Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year! And a BIG Thank you!

2012 has been a very eventful year for me and my family. We have a new addition (Baby G) to the Uma Tribe and moved to a new country (Hong Kong). There is so much love in my life right now and I am so thankful for everything.

Thank you guys for visiting my site even though I am not as active as I used to be. Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement.

We would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year. May 2013 be an awesome year! Let's start afresh!


See you soon in 2013!

Be safe and enjoy...

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Skincare routine (in Hong Kong)


I am very blessed to get lovely comments about my skin from you viewers and people around me.To be honest, I do not do anything out of the blue to achieve good skin. I use products from a reputable brand, eat right, drink plenty of water and (force myself to) feel happy. Comparing to how my skin was 1 year ago, I am pretty impressed with how it is now. I still remember, the pimples and zits that popped up overnight due to the raging pregnancy hormones. (Click here & here for a pics where you can see my 'bad' skin!)

Here is a video where I show you the products I use on a daily basis. This is my new skincare routine suited for Hong Kong climate.





The above are the two products I use for cleansing my face twice a day. Hong Kong is polluted and it is important to wash and keep the skin as clean as possible.

1) Nippon Kodo Pelican Charcoal facial soap bar 
2) Sigma face polishing tool (Click HERE for review)


The above are the products I use as part of my skincare routine.

1) Clinique Repair Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector (face serum)
2) Clinique Repair Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting eye cream (eye)
3) Clinique Repair wear Uplifting Firm (face)
4) Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant (lips, face, nails)

Hope you found this post useful and let me know if you are or are thinking about using Clinique products as part of your skincare. 

Have a pleasant week.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

My Foundation collection + Favourites (oily combination skin)

Here is a video showing you guys my foundation collection. This has been highly requested by many viewers who are similar to my skin tone.  I used to have so much more as I was a freelance makeup artist. Since I have moved and am starting my fashion studies soon, I don't think I will have the time to do makeup on others other then to share my tips and tricks via Youtube. At least someone (subscribers) will learn from the knowledge I gained through the years. Sharing is caring! 





List of foundations that I have mentioned in the video.
  1. Make Up For Ever HD foundation # 173 (Click HERE for review & swatches)
  2. NARS Sheer Glow foundation Cadiz 
  3. Mac Pro Long wear foundation NC45 (Click HERE for review & swatches)
  4. Kryolan TV stick foundation FS 41 & FS 27 (Click HERE for review & swatches)
  5. Graftobian Glamour creme Winter Wheat & Desert Sand  
  6. Graftobian Glamour creme Super palette Warm (Great palette for makeup artists)
  7. Bare Minerals foundation Warm Tan
  8. SheerCover Mineral makeup Almond & Mocha
  9. Mac Studio fix powder foundation NC 45

Other foundations that I have used but are not featured in the video.
  1. Max Factor smooth effect foundation Caramel (Click HERE for review & swatches)
  2. Senna Barely Base Sheer mineral makeup SPF20 in Dark (Click HERE for review & swatches)
  3. Luminess Air Brush makeup (Click HERE for review & swatches)
Hope this helps!


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Mac Glamour Daze inspired makeup

This is a makeup look inspired by the recent collection from MAC, Glamour Daze. Actually my friend suggested that I recreate this look for brown skin women. So here it is.

I love the extra dimension skin finish Whisper of Gilt from this collection. Such a beautiful highlighter. If you ever get the chance to get your hands on it, please do. I am in love with this product. Will be doing a full blog review of this highlighter later.

*I did adjust the tint in this picture as I was trying to replicate the look from the MAC advert.




My little man is 7 months old. Had to take a picture with this guy! Love him to bits!




Products used:

FACE
Mufe - HD primer #0
Mufe - HD foundation #173
Mac - Medium dark mineralise skin finish

EYES
Mac - Painterly paintpot
Urban Decay - Virgin & Naked e/s
Sasa - Black khol black eyeliner
La femme - Brown e/s
Mufe - Aqua cream #27 Matte black gel liner
Ebay - False lashes
Senna - Brow duo in ebony

CHEEKS
La femme - Peach blush
Mac - Whisper of Gilt extra dimension skin finish

LIPS
Mac - Fast play lipstick
Nyx - Mauve lip liner



Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. 



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Berry tone makeup (full face tutorial)

Fall/autumn has finally arrived in Hong Kong. Perfect time to bust out the berry tone blushes & shadows. Here is a full makeup look using products from Mac, Make up forever & Senna cosmetics.




Products used:

FACE
Mufe - All Matt HD primer
Mufe - #0 HD primer
Mufe - HD foundation #173
Mac - Mineralize skin finish medium dark
Mac - Vintage grape ombre blush
Mac - Whisper of gilt extra dimension skin finish

EYES
Mac - Artifact paint-pot
Nars - Taj Mahal blush (centre lid)
Mac - Love crush blush (outer & inner corner)
Senna - Sketch a brow pencil in mink (eyebrows)
Mac - Dark diversion fluidline
Mufe - #27 aqua cream (matte black gel liner)
Senna - Voluptulash mascara in black
Ebay - False lashes

LIPS
Mac - Vino lip liner
OCC - Demure lip tar


Hope you having a fantastic week. Hugs!


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Prawn Sambal/Chili Prawns (Singapore style)

If you are spicy food lover, you will definitely love this. Prawn sambal is best eaten with coconut rice.  If I remember right, the origins of this dish is from Indonesia. However, everyone cooks it differently. This is my style. It has been adapted to the availability of ingredients. I like to keep things simple. So here is a very simple and delicious recipe.

During our dating days (hubby and me), I used to cook this dish in his place every other weekend. He loved it so much. I guess I found a way to his heart, through his stomach. Lol!


I usually serve the prawn sambal with coconut rice, roasted peanuts, omelete and sliced cucumbers.


Here is the full ingredient list.

 Recipe serves 3-4 people.
  • Prawns - 1/2 Kg / 1 pound (cleaned, de-shelled)
  • Tofu - 1 block (diced)
  • Lemongrass - 1 stalk (smash the ends)
  • Tomato - 1 large (cut into 6-8 pieces)
  • Shallots - 8 pieces (Use 1 large purple onion if shallots are not available)
  • Coconut cream - 2 tablespoon
  • Fish sauce / salt to taste
Make a paste of the following:
  • Dried chillies - 15 pieces (soak in hot water for 10 mins to soften chillies)
  • Garlic - 8 cloves 
  • Ginger - 1 inch

Video Tutorials : CLICK HERE

Hope you give it a try. If you do, please share your experience.

Thanks for coming by.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Make Up Forever HD Foundation review #173

After a very busy week, I have finally found time to get this review up on Youtube. It's the famous HD foundation by MUFE. I am in the Shade #173 (For reference, am NC44/45 and a little NC50 from Mac & Cadiz from NARS)

This shade does lean towards the yellow tones. Blends beautifully.


It does give a flawless finish and photographs well. No white ghostly flash backs. By the way, these pictures were not retouched in any way.


This picture taken after 4 hours of wear. Very oily and looks like I had this foundation on for the whole day.



Likes
- Very good match to my skin tone.
- Did not turn orange on my skin.
- Blends very smoothly.
- Does give good coverage depending on how many layers applied.
- The consistency of the foundation is just right. Not too watery nor is it thick.

Dislikes
- Gives a very dewy finish, I have dewy skin and this just exaggerates and makes it look oily instead.
- Settles on smile lines and other facial lines.

Overall
I have a love hate thing going on with this foundation. Foundation looks great on my face when taking pictures but I just cannot go out with it as it will become very oily after just 1 hour of application. I have to use the HD primer before applying this foundation. I am not sure if I would repurchase this given that it is a good color match for me.

Cost : HKD 420 (Retail price) however, I did get a makeup artist discount.

Here is my review & application videos on Youtube.



Thank for your time everyone!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Modern Egyptian Queen makeup (Halloween look)

If there is one character I would like to be on Halloween day, it would be Queen Cleopatra. I just love anything ancient Egypt, especially during her period. Here is a look (I imagine) for her in modern times. A look that can be worn on occasions other than Halloween too! I made the head halo myself. Let me know if you would like me to do a DIY tutorial for it!




Products used:

EYES
Urban Decay - Primer potion
Kryolan - #41 Tv stick foundation
Lakme - Brown eye pencil
Wet n Wild - Comfort zone palette dark brown e/s (crease)
Wet n Wild - Comfort zone palette ivory e/s (highlight)
Wet n Wild - Comfort zone palette ivory & pink e/s (lid)
Mac - Eye mixing medium
Mac - Blue reflects glitter
MUFE - Aqua cream #27 matte black liner
Senna cosmetics - Sketch A Brow pencil in mink (eyebrow)
Maybelline - The magnum volume express super film mascara in black
Ebay - False lashes

FACE
Kryolan - #41 Tv stick foundation (highlight)
Graftobian - Hi-Def glamour creme in Ginger (contour)
Sleek - Face contour kit in Medium dark
Camera ready cosmetics - Yellow loose powder
Mac - Vintage grape Ombre blush

LIPS
Lakme - Brown lipliner
OCC - Plum lip tar

Video Tutorial 



I am blessed with a husband who treats me like a queen and a baby who makes my life joyful. What more can I ask for!

Happy Halloween everyone. Be safe!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Get ready with me! Sexy Mommy Makeup

Been getting many requests on how I get my makeup done now that I am a new mommy. I have filmed a video showing you how. The only time I get to paint my face (Lol) is when my baby is asleep or right after I shower. I usually take 15 mins to fix my face and hair. Trust me, I have never been this quick before. The key is to keep it simple and minimal.




Products used:

FACE
MUFE - HD Primer #0
Nars - Sheer glow foundation in Cadiz
Mac - Select moisture cover concealer NC44
Mac - Mineralized skin finish in Medium dark

EYES
Urban Decay - Primer potion
Senna cosmetics  Sketch A Brow pencil in mink
MUFE - Aqua cream color #27 matte black liner
Maybelline - The magnum volume express super film mascara in black

CHEEKS
MUFE - HD Blush #02

LIPS
OCC - Lip tar in Strumpet
Lakme - Brown lipliner

Brushes used:
Bdelium tools 787 blending brush
Fine tip artist brush (bought in a art & craft store)


Hope you like this non speaking video. See you later!

Spicy Chili crab (Singapore style)

Hi Guys,

I am filming cooking videos now. After posting some of my home cooked meal pictures on facebook, some of my viewers have been enquiring about my cooking style and recipes. So here it is, my first cooking tutorial. This recipe was inspired by my Mom. When we were young, she used to cook this on Sundays when we could afford it. It was luxury food because crabs were expensive. I have modified the recipe a little as I can't remember everything that Mom used. However, this is as good as hers. My husband loves this dish very much. I am sure if you too if you like spicy food.


Here is the full ingredient list.

 Recipe serves 3-4 people.
  • Flower crab/ blue crabs/ runner crabs - 4 each (clean, cut into half)
  • Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
  • Lemongrass - 1 stalk (smash the ends)
  • Curry leaves - 15 leaves (optional)
  • Palm sugar - 1 teaspoon (can substitute with regular sugar)
  • Coconut milk - 1/2 cup
  • Tomato puree - 1 tablespoon
  • Salt to taste
Make a paste of the following:
  • Dried chillies - 15 pieces (soak in hot water for 10 mins to soften chillies)
  • Shallots - 8 pieces (Use 1 large purple onion if shallots are not available)
  • Garlic - 8 cloves 
  • Ginger - 1 inch
For garnishing:
  • Spring onions (chopped)
  • Coriander leaves (chopped)

Video Tutorial : CLICK HERE

Let me know if you have tried it and how it went. See you later!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Video Vlog up and meet the grumpy baby!

Hi Guys,

Here is a quick video update on my DIYFashionista channel on Youtube. I am so glad to be back. Want to see my grumpy baby? Make sure to watch the end!


See you all soon! Hugs!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Studio/office/craft space in the making & I am back!

Hi Everyone,

I am back. Oh my goodness, where do I begin to tell you how it was without internet and fixing a new home with an infant. Long story short, my home is looking better by the day. Moving boxes are out of the way. Managed to unpack majority of our personal items. A few things here and there to fix which I am working on right now. My home studio/office is coming along fine too.

This was how my room looked like a week ago. It is still kinda messy but it's much more organized then what you see below. I just realized that I have so much of things. Bag lady for sure!


I really like Ikea's Malm Chest of 6 drawers. It swallows a lot of things. I have most my of craft related things in there.


Still working on getting my makeup corner set up. So I will update on the progress soon.

I really missed blogging so much. Life with an infant is very different. I can do my personal stuff only when my baby naps. Everything takes twice as long. However, we are getting into a routine now. It's so much better then it used to be.

So hopefully soon, I should be making Youtube videos.



Hope you are having a great start of the week!


Saturday, August 4, 2012

Checked in, rested and ready to rock n roll!

The flight from Doha to Hong Kong was not a pleasant one for us. The Airline messed up our request for a baby bassinet. Because of their error, I had to hold my baby for the entire (8 hour) flight. On a positive note, we reached Hong Kong safe and sound.

 
Look at the Immigration officer's face! :)


We checked into lhotelelan.  Since we planned our trip long ago, we were able to get very good room rates. Also, since the apartment hunt will be on full force, we needed a good place to crash and that it was baby friendly. We like this hotel very much.


King size bed.


Very spacious. Great for us as we have five luggage bags.


Bathroom was very clean and well equipped.


Love the shower area. Spacious and the water pressure was excellent!


Baby cot was delivered just minutes after we checked in. My son hates it. He prefers sleeping in between my Husband and me. Such a suckling baby!


The fridge was stocked up with beverages. All included in the room package.


Well stocked snack drawer.


This is my Husband's favorite gadget in the room, the digital temperature control station. Gadgets and men, they go hand in hand!

Now we are hunting for a good apartment that will be our home for the coming years. I will update you guys on the progress soon. Very tiring times but it will all be worth it!

Thanks for coming by guys. Chat soon!

:)



Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Qatar Five Star Airlines but Two Star passenger...

The time has finally arrived. The move to HONG KONG! As much as I am excited, both Husband and I are pretty exhausted sorting everything with our old apartment and all. Now, traveling with a Baby is a whole new experience for us.

We are flying with Qatar Airlines (Arlanda Sweden to Doha Qatar, Doha to Hong Kong China).  The flight from Arlanda to Doha took about 5 1/2 hours. Here we are waiting at Doha for about 7 hours for our next flight to Hong Kong. The flight to Hong Kong will be another 8 hours, so I hear! Not looking forward to being jet-lagged.

Traveling with Mr Gabriel has been a delight. He slept most of the time on the flight to Doha. I hope he will do the same on the second leg. Fingers crossed!


 I have travelled with many other airlines and I have never seen families with young children given diaper goody bag. Qatar is the first! However, I wouldn't say I enjoyed the flight as the passenger next to me kept on farting and stinking the place. Five star Airlines but Two Star passenger. Seriously, some people have to be sent to etiquette school!


Mr Gabriel rudely awoken by his Mommy for a picture taking! Thus the 'annoyed' look!




I am all prepared as you can see. Baby in the wrap, Mommy with the computer blogging away!

Have to go now, see you guys in Hong Kong. Hope you are having a great week!

Monday, July 16, 2012

I am the bag lady! Relocation... Oh boy!

It's been a while since I blogged about what's going on in my life. I did mention in my earlier post about my family and myself moving to another country (Click here). Hong Kong is the next destination in Uma's life. I feel so excited yet sad. Sad to leave family (husband's side). Even though Sweden is not my native country, it is where my son was born and my husband is from. I will always have a link to this place for the rest of my life.

As you guys know, I moved from Singapore to Sweden in 2010. So to be honest, moving is nothing new to me. However, I felt so stressed about it. This time around, our budget for the move was smaller then before thus we really had to decide what to bring and what not to bring. Being the 'bag lady' (according to my husband), I wanted to bring everything. So this was quite tough for me.

Anyway, we engaged Crown relocation moving company to assist us with the packing and shipment of our personal items to Hong Kong. Two guys from their company came and did the packing and transported to items to their warehouse ready for shipment. All of this happened from 9am till 4pm. Now it's done and still I can't seem to relax. This is because we still have to sort out the items that are not going to Hong Kong. We have been giving away things to family and friends. I told myself this, in the next place of residence, we will go minimalistic. No hoarding on to things! Less is more!


On the brighter side to my rants, my son Gabriel is going to be 3 months old in 10 days. He has so much personality as he grows. He smiles, coos and makes great eye contact with me and my husband. I love him to bits. He makes even my worst days the best.

Don't mind the messy hair, I was very tired!

If anyone wants to know more about relocation and how to go about it, just ask me. I will share with you my experience. Moved from Asia to Europe and now Europe to Asia! Let's wait and see where the next destination will be in the future!

Have a great week!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Coral, purple with a pop of blue & glitter look

I love summer! It's the best season ever (in my world)! One can always get away with colorful looks during this time of the year. I would wear this makeup look for an evening summer party.

Note : I am going on a 'Youtube break' for a couple months on my beauty channel. I have a video explaining why. Do watch it (LINK). So this look will be the last one for now until I come back. I will still be active on my FACEBOOK page (LINK), blog and other channel (Diyfashionista channel) so please continue to follow me there.





Products used are :-

FACE
Mac - Pro long wear foundation NC45
Grafitobian - Winter wheat cream foundation (as concealer & eye base)


EYES
H&M - Brown eye brow pencil
Urban Decay - 24/7 glide on eye pencil in ransom
Kryolan - Matte purple e/s (crease)
Kryolan - Matte pinky purple e/s
UD Naked - Buck e/s
Kryolan - Matte coral orange e/s (lid)
Mac - Naked pigment (highlight)
La femme - Black e/s (liner)
Sugarpill - Poison plum e/s (lower lash line)
Rhomlon - Sky blue eyeliner pencil (waterline)
TKB trading - Fuchsia cosmetic glitter
Ebay - False lashes


CHEEKS
La femme - Peach blush


LIPS
Lakme - Brown lip liner
OCC - Safety orange lip tar


Hair extensions by Rapunzel Rapunzel 




Thanks for coming by. Have a great week!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Silver, Red and Blue makeup

OMG, finally I made a makeup tutorial. This look was inspired by my handmade bead embroidered feather necklace/piece. Oh yes, I made it! Hope you guys like it.




Products used are :-

FACE
Mac - Pro long wear foundation NC45
Mac - Select moisture concealer NC44

EYES
Senna - Sketch a brow liner Mink
Mac - Painterly paintpot (base)
La femme - Casino sliver loose e/s (inner corner)
Sugarpill - Love+ e/s (outer corner)
La femme - Black e/s (crease and outer v)
La femme - Peach e/s (transitional color)
La femme - White loose e/s (highlight)
Rhomlon - Dark Blue multi purpose pencil
Mac - Freshwater e/s (lower lashline)
Mac - Feline khol pencil
Mac - Blacktrack fluidline
BeautyUk - False lash FX mascara in black
Ebay - False lashes


CHEEKS
La femme - Brown e/s
La femme - Peach e/s


LIPS
Sasa - Red lip liner
Nyx - Eros lipstick



Thanks for coming by lovelies!