Awhile ago if you told me to try a blue eyeshadow look on a spec-cy day out, I would have went "madness, no!".

For no particular reason except I personally feel my frames + my face + my hair + my eyes will equate to this hot mess of a situation if I tried anything out of my neutral-ish comfort zone when wearing frames. I know that veterans who don makeup with frames are probably laughing at my situation.

Though after that little contact lens hiatus (due to my late order), I had no choice but to spice up my looks with color since I was so bored of wearing brown every - single - time!

Ever since then, I've been more open to color behind frames!

It looks like I'm ready to doze off, see what I mean by perpetual tired-ness!

The look isn't intensely colored but it's color all the same! Though one thing I am still not adapting well to is mascara with frames. This is just beyond my comfort zone, not just in looks as my lashes tend to 'glide' against the frames and it irks me so much I blink uncontrollably.

Anyone else with this issue?

Products Used:

BROW/FACE
SANA New Born Lasting W Brow in LB3
Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Serum
Leaders Clinic Medieu Sun Cream
Biotherm BB Cream
Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact (Crystal)

EYES
Urban Decay Primer Potion
NYX Eyeshadow base in Skintone
KATE Eyeshadow in GN-1
Eyerockz Eyeshadow in Laguna (center of lids)
CLIO Pen Liner in black
MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved

CHEEKS
MAC Mineralized Blush in Happy Together

LIPS
Make Up Store lipstick in Bare

Highlighted products were provided by companies/distributors,
I was not obliged to use/feature them in LOTDs.

I can't help but noticed the huge chunk of provided products in the Product list. Oops, completely unintentional and I was just grabbing items as I did the look.

Though one item to point out is that I wore the Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact in this look! While I haven't prepared a proper review post, I thought I would post up this quick shot I took before I added any blush on or highlighting agent on. It was purely foundation plus some contour.

Little itty bitty breakouts but overall I like how the complexion already appears brightened and enhanced! Even in the post-blush pictures, it shows a brightened complexion which I really love with Maqui Blanc be it new or old.

Lastly, can we talk about how sorry my hair looks now?

It is in a 'I don't know what to do with it' state because it's getting long and irritating plus the color is fading back to this disastor.

Hopefully, hopefully all that will change with a visit to the salon this weekend. Keeping my fingers crosse that hair-enthusiasts no longer have to cringe when seeing photos of me on here!

Thanks for reading, TGIF!

Last year, Lancôme introduced the Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact, which I talked about and showcased then. During that period, while I loved the product, I was not able to fully relish and appreciate it due to my on-again off-again breakouts (stabilizing skin, grr). Aside from a LOTD feature, I didn't post or review much about it.

These days, my skin has gotten so much better and if not for my dark circles, I might actually embrace heading out foundation-less altogether. I have some acne scars and pigmentation but *pshhh*, what's life without some battle scars.

Anyway, my point of this post is that Lancôme had recently reformulated the Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact and coincidentally I had unearthed my sample from last year sometime in February (this year) and started embracing the full awesome-ness of this product.

The new formulation, or rather the 2012 version is said to have more benefits and more added perks compared to the 2011 one, which I was already starting to love. While I haven't officially jumped ships yet (tried the new one once or twice but still using the old), I will give you a run-down of the information first.

This may run off to be a lengthy or wordy post but trust me when I say I truly do love this foundation, 2011 offering or not.

❧

With a slight modification to the full name of this product, the Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact Crystal Brightening Creator SPF 35 PA +++ (yes, that is the full name) incorporates Lancôme's latest technological advances in both makeup and skincare.

While I could go into the low-down and give you the full blast of information, maybe not everyone is keen on knowing the low-down in detail. So here, in point form, is what to look out for in this new compact 'o powder.

• Incorporates the Lancôme patented Aura-Inside™ technology, first introduced with Teint Miracle.
• Enriched with purple light essence to combat dull yellow undertones and sallow-ness for an overall brightened appearance.
• Enhanced skincare benefits with the inclusion of Rose and Mint extract, along with Lotus extract, a valued anti-oxidant and moisturizing agent, popular with traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Optimized resistance to sebum and shine - no oxidizing!
• Sweat resistant
• Smudge resistant (which is super cool from what I have seen)
• Visibly reduces the appearance of pores by 43%

So that's the quick rundown of the qualities to this compact. Of course, not forgetting the ultra finely milled powder that feels very soft and light on the skin.

Like-wise with Lancôme's other compacts, I love how the refill pack is 'clipped' into the pan, instead of having to fuss with peeling the glue off etc.

Incase you are curious, here is the minor full name difference between the new and the old.

The new one being further back and the older one (2011) being in the front. It was previously known as 'Natural Brightening Creator' but has been changed to 'Crystal Brightening Creator' now.

Reason being, the purple light essence creates a unique quadraple light synergy that not only eliminates yellow undertones but brightens the skin, giving it a dazzling crystal aura.

Imagine the purple essence effect on top of the already complexion enhancing Aura Within™ technology!

Of course, when talking about Lancôme's powder compact, one cannot leave out the duo-sponge that was first introduced with the Maqui compact last year. I think I have given this sponge enough coverage the last time but here it is again:

A soft porous spongey side

Smooth and fluffy side

I cannot stress how in love I am with the soft, smooth and fluffy side.

Previously only available if you purchase the foundation refills, Lancôme has seen the popularity of these little buggers and are selling the sponges individually at S$3 a piece.

While brief, I believe this covers the main gist and introduction of this product. To lighten this word-filled post and to showcase this in a way that my continuous descriptions can't, here are some video demos of the product's claims in action (videos courtesy of Lancôme).

Pore blurring demonstration

Sweat Resistant demonstration

Sebum Resistant Demonstration

Lastly, Lancôme currently has a limited edition compact design with delicate motifs inspired by Rose spring blossoms.

Like the normal compacts, this also comes to a shut with a magnetic and hinge pull, which means no clicking or 'pushing' to open the palette. The palette doesn't spill out or open filmsily in the makeup pouch either and I like this mechanism, very chic!

The Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact Crystal Brightening Creator is available at all Lancôme counters starting April 2012. The refill retails for S$65 and the Limited Edition compact at S$27.

One can also opt for a Flash Makeover (with Teint Miracle Compact or Maqui Blanc) at any Lancôme counters! If compact powders aren't your thing, you can also request for a free sample of a liquid foundation of choice. *
*While the offer lasts!

If you have any questions about this compact, feel free to leave it below and I will address it in my upcoming review of it! I will post an update / review about this product as soon as I manage - busy times ahead - but till then, thank you so much for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.