Amsterdam International Fashion Week - Starts Tomorrow!

The Amsterdam Fashion Week kicks off this Saturday in Amsterdam's famous Red Light District. Those famous red windows will be decorated with fashion models wearing creations from various designers. I feel so privileged to be included in all of this excitement; it really is a great way to see the coming trends in fashion and makeup; as well as meet all of these wonderful artists. I will of course be paying special attention to the makeup looks and hairstyles; on how they are worn with the clothes.

Also check out the video above of the show by the Fashion Institute Arnhem 2007. The thought that I will be part of this makes it hard for me to sit still!

I'm also very much looking forward to Joline Jolink's show, as well as the show by last year's winner of the Dutch Project Catwalk, Django Steenbakker (he looks cute!).

So much excitement, I can barely contain myself!

Dilemna over Facial Cleanser

...........the next chapter on my dilemma over facial cleanser

So it has been almost a week that I have been experimenting with the other cleanser. If you've missed the first two parts of the story, the first and the second are available here.

Yes ladies, I'm officially two-timing!

The new cleanser's name is Softymo Oil Cleansing Gel (aka SOCG). It comes in a large orange squeeze-tube. The texture of the cleansing liquid is something between a thick gel and an oil (exactly as the name implies). When spread on the face, it feels first like vanilla pudding then it turns into an oil after massaging it in. What I love about oil-based cleansers is that I can indulge in a daily dose of facial massage. Contrary to what everyone thinks, oil cleansers are not at all oily, after it has been rinsed off. I have heard quite a few miracle stories of how it helped alot of women with acne-prone skin, as well as ladies with dryer skin types.

This one isn't the one however. It left my skin moist because it left behind a film on my skin. Eventhough a toner following the wash fixed that easily, clinginess is not a good characteristic unless we're talking about dresses or suits. Although my skin looked more luminous after one wash, it actually took two washes with SOCG to remove my waterproof mascara. I will reserve this for days when I am not wearing much makeup.

In the meantime, I still have another (Sofina Cleanse Make Clear Oil) waiting for me to try on.

My experiment continues.......

Kose Astalution -More Power in Skincare

This orange bottle holds a liquid containing Astaxanthink extract. An extract that has been shown to have 150x the antioxidative properties over the trusty vitamin E. This extract, a carotenoid from the carotene family (oh yes carrots! and other things such as salmon and some forms of yeast), may be able to prevent oxidative damage when our skin is exposed to UVA.

The formula itself is light (runny liquid) yet very hydrating because it has an impressive list of water binding ingredients as well as hyaluronic acid (which temporarily plumps the skin with moisture). Do be careful though as this runny liquid really is quite orange in color.

I have experienced no stinging or irritation whatsoever with this essence. My skin feels boosted with moisture and I am also happy with easier makeup application because it smooths my skin.

Kose's excellent line of products can be seen on their website.

Adding Antioxidants To Your Shower

Karin Herzog's Chocolate Therapy - Body Happiness

Looking back - My Years with Shu (the incredible cleansing oil)

.......Continuation from the Story "Do I Stick With Shu"

Before I talk to you about Softymo and Sofina (the new cleansers who are making my heart wander), I should tell you about my wonderful years with Shu.

I met what was to become the cleanser of my life back when my skin was a little less temperamental. My demands in skincare was not as high as now but deep down I always knew that this one would see me through the thick and the thin. It has been good to me during my breakout years and dry times.

It has a minimalist bottle with a classic formula that removes makeup and cleanses my skin all in one go. It contains wonderfully nourishing oils as well as vitamin E; which has some antioxidant properties. When it is rinsed, all I'm left with is clean and soothed skin.

I had thought this would be the one! Perhaps I was too naive and young back then!

Story about Softymo and Sofina to be continued....

Amsterdam International Fashion Week - We're Going!

The fashion bug will be hitting Amsterdam as well, starting this weekend until the 27th of January. Fashion stores all around town will be joining into the festivities; really it is another excuse for the whole Amsterdam to party!

We have been invited (you're coming too aren't you?) to several catwalk showings so hopefully will be bringing back some exciting news on the up-and-coming trends of Dutch designers as well as makeup trends this year. I'm especially looking forward to the collection from Joline Jolink (pictured above). It is going to be so exciting!

Amsterdam International Fashion Week Website

Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner - Another thing that is Going into My Purse

A creamy eyeliner from Kanebo's more rebellious sister line "Kate", comes in color choices of shiny black, black, shiny purple, purple and brown.

Kanebo calls this a gel eyeliner but it really has creamy consistency. It comes packaged with a good quality square tip eyeliner brush, but I personally prefer a finer tip. The texture lacks slipperiness so it doesn't glide on as easily as I would like. However, I find that it does a very good job at filling in brows because of its staying power and the dry-cream consistency. The brush and the glass pot duo travels very well as they are small and light. They are certainly going into my purse for my brow touch-ups!

Why I love Kanebo Kate's Mascara Base

Do I Stick With My Shu?

I have opened up to the possibility of accepting another facial cleanser in my life. When I have been out and about lately, I have the wandering eye. Maybe it's the cold air?

I have been loyal to my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil for many years. Before Shu, I had gone through many experimental years. There was Darphin, Dr. Murad, Clinique, Liz Earle, Olay, Chanel and Nivea. The list goes on and I think you get the idea.

My decision was made about a week ago that I would try another few out. I was nervous and felt completely guilty when I looked at my Shu. But I had to do it. The choices were narrowed down to the Softymo Oil Cleansing Gel (SOCG) and the Sofina Cleanse Make Clear Oil (SCMCO). I chose them because they were oil cleansers; just like my Shu is. I did not want to stray too far for the first time.


Story continues:

Part II - Looking back at my years with Shu (the cleansing oil)

Part III - Dilemma over facial cleanser

Part III (conclusion) - My week with Sofina (the cleansing oil)

Credit: shuuemura.com

N Collection by MAC- Make a Statement in the Nude!

MAC's N Collection coming out soon, is one not to be missed. This collection is made for those who love nude tones because it is one that is completely stripped of the expected vibrancies of MAC. It is about polished finishes. There are no loud colors; yet MAC manages to make a statement with it.

Designers on the Spring runway such as Proenza Shouler, Luella Barley and Dolce & Gabbana (all pictured above), all rocked the bare look for makeup.

MAC has also come out with what's called Charged Waters with this collection. The interesting one is the Revitalizing Energy version because it is said to be infused with the vital ions of diamond. It promises a glowingly-quenched complexion!

Featured in the N Collection-The #187 Brush. Read My Review of it Here.

MAC & Fafi's Collaboration


pictures from maccosmetics.com & elle.com

Bloggers' Game of Tag

I had the fortune of being tagged by the seeker. As the game goes, I must reveal the contents of my purse. You get to know alot about a woman by the contents of her purse. A male friend of mine was told by his mother to never look into a woman's purse because it is an ill-mannered thing to do.

















* Tod's Wallet in black - I always check that I have got my movie card in there. You never know when you feel like popping into the movie theater.

* Mint - got to be prepared!

* Mobile - doubles as a watch and camera.

* Cargo Lip Gloss Duo - (the dented tin in the middle!) in Oulu. This one has seen the insides of many purses. A great sheer grape color!

* Yon-ka Elastine Jour - for anything that needs moisturizing.

* YSL Compact Powder for Complexion - had to have this shiny gold compact.

* Rituals Supershine Lipgloss in #7135 - You would see a different gloss in my purse each day but today I've got this one in it. I only need a tiny little dab of this for my lips.

* Keys

* The Body Shop Almond Lip Butter - soothing scent and so nourishing.

* The Body Shop Chrome Compact Mirror - comes in a mesh protector and has 2 mirrored-sides; one in normal view, the other with 3X zoom.
















and my Penguin soap! I got this as a gift and it hasn't made its way out of my purse yet. It's so adorable and cheerful. Cheers me up every time I look at its chubby face!

Now, who should I tag?