Review: Lancome Maqui Miracle Natural Brightening Creator Compact Foundation

Not long ago,on a lovely Saturday afternoon, I attended the Bloggers Party of Lancome Maqui Miracle at Cafe Fables/Bar Stories at Haji Lane. Together with these lovely ladies, we had fun playing with Lancome makeup from the latest range and colours for face, eye and lips ......

We were privileged to be the first few to try out the latest Lancome Maqui Miracle Natural Brightening Compact Foundation range (launching on 1 March 2011) as well as the beautiful Ombre Absolue Impact 3D eye colours palettes, and new colours for L'Absolu Creme de Brillance lip glosses and L'Absolu Rouge.


Check out the latest collection and colours...

Lancome Ombre Absolue Impact 3D

Lancome Ombre Absolue Impact 3D new all-in-one palette comes with ultra-smooth and creamy powder combined with sparkles to create a range of makeup looks with intense luminosity. Create a multi-dimensional captivating gaze to reveal wide, expressive eyes using the S-way application with the 5-shade palette. The palettes are available in 4 different colours to let you create natural, chic, classy and high glamour looks. Take your pick (from top clockwise in picture): C10 Reve Du Jardin (Green), A10 Rubis Delices(Purple), F10 Noisette Lumiere (Brown) and G10 Etoile Du Soir (Black). Each palette cost $90.

The swatches:

A closer look:

Only the middle and dark shades of each palette were swatched, as the other 3 shades in each palette are the same - highlighting shade, top coat and liner shade. These colours are pretty and easy to match, don't you think so?

A high glamour and sexy eye look that can be created using the black smoky shades palette (G10)


L'Absolu Creme de Brillance

The first cream Sheen enriched with caring actives : Pro-Xylane™ (10 times more concentrated than L'Absolu Rouge); Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin and Moisture Fix Complex.

^The swatches

I brought home a tube of L'Absolu Creme De Brillance in shade 220. As you all know, I am not a fan of lipstick, neither do I have the habit of using coloured lip gloss.. but this lip gloss is awesome! At first when I read from the description that it is a visibly replenishing & plumping cream sheen, I am a bit wary that it may make my already-thick lips even bigger (because it stated plumping!) ... but it turned out to be a really nice soft sweet pink color on my lips..

To show the effect of the pretty L'Absolu Creme de Brillance in shade 220, I applied the lip gloss only to my lower lip. see the difference. The non-sticky and creamy lip gloss smoothen my lower lip and even out my original uneven lip color. I love this lip gloss! L'Absolu Rouge Creme de Brillance new colours include shade 180/220/320 and each retails at $40.



L'Absolu Rouge

                               














An advanced replenishing and reshaping lip color that contains Pro-Xylane™ and SPF 12 sunscreen.

It contains Pro-Xylane™, a complete and powerful replenishing molecule that creates visibly fuller and smoother lips. Now available in new colours- shade 180/285/380 ($44 each)

The swatches:

Last but not least.. introducing the latest Maqui Miracle foundation range ( the main focus in this party -ok, I saved the best for the last!)

The NEW LANCOME Maqui Miracle Natural Brightening Creator Compact Foundation

The latest compact foundation from Lancome, Maqui Miracle comes with AURA-BRIGHT technology to recreate an aura of lively brightness and inner radiance that comes from within. Bid goodbye to dull and fatigued skins and recover a natural, shine-free and brightening translucent finish.

Maqui Miracle contains SPF35/PA+++, the highest UV protection ever in a compact till date, to defend skin from dark spots and premature aging. It offers up to 12 hours of long lasting wear. Its mineral-rich formula is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Miracle Touch in Maqui Miracle... the powder is really ultra-fine and velvety soft, its refined texture adhere to skin for a poreless-smooth finish.

The full ingredients list of Maqui Miracle:

Maqui Miracle is available in 8 Asian Specific shades...

How to apply the Maqui Miracle:

Check out the unique DUO sponge:

Its velvety side helps the powder adhere seamlessly onto skin, while the silky side is used to blend, polish and perfect the look.


And also special mention about the innovative casing:

Like all other Lancome compact foundations, Maqui Miracle Compact foundation (refill) and the case are sold separately. (The foundation refill and case retail at $65 and $27 respectively.) Unlike the normal foundation refill which is a bit troublesome to change the refill pack, Maqui Miracle's refill comes in a snap-on pan for a fast and easy way to fix the refill pan into the case.

Trying Lancome Maqui Miracle Natural Brightening Creator Compact foundation onto my skin:

After applying Maqui Miracle foundation (BO-01), L'Absolu Creme de Brillance (220)  and some light eye makeup on my face:

My thoughts about Maqui Miracle:

The shade that I have is BO-01, (BO-01 and BO-02 will suit people with warm tones and yellow undertones.) At first I was worried that the shade might be a tad too fair for me, last week I tried on Teint Miracle liquid foundation in BO-01 and it was a tad fair for my skin. However, Maqui Miracle in BO-01 seem close to my skin tone.

One thing that amazes me is the ultra-fine powder that feels so soft to touch, and it just glides onto my skin effortlessly. Application is a breeze, especially with the use of the duo sponge provided.  I do find that my pores look less obvious after application. I like how it even out my dull skin tone, and instantly brightens my skin. Although it is unable to cover my horrible big red acne fully, it is able to lighten my acne scar marks. I will prefer to add a touch of concealer to cover my acne scar marks before applying the foundation.

The powder is pretty long lasting, as I find that my makeup still stay fresh after 6 hours. It does not oxide much though, the colour of my foundation remains the same at the end of the day. When I see my skin under the sunlight or in a brightly lighted room, I can see the big difference the foundation has made to my skin -> Flawless and radiant looking skin that looks natural!

Yes, I also love the slim, compact yet chic-looking white case.

Do check out Lancome Maqui Miracle Natural Brightening Creator Compact Foundation from 1st March 2011 (the official launch date), at all Lancome counters here in Singapore.

Good news to share.. your chance to try out Maqui Miracle before its official launch date:

1) A visit down to any Lancome Beauty Counter islandwide where one could get a 2-min Aura Bright flash foundation touch-up and shade matching of Maqui Miracle.

2) Visit Lancome website to register and participate in its "My Miracle Foundation" online poll. 200 lucky participants will each get to receive an exclusive trial size of Maqui Miracle compact foundation.

3) Join Lancome SG Facebook Fanpage to get the latest updates and promotions, and take part in its weekly contests.

Miracle Radiance - a Special Event by Lancome

Pre-look your facial or makeover package ($100, fully redeemable for Lancome Products) at Robinsons Raffles city, before 1st Marach 2011, and receive a four-piece pre-booking gift including an exclusive Maqui Miracle compact trial size.


A Big Thank You to Lancome Singapore for organizing this bloggers' party and giving us the privilege to be the first few to experience your latest Maqui Miracle Compact foundation, and try out your new colours and products. Thank you so much for the lovely gifts too! Special thanks to Cozycot for inviting me to this Lancome party!

Review: Talika Lipocils Expert

Product: Talika Lipocils Expert

Description: An eyelash serum/gel that stimulate lash growth and intensity their natural color and curve. Discover the absolutely safe solution (using plant extracts) to naturally enhance the beauty of your lashes in just 28 days.

Benefits:

• Longer Lashes (+4mm)
• Darker Lashes (+50%)
• Curlier Lashes (+50%)
• Stronger lashes
• No side effects

Key Ingredients:

• Nettle: Stimulates eyelash growth
• Anti-aging peptides: Improves eyelash strength and length
• Boabab Leaves Extract & Sour Orange Extract: Reduce damage caused by UV rays and protect against sun radiation. Act against oxygen damage to the skin surrounding the eyes.
• Coleus Forskholii: For eyelash darkening
• Polymers & Silk Proteins: Increase curling effect (by up to 50%) and improve the shine of lashes.

Full Ingredients List:

Price: $89/10ml (0.35 fl oz.)

Available at: The Spa-Lon Beauty & Skin Treatment Centre (Click on link for a full listing)

So Will I be able to achieve longer, darker and curlier eyelashes within 28 days??

Trying it on...

Packaging: Talika Lipocils Expert comes in a mascara-like tube packaging and it has an exclusive dual applicator brush; a foam applicator and a mascara brush.

Directions of use:

The application is simple. Use the foam applicator to apply the product on the eyelids, at the root of the lashes, then, use the brush to apply the product on the lashes. ( Important thing to take note, the product must be applied on the root of the lashes for it to be effective!)

Apply every morning and every evening for 28 days, then once a day.

Scent: No unplesant smell.

Texture: The light-brown color gel runs pretty smooth on my eyelids and eyelashes.The product dried up pretty fast on my lashes and my skin (eyelids), without leaving any sticky after-feel. Non-oily formula.

25 Sep 2010

Here is a picture of my short and sparse bare lashes before using Talika Lipocils Expert Eyelash Serum/Gel:

- Bottom lashes

And here is another picture taken right after my first application of Talika Lipocils Expert Eyelash Serum/Gel:

Yes, it is stated we applied on the root of the lashes and eyelids so you are seeing a layer of eyelash gel on my eyelid now...but it dried up fast.

Ok, I will be using Talika Lipocils Expert twice a day for the next 27 days.. Will be updating my progress in this space for the coming weeks.

Update: After used for slightly more than a month, I am happy to say that Talika Lipocils Expert works for me.

Every morning and night, after my skincare regime, I applied Talika Lipocils Expert on my bare lashes. After 28 days of application, I notice my lashes are now longer and darker, and slightly curlier. (See the above 2 pictures) When I apply my mascara on my lashes these days, I can really see the big difference on its lengthening and thickening effect. I am a happy girl now!

Meantime, here is a little contest for you..

Just share with me ONE of the following:

~ How do you take care of your eyelashes or

~ Any tips you have to keep your eyelashes healthy and beautiful or

~ Problems that you encountered with your eyelashes or

~ A picture of your beautiful eyes

One lucky reader will win some Talika samples including 2 sachets of Skintelligence Clever Cleanser, 2 sachets of Skintelligence daily neuoactivator moisturising fluid and a packet of Talika Instant manicure (with instant whitening & coating oxygen treatment).

In additional, if my blog garners the most number of comments out of all who participated, the winner will also walk away with a Talika prize worth $120!! (Consisting of a Talika Eye Detox Treatment and a $50 Spa-Lon Facial/Body Treatment)

Here is how?

Leave a comment under this post with your answer, name and email address. If you are uncomfortable to leave down your  email address, do leave your comment under anonymous, and follow up with an email to me at happy_paradise@cozycot.cc telling me your email address, so that I know who to contact if you are the winner. (You can post different answers/tips everyday to increase your chance of winning!)

Contest ends 13 Oct 2010.. so start leaving your comment today. Good luck to all!

As usual, normal postage will be borne by me.

*Talika Bloggers Event is brought to you lovingly by http://www.cozycot.com/

* For more information about Talika Lipocils Expert and its range of products, check out www.talika.com

Talika Bloggers Event - The Launch Of Lipocils Expert

Last Saturday (25th Sep 2010), I attended the very first Bloggers Event organised by Cozycot - Talika Blogger Event.

I had heard good raves about Talika Lipocils, an eyelash serum which helps to make our eyelashes grow longer...but I have never tried it before.. so I am pretty excited to have the chance to learn and experience more about Talika Lipocils Expert which is an upgraded formula that extends, restores color and curls our eyelashes...

Let us find out more about Talika Lipocils Expert and the exciting happenings that took place at Talika Blogger Event.

- Bloggers getting all ready for the event, at the cozy SPA-Lon@ Chijmes..


At the Start of the event ... A short and detailed introduction on Talika Lipocils Expert and Talika range of eyecare products.

- Here is Ms.Lena (Area Manager of SPA-Lon) shared with us about the history and benefits of Talika Lipocils Expert..

- It was an insight for me to know that Talika's Lipocils has pioneered treatments for eyelashes, and was already well received by women in the past 60 over years.

Lipocils Expert contains 12 plant extracts which have been used in the original Lipocils. In addition, it also contains Coleus Forskholii  to darken eyelshes and Silk Proteins for 50% curlier lashes.

Ms. Lena also shared with us 5 steps to having beautiful and healthy eyelashes that could instantly open up our eyes.

That is quite a number of products to use.. But for me, I only practised Step 1 and Step 3 ..think me gonna start to be more diligent if I want beautiful looking eyelashes.

Next up, we indulged in a wide spread of buffet which included more than 10 over types of finger food.. we were all spoilt for choices that we took each of everything.. We even went for 2nd helping..

Up next, we were divided into 4 groups for some fun hands-on activity..

- We got to decorate this plain looking plaque ... and turn it into something pretty!

And after 15-20 minutes of team work.......this is our final CREATION! ('',)

Presenting The 7 lovely Creators Of this One-Of-A-Kind Plaque...

From back (clockwise): Kimberly, Yvonne, Me, Priscilla, Tiphanie, Candy and Hui Jun.

And the good news is Just Support Us (Group 3) and "LIKE" the plaque we decorated on Cozycot Facebook now, and you will stand to win $260 worth of Talika Products if we are the winning group with the most number of LIKES received.

The lovely and friendly team of The SPA-Lon also prepared a lovely goodie bag for each of us.. including Talika Lipocils Expert for us to bring home to try!

Before I end this post, here is a group picture taken at the end of the event....( "YES!" All of us look so so happy!)

A big THANK YOU to The SPA-Lon and Cozycot for organising this exclusive bloggers event and giving us the chance to experience the highly raved Talika Lipocils Expert ..Special thanks to Ms. Lena for sharing her expertise and knowledge with us.I had totally enjoyed myself at the event with so many lovely bloggers and looking forward to having beautiful eyelashes in just 28 days.. (Click here for review of Talika Lipocils Expert) 

This event is brought to you lovingly by http://www.cozycot.com/ 

( Above pictures credit: www.cozycot.com, to view more pictures taken at the event, do visit Cozycot Facebook Fanpage)

P.S: Special thanks to Cozycot team for the special invite! It was a success! Looking forward to more exciting and happening bloggers events soon.('',)