LOVE ▪ KISS ▪ MAGIC: June 2011

Thursday 30 June 2011

Laniege / Shu Uemura / My Beauty Diary

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack Ex

An inflight buy I got on the plane for an exclusive price :) Used it only once last night as the last step for my nightly skincare routine right after moisturiser. I concluded the next morning that it kept my skin supple and hydrated. Online reviews directed that it should be used once weekly so I shall adhere to that. Considering its size, this tub should last me a long time.

Shu Uemura Deepsea Water Mist (sans fragrance)

Didn't particularly take a fancy to any fragrances available so I decided to go with the fragrance-free choice. I'm not a huge fan of scents incorporated in my skincare and make-up products anyway. Used it as a post-flight refresher and daily facial mist during my overseas trip. Love how the mist settles into your face after awhile and provides temporary hydration. One can apparently also use it to set make-up and prevent a matte, cakey look. I, for one, prefer glowy and dewy appearances over matte ones. A pricey buy considering that the product is basically "water", will think twice regarding re-purchasing.

My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask

This mask is for whitening and nourishing. Although whitening is widely known to make skin more sensitive over time, I figured a weekly mask would not commit much harm? This black pearl mask made my face feel cooling and refreshed after use. As for its claimed whitening effects, I guess one can only tell after prolonged use. This is an ultra mini pack that comes with only 2 masks because I merely wanted to give it a try. Might not get a bigger pack of this for I'd rather scout and give other brands of masks a try.

Tuesday 21 June 2011

you found me

1.Heme Rose 24hr Hydrating Instant Recovery Serum

One word: MAGIC! I applied it on the first night and woke up the next morning to firmer, smoother and more radiant skin.LOVE this product! Then again, each to its own. What works for me might not for you and vice versa.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

It is apaprently the best drugstore-brand sunscreen and because it contains Helioplex, I decided to get this instead of my initial Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Pure-Mild version.

3. Nivea Night Whitening Body Milk

A new purchase! Can't wait to try this out and let's see if it really delivers :) Does anyone know if I can apply this in conjunction with other body creams or body lotions?

4. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eye Liner (black)

Hands-down my FAVOURITE gel eyeliners of all time! Had been using the brown version for the longest time now and decided to stock up the black one as well so Mom got it for me.

5. Principessa Cattiva Diva Silky Hand Cream

I have developed a major infatuation with the smell of this hand cream! The smell, in my opinion, highly resembles... sour plum? It leaves a slightly dried-up oily feeling post-application but I have a hunch this is what people describe to be a "silky" feeling. Will probably scout around for other more satisfactory brands once I'm done with this small tube of hand cream.

I make it a point to drink one sachet regularly. Sometimes when I'm out for the whole day I don't drink it but otherwise I try to make it a daily affair. It's not difficult to remember to make a cup of this because it's one of my FAVOURITE beverages! Green tea has MANY benefits and one can easily and conveniently learn these from conducting research on the Internet :)

Sometimes, for filming, we are required to put on extremely heavy make-up such as face paint. Once, while I was washing off the paint from my face, some actually got in my eye. Although there was no sharp pain, it is still a discomfort to know your eyes are contaminated. I immediately rinsed off with Optrex and my eyes were once again as fresh and clean as before. I try to rinse my eyes with this product once every morning but the hard and fast rule is that this product cannot be used 30 mins before donning contact lens. Hence, I skip this step when I'm in a rush to go out. Optrex definitely soothes and refreshes my eyes as it claims to. Everyone should invest in this! It's inexpensive, effective and beneficial.

Friday 17 June 2011

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream + Rimmel Colour Show Off Lipstick

For the longest time, I was staunchly against BB cream. No thanks to a lousy experience I had with a trial pack of Garnier BB cream that I was given. Nope, the cream didn't cause me to break out or anything but the texture was way too thick for my liking and the post-application feeling was tight, heavy and uncomfy. Abhored that product totally. Was complaining and ranting to my cousin about it the other time and she managed to convince me that BB cream wasn't all that evil despite my poor virgin experience with it. She did suggest that I try other better BB cream brands just to give it a second chance and not entirely write the product off. So after much consideration and with Mommy's urge for me to get BB cream so I can apply that when I go overseas to make my make-up process less tedious, I caved in. Got Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream (Light). The "natural" shade was too dark for me. The texture felt a lot lighter than Garnier's and appication was relatively smooth and easy. Can't completely overrule liquid foundation with BB cream because the former, afterall, does indeed provide better coverage and gives a nicer finish than compared to the latter. I'd say BB cream is better for days when one doesn't need heavy make-up, i.e. schooling, dropping by near places, beach, and liquid foundation comes in handy for more formal occasions that require dolling-up or when one will be outside for longer hours. Liquid foundation does have better lasting power than BB cream, no?

Due to the insanely massive Watsons' sale, I decided to spend on a drugstore-brand lippie. Rimmel Colour Show Off Lipstick in Shake Up Pink 20 has thus far been a delight. I LOVE the colour, smell and pigmentation. It has definitely overtaken other lippies to become my favourite lipstick. Currently searching for a dark coloured lipstick, wine seems like a good choice. Chanced upon a simply gorgeous shade of dark maroon at Sephora and I think I may promptly return to get that if I can't find a prettier shade elsewhere.

Back 2 Basics

1. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

Vaseline helps grow eyelashes... Tried & tested. Didn't work for me but I only applied it for 1 night and gave up. My lower lashes did seem a tad longer though, yet it might be my mind playing tricks on me. If you're interested, have a go yourself! Lotsa successful reviews online.

2. Purple (favourite colour) & glittery sharpener! Too kawaii to resist getting.

Wednesday 15 June 2011

http://en.stylenanda.com/

Monday 13 June 2011

Fashion Blogs

In order of favourites...

1. another day to dress up

2. sea of shoes

3. studded hearts

4. song of style

5. disarming darling

6. haute pursuit

7. fashion toast

8. lust for life

9. knight cat

10. le blog de betty

11. psycho foxes diary

12. litter sf

13. pyramid clothing

MUJI + SASA

1. MUJI Whitening Essence

2. MUJI Cuticle Oil

Moisturising hand and nail cream should always be the first go-to step in curing dry nails rather than relying on regular utilisation of cuticle oil which will instead strip off its initial effectiveness.

1. SASA brush set

Got it dirt cheap from the ongoing sale, thanks to friends' recommendations! However, this was subjected to Mom's disapproval 'cause she thinks they're prolly of lousy quality and she has better brushes at home for me to use :(

Saturday 11 June 2011

earcandies

Oh Land
Wolf and I
Sun of a Gun
Voodoo
Human
Heavy Eyes
Still Here
We Turn It Up
Audition Day
Namazu
Perfection
Helicopter
Alive Awake
White Nights
Postpone the Bad

Beach House
Gila
Heart of Chambers
Walk in the Park
Lover of Mine
10 Mile Stereo
Some Things Last a Long Time

Crystal Castles
Baptism
Crimewave
Not in Love
Courtship Dating
Vanished

Toro Y Moi
Talamak
New Beat
Blessa
Human Nature

Lucy Love
Daddy Was a DJ
Thunder
Who You Are

Ali Love
Smoke and Mirrors
Love Harder
Diminishing Returns

Florence and the Machine
Cosmic Love
Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
Howl

Suzanne Vega
Luka
Tom's Diner

Electrocute
Uh Oh
Tiger Toy

Foals
Miami

Two Door Cinema Club
I Can Talk

Adele
Rolling in the Deep

Cataracs
Top of the World

Friday 10 June 2011

just can't get enough

1. Benefit Speed Brow
Brow gel to tint, tame and set brows.

2. ZA Vitamin Lip
Multi-purpose lip balm to moisturise, condition and safeguard lips from UV with SPF.

3. Falsies
A new pair I bought recently!

Rhomlon Multi-Use Crayon (Pearly White 10)

The saleslady recommended this to me for lining my eyes' lower waterlines. The subtly glimmery shade and smooth easy-glide texture cemented my decision to buy. The only drawback? It requires a sharpener which I lack.

1. Clinique Moisture Surge

This little tub provides extended thirst relief for the skin and can be applied either on its own or as an additional complement to Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. (Only if your skin is SUPER dry...)

2. Clinique All About Eyes Serum

This roll-on serum works mainly for de-puffing purposes and as it is, in my opinion, not as effective or potent as Lancome Youth Activating Eye Concentrate, I use the former for my lids and the latter for the bottom part of my eyes.

1. Chanel Energising Multi-Protection Eye Gel

2. Chanel Le Blanc Whitening Concentrate

Got these freebies from friends working at Chanel! I have yet to use the eye gel and only tried the whitening concentrate once. The concentrate has an overpowering flowery scent which I don't quite fancy and it may be too liquidy for my liking. Gonna give Muji's whitening essence a try instead!

Wednesday 8 June 2011

I want them all!

Azure Potion Pendant

Jeffrey Campbell
Gordon Mesh Boot (Ivory)

Jeffrey Campbell
99 Tie Wedge (Pewter Glitter)

Jeffrey Campbell
Avalon Rainbow Platform

Wildfox Madonna Tee

UNIF Hail No Muscle Tee

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Beauty Possessions: Bath Essentials, Skincare Products, Cosmetics

1. Essential Nuance Airy Shampoo
2. Essential Nuance Airy Conditioner
3. Summer Naturale Deep Moisturisng Body Shampoo (Lavender)
4. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild
5. Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream
6. L'oreal Total Repair 5 Hair Masque

My Hello Kitty shower cap :)

I use the deep repairing hair mask once weekly.

1. Lancome Youth Activating Eye Concentrate
2. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 (Exfoliator & Toner)
3. L'oreal Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Smoother
4. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion
5. Biore UV Bright Face Milk
6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Pure-Mild Sunblock Lotion

When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen, here are a few tips.

- Pick a product that provides protection for both UVA and UVB by ensuring that the sunscreen contains the ingredient "helioplex".

- "Waterproof" sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes while "water resistant" sunscreen lasts for 40 minutes.

- SPF30+ harbours up to 97% protection whereas SPF50 has 98% protection.

Also, always apply sunblock at least 15-30 minutes before going out into the sun.

I religiously use the Biore one on my face and neck under my make-up and the Neutrogena one on my body.

This little baby is such a miracle in a mini tub! It claims to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark circles, and makes the eye area look younger. After consistent application, I really noticed a significant difference!

1. Boss Lady Wild Flower Body Cream
2. Marks & Spencer Camellia Moisturising Hand and Nail Cream
3. Soap & Glory Heel Genius Foot Cream

The body cream entails the tagline "rope 'em in with softer skin" and it truly delivers what it promises. Got it as a birthday present from my BBF :) Pity this has now been discontinued.

I slightly prefer the more exotic smell of the body cream than as compared to the sweet floral smell of the hand cream and the minty smell of the foot cream.

1. Anna Sui Secret Wish Perfume
2. Soap & Glory Glad Pits Anti-Pespirant
3. Liese Smooth Hair Cocktail

I only use the anti-pespirant spray when I know I'm gonna sweat a lot outside.

The Liese hair product is amazing! I've heard from people how it doesn't work when I first made my purchase but it has been very effective for me. Then again, I'm a relatively easily-satisfied consumer :)

1. Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer 105 (Limited Edition)

2. Silkygirl Moisture Rich Lipstick Romantic 27

3. Estee Lauder Lipstick Rouge Tiger Eye 86

4. Clinique Lipstick Extreme Pink 19

5. Clinique Superbalm Moistursing Gloss Apricot 1

6. Daiso Cosmetic Brush

7. Too Faced Lip Primer

8. Urban Decay Eye Primer

9. Maybelline Brown Gel Eye Liner

10. Sheene Black Liquid Eye Liner

11. Clinique High Impact Mascara Black 1

12. Daiso Make-up Corrector

13. Maybelline Clear Smooth Face Powder Natural

14. Estee Lauder Deluxe All-Over Face Compact

15. ZA Concealer Perfection 2

16. Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing Fluid Make-Up Opaline 12

17. Daiso Brow & Lash Comb

I must say, Silky Girl's lippie is surprisingly one of the best I've tried. It's really long-lasting even without the assistance of lip primer. I mostly only use mine when clubbing because the striking red colour is too loud for normal wear.

The Daiso brush is also another unexpectedly good product. I was quite blown away by its seamless blending properties. And it suits me fine for I like the effect of blusher blended with foundation rather than blusher ON foundation. If you get what I mean...

Sheene is a THAI brand liquid eye liner that I bought on a whim with my Mom. Super cheap but super difficult to apply. And this is coming from someone who can work liquid eyeliners quite well.

The Daiso make-up corrector is another unbelievable product that I have to attribute kudos to. It clears up any stray make-up with one or a few strokes.

Maybelline pressed powder is a mediocre product (the wallet-friendly price speaks for itself) that I am unable to find fault with. One of its most prominent plus point is that it is marketed specially for Asian women. Would not consider re-buying though, shall seek better alternatives.

ZA concealer is one of my trusty pals in the cosmetics pouch. My only chagrin is that it doesn't come with highlighting effect.

Chanel fluid foundation is a classic. Liquidified foundation works better for people like myself with dry combination skin but is not recommended for those with oily complexions.

Estee Lauder's Deluxe All-Over Face Compact comes in a sophiscated, classy packaging. The gold colour is extremely eye-catching.

3 Silky Powder Blushes
- Nude Rose 11
- Rosewood 13
- Pink Kiss 2
1 Soft Matte Bronzer
- Bronze Goddess 1

1. Duo Eyelash Adhesive (Clear-White)
2. Lash Clip
3. Falsies

1. Biore Cleansing Strips Pore Pack (Black)
2. Bejewelled Stone Nail File

My virgin attempt at using a pore strip evidently displays that dry skin has little if not no need for this product. Or it could be due to the fact that my daily skincare ritual has become such a staple regiment embedded in my life that I have successfully managed to combat blackheads :) Btw, the rumours online that complained about the pain that comes with removal of pore strips is a huge hyperbole.

1. Aloe Milky Lotion
2. Aloe Cleansing Sheets
3. Aloe Eye Cleansing Tissues

My 3 reliable Aloe Vera comrades that saved my skin after prolonged sun exposure especially during camps.