Captured in a Bottle - Spring's Innocence & Sensual Allure

A fragrance that captures the auras of a dream, or collects the ephemeral moments of a cherished memory, is as personal as it is unique and a hard find. Scientifically speaking, every perfume, no matter how pungent or light, smells differently on every individual, some mixing better with the body's natural scent. More so, the perfume that you will call "my fragrance" will be one that has captured traces of fond memories, a hint of what you consider ideal, traces of what fascinates and entices you.

This spring, I found mine. Lolita Lempicka launched her second signature fragrance, "L" de Lolita Lempicka since introducing her first, almost 10 years ago. The bottle looks like sea-glass, smoothed out into a heart shape by the sea, and has a gold mesh netting on top, as if to capture the treasure. As beautiful and charming as the bottle, the perfume is a dangerously feminine, musky but crisp, sweet but exotically sensual elixir...dreamlike, ethereal and intoxicating but still light and transparent.

"L" perfectly blends the naive, fragile dreams of a girl who would sit on her windowsill for hours on a warm summer evening, with the allure of a woman who has harnessed her sensuality.

xox

a-ha! Beauty Trick #4: Fickle & Easy Scent-to-Go

I'm the type that carries make-up, trinkets, candy bars or fruity mints with me at all times. I hardly ever manage just a small clutch or slender pouch when I step out of my apt - even for late nite ventures.

I've gradually managed to cut down on my tote-age via ways like dipping sponge eyeshadow applicators eye shadow at home and carrying the sticks in a thin mirror compact or using a folder-over mini eyelash curler (a must for my straight, short asian eye lashes!)

But, my absolute favorite one so far is the to-go, completely flat perfume strips! Cheap, yes, but a lot easier for clumsy or slipperly hands and definitely more fun since you get to try a different scent each time according to your mood!

1. Flip through any women's magazine and find a perfume advertisement strip.
2. Without opening the fold, tear the folded strip part off so you have a long folded rectangle.
3. Tear the strip in three equal parts & put in wallet or clutch or back jeans pocket.
4. Later, for a little pickup boost, use the middle strip to rub on neck (it has the most fragrance), and the two side parts for your wrists & maybe even some for your hair!?

Just watch out for paper cuts!!

Dumb, yes, a little bit, but infinitely fun~ will probably help you decide which perfume to purchase for next season too!

xox

PS. The wooden clutch on top is one of my obsessions from the Emilio Pucci Fall 2007 shows!

a dose of asia in the makeup pouch for a lovely New Year!

Happy New Years everyone!

Almost done with 2006 and I can't wait for the new year. Fresh beginnings and an enhanced outlook, right!? (<--I know I'm being uncannily non-nyc by being so enthusiastic about the one day when the city goes nuts and everything seems a little dismal and lonely...ok, note to self, must change my own outlook...ha)

Either case, having pretty & lovely items in your everyday tote is one effortless, fun and lighthearted way to remind you of your new effort to improve how you act, feel and in effect, how you appear. More the better when the emblem comes with a great beautifying agent and a compact mirror.

Some Feel Exotic & Gorgeous finds to keep at hand as a vampy reminder of what an asian beauty you really are. take your pick!!

Keep these kimono inspired emery boards at hand for perfect fingertips at all times. Easy to tuck into any evening clutch or purse, an instant pick-me-up for dull-manis. Paul & Joe Emery Board ($5.00 each)


What more could a girl long for than to be spritzed all over with a dash of Cartier at moment's whim? Now available in 1oz bottles, the perfectly proportioned petit bottle is ideal for toting around everywhere you go. We love you Bond ⋅9 but Cartier is an eternal obsession. Delices de Cartier, (1oz; $60.00)



Appropriately named Purse Gloss, this petal-coloured shimmery lipgloss is flattering on fair skin tones. A sophisticated yet flirty pink, I love it in the shade, Beijing, which brings a healthy-looking luminosity to the face with just an easy, no mistakes swipe. Plus, gotta love the name. Cargo Purse Gloss ($16.00)



Because I think there are certain eye palette colours that just seems to work for most asian skin tones, because these two palettes capture the two colour ways that I think works unfalteringly well, and because these two ideal palettes come in the most adorable Asian-pop slick compacts, ever, I love the new Tokidoki Eye Shadow Quad from Smashbox. Tip: the darker eye shadows can be used as eye liner on top lash & edges of outer bottom lash by wetting the tip of the eye liner brush (recommended f/ before, Trish McEvoy brush #11) and the lightest colours at the inner corners of the eye for an open eyed highlighting effect.) Harajuku girls, you've got it going on~ Smashbox Tokidoki Eyeshadow Quad ($30.00 each)


Last but not least - turn every touch up into a classic "powdering room" moment with a whisk and a fluff of this gorgeous red tinted all over brush with a black lacquer bottom. Complete with a silky vintage looking drawstring pouch (also good for carrying change and a few credit cards when running to the nearby bodega or sake store), this Lola brush set is a beauty addict's essential makeup & life-touchup tool. Lola Cosmetics All Over Brush ($35)


All products available at Sephora

xox