Singapore shopping - Kenzoki and Burberry Beauty

Metro was having a 20% store-wide sale this week. Initially, I did not plan to buy anything except Chanel UV Essentiel and Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder. These are two stable items in my make-up routine and stocking them always gives me a peace of mind. However, recently, I am thinking of trying out sunscreens from other brands as the price of Chanel UV Essentiel is increasing to an unacceptable level. But again, I do not want to waste money on trying new products and eventually still have to go back to Chanel. It is a very disturbingly tiresome argument I was having with myself.

Anyway, I was in a very bad mood this week due to family matters. So I knew that I would, either spend a bomb shopping or walk home empty-handed. With that kind of mood, I went into Metro Paragon and headed straight to Kenzoki. Err? That sounded so out of the blue. Well, at the time, I suddenly remembered Kenzoki also had a suncreen (which brand does not have?) and a lot of customers seemed to ask for it last time when I was there checking out its moisturizers. So I thought I might want to see if the stock had come in (it had been out of stock in July).

When I reached the counter, the SA was the one had served previously and I had felt quite comfortable with her. I asked to test the suncreen on my hand to feel texture and if it left a white cast on my skin. Even though the product looked thick at first on my skin, when I spread the liquid, it took less than a minute to absorb into my skin and leave nothing behind. No white cast and stickiness. And the coverage seemed great, just a few drops to cover my forearm. I thought to myself, maybe worth a try. I asked the SA about the price. $61, compared with $73 of Chanel. That was great. "I will take the suncreen, thanks!"

But I did not stop at that. I did not feel satisfied, so the SA recommended other products from Kenzoki. In the end, I walked out of the counter with a night eye cream (for dark circles) and an exfoliator for my face. I had some from Origins (GWP and reward points) but I was having a withdrawal from those products. And Kenzoki scrub had very interesting texture. So yep, I gave these products a try. After all, I am pampering myself so it should be money well-spent.

But that was all I bought in Metro. Amazingly, I did not think about stocking Givenchy loose powder. I passed by the counter without a second thought. I guess I still had until end of this year to buy a new box.

My next focus was Tangs and the newly-opened Burberry Beauty counter. Why? Because I wanted to take a look at Burberry Beauty products, especially its blushes. I was reading beauty blogs the past few months and got hooked into this brand. I am a sucker for clean and classy packaging. That is why Chanel, Givenchy and Kenzoki call to me. The design of Burberry beauty products could not be any less perfect. So yeah, I needed to see them for myself to satisfy my eyes, and then tested the products to see if they were as wonderful as those bloggers described them to be.

The counter was situated near to MAC and the perfume section of Tangs Beauty Hall. And it was quite empty when I was there, which made me hesitant to approach the counter. I just wanted to check out the products, but I might not buy anything. And an empty counter might make that difficult as the SAs would have more focus to push you. Again, my depressing mood prompted me to go there. (Yep, I usually do many thing unreasonable when I am stressed.)

The SA serving me turned out to be very polite and nice. She asked me if I was interested in a particular product and my answer was blush. Due to two unfortunate accidents, my eyes are extremely sensitive and dry nowadays. I cannot put on eye make-up without irritating them, which means eye shadows, mascaras, eye liners, etc. are out of my focus. So when I shop for my make-up, they usually include liquid foundation, loose powder, blush, eye brow related stuff, lip sticks and blush. Since I was sick of my current blushes at home, I looked forward to exploring some new options at Burberry.

Singapore counter seemed to carry all the light glows (that was what Burberry calls its blush) which were available on the UK website. This means more than what is offered on Singapore website. And the SA recommended Tangerie (No. 6) and Blossom (No. 5) to me. After trying both on my cheeks, I wanted to buy both colors. One interesting point about the blushes was that they looked quite different from the pan and on my cheeks. And different in a good way. The texture was another winning point, velvet and pigmented. What else could I expect from a blush? I was sold. But which color should I choose? After asking me a few more questions, the SA convinced me to take Tangerie as most of my current blushes were pink tone. Tangerie would give my blushes a variety.

So yeah, I happily took Tangerie home with me, after parting 61 bucks at the cashier. The price was high, but it was comparable with Chanel. Also, after I checked the website, the pricing in Singapore was quite compatible with other countries carrying the line, which made me even happier. And you will definitely see me at the next Tangs 12% sale.

Here are some shots I took of the blush. Beautiful, isn't it? However, due to my lousy iPhone camera, the color of the blush was not reflected well in the picture. It is the best to see it in real life.

Singapore shopping - Shu Uemura and Chanel

Even though I am under pretty strict budget for shopping recently, Chanel always manages to blow my resolution out of the window. Earlier in July, I had bought a liquid foundation from the brand, at full price, just after a makeover. It is Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup SPF 15 and I have not started using it. I will change to it after finishing my current tinted moisturizer from Nuskin. Hopefully I won't need to feel regretted over buying it.

Anyway, Metro was having its 20% sale last week (end of July) and I wanted to stock my Chanel sunscreen, my holy grail product at the moment. But the price has been increased, again, which made me thinking of exploring other options. Really, from $69 in 2009, to $70 in 2010, and now, the price has hiked up to $73. That is very ridiculous for a daily product (even if it is necessary). But I am afraid of wasting more money to try other brands and in the end I have to come back to Chanel. At least right now, as long as there is a 20% discount, I feel less painful to swipe my card.

Aside from the sunscreen, I wanted to buy a couple of brushes, powder and blush. One thing I never try to save money on is brushes. A good brush makes a huge difference in your make-up. And finding a good powder brush is the biggest challenge to me. It's easier to find my favourite blush brushes. Most established brands offer good blush brushes. I'm using YSL and Shu Uemura blush brushes and they have been working well for me so far. However, when it comes to loose powder/face brushes, that is another story altogether. I have tried Rouge Bunny Rouge, Giorgio Armani and Japanese hand-crafted brushes. Even though they are not bad, I still feel unsatisfied when using them everyday. That was why I wanted to buy Chanel brushes. If they are good, I could finally stop looking around. And if they are bad, well, at least I get these products from the brand out of my system. But you know what? When I finally decided to buy these brushes, Chanel had also decided to stop selling them. Something about a new range of brushes being launched in a month or so. Damn! In the end, I had to settle for a Shu Uemura face brush. And planning to buy Kanebo's Lunasol brushes the next time Metro having its 20% sale in September.

Because I didn't buy any brush from Chanel, I felt a need to buy something else. And last week, the Fall 2011 has just arrived to the store. So obviously, I took a look at what was offered. As I don't do eye make-up and the cheek color isn't appealing much to me, I set my eyes on nail polished. Wow, that was what my first thought. At first look, I liked all three colors. They all looked beautifully when I tried on my nail (with tape underneath, of course!). However, Peridot caught my eyes and I knew I had to have it. No thinking was required. I don't have any duo chrome color in my collection and the term "limited collection" also helped to push me to the cashier. So yep, I left the store with my Chanel Peridot Le Vernis and sunscreen that night.

For the other two colors, Quartz is pretty but I don't feel it is special enough for me to fork over 28 bucks for it (that is after 20% discount). Though I was hesitating about Graphite. I really like the color but I didn't know if the Paul & Joe bottle I had bought previously could be duped for it. So I didn't buy Graphite and went home. However, I kept thinking about it. Reading nail polish blogs blogging and raving about it didn't help either. That Paul & Joe bottle doesn't seem to be a dupe either. So yeah, I went back to the store the next day to get my share of Graphite, with 20% discount still in effect. If not, $36 for a bottle of nail polish is too extravagant for me.

Above are two new members of my collection. I haven't done any manicure or pedicure with them yet. But I think it will be pretty soon. Singapore has no season so I usually wear my colors based on my mood. And right now, my mood is duo chrome and graphite.

Note: I have just done a manicure with Peridot and a pedicure with Graphite. I have no photo for you as I am no good at taking picture of my nails and toe nails. But I've gotta say I love both the colors. Peridot looks gorgeous, ever changing itself whenever the light hits. Obviously it isn't an appropriate office color but due to the nature of my job, it doesn't really matter much. I could wear it anytime the muse strikes me. Graphite is very metallic but strangely more office-friendly. Even though it's less interesting than Peridot, it's a beautiful and amazing color to have. BTW, it seems Peridot has been sold out at Takashimaya. I haven't checked at Paragon, Isetan and other places. But if you are a Chanel lover or nail polish lover, better run to those stores and grab a bottle for yourself.

Nail polish of the week: Chanel Illusion d'or

One of my favourite past times is having manicure and pedicure. I have my nails done every two weeks. I know it sounds luxurious outside Vietnam but I think I could forgo some other indulgences for this.

Of course, together with manicure and pedicure, my love for nail polishes has heightened. People might say it is a waste of money to buy your own if you go to the shop and have your nails done there. But think about it, sometimes you really love a particular colour, but your shop does not carry it or just finishes it. What should a girl do? Stock my own nail polishes, certainly! And once you start doing that, it is easy to get out of hand. The next thing I know, I have quite a collection. Well, as long as I feel happy, I guess I could justify for anything. Hahhaha... very lame but who cares? If I can't even make myself happy, who can?

A few brands of nail polishes that I love are OPI, Orly and Essie. And thanks to online retailers, I managed to buy them at a very low price, which I buy quite a lot every time I decided to order. But Chanel is different, and unless you want to buy from eBay with a ridiculously marked-up price, I have to buy the colors I love once they are just released (which are usually from limited collections). Yes, SGD35 for a bottle of color varnish is a bit too high, but whenever I think about Chanel Jade last year, I have a motivation to take out my card.

So... for this summer, I have bought this Chanel Illusion d'or:It is a sparkling gold color and very sheer. And I love it. I can wear it alone or mix it with another color, based on my mood. And yes, this is for my hands. I have a weird obsession, darker colors for my toe nails; sheer or nude colors for my finger nails. And if you are wondering whether I am wearing it, the answer is a big YES.

My new favourite make-up item...

... is Chanel Rouge Coco in Orchidee
My make-up routine is very simple. Foundation (liquid and powder), eye brows and blush. I don't put on eye make-up as my eyes are very sensitive and dry, and when I put on beauty products, they irritate my eyes to the extent that I might need to see the doctor's. So better safe and boring than being sorry. That's sad, I know.
Also, I am not a lipstick girl. I often forget my lipstick or gloss, feeling content with my lip balm. Not only that, the lipsticks I have are of those safe colors, which don't really inspire much.
But fortunately (and unfortunately for my wallet), I love Chanel beauty products and naturally I am very curious about whatever the brand releases each season. Last year was Rogue Allure which I really like with its abundance of moisturizer. This year we have Rouge Coco and I couldn't ignore it, could I? And I don't want to play safe anymore. I am in the mood of looking for something different, something not me (partly). And I love red (which you could have guessed). That's why I have bought Orchidee.


It is a warm but bold pink shade but looks good on me. I have been wearing for 2 days and for the first time in my life, I could see another color on my lips after lunch time. And I have the desire to wear it everyday. So yeah, it is my new fav!

I'm a shower gel freak...

that's why I ordered a total of 10 body care items...

5 of them have arrived my friend's house... Mine were the boxes which were red-circled. Other items are from other spree-ers. Mine hasn't reached to Singapore yet. Hhahaha... I might post them, though. If you request so nicely...

The parcel was so big, bigger than an A4-sized magazine

What were inside it were more special

5 paper-wrapped unknown items (to you only. Of course I knew what they are...) and a VS catalogue with a super duper sexy Alessandra Ambrosio on the cover. A bonus from Amanda babe... Inviting? Yessssss.... VS bras, I'm so expecting you...

My perfume collection

For me, buying perfume or scented spray is proved to be difficult. I didn't have a habbit to use one when I was young as perfume was a luxury to me at that time. Like every girl, I love to smell great and hence the need to own some EDPs has been arising for some time. But somehow I'll get allergic to the spray after a while. It seems like I can separate the alcoholic smell from the scent which causes me headade. If this happens, I'll feel obligated to throw away the bottle and it's such a waste of money.

Back to the main topic, I ain't so passionate in collecting perfumes. I buy what I deem I can use for various occasions and there's a pattern in what I've bought so far. But let's see what they are first, okie?

• Chanel No. 5 EDP

My forever most favorite perfume in the world. It's a classic for a reason.

"The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; the fullest expression of the perfumer's art. The most elegant way to wear fragrance. The classic bottle signifies personal luxury and is an attractive addition to any dressing table.

Aldehydic floral. A bouquet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity.

Launches with bewitching notes of Ylang-Ylang and Neroli, then unfolds with Grasse Jasmine and May Rose. Sandalwood and Vanilla round out the fabled composition with unforgettable woody notes."

I simply love the powdery scent and the long-lasting staying power. EDP was costly but worth every cent.

• Very Sexy for her by Victoria's Secret EDP

Recommended to me by a friend and be a part of my collection since last year.

"Vibrant and sensuous, it's the ultimate fragrance for the woman who loves everything about being a woman.

Fragrance type: floral oriental
Top notes: pimento, clementine, cactus flower
Middle notes: camellia, hydrangea, mimosa
Low notes: white amber, musk, vanilla, blackberries"

This is a hell of strong parfum. Just 3 sprays and the smell lasts for 2 days. Yes, 2 days! That's why if you buy a 100ml (3.4oz), you can use it for 3 years. Not that I'm complaining.

• Burberry Tender Touch EDP

Bought in a perfume fair in TSC. Super cheap, $40+ for 100ml EDP.

"An intensely floral, feminine blend of green tangerine and violet leaves, rose oil, lychee, peach, and lush florals warmed with the soothing scent of musk, iris, sandalwood, and ambrette seed"

Like the name, the fragrance's very light and not too long-lasting. Suitable for feeling refeshed in the morning and then change to another scent when going out in the evening. I haven't used up to one third of the bottle. 100ml is too much though.

• Cool Water Women by Davidoff EDT

Again, bought this in that perfume fair at TSC. $21 for 50ml EDT. Quite a bargain, compared with retail price @ $70.

"Evoke sensations of vitality, energy, and sensuality. This fresh aquatic, with notes of citrus, water lily, jasmine, peach, and sandalwood, is presented in a signature ice blue bottle, designed like a delicate droplet of water."

This is one of those I've got allergic after using it a few times. Keep smelling that damn alcohol-esque smell. I haven't used it again for about 2 years. Just remember feel quite refreshed and clean.

• Max Mara Perfume by MaxMara EDP

This was bought in a coffret set, inclusive 1 bottle of shower gel and a 50 ml EDP, at a warehouse sale. Super cheap, again. Yes, I'm cheapskate, I know!

"The first perfume from the fashion house of Max Mara.

Simply elegant, sophisticated blend of florals. Top notes include, ctirus, ginger and plant sap, then blend off into lily, magnolia and orchid. Finishing off with musk, sugar cane and wood.

Maxmara is recommended for evening wear."

There is a reason for the last sentence. The fragrance is too strong to wear in the morning as it'll abuse my sensitive nose and cause me a killer headache. But it seems quite mature for me to wear at the moment. Hheheh. This is one example of impulsive purchase.

• Garden Collection by Victoria's Secret EDT Spray in Vanilla Lace

A gimmick when buying 1 body care set of Garden Collection by VS which means FREE. But this doesn't mean it's bad in any sense.

"A rich, sensual blend of vanilla and orchid with hints of amber and musk"

This is for whenever I feel so blah or no mood to put on anything too expressive. A must-have in my bag.

• Dream Angels by Victoria's Secret® Heavenly EDP (soon to be added)

As you can see, all my perfumes have 1 thing in common. They all have a sweet fragrance. Most of them have musk or vanilla or sandalwood in the notes. When I bought these, I didn't notice any of this. But my nose was more concious than my mind, wasn't it?

My wish has been granted

My 4th wish has been fulfilled...

It's been ordered last night and will reach me end of next month, half month before my b-day. This will be hand-carried from the States back to Vietnam as perfume has been banned from being shipped overseas at Victoria's Secret. Also, together with the EDP, I'll be receiving a gift bag with 4 beauty samplers (to be shared with Tracy), thanks to an offer code. So excited!!!

Let's see its description

"America's #1 Fragrance. Soft, creamy, smooth blend of white peony and white musk.

Fragrance type: vanilla oriental
Top notes: quince, cardamon, wild ivy, mandarin
Middle notes: waterlily, white peony, freesia, iris, violet, poppy
Low notes: white musk, sandalwood, orchid vanilla"

I've got a pic of the gift bag...

Double yayyyy!!!

I've got a mail...

Or a parcel? My maiden spree ordered, received from VS...

Do they look VERY SEXY?

Mine are the Very Sexy Mosaic Blush in love life and Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in my cherry amour. My friend told me the lip gloss tasted like a cherry candy. Uhmmm... I don't particularly like cherry flavour... But who cares? Now I'm so happy with this that I feel my stress gone away. Talking about retail therapy...hahhaha

My spree list

This is for me to keep track on what I'm spreeing...

OPI @ 11 April 07 (shared with Tracy)

R39 Rose Petals (shared)
A48 Fit For A Queensland (shared)
T02 Black Onyx (Tracy)
H02 Chick Flick Cherry (Tracy)
W42 Lincoln Park After Dark (Tracy)
OPINTT30 Top Coat

Direct shipping

8 May - Arrived to Singapore & ready for distribution

11 May - Mailed to my provided address

Victoria's Secret #1 @ 11 April 07 (Shared with Tracy)

Garden Collection Luxurious Shower Gel in Amber Romance (x3)
Garden Collection Skin-Silkening Body Lotion in Amber Romance (x1)
Garden Collection Ultra-Softening Body Butter in Amber Romance (x1)

Direct shipping

5 May - Arrived to Singapore

Too heavy (more than 2kg) to be posted by registered mail --> Eva considering on speedpost or meeting up --> opt for meet up when coming back to Singapore end of next month

7 May - Confirmed to meet up with Eva --> sms her once I'm back to Singapore

Victoria's Secret # 2 @ 14 April 07 (Share with T.Ha)

Very Sexy® Makeup Mosaic Blush in love life
Very Sexy® Makeup Finishing Powder Duo in f73 - m05 (medium 5) (T.Ha)
Beauty Rush™ Lip Gloss in na3 - my cherry amour (x2) (T.Ha x1), e33 - lotta colada (x1) (T.Ha)

Using VpostUSA for shipping

27 April - Arrived VpostUSA

3 May - Waiting for arrival at spree organizer's residence

6 May - Ready for distribution

7 May - Mailed to my provided address

8 May - Mail arrived, pics taken, will post it later!!!

Victoria's Secret # 3 @ 3 May 07

Garden Collection Luxurious Shower Gel in 29f - forever romance
Garden Collection Stimulating Body Scrub in 259 amber romance
Garden Collection Limited Edition Blossoming Romance Shower Gel
Garden Collection Stimulating Body Scrub in 29f - forever romance
Garden Collection Ultra-Softening Body Butter in 29f - forever romance

Direct shipping

Expected date of arrival - 4 June 07

My skin is expensive...

...because of this Chanel Purete Mat in 20 Sable Mat... FYI, I have a combination/oily skin for my face which is very irritating and acne-prone. I always joke with my friends that all the oil in my body is concentrated on my face and that's why my hands, my body skin and my feet are very dry! And it's not because I don't drink enough water, let me tell you, I drink 2-3 litres of water daily. Anyway, return to the topic, my facial skin is very hard to handle and I really can't afford to have breakouts. So what will a sensible girl like me to do? Of course I invest a lot on my foundation, either liquid or powder. Since I started working, I have been looking for the best solution and I somewhat achieved it. Until last year, I've been using Nu Color Liquid Finish SPF 15 in Pink Ochre and Shiseido Luminizing Powdery Foundation o20 altogether and I was really happy with it. My face looked radiant after I applied and I didn't have any breakout in a long time. And even the cost was high, I was still happy to spend on it.

So now what had happened? Well, just say I've passed my Nu Color liquid foundation to my mom as she was running out of hers because I had forgotten to get a new one from The Body Shop and you know what? She loves it which makes me very happy as I can use it together with her when I am in Vietnam. But now I'm in Singapore, so I have to use some Kanebo liquid foundation which I bought sometime ago in VN on impulse instead. I am really worried 'cos this Kanebo thingy is not water-based. Yes my friends, Nu Color is water-based which doesn't clog your pores when you have it on all day and make your makeup feel light and natural. Hence you'll see me to buy Nu Color on friday after work.

I think you are wondering what happened to Shiseido and why I am using Chanel instead. Well, as a sensible girl, I am very conscious about prices (I know some of you are rolling your eyes upon reading it but I am, alright?). Like most of travellers, I prefer buying cosmetics in those duty free counters in the airport even though I just save a few bucks. But a few is also money, right? However, the Shiseido counter at Changi Airport didn't have it and the SAthere had let me know they wouldn't carry this range of product anymore in the future. She couldn't confirm with me if in-town Shiseido counters is still having it either. So I was really upset then, which is very dangerous for my purse. And that was true in this case as Chanel was located next to Shiseido of all the places. I was looking at their products then a SA appeared and offered her help. In fact, I intended to get Chanel's T-Mat long time ago as it offers T-zone shine control. However, since the price in DFS was almost the same as those sold in town, I was quite skeptical about buying one. Somehow, I asked her about pressed powder and was introduced to Purete Mat which is the product of combining T-Mat and Chanel's finish powdery foundation. So BAM... there you have me standing thinking pretty hard if I should have it. Check the price! 58.5$, cheaper than their normal pressed powder and I still can have some shine control from it. Afterwards, you can see me being ushered to the cashier by the SA to pay for it, of course.

Anyway, after 1 week using, my feedback is positive. I'm really happy with it and have been reccommending it to my friends. But really, my skin makes my purse much lighter