icyabstract makeup

Ramblings: Underrated Eye Primers

icyabstract — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:28:40 SGT

So... I was finally checking through my Bloglovin feed and chanced across a Temptalia sharing post, asking readers to share which eye primers they felt were too overrated and which were underrated.

While I may have my own answers to both categories I think the main point here is underrated primers and I thought I would briefly talk about 2 that immediately came to mind. I don't have a formal review mapped out for these mentions but I have tried these two primers and think if you are in need of a primer and don't want to spend a whole ton on the big boys out there (UDPP, TFSI and many more), you can start here without feeling like you are losing out too much.

Very brief summary mentions based on how they worked for me!

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1. Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer (haul entry)

I made a mental note to review this product but somehow, along the way I finished using it up and thew the bottle out. Hence, no proper comparisons and reviews

Though with my past experience and what I recall of it, I remember this being a pretty awesome primer. I would say it functions more or less the same way that Urban Decay would on me though perhaps with a slightly shorter wear time if we are talking about keeping makeup on for over 12 hours. Though otherwise this lasts fine on me day in and day out, keeps shadow creases at bay and the works.

I purchased mine from Koreabb for S$12.90 but it seems they don't restock this anymore. Though you can purchase it for one or two bucks more in Etude House stores.

Main gripe about this? The odd shaped bottle. It's always the bottle! However this bottle is a lot firmer so I wouldn't think of trying to chop it open. I did however try angling and slanting the doe foot applicator over time.

2. ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (mentioned here)

I was gifted this item so to be honest I never considered giving ELF eye primers a try. Ever.

The main reason would be, like mascara, I fear test driving primers in the scenario that if they crease or just... screw up, the whole look would pretty much be ruined. The whole day would be ruined too. Melodramatic but isn't that the concern for most of us?

So I first tested this on days where I wore light makeup for a short period of time and found it performed quite well. Seeing that, I tested it even more and ended up rather impressed with how this holds up and works as a primer. In comparison to Etude House, I would say the bummer of this is that the shadows have a tendency to lose a bit of their glitz (say if you are using a sheen / shimmer shade). Though the plus side is, no disastrous creasing or smudging of the liner, at least for me.

At USD3, I honestly didn't expect much but am pleasantly surprised. The tube looks puny but the product blends very easily, which means you don't need that much each time.

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Well, that's about it for this rambly and random mention. I thought I would share some lower range primers I have tried and recommend, instead of always highlighting my love for Urban Decay through my LOTDs.

Though I can't be assured that these will work for everyone because, as we know, even Urban Decay doesn't work for everyone.

While afraid to test new waters, I'm still intrigued so...

Do share what are some primers you love be it budget finds or high end splurges!

Thanks for reading!

LOTD: 'Throw-on-and-go' Smokey Blues

icyabstract — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:27:03 SGT

For today's look I did not have a plan of what shadows/colors I wanted to use. I just started grabbing random stuff and ended up with this. All I had in mind was that I did not want to do a neutral look.

Even though I went out in the middle of the day and even though the only place I went to was my driving school, I decided to do something a little smokier - although this is really more day-time smokey to me since it's so mild.

Why smokier? Because I am starting work tomorrow (Gasp!) and I am sure that is the start of a neutral rut for me. Granted I can still do 'heavier' looks on weekends but what I have learnt from my internship period is, I do prefer letting my skin rest on Saturday and Sundays. If I can help it I would wear little to no makeup since I am putting it on Monday - Friday.

Products Used:

FACE/BROW
Rojukiss BB Cream
Revlon New Complexion 2-way Whitening Foundation
K-palette Liquid Brow in 01
MAC Browset in Show Off

EYES
Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer
Models Prefer Must Have Shadow Compact
ELF Eye Transformers
NYX Single Shadow in Atlantic
28 Color Palette
K-palette Liquid Liner in Black (lining the lid)
MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved (lining lower lashline)
Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Neo Mascara
Za Cutie Curl Mascara in Long Lash

CHEEKS
Maybelline ExpertWear blush in Two to Glow

LIPS
Canmake Lip concealer in 01
NYX Round Lipstick in Circe
LA Girl Glitter Gloss in Crystal

Highlighted products had been provided to me by companies/distributors.

I don't normally do this but here's a shot of the items I had used on my eyes. I decided to include an explanation in this LOTD since I did 'throw-on-and-go' resulting in using a number of products rather randomly.

Here is a breakdown of the individual colors I used within the palettes/quads in terms of placement and all.

1. Models Prefer (Taupe Shade) -
Blend all over lid

2. ELF Transformers (Blue) -
Blend on outer 3/4 of the lid over Taupe shade

3. NYX Single Shadow in Atlantic -
Pat lightly on outer corner

4. 28 Color Palette (Off-white) -
place on inner corner of the eye

5. 28 Color Palette (Mid-Brown) -
Blend in crease where taupe/blue stops

6. 28 Color Palette (Beige-White) -
Highlight color

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Incase it seemed so, I haven't got my hair cut or anything, it was merely braided. The bits falling infront are the layers that tend to loosen themselves after awhile. Though I must say, I have been thinking of geting my hair cut at about shoulder-length... but of course I don't have the guts to. One day - one day I will cut it, I just haven't decided when.

I'll end this post with a photo of what I have on my nails right now.

A simple variation to the white french tips. I figured it's best to keep it simple for work (for now!) but I still wanted to make it look interesting at the same time. It is just something about french tips, I've always liked having them on.

Thank you all so much for reading and I'll see how often I can manage to update while working!

LOTD: Smokey Moss Green with a Dash of Lime

icyabstract — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:26:16 SGT

Lookie here!
I found photos of this Look of the Day that I somehow never managed to post. This was from quite awhile back (pre-auburn hair), I do like the look so belated or not I'll just post it up anyway!

I was in my neutral phase (since when I was ever out of it, right?) but I wanted to spruce up the look as well so I decided to throw in a pop of lime green.

Pardon the brows, looks like I didn't have time to fuss much with them during my final projects period.

Products Used:

FACE/BROW
Maquillage Lasting Stick Foundation UV
Lumiere Invisi-veil Powder (to set)
K-palette Brow Liner in 02

EYES
Etude House Proof 10 Primer
Benefit Creaseless shadow in Skinny Jeans
ELF Studio Eyeshadow in Mystic Moss
Revlon 12-Hour Colorstay Quad in Nude Elements
Rhomlon Eyeshadow in Black (tiny bit in outer corner)
28 Color Palette (highlight)
Silky Girl Funky Eyelights in Lime Green
MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Neo Mascara

CHEEKS
I Nuovi Blush in Dolly

LIPS
MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl
Elizabeth Arden High Shine Lipgloss in Tropicoral

Highlighted products had been provided to me by companies/distributors.

With this post I do want to mention that I have been loving the Elizabeth Arden High Shine Lipgloss in Tropicoral. It's this one right here, from the goodie bag that Elizabeth Arden had given to me.

I find it really comparable to the MAC Dazzleglasses in terms of the way it looks on, the shimmer and glitter but it's not as thick and not as sticky. Though my dilemma about this is that I think this color is a limited edition release?

I had wanted to blog about it and do a comparison on this to MAC's Smile Dazzleglass, but figured if it was limited edition it might be a little evil to do that? Let me know if you guys want that comparison or if you know if this shade is in stock etc.

I have browsed the other Elizabeth Arden High Shine Glosses and it seems the finish is different with different colors. Some are cream, some have shimmer, it seems to vary.

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Another mention, seems like Benefit's Creaseless Shadow in Skinny Jeans is getting a lot of love. See Chantana (everbluec) and Kim (ladeekim)'s recent LOTDs featuring this product.

Chantana - LOTF: Skinny Gazette
KIm - LOTD: Skinny Jeans

I do love that shade, it's great to slap it on alone or use it as a base color. I particulaly like using it under ELF's Mystic Moss eyeshadow since they are almost the same shade. Skinny Jeans tends to give Mystic Moss a stronger base and make it smokier-looking.

Thank you for reading!

When I am stress... I haul.

icyabstract — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:22:08 SGT

Which might explain the slight influx of hauls, When I get stressed out (usually from school) I end up seeking solace in either food or retail therapy. Though I don't have time to hit the stores, I manage to do it via the interwebz. Though when I get stress and I don't have time at all to surf, that's a totally different story and a very sad one at that.

But anyway these packages came a day apart, but since I knew I was going to receive them at about the same time I waited to do a collective haul entry. For some reason it seems like I am very home bound. If you have noticed all my recent haul entries are packages... I feel so reliant on the internet.

Package #1

I had bought these items from icefrost though It's a long story how I ended up buying from her. Well it's not that long but it can get rambly. ha. So yes I am back with my self-tanning mania. Even though I have a great self-tanning product that I love, I can't help but venture out and try more.

This package came in yesterday so I have tried the Coppertone Sunless Tanner out. It does produce a subtle tan effect, not entirely obvious but you can see a slight color change with just one application.

What surprised me was the product came out white, like a regular lotion.

I guess I had been too used to self tanners that come with a bronzer quality to them, this one is purely a gradual tanning lotion. The lotion does smell really good though, before the self tanner scent kicks in.

She was also really sweet to send me a little freebie

Getil Lentil Solid Shampoo sample from Lush. Absolutely cannot wait to try this out!

So that was the first package, moving on to the second one...

Package #2

Just got this one in today. Exciting~

A big thanks to Lin for informing me about this website that had a spree an ongoing ELF spree (and they still do, it's like massive spree website).

The main reason for me placing this order would have to be this lipstick:

Their Mineral Lipstick in Natural Nymph.

This was one of the shades that Lollipop26 had raved about not too long ago. The minute I saw the swatch of this or even the product picture on her blog, I knew that by hook or by crook I had to get my hands on it. Why? Just cause it's a nude lipstick (:

When looking at the lipstick in person, it reminds me a lot of MAC's Creme D'Nude. I whipped my Creme D'Nude out and did a group shot.

They look quite similar when placed along-side each other, but here's a lipswatch of Natural Nymph.

I find that this is more of a nude then Creme D'Nude is. I think it might be because Creme D'Nude is a bit pinkier on... or it just has a little more life to it. This is actually really pale!
I do like the texture of it, it's nice and smooth on though for this particular shade I think you need to work at getting it on. It's not something you can throw on and run out. You have to make sure it's sitting right and you didn't miss a spot, get rid of the 'lipstick-line', that sort of a thing. The color is really nice but not something I would wear on it's own. I think even for me, it's too much of an extreme nude and I look sick (like ill-sick) with it alone.

Next I picked up some single eyeshadows just to try out, since I was making an order.

Wild Wheat

I searched for swatches of the eyeshadows before purchasing and Wild Wheat was probably one of the shades that everyone says not to get because it doesn't show up. Not that the pigmentation sucks, it's just so much of a skintone shade that it's doesn't show up well, geddit? Personally, that is exactly the eyshadow shade I was looking for. Like with my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow, I wanted something that was nude on and skintoned with a nice pretty sheen.

Next eyeshadow shade I got was:

Mystic Moss

I got this because I thought it was quite a unique shade. It's like a grey at some angles and a moss green at others, really pretty!
Here are some swatches:

Non existent Wild Wheat... but you see the sheen!

So that's my little stress relief bundle right there. I would be lying if I said this is it... but this the bulk of it! ;)

Right so as usual I'm goint to go rush and get ready for my night classes, thank you all for reading!

LOTD: Jewel Beetle (feat. ELF Eye Transformers)

icyabstract — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:22:42 SGT

This was the look that I had worn yesterday, to the blogger party.
I didn't post it up yesterday because I was too tired to type another entry out. However, I did want to get this up eventually because I really like it and it features an pretty cool product.

The feature or main product used is the ELF Eye Transformers. It's a product from elf that looks like this, for those who haven't seen it:

The colors itself are rather pale pastel shades, when swatched alone they are sheer and don't provide much color. However, if you swatch these over a darker base (or I guess any color really, but it works best on darker shades), the ELF shadows literally transforms your base eyeshadows/cream shadows.
In this lotd, the colors that I used were the green (extreme left) and a bit of the gold/yellow/orange shade (2nd from left)

Products Used:
FACE
- Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
- Revlon Translucent Powder (to set)
- MAC Solar Riche bronzing powder

EYES
- Urban Decay Primer Potion
- MAC Eye Kohl in Tarnish (as a base on the lid)
- ELF Eye Transformers in Pastel Illusions - green and yellow gold shade
- Maybelline Eye Studio quad in Autumn Spirit - lightest color right at the inner corner
- Revlon Mineral Eyeshadow Trio in Sunlit Jade - green shade blended under the eye
- Rhomlon Eyeshadow in no.28 - black
- MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
- Majolica Majorca Lash Bone Primer
- L'ancome Fatale Mascara

CHEEKS
- MAC blush in Eversun
- ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance

LIPS
- MAC lipstick in Peachstock
- Majolica Majorca lipgloss in BE210

I took the photos with flash so the green is a bit washed out and isn't showing up as pretty as it actually is. Bummer.

I absolutely love how the green shade turned out over a black base. It almost looks like a blackened green and reminds me of the shade that reflects off some beetle 'shells'; that really opalescent green. I haven't tried the other side of the palette but I think this product is very interesting indeed. I have layered the yellow-gold over a medium and dark brown and it does give a nice effect.
I believe this is a great product to help transform some of your everyday looks to something a little different.

Random tidbit: I was actually inspired to whip this thing out after Kas gave a pretty indepth review about it coupled with gorgeous swatches of the product.

A quick note and update on the giveaway, I'll have the winners posted sometime tonight.
I have to be out and about running some errands but once I get home I'll type the entry out. I have already drawn the winners using random.org.
More info about that on the winners entry.

Thanks everyone for reading!

E.L.F. Studio Haul

icyabstract — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:55:49 SGT

FINALLY.
After this line had been raved about and talked about by so many people on the blogsphere and youtube-sphere, I've finally gotten my hands on it.

I participated in the ELF spree that Magical Tannsu held awhile back and had received my package a couple days ago (26th December, Blogger meet up day).
I've been a little too caught up with other stuff to resize the photos, so that's why this haul entry is up a little late. But I have already played around with some of these products in the past couple of days. I must say that I was truly excited in receiving this package as I've heard so much (good stuff) about majority of the products I got.

One thing I noticed as I was opening the packaging was that aside from the compact being similar to NARS, they have that little rigged insert as well.

I suppose some other makeup brands might too and I just haven't seen enough of 'the world'. But nothing to make a fuss of, it's meant to protect the compacts anyway, so... moving on.

Since you're already previewed it in the above photo, I might as well start with this product.

Eye Transformer
Said to be able to transform your shadows with the duo-chrome and irridescents. I've yet to try it out, but I am extremely excited to. I've swatched the yellow-beige shade and on it's own, it's actually a really nice light wash of color too.

Warm Bronzer
Lollipop26 raved about this product and immediately I'm sold. it is a bronzer afterall, and bronzers, I like. :D

Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder
This product was actually darker in person as compared to pictures I've seen of it
(meant to be a good thing). And yes another bronzer, is my love for bronzers obvious enough? haha.

Blush in Candid Coral

Eyebrow kit in Light
I got this in light because I remembered Xteeener saying the shade she got seemed a bit dark so I figured these ran a little darker. Thank goodness I got Light because it seemed just right for my current hair color albeit a bit red-toned (the 'wax' side).

Top to Bottom: Complexion Brush, Blush Brush, Powder Brush
The reason why the complexion brush is still in the package is because I wanted to keep it unopened. I had placed my ELF order before I received Kristina's gift package, and Kristina had given me the complexion brush. So I figured I would keep this one unopened and probably include it as a prize in future giveaways.

And here's a random thing that I had done.

Looking at the blush in the Blush & Bronzer Duo alongside Candid Coral, I felt that they seemed similar.

To confirm my suspicions of them possibly being the same or anything like that, I swatched them both and thankfully they aren't the same shade.

The blush in the Blush & Bronzer Duo is a bit more pink, while Candid Coral blush is little peachier.
Candid Coral I believe also contains a little more gold flecks in the compact as compared to the Blush & Bronzer Duo blush.

Super happy I finally got my hands on some ELF Studio items. Although the packaging is a rip-off from NARS, I do like how this one isn't a dust/powder magnet and I love the huge huge mirrors they have as well. At least ripping off that one fact is a good thing. (:

What are some ELF Studio products you've tried, love and think I should take a look at?

Tag: My Essential (Makeup) Kit

icyabstract — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:48:28 SGT

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

Collective: Mini Haul and Swap Items!

icyabstract — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:14:35 SGT

Here is a slightly belated collective entry.
I had received the packages just before my trip to Hong Kong but because I was too busy with wrapping up my schoolwork and packing for the trip, I didn't have time to take photos and update it on here.

Regardless I have a bit time of hand these days so I finally got it done.
Lets start out with the mini-haul first.

So it seems that I have been fairly obsessed with purchasing 'second-hand' makeup. Though there must be a seperate term for it. 'Second-hand' just doesn't sound right...
Anyway, so here is the 'second-hand' makeup item that I got.

MAC Fluidline in Macroviolet

It took me awhile to actually purchase it because this is a cream product so I wasn't really sure. I mean, powder product wise it's not a big deal to purchase second-hand, but for cream products it's a little scary in the hygiene department.
So I did check with the seller regarding how she used the product and in the end I just thought whatever, and got it.
Plus, it was a pretty good deal for however much product is in it and the color is gorgeous!
One thing that I would never buy second-hand would be lipglosses. Unless it's the case of a brand new second-hand, you get my drift?

The seller was also kind enough to throw in some freebies.

I haven't tried them all yet, but believe it or, the Buff'd blush in Fruity is an amazing color! It's got a stunning pink irridescent to it.

Moving on, I had also done a swap with Weiduo (owner of Magical Tannsu).
I do feel bad because I didn't send as much, as I sent the package over first.
She was such a doll to send me this many lovely items! So thank you, I do love them all! (:

First up, the brushes!

Top: Smashbox brush, not sure about the one at the bottom but it looks similar to the MAC 214.

Italian Badger flat top brush (don't know the exact names, I just totally made this up, haha).
I have been lemming for a brush like this and boy am I excited to finally own one!

The other makeup items I had received are:

ELF Liquid Lipstick in Cherry Tart

Left: Loose pink eyeshadow, no brand of
Right: Everyday Minerals loose shadow in Golden Medal

ELF Candyshop Lipgloss in Cherry Bomb.
The second one to my ELF tin gloss collection. Can I just mention how incredible these smell. It makes me want to just eat it! haha

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Lemon
My very first NYX Jumbo pencil! Yes, believe it or not.

Revlon Powder blush in Pink Blush

L'oreal Wear Infinite in Brazilian Bronze Duo.
I absolutely love this! I've tried it out a couple of times with different looks and that bronze-rustic shade there is definitely a favorite.

That is it! Since fall is supposedly all about dark and intense lips, lets see if I can break away from nude lips and slap on these gorgeous red lip treats.

On a side-note,
I'm almost done with sorting out the Hong Kong trip stuff, and I'm pretty sure I should be able to get up some updates tonight or at least tomorrow.
Definitely making progress with it! I know it's taking a while, but you guys will see why.

Thank you very much for reading!

ELF Review

icyabstract — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:31:08 SGT

I'm sure everybody knows of ELF or eyeslipsface as of now.
It's the infamous a dollar makeup that has supposedly taken over the makeup world by storm and has proven that sometimes makeup doesn't have to cost much to be effective.
But by saying that I don't mean that everything by ELF is good.

To find out what I think about the few ELF things that I own, check out my review videos:

ELF Product Review

Items talked about in this video:
Shielding Hydro Tint
Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder
Shimmering Facial Whip
All Over Color Stick
Natural Radiance Blusher
Therapeutic Conditioning Balm
Candy Shop Lip Tin
Duo Cream Shadow
Brightening Eye Color

ELF Brushes Review

Brushes talked about in this video:
Bronzing/Blush Brush
Foundation Brush
Blending Eye Brush
Eyeshadow Brush