My latest obsession creation: 
I was never a fan of having a second hole on my ear, but this allows me to get away with it without having to go thru a needle. I can’t stress enough how amazing this ear cuff is–I’ve definitely been tying my hair a lot more often to sport this cuff! Will post an outfit with this soon. 
Meet the infamous, Senior MAC Makeup Artist: Ms. Nicole Thompson. Known for her ever-changing hair color, I had an opportunity to attend a MAC workshop with her to acquaint myself with upcoming key trends and their spring 2012 looks.
MAC’s SS2012 themes: Ath-elite, Ore-inspired, Nouv-eau, and Neo-n.
Above is the Ath-elite look. This look is all about the skin–dewy, sporty, and fresh feel of bare skin. It’s like having a naked, raw yet flawless complexion. To get the Ath-elite look, Nicole used the ff. products in order: Fix+, Strobe Lotion, Mineralize Cream Foundation (using a 168 brush), Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (using a sponge for additional coverage), Extra Dimension Skin Finish (using a 188 brush), Mineralize Skin Finish Natural – darker shade (using a 116 for contouring), and Blacktrack Fluidline, and Girl Boy Brow Set (using a 266 angled brush).
Another feature about the Ath-elite look are strong, dark brows. It adds a certain masculinity to the look amidst the smooth porcelain female complexion. And remember, buff, buff, and buff to get the product into the skin to achieve your best “naked” skin.
Above is the Ore-inspired look. The look is defined by rich, highly-pigmented color of golds, coppers, and browns.
To get this look, Nicole used the ff. products in order: Fix+, Mineralize Skin Finish Powder, Teddy Eye Kohl (blend with a 217 brush), Rusty Metal-X Cream Eyeshadow, Fusion Gold Metal-X Eyeshadow (use a 239 brush for applying eyeshadow below your waterline), Style Powder Blush, Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Kiss Me Quick, and Diva Lipstick (she used a 242 shader brush to fill in the lips).
Tip: When applying lipstick, its always better to use a lip brush (or any brush) and layer on the color (up to 3 layers is best). When you build up the color, it’ll still leave a solid pigment even after you’re done with dessert! 
Although Nicole only featured two looks (Ath-elite and Ore-inspired), I’ll do a quick rundown on what defines the the two remaining looks of SS2012.
Nouv-eau: it’s a romantic, sultry, ultra feminine natural look, with washed out color on the lips, cheeks, and eyes. You’ll see a lot of peachy, apricot, and pinkish-red shades for the cheeks and lips, and single-toned colors for the eyelids. It’s definitely an elegant, ultra sensual look that can be an everyday staple.
As for the Neo-n look, it’s graffiti-inspired with lots of bold color and strong detail on the face, yet it remains a seamless, beautiful fusion of colors. You’ll see a lot of pigment of bright colors from royal blue lips, to orange eyelids, and even neon green brows. It’s definitely a look for the runway, as adopted by Vivienne Westwood in one of her fashion shows.
Additional Makeup Tips from Nicole:
- Don’t be afraid to use lipstick as a blush–it has the same texture as a cream blush and they definitely come in more varied shades!
- Use a sponge in applying foundation if you want thicker coverage around the nose and chin–it blends better and reaches spots that even a small mineralize brush can’t!
- Fix+ is your bestfriend. Spray it on bare skin to even out the surface of the skin. Plus, you can spray it on your brushes to get the pigments to stick longer in your eyelids!
- Brow Powder vs Brow Pencil? You’re better off with a brow powder!
- Buff, buff, and buff some more!
I know I haven’t posted in awhile, and it’s because things have been a little crazy at work. In any case, I promise to make it up to you these upcoming weeks! Did I mention I’ll be attending a MAC Makeup Class this weekend? MAC’s Australian Senior Artist, Nicole Thompson, will be giving us an insider’s peek into Spring 2012 and key trends–so stay tuned!
Now for a quick post, above is a Grecian-design necklace adorned with natural agate, created by my one and only true inspiration, my mom. Hung on one of my favorite Lladro sculptures, she reminds me of my once-favorite Disney character Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
I was in a rush to a friend’s house and just threw this outfit together. In any case, I wanted to stress how important scarves are. I really love how they can dress up any plain outfit, but more importantly, they’re really handy in case I ever feel cold in the movie theater or when I’m walking to the park. Just remember, always keep a scarf in your bag–you never know when you’ll need it!
However, if there’s one thing I don’t like about scarves, they have a tendency of hiding the necklaces you’re wearing. I had to keep the scarf away just so I could do justice to the antique necklace I’m wearing below. It’s so intricate–each piece was excavated!
Wearing a creme racerback top from Topshop, a grey vest from Zara, a pair of mesh leggings and a leopard scarf I got from Hong Kong, and combat boots from F21. Worn with a self-designed bangle adorned with black Agate and black baroque pearls, and a Chanel bag I got from Canton Road, HK.
When I was in New York last fall, I went on a blazer rage and bought a ton of oversized boyfriend blazers. I bought them in every color I could fit myself into–denim, black, blue, white and champagne. Normally, I don’t believe in buying the same piece of clothing in different colors, but blazers are an exception. They’re quite versatile pieces really, since they never fail to finish up any outfit. It’s sort of like throwing a trench coat on over just about anything, even silk pajamas!
Wearing a sequin top from Just Cavalli, white boyfriend blazer from Zara, sheer black leggings and leopard scarf I got from Hong Kong, and a pair of distressed metallic shoes from Aldo. Worn with Gucci sunnies and an orange Balenciaga.
I was looking through some of the boxes that I brought home from New York–and I found these! I bought these two years ago in Aldo, but somehow I never got to use them. They’ve been hidden in my box for the past year and I’m really glad I came across this pair. It’s time to take them out for a spin! I really love the fact that it’s a combination of distressed gold and silver too–it’ll go with almost everything!
When I entered the MAC Cosmetics store today, I only had two things on my list: a lip brush and a makeup brush cleanser. Obviously I ended up with so much more. Don’t worry, I didn’t buy everything today (I got the Prep + Prime as a present from my sister!). I did, however, fall into my makeup artist’s tempting invitation–if you spend a little over a $100, you’re eligible to attend a makeup class with one of MAC’s Australian Senior Makeup Artists. I completely gave in.
(L-R Above): Prep + Prime, Cream Colour Base (Pearl), Lipstick (Creme d’ Nude), Lipstick (Angel), Brow Set (Beguile), Make It Perfect Brush Kit/Mineralize, Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (Dark Deep), Eye Shadow (Cork), Brush Cleanser.
316 Lip Brush and 266 Small Angle Brush.
Also bought brushes–I was going to opt for the 318 retractable lip brush, but for hygienic purposes it’s always better to get a lip brush with a full cover. I love how it looks like a silver test tube too!
One of the things that I love about this top is that it allows me to move comfortably in all angles and directions. Plus, it’s one of my go-to tops especially when I’m hitting one of the new buffets in town (it hides everything I ate for dinner!). The top has no brand though since I only had one of my tailors whip it up for me. 
Above is a necklace I designed that really reminds me of a cross between jewelry fashioned by Grecian goddesses and Egyptian pharaohs. For some reason, I definitely see Cleopatra wearing it!
In any case, I love how this necklace can dress up any rugged outfit even with the combat boots I’m wearing.
The bangle I’m wearing is another one of my mom’s creations. I can’t stress enough how talented she is! She’s really really talented and the funny thing is, she denies it! To her, jewelry designing is something she does when she’s frustrated with something. This gives me ideas: more frustrated mother = more jewelry for us! (I’m kidding, of course)
I just couldn’t resist pairing up my outfit with the best leather jacket I own. I got it from the leather market in Florence during the summer of 2005. Yes, it’s that old! But just like any other leather, the color and texture has changed, and it really does get better with time. Worn with Topshop trousers and Nine West boots from their Vintage American Collection.
For another everyday look, I decided to ditch the leather jacket and switched it to one of my mom’s coolest finds during our last trip to Hong Kong. I love how the colors of the cardigan are so mute and yet the design at the back screams!
I got inspired to do some designing when I saw my mom’s acrylic nails the other day. She used to have them done when I was much younger and I always thought they were real. They really make your hands look beautiful though.
Since my mom goes to her goldsmith on a regular basis, I asked her if she could have one of my designs made. I had a nail piece made in gold and it turned out quite beautifully! My mom even added a small carat just to add some shine to it too! I’m quite lucky to have such a cool mom who consents to eccentric jewelry pieces I love you mom! It’s the best post-Christmas present ever!
Had dinner in Urameshi-ya, Little Tokyo.
There are two things that keep me coming back to these Yakiniku restaurants: 1) the rugged, tokyo street feel; and 2) the top-grade meat. Nothing compares to Japanese meat–its tenderness and juice just makes my mouth water. Any way you cook it, Gyu-tan and Jyo Karubi has a consistent taste that’ll sure leave you wanting for more! Plus, eating barefoot while sitting on tatami mats is addicting as it is socially awkward for some people.
Meet our server, LJ.
