The thing I love most about Spring is all the amazing colours it brings. Bright, cheery colours that you can add to your palette, both in your make up and your wardrobe. After attending the P&G Beauty Debate with Sarah from facesbysarah, I’d say I was on the right track for my Spring 2012 colour palette during my New Year visiting!

Experts from the beauty panel predicts several colour trends for Spring 2012 including:
- Sand Dunes: Everything to do with luxurious naturals, nudes.
- Visible Aura: Glossy healthy sheen with lots of natural shine.
- Tango: Bold strong colours like black/daring pink. Lots of lace. Inspired by Latin America.
- Beauty Graffiti: To do with DIY and personalization. Colour splashes in an artful way.

These trends can be incorporated to both fashion and beauty so I decided to pull a little bit of the above 4 Spring 2012 colour trends during my Chinese New Year by getting this very beautiful teal Greecian Slant from The Velvet Dolls and coral Dipped Back Flare Dress from Jipaban! Going bold with colour splashes!

As for my hair and makeup, I decided to go for a more natural, healthy look in tune with the Visible Aura Spring 2012 trend. Light eye makeup and a healthy flush of colour on the cheeks and lips was in order to match my coral dress. Then I top all that off with highlighters on the cheeks and nose bridge for a truly visible aura!

Face of the day
Face
Inglot Under Makeup Base
Bobbi Brown Colour Corrector in Dark to Medium Bisque
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer
Burberry Beauty Sheer Foundation Luminous Fluid Foundation
MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
MAC Pinch-o-peach blush
Sephora Sculpting Disk

Eyes
Too Faced Smokey Eye Palette
MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner
Acuvue 1-Day Define Contact Lens in Vivid
Maybelline Define-a-Lash Volumizing Mascara

Lips
Rimmel London Full Colour Lip Liner Definer in Pure
Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in 380

The beauty and hair trend for Spring 2012 is all about hair being free to move with a glossy, healthy bounce. So to emulate the clean, freshly washed yet polished look, I ironed my hair out, worked some hair serum for a shiny finish and spritz a wee bit of hairspray just to hold it all down. Dont overdo the hairspray because hair needs to be light and made but not overdone!

Will you be incorporating any of the Spring 2012 Colour and Beauty Trends in your fashion and beauty routines this year? Which ones will you pick?

Then, everyone started talking about the Sally Hansen Salon Effects real nail polish strips while I stubbornly resisted them. I continued resisting them because I was happy being old school and painting my nails. But eventually, I succumbed. I decided I would try out the Cut It Out floral design for Spring 2012. Flowers on my nails couldnt be better for the New Year! Plus, Watsons was having a 20% off the nail strips, so I only paid about SGD15 from the original SGD17.50! Yipee for discounts!

In each pack, you’ll find 16 nail stickers for you to find the perfect fit, a nail stick, mini nail file/buffer and detailed instructions; everything you need to DIY a salon effect manicure. Application of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects real nail polish strip is easy enough that I managed to perfect the application by the 4th nail. It’s really a simple technique of stick-and-go.

Peeling the strip off its backing, you’ll realise the strips are really quite thin and flimsy and need to be handled with care. But if you make a mistake pasting the rounded part at the base of your nail, you can gently wean the nail polish strip off your nail and readjust it without any loss in stickiness. Oddly enough, as much as I thought these were just stickers, they smell exactly like nail polish, though not as strong. I guess that’s why they call them real nail polish strips.

Because the strips are so thin, instead of buffing them like the instructions recommend, you can actually tear them off at the edges. On the first few applications, I made the mistake of pulling the Sally Hansen Salon Effects real nail polish strips a wee bit too much thinking they’d adhere better. But all I really did was tear the strip a little bit. Lol. I eventually found out a gentle tug is all that’s needed to ensure smooth and bubble-free application.

The Sally Hansen Salon Effects real nail polish strips are slated to last for up to 10 days but I couldnt decide if it was because of my weak nails or my rough and tumble that the nail polish strips chipped off at the nail edges like regular nail polish does within three days. I resorted to applying a top coat and to my surprise, found that I really liked the effect of the shine on the nail polish strips. It gave the nail polish strips a better finish. Perhaps if I had applied a top coat earlier, it would have preserved the condition of my Salon Effect manicure for longer.

Removal of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips is identical to how you would remove real nail polish: you’ll have to remove them using a nail polish remover! My only gripe about the Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips is the fit of the strips on the nails. Sometimes they dont cover your entire nail breadth-wise.

Otherwise, I simply love the ease of application of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects and the no dry-time. On top of that, you get all sorts of intricate designs without having to sit through 2 hours in the nail parlour. I think I’m going to search for more of these nail polish strips.

Have you tried the Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips or any variation of these nail stickers? Would you give up your nail polish for them?

That’s when I like to turn to what I call my 5 minute make up. Technically, it doesnt actually take 5 minutes but it’s easy enough that it sure looks like it. The focus of this simple day make up look is a a fresh, clean face. You want to look like you got out of bed and look this naturally beautiful every single day. Dark eye rings are a big no-no, so concealer and colour corrector IS. A. MUST.

If anyone were to ask me how to get rid of dark undereye circles, I’d have to say colour corrector or corrective concealers is the secret to getting rid of dark eye circles. Concealer seems like a misnomer because concealer actually lightens instead of changing the colour of dark eye rings. It’s all about neutralizing with colours.

For instance, if you have redness on your face, you’d want to use a green make up base to help reduce this redness, while a purple make up base can help correct yellow-colored skin. So depending on your dark-eye rings (either blue or grey-blue), you’ll need to the get the corresponding neutralizing colour to really rid your makeup face of dark under eye circles. Hip hip hooray to not having two white patches under your eyes anymore!

Here’s a look at the products I used in this simple day makeup video:
Face
Bare Minerals Matte Powder Foundation *
Bobbi Brown Colour Corrector in Dark to Medium Bisque *
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer *
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder
Sephora Sculpting Disk

Eyes
Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad
MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner
Maybelline Define-a-Lash Lengthening Mascara

Lips
Bare Minerals Lip Gloss in Chiffon

* must-haves for getting rid of dark under-eye rings

The first time I shot with Jipaban was last December for their December Editor’s Pick. It was a special shoot because it was a Power Blogger Editor’s Pick and we had special guests from Parenting blog OurEverydayThings on set at the shoot! Mommy Leonny came with her three little darlings in tow.

Baby Brie is a sweetheart. We had so much fun playing with her because she is such a well-behaved and darling girl. Not only was Mommy Leonny featured in December’s Editor’s Pick. Baby Brie was photographed alongside her two other elder siblings in the Jipaban Gift pick! It was a shoot full of laughs and smiles because they are all naturals in front of the camera.

For the women’s section, Mommy Leonny and I were featured in various outfits! And we had access to all of Jipaban’s awesome accessories and clothes because we shot in their warehouse. Everyone loves to be surrounded by gorgeous loads of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories!

December was also a special month because I was featured on their banner for Christmas!

And now less than a month later, I’m featured on their Chinese New Year banner too!

The shoot for the Chinese New Year lookbook happened over last weekend. It was again one full of shoes, bags, accessories and lovely new clothes for the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities. Although it was a long shoot, I had sooo much fun shooting with new models: beautiful Sam, the face of Jipaban Clara and a guy model, James!

We shot on location at a house that was all perfectly set up for Chinese New Year. Because you can see the full lookbook on the Jipaban website here, I’m going to show you some of my favourite unreleased shots with Sam! We spent so much time together at the shoot together, she almost feels like a sister to me now. I posted a photo of us together and some people commented that we even looked alike!

And as a testament to how close we’ve become… Awwww.

Back to minerals
I have this thing with mineral makeup. Just as beauty and fashion trends come and go, my love affair with mineral makeup is seasonal. Mineral make up brands like bareMinerals and Everyday Minerals have been in my make up case for quite a while now. I used to swear by mineral foundation previously but found the loose powder format for mineral products a wee bit too messy, especially when it came to foundation or blushes.

Now in 2012, I’m going back to all that mineral goodness and I’m starting the year off with a brand new mineral foundation from bareMinerals! They never used to have bareMinerals in Singapore but the brand can now be found in Sephora Singapore! Yayyy! I havent seen a line of mineral lipglosses here yet (bareMinerals and Everyday Minerals have it at their online stores), but Watsons Singapore carries Rachel K Cosmetics mineral lip plumpers.

Taking better care of my skin
This sounds like a really general statement. And if it’s anything that I’ve learnt regarding making resolutions, is that it should never be a general one. Always make it specific. So what I really mean by the statement above is: just like how I go for regular facials to maintain my skin’s health, I’m going to take the effort to consult a skin doctor to keep my skin in tip top condition in 2012! I think anti-aging will be my focus this year. I want to look forever 21. Lol.

Better body care
We often spend so much time and effort taking care of the skin on our faces and neck, but hardly take the time to pamper the rest of our bodies. This year if I’m not in a spa, I’ll be using expert formulas from Britian’s spa professionals to give myself a good scrub every week or so! Boots Asia carries Champneys Spa Indulgence and these things smell so good I could eat them.

The coarse scrub of the Oriental Opulence Body Glow does wonders for your skin. I love the coarse texture of the scrub because it removes dead skin effectively to leave behind soft baby skin. And the body cream! Rich luxury in a tub. Mmm… Delicious. Did I already mention how the products leaves you smelling as though you walked through a daisy field? Now if only I could get someone to do all that for me at home just like a real spa. Hmmm….

Pay more attention the expiry dates on beauty products
Through all these years, products come and sometimes they dont go. When we use a product and decide we dont like it, what do you do with them? I’m guilty of sometimes leaving them there past their beauty expiry dates without bothering to throw them out. I’m glad I dont use them past their expiry dates, but I’m going to be more diligent about throwing things out if they’re expired. It’s time to clear the clutter!

These 4 beauty resolutions dont seem all that difficult to adhere to. And now that I’ve got them down in writing it’ll be easier for you guys to police me! I’m going to make a real effort!

What are your beauty resolutions for 2012?

Truth be told, I dont know where to start on reflecting because 2011 has been a year full of ups and downs. The reflection was meant to review the year of Singapore Beauty Blog dweam.com, but there are several momentous experiences that happened in the year 2011 that should be included, one of which obviously was winning the Miss Universe Singapore crown and following trip after. However, if you’re a follower of this blog you’ll realise (and probably have already wondered why) I havent spoken much about the experience.

It is my personal belief to not speak about the things I choose to avoid, much less blog about them. And to this day, I still find it highly amusing when some of my friends get all “OMG! WOW. I’m with Miss Singapore! /fangirly” Dont get me wrong. Congratulations, the occasional awe and fandom are always nice. It makes me happy to make someone else’s day. 

People can say what they want and contrary to the common belief, not all beauty queens take part in beauty pageants because they want the glitz and glamour. I’m glad in the past 6 months that I’ve carried the title, I’ve made a difference to the lives of many children who needed it. Children have always been a priority in my books and they have been for the past 3 years that I’ve worked as a behaviour therapist with children with autism.

However, it is within the past year of 2011, more so the last 5 months, the realisation that not every beauty queen I meet, every person who says “Hi” or even a person you thought was your friend will want the same thing as you do. In fact, sometimes all they want is you or something from you. And it’s not like they’re about to give you anything in return. Because in all honesty, they think they’re better than you and deserve whatever it is they are about to take.

Sure, I’ve got a lot to give and have no qualms about sharing. But I’m not about sharing it with the people who want it for the wrong reasons. It’s just like giving up your candy to the playground school bully because he/she thinks they deserve it and throws their weight around.

The disappointment comes when you realise that this terrible attitude of having grandiose delusions about self happens not just locally in our very small pageant circuit, but also on an international level. A very sad phenomenon in my personal opinion because firstly, word always gets around whether you’re here or somewhere else. Secondly, someone once said, “With great power comes great responsibility” and it’s sad to know that some people just dont think about anyone but themselves. Especially when you call yourself a queen.

But you know what, it’s okay. We’re all just here trying to earn our keep and we care about very different things. I do thank you, despite having already parted ways, for the showing me and opening my eyes to another side of things, because there is no gain without loss.

So it’s definitely a pleasant surprise when amidst all the opened doors that I’ve encountered in the year and the weirdos and annoying people who have ruffled my feathers, there are the rare few who you meet and know instantly you’ll stay in contact for a very long time. I couldnt be more thankful for them.

To all the amazing people I’ve met, both past and present who have continuously believed in me, I express my deepest gratitude to you and quote the song For Good in the musical Wicked: “I know I am who I am today because I knew you.” I am most certainly blessed with your presence and no words could ever express how you’ve rewritten who I am.

As 2012 unfolds, I cherish and hold on to the people who matter. The lesson I take away from 2011 is one that may sound selfish but will ultimately be the most important one if I am to make a difference. It was a painful and difficult realisation that revealed itself to me the moment I decided to step free of corporate chains to explore other opportunities; it was the moment I decided to do something for myself because the lesson I learnt was “Always watch out for ME.”

Now as countless opportunities present themselves in the new year, this lesson is of utmost importance because I’ve have to stick to my guns and decide on what’s best for me. Everyone will want something when they offer something to you, but the bottom line is, “What do you want? What do you want to achieve?”

To life-changing decisions and taking care of yourself. Here’s wishing everyone a blessed 2012, filled with opportunities and beautiful memories. Have a good one and let’s kick some 2012 ass!

“Who can say if I have been changed for the better? Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

Now, this Fall/Winter 2011, they’ve brought in the Burberry Beauty line to Singapore. Yes, you heard that right, Burberry makeup. On top of being decked out in their iconic trench coats, fans of Burberry can now match their outfits with a Burberry Festive Look makeup.

Of the new items in the Burberry Beauty makeup collection, I thought the Burberry Lip Glow (SGD $39) was something unique. Isnt the iconic Burberry print on the lipstick itself so chic! To the naked eye, the Lip Glow looks like a lipstick and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was one.

But upon swatching the three new trench colour inspired colours – (L-R) Bright Plum, Ruby and Nude Gold, you’ll realise the Lip Glow’s texture is slightly sheerer and clearer than your regular lipstick. Light oils in the Burberry Lip Glow give it fluidity and a smoother and slicker application compared to the usual lipstick. It also reflects light to create the illusion of fuller lips, at the same time leaving lips supple and shimmering with natural highlights.

What really strikes me about the Burberry Beauty make up collection is the very stylish packaging of all their products. Everything, from their eyeshadows, lip products and even foundation, is encased in a metallic grey casing with the signature Burberry checkered print. Definitely make up products you’d want to be seen with if you’re a fashionista clad in your favourite Burberry.

They even make the effort to stamp the print onto their eyeshadows and lipsticks. I’m put in a spot now because I dont want to ruin the gorgeous print on the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow (SGD $46) but love the fidelity of the colour and soft satin texture.

I used the Burberry Beauty Sheer Foundation Luminous Fluid Foundation yesterday at a house party and thought the mid to heavy coverage of the foundation was a pleasant surprise considering how the foundation was fairly light on the skin. The texture is a lot more like mousse when pumped from the bottle even though it’s named “Fluid” foundation, but blends easily into a smooth and even finish and on top of that, gives a nice luminous look.

How many of you are Burberry fans? Will any of you be trying out this Burberry Beauty collection?

Burberry Beauty makeup can be found exclusively at TANGS Orchard Singapore.

Short of going under the knife, contouring does have a profound effect on making your nose bridge look higher. But when it comes to making your nose smaller, I decided to try something new just so I could have a pointy nose tip that maybe I’ll one day use while turning my nose up at someone I dont fancy. Haha.

So my method of making my nose look smaller by using this “Nose Up” clip which I got at a steal for $2. I previously saw this contraption at other beauty shops, but refused to pay $6.90 (or anything more than $2 really) for something most people call a clothes peg with pads on it. It seems to be pretty big with the Japanese and Taiwanese who are all about changing their faces with massages and/or a mind-boggling array of gadgets.

The idea is to keep the peg on your nose, applying pressure on the parts where you want to make smaller. Of course you dont entirely clip your nose shut because that would make you keel over from the lack of oxygen and fall flat on your nose, defeating the purpose completely.

I’ve been putting it just above the nose tip where it applies pressure on part of the nose cartilage. There is no discomfort although I do suspect that it reduces the amount of oxygen I inhale so I cant wear the clip on for more than 5 minutes each time. It seems to have shown some results because my nose looks so cute and pointy from the side in this photo! YAY!

I’m going to keep trying and see if the results will last because it seems now that I’ve given my nose a rest for a couple of days, it’s gone back to being less pointy.

Do you think this nose clip works? How do you make your nose smaller?

For eyes to stand out in photos, black smokey eyes was the make up style I adopted because unlike Western facial features, Asian eyes are slightly smaller and less deep set. Using dark eyeshdaow colours makes eyes look more piercing and definitely draws attention to sexy eyes!

So I finally make a make up tutorial video on how to create a black smokey eyeshadow!

Here’s the product list breakdown:
Face
gloMinerals gloProtective Liquid Foundation
MAC Prep + Prime Pro Series Transparent Finishing Powder
gloMinerals makeup Bellini blush

Eyes
NARS Pandora Eyeshadow Duo
Cosmoprof Eye Palette
tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner
Maybelline Define-a-Lash Volume Mascara
MAC Eye Kohl Liner in Smoulder

Because your eyes are the focus of attention, always balance the entire look out with a light blush and clear lip gloss. Definitely one of my favourite and go-to looks always. What do you guys think?

The spirit of giving and sharing has aways been an important element in my life. Whether I share beauty tips, makeup tutorials on my blog or just parts of my life with each and every one of you here or on Twitter, it’s all part and parcel of gving back.

This Christmas, I want thank everyone, and yes that means you reading this, for being part of my life and blog.

Christmas is about celebrating what has been given to us and remembering the people who matter. In making me Singapore Beauty Blog dweam.com and Miss Universe Singapore 2011, that is every single person who has lent their support in one way or another. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and wish you all a blessed Christmas.

Have a Merry Kiss-mas!

With love,
Valerie