looks like real skin when applied and wears ridiculously well throughout the day. I mean, it'll look good when you first apply, but it'll look fantastic three hours later. The mousse-like texture provides coverage on par with a light foundation while feeling weightless on the skin. Plus, travel friendly squeezy tube? Uh, yes please.

Last but not least, I never thought a lipstick would ever be worth investing in. But the NARS Audacious Lipsticks (£24) have proven me wrong. These are not just worth the money, they are the one lipstick line I would keep if I was forced to give away all my other lipsticks. Bold claim, I know, but let's break it down. First off, insane colour payoff. Wears really well through coffees and burgers. Formula while not hydrating, but very comfortable even after 6-7 hours. Also, the magnetic packaging? Yes. The extensive shade range, funnily enough is a bit hit or miss as there seems to be a huge gap between the jump in colours while having handful of shades that are extremely similar. So if you can find a colour, or five, that you really love. I'd say go forth and invest, my child. You won't regret it.
Saving money isn't the easiest thing when you love buying makeup. But there are several products that are definitely worth the investment. The 4+1 mentioned in this post are all those that I would happily part ways with my money again and again as they pretty much qualm the further seeking of any other products in the same category. What are some of the products you think are worth the investment? With Love, Daphne x

Previously On: Worth Investing In #1Where to buy in Taiwan: Sogo Department Stores (NARS + Bobbi Brown), Beauty Bay (Urban Decay), Cult Beauty (Jouer)

an essence haul.

18.11.15

It's rare I go batshit crazy buying a small reserve of products from a brand that I've barely tried before. However, it happened when I stumbled upon an Essence stand some weeks back. Um, hello? The most expensive thing still cost less than a sandwich so how could I not?? ~~I also did not know that you could now get this brand in Taiwan.~~
I've only heard good things about the Essence Lipliners and priced at £1, I might have grabbed more than I needed. I initially only wanted to get 15 Honey Berry, a berry shade that has a tinge more purple. But like I said, I'm not one to turn down a good bargain and also picked up 06 Satin Mauve - a dusty mauve (duh) - and 07 Cute Pink - a doll-like pink. I'm still testing these out so I can't give a full review on them just yet. But so far, the colours are beautiful.
Staying on the page of lip products, it wouldn't be a Daphne lost control ~~again~~ haul without buying a couple of lipsticks. The Essence Longlasting Lipsticks (£2.30) caught my eye as they seemed to be the only pigmented line as the others ran more sheer. I have the shades 07 Natural Beauty - a mauvey pink that has already taken up residence in my handbag, and 14 Adorable Matt - a pink-toned red that reminds me of a creamy version of MAC All Fired Up. Both of these have cream finishes and last about 2-3 hours on my lips, will transfer when it comes to coffee sipping but will leave behind a slight stain.
Last but not least, having been previously pleasantly surprised with their mascaras before, I also picked up the Essence I Heart Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara (£2.80). I've heard a lot of good things about this one, plus the fact that it's actually affordable will bump this mascara top of my drugstore 'must try' list if this lives up to the claim. I'm impatiently tapping my fingers, counting down to the day I finish up a mascara so I can finally test the Essence offering out.
With the drugstore prices inching up to match mid-level brands, it's nice to see some brands still offering good quality products that really won't break the bank. Have you tried anything from Essence? What do you recommend from this affordable brand? With Love, Daphne x
where to buy in Taiwan: essence Taiwan and selected Watsons

brands i want to try more from

16.11.15

top ten: everyday lipsticks - drugstore edition

13.11.15

I'm a person that will wear a bold lip for just about any occasion. But even I need a break from the bright reds and loud pinks. I have a small squad of lipsticks that are more appropriate for every day wear, especially for people that aren't used to wearing loud colours. I categorised my top ten drugstore every day lipsticks into three categories - the nudes, the pinks, and the low-key statement lips (aka darker, seasonal neutrals) - so there should be something for everyone here.

The Nudes: It took me a long time to get into nude lips. I've always liked the look on other people, but it always looked 'wrong' on me. Maybe because like I said, since I have quite pink lips, I wasn't used to how 'nude' these shades looked on me. Another thing I later found out was that I can't do 'peachy' nudes. I sit with the beige-brown with a hint of pink nudes better. The Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Embrace (wearing above), is the palest nude shade I own and it surprisingly sits really well with my skin tone. A beige with a tint of pink, this is a easy shade to work with for those that have fair to light-medium skin. If you want something slightly darker that also leans more beige, than the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 03 is a really good pick. On the pinkier nude side, the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 08 is a really easy to wear shade that should suit well with a wider range of skin tones. Leaning more brown, the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Velvet Beige will look really well on warmer skin tones.

The Pinks: I'm picky with my pinks. I don't like anything that's too baby doll or stereotypical 'girly'. There's nothing wrong with those shades, I just feel like they don't particularly suit my personality. Probably the stereotypical 'pink' of my picks, the Revlon HD Lipstick in Rose (wearing above) is a shade that I'll go back to when all my other neutral shades fail me. The sans-wax formula of this line makes the lipstick really easy and comfortable to wear. I sometimes forget that I'm even wearing lipstick until I take a sip of coffee and see the lipstick stain. A sheerer offering that still leaves a beautiful finish is the Essence Lipstick in Natural Beauty - it's slightly more mauve, which I love. It's a sheerer formula that will allow your natural lip colour to shine through. But again, really comfortable and wears off evenly. It's also one of those 'sans mirror application' lipsticks, meaning that it's really good for on the go. Last but not least, a tea-rose shade that's slightly darker and almost dustier than the previous two offerings, the Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick in In a Rosegarden is beautiful and has taken up temporary residence in my handbag. I did a whole review on this particular lipstick line that you can read here - but in short, these are probably one of my favourite lipstick lines. Ever.

The Low-key Statement Lip: Basically, it's a neutral lip that's just dark enough to make a 'why, yes, I'm putting extra effort into my still casual and minimal look' statement. I rounded up the more autumnal shades for this post. The Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry (wearing above) has quickly grown to be a favourite. It's a deep mauvey-pink shade with a tint of berry in certain lights. Slightly more pink and brighter is the Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick in Rose-bud. Otherwise, the shade In a Wine Room is more seasonal - a brown-based pink that's just dark enough to make a natural impact. Long-lasting and opaque in one coat, the Wet n Wild Megalast Lipsticks are a bargain for the price and quickly becoming one of my favourite 'must collect all' formulas.

(Left to Right) Maybelline Nude Embrace | Rimmel 03 | Rimmel 08 | Maybelline Velvet Beige || Revlon HD Rose | Essence Natural Beauty | Catrice In A Rosegarden || Revlon Sultry | Wet N Wild Rose-bud | Wet N Wild In A Wine Room

I might be a bold lipstick girl at heart, but that doesn't mean I don't have a collection of toned down lipsticks that I'll reach for almost just as often as a bright lip. Are you a bright lipstick all day every day kinda person or one for more neutral tones? With Love, Daphne x

rediscovered.

11.11.15

One of the perks of moving (I swear I'm going to stop banging on about moving soon) is that you're forced to go through literally everything you own. And I mean literally. You'll have long afternoons weeping at all the money you threw away for a dress that you literally only wore in the changing room or the half a dozen of white t-shirts that don't seem to hold up in the wash at all. But it's not all sob sessions as you'll rekindle with some old loves that you forgot you had.
I never forgot I had the battered Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit (£24.50), but I was definitely guilty of pushing it to the side. I go through love-hate phases with this thing, but it's managed to survive three years in my collection and through my regular clear-out sessions. This was the concealer that I used the final weeks leading up to my move. It's creamy, it's full coverage, and comes with a yellow-toned powder that's obviously very well loved. I'm glad that I had my last moments with this old one before I said goodbye to it.
I was all about the Tarte Airbrush Foundation ($36) last year (review), but just forgot about it for some absurd reason. I've amended my mistake and placed it back to its rightful place in my makeup bag. It's since been my go to 'quick and easy' everyday base as it properly sets my concealer and evens out my skintone without the hassle of er, liquid management. It does tend to stick to dry patches, so here's hoping that I'll be able to avoid that problem by sticking to my current skincare regime as I really want to continue using this mineral foundation during the colder months.
I love my Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush ($28) in Exposed, but completely put Dollface to the side. I have a complicated relationship with blushes as I have naturally red cheeks so I usually stick to more neutral shades. But Dollface is a beautiful cool-toned pink that adds just enough colour while not being overboard. Plus, this little one seriously lasts all day - or at least till I take off my makeup.
Last but not least, that tiny little nib was once the Lord and Berry Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil (£12). I can't believe I forgot about my favourite tightlining product. The Lord and Berry offering is soft enough that it won't irritate my eyes, but firm enough that it won't smush all over the place when I stab my lash line with it. It also doesn't smudge throughout the day and leaving me resembling a beaten up panda after a couple hours.
It's quite nice to be able to completely go through my stash every once in a while. Other than rethinking some life decisions and purging the products that have constantly been gathering dust, it's also nice to rediscover some once-loved-but-forgotten products. Have you done a complete reassessment lately? Did you rediscover any old loves? With Love, Daphne x

one for the waterline.

9.11.15

MAC lipstick collection.

6.11.15

Right, so apparently MAC lipstick collections are still a thing. I had a bad MAC-lipstick addiction when I first dived into the world of lip colours and then I got bored of the line for a while. It wasn't for lack of trying as I would try to pick out new lipsticks from the stand, only to grab the ones that I already had. Fast forward to present day, and let's just say that I'm coming down from the latest MAC-addiction. I have a small collection, but I'm quite proud to say that there's a considerable variety to the shades I own. Mostly.

I've provided arm and lip swatches for all the shades ~~because I'm an insanely nice person~~ to better show the colour and provide some guidance if these are the shades that you're looking to purchase. If you prefer visuals over reading, then there's also a swatch video here. It should be noted that I have quite pigmented lips as you can see here. And now that out of the way, let's get on with the show.

MAC Peach Blossom: Possibly the lightest shade ~~in the 60+ lipsticks~~ I own, Peach Blossom is a cremesheen finish, meaning there's considerable shine to the end result. It's a peach shade that I can wear becuase of the slight pink undertones. I can wear this for about 3-4 hours if I pretend to be a camel and don't drink any water. Otherwise, constant coffee breaks considered, it needs reapplying around the 2 hour mark. I like this lipstick for an everyday shade when I don't want to be dressed up but still look put together.

Perfect for: I tend to gravitate towards this more in the spring and summer. Also a very good casual 'I'd walk my dog wearing this paired with t-shirt and jeans' lip colour, that is if I had a dog.

MAC Faux: So apparently this shade has been quite popular as of late? I'm like an aging dinosaur when it comes to trends, so really, don't look to me for advice on what's popular and hip (I mean, do younglings even use the word 'hip' anymore????). Anywho, I was looking for an everyday lipstick that was a little more pink than Twig and Faux came home with me after a particularly spendy duty-free shopping trip. A mauvey pink with slightly greyish-cool undertones, this is a beautiful neutral non-offensive everyday shade that will definitely sit well with my non-makeup wearing mother. It's a satin finish and will last up to 6-7 hours with regular intervals of drinking and snacking. Light meals are probably fine, but I would rethink dunking your face in a bowl of ramen and/or stuffing your face with Korean fried chicken.

Perfect for: wanting to look pretty and put together but not like you're trying too hard. Also great for low-key lunch with your girlfriends. Boys can also come, I suppose. If they're nice.

MAC Twig: Now this is what I look for in a 'my lips but better' shade (Oh, I hate myself for saying that cliche). It's darker than my natural lip colour so there's some kind of statement. But the pink-brown shade makes it subtle enough to wear to family gatherings without elder relatives wondering if you're desperate to find a 'man friend'. It's a satin finish and lasts 4-5 hours. I have a more extensive review that you can find here.

Perfect for: any occasion really, but one I always reach for when I want a low-key and natural statement lip. Especially in the autumn and winter. Also highly recommended when you need to meet elder/nosy relatives and wanting to avoid the 'oooh - where's the man friend you wore this lipstick for?' and 'I know this really sweet boy that's around your age and is also single' remarks.

MAC Taupe: Um, first off, misleading name much???? MAC and I have different understandings of what Taupe means, but I love this lipstick despite the confusion. Described by MAC as a 'reddish-taupe brown', I'm still not quite sure what it means. It's a unique neutral shade that has tints of rusty orange/red that's beautiful for autumn/winter. Like Twig, it's a satin finish that lasts a good several hours and leaves behind a good stain.

Perfect for: Autumn walks in the park that end in being buried in leaf piles, or evenings curled up with hot apple cider and a good book in front of ~~an imaginary~~ fireplace (or with a human - depending on your status)

MAC See Sheer: No one forgets their first. Mine was See Sheer. (WHAT DID YOU THINK I WAS REFERRING TO???) This red-based coral is a luster finish, meaning the colour applies quite sheer. Which explains why my lip swatch looks less red than the swatch on my arm. It's very comfortable to wear, but will definitely mark its territory on a white mug. It does wear off evenly and needs reapplication after a couple hours. Also, I'm not quite sure if this is just the problem with the tube I have or if it's a thing that luster finishes have, but mine is a bit, leaning tower of Pisa. I don't apply lipstick with a heavy hand, nor have I ~~chucked this in the oven~~ left this outside in the summer, so I'm not quite sure why this is happening. Let me know if you guys have this problem or if I just have a tube that's lacking back support.

Perfect for: walks in the park after a really big meal, or anything that doesn't involve food nor mugs. Straws are okay.

MAC Crosswires: Not gonna lie, I had to completely retake the lip swatch photo as I shot it right after See Sheer and could not tell where the previous ended and the latter starter. I was also an idiot and forgot to take reference photos. So I guess that gives you an idea of how similar the shades look on me. But as I said, I have quite naturally pinkish lips and that's probably why the shades look so similar on me. The two shades are quite different as you can see in the arm swatches. See Sheer is more of a reddish-coral, whereas Crosswires is a soft coral-pink. It's a cremesheen finish, meaning it's a punch more pigmented. Not one to hold up to heavy duty 'smoosh your face in a burger' activities, Crosswires will hold up to 4 hours with intervals of light snacking and coffee sipping.

Perfect for: anytime when you want to feel particularly girly and still have a hint of spunk, but not in the mood for wearing pink. Not recommended when you're on a mission to do a burger taste test.

MAC Speak Louder: One of the first 'bright shades' I bought when I ventured into the world of lipsticks a couple years back, Speak Louder is a beautiful blue-based fuchsia that I don't hear enough about. It's a bright shade, but not outrageously loud - just louder but still slightly muted and held back. Combined with the cremesheen finish that doesn't go on fully opaque, Speak Louder is surprisingly easy to wear if you're just starting to get into bright shades. Not particularly hydrating, it won't dry out your lips either and is quite comfortable to wear. It does transfer, but not outrageously so. It will also leave behind a stain and wears around 4 hours before it needs topping up.

Perfect for: when you want to make a low-key statement; coffee dates and afternoon tea, but avoid pizza indulgences.

MAC All Fired Up: Ah yes, this shade is so beautiful, my mum accidentally agreed to buy this for me just minutes after she dragged me to a lipstick counter determined to find me a less 'man-eater, blood-dripping' lip colour. We walked away, with my new purchase in hand, ready to get in the car when she paused, looked at me with wide, delusional eyes, before saying 'I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO CONVERT YOU TO A MORE APPROACHABLE HUMAN BEING' as I flashed a bright red-fuschia smile at her. But yeah, point of this story is that All Fired Up is gorgeous enough to derail my very stubborn and determined mother from her original goal. It's a retro matte finish, which means some people may find it drying. But I am a big fan of matte lipsticks as they stay put and require very little maintenance. I would exfoliate with a q-tip if you have flaky lips beforehand and a slathering of lip balm wouldn't be harmful either. You can see a more 'normal' lip swatch here - it should be noted that I did slick it on over Chanel Boy, which didn't alter the colour but did add a shine to the finish.

Perfect for: when you want to make a statement. Or derail your non-makeup-wearing mother from trying to replace your bright lipstick collection with 'friendly and subtle' shades.

(I have no idea why I look slightly feline in this photo...it was one of those days.)

MAC Up The Amp: Oh my, you beautiful one. Up The Amp is without a doubt, one of the most unique shades in the MAC permanent lipstick line. It's a slightly grey-ish lavender shade that's surprisingly wearable. The amplified finish means that there's a punch of pigmentation, but if you have pigmented lips like mine, there's a chance that this shade will lean slightly more pink on the lips. Up The Amp is like a moody rainy day - not the depressing ones, but the comforting rainy days. Don't ask me to explain why but I can see Up The Amp being that romantic-comforting shade with a hint of depression and nostalgia. It wears around 5-6 hours, but faded and needed reapplying after an aggressive 'ALL THE FRENCH TOAST IN MY FACE' feast.

Perfect for: 'pancakes and coffee and gossip' brunch. Also great when you want to pretend like you could be cool enough for Vogue and Fashion Week.

MAC Flat Out Fabulous: This lipstick is a pain to photograph and that arm swatch does not do the shade any justice. It's a bright pink-purple lipstick that's just outside the 'normal lip colours' ballpark, but not so far out that it's a completely different game. Aka, it's a wearable shade that's different. Another retro matte finish (are you starting to see a trend here?), Flat Out Fabulous is another shade that's insanely low maintenance and can put up with regular eating and drinking. I have a more comprehensive overview that you can find here, but this is a shade to add on your swatch list, even if you don't think you'll fall in love with it.

Perfect for: when you want a statement lipstick that's slightly out of the box, but not too outrageous. Would also recommend if trying to make friends with kids as tiny humans seem to quite like this shade for some reason.

MAC Pink Pigeon: Call it being caught up in the adrenaline of unsupervised duty-free shopping when under the illusion that I had more money than I thought. I mean, I love a bright lip, but Pink Pigeon is a bright 'in your face' pink. Definitely not something I would gravitate towards if I was standing in front of a MAC counter and had to pay sales tax. But I'm really glad that I got this as it's such a fun shade that I don't have in my extensive lipstick collection. Re-released as part of the permanent line, Pink Pigeon is a creamy matte shade that wears well past the 8-hour mark. Even if you're eating dinner and with a round (or two) of drinks. It does get slightly drying past the 5-hour mark so I would bring a lip balm around with you when wearing this loud pink.

Perfect for: when you really want a loud statement lip while feeling extra girly at the same time. This would totally be a 'astronaut Barbie' shade - kicking butt while being the epitome of 'girly'.

MAC Ruby Woo: OH HAI YOU CULT CLASSIC. Ruby Woo is a bright neutral red with a retro matte finish. Again, really drying, but like All Fired Up, it will stay put once applied. I've worn this up to eight hours with regular intervals of food and drinks, but I did have to apply a bit of lip balm at the five hour mark. However, this is a lipstick that I'll only wear when my lips are in pretty good condition as it would otherwise be a really heavy toll.

Perfect for: ANYTIME. Because red lipstick awesomeness is everything. But only when your lips are in relatively good condition. Would recommend avoid wearing it to family gatherings, especially if elder/nosy relatives are present. I've also been told that red lipsticks aren't great for funerals either.

It is obvious that I was hungry when I typed up this post? Anyways. What is it about these black bullet lipsticks that make them so enticing? I can't seem to resist them so I'm just staying away from the general gravity field of MAC counters in general for the time being. I have quite the diverse collection, if I may say so myself, but I have a fondness for their (Retro) Matte and Satin finishes. I'm already collecting lipsticks at this point, so I might as well ask: what colour should I get next?

With Love, Daphne x

(almost) empties #3

4.11.15

It's been a while since I did an empties post. I've finished up some products during the time but I only remember I should've kept the trash after I throw it out. I've been good this time around. Well, mostly because I desperately tried to finish up the last bits of several makeup offerings so I could shed some weight from my already overweight luggage.
I've loved the Trilogy Rosehip Oil (£26.50) for a good year now and if I had unlimited luggage allowance, I would stock pile five bottles of this back to Taiwan. It's a good thing that I've found a website that does international shipping for the Trilogy offering. This does wonders for my skin, calming down hideous breakouts and ensuring that there aren't any dry patches. I mixed the last drops of this with my summer moisturiser to carry through the transitional weather. Which reminds me, I also finished up the La Roche Posay Effaclar (£15.50) the morning I had to leave for my flight. It's a lightweight moisturiser I like to wear during the day under foundation, or mixed in with an oil for the evening. I've gone through three tubes of this stuff - it's that good.
Now to the real exciting bits - makeup. Yes, look at all the makeup bits I finished. Be proud of me. Let's get the controversial one out of the way. I was more than happy to scrape the last bits of the NARS Creamy Concealer (£22) as I just didn't enjoy it. Does it have good coverage? Yeah. But that's about where my rave for it ends. It's by no means a bad concealer - it just doesn't live up to the hype surrounding it. I use it for my under eye area, which isn't a particularly dry area. The mousse-y texture of this concealer tends to emphasise the lines I didn't even know I had. The only way I find that this works for me is when I mix it with a more liquidy offering - like the Maybelline Fit Me or the Rimmel Wake Me Up - and apply with a damp sponge. I've tried it on spots as well, and again, it just doesn't work. All in all, I'm not entirely convinced by the price tag and hype around this concealer.
The Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit (£24.50) has been around since I started my blogging days and it's definitely seen better days. There's still a couple of uses left in this little kit, but it's a concealer I either love or really dislike. I've been using it the last days in London and of course I was in my love phase. I was a bit sad to say goodbye to the last bits of this but between the completely shattered powder, the pathetic amount of product left, and my desperate attempt at ruthlessly getting rid of things I didn't need ~~(it didn't work out so well)~~, I ended up saying goodbye to this little one. Will I be repurchasing this in the future? Maybe, but for the time being, I'm happy with testing out some other offerings.
I really enjoyed the Benefit Gimmie Brow (£18.50), even after I found a really good drugstore alternative. What I really enjoyed the most from this small tube that doesn't seem like much is how much colour it adds to my brows while still looking natural. I have naturally dark brows, but the Benefit brow gel deepens the colour and 'fluffs' it up as well - all the while, the brown in the gel keeps the two hair caterpillars looking dramatically natural. Which, if you've read a post or two from SoaD know that I'm all about that low-key drama. This might be one that I'll repurchase in the future.
Last but not least, I love the Collection Fast Stroke Liquid Liner (£2.99). I love it so much, I stock piled the offering like there was no tomorrow. To be fair, you can't get Collection in Taiwan and my sister has been looking for a good liquid liner for a while now. So really, buying five of these back to Taiwan wasn't excessive at all. I did a whole review on it here, but in all, this is the liquid liner you need if you're looking for a black liner that won't smudge. The only fall back is that this is a traditional ink-pot type liquid liner, meaning it won't be as easy as a pen liquid liner to master, but a bit of practice and well, I don't think I've messed up a flick with this before. I would recommend wiping off the excess ink on the side of the pot before you go straight in, also do your best to not blink the first ten seconds of application. It sounds fussy, but it's really not that fussy. Plus, the end results are worth it.
Can you believe it, four makeup products and there's no mascara? I know, it's crazy. I can't remember the last time I finished a clutter of products before. I also finished up some shaving creams, shampoo conditioners, body washes, and that boring stuff I didn't think was interesting enough to include. It's quite satisfying to see these (almost) empty products go to the bin - at least I've accomplished one thing in life. Have you finished up any products lately?

With Love, Daphne x
Previously on: Empties #1 | #2

a really creamy lipstick i actually really like.

2.11.15

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