The Photo App That Matters by VSCO

We at luminnej absolutely love beautiful visuals, we adore the fact that these days, any picture (even the ones taken with a mobile phone) can be beautiful, as long as you know how to achieve that, with some help from mobile apps which are so prevalent out there. Some of our favourites are snapseed, Fotor, Line Camera, Tadaa SLR, among others.

Of late, we stumbled upon an app that is so so awesome. It's an app basically for enthusiastic photographers, for artists to showcase their work, with the use of some built-in filters, which the fine people at VSCO called presets. It's truly amazing how much you can achieve just by tweaking your pictures with the app. It is also a community which truly appreciate the art of photography. They make it a point not to make it too social driven with likes and number of followers like Instagram (which in a way, is the fun part of it too), it's solely stunning visuals to be admired upon, in their exact words, "Beautiful imagery trumps social clout, therefore number of followers, comments and likes are absent from the platform".

So much talents and excellent work out there. Just to elaborate how far the range is and how much you you could manipulate and enhance your pictures, here are some of ours, with different look and feel. If you love to play with visuals, you will love this. Check out the mobile app called VSCOCAM here or their main website here. We had so much fun fiddling with it recently. The only thing that the app doesn't have is the ability to "sharpen" your pictures. Once you are happy with the end result after the editing, you can upload them onto the space called GRID. They have a curated grid where good works are being featured constantly. Must check it out there!

All pictures were taken with mobile phone except image2, 4 and 7 (the wholemeal bread on Home Journal Magazine) We hope you like our shots. Do check out more of our VSCO pictures here. Give it a try, we are pretty sure that you will love it too. Have a great weekend *_^

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Get Funky With Your Designs

Do you love DIY? Do you have a tendency to want to move your furnitures around once in a while, or have the urge to decorate your wall with DIY items? If yes is the answer, then this wonderful website is where you should head to and check out. It's called Funkytime (here for more) It is full of interesting designing ideas and how you can beautify your space with some DIY approaches. They are packed with wicked ideas like how to iron-on your own minecraft t-shirts or create your own party invitation cards! We came across some home styling ideas which are awesome to spice up a space, especially with that bright yellow splash of colour to add some zest into your life. See for yourself what a difference a colour can make. 

[Faces] The Passionate Fashion Designer, Beatrice Looi

The bright sunny afternoon of some time in March at Publika welcomed us warmly, as if knowing something beautiful was about to come our way. Indeed it was as we approached our meeting destination called Elegantology, cosily tugged into a corner of this busy row of fine restaurants and hip eatery, filled with casual patrons during this lunch hour. As we stepped into this gallery and restaurant that was elegantly put together, we were swiftly greeted by the ever friendly Marketing Director, Andrew! It was not too long ago that we caught up for the Jason Zeck fashion show (here for more) prior. This time, we were there to meet and have a chat with the fashion designer whom most of us have come to know and love very much, the lovely Beatrice Looi.

Being served a cup of beautifully brewed hot coffee while  waiting for Beatrice to finish up her meeting was definitely heavenly. As Beatrice approached our table, she quickly greeted us and spoke confidently that she was actually finishing up a meeting with some clients and naturally put herself at eased at the table. She looked radiant with her cat-eyed look for the day, paired with her long silky smooth black hair, definitely chic in her own manner. Though we have not met her in person much before this, but by her diving into the conversation with breeze made it seem like we have been friends for the longest time. We chatted over coffee and here are some of what we delved into throughout this enchanted afternoon.

A White Luminous Mother's Day Inspiration

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Let's celebrate this special day with some beauty boards that we had that kind of spur-of-a-moment AHA idea struck us the other day and then put together sort of thing went on. (We are not making sense here, but hey, who bothers, it's mother's day! And I am celebrating it too *_^) 

Here are some of our favourite things, the LUMI way (be it to give to your beloved woman/dearest mommy in your life, or just some hints to the other special half to get for you instead!). We are LOVING simplicity in all white from Zara here, a hint of mint to go with the basic colour, a pop of green heels, a Fossil watch and to pull together the clean look, we pair them with one of our all-time-favourite Japanese skincare and makeup brands, cle de peau BEAUTE latest range. Need us to say more? No because they are so divinely beautiful, right? You really have to cle de peau BEAUTE out.

Of course, one of our wishes for this day (and the rest of our lives) is to attain a more balanced life by eating more healthily (don't forget to treat your mom to a special meal or better still, cook her your own home-cooked dishes for her to savour *_^). More Zara here and cle de peau BEAUTE here. Fossil here.

Show your love to your mom and we wish all beautiful, strong and inspiring mothers out there, a very happy Mother's Day! You truly deserve the best in life. A big HUGE hug from us *_^

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Discovering The Wonders of Jaeger-LeCoultre SIHH 2014 Novelties

When time leaves a trace of its existence in a space which all fine watchmaking enthusiasts find their inspiration from, it must have also brought with it the mark of a great master - the artisans, the designers, the engineers, each and every one of the talent behind this pioneer inventor, innovator and illustrious manufacturer whose expertise and virtuosity has been consistently upheld since way back in 1833! Jaeger-LeCoultre has been fueled by the same passion in its on-going quest for technical perfection in haute horology by bringing us the finest in intricately-designed and engineered watches, conveying the designers' ideas through lines, anticipating what tomorrow will bring and subtly blending past, present and future. 

[Star Gazing] The Many Faces of Jeon Ji Hyun

We are pretty sure that you have at least heard of this recent drama, or vaguely have an impression of it by now but the one who plays this outrageous and somewhat funny Korean actress in the series is no stranger to any kdrama fans out there. Unfortunately, we personally have not really seen much of her work prior to catching the series (in an express marathon mode, mind you, within two nights, shown over at ONE!), but managed to follow this drama called My Love From The Star (official Korean website here). She is none other than the sassy Jeon Ji Hyun. 

Honestly, we find the female lead character Cheon Song-Yi, in the drama quite weak throughout, not much character arch (am putting on my screenwriter glasses here, talking *_^) but we do have to admit that Jeon Ji Hyun plays the role quite "brilliantly" by being, at times, crazily funny and never really take herself (and the character) too seriously to begin with. Actually, what was slightly more interesting about the drama was more of the character of the male lead, Do Min-Joon (played by the cute young actor, Kim Soo Hyun), which we shall not go into for now! 

Nevertheless, this tall lady does look pretty charming and beautiful in these two separate editorials for Harper's Bazaar Korea and China. There is something very "fishy" about them that you really need to check it out at our friend, Rolala Loves' blog post here for she picked it up so sharply that we didn't even notice it in the first place. 

Which version we love? We have to say both as they have a slightly different feel to them (hence we included them here. We especially love the blue and turquoise pieces worn by her. 

[Star Gazing] The Cool and Gorgeous Daniel Henney

Our very first impression of this cool American-Korean hunk was way back when he acted in the Korean series, My Name Is Kim Sam Soon, playing the nice guy who could never seem to get the girl. Much later, we caught him again, playing the "Mr. Perfect" in Seducing Mr. Perfect. There is something attractive about a dude like him who is fluent in both the English and Korean language (having the good looks to go with is not a bad thing too *_^ though he needs a little more work in his acting skill).

Here's a sizzling hot editorial of Daniel Henney for Elle Korea, the February 2014 issue, seen here, together with Kim Soo Hyun (not the "alien" though, *wink wink*). We love the retro and wild west feel to the spread, yet oozes with a certain ruggedness and feminine sexiness! Pictures via couch-kimchi here.

[Instagram] LUMI's Favourites 1

We absolutely LOVE Instagram! Such a great app to explore the wonders and beauty of the world through some of the most amazing eyes of the wanderers. We cannot seem to get enough of it. We have been following some instagrammers for quite some time already, and here, we would like to share with you, some of our favourites, among many others more. You can see more over at our special facebook LUMI's Insta Fav album here. Meanwhile, check out some of their amazingly breathtaking photography/capturing work! Click on the list below to go to their IG feeds.

1. artifactuprising | 2. buck_to_the_street | 3. heygorgevents | 4. erikheywood | 5. thisisglamorous |
6. nicolegst | 7. cannellevanille | 8. negin_mirsalehi | 9. sayurimatsuda

10. belgravecrescent | 11. tomyk | 12. cottds | 13. jennysun | 14. beetle_eyes | 15. beyoutiii |
16. _asyuka_ | 17. jovanpeh | 18. stylishbag

Here is a collage of LUMINNEJ's over the weeks. A glimpse of our simple life. Till the next time, have a great week ahead, lovelies *_^

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Lunasol Celebrates 15 years Of Purifying Makeup

When refined beauty means taking each step of your makeup routine attentively, with acute gracefulness and gentleness that breathes life to your face, one that showers your own skin with tender loving care, you will realize that sense of carefully sculpting light and shadow approach that is the core of what this long established Japanese brand, LUNASOL from Kanebo is really all about, that makes the difference between just putting on makeup and being ONE with makeup. 

Even though we at LUMINNEJ have been eluded by any event invites from Lunasol so far, we would still love to share some beautiful information about their latest up-and-coming collection as we truly adore the brand's concept of putting makeup as a purifying process, almost enhancing one's soul in search of that subtle true beauty within everyone of us who loves makeup. Besides, our friends at LUNASOL is also celebrating 15 beautiful years! The big ONE FIVE, congratulations from us!

With this vast and deep experience over the years, Lunasol has sought with passion a perfect hue for every colour and they know very well that the impression of colour can truly give a difference depending on the glow added to it. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Lunasol presents to you a special purifying Makeup collection for summer, featuring the glow that is such a signature of Lunasol,  this time around called "Double Lighting" - dazzling sparkles like summer and a dewy luster. Sounds lovely already, isn't it? So, what does this collection entail? Have a look.

[Inspiration] Kate Moss x Topshop New Collection Looking Oh So Sultry And Sensual

British supermodel Kate Moss is back in collaboration with Topshop for their new Spring Summer 2014 collection! We love her sense of style in terms of apparel and loving this looks of hers - chic yet has a certain character in them, and fashionable too *_^ Love how the shots were taken, playing around with lights and shadows to bring out her sexy silhouette and the flowiness of the dresses. Isn't the fringes thingy going on there fun? In fact, we can see ourselves wearing these pieces! 

We LOVE Desserts! Period.

Yes, we love dessert, but we are also very aware of its drawbacks (fingers counting those calories already). So, how to satisfy such cravings? At times, we will just admire from afar, through dividing glass refrigerator, through drop down windows, anything but really eating them *_^

Small little note, even though we do really love desserts, but we don't fancy macaroons as they are way too sweet! They look lovely though, right??! There we go again! All right, these are two of our favourite brands for desserts: Komugi here and Tous les Jours here. 

Here are some of our favourite hunts. 眼看手不动! (See, no touch, please!). Hope you are having a sweet sweet week ahead! Pictures taken at Tous les Jours Bangsar.

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The Answer To Ultimate Sun Protection With Lancôme UV EXPERT!

I have to confess, I am personally not a great fan of BB cream. Now, there you have it. Why? I have had make-up artist friends advised me previously BB cream may not be for everyone. Second of all, after much testing with samples given to me, I always find BB cream a tag too heavy in terms of texture for my combination skin to handle. They felt sticky, thick and leave a mask-y kind of feeling on my face, as if, I had put on quite a few layers of foundation! (which I personally do not favour *_^).

When I received a special package from this luxury French brand, Lancome, it was a tube of Lancome's latest sun protection product, the word BB stared right back at me. I was thinking, oh gosh, hhmmm... should I give BB another chance? But then again, it is not exactly a BB cream, is it? It's also a sun block that works hard to shield my skin while even out my skin tone, no? So, I braved myself this time to just give it a go. No harm since it says SPF50 PA+++ (which is pretty high and good protection for someone like me, who would need it once I go outdoor, on shoots, especially!).

Comyns Beautifully Bloomed Padma Collection Revealed

On an enchanted Wednesday morning, the petals of the lotus bloomed beautifully at Neo Tamarind, this time, it will be for eternity, never will they fade away into time for they have been sealed in The 925 Sterling Silver. Walking up the steps brought us into a refreshing new world of the flowers, the call of Comyns latest The Padma Collection gathering. It was a serene clean morning as we were greeted by lotus seeds with flower arrangements in the bowls brightly displayed and some guests gradually signing in. We were informed there will be a flower arrangement session (excited *_^)

Edit Your Life

LIFE is a little bit of editing, here and there, to make things look and feel  different *_^ A Quick note to say hello and may your week be magical and luminous!

[Instagram] Phases In Life

Previous month had been an equally challenging one for me, personally. As we go about life, doing the things we love to do, at times, harsh reality does sets in, once in a while. It makes you realize how fragile this life can be. Within the same weeks, much was happening. On a global scale, our plane went missing, it became a worldwide attention, around the same time, I received news of passings within the family, one of which involved a young mother and her two children, perished in a car accident. They were robbed of their growing up years, turning old, but sad to say, that is life/death. That by nature, is karma at work. It came so sudden that it was as tragic as one could not seem to be prepared for it, no matter how much you try to remind yourself the impermanence of life, it does slip through our fingers. As the days pass, the weeks follow, we tend to forget, all over again, we then move back to our daily pacing, plunging ourselves into living once again, without contemplating enough the notion of death (embracing death makes us treasure life). 

Stepping into my 40s, personally, age is but a number, yet I would like to eat more healthily (for the first time, going meatless to cultivate compassion towards animals). Now, I try to begin to constantly remind myself, secretly whispering into my own ears that life is short, do what is important or necessary, to be happy (and to bring happiness to others), no matter what, to be loving and kind, to be all that is good and to nurture that Buddha within me, to awaken the ignorance that clouded me all these while. We are but only human, but that in itself, should not be the excuse for us to not remember, not be diligent in reminding ourselves that how lucky we are to be alive. More so, to start living, really living a meaningful life, to be of some significance to this world and the people around us.

Hope your life is as colourful and as meaningful as you set out to create! Have a luminous week ahead *_^

20 Artists, One Icon - The Little Black Bottle by Lancôme

Boujour! 

We are extremely thrilled to be invited to attend such an exclusive event by Lancome Malaysia (our first event with this luxury French brand) recently at Publika. A big thanks to the team. Upon arrival, I was personally given a quick tour and short explanation by the friendly Tanguy Le Baud, Lancome Brand Manager in regards to this artistic event called The Little Black Bottle.

The White In Your Dream

There is something very hypnotic about white spaces (though it is a cleaning and maintenance nightmare, we know *_^) for they bring out everything simple and pure about the environment. It enhances any pop of colours that may be introduced into this empty canvas, almost like painting. We would most definitely love to wake up to a bedroom full of sunshine creeping in every morning, just like this one below.