Base Makeup - Foundation Swatches & Lemmings

I have to admit, I'm obsessed with flawless skin and I'm always on the lookout for products that would help me look less ruddy and more polised.

Today is a showcase of the foundations that I own and a short introduction on them. Not a lot and I'm still a long way from building a foundation bible.

I do hope that this can help those who are trying to buy foundations with absolutely nothing to rely on, except for online swatches for comparison.

This idea came about when I realized that there were very little cross foundation swatches to be found on the WWW. Maybe my search parameters wasn't good enough, I don't know.

Anyway, I decided to pull out all the foundations that I currently own and swatch them. For the benefit of others, who like me, don't have the luxury of testing out products in person.

Click Image for larger pic

Lunsol Water Cream Foundation in YO02:
You can read my review on this foundation here.

RMK Liquid Foundation in 101:
I bought this out of impulse when it first re-launched in Singapore. Frankly speaking, I didn't quite use this foundation due to the heavy yellow undertone. Moreover, the coverage was not enough to cover old and blemished skin like mine.

Paul & Joe Liquid Foundation in 010:
The first Japanese foundation that I bought. The color is a tad too light for me but the undertone was perfect. The only drawback is that, it doesn't really provide the coverage that I need.

IPSA Pure Protect Foundation in 100:
You can read my review on this foundation in my last post here.

DiorSkin Nude Liquid Foundation in 020:
What can I say? My perfect HG foundation. Gives the best finishes. You can read about my review here.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville:
One of the latest addition to my makeup collection. Color is a tad light for me but once it oxidizes, it's a perfect finish. You can read about my review here.

As for my lemmings:

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in Trench 4
Armani Luminouse Silk Foundation in 4
Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation in Sunny Beige
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe
Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation in Chamomile
Chanel Pro Lumiere Foundation in Clair-Cameo


A good resource is the Foundation Matrix on Temptalia. Go take a look if you're interested.

Spotlight / Tool: Unii Cosmetics - The Unii Palette

I read about this on ParisB's My Women Stuff and the more I found out about it, the more interested I became.

So, what is a Unii Palette? In essence, it's an empty palette whereby you can consolidate all your depoted items into one. Gone are the days whereby you carry multiple plattes in your cosmetics pouch for the sole purpose of touch-ups. No more fumbling and digging.

How does the Unii Palette works? It's definitely not rocket science; and someone out there may be using the exact method right now. All it takes is an empty palette lined with a metal sheet and adhesive magnetic sheets to do the "magic". Simple and you can even rearrange or change to another Unii Palette with minimal effort.

I'm starting to really like this product although I admit that many would regard this as a good to have item; given the retail price of USD29.00, exclusive of shipping charges. But I really like the look of this product and there's even a cute movable thumb-grip.

So, any Singaporeans interested to get this too? I think I might want to organize a spree to bring this item in.

Lemmings: Samsung TL225 Dual LCD Camera

Ok, this post has absolutely NOTHING to do with beauty or makeup. I saw the commercial for this camera on TV and I've been lemming for it since!!! This camera features a dual LCD, with the second LCD on the front. It can be activated so that you would be able to do self-portraits more accurately and beautifully. Perfect for the lone traveler and those who loves to do camwhoring.

To top up it's appeal, it features a Panaromic lens, 12Megapix and a animate cartoon that we can activate on the second LCD screen to capture a child's attention when taking their photos so that they'll face the lens. Oh manz, so lemming for this. But my current camera is working really fine and I've been satisfied with it all along. Maybe I'll get this when my current camera breaks down.

Spotlight: Tatcha Blotting Papers

Tatcha URL

Here's the question. Would you pay ~approx S$18.00 for a block of 30 blotting sheets? Yes, as in the oil blotting sheets you would probably use more than once in a day.

So what's the selling point behind this product?




Description from Manufacturer Website:

A 300 year old Japanese beauty secret for a petal fresh complexion revealed.

Removes excess oil and sweat without disturbing makeup or stealing moisture from the skin.

A powder and primer alternative that improves the wear of makeup.

For all skin types: oily, normal, dry & sensitive.

* Ingredients

o 100% abaca leaf, gold flake.

o Fragrance-free. Powder-free. Oil-free.

o All-natural, biodegradable. No animal testing.

o Handmade in Japan.

Truth to be told. I'm not exactly a fan of blotting papers since I've always have sensitive skin and someone told me once that the more I blot, the more I'll aggravate my skin condition.

But I just couldn't resist the quaint packaging and the product description was like the icing on the cake. This product currently retails only in Japan and the United States. Hopefully, it would be available soon in SGP. Otherwise, shall we organize a spree for it? That is if someone is willing to part USD12.00++ for 30 pcs of blotting sheets.

Spotlight / Makeup: Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)

Item Name: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)
Price: S$32.00
Available at: Sephora @ Orchard Ion

Price: US$18.00
Available at: beauty.com


*Picture source from Urban Decay Website*







For makeup mavens and fanatics, I believe this is not a new product. This product is considered the holy grail / saving grace for many people who have oily eyelids. It is touted by many that eyeshadows do not slide, crease or smudge as long this was applied as the base.

And actually, there are enough raves on the WWW that I do not see a need to add on more information. So, today I'm going to touch on something else that I came across by chance.

This small item retails at S$32.00 a pop at Sephora Singapore for a mere 10ml of stuff. It works to $3.20 per ml. Not cheap at all, considering that my Clarins Moisturizer costs less per ml.

So, you finally bought that whimsical genie bottle but do you know that due to the design of the bottle, you probably wouldn't be able to get the maximum mileage out of your purchase? Even though the wand has already been improved and revamped, there is still a limit to how much product you can reach. Not to mention that repeated pumping action introduces air and bacteria, drying out the insides much faster.

And so, I found a good solution. But it involves the extremely heartbreaking action of cutting up that pretty cute bottle, some mess and a little miracle worker.



Brittany from Clumps of Mascara showed us the steps to cutting up the pretties and the outrageous amount of product left after the bottle was cut up.

And Enkore showed us a better way of storing the decanted product that is both hygienic and allows the product to last longer. I like watching Enkore as he's very detailed, friendly and always on the lookout for better products and solutions.

So, the next time you think you have ran out of UDPP, think again.

Click here for Brittany's demo for the major op.

Enkore's video below. Click to purchase the Empty Twist Up Lipgloss Pen ~ Brush Tip mentioned by Enkore.

Spotlight/ Bodycare: Crabtree & Evelyn - New Hand Therapy Collection: Citron Honey and Coriander

*Picture Source: C&C Website*

Went down to Orchard Paragon to cancel my mobile Broadband since I am now jobless and have no use for mobile broadband. Passed by the Crabtree & Evelyn store and saw that they have a Hand Therapy collection. Intrigued by the words "Citron" and "Coriander", I walked in to find out more since I'm a sucker for citrusy products...

There is a full range of hand products for this line and below is the product description from C&C Website:

"Drawing on our rich botanical heritage, the range features extracts of lemon, honey - known to soothe dry, irritated skin – coriander and myrrh, which has been shown to help condition nails and cuticles. In addition, a unique blend, including thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, golden seal, and willow bark, works together in the rich formulations to leave hands feeling softer and looking younger.

The range is free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol."

So not only does it smells good, it's also natural and anti-aging. Anyway, I totally fell in love with the scent and I dont really care what other good it gives.. But I restrained myself.. I still have like 4-5 tubes of handcreams in my stash... So, buying new items is a no no for me.. So, my motivation now is to quickly use up my stash so that I can buy more.. Muhahaha... Of course, securing a high paying job is the crux of the matter..

Update 19 Mar 2010: I couldn't resiste myself today and yes, I bought. Despite having more than 5 tubes of handcare items at home..