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Disclaimer: This post is a sponsored review.

Are you as mad as the Mad Hatter?

I’m not because I’ve already watched Alice in Wonderland! You’d be incredibly mad and tear your hair out if you didn’t catch this fabulous movie. I’ll tell you why.

It was a spectacular show with fantastic CGI and incredible detail. I loved every minute of the visual spectacle. The producers took great pains to bring the famous Disney characters to life; the white rabbit looked like it came straight out of the classic cartoon. Tim Burton was also careful to ensure Wonderland was as wonderful as we know it. The colours were mind-boggling, cinematography dramatic and characters entertaining. This whole experience of venturing through Wonderland was thoroughly enjoyable. Well done, Burton!

I was actually invited to watch the movie in 3D but sadly couldnt do so owing to work commitments. If I had, my eyeballs most likely would have fallen out of their sockets, seeing how wide I’d already opened my eyes to take in the gorgeous CGI during the regular screening.

Character wise, I liked Alice. She was a revolutionary girl of her time and dared to challenge the norms of her society. She was not afraid to say “No”. Sadly, I felt she was a little overshadowed by the rest of the characters while in Wonderland. That, however, could have been entirely part of the story line because she was supposed to…….. I’M NOT TELLING YOU! Haha. You have to go watch it. I’m not going to give away any spoilers here. Haha.

Another character that really stood out for me was the Mad Hatter. He was insanely funny and well, just plain insane. Johnny Depp was the epitome of the Mad Hatter. He played the character sooooo well and embodied the true essence of what it was like to be a little mad in the head. If I had to pick, I’d say he was my favourite character among all the other fabulous ones. Mad Hatter was madly entertaining, had mad eyes, madly funny, mad in the head and made me laugh like mad especially when he did his mad little dance at the end.

Okay, that was a little too many “mads” in the sentence. But you get my point.

Brilliant costumes (I want Alice’s red dress!), superb makeup (I love how they did the Mad Hatter’s makeup) and funny antics throughout the show might make you go a little crazy in the head as you’re watching it. But really, if you watch it and go a little mad, bonkers, off your rockers just like the Mad Hatter because of the show’s awesomeness, it’s really quite all right.

You know why?

I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s because all the best people are. Even Alice would agree.

Alice in Wonderland is now showing in cinemas.

I picked up this Maybelline Define-a-Lash mascara at the Bangkok International airport on my return trip from there a while ago and bought it again at Philippines’ NAIA duty free because I think I might have just found my holy grail of mascara. After using it for several moths on end now, I’m finally writing a review on it .

The first thing that strikes you about the mascara is its bright green packaging; it is eye-catching and hard to miss. The entire thing looks futuristic and you might think, to youself, that green isn’t exactly a conventional color for a beauty product. But pull out the wand and here’s surprise number two: the comb is a rubbery one that is flexible. Wow, not only is the packaging bold, so are its claims.

Here’s what Maybelline says about this mascara:

This zero clump mascara creates stunning length with clean definition.

* Patented shaped-to-the-lash brush
* Ophthalmologist tested, Contact lens safe
* Waterproof; also available in washable formula

“Separated, sensuously long, no clump” lashes. Mmmmmmm… I like that. The promise of a no smudging formula would mean fluttery lashes that last from day to night. But could it withstand the hot and humid weather in Singapore? I’ve always had the problem of little mascara flakes on my bottom lids after a day of living in my mascara.

So how did this mascara fare? Let’s see.

Zero clump? CHECK!
Separated and defined lashes? CHECK!
Stunning length? Well, the lashes didnt exactly STUN me but they DID look longer.

All three claims FULFILLED! I’m impressed!

Although they never mentioned this, but another thing I really like about the mascara is it’s ability to hold a curl. Curl your lashes and sweep on about 2 coats of this fabulous mascara early in the morning and you’re set for the entire day! I came home after a long day and found my lashes sitting prettily curled just as I had curled them that very morning. On top of that, NO FLAKING! YAYYYY!

Here’s the evidence.

I’m SOLD.

I swear I’ve never seen my eyelashes looking so long and pretty before. In fact, I cant remember what my eyelashes used to look like before this mascara. Haha. Is it any wonder why I have 2 of them sitting in my drawer at this very moment?

Sadly, they dont carry this particular mascara in Singapore but it’s available at drugstore.com. In fact, I’m going to the Philippines in April again. Anyone wants me to get it for them? Lol.

Although it never snows here in Singapore, I like to pretend it does. Haha. So when I was lucky to get a new palette from Stage (their Floral Frenzy palette), I drew inspiration from a white Christmas to create this look: a soft blue and white to mimic the winter snow.

It’s an simple but soft look that you probably could wear out to parties.

Face
M.A.C Studio Fix
M.A.C Pinch-o-peach blush

Eyes
White & Blue in Stage’s Floral Frenzy palette
ZA 10 carat eyeshadow in 104
Kate Gel Eyeliner
Maybelline Define-a-lash mascara
Eyelashes
Maxi Lens in Blue

Lips
Artistry Lip Gloss in Signature

I really liked how the blue turned out on the eyes. The colour was pigmented and gave a nice shimmery effect that dazzled on the eyes. The white was used on the lower lids and as a highlighter for the brow bone. While the shimmer of the white gave the illusion of soft snow on the bottom eyelids, it didnt do much to bring out the brow bone. With Spring coming round, I’ll be looking forward to using the rest of the other colours in the palette though. A great excuse to be playing with colours!

Is there a specific look you like for Christmas? Show me a picture of it! How do you guys like to wear your blue eyeshadow?

tags: Christmas, face, face of the day, faceoftheday, fotd, fotd makeup, M.A.C, makeup, narcissism, reviews, Stage

If my memory serves me well, Maquillage always has the prettiest girls hawking their products. The ethnicity of the girls in their campaigns are questionable. But I’ll put my dollar on the fact that they’re Japanese who have mastered the art of disguise.

Now they’ve teamed up with Alexander Wang to create a new line that includes nude eye palettes.

Alexander Wang is an award-winning young New York based fashion designer applauded around the world for his real clothes and non-pretentious style. Non-pretentious is the key word here. I like non-pretentious. The Eyes Creator 3D palettes look particularly appealing owing to its natural colours; colours you would live in. In this collaboration with Maquillage, he has incorporated his sophisticated yet simple style into an exciting range of makeup colours and packages also including nude lippies.

I didnt get the lippies but got my hands on the BR364 Eyes Creator and the colours are gorgeous!

The palette comes with 4 colours and a glittery brown creme liner; your one-stop eye makeover palette.

Dont you just love how the colours are classic yet stunning against the skin? Like his simple, sophisticated and real style, I probably will be living in this for the next one month when I’m in the Philippines.

I’m impressed.

Everyone loves good service. But that was not what I expected when I got my Gmask done at Plaza Singapura. They offered a 1 month warranty after masking covering defects including workmanship and I thought I’d go back and get my mask done again because the prints had somehow faded even though I put my Berry back in its case after I got the mask done. In my mind, it probably was something she didnt do that caused it to fade because I’m careful when it comes to my gadgets.

I mean, I’d used the magic Berry case EVEN after masking. Double protection yknow. Wanted to protect both the mask and the phone.

However, I was sorely disappointed when I went back there. After explaining my situation to the girl at the counter, the salesgirl said that the fading of the print was due to the fact that MY BERRY PLUS THE INSIDE OF THE CASE WAS DIRTY! Hello a 2-month old Berry is not DIRTY. It’s not like I use it while bathing in mud either. I obviously wasnt pleased with her “reason” of my Berry being dirty.

I’d paid good money for this. But sadly, it didnt deliver and live up to my expectations. But hey, since I’d already covered up the original backing (albeit with a high price), I might as well zhng it the way I want it right? Turn the BlackBerry into a BlingBerry without ruining the original cover.

Rummaging through my DIY box, picking up scraps and a couple of hours later, my Berry is now a chio BlingBerry.

But as Murphy would have it, happy with my BlingBerry now, the owners of Gmask themselves actually contacted me via email and offered to remask my berry for me at the original boutiques in either Junction 8 and Suntec!

click to enlarge

I’d first said thank you and turned down his kind offer since I’d already covered the mask with my own handicraft. But it was his persistence and strong belief in his own product that impressed me. He honestly didnt have to contact me; he didnt have to offer an explanation that included shouldering the blame and explainiing thoroughly the masking process because the branch I went to at Plaza Singapura was only a franchise and not directly managed by the owners themselves. They dont have direct control over the staff working there.

Despite that, he humbly apologised on behalf of the girl although it was not his responsibility to. It was his sincerity and faith that impressed me. The fact he was able to eat humble pie, unlike so many we usually encounter, is what I called putting service above self. One is able to see that he truly believes in what he’s selling. He even asked for suggestions and feedback with regards on how they could improve. And for someone like me who’s worked in service, I’d never sell anything that I dont personally use or believe in.

So now, my question is what do I bring down for them to remask? My iPod Touch is already blinged up as is my Berry Bold. Maybe I might just get my camera done. Hrm…

I picked up this Maybelline Define-a-Lash mascara at the Bangkok International airport on my return trip from there a while ago and bought it again at Philippines’ NAIA duty free because I think I might have just found my holy grail of mascara. Despite using it for several moths on end now, I’m finally writing a review on it .

The first thing that strikes you about the mascara is its bright green packaging; it is eye-catching and hard to miss. The entire thing looks futuristic and you might think, to youself, that green isn’t exactly a conventional color for a beauty product. But pull out the wand and here’s surprise number two: the comb is a rubbery one that is flexible. Wow, not only is the packaging bold, so are its claims.

Here’s what Maybelline says about this mascara:

This zero clump mascara creates stunning length with clean definition.

* Patented shaped-to-the-lash brush
* Ophthalmologist tested, Contact lens safe
* Waterproof; also available in washable formula

“Separated, sensuously long, no clump” lashes. Mmmmmmm… I like that. The promise of a no smudging formula would mean fluttery lashes that last from day to night. But could it withstand the hot and humid weather in Singapore? I’ve always had the problem of little mascara flakes on my bottom lids after a day of living in my mascara.

So how did this mascara fare? Let’s see.

Zero clump? CHECK!
Separated and defined lashes? CHECK!
Stunning length? Well, the lashes didnt exactly STUN me but they DID look longer.

All three claims FULFILLED! I’m impressed!

Although they never mentioned this, but another thing I really like about the mascara is it’s ability to hold a curl. Curl your lashes and sweep on about 2 coats of this fabulous mascara early in the morning and you’re set for the entire day! I came home after a long day and found my lashes sitting prettily curled just as I had curled them that very morning. On top of that, NO FLAKING! YAYYYY!

I’m SOLD.

I swear I’ve never seen my eyelashes looking so long and pretty before. In fact, I cant remember what my eyelashes used to look like before this mascara. Haha. Is it any wonder why I have 2 of them sitting in my drawer at this very moment?

Sadly, they dont carry this particular mascara in Singapore but it’s available at drugstore.com. In fact, I’m going to the Philippines in April again. Anyone wants me to get it for them? Lol.

After that long picture post of all the girls, here’s the face I sported for the day. We had to do our own makeup for the videoshoot and I got to put my brand new makeup items to good use, including the Too Faced Shadow Insurance I just got. I’m pretty proud of my improving makeup skills. Hooray for a large stash of make up items!

Face of the day

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I totally am a fan of mineral makeup if you didnt already know. Although I swear by Everyday Minerals for my foundation, I do love the fantastic sets bareMinerals offer all the time! They’re always created with a specific gorgeous look in mind.

In line with summer, they’ve thus come up with this Hydrating and Brightening 7 piece collection that draws inspiration from the sea and its mermaids. We love spending time by the beach during these hot summer days and definitely want to look as pretty as a mermaid whilst lazing around; this set is all you need for that purpose.

The 7 items, including an adorable straw clutch where you can throw all your stuff in, is worth USD98, but you only pay USD48 for it. It includes:

- 0.02 oz bareMinerals High Shine Sand Dune (gilded sand, high shine)
- 0.02 oz bareMinerals Mermaid Eyecolor (dark blue-green velvet)
- 0.02 oz bareMinerals Hydrating Coral Blush (coral dusk)
- 0.07 oz bareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil (brightening finish)
- 0.14 oz bareMinerals 100% Natural LipGloss in Chiffon (nude sand)
- Double-Ended Hydrate & Brighten Duo Brush with Custom Bamboo Handle

Both the blush and mineral veil are formulated with a “water-encapsulated technology.” I’ve been using the mineral veil for almost a week now and I’m loving how it has this cooling feeling against your skin and has a slight tinge of glitter to brighten up your complexion. I definitely paid good money for this. Perfect for use alone or over your favourite foundation.

Plus with such a cute clutch, how could anyone not want this gorgeous set?

Available at Sephora.com.

Although the movie opens today, I have already watched it courtesy of Nuffnang! THB was in the midst of his exams so I had the company of my gentle giant baby brother last week.

The what little I know of Star Trek can be summarized clearly in one word: ZILCH!

Okay maybe not entirely nothing.

I do know the name Spock, although I cannot claim to be able to put a face to the name and I do recognise the famous hand sign that is followed closely by “Live Long and Prosper”.

But this movie requires you to know nothing of the famous series because it’s a SPECTACULAR one that literally blows you out of your mind. And of course, as the title says, is where “The Future Begins”. Technically this movie sets the scene for all that is to happen.

It’s a good mix of humour, a little bit of romance and of course non-stop action. I loved how the all futuristic mumbo-jumbo stuff looked so realistic and the pow-wow nail biting scenes between the good guys and the bad guys.

Take a look for yourself.

[youtube= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yrdEe95Hs0]

If you dont do ge3k sp3ak, the movie can sometimes throw you off owing to how fast the characters speak. Nonetheless, despite the high-tech technological terms used by the characters you will quickly grow to love in the 2 over hour movie, the plot catches up swiftly and falls into their rightful places in your mind.

Then, there are the moving scenes and EYE-CANDY! It is a good-looking cast, so girls dont fret if your boyfriend drags you to watch this movie.

James Kirk, played by Chris Pine, is ogle-worthy. He plays a young brilliant casanova who has to decide if he wants to step up and fill the shoes his late father left for him. It’s hard to hate him. But you have to watch his antics in the movie because I dont want to give away spoilers!

The original James Kirk in the Star Trek series and the newer updated James Kirk in the movie.

Next to him, Zachary Quinto as Vulcan scientist Spock plays both a friend and foe. Zachary is better known as Sylar in the hit TV series, Heroes. I totally loved SYLAR by the way! In my opinion, having Zachary act the part was a perfect fit because Sylar’s character probably required keeping a poker face most of the time and this Star Trek role called on Zachary to do the same.

How hot is this Spock.

But he obviously didnt look like that as Spock the Vulcan in the movie. They made his nose bigger, gave him pointy ears and a bowl hair cut. Oh the tragedy!

Still,

THE MOVIE ROCKS!

It is a definite must watch for both fans and non-fans alike.

In Vulcan speak,
Live long and prosper.

In Singaporean,
HUAT AH!

Although the store opened almost a month ago, I finally have the time so sit down and write about my experience there. Based on my web-browsing experience, I can safely say that Sephora is THE beauty junkies’ playground.

With the various brands that it houses under its one roof, it never fails to make a girl hyperventilate when she sees the pretty collection of eye shadow palettes and what-nots from the various brands, even if it was via visual pictures from the screen! According the multiple sources, the store in the States is MASSIVE and I know I was absolutely psyched when I found out they were coming here. And too soon, they opened their doors here in Singapore.

Although size-wise the one here doesnt hold a candle to the original, they’ve introduced to Singaporeans at their flagship store in Ngee Ann City new brands like Too Faced and Pop amongst several others. The cute pink shelves and adorable packaging never fail to draw an endless stream of crowd to the brightly lit store. And of course, for me, the much anticipated Bare Escentuals line is THE other mineral makeup line that is a must try! I swear by Everyday Minerals.

Too Faced is known for its Too Faced Shadow Insurance which is an eyeshadow primer that promises to “transform any eye shadow into a perfectly blendable color-drenched intensified version of itself then locks it down perfectly until you take it off.” No wonder it flew off the shelves and people who are currently interested in getting it have to be put on a waiting list! BAH! And here I thought I could get my grubby little paws on it without waiting for it to be shipped all the way from the US. Hee.

Also, in my books, their Lash Injection mascara is a much anticipated product. Oh, I’m such a mascara junkie! I’ve got one in a sample size and will test it out soon!

The other new cutie in town is Pop Beauty. Check out the awesome eyeshadows. Arent they just adorable! The colours are pure LOVE!

Although I was thoroughly disappointed that they didnt bring in NARS or Urban Decay and the other major brands that I longed for, but instead housed some of the brands we were already familiar with (ie. Benefit, Sisley, Dior, Elizabeth Arden), they did however, bring in some organic makeup and a HUGE range of their house brand Sephora makeup.

With a vast array of makeup ranging from lipglosses to nail polishes, smoky eyeshadow palettes to everyday wear eyeshadows, mascaras, eyeliners and even special edition crystalised lipsticks, anyone who’s into makeup is spoiled rotten for choice! They even have brushes for sale! I was so tempted to get myself some of their makeup and brushes to try but decided that I’d be unadventurous and get my fix of minerals from the Bare Escentuals series which used to only be available online.

This awesome All Over Face Colour set comes with a 0.85g container full of A Little Sun (a mix of sunlit copper and undertones of pink) and an excellent fan brush to sweep the colour in all the right spots. It’s my current cant-do-without and I never leave home without 2 quick sweeps of the All Over Face Colour on my cheeks for the just-got-out-of-the-sun look.

Browse around the store and Im sure some little nugget from the shelves may just have your name on it. If nothing really appeals to you, and all else fails, cam-whore in the store with the pretty mirrors.