Outfit of the Day - white and gray toga dress with black rose

"A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future." - Coco Chanel

My Anna Sui La Nuit Bohemian Golden Rose Perfume and the Black Rose perching on my dress. One of my favorite dresses of all times, this white and silver satin-tweed blend toga dress with the black cloth rose perched on the shoulder, always makes me feel sassy and young when I don it. Suitable for dates, events, functions and hanging out.

Dress: Little Match Girl (SGD$79.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Lancome Party at BHG Bugis

Following the Lancome Christmas in Wonderland event in December (read review here), I was rather excited for another Lancome event, especially when this one promises a 15% discount off products and an additional SGD$10.00 voucher. It was time to top up some of my Lancome skincare products anyway.

230 Victoria Street, Level 1 Makeup Hall, Bugis Junction, Singapore 188024

Tel: 6338 6380

So, the event commenced at 7.15pm, but some of us registered earlier. A sticker bearing the signature Lancome rose was affixed to our hand, and we were given a small bottle of Evian as well as a Red Velvet cupcake from Twelve Cupcake.  I love Twelve Cupcake, fine-textured and great-flavoured besides looking so pretty always.

Some of us walked around checking out Lancome's products, spotting potential purchases for later; others gathered around the makeup desk waiting for the party to kickstart with national makeup artist Lina Tock working her magic, demonstrating how to have younger-looking skin.  That's Lina Tock in the photo above with the model of the evening (no offense, but we seriously thought that they could have easily found a better-looking model for this demonstration - Lina herself looked so much better).

Anyway, the first step of the younger-skin routine began with Lancome Genefique Youth-activating serum, which Lina applied to the model's face by gently patting it on and then lightly massaging it in. This was supposed to soften, smoothen and moisturize the skin.

Next, it was followed by the Lancome Genefique Eye Light-Pearl Illuminating Youth-activating Concentrate. Lina showed that the correct way to apply this was to do it in small circular motions around the lower eye area, using the "pearl" on the applicator to do so, then lightly sweep up with fingers. Pressing the pearl-tip against the upper inner eye corner also helps to open up the eyes.  There was a cooling sensation to this concentrate, and the Lancome representatives went around to let us have a feel on the hands as well.

Then, Lina used Lancome Genefique Youth-activating Eye Cream on top of the concentrate, to further protect, hydrate and firm the eyes area.

The next step was Lancome UV Expert BB Complete - consists of properties that help to shield, correct and unify, with its high SPF 50 protection. This may be used as a makeup base as well.

Finally, the skincare routines were completed, and it was time to move on to makeup application. The first step here was the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation, which was easy to apply and could be brought out for touchup anytime. Lina used a brush to apply, for a more natural effect, and she says to always start applying from the inside of the face (not from outside in, if not there would be a mask-like effect).

The finishing touch was loose powder was up next, to complete the look.

Following that, it was time for the Lancome Grandiose Mascara, another beautifully product that comes with a curved wand for more accurate application to enhance and lift the lashes. It was amazing - we watched the model's already-long lashes being extended threefold in terms of length and thickness, and it stayed up.

Finally, some colours were added to the model's lips with Lancome's lipsticks. Two different shades were being used here, seemingly the trend of late - to blend a darker and lighter colour. Lina also used a lip brush to define the shape of the model's lips.

The Blush went on next, a gently tint to give a healthy glow and youthful looks, nothing that is set too hard or definitive. Lina emphasized on working on the apples of the cheeks here.

Lina also dabbed on some Hightlighter to the "C" outer areas of the eyes, as well as the T-zones so that it gives a 3-D effect when photographs are taken, and it sharpens the coutours of the face. The model was finally transformed - prettier, but nothing dramatic or overly made-up.

A dash of Lancome La Nuit Tresor between the wrists completed the entire session. This perfume is one of Lancome's latest, with notes of raspberries and all things alluring. On top of it, the bottle is incredibly beautiful as well - mysterious and seductive with a soulful depth.

Time for shopping and getting up close and personal with Lina Tock. But before that, the registered attendees got to receive a lovely door gift set comprising of precious samples for Genefique serum, eye cream, sunblock and La Nuit Tresor miniature perfume.

Disappointingly, when I was about to go pay for my Lancome Genefique Eye Cream (SGD$90.00) and Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation, then they informed that for every SGD$100.00 spent, we would get the SGD$10.00 voucher. On top of that, the 15% discount was for offsetting next purchase, not for this event itself.

Well, thanks for the makeup tips, Lancome!

In comparison, the Guerlain event I attended a while back was so much more exciting - manicure, caricature, lots of Champagne, and extremely personable makeup artist Jose. No wonder everyone shopped like crazy after the event. Read review here.

Lancome Christmas Wonderland - makeover and shopping event @ Paragon Atrium

The registration was done and the event came just in time - I was going to top up my Lancome skincare products. It was held at the Atrium @ Paragon, a hosted effort by Her World and Metro Paragon in conjunction with Lancome.

I selected the facial session and the makeover session, and for this I am writing about the makeover session. The booth was set up very fancifully and in a festive manner - all glittery, red and one could spot the large Snow Globe from afar.   I took some photos on level two, hence could capture the overall views.

This is a view taken from the escalator down, trying to capture the front / back view of the event, hence pardon the shaken movement.

Here is a "Christmas Tree" constructed out of Lancome gift boxes, and then a close up shot of the Snow Globe with twinkling lights and more Lancome goodies. I love Lancome products, from the skincare and foundation.

This is the front area where some of the participants came to take photos at, after their makeovers.

Upon reaching, we registered at this booth and were handed vouchers and then brought to our makeup artists.

This lovely lady was in charge of taking care of beautifying me for the day. They had three looks to choose from - Glamor, Sophisticated and one more I cannot recall. I went for Sophisticated.

There was that huge array of skincare products and makeup, all by Lancome. And these were used on us - from the serum to moisturizer to primer, etc. It was a treat.

She began to work on my face, brushing, sweeping, dusting etc, constantly asking me to open and close my eyes, look up, look down, etc. This is a sneak preview of her doing my eyes.

This is another snapshot of her doing the lips - the face and eyes makeup were all finished. Oh, yes, my hair was clipped up to keep the sides from falling over my face.

Finally, all was done, and it was time to head over to the section where they did our hair for us. We went around taking photographs, with each other and also our stylists / makeup artists.

Then it was time for the shopping. One could choose to buy those sets with really good prices - as gifts or for personal use (they came wrapped in gorgeous silver and red). If one chose to buy individual items instead of the promotional gift sets, there was a nice percentage discount, like, 20%.

Some of my loot after the event - as well my lovely 4-piece Lancome gift set (contained in the nice Lancome clutch).

The Top Five (5) Perfumes in my Life

I love perfumes - it all started with the very first bottle I was given, back when I was sixteen. I love everything about perfume - how it makes someone smell more feminine, sensual and fresh; how pretty perfume bottles usually are, and how someone knows you are there even before they see you. I often get feedback that my perfume scent is "very strong", but most times, I cannot smell anything when I spray it, really. Best of all, scents bring back memories, whisking us back in time.

MY TOP FIVE FAVORITES

Photosource: http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/o.1542.jpg

1. Ghost's "Summer Moon"
This perfume and I had a very brief love affair, a love-at-first-sniff. Ironically I have never owned a bottle of this officially, but I was given many smaller bottles and packets of samplers by a friend who worked for a branded cosmetics company. It is a limited edition in 2003 - floral fruity fragrance with notes of musk, sandalwood, rose, lotus, peaches, mandarin orange, apple, marigold, freesia, apple, bergamot & lemon - nothing too sweet. It exuded a heady, exotic scent that brought its name alive.

The bottle is very beautiful too - shape of my beloved Lady Moon. This perfume was sold for a very brief period after the launch, and has since stopped gracing the shelves. Trust me, I have bugged all international contacts to hunt for it for me, but in futile efforts.

2. Anna Sui's "La Vie De Boheme"
This is my current daily poison of choice (well, almost), and another "love at first sniff" perfume depicting the Bohemian spirit and lifestyle. This is yet another exotically heady scent that brings out mysterious thoughts in one's mind upon smelling it - another floral concoction of Turkish rose, sparkling pear, berries, pitahaya accord, peony, dry woods, sandalwood, musk and black vanilla. Having a gorgeous bottle is a bonus to this beautiful scent.

3. Elizabeth Arden's "Red Door"
The Red Door is another scent to reckon with  - a powdery trail of elegance and glamor all contained in a bottle. Its scent is classically feminine, with notes of ylang-ylang, red rose, orchid, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, orange blossom, wild violet, freesia, honey, sandalwood and vetiver.

I prefer the previous bottle (heard its limited edition though) that looked literally like the red door that it is.

4. Christian Dior's "Poison"
Christian Dior is one of my favorite brands, if not best. This sensual, exotically powdery scent rouses images of richness, sophistication and a sense of mystery that only it could bring out. As this is a heavier scent, I use it for night functions usually. Consisting of notes of coriander, wildberries, orange honey, tuberose, and opopanar, giving the exotic scent a spicy overture. The bottle is adorable, I hold it like an apple in my hand.

5. Givenchy's "Ange ou Demon"
For this scent, I fell in love with the name and sleek bottle - ombre tones on a bottle that resembles teardrop diamond. The scent is warmly and sweet - nothing like ditzy sweet, but more of a feminine touch to a versatile fragrance. In fact, this scent is my favorite when having important meetings, because it has a very "I'm professional though I smell good" kind of tone to it.

Ange ou Demon contains notes of mandarin, white cumin, saffron, Maxillaria orchid, ylang-ylang, creamy rosewood, dense oak moss absolute, Tonka and vanilla.

These are my top five scents to play around with, and I love them all. Besides these, I do have an assortment of others that I use at times too, most of them are gifts. I spray perfume behind the ears, at the chest area, underarms and the front of my clothes. Sometimes I dab some at the wrists too.

6. Hugo Boss' "Intense"
One of the earlier scents I loved to sport, I don't seem to be able to find it in local shops lately. This is a warm, enigmatic flavor that contains notes of different flowers, spices, musk, patchouli and amber resin etc. I like how it suggests feminism yet stays warm and intense, a scent suitable for professional women; a very practical, non-frivolous flavor.

7. Gucci's "Envy Me"
A simple-looking bottle with the signature interlocking Gs monogram all over it, this marks the next favorite down my list. Its scent is very fresh and light, a concoction of floral, fruits, pink pepper, musk and woods notes all in one.

8. Anna Sui's "Love"
This scent should be my 8th favorite, having replenished it a few times. The pretty bottle and insanely sweet flavors (vanilla, pink pepper, musk and an assortment of many other flowers) makes this a rather romantic scent to sport, especially on a date.

The rest are all not in order of preference. I realize that I prefer stronger scents with exotic, enigmatic and sensual tinges to  them.

9. Anna Sui's "Secret Wish Magic Romance"
Another dreamy-looking bottle containing a freshly spiced up scent amongst sweetness, exuding notes of bergamot, lemon, sweet melon, coconut, musk etc.

10. Coach's "Poppy Flower Coach"
A non-descriptive bottle - not if you don't look carefully at the carefully inscribed cap. A fresh, floral scent that actually contains wet ivy and sugared raspberries notes amongst others! It is a lovely scent, suitable for most occasions.

11. Issey Miyake's "L'eau d'Issey"
This is a "clear as spring water" aquatic, with the creator wanting to emulate the spray of a waterfall, fragrance of flowers and forests in the springtime all into one scent. Besides a wide array of flowers and spices, I note that this contains cedar and carnation too, interesting. This is a gentle, feminine scent with an almost ethereal quality to it.

12. Elizabeth Arden's "Provocative Woman"
Another scent to reckon with - an exotic scent inspired by Catherine Zeta-Jones, a smoking hot scent with notes of spices, quince, water lotus, ginger lily, midnight orchid, papaya blossom, pink freesia, white sand, red amber and Hinoki wood.  A sweetly luscious scent that charms by day and enchants by night.

13. Estee Lauder's "Dazzling Gold"
Now this was the very first perfume given to me at sweet age of 16, a rather powerful burst of strong floral tones encumbering spicy overtures. The notes are orchid, lily, plumeria, sandalwood, vanilla and exotic tree sorts. I find this flavor too sharp for my liking.

14. Gucci by Gucci
A perfume that comes with a very classy-looking bottle complete with lock and chains, this perfume features some rather strong notes of wood and spices. The notes consist of exotic guava, Haitian Tiare flower, patchouli, musk and base.  It is a very practical scent, suitable for the sensible and sporty at heart.

15. Lolita Lempicka
Last but not least, a very adorable perfume that comes in a tiny apple-shaped bottle, nestled on a miniature coach. The flavor is spices combined with a light, hedonistic experience.

We have come to the end of my scents, giving the senses a break. Wish I could preserve some scents forever, but alas, they float away like the sands of time...