Sleek iDivine Eyeshadow Palette - Original & Storm

I purchased these two Sleek eyeshadow palettes some time back from Crush Cosmetics.  I've heard a lot of hype about these palettes and could have knocked myself on the head for passing up the opportunity to pick 'em up while I was on vacation in London last year.  I distinctly remembered seeing it and not even swatching the colors.  Anyways, I've managed to get them now and here they are:

The palettes come in a slim matte black hard plastic case which feels quite durable and perfect for travelling.  You get 12 eyeshadow shades in each palette and there are definitely a variety of palette themes to choose from.  If you're more interested in limited edition versions however, I'd suggest searching on eBay (some sellers ship internationally).  Sleek Makeup is a London based company and is available at selected stores in the UK, France and Africa.

Make Up Basics: Face Primers & Base

Let's kick start the Make Up Basics series with face primers and base.  Depending on skin conditions, foundation formulation and whether your make up is casual or for events, applying a face primer and base is pretty much optional.

PRIMER OR BASE?

For face, the primer and base are usually one and the same.  Despite the label, both products perform pretty much similar functions and contain more or less the same ingredients.  Some sunscreens are also formulated to work as a make up base.  However, since these have SPF properties, it's more suited for day time make up.

Make Up Basics : An Introduction To Make Up

Over the years, I've learnt so much about make up application and have been able to experiment and try out different types of products, formulas and brands.  During a chit chat session with some of my high school classmates, and a question about foundations, I was inspired to start a series of posts introducing make up.

Each post will be discussing a different type of product, introducing the different kinds available and I'll share information, tips and recommendations based on what I've picked up so far.  So basically it'll be centered around the 3 main components - Face, Eyes & Lips as illustrated above.

I'm always eager to learn new things (knowledge is power) and I'm super excited to get started on this series.  Hopefully these upcoming posts will be helpful to all of you.  Through this series I am in no way claiming to be an expert in the field but rather using this as a channel to share what I know with all of you.

xoxo ~

Deals & Steals : Lancome Lipsticks on ACW

Click on the image to go to the site

Calling all lipstick lovers, selected Lancome lipsticks from the following lines are selling from $4.99 onwards on ACW:

• Color Fever
• Rouge Magnetic
• Le Rouge
• Color Design

NOTE: These may be lipsticks that have been discontinued (opportunity to pick up and get back ups of your fave shade), unboxed or items in their previous packaging designs.

ACW ships worldwide.  I personally recommend USPS International Express Shipping to ensure safe delivery of orders.

Polly Dolly: Little Black Dress (Week 52)

I've been missing a few of these challenges (which I would probably be doing and will be shown on my Polyvore page here) but here's the latest one with the theme "Little Black Dress" for the Week 52 Challenge:

Polly Dolly: Week 52 - LBD by elixelle featuring black watches

Instead of going for a more classic look, I figured why not add a neon pop to the outfit?  Since spring is all about color blocking this year, I opted for neon green patent pumps and a 3 tone neon yellow top bag.  For a bit more contrast, I picked out a gorgeous dangling gradient toned crystal earring piece and a complementing cluster ring paired with a simple black & gold watch.

The make up is understated with a soft blush and highlight, voluminous lashes, a tint of peach on the lips and electric blue rimming the lower lashes (black on the upper lash line).  To complete the look, I decided on a nude beige nail polish.

Click here to view the Week 52 Polly Dolly Challenge page on Danimezza.com

Upcoming Product: Sigma Make Up Eyeshadow Palettes

@sigmamakeup @simone_sigma
As you can see, I'm a big fan of Sigma brushes.  It's been a pleasure to use and I've enjoyed applying make up with them on myself as well as on friends.  For Spring 2011, Sigma will be launching 3 sets (or more?) of eye shadow palettes as tweeted by the company's owner, Simone.

As with most Sigma packaging, the palettes have a very whimsical geometric look and appears to be constructed with hard cardboard (similar to Urban Decay's Naked Palette).  The form itself looks durable but I would imagine some wear and tear to be visible over time.  The names of each palette are also clearly printed on the casing sleeves and the product package lids as well.