November Beauty Favourites 2014!!

Hello Lovelies!

I am so sorry that I didn't do my October Favourites last month,

as I didn't really have many new products that I was loving..

& I didn't want to bore you with the same old ones.

For those who have not read my previous months' favourites, 

here are the individual links!

July Skincare Favourites

August Beauty Favourites

September Beauty Favourites

For those that do not know what this blog posts are all about..

Well, they are generally what I've been loving for the past one month.

For now, more skincare & makeup favourites,

Starting next year, I will be putting in other fashion favourites & random favourites too!

So stay tuned...

Let's get started, cos' I really have a lot of products!!

Cle De Peau Beaute Teint Naturel Fluide

     A very expensive foundation, I would say.
Real expensive.
Retails at SGD$175 per bottle.
BUT, I got it from the Shiseido Beauty sales just 2 months ago at only $50!!
What A Steal!!

Anyway, this foundation has been the newest love of mine,
and I've been reaching for it more often than my MAC Mineralise Foundation.
I'm currently in the shade B20, which has a pink undertone, and is one of the lighter Asian shades.

I love this foundation for the pink undertone as it helps brighten my dull complexion.
It provides a light to medium coverage with a dewy finish.
The foundation feels light on the skin, and provides sufficient moisture to the skin.
Suitable for dry to normal skin.
For those that love a glowy, dewy foundation look, this foundation is for you!

Clinique Cheek Pop/Blush Pop in Peach Pop

A new favourite in my blush collection.
If you know me well, I cannot leave the house without a good amount of blush on my cheeks!
I bought this in the most recent Sephora VIB sale.
& this was exactly what happened..
I was standing at the Clinique counter, waiting for my girlfriend Christie to be done with her shopping.
& I decided to swatch this beautiful shade.
One swatch and I never looked back.

The texture of this blusher is just so rich, smooth & creamy.
Super easy to blend, & the lasting power is pretty, decently long-wearing too!
The colour peach pop is the prettiest peach pink blusher I've seen & it looks good on my medium skin tone.
A light handed swirl on the blusher gives you the loveliest pigmentation.
The pretty flower embedded in the blusher adds a few more brownie points too!!
However, Clinique does only 4 shades for their blushers- I wish they did more.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12h Blush in Blissful

The newest to join my holy grail status in my collection.
I have always loved slapping on my "Peachy Keen" blush from MAC.
But this has slowly climbed its way up in the blush hierarchy.

Blissful-
The perfect peachy coral colour that brightens up any skin tone, even darker complexions.
& common to the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushers,
the lasting power of this blushers are to die for!
The blush does not have any glitter or shimmer, but leaves a beautiful glow and flush on the cheeks.
I cannot stop raving about it..

NARS Audacious lipstick in Janet

My most grabbed Fall lip colour!
The perfect fuschia purple, with a matte texture that is not drying at all!
With just one swipe, you can get the most beautiful & pigmented lip colour,
that makes applying darker colours, a breeze,
It fades off nicely, lasts a good 4 to 5 hours, through drinks & food.
The formula is so awesome that I have gotten 3 more shades from the NARS Audacious line.
READ MORE at the link below!!
REVIEW: NARS Audacious in Janet

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette 

The newest baby love!
The ambient lighting powder from Hourglass is so popular & highly raved about,
that I had to get it from the States.
If anyone of you are interested, Hourglass is not available in SG,
but you can get it from Net-A-Porter & Nordstrom US.

The trio is "Radiant Light", "Incandescent Light" & "Dim Light".
(from left to right)
The powders are super, super, finely milled & the overall glow it gives is AMAZING.
I use Radiant Light for an overall powder, & Incandescent Light to set my undereyes as it gives a wondeful bright highlight under the eye area.

If you love the subtle glow, without using a shimmery highlight,
try the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette!


Tarte Maracuja Oil

Read my full review HERE!

I have been using this everyday!
Like seriously...
I use this after cleaning, toning, applying my serum & moisturiser.
My final step in my night time routine!
Just 5 drops on your palm, warm it up, & pat it on your skin.
I will wake up with beautiful, hydrated, radiant skin!


Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream

A very thick & rich eye cream which I enjoy putting it on, before my makeup.
It is thick but not heavy, and has not caused me any milia/oil spots.
I simply love how my concealer looks after applying the eye cream,
as it does not crease or settle into my fine lines.
*Yes, I do have those horrid fine lines..*


Vitamin Science Vitamin B Serum & Emulsion.

My current A.M & P.M Skincare products.
I use it both day & night!!
Enough said, you can read the full review HERE!!


& lastly the Klarity Lasertox CC Cream!

Do not be mistaken.
This is not a CC Cream.
It is a whitening makeup base with SPF.
I use it daily as my SPF & makeup base/primer.
& I swear this makes you look fairer & holds your makeup decently well.

It is paraben free & has a white cream-looking texture.
With light rubbing in, the cream becomes a liquid like texture that is no longer white,
but translucent.
Looks & feels like magic.

Klarity is available on Luxola's website now!!


That's all for now!
November has gone by so quickly, & the next monthly favourites will be my December favourites-
also the last one of the year 2014!!
I hope you've been enjoying my monthly favourites since the month of June,
& I'd see you soon in my next favourites!!

Have a good weekend, darlings!
xoxo, @clarabeltan 

The Dark Side for Fall.

I hope my blog title isn't too dark or devilish, 

cos I was just talking about my current obsession with darker lip shades for the Fall season. 

Though we don't have much of Fall and Winter to talk about in Singapore.. 

I still love putting on a vampy or bolder shade on my lips, towards the end of an amazing year. 

Wonder what colour & brand I've been loving in the past few weeks?

Then, read on... 

#1. NARS Pure Matt Lipstick in Amsterdam + NYX lipstick in Chic Red  Rouge Chic 

This has been my ultimate rocker chic or bad ass lip combo since Halloween,

& this was what made me go dark. 

Real. Dark. 

NARS Pure Matt Lipstick in Amsterdam is a really true dark, warm, brownish red. 

It was launched in the Fall 2012 Nars collection, but came to me as a gift. 

The first time I saw it, I was totally thinking how I would never wear a shade like this,

or manage to pull it off somehow. 

To make things worse, the word "matte" didn't make it better. 

I can simple say that at that time period, I was traumatised from horribile matte lipsticks,

that dry your lips out & was just a torture keeping it on. 

BUT, Amsterdam was different from all other matte lipsticks.

The creamy texture and formula, made it so easy to apply. 

Though it isn't totally light on the lips, the wear was comfortable, & mind you, 

it lasted for hours & hours, even after talking & drinking & partying the night away. 

Best of all, there was no bleeding, & the fading though minimal, was nothing but beautiful. 

I added the NYX Chic Red lipstick on top of the NARS Amsterdam, 

to add a brighter & redder tint to the lips.

The NYX lipstick in Chic Red is a true bright red that is not too over the top.

It glides on smoothly, and stays well on top of the matte lipstick. 

& boy, did I receive so many compliments for my choice of lip colours, 

especially by beauty bloggers at the various events like the Luxola party & MAC Halloween party. 

 Luxola "One Night Stand" Party

 MAC Halloween Party with @vinvola 

Halloween Night 2014!

#2. NARS Audacious lipstick in Janet

The NARS Audacious lipstick in Janet was a recent buy, during the Sephora VIB sales. 

& I was lucky to stumble onto this colour by swatching it at the display. 

Most of the colours I wanted were OOS. 

& Janet was the only one that was available and was to my liking.

With the 20% discount, I would be a fool not to try out the highly raved Audacious lipstick, there & then. 

Many beauty bloggers, fanatics or ladies in general, have gone insane over this newly launched Audacious lipstick.

Though they are not limited edition, but part of the permanent line, 

most of the nicer lip colours have been OOS since the collection hit our shores.

& it is no wonder why- 

With the intense & pigmented colours, that are to point & the lasting power & comfortability on the lips.

This has got to be my favourite brand and collection of lipstick.

& thus, I'm not gonna stop at only one, in my whole collection

Here are some swatches found online!

Wearing Janet, dinner date with Ena.

#3 TOPSHOP Lipsticks

Brighton Rock, Fast Lane 

Topshop has a wide selection of dark lip colours!
I love how their matte formulas are comfortable on the lips,
and definitely not drying.
The pigmentation of this lipstick is better than average, & the wear power is superb.
The way it fades off the lips, is a pretty one indeed.
No need to worry about the awkward fading and patchy coloured lips.

The price point is another thing to agree on, since they are at $19 per pop
-still affordable.
& I love to get them when they are on sale!
"2 for 1" promotion is too good to be true.
*LOOK OUT FOR THAT WHILE YOU'RE IN TOPSHOP!*



That's all for now, just some of my most used dark lipsticks!
What's your favourite Fall lip colour?
Share with me in the comment section below! (:

Have a great weekend!
xoxo, @clarabeltan

The Me Time TAG!!

It's Monday again!!

I know what a dread Monday is to most of us, 

so I decided to do something fun for my Monday blog post!

Essie Button & Amelia Liana have both been my favourite beauty blogger & Youtuber, 

for a very long time. 

& when they created the "Me Time Tag", I knew I had to recreate it into a blog post!

For those who are interested, this is their video!

Essie Button & Amelia Liana

& of course I can't forget my other favourite UK beauty bloggers & Youtubers!

Fleur DeForce's version of the "Me Time Tag".

Beautycrush's version of the "Me Time Tag".

So let's just dive right into it!!

What exactly does "Me Time" mean?

"Me Time" actually just means alone time. 

The time where you are away from everyone, and all you do is unwind, relax,

and simply just spend some time with yourself!

Q1. What do you watch or read during me-time?

Well for me, I am an ultimate beauty junkie & bookworm. 

My me-time would consist of me lying in bed, reading the latest fashion & beauty magazines, 

watching beauty related videos on Youtube, 

or reading a fictional book every once in a while. 

Yes, I am pretty much a book nerd. 

What I've been reading:

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso (just got this yesterday!)

The Hunger Games Trilogy- Currently trying to finish "The Mocking Jay" before the movie starts screening in our local cinemas.

Q2. What do you wear during me-time? #nobra

Yes, #nobra. 

When I am at home, the bra goes off. 

It's just not comfortable being in something that binds your chest area, 

and whole of the boobies 24/7. 

Sometimes, you need to set them free. 

Too Much Information (TMI).

I'm not much of a pyjamas person, so I usually choose to wear really cute robes or nighties, 

from brands like Victoria Secret, La Senza or Anne Bra. 

Yes, I admit, I wear them for no one else to see, but myself. 

But why not doll yourself pretty, in pretty & comfy clothes, 

especially since it is me-time!!

Q3. What are your me-time beauty products?

My me-time beauty products changes now & then, 

depending on my mood, 

and also cos of the obscene amount of beauty products I have to finish through.

So my products kind of take turns to pamper me on different days & pamper sessions!

But here are my favourites!!

 Review for this products are below:

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Glamglow Thirsty Mud
Tarte Marcuja Oil
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask
Peter Thomas Roth, Rose Stem Cell Mask

Vitamin Science Vitamin B & C serum & emulsion

 Bobbi Brown Eye Cream Extra
I use this on my undereye area before applying makeup to keep the delicate skin around the eye, hydrated & moisturised.
A very thick, creamy formula.
Will review this in detail very soon.

 Caudalie Grapewater Spray
I spray this immediately after cleansing my face.
It is said to increase hydration levels by 127%.
Not sure about the %, but I love how my skin feels hydrated , soft & less irritated after using this.
A cheaper & great alternative to the Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

Margherita Ghel by Superberry.me
Helps skin celles to regenerate. 
Love how this light cream feels on my skin.
Skin feels comfortable, subtly hydrated & less irritated.

Q4. Current favourite nail polish? 

I don't really paint my nails as I often get my nails done with The Stage Look. 

If you have not read about the awesome nail services that The Stage Look, Lynn, provides...

Read about it here!

@THE STAGELOOK NAILS

Q5. What do you eat/drink during me-time? 

For me, this is a pretty easy one. 

Recently I've been obsessed with the LOTTE Pepero Almond Sticks, Chips More Double Chocolate cookies,

& the Heaven & Earth Ayataka drink!!

If the Ayataka is not an available option, I would go for Green Tea Latte or Matcha.

Q6. Current favourite candle?

Almost any candle from Bath & Body Works!!

I am currently burning the Watermelon Lemoncade 3-wick candle.

It is sweet and fruity smelling, but not really suitable for Fall & Winter season. 

But, my Fall candles are still in the US warehouse & have not shipped yet. 

*CAN'T WAIT TO BURN MY FALL CANDLES!*

Q7. Do you ever have outdoor me-time? 

Sometimes, when I bring my dog, Bacon, out for his walks or to dog cafes & grooming sessions.

Sometimes it is good to go for a walk out there & to breathe in some fresh air!

Good exercise too!

Q8. Would you ever go see a movie alone? 

I have never gone to see a movie alone.

And though I usually think why not, if I have 2 hours to spare in between appointments.

But I'd rather just go to a mall and do some retail therapy!!

<3

Q9. Favourite online shop? 

Beautybay.com, Drugstore.com, Beauty.com (for all things beauty & skincare)

ASOS (for fashion)

Taobao.com using 65daigou for all other random stuff!

Q10. Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time? 

During me-time I simply just love to relax. 

It could be a random shopping trip alone in Town, 

or just snuggling under my covers.

I have one big habit though- & that is to book hotel rooms & sleep in them, alone.

Especially when I am feeling down, out & not motivated.

I love the big comfy white sheets & pillows. 

& hot water baths in the tubs.

Room service. 

Cable TV.

So if I ever go MIA for whatever reasons, I'm usually well hidden in a hotel room!

That's all for now.

Share with me what you would do for a pamper "me-time" session!

& play this tag if you'd like!

xoxo, @clarabeltan 

Emergency Stocking Filler: Christmas Ideas For Her!

We are less than 50 days away from Christmas, 

how exciting!! 

Christmas has definitely got to be my favourite holiday of the year. 

Christmas cheer, festive dinners, shopping sales & discounts of course!!

The good food, good atmosphere, beautiful lights along Orchard Road..

& what better way to celebrate this festive season than to shop for presents for your loved ones!

Yes, I know..
Women are complicated creatures who are fickle & well, 

hard to please. 

So here's a guide to some Christmas present ideas for those that are clueless & already wrecking your poor brains about what to get for that special someone. 

*Psst.. Guys, take note.

Chocolates & flowers are not what she wants this Christmas!!

For Skincare Junkies

Yes, this is the newest skincare gadget in the market. 

The Foreo. 

It is somewhat along the lines of the Clarisonic & Clinique or Michael Todd Sonic Brushes. 

The theory behind the gadgets are pretty much the same- 

to give a better, deeper cleanse & also to help improve dirt, grime & improve the skin. 

The Foreo has many versions!

The Foreo Luna, Foreo Luna Mini & Foreo Lux.

& the price ranges from $225 to $12,500. 

Yes, the Lux is a little too extreme for even me, an avid skincare junkie. 

(I'd rather by a Chanel bag)

However, the mini is an awesome alternative at the price of only SGD$225,  

and comes with 5 different colours even!

So what exactly does the Foreo do?

Well, the Foreo uses T-Sonic patented technology, that channels sonic pulsations into the skin.

Therefore, the skin is cleanse of all impurities, dirt & grime, leaving skin fresh, clean & less prone to any clogged pores, breakouts or problematic areas. 

The Foreo does promise to give brighter, more radiant & clear skin when used twice daily over a short span of time.
& what is best about this product is that, it is suitable for all skin types! 

The bristles at the top are super small & gentle on the skin, while it has a massaging back surface that you can use to massage your skincare products into the skin better. 

Double function of clean skin & better penetration of products, especially those expensive ones like SK-II!! 

* The Foreo is available at Sephora Singapore, or you can ship directly from the FOREO website.*

Another alternative to the Foreo, would be the amazing, & well loved Clarisonic. 

The Clarisonic has been around for a few years now, & have pretty much upgraded itself over the past few years. 

The latest would be the Clarisonic Aria. 

I myself, own the Clarisonic Mia 2 for about a year now.. 

& I must say that I really love it! 

The concept of the Clarisonic is just alike the Foreo Luna. 

However, it does not have the massaging system at the back of the device. 

However, the Clarisonic is said to be able to be used even on the body, 

to give brighter, glowing skin!

& one more thing that I love about the Clarisonic?

It has got to be the interchangeable brush heads that have a wide variety for the different skin types & functions!

I personally am using the Sensitive & Delicate brush heads. 

A new Aria, or Mia 2 Clarisonic usually comes with the normal brush head. 

However, you can change the brush heads to your liking..

& remember to change your brush heads every 3 months or so!

*Go to a Sephora & feel the Cashmere or Luxe brush heads, they are so freaking luxurious!!*

*The Clarisonic is available off Clarisonic counters or at all Sephora outlets!*

& here are also some of my favourite skincare brands that often have skin care sets & promotions, especially during the Christmas season!!

Fresh Beauty that is available at Sephora Singapore!

* I love Fresh & have found that their sets are super affordable! Almost 50% of their usual price!*

Therefore, explains the 2 sets that I got below, in the past month. 

The Youth Preserve Set SGD$75 

The Age Delay skincare set SGD$90. 

Philosophy Skincare 

My holygrail Purity face cleanser!

Read my review here if you have not: 

http://theperfectmonologue.blogspot.sg/2014/09/top-4-favourite-cleansers.html

Or simply, if all else fails, get a Sephora Voucher or a Luxola Voucher,
& let her shop away!

If you are extra sweet.. Follow her to the shops & carry her shopping bags!! 

For Makeup Junkies

One of the most talk about that us Singapore beauty bloggers have been raving about, 

has got to be the opening of an Inglot outlet on our shores!!

Yes, Inglot has been around for many years over in the States & UK. 

But, Singapore was even behind Malaysia, KL, in having an outlet on our shores itself!

I first purchased my Inglot makeup from KL, & when I knew they were opening in Singapore, 

I was ECSTATIC!!

My Inglot Collection- Small but definitely gonna build it up.

Another favourite brand of makeup, would be MAC Cosmetics.

MAC has been around in Singapore for years & years. 

They are a super well established brand all over the world, & everyone raves about the products. 

Just to name a few: MAC Fix Plus

MAC mineralised skin finishes in "Lightscapade" & "Soft & Gentle"

MAC Lipsticks in Candy Yum Yum, Velvet Teddy, Vegas Volt, Sin, Girl About Town.

The list goes on.. 

& of course, I am an avid fan of the brand!!

If you are unsure of what to get, go to Sephora ION & look for my favourite MAC artist, 

Alif. 

He is always so helpful & really knows his stuff well. 

I can also say 90% of my MAC products are bought with his help..

& of course, if all else fails, get some Vouchers!! 

& if your lady in mind, doesn't fancy any skincare or makeup, 

but a good ol' facial or massage session..

Why not try out this 2 places?

Only Aesthetics/ O Medical Clinic

O Medical is my aesthetics clinic of choice. 

I visit them twice a month for my facial appointments, & I must say I am satisfied with their service. 

Being under the same company, Only Aesthetics is having a special promotion in which I would love to share with my readers!

How much do you think a normal session of laser facial cost in Singapore?

S$88, $188, $250? 

Well, take whatever amount you had in mind & multiply it by 2 for 2 sessions!

"ONLY FOR 2" Promotion

Simply come with a friend to our ONLY Aesthetics flagship outlet at Raffles Place and present this promotion in print or on your mobile phone. 

You and your friend get to enjoy a treatment session together!

Choice of either one of the treatments:

2 Session Laser Facial for only $48 (UP. $576)

2 Session Fat Freeze for only $188 (UP. $3000)

Look great together this November!

For bookings and enquires, call 6220 4434.

Le Spa (www.lespa.com.sg)

Le Spa has always been my choice of massage or spa place. 

Not only are they opened 24 hours a day, they have 2 outlets that are pretty central & convenient!

The newest outlet is located at Upper Bukit Timah, while the other is in Chinatown. 

Just look at the cosy rooms!

I love Le Spa because they are so clean, comfortable, relaxing  & the masseurs are just great & friendly. 

*Le Spa is having a promotion package of $600 value at only $500!

What's more is that this package can be shared amongst friends, families etc. 

So why not pamper yourself & your loved ones at Le Spa. 

I vouch that you won't regret!! 

That is pretty much all for now. 

My Christmas ideas are pretty much limited to the beauty & lifestyle aspect. 

If you wish for me to cover a fashion or gadget aspect in a post, 

feel free to drop a comment below on what you want to see or find out! 

Till the next post, 

stay healthy & happy.

xoxo, @clarabeltan