Foundation Rave: Chanel Vitalumiere

Chanel Vitalumiere liquid foundation #20, Chanel transluscent loose powder

I have heard and read many good reviews about the Chanel Vitalumiere liquid foundation from friends, blogs and forums.  I've wanted to try this out for a while now, but found it quite expensive at  2,950 PHP for a bottle!  But thinking about the other products I've used, they are quite pricey as well-

MAC Studio Fix liquid foundation

NARS Sheer Glow foundation

Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation

Shu Uemura Face Architect

Dior Airflash foundation (a gift from my beloved sister)

I thought that if it is really worth it, a 500-800 PHP jump wouldn't hurt, would it?

Trying this for the first time in the Chanel counter (Rustan's Tower), my skin felt and looked smoother and fresher.  I have quite dry cheeks with oily T-zone; but this foundation worked perfectly for different areas of my face.  It doesn't just even out skin tone, but it gives the illusion of a smoother yet very natural skin.

I've used this for almost a week now, and comparing to my other foundations, the Chanel Vitalumiere doesn't make me look as shiny throughout the day.  My use of oil-control films has definitely decreased.  I don't even have to put a primer base and still achive a good finish.  I can't seem to stop raving at this point...=)

I almost forgot to talk about the loose powder, which I also bought.  I don't really have a loose powder in my make-up stash, and I figured it's about time to have a good one.  I've thought of buying a Laura Mercier transluscent powser for months already, but if the effect is as good as the Vitalumiere, then I'm willing to spend a little more.  I've been also using the Chanel loose powder for almost a week now, and it compliments very well with the Vitalumiere.  I cannot compare it with other brands of loose powder though, since I didn't own one before.  But I'm happy that I bought it because I can now opt for a lighter and fresher  finish.  I can also use this with any brand of liquid foundation that I still have.  Another plus is that this loose powder is really BIG!  It can probably last for at lease 6-8 months.

My question now is...will I use the Chanel Vitalumiere on a daily basis, or will I save it for more special occasions?  This will be a tough decision since I'd love to use it everyday, but I don't want to consume all of it right away...any suggestions on this?=)

Sweet Dreams

Looking at these photos remind me of a good night's sleep.  The colors remind me of sweet and colorful dreams that we'd love to have as a child.  Also, every piece of clothing in this look feels very comfortable...comfortable enough to sleep in.=)

top: Forever 21, flowy shorts: from Bangkok, shoes: Charles and Keith

pretty details

I love how the tassle from the blouse look like curtain pulleys

the color reminds me of cotton candy that I thought of using as bed cushion when I was a kid =)

Stars

I never thought I would buy this blazer from Zara because it was a bit pricey, and it wasn't a priority.  Good thing that the Zara sale in Hong Kong offered some items at much lower prices!  My sister and I were so lucky to get 1 of the last 2 pieces hanging on the rack. 

I was wrong not to prioritize this blazere because it's just perfect.  The design and fabric makes it easy to pair with anything.  It is also comfortable enough to wear everyday. =)

star blazer: Zara (Hong Kong), crochet top: old Esprit, skirt: Forever 21

 sunglasses: BVLGARI

 

yellow flats: ESCADA (old)

Slightly Bare

Another hot and sunny day in Hong Kong where the less clothes you wear, the better.  This made me decide to wear a loose and sheer top to feel confortable the whole day.  I was also thankful that I chose to wear Chucks that day because we had to walk A LOT!  We were literally walking the whole day and night to go to distant places and to meet friends in different areas.  My feet were numb when we reached the hotel.

 see-through top: vintage from my mom, bando: Marks and Spencer, frilly skirt: Forever 21, shoes: Converse 

with sisters, tsi-tiu Os and brother 

visiting the condo of Theryry's siter

blck and red leather bracelets: from Hong Kong, sunglasses: BVLGARI, bag: Prada

Black and Gold

During days when uncertainty dawns, it is always safe to go with black.  In this case, a black jumpsuit; no need to think of a separate top and botoom...seems a bit too lazy to even think.  But I think occasional laziness is forgivable =)

black jumpsuit: Max Mara, shoes: H&M, bag: Prada

belt: vintage from Italy, leather bracelets: from Hong Kong, large-faced watch: Seiko

July's Lacquer Love: China Glaze "For Audrey"

Every girl would love to own a Tiffany & Co. piece.  The jewelry, packaging, and everything about it just exudes elegance and reflects what we aspire for.  Even the color itself is uniquely associated with the brand's classy reputation.

Luckily, a nail polish brand has finally come up with a perfect Tiffany Blue color.  Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, China Glaze named this color For Audrey.  The name is absolutely perfect don't you think?  =)  Upon admiring this color on my nails, I can't help but think of words like Tiffany &Co., Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, classic and elegant, and so on...

China Glaze For Audrey

Audrey Hepburn from her film Breakfast at Tiffany's

Not only is it pretty from the bottle, but more so when applied on the nails.  Although I more frequently go for pink and peach tones for lacquers, this color has definitely caught my admiration.  In my opinion, China Glaze's For Audrey is a must have!  I'll certainly keep one with me for life, because I'm sure that I'll be going back to this color for countless times in the future.

I've tried using several brands of nail polish, and one thing I observed with China Glaze is that the color doesn't easily chip off.  I use my hands a lot in typing, handling paper, writing, even doing manual hand work.  In short I use my hands quite often; and normal lacquers tend to last with me for 1-2 days without chipping off.  China Glaze is 1 of the 2 brands that broke this record.  It can go for a week or maybe more which I love! =)

Hong Kong: White

To Keep up with the burning heat of Hong Kong summer, I thought of bringing along flowy and light clothes.  It was the right decision as you can see how hot it was from the pictures.

We went to Hong Kong primarily for the Gifts and Fashion Fair.  A second purpose was, of course, to shop a LITTLE.  It's SALE season, so I think it's justifiable, right? =)

dress: Topshop, shoes: Melissa, bag: Kate Spade, sunglasses: BVLGARI

New Fascination: White Bags

Balenciaga Giant City by The Blonde Salad 

Givenchy Nightingale by Break My Style 

Hermes Birkin by The Blonde Salad

Blossom

I love the cool weather that the rain brings, but I kind of miss the sun where I can go out anytime without worrying of floods and getting stranded in traffic.  This outfit just reminds me of the hot weather a few weeks back...all spring-y and blossom-y. haha!

top: Topshop, skirt: Mango, sandals: Aldo

bracelet: Forever 21

Autumn Tone

An early wlcome for fall. =)  Autumn for me is defined by tones with hints of brown such as burnt orange, tan, rosy brown and the likes.  I love the drama of falling leaves and everything turning orange even if we don't get to experience it in our tropical country. =)

 mini-dress: Topshop, black mini-skirt: Forever 21, bag: Louis Vuitton (vintage), shoes: Parisian, belt: The Ramp

Forever Lace

I think it's been quite apparent from my previous posts how much I love lace.  Here is another lace top that I bought from Forever 21.  What I like about this particular piece is that the design and quality is better than I expected.  Don't get me wrong.  Forever 21 makes good clothes, but the quality may sometimes be a little less than what we want it to be.  Again, it is a different case for this piece.  The quality of the fabric is very good, and the seams are sewn very neatly.  This design has also become one of the stand-outs in my "collection" of lace pieces.  I love that there is a break in the middle (around the upper waist area) combining the lace and the sheer flowy fabric in the bottom.  I also love the zipper at the back (sorry, no photo of it, huhu...) because it makes the top look more put-together.  This top reminds me of a Warehouse type of style, which is cool. =)

lace top: Forever21, jeans: Forever 21, floral shoes: SM department store, bag: Cambridge Sarchel inspired

A Day in the Park

 Parks aren't very popular nowadays in Manila.  We prefer going to malls, movies, cafes and the likes.  But seeing this little park in our village gave me a flashback of my childhood days.  I remember playing with my siblings and cousins in parks and gardens similar to this place.

We used to play games such as touch-taya, 1-2-3-stop, hide and seek, doctor quack-quack,, and the likes.  I don't know if these ggames still exists...I hope they still do. =)  We also loved playing with waterguns while chasing each other, and we constantly fight just to be the first on the swing and see-saw.    I was a very fat child, but I still enjoyed these games even if I always lose. haha!

lace top: Forever 21, pleated shorts: Topshop, shoes: Stile (Singapore), bag: Louis Vuitton (vintage) 

large-faced watch: Fossil, bracelet: Forever 21