Monday 31 December 2012

2012 Best Finds - Top 8

In a few hours, 2013 will be upon us! A New Year: new beauty finds, new fashions, new foods, new friends (maybe) =P At my age, one doesn't make friends easily. But I digress.
 

Here's a look back on my favourite finds this year! Almost all the items have repeat purchases so you know I really like them~ Just click on the product names for the respective reviews!

(Note: Item listing is in no particular order.)

1 - The Konjac Sponge *click*

For replacing unneccesary cleansers in my routine and starting my skin on the route to recovery and balance, clog-free!! And so cheap!
     

2 - Biore SaraSara Powder Sheets *click*

The best wet tissue with a fragrant powdery finish for muggy days, post-workout or for a quick freshen up before stepping out!


3 - Mentholatum Organic Certified lipbalm *clickity click*

After trying to many different brands and methods, finally a lipbalm that keeps my lips moisturised and chap-free in all climates, even the -20degree winter~ Best part is it's organic too!

 
Check out the other 5 candidates after the cut! ^__^

Friday 28 December 2012

My Skin But Better - Kate Powderless Liquid for Cover Foundation

I've had this wonderful little bottle in my beauty drawer for a little over a month now and honestly nearly forgot to review it because I have the attention span of a goldfish >_<

Kate Powderless Liquid for Cover (30ml) - S$34 at Watsons
Foundation is very important to me. It's like the foundation of a building, very important when you start construction! A good foundation sets a good canvas for the rest of your makeup. Or at least that's how I feel =)

First off, I really like the packaging! Small and light! My previous liquid foundation came in a elongated glass pump bottle, not the most outdoor-friendly especially for rough types like me ^__^v The pump is also quite easy to control after getting the initial air out of the way.

A look at the back-of-the-box info:


I bought the Ochre D (OC-D) which turns out to be a PERFECT PERFECT match for my medium fair skin =D I previously bought the Kate BB Gel Cream in OC-B, which gave my face a slightly more radiant colour after evening out with loose powder but OC-D is perfect without any powder tweaking~

A look at the hand swatch:


See? Perfect match!!

Now on the face:


From Left: No makeup >> 1 layer of Kate Powderless Liquid >> added spot layering of Powderless Liquid for more coverage

Absolutely love it! Application was a dream even though I read that for some users the liquid settled in the stated 15sec so they found blending a tad rushed but it was fine for me. The Powderless Liquid is light and doesn't leave any oily or sticky feeling, with a fairly matte finish. Coverage was good, medium but buildable, and held up very well for my 10 hours out. Nicely done Kate!

In short, Kate Powderless Liquid for Cover:
  • comes in a nice lightweight black & beige pump bottle, approximately palm-sized.
  • the pump is easy to control, you're not likely to accidentally end up with a blobby mess.
  • product spreads and blends easily, though dilly-dallying is discouraged due to the 15sec setting time =p
  • used about 2 pumps for my whole face
  • liquid settles quickly into a fairly matte, powdery finish with no oily or sticky feeling developing throughout the day, a slight shine did emerge after about 5 hours though
  • no need for additional dusting of loose powder
  • coverage is sheer to medium and buildable for light concealing
  • product holds up very well on my combination skin, for almost a full 12 hours both in and outdoors
Basically, I love love love this~~ Really gave me the my-skin-but-better look!

Have you tried the Kate Powderless Liquid for Cover? Did you love it did you did you? =D

Tuesday 25 December 2012

Monday 24 December 2012

Quick fix for dry skin or a winter trip! - Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream

My skin goes through crazy times when the seasons change. In Singapore, it's always humid but combined with winter in Europe, it's a dangerous see-saw for my poor skin >_< Last year, I struggled with peeling skin and clogging for a good part of winter as my usual moisturiser was nowhere near hydrating enough! Although good enough for autumn (and humid Singapore), my Laneige Balancing Emulsion was just no match for a full-on winter climate.

Enter Neogence:
Hydration Special set @ S$45 frm SaSa (U.P: about S$60)
Spotted the Hydration Set at the neighbourhood SaSa and decided it was a good deal for S$45 since it included:
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion 180ml (full size)
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence 7ml (sample size)
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream 50ml (full size)
  • Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Eye Serum 5ml (sample size)
Basically this range, with all the Hyaluronic Acid, is aimed at hydrating and helping the skin to retain water.

You may have to squint a little ^__^;;
Anyhoo~ my main interest was in the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream, usually retails for S$36.90, which as you can see is described as a rich cream that suits dry and cold seasons~

 

I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and am glad to report that it is just the thing for my combination skin in winter! As stated, it is a rich cream but not a heavy one. It's 'soft', absorbs very well and doesn't leave any tackiness.

Using the provided spatula, I just dip straight downwards and use the amount that comes up. Which is approximately a blob the size of your fingernail?
There's a very slight floral fragrance to the cream that is pleasant and doesn't linger. After application, my skin felt immediately softer and smoother...an effect that lasted almost the whole day into my next application at night! LOVE! \(n__n)/
BUT. Too good to be true hey? I've read that some users with dry skin experienced little to no difference using this product in the winter time so if your skin is dry to begin with and you're looking for something to tide your skin over for winter, this might not be it. IF your skin is dry and you're looking for a regular moisturiser (i.e for our usual humid weather), Neogence might be a good option~
In a nutshell, the Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream:
  • is a rich but light cream that effectively hydrates, softening the skin almost immediately
  • product absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any heaviness or tackiness
  • is lightly fragranced but the light floral smell does not linger
  • skin feels instantly softer, smoother and hydrating, stays that way almost the whole day
  • good for combination (and maybe oily) skin in dry climates but supposedly does almost nothing for users with already dry skin.
  • to use with caution on combination skin in humid climate (I broke out a little when I tried =\ )
What do you use for your skin when the season changes? =)


Thursday 20 December 2012

December FOTD - Everyday Junkie

Why, I do believe this is my first Face Of The Day post? *^_^*

I've always loved the all-over nude look but was never able to get a nude lipstick that didn't settle into my liplines too much and wasn't a lip gloss. Everything was always too matte, too glossy, too dry, too gooey...etc >__< But all that's history with Edward Bess's Ultra Slick Lipstick. Everything is just right with this lippie. Incidentally, this's the product that shot his makeup label to fame!

December FOTD - Everyday Junkie


Using the usual base stuff i.e Kanebo Freshel BB Cream, bareMinerals loose powder, Kate eyeliner, Maybelline theColossal Volum'express mascara and ZA brow pencil. (Oh yes! I just got my eyebrows threaded today! LOVE freshly threaded brows sooooo much~~~)

Colour from:

note: colours are a tad more pinkish in the photo


The h&m eyeshadow palette was very cheap, less than 10 euro. Only used the 6th and 8th shades, which are a deep rose gold and shimmery milk chocolate shade respectively, to line and shade my eyes. My new elf warm bronzer was only S$9.90 and EB lipstick was a S$19 score on the Luxola sale! =D

So that's my December FOTD, you like? =)

Monday 17 December 2012

Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel: Just another Lux Facial Mask?

The luxury glacial mud mask from Cellilux has been quite a hit in Europe, States and Japan and has finally made it's way to our sunny shores~ I received a sample pack so here's a quick peek at this miracle mask!
 
Originally priced at S$238 for the original 6 ounce/180ml jar, Cellilux is in the process of releasing a new, and prettier, 2 ounce jar (above) that'll be easier on the wallet for first timers~ The 6 ounce jar supposedly lasts at least 30 applications so the 2 ounce should last at least 10 applications. This new packaging is to be available late Dec 2012 or January 2012, can't wait!

A look at the packet & info:

 
As you can see..the old packaging really wasn't very pretty >__<

 
 
About Cellilux Glacial Mineral Gel:
  • does not use acids or damaging chemicals
  • the glacial water, nutrients and various extract content help reverse damage to the skin and lay the foundation for collagen and elastin renewal
  • contains 100% uncut glacial clay from British Columbia that has natural ocurring minerals that help repair damaged skin and has been shown to increase collagen production
  • the glacial water content stimulates the skin, removing acidity and detoxifying the skin, providing a foundation for collagen rebuilding
  • also provides hydration and exfoliation for your skin
  • is hypoallergenic, therefore suitable for all skin types
  • daily usage should deliver a smoother skin with noticeably smaller pores (but seriously, DAILY? I can't afford it! >_<)
  • can be used on other part of the body for other skin problems like cellulite and sagging skin
Now, on to the test!

Thursday 13 December 2012

Looking Fresh with Kanebo Freshel High Cover Base

As you've noticed by now, I have a definate weakness for Japanese brands. I was on a Kanebo Freshel kick earlier this year but only used the BB cream, Cleansing and Whitening Cream >_< Luckily I keep the Kanebo Freshel stash right up front of my beauty drawer and I eventually got to using the High Cover Makeup Base which I'd bought from Phuket~ I haven't seen it in Singapore but I'm pretty sure you can get it in Thailand, Taiwan, HongKong and Japan(duh).

Kanebo Freshel White C Makeup Base High Cover
Approx S$20 overseas (Original Price 1,000yen)
I have high anticipations for this as I'm also a big fan of the Freshel White C BB Cream!

A look at the back-of-the-box info:

As usual, a general translation was the best I could do T_T
So how does this high cover makeup base perform?

Monday 10 December 2012

Rosewater Regime - Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water

A month or so ago, I bought a couple of products from Nuxe that I only recently started using after experiencing the awesomeness of the Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil~

Today's product is the Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals, a one-step makeup remover and cleanser for face, eyes and lip. Designed for sensitive skin, it's applied with a cotton pad and is non-rinse! Oh did I mention that it's also paraben and (kind of) alcohol-free?


200ml bottle / S$38 from BHG aLT beauty corner
Also available at dept stores like John Little and drugstores like Watsons
By default, I'm quite attracted to products with rose content, petals, rosewood, rosewater, damascas rose, those are all trigger words! As Nuxe prides itself on being a natural-origin skincare brand, a look at the ingredients list is a must~

Do you see what I see?

Friday 7 December 2012

A Teaspoon For Your Makeup Pouch!

This is for all those ladies out there who have trouble drawing a steady eyeline, yes that includes yours truly~ I don't have shaky hands but I often have trouble getting an equal curve on both eyes =\ And you know there are those days when your makeup just REFUSES to cooperate >_< Well, here's the solution to your eyeliner drawing woes!

I wanted to share this video by Sasaki Asahi (佐々木あさひ), she's an awesome Youtube beauty expert whose videos I love love LOVE to watch~ I saw this video a long time ago but forgot about it till I stumbled upon it again recently!

In this video, she introduces the humble teaspoon as a girl's best friend for eye-make! I love this chick, she's so cute!


I'm game for all but the eyelash curling part...>_< Too worried that my eyelashes will just fall off if I 'roll' them along the spoon rim like that. But I was more than happy to test the eyeliner method!

From Left: Handle for the lower curve, Head to shape the top curve~
(Using the KATE Dual Liner)
I realised you can use the head of the spoon for various angles depending on what kind of 'wing' you're looking to achieve~ Pretty nifty hey? ^__^

And tadah~~~~a quick & easy mistake-free winged eyeline!



What do you think? Isn't this just SO EASY? ^o^ And you can doodle on or decorate your teaspoon to your own taste! I bought a cute one from Daiso to bring around in my makeup pouch!
 

You can check out the rest of Sasaki-san's videos HERE~ ^___^

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Revisiting: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye~

I thought I might do a little update as to how the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye is performing for me. After all, I've been using it conscientiously for a little over 2 months now~ (Do bear in mind that I have not altered my lifestyle in any way this few months)


You can read my initial review --- 'A Little Spot of Kiehl's Midnight Magic!' for more info on ingredients, texture etc~

Fast forward 2 months and I believe a final verdict is due!


After 2 months, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye has:
  • not made much difference in the fine lines and dark circles department =(
  • but proven it's an effective solution for puffy eyes (yay!)
So if you're looking for a all-rounder product that'll depuff, lighten dark eye circles AND dewrinkle, I don't think Kiehl's will be it unless it's coupled with lifetyle changes like abit more sleep etc. BUT the depuffing is really pretty awesome. I keep late nights quite often and having this eye cream in my skincare arsenal makes me totally confident that I won't wake up with squid eyes~

I'm tempted to continue purchasing the Midnight Recovery Eye after this tube runs out 'cos the anti-puff factor is pretty big to me but if there's anything out there that's a good all-rounder I'd love a heads up! =)

Monday 3 December 2012

Pure Smile Aroma Mask - 3 pieces too many?

Do you still remember the 3-pc aromatherapy mask I got from the BHG sale recently? Well, I've had a busy week full of errands and thought it was a good time to try it out and see if it was as soothing as it claimed to be~

Pure Smile Aroma Mask (3-pc set) - S$6.90 from BHG aLT beauty corner
I was drawn to this because of the range of aromas it had but ended up buying only 3: Rosewood(pictured above), Peppermint and Bergamot. Today I'm reviewing the Rosewood.

Now, I'm a very umm..for lack of a better word, nose-driven person. I'm the type who like to sniff my food, the air before and after the rain, fresh dough..etc. Well, you get the idea. =) So I was really hoping that this would be a really good aromatherapy mask~