The Kanebo Seasonal Sale 2015 is on next week!

If you haven't already heard, the Kanebo Seasonal Sale 2015 is happening next midweek!

Date: 22 & 23 April 2015 / 10am - 7pm
Where: 83 Clemenceau Avenue #01-35 / 36 UE Square 

My Japanese ex-colleague is all of a flutter~ =D

Past season sales had prices starting from single digits for much of the Kate range and go up to about 70% for the more expensive brands! With my limited spending power now, that sounds really good~ (insert Homer Simpson slobber here)

Still a week to go but~ Happy Shopping Ladies!!

The Tokyo Affair 2014 - Matsumoto Kiyoshi Beauty Loot

Before I left for Tokyo I promised myself that there would not be a repeat of last year's frantic squishing of luggage, desperately trying to fit all my shopping into my bags.....and I did so well this year, that I came back with barely anything! Of course, it also helped to think of my overflowing 'beauty drawer' back home~ XP

Maybe it was because I was there with my husband. I didn't spend as much time browsing and only made 2 trips to the drugstore as opposed to...well...I dunno...8? =P

Let's start with the stuff in sachets!

From left: Choosy lip masks, hot bath salts, whitening bath salts

I'm a big fan of these hot bath salts, feels so good after I soak & sweat buckets! By the time I took this photo, I'd already used 4 packets of bath salts....totally regret not buying more =( But if I get desperate, there's always Nishino Pharmacy or Meidi-ya I guess~

These hydrogel lip masks look yummy and were available in soooo many colours! Everything from nude to reds, pinks and orange shades. They can also double as nipple masks. Yep, NIPPLE masks. I haven't tried them yet though.

Choosy lip masks in Milk and White Pearl (about 100 - 120yen each)

Dual use lip & nipple gel patch!

Formulated with Collagen, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, this hydrogel lip pack goes on after the lips are thoroughly cleansed. Leave on for anything between 5 - 30min and then gently peel off lips. Depending on which mask you choose, there are also other ingredients in the formula such as argan oil, grapefruit essence, jojoba seed oil, honey and aloe vera~

炭­酸宣言(tan san sen gen) Sparkling Water Pack - 388yen

 

This water pack supposedly will help expand the capillaries in the skin, allowing more oxygen to the skin. From my understanding, it basically improves circulation, activating skin cell metabolism whilst cleansing the pores, improving elasticity and moisture.

 

From the instructions I gather one should mix pack 1 with water then mix in pack 2, at which point a creamy foam will form. Next, immerse your face in the foam for as long or as many times as you want then rinse off with the remaining carbonated water (I'm presuming this is after the initial chemical reaction settles and the foam dissipates.). Pat dry and you're ready for makeup!

Next! Makeup!

(By the way, I am immensely proud that I didn't come back with like 12 different mascaras circa 2013. *fistpump*)

I got a few really basic items like lip gloss and nail polish from Kate cos it was just SOOOO cheap, as always~ And Maybelline Baby Lips in Sweet Beige! Why don't we have this colour in Singapore? Or have I been somehow blindsided again. =\ I actually also bought a lip concealer stick from Canmake...but....I...can't find it....=___=

Kate gloss & polish - 400yen each, Canmake eyebrow liquid - 540yen, Maybelline Baby Lips - 540yen

And then the new Cool BB Spray with UV from Esprique~

Esprique Cool BB Spray - 2,268yen

 

Cooling BB Spray formulated with hyaluronic acid, collagen and mint essence.....I played with the tester a little bit and only felt a little bit of the cooling effect, maybe it'll be more apparent when used over a larger area. Simply spray on a sponge and apply~

 

And that, is it for makeup. Amazing right?!??! Talk about downsizing!

 

In misc goods, I got a couple bottles of these clothes fragrance sprays! They smell SO GOOD! I spritz some on to clothes I'm gonna be wearing the next day or sometimes on my work clothes when they need freshening up. Again, something I regretting not buying more of.

 

Flair Fragrance - 299 yen (so cheap!!!)

And for my daily aching legs~

 

Night Aroma Cooling Sheets - 498yen & SlimWalk compression socks - 1,831yen

Now the cooling sheets were a godsend for the trip because they adhered really well and the cooling effect was really soothing on my aching calves~ I simply slapped them on every night and only removed them in the morning =)

 

The SlimWalk compressions socks/stockings were also pretty great because I have the first ones from Scholl and they were abit hot for Singapore....it's pretty gross to be sweating in them. These new ones are a summertime release and are designed to release any trapped heat, keeping you cool...and compressed! =)

 

Wow, that was really....not a lot of stuff! =\ *feels overly self-censored* I really need to establish a middle ground.... Well, hope you guys enjoyed this short post!

What's In The Bag - Tokyo Time!

It's that time of the year again! Off for my annual pilgrimage to the Land of the Rising Sun, Makeup & Fashion~

I really wanted to put in an entry before I left so I thought I'd share the contents of my makeup bag and accessories. Yeah yeah I know, this has 'filler post' written all over it >_<

Accessories first, I don't wear as much hardware as I used to back in the day but it's still an important part of my wardrobe...and these are my picks for the trip!

Unfortunately I can only tell that the 2 studded bracelets and chainmail-ish necklace were from H&M, the rest were from all over the place like Far East Plaza, online stores and previous trips. Oh excluding that Pandora bracelet up in the corner (^_^;;)

Really dig my 'good for a bit-o-luck' token that I got from a little store in Kichijoji last year~

And in the makeup section, I made a tiny pile.

=D

For base makeup, I brought:

• ClearLast Pore Smooth Base UV (purchased from Japan last year, probably gonna finish the tube this time)
• Clinique Even Better Foundation
• Kate Powderless Liquid for Cover
• Dasoda MG Mega Liquid Concealer

For eye make:

• Sleek Makeup Blush by 3 (Ok this one's for the face obviously =P)
• Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express
• Maybelline Hypersharp Liner
• Too Cool for School 1 Day Tattoo Eyebrow

And lastly, lips:

• Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick (in Sundown, it's my perfect perfect nudie lipstick)
• Ultrasun Ultralip SPF30 lipbalm (first time I've had the word 'ultra' thrice in 2 lines haha)
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stain Gloss
• Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lip Gloss
• Revlon Colorburst Matt Balm
• Sleek Makeup Pout Polish SPF15

And that's the small part of my packing that I wanted to share today~ =)

Hope I'll come back with a more manageable haul this year, looking forward to share them with you guys when I get back! =D *poof!*

WIWT - Weekend Edition

Hello hello~ How was your long weekend last week? For those not in SE Asia, last Friday was Vesak Day (a Buddhist holiday) so everyone got a long weekend! Gladly, I was in the country and able to spend the time with my family!

It strikes me that it's been quite awhile since my last outfit post so I might as well =) Umm...I'm not terribly fashionable but I like to think I'm stylish enough =P So if you will please indulge me~

Friday!

Rundown: Went to town and hung around people-watching while waiting for the husband to finish up a meeting. Walked around some more, had a bite and caught Iron Man 3 after he was done! (The show was awesome btw. Robert Downey Jr never disappoints, he's like another Johnny Depp almost!)

I took photos at my lift landing because I'm crowd shy and taking photos in public just makes me even more awkward than I already am >_<

My collarbones decided to make an appearance that day =)

Please say Hi to my girls, Ben & Miko! ^^

 

 

 

(Awkkkwarrrrd~~~~ >_<) I had light makeup on that day because I was lazy rushing for time, hope I could carry a fresh-faced look! Also, I'm really digging the dango bun hairstyle ever since I finally figured out how to get it nice, neat and high without tying it 682583 times! Finally I have an updo that's easy and versatile~

 

 

 Studded ribbon clip from Forever 21~

 

Accessories for the day



Closeup!

Last but not least, my latest pair of boots from Tokyo~ They were a random find, on sale because they were the last pair and in my size! *hearts*

 

I like them so much they get 2 shots =P



Breakdown:

 

Swallowtail pullover - KappAhl

Shorts - Forever 21

Boots - no brand (Random shoe shop in Shibuya)

Bag + Bag charm - Agnes b.

Watch - Thomas Sabo

Bracelets (anti-clockwise from top left) - Far East Plaza, H&M, Pandora

 

 Saturday!

 

Rundown: Popped out for a wedding lunch in town then back by evening because the husband had to work T_T so I get to spend the rest of my Saturday lounging around the house procrastinating.

 

It was my first time to a wedding lunch so I was slightly lost about what to wear. I have very very few clothes that belong in the grey area known as 'smart casual' so I ended up in a really simple cotton swallowtail dress from Gina Tricot :

 



 

No face because the humidity completely destroyed my hair =( And I was looking so nice when I just left the house too! *sulks* See!!!



Nice right? Zero zilch sans photoshopping!

I really liked my makeup on Saturday~ Had on the new lashes from Tokyo and they're quite perfect, not too in-your-face ^_^

 

Products used were:

 

• Clearlast Pore Smooth Base UV
• Kate Powderless Liquid Foundation in shade OC-D
• Gafixx Skinny Silhouette S302 mascara
• RiPi れるまつげ false lashes in RP-05 Pure Natural
• Sleek Makeup Blush by 3 in Lace (used shade Guipure)
• Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Sundown

I always look so much better in my own headshots... (>___<) sigh...

 

Oh new shoes too!



Weathered leather heels from Aldo; Flower clip from H&M

But the main (though small) point of my outfit was definitely my bag, which I got in Tokyo at 流儀圧搾 (Ryugi Assaku)~ JRunway in Singapore also stocks selected items from this brand!



From 流儀圧搾 sub-brand 雅結 (Miyabi-Musubi) 4,990yen (currently out of stock); Bag charm from agnes b.

I loveeeeee this bag to bits~ The dragon and sakura fabric is totally up my alley! I only wish it was slightly bigger =P

 

So yeah that's my WIWT weekend edition~ I had fun sharing, hope you had fun reading too! ^__^

KATE Spring/Summer 2013 Collection~

Goldfish Eyes doesn't sound very pretty but in this case, it is! It's just so nice and shimmery~~ *___* And the gorgeous Kuroki Meisa is just....gorgeous. (*____*) It's also nice how it's not too Spring/Summer-like y'know? I'm not a fan of pinks and greens and blues etc cos I just don't know how to work with colour (especially pastels) on my eyes so it's nice to have a label that's consistent throughout the seasons~

 

I spotted the new range up for sale some weeks ago and was uber tempted to get this, the Teary Drop Liner!!

 

It's super slim (typical of a Kate eyeliner), dries in seconds and the tester I swiped on my hand stayed really well! Available in pink and beige:  

I really like the beige one! It's like a pearly golden shade that's not too in your face~ BUT I had to stop myself because I'm heading to Japan tomorrow for my yearly 'pilgrimage' and it'll be cheaper there! ^O^ Can you imagine the beauty haul from Japan? *spins around* And no husband to drag me out of the drugstore!! Matsumoto HERE I COME!!! *waves a shopping list* 

 

Check out the KATE Official Website for the rest of the Spring/Summer collection!

 

all images from KATE

Wanna be Forever Young~ =P

I'm not going to lie. I like falsies. I think they're fine, and a girl can use 3 pairs at the same time if she wants. No hating here. ^_^ I seldom use mine though. But I'm guilty of buying boxes of them whenever I get the notion that I want to put more effort into my makeup!

I just broke out a box that's been parked in my drawer for months! Glad I managed to get them on in just 1 try and that they're quite natural though thicker than what I used before~

Love the flushed look my Blush by 3 (Sleek Makeup) palette gives~ LOVE! Love the natural lip from L'Oreal's Shine Caresse~ LOVE! Love the enhancement to my lower lashes from Maybelline Lashionista~ LOVE! lol lots of love in this post hahaha~

This was also the first time I used the Kiss Me Heavy Rotation Perfect Eyeliner which didn't disappoint! No smudging despite being both outdoors n indoors for the next 5 hours~ Blush by 3 held up very well too~ No touchups (not even lipstick after dinner) for the 5 - 6 hours I was out and this is what I beheld when I got home:


Barely a budge from my makeup! ^__^

Products used today are:

Details:

• Kate Powderless Liquid for Cover - Ochre-D / OC-D
• Sleek Makeup Blush by 3 - Lace (used Crochet, first shade from the left) Review coming up!
• Maybelline Lashionista
• Kiss Me Heavy Rotation Perfect Eyeliner N - 02 Deep Brown
• L'Oreal Shine Caresse - Venus
• Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick - Sundown
• Hollywood False Eyelashes - TP008

In case anyone was wondering how the Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick fits into the whole equation, I used it as a lipliner that day, lining my outer lip then dabbing inwards before blending with the Shine Caresse. ^__^ It's my attempt at mimicking a youthful pout =P Did it work?

Have a good weekend everyone! xoxo

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! ^__^

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

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~ ^___^

Quad Royale-ing~

I took the Edward Bess Quad Royale for a test drive last week~ Having seen such nice reviews, I was hoping it would look just as gorgeous on me!

In case you've forgetten, this is the Quad Royale Face Illuminator and Colour from Edward Bess.



Quad Royale Shade 03: Summer in Capri ; S$56 from Luxola.com

KATE Mineral BB Gel Cream - Is it a gel or cream?

You're no stranger to BB Creams by now but I think this is a fairly recent addition in Singapore...just launched in May 2012~ I was really drawn to the idea of a BB Gel =)



S$25.50 from Watsons

This discovery comes after I've been using my Kanebo White C BB cream faithfully for almost a year which is really good too but when I noticed the almost S$10 difference (Kate is a makeup sub-brand under Kanebo btw), I had to try it!