Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts

Even Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, likes Gender Biases Video by Pantene that went viral. Have you seen it?

"Gender #Bias. How does it affect you?" asks Pantene

Whether you are a stay home mum or holds a full time job, surely you've come cross this issue or personally experienced this at some point in your life. This affects how you view wearing branded clothes, how a man or woman is viewed when either one exerts himself/herself at work, or even paying attention to personal grooming. Is it just a self-esteem issue or simply how it is viewed by observers?
Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
On a global stand, in recent months, #Pantene caused quite the stir with an online# video at #WhipIt tackling gender labels. It began with #Sheryl Sandberg’s global bestseller Lean In, which examined why women are still struggling to make progress and encourages women to overcome it. A recent study by Pantene in the Philippines revealed that 70 per cent of men still think that women need to downplay their personality to be accepted. Below is the video in question, which gone viral across the globe after Sandberg liked and sang its praises. This video was created from this insight into the Filipino culture, asking bold questions like Why is he called boss, but she’s called bossy?.


       In a little more than a month, the video generated more than seven million views and thousands of comments around the globe even catching the eye of Lean In author and Facebook COO, #Sheryl #Sandberg, who shared the video on her Facebook page.
       Today, #Pantene has earned 241,100,081 overall earned media impressions and 227,072,270 digitally.
       #Forbes quoted the video for portraying gender labels effectively, while #Time lauded Pantene’s efforts to break down the sexist workplace stereotype in one ad.
       Through pure organic growth and virality, the video has made waves in the United States, on programmes such as #ABC World News Tonight and even Good Morning America. 

Watch the Video

Click on the link #Why is he called boss, but she’s called bossy? to view the short video clip.

In Our Tiny World 
Sometimes, the answer does not lie with the gender, but how a message is conveyed or simply how the world perceives a woman or a man. Here are some anonymous comments collected:




1. When a boss puts his or her foot down at work, is he or she being perceived in the same way by subordinates regardless of gender? Would you say your female boss is a bitch when she does it, or that your male boss is just being professional and doing a good job? Or is it in how the message is being passed and the tone of voice used that dictates how the leader is being perceived?

Food for thought: In the United States, a Gallup poll was done recently and 40 per cent of women and 29 per cent of men preferred a male boss to a female one for various reasons. And in an article bNatalie Campbell, in Guardian (UK) dated 21 January, it was reported that 35 per cent of leaders in the UK public sector are women, although 51 per cent of the population in the UK is femaleIs this poll result affected by gender stereotype or culture or are women trying poor leaders? 

Although local statistics are not available at press time, the brochure of the National University of Singapore for its Executive Education Women in Leadership course highlights that it is proven that "organizations with greater gender diversity in management tend to perform better, yet institutional barriers and the pressures to conform to gender norms make it difficult for women to rise to the top". Hence to  bring more women into the boardroom, there are now professional courses like this to equip women for boardroom success. In its course outline, one of the core focus of the NUS five-day course is "issues and challenges of women leaders in Asia", which reiterates the need to break the effect of the view of society and Asian culture on the performance of female bosses. Perhaps not by coincidence, but need that a similar three-day course being offered at the Singapore Management University called Leadership and Women addresses how women can overcome a certain self-limiting type of behaviour and mental models that we tend to adopt generally with tools like the right work-life integration and strategic network that leads to career success.

For me, most of my ex-bosses were female. I've come away having more respect for my female bosses for their fairness and professionalism, and ability to hold the team together.

1. Is this true? Yes/No.
What are your views? Please feel free to leave an appropriate comment in #Simply Beauty Comment Box below.


2. Is it really true that when men wear branded clothes, they are just looking smart and women are just being showoff as highlighted in the video?

There are a mix of views for these.  In general locals with a larger built feel that they are only able to find smart office wear that they can fit into from international labels, which cater to Europeans or Caucasians who usually have a bigger built, whereas local boutiques usually cater to the majority of the petite Asians.   

Regardless of gender, some interviewed say that one is just being brand conscious with extra cash to flaunt when one wears branded or designer clothes. And those who appreciate fashion trends, good cuts and quality fabrics, find that good fashion labels are known for their quality fabrics, workmanship, designs that flatter most body shape especially those with pear shaped body, and usually leave a person appearing smarter. However, we must add that small boutiques also offer quality designs at a steal if you know where to go. However, we must not forget upcoming local designers who also offer good designs. Unfortunately, their works do not have as much exposure as fashion labels from more established fashion houses in the international arena.

At the end of the day, is it taste that is important and knowing how to mix and match your clothes that count? Perhaps branded clothes by more well-known designers have been given more exposure with those seasonal international fashion shows held in fashion capitals in London, Paris and New York, which are often reported in the dailies and various publications every season. 


2. Is this true? Yes/No.
What are your views? Please feel free to leave an appropriate comment in #Simply Beauty Comment Box below.

3. When a man pays attention to personal grooming, do you think he is just being neat? On the other hand, is a woman vain when she takes pains to look her best for work, and spends an hour prepping before she's finally out of the door? Many makeup artists I've interviewed in the past decade say the same thing, which is best summarised by the Chinese saying that there is not one woman who is ugly, except for those who are too lazy to care about their outward appearance. Personally I feel that personal grooming is important as it makes one feel good oneself and is a form of respect for others. 

A paid research by Proctor and Gamble in 2011, revealed that women who enhance their appearance with makeup gives the impression that they are capable, reliable and amiable. However, in an article by New York Times, the author then went on to highlight that the use of right makeup colours to look professional in the boardroom is key to send across the right message to colleagues, associates and clients.

So what about one's crowning glory for surely one's hairstyle and hair condition completes the whole look. To go the other extreme about looking good and hair, well aware of the link between self-esteem and bad hair days, P&G holds an annual Beautiful Lengths Day in the United States since 2006 to encourage those with healthy long hair to donate healthy hair for the creation of real-hair wigs for women who have lost their hair to cancer treatments.If one's coif does not have any effect in one's self-esteem, then up to September 2013 there wouldn't have been up to 28,000 real-hair wigs being delivered to female cancer patients in the United States, unless the demand is there.   


3. Is this true? Yes/No.
So what are your views? Please feel free to leave an appropriate comment in #Simply Beauty  Comment Box below.

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SHOP Gorgeous Make Up Kits/Palettes @ Sephora

Christmas is the time of the year when beauty junkies look forward to ogling at the wonderful limited makeup kits. Here are a few we have rounded up.

Price Range: S$20
Sephora Mini Palette Bag, S$29
If the academy palette takes up too much space on your dresser, this mini palette in a sleek packaging makes it easier for you to put away 36 eyes shades as compared to 5 shades in its own packaging. Also included are 15 lip glosses an four blush shades to go with your attire.

Price Range: S$30
Too Faced Jingle All the Way Pop-Up Makeup Palette and Phone Case, $34
As compact as an iPhone, this makeup palette houses 11 eye shadows, a blusher and bronzer and a limited iPhone 5 case designed by celebrity decorator and TV personality Mary McDonald, greatly known for her exuberant style, immersed in classicism.

Price Range: S$40
Stila Masterpiece Series Eye & Cheek Palettes, S$49 per set
Beautifully packaged to look like a retro book trilogy, the colours in the palettes are fashioned like an artist’s palette, making you feel like an artist while enhancing features with them. Each of the three makeup palettes come with five eye shadows and one powder cheek colour, designed to help you achieve art-inspired natural, smoky and plum looks. Better yet, the fourth “book” includes get-the-look tutorials, and tips and tricks from Stila Pro Artist, Sarah Lucero! We also love the sleek book trilogy packaging which makes putting your makeup away easy with its sleek and neat book-like packaging.

Price Range: S$50
NYX Waiting For Tonight Palette, S$55
A traveller’s favourite, this compact is packed with 32 highly pigmented shades, two blushes, one bronzer, four eyebrow powders, three concealer shades and four chic lip glosses. Now you can still vary your  makeup from girly look with pinks, to neutral beiges to rock babe with thickly rimmed eyes. The only item you need to remember to bring is a bright red lippy to finish the rock babe look as it’s not included in this palette.

Price Range: S$60
Sephora Makeup Academy Palette, S$69
This is a signature makeup set available only at Christmas every year. Definitely a set a beauty junkie would love to gaze at once in a while and be awed by the rainbow colours of 72 eye shades, 17 creamy eyeliners, 18 lip glosses and seven cheek colours. Since its introduction, the eye colours in particular were reformulation to be more pigmented so that they are easily applied. Not missed out from the kit are essential base like three shades of Concealers, eye primer and lip primer to prep the lids and lips respectively for colours to glide on more easily, have a more vibrant and true colour and staying power.


Price Range: S$70
MAKE UP FOR EVER Extravagant  Glamour Kit, S$70
Worth S$113, this set includes smudge resistant eye makeup and a lip colour inclusive of Smoky Extravagant mascara which delivers impact and precision. It is the ideal tool for noticeable and yet clearly separated lashes that are fanned out beautifully, minus the unsightly clomping. To have eye make up that stays put through the day, Aqua Eyes eye liner pencil is an award-winning, waterproof, smudge- and fade-resistant eyeliner that doubles as a vibrant eye shadow. Simply smudge the liner before it dries to soften the look.

Urban Decay Shattered Face Case, S$72
A hot Christmas favourite among fans of Urban Decay, this limited edition signature colour palette is loaded with everything you need to achieve a variety of looks.  More elegant than before, this shiny gunmetal case houses five exclusive eye shades including a grey-brown shade, rich purple shimmer and micro-glitter and a champagne-pink shade, two blush shades in an exclusive powder texture, a highlighter, High Gloss Lip Color in a cool pink and a travel-sized 24/7 fade resistant Glide-On Eye Pencil in black. Urban Decay is a cult makeup brand known for its longstaying power and creative bold shades.

Price Range: S$80

Front Cover New Style Queen, S$85
If you are often unsure about how to enhance your features differently for different occasions, this is one kit you should gift yourself. Complete with step-by-step application instructions from Frontcover Cosmetics' resident makeup artist, this kit has a mix of eye shadows in iridescent and matte, a range of Lip Glosses as well as all the tools like brushes you need to apply flawless make-up. NEW Buildable Black Mascara and Black Kohl Pencil take your make-up to the next level with stunning eye definition to finish off any look or take it from daytime chic to night-time glamour.

Price Range: S$90

Tarte What Has Your Makeup Done For You Lately Best-Sellers Gift Set, S$92
A collection of only the best of Tarte’s treatment makeup this kit is one every woman needs who wants a double duty makeup. Lip Surgence-lip shine with a sharpener cap is a an award winning 3-in-1 lip stain, gloss and rich balm which delivers sheer colour while keeping lips hydrated and refreshed. Anti-ageing elixir Pure Maracuja Oil firms, brightens and smoothes skin with fatty acids, Vitamin C and high moisture content. Youth-enhancing Maracuja Miracle Foundation SPF15 rejuvenates complexion with maracuja oil-infused, anti-aging, and moisturizing flawless full coverage liquid foundation for all skin types inclusive of sensitive, dehydrated, dry or aging skin. It leaves skin silky smooth with a dewy finish. Modern Eyes waterproof creaseless shadow/liner duo will not sink into creases thus emphasising the lines. After emphasising eyes with the liner, use the warmth of your finger to soften the line and blend back toward your crease. Gifted Amazonion Clay Smart Mascara enhances eyes and opens up the eyes by greatly volumising lashes by a high 406 per cent, and Rice Wax lengthens lashes. At the same time, it repairs, nourishes and hydrates dry brittle lashes with Amazonian clay. Also included is a makeup brush.

Special Finish
Instant Glow or Matte, S$15 each
So you prefer to stick to your own set of makeup, but hope to achieve a dewy or matte finish. Therefore, apart from the various colours and textures of the makeup you use, you can still achieve a refreshing dewy or matte finish just a spritz of these magic potions.   

Available at #Sephora.

EVENT Givenchy Make up Demonstration at Isetan Scotts


Make Me Over with Givenchy

What will you be doing tomorrow? Pick up makeup tips of makeup looks and trends for this A/W 2013 fashion season. Makeup artist Larry Yeo will be giving‘live’ makeup demonstration at Isetan Scotts. Come by Givenchy Beauty Bar, Level 1 at Isetan Scotts at 2pm.
  • Be the first nine customers to spend S$200 at Isetan Scotts Givenchy beauty counter will receive a complimentary makeover session with Makeup Artist Larry Yeo on 24 August 2013. 
  • All other customers who spend S$200 at Givenchy Beauty Bar on 24 August 2013 will stand a chance to win bestselling Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powder.

See you there!



REVIEW RESULTS Bare Minerals Hydrating Ready SPF20 Foundation

Bare Minerals Hydrating Ready SPF20 Foundation @ Sephora ION Singapore

Trial result:

Results on MY face:

Finishing look of Bare Minerals hydrating compact foundation and blush on my face
Airbrush-ish finish of Bare Minerals hydrating compact foundation and blush on my face
This is one of the few powder foundations that doesn't leave my dry skin feeling tight and dry. Fine lines disappear instead of being emphasised with it. The foundation and makeup last all day. No fading. Best of all, foundation application is fast and completes in a few strokes.


Details at SimplyBeautyAspirations

SHOP YSL Autumn/Winter 2013-14 Colours

YSL Beauty Autumn/Winter Colours coming your way

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute (YSL) will be launching these shades under its Autumn Winter 2013-14 Collection. 
BLUSH RADIANCE No 9: Great shade for brightening complexion and accentuating cheeks
PALETTE CITY DRIVE in Classy: different intensities of taupe brown and a shade of grey are easy combination to play with. 
ROUGE PUR COUTURE No 51: This shade brightens make up subtly.

And along with these shades PURE CHROMATICS EYESHADOW PALETTE No N21 will be launched as an Asian exclusive, with the range. The blue shade is suitable for yellow skin tone like mine and is not as jarring as those back in the 70s. i love to line my bottom lid with this shade of blue to create interest. The rest of the shades on this palette are suitable for creating a subtle day look. To play up intensity of the shades, apply the colours (especially gold and indigo) with a wet flexible tip applicator closer to the lash line. Be very careful when accentuating eyes with white. I'd subtly dab it on the inner corners of my lower lids (next to nose bridge) and blend it out till it's just enough to brighten up eyes.


(Clockwise from top left) 
BLUSH RADIANCE No 9; PALETTE CITY DRIVE in Classy; 
PURE CHROMATICS EYESHADOW PALETTE No N21 (Asian exclusive) 
and ROUGE PUR COUTURE No 51

 Application Results on Eye Lids 
(using the PURE CHROMATICS EYESHADOW PALETTE No N21)
To ensure eye colours are longer lasting or do not smear after perspiring application technique is very important. In the case above, I had used: the below before applying my eye makeup:
Bare Minerals primer
Anna Sui liquid foundation
Loose powder

Comparison of Colour Intensity Between Dry and Wet Application
Dry Eye Colour (left)
Using a dry sponge/foam tip applicator, resulting eye colours are pearly. Great for creating a romantic smoky eye finish.

Wet Eye Colour (right)
When applied with wet applicator, the metallic properties of the colours are enhanced to result in a lustrous glazed finish, and as per guide on back of package suitable for more intensed results.



NOTE: Pictures do not reflect the actual intensity of the colours on the eyelids.

FRESH FACE BEAUTY with Laneige


Korean celeb Song Hye-Kyo, Laneige spokesperson








Eyes:

Rim eyes with best-selling Laneige Multi Shaping Eyeliner No 1 Metal Black, S$23, in . Its smudge- and water-proof formula keeps eyes appearing sharp and alert, while it moisturises and protects sensitive eyelids with a super creamy texture enhanced with Vitamin E and jojoba oil. . Also available in No 2 Metal Brown if you prefer a more natural finish. Next open up eyes with lashings of Laneige Infinite Volume Setting Mascara in Black Truffle, S$34. Exclusive Laneige Wide Volume Complex technology and a new soft oil system ensures long wear with its sweat-proof properties. Short, stubby lashes are lengthened by rice bran, carnauba and candelilla wax. A customised applicator makes lashes appear denser with more volume. Also available in Couverture Chocolate for a natural finish and Blueberry Cream when you are looking for some fun and adventure.


Cheeks and Lips:
Laneige Dual Pot in Raspberry Truffle, S$30 beautifies lips as it smoothens dry lines and leaves it glossy, while the accompanying coloured translucent powder gives a touch of healthy glow to cheeks. Also available in 3 other shades.

Glowing Naturally


1. Cleanse and Brighten

2. Hydrate and brighten
3. Protect and Beautify
skin

4. Hydrate and refresh 
5. Shine stay frizz free 
6. Sparkle with Eye Rock
Crystal Eye Tattoo




















Sparkle Every Moment

1. Cleanse: Remove makeup, cleanse and brighten your complexion with an effective cleanser. L'OCCITANE Immortelle Brightening Foaming Cleanser cleanses as antioxidant-rich Immortelle essential oil smooths and firms, while Bellis Perennis evens out skin tone and brightens skin.



Makeup Forever White Definition
2. Moisturise: Research has shown that hydration enhances whitening effects of a cream. L'Occitane Brightening Moisture Cream hydrates skin as it reduces surface spots claimed to be as high as 30%. It feels comfortable on skin with its light gel-cream texture.

3. Protect skin and improve skin appearance with a foundation that brightens, leaves it flawless and shine free such as Makeup Forever White Definition, S$85 (Refill with Sponge S$65 and Case S$20). It conceals uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, while brightening dull complexion instantly with fine and soft texture. It leaves skin flawless finish with a radiant glow. Created specially  for Asians.

4. During the day, mist and hydrate skin with an antioxidant-rich face mist like L'Occitane Brightening Mist (limited edition).

5. Shine with healthy hair: Toni&Guy Glamour Serum Drops tames flyaways and frizz as it coats it with a tinge of healthy gloss.

6. Going for a party? Sparkle on with Eye Rock Crystal Eye Tattoos .The crystals have been strategically positioned onto a transparent sheet. Simply transfer the design over the corner of eyes.

TRIED & TESTED: Nail Rock 3D

NAIL ROCK 3D
I tested the longevity of the wraps.

VERDICT: I would still use this once in a while for some va va vroom moment. Beautiful designs like this (one) make good ice breakers at parties. Personally, looking at beautiful manicure and the intricate wrap designs soothes and serves as a distraction from mulling over unpleasant situations or people.

It's great for the day and probably the rest of the 6 days it's designed to stay on your nails, but I would recommend avoid any activities or chores involving water like scrubbing.

What I did:
1. It survived the shower.
2. After using a sponge to clean a juice blender, this is how it looks now.


What are your thoughts?

Last Minute Christmas Gifts That Can't Go Wrong



for the nature and aromatherapy lover: 


Aesops Aviary Gift Kits 2012-2013 comes in a variety of sets such as hair care, facial care, hand and body care. The theme of the six gift kits focuses on birds this year. Each is named after a specific aspect of avian life, and profiles the history of an extinct or endangered species.

Preen (seen above) is a good introduction for someone new to Aesops aromatherapy range of of products. At 75ml the aromatic hand balm, can be hand carried on board the plane and also easily fits into your pocket to refreshes your senses each time it is used to moisturised hands.

Hand and body care
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash 500 mL 16.9 fl oz
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm 75 mL 2.6 oz
Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 200 mL 6.8 fl oz
Geranium Leaf Body Balm 120 mL 4.1 oz
RRP: SGD135
At all Aesops outlets.


for the gal with works more than 8 hours a day:
Help galfren brighten up for a date in a jiffy with Benefit Perk Up and Away, $107.
The set comprises of:
- Poseitint for cheeke Eye shadow
- dandelion blusher
- watt's up cream blusher
- the POREfessional (deluxe mini) pore minimiser
- laugh with me LeeLee (deluxe mini) woody floral scent with a light blend of uplifting citrus notes, jasmine and lily blossoms.

One can't go wrong with any of Benefit's well-thought out sets.

for one who loves long wearing makeup - sophisticated look

compile a set of makeup artist up colours with this set collated by Bobbi Brown's team:
Sparkle Eye shadow in Dark Chocolate, $45
Silky Matte Black Chocolate (or try Taupe to create a romantic smoky finish), $34 each

Rich Lip Colour in Suede, $36
High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle applied only on centre of lower lip and over the Rich Lip Colour  Suede, $36
Blush in Pretty Pink for a healthy flush on the cheeks, $42

colours for the lady with refined taste


Regard Signe de Chanel in HARMONIE DU SOIR, $96, is an exclusive compilation of four buildable metallic shades in golden bronze, plum red, taupe and pink. the set of colours leaves a wash of metallic sheen on the lids, leaving the lids appearing wider than it is. Increase the intensity by dabbing on shade until it reaches the intensity a you want. Complete the use of this eye shades with liquid eyeliner and volumising mascara. I love the 3D embossing of each shade in the shape of the replica of a Chanel suit button with a quilted effect and double “C” stamp.

Limited Edition Collections from Christmas 2012:




If lip gloss is all you need, why no carry it in an elegant way. Burberry Beauty Charm (limited  edition), $130, is lip gloss in a sophisticated packaging of a mini chest with a tassle on the other end. Makes a graet conversation starter at parties. Available only at Tangs Orchard.



For a complete makeup compact to carry to an elegant dinner for touching up, Dior Grand Ball Xmas compact, $112, helps your achieve bright Christmassy look with eye shades in silver and gold palettes, two lip gloss shades in nude and pink. and a liquid liquid eyeliner to emphasise eyes.


Cle de Peau Palette Voyage is a complete compilation of gold and neutral eye shades, blusher, lash curling and lengthening mascara and a rich lipstick in natural rose shade. The sophisticated deep blue case in the design of a suitcase is a nice packaging to show off plus it is ultra light, so it doesn't add to your luggage or handbag weight.

Finishing touches:



for the fashionista (marc jacobs fan), price not available



this scent is inspired by one of marc jacobs fashion collection this year.




for the elegant lady with sensitive skin:

Burberrry Body Rose Gold scents your body without any skin drying alcohol. Thus, it is suitable for sensitive skin too.


perfumes or product packaging with an elegant pump:
I've always loved the unique and elegant pump perfume bottles.  There are several brands with this packaging such as The Body Shop and Bottega Venetta:

Sparklies to leave skin with a a light sheen to fake healthy kissed skin
Bottega Veneta Deluxe Scent 



A more elegant scent by jewellery house Bvlgari - Mon Jasmin Noir L Elixir EDP 50 ml

This bright scent starts with bright and sweet notes of candied orange, bergamot and grapefruit blossoms. The heart notes include Sambac jasmine and Angel Wing jasmine. And the last bit of the scent that you will spend most of the day with will be of the warm honey, golden amber and musk.


for mum:
Escada Especially EDP 75ml, body lotion 50ml and bath crystals, $137. Bright Sparkling Escada Especially is marked by the notes of pear, rose, ylangylang and musk. It is a very feminine and joyful scent to brighten anyday.

for men of your life:


Boss Orange Man EDT 100ml and 40ml $118
If he doesn't like the scent, he may still like the interesting architectural design of the bottle.
A spicy-oriental scent, it starts with refreshing green apple and coriander, warms up to frankinsence and  szechuan pepper, and drying down to vanilla and bubinga wood.



NB. You are welcome to leave a comment or note in the comment box below with a forwarding link. Look forward to meeting your interests in my upcoming posts, where possible. Simply Beauty