Ciao! It’s not often that one gets to enjoy work and passion in the same session, but at the stroke of luck, fate and a little bit of pixie dust, today happened to be one of them! 🙂

I was working on an important beauty & wellness project by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with Bologna Fiere and Cosmetica Italia, called the Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna Presentation Kuala Lumpur. Although we started working on it on a short notice and within a tight timeline, I’m glad we all managed to pull things together for a great day.

Joanna, Shini & Myself at the foyer of the Malaya Room, just before the seminar began.

This presentation was held prelude to the world’s biggest international trade show for the beauty industry – Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2018, from 15 – 19 March in Bologna, Italy.

Read on, if you’re keen to fly yourself to the land of pasta, pizza, olive oil and high fashion! 

Chanel has always been known to be a timeless and classic icon of beauty, style and of course, luxury at its finest.

Needless to say, Coco Chanel has established an empire (or should I say, cult?) for herself with a strong  following of fashionistas aka ‘slaves’. And admittedly, I am one of them.

Introducing the Chanel Les 4 Ombre Eyeshadow from its Spring 2014 cosmetic collection.

Many thanks to Clozette Malaysia for hooking me up!

—————————————

Also, a shoutout to my accessories sponsors – The Wild Things – for the lovely Aztec earrings and the daisy chain necklace that you see in this post!  Go get your pretty accessories (especially their Pandora-inspired charmbracelets!) from them!Much love.

—————————————–

Arguably every urban city girl’s (material, I must add) dream – Chanel.

Speaking of which, I recently got myself my very first Chanel handbag.  It made me happy; worked hard for it! Actually, I do *somewhat* feel a pinch of regret, as that money I worked hard for could very well be used for something more feasible. 

Because, to be entirely honest, many non-material things make me happy. But then again…

As bad and guilty I feel about, I remind myself… look – it’s a Chanel – and mine is vintage. Put these two words together and that’s enough of a justification or an answer you need; which marks the end of discussion. 

Mom, I hope you’re not reading this… heh. heh. If you are then – *gulp* I won’t hear the end of it! 

MOVING ON…. 

 So what’s this new collection about?

CHANEL writes a new chapter in the story of its cult palette Les 4 Ombres originally created in 1982. It’s new formula guarantees an even more creative make up result in a new collection inspired by tweed, the iconic fabric of the House.

Based on a selection of House tweeds, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio composes eight unprecedented LES 4 OMBRES harmonies.  Here they are!

Any favorites? I can spot mine from a mile away!

The four shadows are like the coloured threads of the fabric weave.

They match perfectly and each one redefines a new variation on the theme of elegance! 😀

Like the tweed jacket, which can be worn in so many different ways,

the LES 4 OMBRES palette is the most adaptable fashion accessory.

This is where colours, contrasts and effects come together in endless combinations for an infinite variety of looks based on a unique style.
An essence of chic elegance and pleasure for women who like to have as much fun with makeup as they do with fashion – much like I do!  I believe a majority of you are too. (Of course if you’re a dude and you’re reading this then it wouldn’t exactly apply to you…)

 What’s so special about this range, you ask?

The new formula of LES 4 OMBRES is a new, soft and long-lasting texture facilitates application, offers new colour effects and expresses all the intensity of the shades, whilst capturing the subtlety of the nuances and playing with textures.

In short, it just makes you runway ready – at all times! 

Exceptionally concentrated with pure pigments, its soft, fine and

silky texture glides over the eyelid like a caress.

This comfortable shadow easily dresses eyes in lasting, luminous and even-toned colours that adapt and blend together to perfection. Applying it was a breeze and goodness me, blending it with one another complemented each shadow and highlight so well!

FYI, their radiance and translucency are heightened by the complete absence of talc.

Within a single palette, a harmony of colours comes in diverse effects with an intense, even, luminous and long-lasting finish. And believe me when I say long-lasting.

I’m usually out for hours at social functions and events and when I come home, the makeup stays on like its ready for another round of rockin’!  (Please, can we go home already?)

Amongst the harmonies, LES 4 OMBRES guarantees that every woman will find the one that will enhance her eyes. I would know, because I definitely found mine.

4 eyeshadows, 4 shades, 4 precise functions for a combination of unique colours and countless makeup results.

Unboxing the palette of my choice – Tisse Gabrielle 208

How it looks on human skin.

Love how this is a palette that spells revisited classics for an unmatched smoky effect!It may look the same from afar but if you take individual swatches of it like I’ve pictured it above, the four shades are a brilliant combination of delicate grey, iridescent white gold, velvet black grey and lastly, greyish mauve.

So glad I chose this palette because as I mentioned before in my previous makeup/beauty blog articles, I prefer darker/smokier and edgier colours instead of plain pastel light colours. 

Love how it looks on my eyelids!

 The intense shadows reveal all the depth of dark shades. The satiny ones make a statement while remaining sheer and the iridescent or metallic colours sparkle with elegance.

Each harmony is composed of two contrasting shades to blend in a gradation or apply in contrast: one dark shade to intensify, sculpt and add depth, and one light shade to illuminate and give the eyes a wide-open effect. 

 See how shimmery yet bold and rich these colours are? Each function has its own place on the contours of your eye for different looks.

I had this eyeshadow on for at least 8 hours and it didn’t end up smudging everywhere or dusting off loosely like some of the other brands I’ve used before!

Here’s another look at it, in its full glory of a classy, compact palette case and packaging.

 Available in all Chanel cosmetic stores and selected retail outlets for RM200++

(will get the exact price for you soonest!)

Thank you Chanel Malaysia and Clozette Malaysia for this classy and fabulous opportunity.

For in the words of the late Coco Chanel…

Hi girls! May I see a show of hands of the ones who don't like receiving presents?

Since I can't see you (it would be freaky if I could!), I'll safely assume that everyone loves surprises, okie?

BOOOOOOO! Surprise! Did I scare you?

Saje nak mengejutkan kamu semua heeheehee! 

Today, I would like to show you the beautiful surprises I've been receiving for the past three months. No, unfortunately it isn't from a secret admirer haha!

The popular and premier beauty discover platform, Vanity Trove, has recently launched in Malaysia! 

Thanks to Vanity Trove, I first received their debut beauty box in February.

FEBRUARY

I was woken up by the doorbell and a parcel addressed to me!

What could be better than receiving presents the first thing upon waking up?

It feels like Christmas all over again.

There was a personalized, handwritten note inside too.

Thanks Valerie of Vanity Trove!  xoxo

Ready to see my beautiful surprise?

It's very, very pretty! 

Lovely beauty box of beauty products, make up and skincare!

Glorious, glorious treasures for every girl! Wheeeeeeee 

Untuk para pembaca lelaki, aku hanya boleh kata, maaf je lah okey? Ataupun, ini juga boleh dijadikan idea baru untuk hadiah-hadiah yang selanjutnya, khas buat si awetmu, kan?  

So guys, just admire the pretty, sparkly stuff this time round, alright? 

A little card containing all the details of each product that this beauty box contained!

I think this is an integral part of every beauty box. I'm sure the recipients would love to know what each and every product can do, and whether or not our skin suitable enough to use the products given!

Here is a breakdown of the treasures in February's Vanity Trove:

1. System Professional (SP) Colour Save Shampoo 

2. System Professional (SP) Colour Save Mask 

3. ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Twister Essence 

4. ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Essence Twister BB Cream 

5. Benefit POREfessional 

6. B.LIV Off with Those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel

7. Di Palomo Tuscan Rose Hand & Body Lotion

Now, let's take a closer look at them – one by one! 

B.LIV Off with Those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel

This does wonders in gently and effectively removes those stubborn whiteheads and blackheads,

+ as keeping oil secretions in control. I find this product very effective, lesser imperfections on my face!

Next in line is…

ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Twister Essence 

This soft and velvety gel reduces visible pores, hydrates and nourishes the skin. 

Comes out transparent and smells nice!

ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Essence Twister BB Cream

This is formulated with plant stem cells to repair and cover imperfections.

I liked its texture gave me a powdery finish after I applied it onto my face,

unlike some of the other brands of oily/sticky BB Creams I've tried!

System Professional (SP) Colour Save Shampoo and System Professional (SP) Colour Save Mask 

These two are awesome stuff! Comes in a tiny package too, perfect for my travelling needs!

I refuse to use it for now, but when I get my hair back to red, I will 

Benefit POREfessional 

This silky and lightweight balm minimizes pores and fine lines with oil-free and Vitamin E formula. 

This can be worn on its own or used under make-up, as a make-up base!

Di Palomo Tuscan Rose Hand & Body Lotion

Blended with moisturizing olive and sweet almond oils, it nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth!

I loved its light rosy scent that was mild yet distinctive!

MARCH

The arrival of March can only mean that new beautiful surprises are coming!

This time, I was surprised at work when I beeped the delivery man into my office.

Got all excited to unwrap my new beauty box!

Not one, but TWO surprises on my office desk!

One is for me, and I got the other one for you. More about that later!

Want to see it already? This box is just as pretty! 

Suddenly my black Monday is filled with colour and thrill! 

Here is the breakdown of what March's Vanity Trove contained:

1. Kanebo Skin Fusing Powder Foundation

2. Timeless Truth TT Orchid Extract Whitening Mask

3. Asian Potions Blooming Ginger Body Lotion

4. Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Gel Tonic

5. Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Day & Night Cream 

Kanebo Skin Fusing Powder Foundation

It provides natural coverage and ensures a shine-free appearance with SPF 20 PA++ powder formula!
Tried and tested, I like using this as it blends and melts into my skin when I spread it onto my face.

Gave me a dewy  and radiant complexion for the day too. Yay!

To those with skin sensitivity issues, rejoice!

The following products works to soothe and moisturize delicate and irritated skin.

Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Gel Tonic and Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Day & Night Cream 

Armed with sill proteins, white tea and pure vegetable ingredients, this cream protects 

allergy-prone skin against environmental stressors and helps to relieve irritation of skin.

Bio-Essence Bird's Nest Bio-Energy Firm & Brighten Eye Cream with SPF 15

Just what I needed for my eye area! 

I keep it at work just in case I feel tired or if my eyebags begin to weigh a tonne LOL

Just squeeze and apply around your eye contours, beneath and all around the eye!

Asian Potions Blooming Ginger Body Lotion

It is made from natural flowers, fruits and plant essences to moisturize your skin and improve firmness!
Delicately scented with ginger flowers and a light mix of Asian florals too, thus the slight hint of fragrant scent.
P/S The ginger provides deep inner calmness too. 

Timeless Truth TT Orchid Extract Whitening Mask

This mask is excessively pampered with orchid, purple peril and chamomile extracts…

… and packed with so much moisture! 

These essences whitens, brightens and duh, moisturizes the skin!

The most unique part is that this mask sheet is stretchable and form-fitting,

which gave me perfect comfort and full coverage!

Don't believe me? Well, check out the following two photos! 

It even tucks behind my ears…

…and my beneath my chin/top of neck! Pretty neat, huh? It's something new to me! 

APRIL

Unboxing April's Vanity Trove!

How can anyone get enough of these beautiful surprises yet?

I certainly look forward to them every month! 

Lots of vouchers and coupons were stacked neatly on top!

Once I lifted them, the real little treasures were unveiled! 

Another pretty box for you to admire, maybe?

Yippeee! 

Breakdown of items in April's Vanity Trove:

1. CLARINS Intensive Brightening Serum

2. ISSEY MIYAKE Parfums Pleats Please (EDT)

3. KATE Eyeshadow DB

4. Perkins Nail Wrap

5. ORIKS Gemstone Nano Platinum Aqua Watery Cream

6. KilaDoll Red Wine Q10 Mask

Perkins Nail Wrap

So we girls like pretty nails. I'm a sucker for nail art and I love to DIY them. 
But if I ain't got no time to wait painstakingly for it to dry after layers and layers, this will come in handy!
Can't wait to try these nail wrap stickers soon!

KilaDoll Red Wine Q10 Mask

This aids skin protection by maintaining the firmness and moisture; promoting elastic and younger skin. 

After all, red wine has such amazing properties! 

ORIKS Gemstone Nano Platinum Aqua Watery Cream

Developed in France, this moisturizer smoothens wrinkles, tightens pores and brightens complexion.

It contains more than 90 types of natural minerals to boost skin vitality and protects skin.

This hydrating formula locks in plenty of moisture to maintain supple and baby-soft skin!

In my honest opinion, after testing and reviewing ORIKS products for the past three months, I've grown to love the stuff from ORIKS. They have such good formulas and not to mention, a really high quality make as well.

Such an innovation for beauty products!

CLARINS Intensive Brightening Serum

This serum is the most advanced skin are for fairer, healthier skin.

Thanks to the Trans-Luminescent Complex, it revives skin at every layer, making it

clear and radiant. If you are looking to brighten your skin with a rosy glow, try this, girls!

KATE Eyeshadow DB

Boasts a palette with two shades that can be used individually or mixed.
I prefer to mix mine and blend it into a different colour where the colours meet.

ISSEY MIYAKE Parfums Pleats Please (EDT)

This is my favorite product this month! Its fruity fragrance formulated by the crossing of apples

and pears, Topped with dashes of peony and sweet pea scents is too good a gem to pass up.

It's now a staple in my mobile make up kit! 

MAY, JUNE, JULY… AND THE REST OF 2013? 

Now it's your turn to find out what's inside! 

SHARE THE LOVE: GIVEAWAY TIME!

I have one beauty box to give away to one lucky girl (Or guy too, if you're keen!) 

Just create a Vanity Trove account on their official website and also leave comment on this post telling me why you want me to give you your very first Vanity Trove beauty box!  

—————————————————————-

To get started on Vanity Trove surprises of your own, you can:

Visit Vanity Trove's official website at: www.vanitytrove.com/my

LIKE them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/VanityTroveMalaysia

Wanna know some beauty secrets used by British royalty? You never would have guessed.

A brand new skincare line was ready to hit the shelves of Malaysia – NIVEA's Pure & Natural range!

Nadia and I at the entrance

The theme was blue and white, held at a distinctively British garden-concept restaurant: Delicious Cafe.

It was a private function where a sneak preview of NIVEA's latest Pure & Natural line of products would be launched over a delightful fare of afternoon tea.

Delicious Cafe was turned into an enclave of various shades of blue with a hint of white. 

Bright turquoise bows were tied neatly behind every garden chair and each table was seen decorated with petals and garlands of daisies and gerbera blossoms! 

Cobalt blue miniature NIVEA decor hung from branches that sprouted from the pure white pillars of the restaurant.

I spotted the display of the products in question and hopped over to browse them for myself 

Here's a closer look at NIVEA's new Pure & Natural range!

The launch of NIVEA's new line also saw a hot seat session with the top guns of NIVEA & Guardian pharmacy, as well as a step-by-step skincare demonstration of the new products 

Nadia Heng (Miss Malaysia 2010) explaining more about each product before she began the demonstration

This live presentation allowed guests to fully comprehend the benefits and all there is to know about using NIVEA's new Pure & Natural skincare range as well as how to use them. 

After all, wouldn't you like to be well-educated about a product before you slather it all over your face?

Step 1 : NIVEA Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion

It was applied on a cotton pad and wiped gently on the skin of her face.

This cleansing lotion gently removes make-up and dirt effectively! 

Step 2 : NIVEA Pure & Natural Cleansing Toner

It was dabbed gently all over her face with bare hands.

This toner helps in tightening pores and revitalize skin.

Step 3 : NIVEA Pure & Natural Moisturizing Day Cream

The moisturizer was warmed between her fingers and gently spread and massaged upwards onto the face.

It ensures skin stays supple! Thin skin is also repaired with intense 24-hour moisture and freshness.

This rich moisturizer is the star product of NIVEA's new Pure & Natural range! 

Nadia explaining the purities and goodness of this star product

I've some really interesting news about NIVEA's new moisturizer to share – a royalty's beauty secret!

Recognize the glamorous lady on the left?

The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Kate Middleton, was recently spotted buying NIVEA's new Moisturizing Day Cream at the Boots along Kings Road in London!

Amazing how she strikes a balance between designer luxury products and humble high street products for the masses  Good on ya, Kate! If it is fit for a princess' beauty regime, it is certainly fit for ours 

The beautiful models showcasing the complete set of NIVEA's new Pure & Natural range

The whole collection not only includes facial skincare, but also body lotion, cleansing wipes and deodorant!

All the products from the Pure & Natural range are free from preservatives and contains 95% natural origins such as Argan Oil, Aloe Vera & Chamomile 

MC Daphne Iking holding a Question & Answer session

We were then captivated with a fashion show by designer Dominique Chan's Princess collection of dresses and evening wear. How apt for the girly and princess theme of the event! 

Ready for some ravishing floral & elegant fashion designs?

The fashion show was held simultaneously when the afternoon tea-buffet was served.

Perfect timing! I was looking forward to it as I was beginning to feel slightly hungry by the time it did 

I've always been a fan of Delicious light afternoon tea and desserts!

Bite-sized yet mouthwatering, these little goodies certainly leaves you wanting more!

Us guests were served a delectable assortment of desserts, pastries and finger food.

Tiramisu, macarons, cheesecakes, tapas food, miniature burgers, miniature pies and quiches 

With my fellow girlies, Ellie and Rosalyn at the event 

Another round of Dominique Chan's Princess collection was ready to be catwalked down the BLUE carpet.

This time round, the models not only paraded the dresses.

The six stunning ladies were each holding up one product from NIVEA's Pure & Natural range

I was totally smitten by their elegant, flowy and luxurious gowns which to me, embodied so much beauty and grace of the female figure. It was almost as if I was watching real princesses walk by! 

Here are some close-ups I shot of the models once again.. this time, with the individual products.

NIVEA's Pure & Natural Cleansing Wipes

NIVEA's Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion

NIVEA's Pure & Natural Cleansing Toner

NIVEA's Pure & Natural Moisturizing Day Cream

NIVEA's Pure & Natural Body Lotion

NIVEA's Pure & Natural Deodorant Roll-On

I managed to take a photo with the designer of the entire Princess collection!  

Dominique Chan and I

We were also entertained by a talented string ensemble quartet as evening began to approach

I enjoyed my afternoon of fashion, beauty and delicious afternoon tea-buffet today. Thanks NIVEA! 

To brighten my day even further, I was also given a bag of the full range of products in question

At the photowall just before I left the venue

Naturally, I couldn't wait to get home to try out all the products from NIVEA's Pure & Natural range!

Thanks to the demonstration earlier, I replicated the exact steps while using my new goodies 

I loved them all! They were really rich and I applied a generous amount of them all over my face and body, leaving it smelling so good and feeling so moisturized 

Despite loving the entire collection, I had three specific favorites – the Moisturizing Day Cream, the Body Lotion & the Deodorant Roll-On 

Pretty sure I was feeling like a princess by the time I was done!