Chanel is the essence of Parisien extravagance that most of us can only dream of having. I remember visiting Paris for the first time when I was 14 and entering the Chanel flagship store on 31 rue Cambon. That was an amazing experience that has stuck with me since.
We entered the store, shaking in our boots, hoping to be ignored and trying not to converse in the few words of French we knew. There was to be no such luck. There was plenty of help at hand and we were quickly introduced to a dizzying array of clothing and bags bearing the Chanel emblem. Our assistant however pardoned herself saying that she had to attend to something else. Bien sur! I was flipping through one of the racks of evening gowns when I noticed a very elegant hand to my left doing the same. I looked up and it was Claudia Schiffer! Her milky complexion and bombshell blond hair was quite daunting. She was dressed in a blue Chanel suit and there were 2 bodyguards at stand-by. I thought I was going to faint! Instead of saying "good sale huh?" like I usually do to fellow shoppers who are also trowling, a small embarrassing giggle was all that came out of me. Actually I am not completely sure of what I said because it was an an out of body experience.
I went over to my sister who was looking at sunglasses to sit and recover. She coaxed me into the changing room to try on one of the dresses. What do you know? I looked into one of the changing rooms and there they were Jasmin Le Bon and another girl who also looked 'model-y'. They were Half-naked and giggling. I needed to sit down on that chair to recover from another shock. I later read that Ms. Le Bon likes to collect Chanel ballet pumps because apparently she couldn't imagine ever not having them.
I started this post wanting to share with you why I especially love Chanel in 2008. I guess I got quite caught up in the spirit of Chanel and started reminiscing.
Their Spring '08 makeup collection is to die for and their Autumn/Winter one looks to be just as irresistible. I cannot wait to get my hands on that shimmery gold/bronzy eyeshadow that brightened those model faces at their 
A/W - '08/09 show. As always, Chanel puts out some original accessories each season. There is always something to look forward to; especially those duo-tone tights in nude/solid black and also in black lace/solid black.
Credits: Chanel.com
Friday
CHANEL - Autumn-Winter 2008/09
Thursday
Spring Cleaning - MAC & E.L.F. Quad Palettes
With the arrival of Spring a week ago, much needed Spring cleaning in my beauty cabinet is at hand. There are piles and stacks of jars, baggies and palettes waiting to be organized, and they all have to be organized in some sensible fashion.First off, organizing some of my MAC (M) eyeshadows. After having painstakingly de-potted my MAC eyeshadows into the MAC and E.L.F. (E) quad palettes, they are now grab-and-go ready! It is great how MAC and E.L.F. pans fit into each other's palettes. But it is even better that E's quads are cheaper than M's.
The only difference is that the M palette has an easy see-through cover and it comes in the usual sleek black packaging. Though E makes up for it by having a great mirror on the inside of the cover and a duo-ended applicator for eyes and lips.
The tray in the E palette comes off and reveals more space for a 5th pan! You could also mix and match different shapes and sizes of pans and design your own travel palettes with face powder, blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow. Just be careful when placing powdered pans together with emollient lip products as the powder will stick onto the lip product. These are great for when I travel because I can fit all the products I need into one 'day' and a 'night' palette.Credits: Grayburn
Wednesday
Mineral Makeup Series - Pressing Mineral Shadows
(left to right: Cherish, Hypnotic, Rique, Champagne)
I decided to take the leap and pressed a few of my mineral shadows. I realized that the color and texture of the original shadows may be lost forever but for the sake of experimenting and future 
convenience, I charged ahead. The four of them are pictured in these photos and are all from Lumiere Cosmetics. Pressing shadows may or may not work with your particular type of pigments so proceed with caution and work with a little at a time. Result may vary of course but my shadows became more concentrated, 
creamy and vibrant after 'pressing'. This 'pressing' technique that I used actually did not require any pressing at all but you could also add the extra step of pressing them to make them more compressed. So far my shadows have not cracked nor crumbled but have made pigment shadow application more foolproof. Here are the 4-5 easy steps:4 or 5 Easy Steps:
1. Empty pigments into a palette, pan or pot that you want your shadow to be pressed into.
2. Pour in enough rubbing alcohol to wet the pigments.
3. Stir well with a bobby pin or your tool of choice.
4. Let dry until shadows are completely dried before using (apprx. 3 hours).
5. (optional) Press pigments before they are completely dried using a sanitized coin or spoon.
Do you have any beauty DIY tips to share with us?
Credits: Grayburn
Tuesday
From the Makers of Imju Fiberwig Mascara - Mylash Mascara
The company who makes my favorite lengthening mascara, called Imju Fibrewig mascara, also make another mascara called Mylash. It is said to have the same endurance as Imju but without the fibers that some dislike. The Curious George in me had to hunt this mascara down and see how it compared to my Imju.
Observations:
Tube - both tubes are the same length but Mylash (ML) is skinnier. That tells me that it will have a skinnier brush head. ML's exterior is printed with "for that young and cute appearance". Imju (IJ) has a bulkier feel.
Brush - ML is 3/4 the length and 1/2 the width of IJ.
Formula - ML's formula is thicker than IJ's. Both are completely smear and waterproof on me.
Result - ML did not give me thicker lashes, despite its formula which is is thicker than IJ's. My lashes felt stiff to the touch but the stiffness helped in holding a curl. ML's formula looks slightly darker (black) than IJ's. However, I personally prefer formulas that contain fibers for their lengthening effect.
Summary:
Sometimes I don't know how good I have it until I come across something lesser. Having fun with makeup is about trial and error and not just about finding the right product. The fun is in finding our way there and it is ok to be swayed off the path once in a while!
Credits: Grayburn
Monday
It's All Coming Up Roses! - Quick Trend Watch
Moving from the previous trends in fabric-molded flower dresses of Marchesa (2006), flowers now come in prints, imprinted in our makeup and dominant in our perfumes. The theme I see over and over again this year seems to revolve around roses. It is a welcome trend for 2008 because it can be worn as soft as seen in the Chanel eyeshadow palette or as bold splashes of color as seen in the Derek Lam collection. A rose is the symbol of delicateness, femininity and romance, and it captures the feel of our current Spring trends beautifully.
Have you already caved in on any of the flowery trends this year? If so, please share with us!
Credits: Kate edt, Christian Dior, Derek Lam, Chantecaille, Chanel, Marks & Spencer, Valentino
Friday
Constance Bennett - Skincare & Beauty in "Daily Beauty Rituals', 1937
A video starring Constance Bennett teaching us a lesson or two about skincare and beauty. Bennett was a woman who adored Joy, a perfume by the distinctive nose of Jean Patou who produced the Ma Collection in the 30's, much like Ms Monroe and Ms. Onassis did. The video is a reminder of how much we have learned about skincare since days gone by. But it presents some of the basics we still hold dear.
The skincare steps demonstrated in this video by Ms. Bennett are:
1. Cleanse using cleansing cream (cold cream) and the waterless method. (Does anyone know what her comment about "not growing fuzz" means?).
2. Application of a 'stimulant' cream. Providing stimulation was what she claimed to be the basis of her beauty.
3. Application of a facial mask for circulation, left on during a bath or breakfast.
4. Application of a 'glow base'. Our version of a tinted moisturizer?
5. Application of cream rouge to the cheeks.
6. Light application of face powder.
7. Application of a long-wearing lipstick. (What brand might that have been?).
Do you feel these steps still apply today? Let me know your thoughts on this or on what your particular skincare steps are today."So now goodbye. I wish you all loads and loads of loveliness and good luck!" Constance Bennett.
Thursday
Lined Eyes (Part II)- Techniques
We have recently touched upon the different tools used for lining our eyes. Here, we will go into the different eye-lining techniques.
Techniques:
Tight-lining - For this technique, having a mirror on your table top will come in handy. It involves using a flat liner brush to push or stamp sections of lines right on your lashline. Rather than placing the line on top of your lashline as usual, find the line where your lashes sprout out from. Lift your lid up and look down at the mirror on your table to do this. This technique gives the most natural and lash-thickening line.
Waterline - This is a bit of a controversial one. Just so you know, some people don't recommend using this technique because you may risk getting an eye infection because the eye product gets very close to your eyes. Others love this method because it gives a seamless finish to your eye makeup. It is done by lining the inner rim of your lower lid. Be careful not to get any product on the inside where it touches your eyes!
In and out - Lining your eyes starting from the inside corner or from the middle of the eye outwards. Use your finger to pull lightly upwards on your upper lid to help the line go on smoothly. This is best used with liquid and cream liners because pencil liners usually have more trouble gliding along the eye.
Out and in - Lining your eyes starting from the outside and working your way inwards. This is best used with eye pencils because you work in sections until you reach the inner corner of your eye.
Connect the dots - Draw very small points along your lashline where you want to place your line. Then connect them from dot to dot to trace the shape you desire. Smooth the line over with a smudge brush to get rid of any raggedy edges.
Arabic Kohl lining method - This method takes the most practice and is probably the most uncomfortable. The kohl powder comes loose in a canister with an applicator. First you dip the applicator into the powder then close the eye you are about to line. Draw the powder along the closing of your eye (yes in between your upper and lower lid!) then blink. The powder will naturally get into your eye and cause you to blink and your eyes to water. Tidy up the smudges using your finger. This method has been used for a long time and creates a lived-in and smoldering eye. I can hardly recommend this method but I know many people who use the Guerlain Terracotta kohl liner swears by it!
Most important thing with makeup is to practice a lot and find the best technique for yourself. Don't be afraid to mix and match the techniques and tools to come up with your own method. Have fun and enjoy looking great!
Credits: adobetutorialz.com
Wednesday
Top 10 Tried & Tested Favorites - Mineral Cosmetics
Tried, tested and then tested some more. In no particular order:
Lumiere Peppermint Pattie (eyeshadow) - a shade that contributes to more complex-looking smoky eyes.
Everyday Minerals Nick Nack (blush) - it does no wrong and you just can't mess this up! I have even swept this over my lids for that brightening pop of color.
Meow undereye concealer - glides on smoothly and covers.
Everyday Minerals On the Phone (eyeshadow) - no thrills highlighting eye shadow with a blendable texture.
Any of Lumiere's Lumi Lips but especially in One and Only - kisses boyfriend without the tackiness but dogs don't love these as much because they are not scented!
Everyday Minerals In the Garden (eyeshadow) - comforting and sultry at the same time and just so lovely!
Everyday Minerals foundation in Matte or Meow Cosmetics Pampered Puss foundation for less makeup days.
Meow VandalEyes in Sexual Misconduct (eyeshadow) - because I finally have an eyeshadow with a naughty name and it gives me a seductive glance.
Lumiere Island Sands (silk radiance) - as the name implies, it makes me look like I've been basking in the sun's radiance and feeling pretty happy and healthy!
Meow Firefly Shimmer (blush) - glow naturally and bare.
Feel free to share what your favorite shades or brands of mineral makeup are. I would love to check out your suggestions!
Credits: Grayburn
Bloggers' Game of Tag
Things I"m Passionate About
1. People close to me
2. Cosmetics
3. Fashion
4. Dancing
5. Cooking
6. Art, especially oil paintings.
7. Health & wellbeing
8. Culture
Things I want to do before I die
1. Visit India & Tibet
2. Visit Vietnam
3. Visit Peru
4. Visit Brazil
5. Learn to dance Argentine tango
6. Find one face product that actually does all of these things: diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, sallowness, clogged pores, flackiness, uneven skintone and protects it from the sun & environment.
7. Find one body product that actually does all of these things: tones, reduces, plumps, slim, gets rid of cellulite & stretchmarks, evens skintone, and smells good.
8. Accomplish my dreams but not forgetting to appreciate the things I have and those around me.
Things I say often
1. What?
2. Okay..
3. Really? That's so cool!
4. Bedankt (thanks in dutch)
5. What's that eyeshadow you're wearing?
6. Wow, I love that!
7. I'm tired :(
8. Hiya!
Books I've read recently
1. The Dirt on Clean
2. The Crystal Cave
3. Memoirs of a Geisha
4. Sushi for Beginners
5. The Alchemist
6. Angels
7. White Teeth
8. The Blind Assassin
Songs I could listen to over & over
1. D'Angelo Cruisin
2. Norah Jones Sunrise
3. Mary J Blige Just Fine
4. Patsy Cline Crazy
5. Nelly Furtado Give it to me
6. Amy Winehouse Valerie
7. Mutya Buena B Boy Baby
8. Duffy Syrup & Honey
Things that attract me to my best friends
1. Sincerity
2. Passion for life
3. They take me as I am
4. We laugh and feel sadness together
5. We share some similar interests, but even if we don't, it doesn't interfere with us.
6. We might not see each other often but we can just pick up where we left off.
7. Sometimes we don't need to say anything but just know what's up.
8. We learn from each other.
On that note, I think I will learn from others by tagging other bloggers that I don't already know. Please feel free to participate as you like as well.
Credits: Grayburn
Tagged by: The Seeker
