February Empties

Well now, it's that time of the month where I review what I've finished and what I gave away as they don't suit me.  Figured that if I can't use the item, it means I can also bless someone with it and not waste it :)

1. ianti luxe jewelry Clear Mask Pack
This one is a throw.  I totally forgotten about this product and I think it has sat in my shelf for at least 4-5 years.  That is seriously a long time, so off it goes into the bin instead.

2. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

You can read the review here.  I did not stock up on this because I find that it seems to be drying my skin these days.  Well, as the years passes by, I believe our skin does change as well, so I'm looking at different make up removers now to see which one suits me.  If you have any interesting ones, do drop me a note so that I can check them out :)

3. Galacto Myces 100% Pure Natural Skincare

I found this at Q0010.my.  It's listed to be similar to SKII and I thought why not give it a try.  Will write a review on it later.  Stay tune, folks! 

4. Skincerity Nightly Breathable Masque

Back a while ago, when my skin was breaking out like crazy, I was desperate.  Desperate enough to buy this item that costs me RM200.  It's a small bottle, but it did last me quite a fair bit.  Did it help?  I guess it did a little, but I just find it too expensive to continue at this point.  Plus, now my skin is well again, I'll give it a pass for now.

5. Maybelline Make Up Remover Eye & Lip

Sigh, I've not posted on this, have I?  Don't worry, it will be rectified soon.  Save to say, this is a must have for me.

6. Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Wash

Another item that I bought during my desperate time in warding off all the pimples that kept popping on my skin.  Save to say, I'm glad I bought the small bottle.  It is a little harsh for my skin (combi T-zone oily and cheeks dry) and I only use it on alternate days, and it's only in the evening on days where I'm out the whole day.  

7. Maybelline Unstoppable Curly Extension 100% Smudgeproof Full Length Curling Mascara

I remember when I was purchasing this, I was debating whether to get the smudgeproof or the waterproof one.  Thinking that smudge proof would work, I grabbed it.  Instantly at the first use, I regretted it because I ended up looking like a panda.  I've since attempted to use it a few times, but it still smudged.  Sigh... It's been sitting on my shelf for a while.  Decided to pass it to a friend who uses mascara daily and she said she don't mind using this too.

8. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Grey
See the size of it?  It's so short now that I wasn't able to sharpen it at all.  I have to say, I love it.  It stays on well and the smudging is minimal at the end of a long day (like 10 hours).  I can use this without any primer and it's good.  This was a mini eyeliner which I bought off my friend.  Will definitely try to get a replacement after I finish all the eyeliners I got from Korea.

9. Hanskin Natural Brow Mascara
This was a gift from my aunt, which she bought from Korea.  I like it cause it does make my eye brow looks natural and it's a quickie for me to use.  I tend to just grab this and swipe it on my eye brow when I need to make a quick dash or if I am late.  Not sure if there's Hanskin here, or if they have this product.  Save to say, I'll want to look for it when I'm out and about.

10. Eyeliner from Korea
I have no idea what is the brand of this item.  It's long faded and there's no way for me to identify it.  Save to say, I won't miss it because it pulls my eyelids when I use.  I'm glad that I finished using it.

11. Eye Palette from Daiso
I bought this during my initial times when I was attempting to try different colours on my eyes without incurring huge cost.  It's good for testing.  However, it does get chalky and it doesn't last long on the lids.

Project Declutter: Save the best for the last!

Well, this is a ladies' blog after all and most ladies love their skincare and make up goodies, don't we? hehe.... I saved my empties/ binnings to be the last.  This are mainly the things that I've used up in January itself and I have to say that I am proud of myself for being so diligent in clearing as many of my skincare this time round.

1. Plante System Purete Cleansing Micellar Water

Saw this in Guardian in Singapore and bought it at a whim as I was attracted by its cute size and portability.  It works as a cleansing water, but not as well as Bioderma's.  One thing that really puts me off was its strong scent.  It's seriously too strong.  I was diligently using it as I was trying to finish it because I just can't take its smell.  Not going to be a rebuy when I head down to Singapore.  I managed to open it up so I'll decant my big bottle of Bioderma into it =D

2. Himalaya Herbal Nourishing Skin Cream

You can read the review here.  Am trying to finish my other face creams before I restock on this.  Definitely a good buy.

3. Boots Skin Smoothing Serum

Don't really fancy it.  Suspected that it was breaking me out.  I use it occasionally but not regularly.  I ended up using this on my neck rather than my face in order to avoid any possible breakouts.  Don't really think it works too.

4. Waterproof Surgical Lash Adhesive

Bought this eons ago and totally forgot about it.  I was attempting to use eyelashes but failed miserably.  Decided to just chuck it away and be done with it.

5. The FaceShop Arsainte Eco-Therapy Extreme-Moisture Ideal Essence 

This is a lifesaver.  I was using it when I was down in Melbourne for holiday and it kept my skin thoroughly moisturised.  I truly love it.  It's really a good essence to use.  It's non-sticky and is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving a lovely moisturised skin.  Hoping to buy it when TheFaceShop have sale.

6. Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk SPF 50+PA+++

Review is available here.  Am glad I finished it.

7. Artistry Pure White Essence

I like its texture but I don't think much about its efficacy.  I do think that there are some products which require you to use its full range and probably for Artistry, it is such.  Didn't really lighten my pigmentation but it did make my skin looking bright overall.

8. Skin79 Super+ BB Whitening Cream

Bought this back in 2009 and seriously, these are long lasting.  Don't be deceived by its small size.  It lasted me a good number of holiday trips and occasional use back here in KL.  I am just glad that I'm done with it. hehe

9. Etude House Brown Gel Liner 02

This was my first gel liner.  Thought it would be a good buy to try, but sadly, it didn't work on my oily eyelids.  It could barely last on my lids and I always ended up looking like a panda.  It dried up pretty quickly too, and I'm binning it because it's all dried up and I cannot use it anymore.  

10. Aloe Moistfull Soothing Lotion

This product warrants a post of its own.  So be on the lookout for it ya.

Shills Cherry Blossom 6 in 1 BB Cream

For the strangest reason, I was really attracted to this BB Cream when I saw it at some website (no recollection of it now though).  This BB Cream is called Shills Cherry Blossom 6 in 1 BB Cream.  It is probably one of my very first full size BB cream which I bought (minus Maybelline, though I find that it doesn't fit the "full size" term).  To digress a little, I find that the brand Shills seems to be a little similar with Benefit (I mean a little) as I noticed that there are some products that's pretty similar to Benefit.  What's more, it's priced a little more affordable as compared to Benefit.  Maybe something to explore?

(please excuse the photo.  My notebook crashed recently and loads of my stuff are gone :( Have to retake and the bottle's quite faded as you can see)

Back to the review.  I remember that I was rather intrigued by its black packaging which gives off a "cool" aura to it.  However, to my disappointment, the tube is just a normal plastic tube.  Well, I'll say at least it's recyclable.  Other than that, it works quite similar to normal plastic tube.  You flip it open and press to get the BB cream out.  The nozzle is not too big, but if you press too much, it might come out too much though.  Thankfully, the tube is not those super soft tube that a slight press will trigger everything out.Another downside to it is that because it is black and it is plastic, my fingerprints tend to be visible everywhere.  Not very good sight.

Texture wise, it is thicker and more cream like as compared to the other types of BB Cream I've used.  I guess because of its thickness, it does seem to last me at least 8 hours.  Most of the others are pretty much gone after 5-6 hours.  

As my skin gets oily easily around the T-zone area, this BB Cream does cause my nose to be oilier.  My nose tends to glisten by mid-day when I am using this.  Quite a hassle as I do not have a habit of blotting my face but whenever I have this one, I have to make sure that I do blot.  Imagine walking around with oily nose, definitely not a good sight to see.

The downside of this BB Cream is that it doesn't provide any sun protection.  Although I do put my own sunblock, somehow, knowing that the BB Cream has sunblock gives me another level of assurance that I am protected some how.

Still, at the end of the day, I'm just hoping to finish the BB Cream quickly as it gets thicker along the way.

I guess, it won't be in my rebuy list.

Binning at the start of the year

This is it folks.  It's the start of the year, and the first thing I did was to start clearing stuff from my room.  I have to say that I have a tendency to hog and keep things thinking that I will use it in the near future.  Many a times, I don't and I just keep and keep and keep.  This year, I'm resolved to cut down on the things that I keep in my room, because I want to keep things as simple as I can... what's the best way than to start throwing out things that's been used and bin them.. *wink*

Kao Essential Damage Care Nuance Airy Shampoo.  

Got this during my last Singapore trip.  Don't see it anywhere in KL though.  I tried this whilst I was bunking at a friend's place and found that it really does help to keep my hair light and bouncy.  So, off I went to the nearest Watsons and grabbed it for SGD2.  Totally a bargain purchase!

Garnier Mineral 24H Dry Care

Bought this on a whim, and partly cause my previous one was finished.  Smells good and it does help to keep sweat away.  However, it's a little too wet during application.  Am glad I've finished it =D

Elken Elysyle Coral Glow Lip Gloss

Shared this purchase with a friend cause the colour looks nice.  However, I dislike that it is sticky upon application.  I was trying my very best to finish using it because, really, how many people would like their lips to have to sticky feeling?  I sure don't.  Boy, am I glad I'm done with it.

Korean Brand Pink Lipgloss

Okay, this is a cheat.  I didn't finish it but I decant it.  why?  Because the top portion broke.  It looks so pink here right?  But in actual fact, once applied, it gives my lip a very natural soft look which I love.  Hence the decanting.... (sorry, can't remember the brand though)

Maybelline Mineral BB Cream

Okay, I cut this into half because I knew there were more inside this little tube.  Sorry for the maimed look.  Review is here.

Beautilicious Magic Spell Auto Eyeliner (vitalizing + waterproof)

Seriously, I do buy a lot of things on a whim eh?  This is one of them too.  I was testing out some eyeliners and when I saw this on sale, I just grabbed it without thinking twice.  Initially, when I first used it, it smeared and it felt too creamy for my lids (I got oily lids).  After leaving it lying for almost 1 year (I don't really remember how long), I picked it up from my drawer and start using it.  What do you know?  It turned out to be one of the best eyeliner for me.  It didn't smear and it truly is waterproof.  I used it so frequently that it was used up pretty quickly.  From this experience too, I realised that for eyeliners to work for me, I have to leave them be for a while before using it on my lids.

Random Compact Powder

This was a crazy and silly purchase.  I went to Daiso, saw this little thing and bought it to use.  I have to say that it works pretty well to stave the oilies off my face.  I would guess that given this is from Japan, the QA is better than in this part of Asia.  I know most people do freak out for this is just RM5... (mental block eh? Cheap things = no quality), but really, this is a good purchase.  I've not been back to Daiso to buy more because I already had a back up from a different brand.  However, if you are looking for cheap bargains and from a trusted brand, I'd say head on to Daiso and have a look around.  You'll be surprised how much gems you can find in that shop.

Binnings for May & June 2012

Another batch of binnings!  I'm making way in clearing up my stuff every 2 months.  Now, how to get the make up stuff to be cleared off much faster?  That itself is a definite feat.

The Body Shop Mascara.  This was a gift from someone a while back.  I didn't even remember I had it in one of my drawers.  It's long gone I guess, given that it's now all dried up.

Biore UV Sunblock.  Review coming up soon!

Hada Labo Arbutin Essence.  Had this for ages.  Does it work?  Hm, I don't really think so?  Anyhow, it took forever for me to finish it as I find my skin a little intolerant to long term use of whitening products.  I kept stopping after using it a few weeks in a row.

Life Code  BioTRA Moisturizing Essence.  This came with a trial pack that I received when I attended their blogger event.  It was kinda chucked aside until recently when I find my skin getting extremely dry.  It's a gel transparent essence.  I tend to apply it onto my cheek area and it does help to lessen the dryness I was experiencing.  It's quite a small tube so I did finish it quite fast.  No idea the price of it now.

Elisha Coy Always Nuddy BB 24.  After chucking it aside and using it only occasionally, I'm finally done with it.  Lovely item, except when it slides off the face after about 5 hours or so.

Loreal Angelfit Concealer.  Been using it for like, forever.  The recent few times that I used it, it kinda turn funny on my face, hence off it goes to the bin.  

Loreal Hydrafresh Anti-Shine All Day Hydrating & Mattifying Icy Gel.  Like it, but can't use it for too long.  Might've caused my skin to be drying rather than hydrating though.  What I like is the icy feeling when applied on the skin.  Other than that, hm... might not be for me I guess.

Lip Balm.  Honestly, I can't for the life of me remember the brand of this lip balm.  It has the word Bee with it and it's available at Watsons.  I really dislike this lip balm because it's so waxy and thick.  It feels a little yucky when applied.  I forced myself to finish it because I don't want to waste it.  This will not be repurchased.  I do think those lip balm from Daiso scores better than this long tube here.

I do realise that out of all these, I've only written a few of them.  Need to get my butt moving de!

Binnings for the Last 3 Months

Been ages since I've done this.  I'm growing ever more in my binnings and I'm quite happy about it.  I'm currently on cosmetic shopping ban and will be so till June this year.  Trust me, I have ample of things to blog about with my huge collection of skincare and cosmetics that's about to spill out from my cupboard.

*Sorry about the pic, had to rely on my iPhone for now as there's some issue with my camera's SD card.  It looks like it's time for me to buy a new one @.@

Here's the items:

• Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner: This was my very first liquid eyeliner gifted to me by a friend.  I like it cause it doesn't smear and it stayed on my eyelids for the longest time.  However, after a few months, it was giving me a bit of a weird feeling, where my eyelids seemed heavy when I have it on.  I stopped using it for a while now but somehow in all my binnings, this seemed to be hidden well till now.
• SiklyGirl Duo Eye Shadow 10 Gold Emerald: Again, another one of my very first beauty purchase.  I remember buying this as I was wanting to try putting on make up for a wedding dinner.  Works well, but because of my oily eyelids, the colors fades off quite quickly.  This was chucked aside and I stopped using it.  Time for me to say goodbye to it now.

(crazy it seems, I'm chucking them one by one as I'm writing this post =D)

•  ianti Luxe Jewelry Pact Powder (Dark Beige): Oh, the horror! I just realised that I've never blogged about this pact powder.  Lovely item for it's price (less than Rm20 if I remember correctly).  I was quite taken aback when I first tried it because the SA recommended me Dark Beige.  I'm actually quite fair and so usually I go for something lighter.  However, the colour matches my skin well and it works well as a foundation powder.  I tend to reach out for it because I'm lazy like that =P.  I'm not sure if ianti is still around because I don't really see it anywhere.  The branch in Times Square which I used to frequent has closed down since last year.  
• ianti Luxe Jewelry Blusher (#04 - Sexy Pink):  What can I say, love the colour and the softness of it when applied on my cheeks.  Downside of this is, the colour fades off rather quickly, around 2 hours.  I had to throw it away because the packaging was plastic and the cover broke.  
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Instant Skin Perfecting Cream with Micro-Minerals (BB cream): Man, what a mouthful.
• L'oreal Derma Genesis  Cellular-Youth Creator Pore Minimising Smoother Gel Cream: There goes another one.
• b.liv by cellniq Off with Those Heads Pro Sebum Gel: This took me forever to finish because I slack in between wayyy too much.  However, it still works well even though I stopped using it  for a period of time. 
• Etude Sun Guard Natural Covering Color Case SPF 42
• Skin79 The Oriental Gold BB Cream and Super + Beblesh Balm Trip Function: Lovely when applied on the skin but it's quite thick.  Does get oily after about 6 hours.  Nonetheless, the skin continue to look good after blotting.  It's said to have whitening effect but I could not see any effects from using it.  I tend to use my BB Cream as foundation and not on its own.
• Empro Diamond Black Eyeliner
• Vaseline Healthy Sunblock: Am now using my second one!  
• Etude House Collagen Moistfull Emulson: Nice on the skin.  Not sure of its efficacy as this is just a test tube.  Wish the bottle would be made in a way where it's easier to be poured out as the liquid is slightly thicker than water and tends to bunch (can they do that?) at the top.  I had to tap it onto my palm for the liquid to come out (sometimes it gushes out and I would end up having too much).  Then again, this is a free sample.

Quick Smokey Eye - My Attempt

I'm pretty addicted to Lisa Eldridge these days.  There's been a few weddings that I had to attend the past months and here's one of my attempt to emulate Lisa's quick smokey eye.  I love how my small eyes looks bigger and the overall look feels makes me look sweet still =D

Please do excuse the fuzziness of the picture.  I was using the front camera of my iPhone and forgot that the quality ain't as good as when I use the back camera.

Items used:

Face:
Shills 6 in 1 BB Cream
Maybelline Angelfit  Perfect Concealer
Stage Photo Pro Camouflage 04 Buff
Nature Republic 4D Flower Powder 02 Lucid Pastel

Eyes:
Benefit Strut
Red Earth Magicline Kohl Eyeliner Pencil Kohl Crayon in Deep Forest
Anna Sui Super Mascara DX Waterproof (mini version from Plusizekitten)

Lip:
Stage Wondergloss Lipgloss 01 Penelope

Firstly, I line my eyes with the Red Earth Magicline Kohl Eyeliner Pencil Kohl Crayon in Deep Forest .  Don't worry about lining it perfectly or in straight line as you'll be smudging it later.  Once you've lined both eyes, get a smudge brush or a medium size eye shadow brush (I tend to reach out for the eye shadow brush) and run them into your little tub of Benefit Strut.  After that, start smudging your eyeliner with it.  Do it light-handedly.  Start from the inside of your eyelid and move outwards towards the end of your eyelid.  I tend to dip a bit more and add a little more texture nearing the end of the eyelid to give it a bit more omph.

Once that is done, dip your eyeliner brush into your Benefit Strut and line the bottom of your eyes.  Line it half way and then smudge them towards the inside of your eye.  By doing so, it will make your eyes look bigger and have more depth.

To complete the look, I used Anna Sui Super Mascara DX Waterproof mini on my eyelashes.  As my bottom eyelashes are extremely short, I only put it on my top eyelashes.  You may choose to run your mascara over the top and bottom of your lashes to make your eyes pop further.

After taking this picture, I realised how awesome a simple hairpin could do to my hair.  All I did was grab some of my hair up to pin it, and viola! Totally change the look.

Elisha Coy Nudy BB Cream

I got this sample from a colleague who started distributing a number of packets of it to all the female colleagues. I've seen this brand around but never did pay much attention it.  Well, since it's free, one ought to give it a try eh? hehe..

I have to say that this is one of the loveliest BB cream I've ever used.

One of the best thing about it is the texture.  It is not too runny or too thick.  I find that its texture is just at the right level, making it easy to apply onto my skin.  In terms of coverage, it is just right.  I won't say it can cover everything (I doubt anything can do that unless you make sure you put concealer), but it does cover the blemishes and redness.  It also even up the skin well.  I think the best part is, once applied, it gives the skin a natural glow and you don't look as though you've piled a lot of things onto your skin.  I like!

In terms of oil control, I think it works fairly well.  It can last for around 6 hours and only the T-zone looks slightly oiler (that's partly due to my oily T-zone).  I do dust a bit of powder once I've applied it for oil control purpose ya.

It is definitely one of the item that I frequently reach out to.  Like I said, this is a sample that I got and I have no idea where I can get my hands on it.  If I could, I will definitely make a dash and go buy one.  Right now, in order not to finish it too soon, I actually alternate it with some other BB creams.  Well, desperate moments requires some desperate action from my end... hehe

Stage Photo Pro Creme Camouflage

For some strange reasons I only tend to venture to Stage when they are having promotion. And best part is, most of the time I do end up visiting them is when they are having sale but I don't know about it!  

During one of those ventures, I ended up purchasing Stage's Photo Pro Creme Camouflage.  To be honest, I had no intention of getting a concealer because I rarely used them.  However, the MUA was so good in promoting the item to me and showing me how to use it and I ended up buying it.  Then again, it didn't burn a hole in my pocket because they were selling it at RM18 at that time.  Score!

 Love the sleek looking packaging!

 I got 04 Buff for my skin

I quite like this concealer.  It's my first cream concealer and I have to say that it works well.  

In terms of coverage, it does well to cover some of my acne scars as well as some redness here and there. I like to use this for my dark circles though.  It doesn't cake around my eyes and once applied, it makes me look fresher.  This is good because I do tend to look tired with the dark circles around my eyes.

Another thing that I like this is because of its creamy texture, allowing me the ease to blend it.  It's not too thick either so it's easily worked onto my skin.

One note to using a concealer.  Please make sure you blend it well so that it doesn't look patchy on your skin.  There are times where I only dust some light powder over my face after the concealer and it makes my make up looks simple and nature.  

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals B.B Cream

It has a very, very long name.  It's called Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Instant Skin Perfecting Cream.  In short, it is a BB Cream.  It's interesting to keep seeing all the bigger brands hitting the BB Cream bandwagon. Originating from Germany, the Koreans really did take this cream to the next level.

Like any other B.B. Creams out there, This Maybelline BB Cream comes in one shade called Fresh.  It comes in a much smaller size as compared to its Korean counterparts, so the price point is lower.  Plus, it's under Maybelline, so it is definitely easier to purchase it.

How does it fair?

I find it a tad too light for my skin.  I look whitish when I have it on.  On certain days, it looks like it sits well on my skin, but on most days, I find that it is slightly one shade lighter.  I wore this out one day and a friend commented that I look a little too fair.  Bear in mind, I am already quite fair, any fairer, I think I'll turn white @.@  This is how I turned out in picture.

(ops, pls excuse da food in front of me.. keke)

You can actually see my face looking much fairer @.@

In terms of oil control, it does fairly well.  I can last through about 5 to 6 hours without the need to blot my skin.  It does better when I pat a layer of powder on it.  

Nowadays, I mix this BB Cream with my Missha one to get a better shade.  Works fine for me.

Will I rebuy?  I doubt so, since the colour is a little mismatch.

Updates (June 2012): Not sure if I got fairer, but the colour seems to sit better on my skin now.  Either that, or the first tube I bought didn't work that well for me.  Am loving the matte feeling on my skin and hence I've been repurchasing this little gem.  

January 2011 Pan Out Session

Like I said earlier, I'm on a mission to finish!  Hehe... so here's some of the stuff that I've binned for the month of January 2011:

Daiso Cleansing Make Up Remover Sheet
Red Earth Perfect Liner
In2It Liquid Eye Liner
Red Earth Lip Gloss
Ianti Green Shimmer Eye Shadow
Sunplay SPF 130
Johnson's Body Care 24H Lasting Moisture Body Lotion (mini size)

Daiso Aloe Vera Facial Scrub - Simple, non-abrasive type of facial scrub.  Don't expect too much out of it. I think my natural mung bean powder paste I use as scrub works better than it.  

Loreal Total Repair Shampoo - A re-buy item for me.  My hair is quite sensitive, as is my skin.  If I use the wrong shampoo, I literally am shedding hair!  Utterly scary to see the amount of hair coming off when I use the wrong product.  With this, I don't, and that is enough to make me want to rebuy it.  Best part of it is, it doesn't trigger a bout of acne spree for my face. Hehe... so this is good.

As for total repair, I don't think it works as much as it claims.  But it does well to keep my hair clean and well maintained for a short while.

Will continue my binning habit for the coming months to make sure that I finish what I used.

So what have you binned thus far?

Cosmetic Decluttering!

Taking the cue from Evening Lavender, I decided to scout through my little make up pack to declutter some of the old stuff.  To be honest, I don't make up a whole lot in the past so there isn't much, but there were still that few little counts.

I know she did hers nearing year end, but I'm doing mine beginning of the year, so that I can clear away those unwanted stuff.  Will probably be posting more of my decluttering these coming weeks.

the first few items to hit my rubbish bin!

Red Earth Perfect Line - I love this eye liner! It stays put on top of my eye shadows throughout the day.  It's quite rare given that I have oily eyelids.  I got it in brown and love it.  I had to bin it because it's been with me for more than one year and the last few times I had it on, my lids felt heavy and uncomfortable =(  Off it goes.

In2It Liquid Eye Liner - This is one of the first few liquid eyeliner that I bought when I first wanting to give a try on it.  It failed miserably because I always end up looking like a panda after a couple of hours.  It's been in my drawer for eons so I guess it's high time I bin it.

Red Earth lip gloss - I got this many, many years ago and somehow it stayed hidden in my drawer without me noticing it.  I love how it just stays on my lips, giving it a slight hint of shimmer.  Goes perfectly on days when I am feeling lazy and wanting simplicity.  Well, I had to bin it cause it's been years since I've last used it and make up, as you know, can't last that long.

Ianti Green Shimmer eye shadow - This is also one of my first few eye make up items.  I like the light shimmer it gave, but I hated how it's so hard to apply on! It's hard and because the colour doesn't melt onto your eye lids, it does get quite painful at times when I try to apply it directly.  After a while, I gave up and it was sitting at that little corner of my drawer.

It's not a whole lot, but then again, it's a start!

Halfway Thru the Month & My Purchases are increasing!

I usually pace myself with my purchases, but this month, it's on an overhaul! They aren't that exhorbitant, but still! Woah, I'm going nuts with shopping eh.. and it's only half a month passed, there's another half to go. I seriously need to go slow =.=

Succumbed!! Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blusher

Told myself not to buy anything de as I'm going broke with the numerous happenings around me, but I couldn't resist the offer by Watsons!  Maybelline Blusher, one at RM35.90.  Top up RM1 to get a second one.  Was browsing Watsons with my friend when we both got drawn to this promo.  

oooo...kabuki brush... whee!

the brush is soooo cute!

they stick the instruction atop the holes to stop it from coming out.  quite good.  i just remove that sticker and stick it behind the cover =p

So how did it fair?  I like it.  Why, because the colour's rather natural.  It doesn't make me look odd or that I am wearing a very bright blusher.  It looks natural and tends to look natural on me.  Being fair skin, I've experienced blushers that look like you just plaster your face with some colour on your cheeks.  

As for the kabuki brush, it is rather dense and thick, so it feels odd whilst applying the powder onto my skin.  Then again, I was using Etude House' skunk brush which was soft and smooth, so to compare is rather a no no right *wink*.  It's written in the instruction that I'm to pick up the powder from the casing and pat off the excess using the kabuki brush and then apply onto cheeks in circular movements.  Using the kabuki brush does help to make the colour look more natural! Surprise!  

I tried to apply using my skunk brush too.  I guess it's because of the texture of the powder (more loose), thus it tends to pick up too much of the powder and makes the colour a little too dark for my liking.  You'll need to take a bit more time to even out the colours on your cheeks.  I guess as compared to the kabuki brush, there's a need to pat a lot more of the excess off the brush (was a bit in a hurry, thus didnt pat enough =p)

All in all, it's really a good buy =D It'll probably a re-buy for me.  I'm finding that Maybelline's stuff is suitable for me eh...

I Couldn't Resist ~ Etude House BB Magic Cream SPF30

My oh my, I totally couldn't resist myself.  There's some sort of sale at Etude House (some, literally) and one of it is their BB Magic Cream! I chose it as it contains SPF30.  However, the SA told me that it doesn't provide much coverage, thus if the skin is kinda smooth, this serves rather good as a foundation with SPF (yes, I am lazy to apply too many layers of things on my skin).  However, due to a bout of HEAT rashes on my skin (resulted in heaps of pimples.. sob sob) I can't actually use this at the moment (coz now waiting for the scars and some of the pimples to lighten/go off).  Nonetheless, shall definitely review it when my skin is better.  Oh by the way, this lil' BB cream's sista is on sale as well! 

 

And I'm definitely tempted to purchase it too.  Shall see if it's still available coming Monday! Woo hoo.  Btw, I forgot to mention the price right?  It's Rm40 plus before sale, and now with 50% discount, it's such a BARGAIN!!  I definitely am having a "itch" to my hands right now... (oh dear, shoppaholic symptoms threatening to show up??)

Anyhow, I'm still using the Noblesse Oblige BB Cream and I realised that whenever I squeeze the tube, some sort of water comes out with it! Since I've never actually finished any of my BB Cream before, can someone tell me if it's normal?  Kinda worried as I'm not sure if I should still continue to use it.  Other than the watery thingie that comes out, it still gives me the coverage that I need.  But at the moment, I tend to mix it with Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream so as to "soften" the thickness of Missha.  Works quite well to me!   

Well do let me know if it's normal.  Else, I'll probably stop using it and throw it away or something.  Just to be safe..

Fasio Power-Stay Mascara 3D+ Curl Long

I got mascara for a bargain! It only costs me RM10 during this sale at Isetan (can't remember what sale dee) at Lot 10.  Thinking that it looks good, I grabbed it and pay.  The one I got is the Fasio Power-Stay Mascara 3D+ Curl Long (long hor the name??) in Brown.  Was thinking that since I don't have a brown mascara, it'll be fun to give this colour a try.  Also partly, all my mascaras are in black (yes, I keep buying 'em black!).

I love the fact that their 3D Curl! It's so easy to apply and I don't have to worry about it smearing my nose (yea, my nose bridge is kinda high, so when using mascara, I tend to smear it... sigh, but it's a blessing still to have a high nose bridge! kaka). Also, because of the curl, it makes it easier to reach those short lil' eye lashes....

Besides that, I think it's quite cool cause it helps to curl my eye lashes naturally.  I don't have to use the curler to curl it and to shape it.  As it is curl long, it helps to make my lashes longer and it curls up naturally.  Neither does it appear clumpy.  It looks rather natural, I would say.

All in all, I'm quite satisfied with it =) So I've been using it quite frequently too! I've got others of course, which I use on and off along with this.  But hey, I'm looking into more new ones too.  Any to recommend? Is the Maybeline Magnum good??  Tempted, tempted...

The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara

A few months back (quite a while back) I purchased a travel pack from the Body Shop.  Some of the items included in the pack is the Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, and their Super Volume Mascara.

To be honest, I'm not really a fan of mascara cause I've always have difficulty removing them.  But recently, I've been experimenting with eye make up and realised that mascara makes a difference to how I look!  Thus, on and off (whenever I'm not lazy!) I'll apply eye shadows and mascara.  This tube comes in handy because it's small! It's meant for travelling, given the size is only 2.5ml.  It's good enough. 

Because the tube of mascara is small, it makes the bristle looks like it's huge!  But not to worry, it isn't really when you bring it close to your eyes. 

What I love:

1. I don't actually have to curl my lashes!  It curls up on its own.  I don't know how it does it, but it works for me =)
2. My lashes does looks fuller.  Sorry, camera sucks, thus, no pictures of it.  But it's the au naturel fullness kinda look, not overly dramatic.  Just full enough for office look.  If you want your lashes to be fuller, you can apply double layer.  But make sure you use a curler after that for the effect.  Else, it may probably droop a little due to the weight.
3. It's so easy to apply, you just need to slightly touch it to your eye lashes and the colour sticks!  Simple and easy.  It doesn't clump too!  I guess the bristles help to separate the lashes nicely and makes it looks fuller.
4. I loveeeee the packaging of it.  It looks uber class okay.  Simple yet stylo.
   

What I dislike:

1. It smudges after half a day.  I guess it's probably due to proneness of oil on my eye!  I gotta run to the toilet to make sure that the smudge doesn't get out of hand.  It's more like, after half a day, you got to keep checking it.
2. It's just too small! Haha, okay okay, I know.  It's a travel set!

In overall, it works for me.  I guess when I'm done with it, I'll get a new one depending on the price (not sure the price).  Most likely something I would use when I go for dinner event rather than day time.  I'm kinda lazy, so running to the toilet and needing to keep checking on my eyes is something that I tend to forget! That's sooo exactly what happened today.. urgh... What a face to show in the office =.=

Next review coming up, Fasio Curl Mascara (brown)!!!! Oh something of that sort =p

Skin 79 BB Cream Samples

Guess what???? I bought myself some Skin 79 BB Cream Samples!  I was just checking out some BB Creams since mine is going to finish soon and I found this website that sells BB Cream.  Granted, it is from Singapore, but that didn't hinder me, since I do have some friends in Singapore who would be kind enough to assist me on this!  So, I got myself 4 tiny bottles of BB Creams!!!

Granted, the packaging isn't as fanciful as the above, but I managed to get myself on the following items:

1) Super+ BB (Hot Pink Collection)
2) Super+ BB (VIP Gold Label)
3) Prestige BB (Diamond Collection) OR
4) Oriental BB Cream

When the package arrived, guess what.  The lady was so sweet to include a small pack skinfood's BB suncream as a gift.  Cool right? I can't wait to get started using them!  Shall update here once I've tried it .. yippeeee...

Benefit's "That Gal"

If your skin is always looking pale or dull or even sickly, this is the thing that you MUST GET!! hahaa... okay, okay, I know... kinda dramatic.  But if your skin is any like mine, to the point where some people actually commented that I look sick without make up, you may want to try using this on days where you feel like walking around or stepping out of your house for a few minutes without make up.  What it does is seriously cool!  When I wake up the in the morning, I look really dread-y and dull.  So what I do after my sunblock and moisturiser is to prime my cheeks and nose bridge area with just a teeny weeny bit of this wonderful primer, and my face looks totally refreshed and glow-y.  There are days when I feel sooo lazy putting make up that I just prime up my face with this cutesy and wonderful primer and off I go!

Well now, it helps that it comes in a very cute bottle! I just love Benefit's packaging! ops, and it's products as well =)

Noblesse Oblige BB Cream by Ianti

Sorry mates, been rather busy with things for the past few days! Couldn't find time to update this blog of mine!

For those of you who are reading, you would know that I tend to buy a lot of things from Ianti. Why? Cause I find that the products are priced reasonably, making it affordable and it is also good for my skin. For me, I do think that generally Korean made products are alright for our skin because of the natural ingredients used, plus they are products for Asian skins! I find those other brands are not really suited for me, for caucasian I feel. Well, I am entitled to my opinions =)

Anyway, I have been using this BB cream for the past two months (I know, I know!! I ought to have written about them earlier) and I guess it's time for me to write a review for it.

For those who do use BB cream, you would know that it is like a multiple in one kind of facial cream, that means, moisturiser, sunblock, make up base, foundation all in one. The one I am using is a sub-brand by Ianti (totally different packaging I tell you!), Noblesse Oblige.

Let me share what I think about it. For one, it can't work for my skin as a moisturiser! Why? I have combination skin, when I applied it on my cheeks, which tends to be the drier part of my face, I noticed that my skin was scaling! I figured that it doesn't provide enough moisture for me on those parts, so what I do is I will apply a layer of moisturiser before applying the BB Cream onto my face. Of course, I would have done the wash and tone regime beforehand *wink*.

Secondly, I am a little disappointed with the sunblock part. Why? Cause it only comes with SPF15; not even any ++. Given this part of the world, I do think that for now, we ought to be using +++ already! But given the lazy me, I don't actually apply another layer of sunblock, cause I don't want my skin to get oiler and also, I basically drive and stay cooped at work, so I don't really need that strong of a sunblock I guess =P Lazy la, lazy..

Thirdly, it works alright as a make up base. As my skin is quite pigmented (due to lack of care when I was much younger =(( ) it doesn't really work as a concealer for my skin. So if your skin is like mine, you would probably need another layer of concealer before applying it. But as make up base, it works well for my skin. I don't make up a lot, but it works to ensure that my skin is protected and I don't actually need to put any foundation after that. All I do is to dust a bit of the loose powder on my face as oil control.

I have been using it for two months now, and I still have half a bottle left. The sales lady told me that it ought to last for about 4 to 5 months, so I guess what she shared is true. It's actually not a very big bottle, just merely 50ml/1.7 fl oz.

Another thing is that they have actually come out with a full range of products i.e. day cream, night cream, compact powder and etc! I did not buy them, though the sales lady was kind enough to give me a sample of the day and night cream. Haven't tried them though (not cheap!)

Anyway, I think this is quite alright if your skin is normal to oily. Not suited for those who have dry skin, unless you want to use it as your make up base/foundation. Just make sure you put a layer of moisturiser on your skin first alright.

I saw the Oriental BB Cream from KBS! I guess that would be my targe next! Muahahaha...