2010 Products of the Year!!!

2010 has been an important year for me on a personal level. I can’t believe it is ending already. So to wrap up the year on Beautiful Canvas, I would like to share with you some products that I consider to be my best find this year. These items also have a full review link, so check them out.



I got the chance to try many new perfumes this year. The one that is on top of my list is Chloe Eau de Toilette (full review here). To me, it is a combination of femininity, sexy, sophistication, and elegant all roll into one. Plus, it is the one that I get most compliments on.







OPI Drip Dry Drop is one of those must try out for yourself kind of thing. It works! It does exactly as it claims and makes doing my own nails so much less painful.








Okay, so I didn’t discover DHC Acerola Cream or DHC Acerola Serum this year. But the fact is, I have been using them on and off since 2008 is enough to warrant a place on this post, yes? Check this brightening duo out.





It seems like to older I become, so are the size of my pores, sadly but true. Well, there is nothing short of magic you can do for pore size. I came across a primer called L’Oreal Studio Secret Magic that magically shrinks my pores. Well, more like diminishing their appearance, among a few other benefits.





When it comes to foundation, it was a tough call between Amore Pacific Time Response Skin Renewal Spf 18 vs. Shu Uemura Architect Foundation. I’d pick the Shu Uemura because it is an awesome foundation at a much cheaper price compare to the Amore Pacific. Plus, it has medium buildable coverage, great yellow undertone for Asian, and easy to blend.









I will be the first to say that Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finish won’t be a HG makeup setting spray for everybody. However, for those with drier skin or use powder foundation, this makeup setting spray will prevent makeup from caking. It leave a slight sheen that give drier skin a more comfortable, dewy finish. It also helps your makeup looking fresh longer.





In an attempt to be greener, I like to invest in good natural lip products. This quest brought me to Korres Cherry Oil Lip Glosses. They are lightweight, moisturizing, non-sticky, and have some beautiful shades.









For a drugstore gel liner, Wet ‘n Wild Mega Eyes Cream is as good as it gets. It performance and staying power is no less than its high end counterpart. Only problem is it will start to dry in about 3 months. But for $4, I think I can live with that.



Still looking for something to cover those raccoon under circles? Look no further with Benefit Erase Paste Concealer. It has a peach undertone that cover purple shadow and creamy, blend-able texture make it suitable for the under eye areas.




Last but not least, here you will find my review of my favorite eye primer, Too Faced Shadow Insurance compare to a cheaper alternative, the ELF Mineral Eye Primer.  I think those with drier eye lids will appreciate TFSI.









Happy New Year Everyone!  Thank you for stopping by and especially to those who subscribe and leave comments.

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2009 Favorites

Blue Valentine

Okay, today post is not really beauty related other than I am digging Michelle Williams' makeup and hair here. Very fresh, clean, natural and love the bright lips. The trailer for Blue Valentine which starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling got my attention and it looks like another love story drama that is going to make me weep. Will this be another The Notebook? Funny story, I cried so much toward the end of The Notebook that I actually lost one of my contact lens. I had to finish the rest of the movie with just one good eye...LOL. I’ll be prepared this time, tissue and glasses.

Ahh...yummy :)

Review Kevin Beautymaker Aqua Eye Concealer

I am not one of those people that follow trend so it took me awhile to make my first purchase of Kevin Beautymaker products even thought there has been a lot of talk about them on blogs and youtube. For those that are not familiar with this brand, it is a Taiwanese brand that was created by a famous makeup artist named Kevin.


The Aqua Eye Concealer is a moisturizing creamy concealer design specifically for the under eye area. For reference, I have fair skin with warm undertone, MAC NC20 and I purchase this in shade #2. It looks dark in the pot for my skin tone but it blends in well.

Price: $16.99 at imomoko.com


Pros: I love how lightweight it is. If something is moisturizing, it is normally in a rich cream consistency but this is both hydrating and lightweight which I find unique. Since it is lightweight, it looks very natural, like you are wearing nothing at all.


On bad day where my dark circle is really dark, I may need to touch up if I were to go out after work.  I like that it is lightweight enough that it does not cake if I touch up. If you find your eye area dry, you can dab a bit of moisturizer before touch up with concealer.


Cons: I would like to mention that is has little to no pink in it. It’s great for those with warm yellow undertone however, I think it may look odd on people with  pink undertone.


Dark circle comes in different shades.  Mine is brown/purplish.  Since there is no pink, it is not a salmon color.  My dark circles still show through with this.  To perfectly conceal, I need to wear bobbi brown corrector underneath.  To be fair, with most concealer, I need to wear a corrector underneath so this alone does not make this a bad concealer.


Overall: It’s a keeper for me. Rating 4.5/5

Disclosure:  The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

New! NYX HD Line

NYX recently released new HD foundation, primer, powder, blush and even HD eyeshadow base. What really surprises me is the higher price, a lot higher in fact. Let’s check them out!

NYX HD Foundation supposes to have light diffusing effect that makes the skin appear smoother and less pores. It also contains peptide to rejuvenate the skin. I don’t expect much anti-aging from makeup. Retail price $15.

NYX HD Primer supposes to fill in lines, pores, and help your makeup last longer. Retail price $14.

NYX HD Grinding Powder is actually mineral powder that supposes to act like the liquid foundation in that it deflects light to make your skin appear smoother. The main ingredient is mica. I am most curious about this as it is similar to Smashbox and Clinique, and retail price at $25, a hefty price tag for a drugstore item.

NYX HD Grinding Blush is also mineral. It is a lot more expensive than their other blush, which I love so I wonder how this compares. Retail Price $16

NYX HD Eyeshadow Base, retail price $7.

Have you try them? What do you think?

Review Olay ProX Eye Restoration Complex

On paper, this eye cream sounds really good. High on the list, the fourth ingredient is Niaciamide (Vitamin B3) which is suppose to addresses quite a few woes of aging skin such as wrinkling, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and sallow skin without causing side-effects or irritation. (Source) Niaciamide is often the active ingredients in many of Olay’s product. Also high on the ingredient list in Caffeine, it contains antioxidants and is also anti-inflammatory, which help in reducing puffiness.

Price: $47 for .5 fl oz, available at your drugstores and Ulta

Pros: It is package in an opaque airtight pump to better preserve the active ingredients and antioxidant. It absorbs quickly and leaves a non-greasy, velvety natural finish. The cream contains a brightener that gives the appearance of brighter, well rested eyes. It is a cosmetic improvement, not necessarily a cure for dark circles.

Cons: This is very expensive, definitely a department store price tag for a drugstore brand. However, at the end of the day, as long as it works, I would not mind shelling out extra for a drugstore product. Unfortunately, I had use better eye cream in the past. It is just not moisturizing enough for my normal to slightly dry under eye areas. Worse, it also rubs off when I apply Benefit Erase Paste (link) on top. This concealer has never given me any problem before. To clean up the residue that rubs off, I end up tugging at my eyes as well which is something one should avoid. Therefore, I can’t use this eye cream during the day, under makeup.

Overall: While I like that it makes my eyes appear brighter, I dislike how it is not moisturizing enough and that I can’t use it under makeup. To use this eye cream, I would have to invest in another daytime eye cream. It is just too much of a hassle. In addition, with continuous 6 weeks of nightly use, I feel like it may help firm my under eye areas a bit, however, nothing remarkable to the naked eyes. In high school, I used to use Olay moisturizer all the time so this brand have a nostalgic feeling for me but this time, sorry Olay, this eye cream just does not works for me.  However, I am giving it points for good packaging, elegant texture, good ingredients, and not irritating my sensitive eyes.  Rating: 3/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Cover Girl’s New Line NatureLuxe

Cover Girl is launching a new line next year called Nature Luxe and Taylor Swift is the spokeperson for this new line. She is so gorgeous in this picture, very ethereal and glowing. I think CG did a great job at picking her to represent this new line.

So far, they only have two products for this new line.

This is NatureLuxe Silk Foundation which has natural ingredients like cucumber water, jojoba and rose hip extract.  It has a very large range of shade especially for fair skin women like myself.

NatureLuxe Gloss Balm provides sheer color and shine of a gloss with some natural goodness such as mango and shea butter.  It also has a wide color range from nude, pink, to bright apply red.  I can't wait to try these.  What do you guys think?

Review Harajuku Music from the Wicked Collection

If you love thing that comes in cute packaging, you will love Harajuku collections. The one I am reviewing today is scent Music from the new Wicked Collection.

Music is described as a woody floral of swirling cedar wood jasmine, and juicy apple. On my skin, I smell fresh floral and a hint of sweetness. I don’t smell any apple but I guess that is where the hint of sweetness comes from. After a few hours, the intensity subsides and you are left with a hint of calming, woody floral scent.

Price: Collectible eau de toilette, 10mL $30.00
           Collectible eau de toilette, 30mL $45.00

Did I mention I think these dolls are such cute collectible items? As cute as they are, the packaging is too bulky to be travel friendly. However, I think they are meant for display and not in your gym bag so it's okay that they are not the post practical packaging.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent by PR for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Last Day for JLO's Love & Glamour Giveaway

Morning. Click here to enter the giveaway for a full size bottle of Jennifer Lopez Love&Glamour perfume which end today.

How to Stop Your Mascara from Smudging

If you ask me what my biggest frustration and challenge is with makeup, it would be keeping my mascara from smudging and I don’t even have oily eyelids. From what I heard, a lot of Asian has trouble with eye makeup smudging for some reasons. A lot of time, finding a solution is through trials and errors. With all the holiday parties you will be attending this season, let me leave you with a few tips to get you started.

- Powder your eye area to absorb any oil. Use a translucent or brightening powder. One that I love is Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder.

- Wipe the excess off your mascara brush before applying.

- Use a Q-tip to wipe your lashes after you are done to remove any excess

- Try an eyelash primer

- Remember formula is important. Most of the time, tube and fiberwig type mascara are more smudge-proof.

- Waterproof does not necessarily mean smudge-proof (for me, that mean CG Lash Extract WP). Also wearing waterproof everyday may do damage to your lashes.

- Probably not the best solution but sometime I just use waterproof mascara as a top coat over another mascara to seal it. It normally prevents smudging.

Do you have any tips to add? How about product recommendation?

Calvin Klein and IFP's 20th Annual Gotham Film Awards

Calvin Klein latest fragrance release is Euphoria which was the sponsor of the IFP’s 20th Annual Gotham Film Awards held at Cipriani Wall Street. A-list star attendees included Anne Hathaway, Leighton Meester, Natalia Portman and Mila Kunis and Oscar winning actress, Hillary Swank, received the Female Tribute, presented by euphoria Calvin Klein. By the way, I love love Natalie in this bright bold hue lips look.

Calvin Klein Euphoria

Wrap yourself in Calvin Klein’s Euphoria, a luxurious classic for all your holiday fetes. An addictive oriental fragrance that contrasts exotic fruits, seductive florals and a rich creamy signature to complement. You can also dress the man in your life to match in Euphoria Men. A pure, aromatic oriental blend with crisp and spicy accents and a sexy, rich signature for a modern masculinity.

Calvin Klein Euphoria Collection:
eau de parfum spray 3.4oz/100ml $78.00
eau de parfum spray 1.7oz/50ml $60.00
eau de parfum spray 1.0oz/30ml $45.00

Bonus: there is a box of chocolates as gift with purchase of any 3.4 oz fragrance from the Euphoria collection (while supplies lasts) and the promotion is exclusive at Macy's stores nationwide which runs from Dec. 1st- Dec. 31st.

Party Time! This Season Cocktail Dresses

I don't normally post about fashion, but it is the holiday season and that means lots and lots of holiday parties. Aside from gorgeous makeup, throwing on a cocktail dress and a pair of heels translates to instant sex appeal. Cocktail dress is particularly flattering for petite figures like myself.



Flowers anyone? BCBG PLEATED-ORGANZA BUSTIER DRESS $648.00




BCBG TIERED-TULLE DRESS $348.00




BCBG ASYMMETRICAL SHIRRED-TULLE DRESS $398.00. Yes, can you tell by now that I like BCBG?



Lipsy One Shoulder Pleated Dress 50 Pounds

Lipsy is a UK clothing company. Bloomingdale's carries this brand and their online site also ship to the US for 8 Pounds. When ordering online, note that their size run really small. For reference, I am a petite 2 at most stores like Ann Taylor Loft, Banana, etc. and I wear size 8 in Lipsy dress.

Giveaway: Jennifer Lopez Love & Glamour

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulation to Regina.

I have really good news; there is another giveaway just in time for the holiday. Beautiful Canvas readers have been sponsor for a chance to grab a full 1.7oz bottle of JLo’s Love & Glamour (Value $50). Prize will be sent out directly by our sponsor.

Instantly recognizable, Love & Glamour reflects the elegantly extravagant and luxurious side of Jennifer Lopez. This scent, inspired by JL'os starlet persona, lingers on the skin with a sexy floral bouquet, topped off with juicy, yet musky notes. The glamorous notes include:

· Top Notes: Italian Mandarin, Guava, Nectarine Pulp

· Mid Notes: Waterlily, Coconut Orchid, Orange Flower Absolute, Jasmine Petals

· Base Notes: Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Sleek Amber

Win this for yourself or a gift for someone special.


HOW TO ENTER:
1. If you aren’t already a member, please sign up.
AND
2. Leave a comment and tell us how wearing perfume make you feel. Please make sure you use a correct email address.

Bonus Entry:
For an extra entry, post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook page and leave a comment with a link to your post.

All entries must be entered by 11:59PM EST Wednesday, December 8th. Winner will be selected randomly through random.org. If selected winner does not response within 48 hours, we reserve the right to contact the next person in line. Contest open to US residents only!

Good luck !!!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale!!!

Are you ready for some shopping?!!

Smashbox, use code FFSB20 for 20% off until 11/29/2010.

Kiehl’s, you can get $20 off of a $50 or more purchase using code, MERRY. This does not expire until 12/31/2010.

Korres, they have value package on sale for Black Friday. Also, their Cyber Monday sale start early on Sunday and on Monday, there is a new deal EVERY hour, from 6am to 11pm EST. Normally, their homepage will post the special code.

Too Faced, free shipping from 11/24 to 11/29. There is also 50% off Glamour products and free GWP. Click here for more details.

Dermstore, On Thanksgiving day, there is Free 2 day shipping and Super Sets GWP ($120 value), use code 2DAYSHIP at checkout to redeem your freebies. Then from the 11/26 - 11/29, get 20% off all items from your "favorite list". I believe you have to sign in and add items to your favorite list in order to get a discount, you cannot just directly add them to your cart.

Image: readystudiogo

Stila Holiday Gift Sets

Stila is coming out with a load of holiday gift sets and they all look so delicious. They also reduce there shipping fee from $10 to 5.95...yay! Hopefully it's permanent and not just for the holidays season. Shipping is free for order $50 though. Anyway, check out the value sets.

Update: Stila currently have FREE shipping on any order, ends today 11/24. Use code "GIVING"







There is Black Friday and Cyber Monday...what are you planning on purchasing?

The Perfect Nude – OPI in Passion

It has taken me awhile to find my perfect nude nail color to wear alone or French style. Too pink and I don’t like it. Too beige and it make my hands look too pale. Enter OPI in Passion; it is a light pinky beige, your nail but better color. This shade has high shine and I find it longer lasting than some other nail polish, including those from OPI as well. I am able to go 4-5 days without chipping, about 1-2 days longer than usual for me.

Bare Escentual Magnetic Brushes – Genius!

The concept is genius. Why didn’t anyone think of this before? What you get is one handle and multiple brushes head that you can interchange-able. The saving in storage space is very ideal for travel. One that I think is much better than the traditional shorter handle, smaller head travel size.

Have you tried them?

Nails Saver! OPI Drip Dry Drop

It is a liquid design to speed up the drying process of your painted nails. You paint your nails like you normally do. Afterward, wait for 60 seconds, then place 1-2 drops to each nails. They should be dry to touch in 60 seconds and completely dry in 5 minutes.

Price: $11.50 for only 9ml (.3oz) at Ulta

Pros: When you have 4-5 coats of nail polish (including base and top coat), for me, it takes at least 1 hours for them to completely dry. I honestly don’t have the patient for it and always chip my nails before they are fully dried. OPI Dry Drop Drip is the perfect solution to my problem. It works as promise. Your nail is dry to touch almost immediately after you apply it and will be completely dry in 5 minutes. I just love it.

Cons: Nada. The only con would probably be I wish I discovered it sooner.

Overall: At first, I thought the price I paid was expensive for such a small bottle. I quickly came to realize that I don’t need much. Just two tiny drops per nail. It’s such a time and hassle saver. Love it and would totally recommend. Rating 5/5.

Barista Bath and Body Products Review

Awhile back, I introduced to you a new company called Barista Bath and Body. You can read more about them here. I have been using their bath and body products and I have to say, I am impress with certain products.

Perk It Up Energizing Shampoo – Got to be my favorite. It smells so good, just like freshly made coffee. For a product that does not contain SLS, it lathers and cleanses really well. I think it makes my hair shinier as well.

Sooth Those Jitters Moisturizing Conditioner – It does not smells as good as the shampoo, actually I can hardly smell anything. Some day, I find that it does not moisturize enough. To me, it is just okay, nothing special.

Triple Shot Body Wash – Smells lovely, lathers and cleanses well, just like their shampoo. I love how it does not leave my skin feeling dry afterward.

Room for Cream Moisturizer – This cream should be package in a jar or a squeeze tube (with softer plastic). It’s really hard to get the product to squeeze out which is annoying. The cream itself is moisturizing without being greasy, absorb easily.

Korres Cherry Oil Lipgloss Review and Swatches

I am doing a quick review for Korres Cherry Oil lip gloss today. I love that these are made up of natural ingredients. I also love the beautiful shade, especially light purple #23. It’s such a pretty pale pink and despite the name, I don’t detect any purple. They are non-sticky, moist and add just the right amount of shine. For me, it’s a little pricey, $17 each (6ml); $14 would have been more fair.

Korres Cherry Oil Lipgloss in 45 Coral, 23 Light Purple, 33 Nude

23 Light Purple

45 Coral