I Nuovi is currently having this super cool program where you can stand the chance to shop at I Nuovi for free!
Sounds pretty cool doesn't it?

I was informed of this program by mail and I thought it was something really interesting and something you guys might be interested in.
Just a quick word though, this is open to those residing in Singapore only, not my choice! I'm just spreading the word, I don't set the rules.
I am sure most of you are familiar with the brand I Nuovi right now with the reviews, sales information and all that so I shan't go into detail about explaining the brand.

Now I am sure you want to hear the details.
Here is a poster with the information on it but I feel the poster might not be indepth enough. Because I was a little unsure of the program when reading it the first time around. It's not complicated, but it was just not too clear on what the requirements of the program are. However, I did discuss it with Deborah (of I Nuovi) via mail to clear any doubts I had, so I will provide an explanation of the event for those unsure after reading the poster.
(click on poster image to view full size)

The program:
Simply sign up for the program by filling up the form in the format stated in the poster (where to mail to is also listed in the poster). Within 1 working day, they will let you know if you have been chosen for the program.
If you have been chosen for the program, you will receive a S$40 I Nuovi voucher and also a complimentary brow trim card (which is something you don't have to do, but it would be better if you do). What would be required of you is to visit 2 of their outlets as listed in the options (in poster). Either A or B only. After spending your gift voucher and having your brows attended too, all that's left is to feedback to I Nuovi (via e-mail I suppose, they will elaborate further if you're chosen) about the services. You do not have to blog about it if you do not wish to. From what I gather, you might also stand a chance to win another S$40 Voucher on top of what you have been offered in the program if you submit your reviews before 20th November 2009.

So that is all I know from my end. I am not in this program nor am I working for I Nuovi.
I just get sent these mailers and if I think it's something interesting that you guys might like, I'll be sure to let you all know about it!

I guess if you have any more queries about it, it's best to contact the staff directly as I've listed down everything I understand and know of this situation.
Good luck and for those who do get chosen, have fun shopping!

Remember, the deadline is 20th November 2009. And if you get your feedback in before that date, you stand to win more!

I was tagged by heavenlygorgeous, thanks love!

What I got from this tag is that you are to list down your essential/must-have items or items you seem to use on a daily basis.
Now I switch my products around a lot and unlike some of the girls who are really organized and store their go-to makeup items in a compartment of it's own, mine are stored away in their own compartments. For example, foundation in foundation drawer, blush in blush drawer etc.

As such:

Looks kind of messy and cluttered, I know. But I suppose I'm the kind of a person who prefers things in organized mess? If that's even a right term to use. ha!

Still, I managed to pick out the items that I used rather often or I feel is a go-to item.
Some are absolute essentials in the sense that I cannot do my makeup without it. While others are 'if I had a choice out of its category to just pick one, this is what I'll choose' kind of a thing. I hope this analogy is right...

(click to enlarge)

I know, I am so bad at eliminating products that I end up wtih what 17? Is that even legal in this tag?
And as I am typing this, I noticed I've missed out on some rather important items too, e.g. a kabuki brush. Because how else am I going to apply my loose powder without a kabuki. I think all this school work is getting to my brain.
Nonetheless, items I've forgotten to photograph are listed below but marked with an asterisk (*).
I would not be elaborating on all the products since there are quite a few to name already, don't want to turn this tag into too long an entry.

1. 28 Color Palette
2. Cover Girl Lash Blast (Waterproof)
3. MAC Blush in Eversun (Style Warriors Packaging)
4. MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
5. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Natural Nude
6. MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NW25) - I love the Magical Tannsu one too, they are very similar, but this was more convenient to photograph. Lol!
7. Wet N' Wild Bronzer
8. ELF Eyelash Curler
9. Lumiere Invisi-Veil (setting powder)
10. Bobbi Brown Corrector (Light Peach)
11. MAC's Browset in Show Off
12. Silky Girl O2 Liquid Foundation
13. ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder (Luminance)
14. MAC 129
15. Loewe Cornell random brush - nothing to it, I just use this for my bronzer.
16. ELF Eyeshadow brush - If I am in a hurry this does everything. Lid, crease, outer corner, highlight. 1 brush fits all!
17. Random Liner brush - to set my eyeliner with
*18. Kabuki brush
*19. Urban Decay Primer Potion - how in the world did I even forget this?!

I believe that is it for my outrageous list of essentials. I think a rule needs to be enforced on how many products not to go over. haha!
But regardless, most people have been tagged so I tag everyone else reading this who hasn't done it yet! :D

Another I Nuovi product review, 2 down and 1 more to go! I'm trying to get a little something something for the last review for you guys. You'll get what I mean if it works out (:
But back to the present, the review of I Nuovi's Ultragloss in the shade Rock, and yes I was sent this awhile ago.

This gloss has a brush applicator (very similar to the L'oreal Touche Magique concealer), though it's the 'slightly stiff and might cause streaking' kind of a brush.

Now the color of the gloss does look very pretty in the tube, which also leaves me wondering why it was called something like Rock?
Maybe it's because of the shimmer factor, but when I think of Rock, the first color that comes to mind is a brown and this is definitely not a brown.

Though the color above looks very pretty swatched, I might have to warn you that the color you are seeing is not quite the 'base' color of the gloss. Instead, it is composites of the shimmer in it! Sounds scary? Here's what I mean.

As you can see the 'base' color of the gloss itself is almost clear! It's the shimmer and sparkle in it that is giving it that gorgeous pink shade.
So from that you can already see how shimmery this product is.
When I swatched it for the first time, I immediately knew it was not a product I was going to be slathering all over my lips on a regular basis.
Here is a lip swatch:

In photos the swatch isn't as dramatic as how it looks in person, so this could be a great product to have if you're on a photoshoot and you want your lips to SHINE. Probably a good editorial makeup product, in a sense?

I am not saying it is completely unwearable because I did find a way to pull this off in the most subtle of forms. Instead of applying it all over the lips, simply dab it to the center point of your lips, after applying whichever lipstick/gloss you prefer. I know that trick of dabbing something shimmery and light is a known one, as it helps to make your lips look a little fuller and also gives that extra touch. And what better product to use to do that then one that is just bursting with shimmer!

Now about how sticky this gloss is. I find that the gloss itself isn't very sticky, it's probably average in that sense. BUT the shimmer/glitters are a pain. You can have your gloss completely wiped off, but the glitters will still stay in place on your lips. Good or bad? I'm not sure. With a q-tip and some makeup remover, that problem can be solved so it's not like you will have glitter stuck on you for a day or so.
With all that glitter involved, you would think this gloss might feel grity. Safe to say, I can't seem to feel the glitter bits, not even with gloss wiped off.

A quick word on the packaging. I never liked twist up glosses because I feel sometimes the mechanism glitches and you can spend forever twisting and don't get very much and all of a sudden a huge blob comes out. I might just be inexperienced with these contraptions, but I didn't love the packaging too much. It took me 5 minutes to find out which side to turn to, mainly because when I turned it in either directions... nothing happened? Until a blob appeared...

In all, I'm quite alright with this product. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. It's probably a personal opinion since I am rather safe with my lip product finishes and stick to things that aren't metallic or overly shimmery. For those out there seeking for something shimmery, a good lip highlight or an editorial-suitable makeup product, this might be of interest. For those who aren't glitter fans and would rather not have shimmery lips, I would say stay well away from this product.

Overall Rating: Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction / High Distinction

Pigmentation: 4/5 (gotta give it the pigmentation score. Even if it is just shimmer, it's definitely pigmented!)
Texture: 3.5/5
Ease of Usage: 3/5
Packaging: 3.5/5

Would I re-purchase this? No probably not.

I was sent a couple of I Nuovi products awhile ago to try out and share my thoughts on.
I know Sophia and Diana have already given their input on the items they have, so here's mine.

I'll be typing an individual entry for each product, because the OCD organizing freak in me feels its better to do it this way.

In this entry, I'll be doing a review of the Metallogy Eyeshadow

I love the packaging!

The shade that I was sent to try is Patina.

As you can see, Patina is a gorgeous rich brown. I want to say it is slightly copper-ish, but definitely it's a medium brown shade, good for a crease color in neutral eye looks. Of you can even throw it all over the lid if you wish and blend it out at the edges.
From what I can tell, it seems I Nuovi was playing it safe with giving us all rather neutral eyeshadows.

Here is a swatch of the product and this is simply 1 swipe of it, without a base!

I think the color looks amazing! It's a neutral shade but it is rather interesting too with slight warm tones that you know I love because it brings out the warmth in brown eyes. The whole metallogy sound to it isn't intimidating either, you would expect something with a solid silver sheen, but thankfully that is not the case with this shade. Can't comment on the other shades available just yet.

My thoughts
The eyeshadow is very richly pigmented and it doesn't take very much at all to get the color to show up. Since I haven't tried any other shades of either, I can't comment on the overall texture of the collections, but the texture of this particular shade is amazing. I would classify it as one of those 'creamy' eyeshadows. I don't normally like to use that term as describing powder as creamy is quite strange, but that is indeed the case. It spreads on the skin really nice and "diffuses" out very well when blended. There is also ease in picking up sufficient product with a brush. I know of some eyeshadows that are pigmented when swatched with fingers, but don't adhere to brush brustles too well, this isn't one of those.

In general I love the quality this eyeshadow posseses, the pigmentation, texture etc. When it comes to rating the color, I would say that Patina isn't the most unique of browns. For someone with little brown shadows in their collection, this could be something to look into since the quality is good. It is a pretty shade, but if you have a dozen other browns, it tends to not be as 'special'. However, browsing their online catalog, I might take interest in several other colors listed such as Ore, Rosegold and Nickel. So color-wise, I don't think Patina is overly unique, but hey every brand needs a copper brown in their catalog. No? haha.

Pigmentation: 5/5
Texture: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5

Overall Rating: Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction / High Distinction

Would I re-purchase this? Yes, I will. In other colors of course since I doubt I'll ever run out of this.

No mini write-up on here again because I'm just a little caught up with school work. Sorry guys ):
But there isn't too much to say about this product and the video explains exactly how I feel about this product.

But of course I can't skip out on rating it since I think ratings are a great way of summing up everything mentioned.

Product: 3.5/5
Packaging: 2/5 (does not screw tight and lipstick has a potential of smashing against the top)

Overall rating: Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction / High Distinction

Quick word, I'm trying out different rating systems and finding one I can keep consistently. As of now I'm playing around with the overall rating system. This grading is used quite often so I am sure most are familiar with it. The one in bold, would be my option. And I do display the rest of the options so those who are not too familiar with the 'levels' can find it easier to understand. The order is quite simple. Fail being the worst, and High Distinction being the best.
I know it's a little cheesy, but I thought it was kind of interesting rating it this way, and I don't feel so harsh or mean. haha. Let me know if it's just too much.
I'll most probably keep the overall rating consistent and shuffle the other qualities (e.g. packaging) around depending on the product.

Would I re-purchase: Not really. Unless they produce a true-nude shade!

Indeed it is, and I will tell you all why.
Funny thing is, I have noticed that I do an update during every middle of the school term to say that projects are killing me and I'll be MIA-ed for a bit.
And then I never really do disappear... Instead, I update more often!

Well, sometimes at least.

But this time I believe it is going to be true when I say I might not be as active on here.
I'll definitely be twittering, since that doesn't take up time and it's also a tool to keep you guys updated with me. If you haven't followed me on twitter, click here!
Back to my point, this school term.
From the title it states that it is scary, and that is because it is! For one of our modules, we are to interact with real clients to do real projects and we really get paid. Which kind of adds an extra pressure, since we are commanding freelance pay, we are suppose to match-up to free lance work. Which isn't a problem, but it's the first time we get thrusted into the world of liasing, designing, corresponding and all that that makes it scary.
Which is also another reason why I might not have time to do videos as much. Since clients can arrange meetings anytime they want, it gets a little unexpected.
Also the workload is quite immense, but it always is... so what does it matter.

All in all, that is why this school term is scary.
And sort of why I might not be too involved in this makeup thing as well. I will definitely drop by and reply comments, messages, mails and all that.
I'm not completely vanishing of course, but I might just not be updating as often and I hope you guys can understand that.

Hopefully we are able to finish the projects even before the required deadline, then I'll be able to have some time to myself.
On a super random note, about 8 more months to graduation!

<33

Revlon Nail Polish in Pure Pearl

Well, not really platinum. I just like how that title sounds. haha!
I don't usually like to wear pearl-escent polish or metallic ones because of the visible stroke marks. Because I am not too fussy about my nails and usually want to get it done pronto that I rush through it, the result is that the brush marks aren't perfect.
But sporting these finishes instead of creams is a little refreshing, every once in awhile.
Also, this has got to be one of the most 'pigmented' whites/light shade that I have ever used. Meaning that most white pearls go on super sheer and you really have to build it up. Well, this was just 2 coats, and the second was just for that added intensity. You could definitely just stick with one if
you are in a hurry.

I was wandering around Anchor Point with the boyfriend (opposite Queensway Shopping Centre, for those who aren't sure) this afternoon after my medical appointment at Alexander Hospital. I always thought Anchor Point was kind of blah, but we thought to drop by anyway, to kill time.
And thank goodness we did, cause who would have thought to find this:

(excuse the quality, it was taken with a 2mpx phone-cam)

Yeap, stacks and stacks of Everyday Minerals products ranging from eyeshadows, blushes, foundations and all. The best part is that they have testers available, so if you have always wondered what your Everyday Minerals foundation shade was, you could go down and swatch a little.
Apparently this cart of gold was found in a very blah looking shop. It's one of those shops that are rented for a couple of months to house a sale so they don't bother doing it up.
To get what I'm saying, this is the front. And yes it's a FOX Sale.

As for FOX merchandise, I'm sad to report I got so fascinated with finding Everyday Minerals here that I didn't browse the racks.
I have never purchased Everyday Minerals from Singapore before, so I don't know what good rates are, but here are the prices:

(click to enlarge)

Though it's not worth buying, it's still nice to see the colors of the products in person. And as mentioned, for those looking for a foundation match, you can swatch here and go back and place a spree order if you feel this is pricey.

I tried to take close-ups of the products but failed quite miserably. Damn phone camera.

Eyeshadows

Blush

I have kind of gotten out of the Everyday Mineral phase and am not that into it anymore so I didn't purchase anything.
I did swatch some of the gorgeous blushes though! haha.
But I just thought I'd share this with those who are interested.

OH! And if you want to grab these, or check it out, do so before the 1st of November!
That's when the FOX Sale is said to end.

Here's a tutorial of a past Look of the Day, titled Soft Everyday Purple.
Click here if you wish to see the original LOTD entry.

I might be trying to get through some requests for past LOTDs right now. Mainly to clear up the requests a little since I have owed some past-lotd tutorials for awhile, I thought I'd get through them first. Plus they are also a littlle faster to do.

Products Used (in this tutorial):
EYES
Urban Decay Primer Potion
28 Color Neutral Palette (color mentioned in video)
88 Color Palette (colors mentioned in video)
MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
MAC Plushlash Mascara

CHEEKS
L'oreal Blush Delice in Rosewood
ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance

LIPS
Maybelline Shine Seductress in 203

To see the tutorial:
YOUTUBE// Tutorial: Soft Everyday Purple