In fashion, it’s not hard to find affordable pieces that are quite literally, an exact copy of luxury or designer brands – especially when more and more fashionistas are spending less and fashion designers are trying all they can to maintain what little share they have left of the pie. Lately, a similar situation has caught my eye, in beauty at that. It’s appaling to find counterfeit versions of my favourite makeup products being sold in the market. Unfortunately, M·A·C is one of the most widely copied brands, to the point that last year’s limited edition Hello Kitty range wasn’t spared! What amazed me was that some of the fake goods actually went the extra mile. For instance, the fake M·A·C blusher came with the Kitty’s embossed outline, whereas the real deal didn’t. There are a number of websites selling these products, some of them at lower prices than the original even, but if you’re a beauty junkie, you would know better than to buy from an unauthorized seller. One of my latest discoveries during a trip abroad is none other than a clone of Benefit, I just had to snap a pic of it! In any way, just think of this situation like film and music piracy, only worse. Who knows what’s really in the pigments of those fake stuff? And who knows what you’re getting your skin into?

Latest hair trends spotted at the Wella Trend Vision Award 09.  Congrats to the winners, y’all did great!

Yokoso! Shiyuki stocks beauty products so get your supply of face masks, shampoos and nail colours.  They also carry homeware such as bowls and cups.  Hate having to share the room with your annoying lil’ sister?  Get a room divider! 

Prices range from RM1 to RM250 - if that’s not easy on your wallet well, I don’t know what is!  So the next time you’re in 1 Utama, drop by Lot G17 (it’s in the old wing) for some super kawaii stuff.

Chuck ‘em in your basket: At least one of these cute dolls and beauty accessories.

This Halloween make sure the only scary thing about you is your costume- not your hands and feet!  Get them pampered at The Nail Parlour - they’ve created a special Cinnamon Pumpkin Manicure and Pedicure for the season.  We won’t go into too much detail (you’ve got to discover them yourself) but here’s a teaser:

A chamomile-infused bath, Cinnamon Pumpkin Honey Scrub massage, hands and feet drenched in real honey, yogurt masque, indulgent spice oil massage…and it all ends with a fresh coat of vibrant  nail polish! Choose one of the store’s 200 shades.

So don’t’ forget to head on over to The Nail Parlour a few hours before the party starts!
Price: Manicure with masque, RM85, Pedicure with masque, RM95

If you get a chance to head over to Singapore, check out the newly improved Louis Vuitton store at Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road. The duplex interior façade features the brand’s signature copper colour in Damier pattern but the highlight of the store is definitely on the second floor. Head to the spiral staircase and you will see a glass chandelier of over 4 meters wide and 8 meters tall! The design is a remarkable collaboration with international star Michelle Yeoh and the Malletier’s architecture team, where she has given ideas and inspiration to create a refined apartment-like interior. Definitely worth checking out!