Shiseido Maquillage Neo Climax Lip

A year ago, I've decided to abstain from buying any lip-related makeup products because I hardly ever apply anything other than lip balm on my lips -lipstick always seems too mature to me and lip gloss never seems to stays put for more than 15 minutes. (Anyone else feels the same?) But while I was waiting for the makeup lady at a Shiseido shop to try on eyeshadow on my mum, I got bored and looked at the new products. I very quickly noticed Shiseido's younger line, Maquillage's ad. I absolutely love this look, especially as a night look. Doesn't the model look so sophisticated, cool and pretty?

The product that really caught my eye was the new 'Neo Climax Lip', which is described by the saleslady as an in-between of lipstick and lipgloss. She suggested I try on the colour that the model had on. I did that and loved it! Like the ad suggested, it wasn't overly sparkly, and gave a cool, glossy finish to my lips. Unlike the lip glosses (too sheer) or lipsticks (too strong) that I own, this product actually gave my lips a perfect amount of colour.

You know how you get to an age where you feel like you're in-between for everything? Too young for certain things and too old for others? I want some lip colour that will stay on but I'm not ready for lipstick yet. So basically, I consider this a more sophisticated-looking version of lipgloss. On the Maquillage site, there's this image which shows how you apply this product (-which is simply how you apply all other similar lip products.) So do check out the Neo Climax Lip when you pass by a Shiseido counter next time!

Image credit: http://www.shiseido.co.jp/mq/index.htm

Buberry Scarves FW06-07

Burberry seems to be getting that we're all a bit over the classic plaid scarf. One can only have so many plaid scarves in multiples colors after all. And who wants to risk clashing with everyone other person on the street anyway? This season, they've come up with some pretty ingenious scarves.
So much so in fact, that I've made this sparkly Burberry scarf my first FW06-07 purchase. I figured it wouldn't go on sale anyway, and I was right, it was the last one in the store. The thing I love most about it is that when worn, it doesn't immediately shout Burberry because of the underlying criss cross pattern. Then there is the subtle but still very visible silver threads embedded all over the scarf, making it oh-so-pretty and sparkly! (I'm not sure if you can see it here, but its there!) A trendy twist to an otherwise classic scarf. And of course, the fact that it is black and white makes it very sharp and easy to match with everything. The only thing I find lacking with this scarf is that it is not 100% cashmere and therefore not as soft and warm as I'd like. But I guess in this case, its style before warmth!
Another clever design is this abstract check scarf (right), which I also quite like. Especially the color, which is also very versatile. And then there is this chunky scarf. I've always wanted one of these. Actually I think I have one that my friend knitted for me. Except they're sooo big and chunky I never know how to wear them properly, without fearing that I'd choke myself when I leave half of it stuck to the bus door and it moves...I know, I have an overactive imagination. But maybe I'll find inspiration this season and figure it out.
Then there are these very simple plain scarves with the Burberry signature casually scrawled across. As logo branded as the concept is though, I actually quite like this signature. It looks very casual and pretty. Like someone just absentmindedly scribbled their signature on the scarf. Plus, the rest of the scarf is plain and as fun as the prints are, at the end of the day, it is always the plain ones that I wear most. For this design, I think white or grey is best. Although if you want to be very feminine they also have a pretty purple- though not online but in the shops.

But anyways, the scarf designs in Burberry this season are definitely worth checking out- so go before they run out!

Image Source: Net a Porter and Burberry

Fashion Asia: Whats sexy in a man?

Fashion Asia: Whats sexy in a man?

Found a very interesting topic in this blog. What sexy in a man? What is the definition of sexy to guys?

According to Rekojuno from Yahoo! Anwers, definition of sexy differs from girl to girl. Different looks work for different guys. Some look great muscular, and others would look terrible that way but look incredible while slim. Mostly, the key is looking healthy. Really, most people are driven by instincts. Weird, but think about it, overweight people as well as too thin people are normally unattractive. Men like curves on women, which exists primarily for childbirth. Women like muscles because it shows that men are capable of taking care of them. But most likely, man just need to play up their natural traits and let women see their personality, confidence. That is sexy.

Others said “sexy man has to smell, walk, talk sexy (you just add in some imagination how to do all these). It's not just the face or the body it has to be everything. He is confident without being arrogant, he is strong without being vain, he's being sensitive without being soft”

So what are the traits that make man sexy? Here are some tips guys should watch out:-

1. Masculinity

What a woman first notices is his anatomical assets but what lingers in her mind is not all that. It's his inherent masculinity. Well, is this sound familiar? It's in the way he languidly struts across the room with a show of adequacy and grace and the way he flashes the glint in his eyes that ultimately creates the spark. This will include the way he talks and walks that attract women’s attention.

Being masculine does not always suggest a large build but just the right amount of muscle without overdoing it, tanned out sorta to trigger women's instinctive feelings of attraction.

2. Sense of Style and Fashion

Follow latest trend and style is what we called update. But you know what?

It's not the clothes that make a man sexy. It is actually how you bring up your apparel with confidence that does. Clothes don't tempt woman, it's you that makes those clothes look good in yourself that entice woman.

3. Eye contact

Also known as higher level of communication! A man who knows how to have eye contact is a man who knows how to communicate. They want men to listen and to take heed of the things they say, or in short, they need affirmation. So guys!! Now you know why you always got blame for nothing when you are so concentrated on your sport channel while your girlfriend or wife is talking to you. Eye contact also makes a woman feel sufficiently attended to and cared for.

4. Smile.

A simple sweet smile is one of the greatest attraction of a man. It will breaks a girl hidden resistance and also communicates hidden messages without any verbal language. This is why Tom Cruise, who is generous with his smile carried women-magnet profile!

5. Sensitivity

So how sensitivity relate to sexy? Sensitivity here means having a sense of empathy, confidentiality, gentlemen and trust rolled into one. Sensitivity is not finding solution when woman confides something, but rather share your ear to listen to what they express.

6. Sense of Humor

Sense of humour is the ability to experience humour, a quality which all people share, although the extent to which an individual will personally find something humorous depends on a host of absolute and relative

variables, including geographical location, culture, maturity, level of education, and context. it releases chemicals that create a sense of well-being, a man equipped with a good sense of humor automatically wins his points on the sexy scale with women.

7. Confidence

Confidence is always the must, otherwise, you will not have the chance to attract woman. Confidence not necessary about appeal of wealth or power and it does not mean arrogant, it should always be self-assurance and self-esteem, that attract woman.

So guys, what is your secret weapon you think that attract your girlfriends? wife and girl community at large, do share with me here..............

FW07 Ads: Back To Classics

For fashionholics, one of the funnest thing about flipping through Sept. issues of magazines are the new FW07 ads. As we all know, magazine ads usually focus on marketing products from the seasonal collection, especially the 'it' bags. All the products come from one collection and have a common theme. But interestingly this season, Prada and Louis Vuitton, both huge bag sellers, have dedicated one or two campaign images to their classic bags.

Maybe because the creative directors behind the ads did a really good job, or maybe it's because the bags are just so classic -not matter what, these classic bags fit in surprisingly well with the seasonal clothes. I mean, look at this Prada ad, even with the artistic and somewhat weird clothes Prada has this season, the bags still seem to belong there. The puffed up messenger bags totally fit in with Prada's intelligent, artsy image.

As for the Louis Vuitton ad, the classic monogrammed bag fits in really well with the whole posh, well-dressed, high-maintanence woman image. (For once, I'll refrain from ranting about how much I dislike celebs posing in high fashion ads. Sigh...) Even after looking at this uber-glam ad, I still don't feel the urge to buy this monogrammed bag, although to be fair, I'm not a fan of obviously-monogrammed bags. Oops, now I'm ranting about monogrammed bags.

Anyhow, classic bags seem to be getting a push from large brands this season. Are the execs hoping more people would fish out money for their classic bags, or is this a nod to the late 80's/ early 90's trend? No matter what, at least you know if you buy these classic bags, they won't be particularly 'out' next season!

Image credits: http://www.prada.com/, FashionSpot

Avril Lavigne Concert 2007

Yesterday HG and I went to the Avril Lavigne concert in Hong Kong. We were both very excited because we've been listening to her since Complicated back in high school and we really like her music. Even though her new CD doesn't quite measure up to her last and at first I did not even like it, the catchiness of the tunes eventually grew on me after a few replays. Its just the kind of music that makes one want to jump up and down. The point is, I was very excited to hear her live! After Gwen, Avril is definitely the second on my list of must see concerts!
The stage setting was very Avril, with a pink skull printed curtain background thing, neon pink mikes and well pink everything.
She opened with a bang with Girlfriend. Dressed in a black tank, pink plaid mini and those doc marten looking boots (whatever you call them), she was every part Avril. She even had dances to match her songs, which I thought was very cute, though some of the moves were actually very high schoolish- but then again I guess it was appropriate since it was a pretty teeny bopper crowd. What I found most impressive about her though was her voice, which I thought was amazing- she was literally screaming with a high clear voice that never cracked.
Other random thoughts: Her eye make-up was very very dark. She really knew how to move the crowd, jumping around very hyped looking cute and everything (like a little girl). According to my cousin who met her backstage, she's actually really really short. And over all it was just a great performance and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Though admittedly, it didn't quite hyped me up as much as the Gwen concert, but then, Gwen is a tough act to follow. And they're really both playing at very different crowds.

Next Stop- Spice Girls!

Ps. Sorry my pictures are so blurry, I really need to get a better camera.

Another man fashion tip: Color Matching

When dealing with fashion, it always refers to matching, in term of design, trends, styles and of course color. COLOR, the most fundamental rule in fashion, a man must aware about the color combination of his shirt, necktie, shoes, trouser, jackets etc. So what are the best combinations of color in male fashion world?

White and Black

Most popular color in male fashion world, it goes well with any color.

Good choices for tops and bottoms, a must in your wardrobe. It always readily matches with any tops, bottoms, shoes, jackets. These colors are most commonly found in formal business functions and corporate world.

White, associated with purity, cleanliness, freshness, gives the feeling of openness and freedom.

Black, associated with cool, styles, mysterious, direct opposite of white, give the feeling depth, represent elegance and prestigious.

Yellow

A color commonly related to fun and summer wear.

It creates excitement and always suggests a more sunny, joy, lively mood. It also tends to bring about cheeriness to the environment.

Red

A color that extensively used in fashion world.

Like yellow, it is most visible and create attraction and excitement. It naturally portrays an image of excitement, energy, enthusiasm and confidence. Nonetheless, it also suggests an erotic feeling…more for lady rather than man.

It is often associated with love, ambition and passion.

Blue

Most popular color in male fashion world.

It brings about a very relax, pleasant feeling, is a good choice for daytime and even nighttime wear.

The color associated with serenity, inspiration and friendliness.

Tips: Whatever color you wear, most importantly, it must suit the place, functions that you are going to attend, the group of people you are going to meet.

My US Shopping List

I'm off to my annual San Francisco (plus LA this time) trip this Sunday and I'm now in the process of researching about LA and compiling my shopping list. One reason why I love going to the States once a year is that there are certain brands or products that are only available in the States or are cheaper there. I love making lists so here is what I have so far:

Even though there are Urban Outfitters shops in the UK, the US UO things are so much cheaper! For example, a graphic T-shirt is around 23 pounds in London but around 28usd in the States. One item I want to check out is the Lux cinch dress. It looks so easy to wear and pracitcal -one of those items that can take the dresser from daytime to nightime activities.

Another thing I just found on UO's website is this Lux dress. It looks really cool in the picture but it could look cheap and awkward in real life so I really must check it out.

I've never been to an American Apparel shop before and I've been wanting to go so I can't wait. So many people seem to love American Apparel at FashionSpot. American Apparel sells really boring, basic clothes so I probably shouldn't have such high expectations but I do love plain clothes. The first thing I want to check out is this tank dress (and any other useful basics).

The other item is this cardigan. It looks perfect to wear to school this fall -simple and goes with jeans. Afterall, who has time to think before rushing to class?

Onto beauty products, after reading so many rave reviews on Urban Decay's Eye Primer Potion (at MUA and from you guys,) I am determined to buy a few bottles -one for me and a few for friends who have requested I buy it for them too!

OPI nail polish, which is my favourite nail polish brand, is very expensive in Hong Kong (about HK$120 per bottle,) so my mum and I are definitely going to stock up. BG tells me they sell for around 6USD in the States so I'm hoping they're about the same price in San Francisco too. The most important thing is the base and top layer.

Then onto basic (but fun) colours -red and nude.

I recently saw a friend who had wine/ maroon-ish purple nails and they look so sophisticated. But I really can't tell the difference between the many shades of purple! Perhaps this colour is becoming fashionable because OPI's new Russian collection seems to be all about this colour!

And finally -books! On my list so far are Charmed Thirds by Megan Mccafferty (in paperback finally,) Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women by Elizabeth Wurtzel (only because I love Wurtzel so much,) and The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.

Opinions? Anything else I should add onto the list?

Image credits: www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.americanapparel.com, www.opi.com, www.amazon.com