M.A.C Trends SS16: ALL or NOTHING Part 1

Nothing beats checking out the latest colours and beauty trends that intertwine with runway shows better than from a beauty brand that pushes the envelope of how makeup is perceived and interpreted, again and again, the makeup innovator, M.A.C Cosmetics. Following our "tradition" of sharing these trends with you previously (here), we are excited to explore with you the latest Spring/Summer 2016 makeup looks, inspired by fashion and backstage beauties and creations. This season, the two major themes are ALL or NOTHING. Under the ALL theme, there are trends like Aquatic, Broken Doll, Crayon and Hot Cherry. As for NOTHING, there are Lustre, Raw Refined and The Face. Today, we shall share 2 trends from each theme here. 

ALL

There is a refreshing simplicity to beauty this season, in both literal and conceptual terms: makeup artist are either making a decisive statement that pushes one element to the extreme, or adopting a variant on "no makeup" as an equally strong and relevant stye of choice for SS16. "You're either doing what looks like nothing or a strong something." summarises Tom Pecheux. The relative extremity of both these aesthetic options feels modern right now because they rebel against generic beauty. "It's about rejecting the idea that beauty can be a 'recipe'," says Terry Barber of how makeup artists are exploring ways to elevate natural beauty while simultaneously challenging the idea of "perfection." that an embrace of "real" beauty has been relevant for a few seasons reveals that the notion of a total seasonal "reboot" on aesthetics is a rather outmoded concept: the story of modern makeup is a conversation that evolves from one season to the next, the current debate swings away from symmetry, airbrushing or homogenised proportions and swings towards representing a confident, sentient individual whose makeup fits her face rather than clones "a look." 

[Review] La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum

Visuals via LUMINNEJ Instagram

Our very first introduction to this luxury brand that has cult followings was back when La Mer introduces their La Mer Reparative Skintint here, and this wonderful foundation tint remains one of our all time favourite face products till today. This time around, we are pleased to receive yet another new innovative product from La Mer, their new The Lifting Eye Serum to try out recently, all thanks to La Mer Malaysia *_^ 

Continuing its commitment to deliver optimal benefits that lift the look of skin. La Mer introduces The Lifting Eye Serum with its new Stretch Matrix Complex to visibly support the architecture of the eye and brow. Sounds cool with the word matrix and all, right? Actually, much thought and research was put into developing such a product, as it combines red-algae technology and other sea-based actives to help strengthen, repair and uplift the look of the eye area. We shall see how it fairs, all right?

Jo Malone London Cologne Intense | An Intensely Pleasant Rendezvous

Rich, rare and ritualistic, we were being ushered into the mystical world of Middle Eastern's heritage, culture and its allure of spices and oils, mingling ever so gently in the pleasant afternoon air that unmistakably belonged to this British fragrance brand which has its core philosophy steeped in elegant simplicity, reflected so cleverly by the black, dark and hypnotic ambience and decor put up at the The Gallery, Le Meridien Hotel recently. Our interest were immediately piqued. We are so in love with our very first cologne by Jo Malone London here, so naturally, we could not wait to discover what this new Jo Malone London Cologne Intense brings forth. We were about to find out more at this private media preview then.

[Review] NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, A Soft Focus You That Is Absolutely Alluring

Soft-Matte, soft-focus with a certain level of protection, this new NARS innovative face product is one that would make any modern busy woman want to reach out for more. We had the privilege to have a much closer look at the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF30, PA+++ before it was launch as we were testing out and trying to put together a special feature blog post featuring face products that would give that luminous radiant glow look (here for more). Much to our surprise, this new one falls into a complete different category all together, therefore, we decided to review it on its own here much later. We also had the opportunity to attend its official launch recently and saw first hand, how this wonderful new addition to the NARS family performed impeccably on the model's face. We also had a quick sneak peek at NARS Spring Collection 2016 with all the gorgeous colours of spring *_^

[Inspiration | Musing] Reading Between The Lines

Women are complicated, yet simplistic, we can be fierce in pursuit of our dreams, yet vulnerable in protecting them, we look for the best in mankind, yet reserve the most precious part of us to those who understand us most, our trust in you, who may cross our paths. Remember, never to betray that trust we so dearly give you. We laugh unconditionally, we cry unreasonably well, we could even poison you, perfectly, without even lifting a finger, if we wish to, but of course, we are too kind to do so, for we are one of a kind, in this world. 

We are one of a kind who could lift you up to the highest heaven, or bring you crushing into an unimaginable deep hell. Whether you love a woman who thinks deeply, or one who leaves the thinking to you, either way, she is one who is never to be taken lightly for she may just drive you crazy... after all... for the better, or worse. Therefore, be so kind to read between the lines, will you?

Visual 1 | Visual 2 | Visual 3 | Visual 4 | Visual 5

With love, 

Jeann

[Inspiration | Musing] April You Came To My Rescue So Aptly

Words swirl around the twisted mind, twirling within the unimaginative, for if they do not materialise and flow out of that crazy mind, they would seem treacherous, almost like a crazy fierce dog started chasing you for no particular reason, and you fear for your life so much that, you could only run, aimlessly, searching for a place to hide, a place to runaway, without the slightest idea that that place you once thought was safe and real, is none other than an illusion you build yourself, in your broken mind.

April feels like it has arrived in time to save us, save us from the unexpected turn of events in life before this. It feels like an imminent storm has settled down, it has subsided, for the better. It taught us a few good lessons in life. It reminds us to take life, with a pinch of salt, take a closer look before you leap, for that leap could either send you across to more exciting challenges ahead or leave you crashing and falling, deep beneath the abyss of regrets and there would not be any turning back after. 

We feel these shades of the coming of time speak of our current mood and state of mind beautifully, that Vanilla Sky above and those deep grey blue hues. We would love to dedicate this very simple, but absolutely stunning number called Pertolongan Mu Begitu Ajaib (loosely translated as Your Miraculous Assistance) by Indonesian singer, Citra Scolastika to a very special friend out there. You know who you are. For you who has the courage to live, the courage to re-live, the courage to not stop chasing for happiness in life, and the bravery to be who you are meant to be, we say a HUGE thank you, from the deepest of our small humble heart. 

All visuals via LUMI pinterest here.

With love, 

Jeann

[Review] Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion Compact Emerges Stunningly From A Cool Rosy Affair

We experienced our very first Cushion Compact here previously and it was truly a great introduction to this innovative makeup product, which the Koreans are famous for. Naturally, we were extremely intrigued when we were invited to celebrate the unveiling of this luxury French brand latest innovation and release - the new Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion Compact High Coverage SPF50 PA+++ recently at the Royal Chulan Damansara Hotel Ice Skating Rink. 

Lancôme released their very first cushion some time last year but we did not have the opportunity to try that one out yet. This time around, this NEW cushion is the meeting between Lancôme's complexion expertise, its mastery of the best filters to protect the complexion, and travel-friendly technology that prioritises freshness and lightness. Cooling, high coverage, high protection, lightweight and travel-friendly? Sounds too good to be true, right? You heard it right, stay tuned for more rosy goodness coming right up, lovelies *_^

The Beautiful Burberry Scarf That Enchanted Afternoon

Soft to the touch, luxurious to the feel and most definitely exquisite and pleasing to the admirer, that Burberry scarf speaks volume in heritage and its artisan and craftsmanship. We were terribly honored and delighted to be invited to a private viewing and to experience first hand, how an iconic British scarf is being made, the Burberry way. In fact, that was our very first Burberry event! We were extremely excited and thrilled *_^

The Burberry Scarf Bar is a celebration of the brand's iconic cashmere scarves all made in Scotland (think endless lush green landscapes and mountains, clear pristine streams with all the best mother nature has to offer). Available globally in-store and online and launched on 2nd September 2015, the Scarf Bar offers complete range of heritage and lightweight scarves made from the finest quality cashmere renowned for its feather-light weight and silky feel. Designs that can be personalized and monogrammed to have your scarf just the way you like it, the Burberry way is one enticing idea. In fact, lover of Burberry scarves can choose from over 7,000 options to create their Burberry scarf, exactly they way they love it.

[Review] Melvita Nectar De Miels Body Care In Conjunction With Melvita Earth Month 2016

If you had followed us long enough on LUMINNEJ, you would know we love Melvita as a brand, for we believe loving organic also means a gentler approach to not only our skin, but to the earth and mother nature in general. We were invited by Melvita Malaysia to attend their Earth Month activity and celebration recently but unfortunately, we could not make it as we were away on shoot in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, the beautiful people at Melvita were kind enough to send along their latest releases - the Melvita Nectar De Miels Body Care range for us to try. Thanks again for the big love! We shall let our lovely contributing beauty writer, SASY tell you how much she has been enjoying these exquisite items, shall we?