For someone who wears liquid foundation, I should be happy about the existence of tinted moisturisers. The tint, combined with the goodness of a basic moisturiser in one tube should make my weekends when I want basic coverage – but somehow a small part of me just isn’t too confident with the moisturiser part – and I just hate the thought of layering on yet another “moisturiser” on top of my regular one.

And tinted sunblocks? Never liked them either. The texture’s always too rich and oily for my taste. Then one day I was given the privilege of interviewing skin care specialist Dr Zein Obagi, who is also the creator of ZO Skin Health range. A dynamic man and even more amazing doctor – he opened my eyes to the way I saw skincare – and tinted sunblocks.

When it came to applying sunblocks, all the other doctors I’ve spoken to said the same thing – slather on generously, and wait for it to absorb. Never rub in because sunblock is supposed to stay on top of your skin.

Dr Obagi had a completely different way of doing things with his Oclipse Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30. Now this is no ordinary sunscreen. For starters, you are supposed to rub it in (“rub, rub, rub!” – said Dr Obagi as he did so vigorously on the back of my hand), much like you would a moisturiser. And the concept behind the product is pretty clever too – instead of trying to stop melanin production due to exposure to the sun’s rays, why not make it work for you?

The sunscreen protects your skin by utilising the help of your existing melanin – basically tricking your skin into thinking it’s doing its job of protecting you from sun damage by producing melanin. How clever is that?

And lets not forget its anti-aging benefits too – there’s vitamin C to fight off free radicals, lipopeptide to stimulate collagen and elastin, as well as humectants and emollients to keep skin moisturised.

I love this sunscreen – the texture is smooth and light, and leaves a silky finish that isn’t oily at all, thanks to its silicon ingredient. In the words of the good doctor, this is something you’ll want to wear every day for the rest of your life!

The sunscreen costs RM370, and along with the rest of the ZO range, is available at Parkson and Escentials at Tangs, Pavilion; Metrojaya, Mid Valley Megamall; and Escentials Urban Retreat at Starhill Pamper Floor, Kuala Lumpur.

Also, I’d suggest checking out Dr Obagi’s blog to get sensible and easy tips on how to keep your skin healthy.

Shu Uemura’s Tokyo Lash Bar parties are always a lot of fun. You get to catch up with old friends, meet the country’s top make-up artists, and of course, swoon over the brand’s fabulous false lashes.

This year’s event was no different – but the lashes were extra-fab! The new designs of the Lashes in Nature premium edition lashes were introduced – and they were the dreamiest I had seen in a while. Goldglam Leaf (my favourite) was designed by Shu Uemura’s international artistic director Kakuyasu Uchiide, and is made from real leaf spines. Artistic director (Europe) Mina Matsumura created Snow Twist, a mish-mash of white wires peppered with crystals. Gina Brooke, who is the artistic director (USA) created Fleur-ever, a feathery purple design dotted with white, and finally, international chief makeup artist Yuji Asano dreamed up Marine Tide, a tidal-wave inspired creation.  

The four premium lashes. Clockwise from top left: Snow Twist, Goldglam Leaf, Marine Tide and Fleur-ever

The four designs were presented in various styles by Shu Uemura’s Malaysian Black Book artists, while the brand’s Accredited Artists presented their individual creations for the remaining six Tokyo Lash Bar 2009’s statement lashes. Feast your eyes!

Sheng Saw's Flight of the Peacock (Fleur-ever) and Najeeb's Endless Beauty of the Earth (Goldglam Leaf).

Emma's Dramatic Bloom (Fleur-ever) and Chufan's Blinding Blizzard (Snow Twist).

Steven Sunny's Queen of the Forest (Goldglam Leaf), Surya's Snow Witch (Snow Twist) and Taisu's Oasis (Marina Tide).

 The lashes will be available at Shu Uemura counters and stores.

It’s a question echoed in magazines and beauty blogs around the world – where have all the eyebrows gone?

Whether by shaving, or bleaching, invisible eyebrows, it seems, is a Fall trend. The runways of Prada and Balenciaga had bare-browed models strutting up and down – and the mastermind behind it all is my favourite make-up artist, Pat McGrath. 

“No brows has been a beauty option since the beginning of time,” said McGrath in a New York Times interview. “Think of those looming images of Queen Elizabeth.”

Then there’s Givenchy’s latest campaign, with Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima posing as Marilyn Manson. I kid, but you have to admit, it really is a little disturbing to see sexy Adriana all androgynous and alien-like.

McGrath had a theory on why this look might pick up. “The economic troubles we are facing now open people up to be more daring and willing to don cutting-edge looks.”

What say you? I’ve been told that for the Chinese, it’s the ultimate insult to shave one’s eyebrows. I know I’m just too vain for this trend.

Here are two (invisible) brow-related editorials for your reading pleasure.

• Is the new trend to remove eyebrows a profound social statement – or just another daft fad from Planet Fashion? [The Daily Mail]
• Where Have All The Eyebrows Gone? [The NY Times]

More images of no-brows

Prada Fall 2009, Balenciaga Fall 2009, and Kim Kardashian in a look posted on her blog!

THIS WEEK I WILL …

• Wear a different lipstick every day.
• Give my long-neglected heels some love.
• Stop reaching for my black liner. Instead, will dig up my M.A.C Technakohl Liner (SmoothBlue), Estée Lauder DoubleWear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil (Forest) and Shu Uemura Painting Liner (ME Purple).
• Book that facial! Or at least give my skin some TLC with a DIY treat.
• Not rush my showers. I will take it slow and easy in the bath, and learn to enjoy me-time again.

Audrey Tautou Chanel N°5 

One of my all-time favourite TVC is the Chanel N°5 ad featuring Nicole Kidman. Directed by Baz Luhrman, it was a decadent, and oh-so-romantic tale of a runaway actress suffocating in her fame, who finds peace and love in the arms of the very delicious Rodrigo Santoro. 

I still get goose bumps every time I watch it.

And now, Chanel has introduced its latest N°5 TVC, starring elfin French actress Audrey Tautou.

Jean Pierre Jeunet, who also worked with Tautou in Amelie and A Very Long Engagement, directed the ad. This time, the two and a half minute commercial takes Tautou on a seductive escapade on board the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul.

Personally, I’m still in love with Baz Luhrmann’s creation. Jeunet’s Orient Express adventure just didn’t grab me the way Luhrmann’s sad tale of love did.

Have a look at both TVCs and tell me what you think.

Nicole Kidman Chanel N°5