THE FASHION EDITION: WEEKEND WARDROBE

My first outfit post for 2013! And still posing awkwardly lol.

It's a long weekend for those of us down under (happy Australia Day!), hence the three looks. I've been obsessing over my Phillip Lim Pashli, which I bought around Christmas last year through shopbop. It's actually quite an uncomfortable bag to carry - it's incredibly heavy, but also amazingly gorgeous, so I'm not letting go until my arm breaks off! :P 

Top: ASOS, Pants: Random Boutique in Hong Kong, Shoes: Topshop

I think this outfit also works for an office environment, even with the mustard pants. They're great for a pop of colour and are super comfortable!

 Top: ASOS, Pants: Zara, Shoes: Topshop

I wish the floral print on these pants would show up better in the photo, it totally makes the look. As you can see, on top of the bag, I'm also obsessing over these perspex heels from Topshop!

Jump for the last OOTD!

ADDICTION EYESHADOWS + FOTD

I've been thinking long and hard about these ADDICTION eyeshadows, and I still don't really have the words to sum it all up. Even long before I purchased these, I knew they had very high expectations to live up to. Word around the blogosphere is that the ADDICTION eyeshadow formula is one of the best out there, and all I can say is that I completely agree! Pigmented, buttery, long-wearing, easy-to-blend - ADDICTION gets top marks for all those things, and so much more. It pains me that ADDICTION cosmetics are only available in Japan, but if you ever get the chance to go there, don't miss out on these eyeshadows because they are amazing!

Top left: Magic Flute 010P (Pearl), Top right: Fudge 017ME (Metallic), Bottom left: Safari Mode 048P (Pearl) and Bottom right: Ice Wall 008ME (Metallic).

Despite owning about 9084573 earthy eyeshadows, I went for the same scheme to build my own 4 pan palette. And true to those shades, my EOTD is relatively simple, but I think the eyeshadows pair really nicely together. I'm also using the ADDICTION Cheek Stick in Tea Rose on my cheeks and my lips!

ADDICTION HAUL!

Many of you may have already seen some reviews and blog posts about Japanese makeup brand ADDICTION by Ayako. For something that is (sadly) only available in Japan, it sure has gotten a whole lot of attention from the blogging world - and it so rightfully deserves it!

When I finally found ADDICTION makeup on my trip to Japan, I practically threw myself at the counter. Before I knew it I was dabbing my fingers into the shadows, swatching the lipsticks as well as jumping up and down in excitement. I had the poor MUA, who spoke no English, running around the place because I wanted try a bit of everything. After spending almost an hour trying on different products, I walked out of there with 4 eyeshadows, 2 lipsticks, 1 lipgloss and 1 nail polish (which was a GWP). And now all I want is MOREEEE!! 

Mind you, ADDICTION makeup is quite $$$, and if it didn't mean living off breadcrumbs for the rest of my trip I probably would have poured all my expenses into buying as much as I could. I definitely came back from Japan a major ADDICTION convert, and I'm here to spread the love!

Note: I'll be reviewing the eyeshadows in another post.

Words cannot describe the love I feel towards these ADDICTION cheek sticks. As the name suggests these are suitable for application on both the cheeks and on the lips. I purchased #11 Tea Rose and #14 Damask Rose, see below for swatches!

On the cheeks, these are super creamy and incredibly easy to blend. On the lips, they are unbelievably moisturizing, and despite the balm-like texture, the colour payoff is incredible. Now I can't say this for all the different shades, but Tea Rose and Damask Rose wears nicely both as blush and as a lipstick against my skintone, though Tea Rose is slightly fainter and requires more product. As a lipstick, both shades do rub off when I eat, but it's nothing compared to how amazing the formula is as a whole. If I'm ever back in Japan again, I'll probably be grabbing 10 more of these Cheek Sticks!

BEST OF 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope 2013 will be filled with nothing but happiness and adventure for everyone, and of course, lots of new makeup! In retrospect, 2012 was quite good for me, I got to go to Japan, Hong Kong AND Thailand all in one year. Travel was definitely a big part of my 2012 resolutions, and I'm hoping to keep that ball rolling right into 2013! What are some of your new year resolutions?

So I know I'm a little behind (like always), but it's time to make a mention to those favorites of favorites, best of the best makeup products of 2012. Let's get right into it! :) 

Favorite Base & Foundation: Koh Gen Do Makeup Color Base & Aqua Foundation
Koh Gen Do didn't get on my radar till well into 2012. I only bought this base and foundation duo in October when I was in Japan, but these babies have since lived up to, and beyond, my expectations. Before KGD entered my life, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra would have taken the crown hands down, and they are both great long-wearing foundations, but KGD matches my skintone TO A TEE. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra also has a tendency to make me look ghostly in flash photography, whereas KGD wears natural on me all round. Definitely a WINNER.

Favorite Concealer: Lancome Long-Lasting Softening Concealer
I've used this concealer for quite some time now because it's absolute gold in terms of covering up those pesky dark circles. I've come across many concealers that work fine underneath the eyes, but on those days where I'm really deprived of sleep, most of them are just not enough. This Lancome concealer has yet to fail me on any occasion, and I'm praying that it won't, ever!

Favorite Finishing Powder: MAC MSF Natural
One of the things that keeps me going back to my MAC MSFN is how lightweight and natural it sits on top of my foundation. I only usually apply finishing powder on my T-zone area as oppose to my entire face, and MAC MSFN is tough against those zones - it's stays on me a good 4-5 hours before I have to blot away the oiliness, which is the longest wearing powder on me so far!

Favorite Highlighter: MAC MSF in Lightscapade
I've never been much into highlighters, I've always found it hard to get right and have had a tendency to turn myself into a shiny disco ball when applied carelessly. Lightscapade is very subtle and not at all shimmery, it gives me a natural glow and the finish is very soft - even when you tend to be a little heavy handed like me.

Favorite Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
This one was kind of a no-brainer. Tarte Exposed took the blogosphere by storm in 2012, and there's really no question to why this little blush is so still popular. It is simply THE everyday go-to, and wears nicely across many, many different skintones. You just can't go wrong with this gorgeous neutral blush!

Favorite Eyeshadow Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I have quite a few go-to eyeshadow primers, and Too Faced Shadow Insurance has been THE ONE for me in 2012. It does all it promises - my eyeshadow does not crease, morning till night!

Favorite Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked 2
I have to admit I was skeptical when I first got Naked 2, my opinion of it was that it didn't really differ that much from the original palette. But sure enough, I've proved myself wrong again. I've since used my Naked 2 a whole lot more than the original palette, it's an essential item in my morning before work routine!