May 2014 Favourites

May has been a really difficult month for me in terms of skin, and that has continued into June but with some luck, it's starting to look better. Since my skin was being unusually sensitive and reacting to anything and everything, I went back to a brand that I trusted and knew my skin liked and tolerated - Hada Labo. Only their face washes don't work for me and leaves my skin feeling overly cleansed and dry but that shall be a story for another time. 

The Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion has been a staple of mine for years. It is a hyaluronic acid rich liquid that sinks right into the skin. My skin sslluurrppps it up the way a kid drinks coke (or at least the way I drank coke as a kid, massive addiction right there) and there's no sticky feeling after. I think no matter what your skin type is, the boost of hyaluronic acid hydration can't be beat. I also much prefer the Arbutin version over the normal version because it really does brighten up the complexion after extended use. This is probably like my 4th or 5th bottle, not inclusive of the bottles of normal formula Hada Labo Lotion I've used. 

I've used one of the older versions of the Hada Labo Moisturizers a long way back and it wasn't a favourite because it did leave a tacky feeling to my face. Fast forward to the very impressive sounding Hada Labo Ultra Hydrating 3-in-1 Perfect Gel which is supposed to be an essence, cream and mask all in one little tub. While I do still find the formula tacky, this performs really nicely globbed on as an overnight mask and I wake up with soothed and softer skin the next morning. It also works well in very thin layers for day time use.

The Air Aqua UV Day Emulsion SPF50 PA+++ (fresh) is such a gem of a sunscreen. It comes out as a white super liquidy formula that is almost like a serum and basically weightless once on the skin. It contains vitamin C to brighten, sebonotmine that keep the face matte and hyaluronic acid that still keeps the face hydrated (and also some anti-ageing ingredients). In my opinion it almost performs as a primer! This didn't aggravate my skin and the texture is just so beautiful. I currently have dry skin and at the end of the day I can see that my makeup has turned powdery (but still there!), so I do believe this would work well on oily skinned ladies!

I've finally pulled out my Sleek Blush by 3 Palette in Lace, a palette that looks so beautiful but was previously so hard to use because it was so incredibly pigmented. I've finally gotten my hands on a much looser blush brush and that has made an incredible difference in the way these blushes look on the cheek. A looser brush helps to diffuse the pigment and leaves such a sheer wash of colour on the cheeks which is incredibly beautiful. I use the matte colours all over the cheek and pop the centre shimmery nars orgasm-esque shade just on the apples.

Finally, my last favourite is the Tony Moly Gel Eyeliner in 02 Brown. I've been favouring an all or nothing look, so I either go with purely mascara, or a very thick cat eye. With the very intense cat eye look, a black eyeliner look is quite fierce so the brown eyeliner does a great job at softening the look. This gel eyeliner is very creamy and pigmented with all day lasting superpowers and can do no wrong. The bonus is that the built in brush is in the unretarded category and actually usable for touch ups so you can bring this little baby around!

What were your favourites this month? Here's to a better month with skin issues folks! 

Brought VS Actually Used

I'm back from Bangkok and well shopped out. Nope, no beauty haulin' but I thought it would be interesting to let you know what I had on my face in crazy 35 degree celsius weather. I was sorely tempted to go barefaced (since no one knows me any way and it was incredibly hot and humid) but my pride stopped me. I also thought that I had managed to pack rather lightly but who knew, I managed to use even less than I had packed. So here you go - 35 degree proof makeup. 

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What I Actually Used:

Bourjois Happy Light Base Serum Matite - I don't own any other primers and I couldn't bring my Urban Decay Sprays because I went on a budget airline and did not purchase check in luggage. This really surprised me and did indeed keep my face matte for a good 7 hours. My mom (yes, this was a mother daughter trip, sweet right?) was blotting away and I there I was with not a hint of shine. Whoop! Don't fancy the scent though. 

Hada Labo BB Whitening Cream SPF 32 PA+++ - I had forgotten just how much I love this. I stole my mom's La Roche Posay SPF50 Sunscreen, but in any case, the built in SPF 32 PA+++ is still brilliant. This BB cream's liquidy consistency is so light on the skin it's almost like a serum in my opinion. I just don't feel it at all, which is brilliant for weather where you don't want anything on your skin. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - I brought this because it's on the ends of its life and I wanted to finish it up(sad face). I'm scarface galore and this amped up the BB Cream coverage very well indeed. Definitely a repurchase somewhere in the future.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - I've been using this powder for years now. In fact, this is my 2nd compact and I've hit pan already. And just in case you think I alternate this with other powders, I actually don't. That's just how long it lasts. Finely milled and virtually undetectable on the face, I also attribute my 7 hour shine free face to this powder.

Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush - One of the longest lasting blushes and pigmented blushes I own. This peachy blush with a gold sheen is something that would suit pretty much everybody and hangs around all day. It really lifts and slims my face (oddly) and it's my default blush when I don't know what to wear.

The Face Shop Eyebrow Designing Kit - Perfect ashy colour for dark hair. I see no need to switch out.

Star Lash Gel Eyeliner - Testing this eyeliner and I'm happy to say that it's passed the test. Just be sure to apply on dry eyelids (best if powdered) because oil does cause it to transfer. It applies marvellously on the waterline/tightline and lasts all day. When I remove my makeup with an oil cleanser in the night and massage my eyes, the area turns black - that's how I know it's still there in my tightline. Amazing stuff!


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Excess That Was Brought:

The Balm Time Balm Foundation - Brought this because I thought I might want something that keeps me matte and yet still have coverage. Turns out the concealer did the job and I had no reason to use this.

Natural Collection Blush in Pink Cloud - A peachy shade is just more attractive than pink in hot weather? Also did not want a completely matte face.

Sleek Face Form in Light (highlight & contour shade) - Highlight and contour slipping around my face? No. thank. you. not. taking. that. risk.

MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch - Too. hot. to. want. more. makeup. on. my. face.

MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette (2 shades) - Ditto.


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A minimal routine is really the most attractive in such hot and humid weather. I would not want to be worried about having my makeup slipping and sliding when I could be doing "more important" things (like shopping hoho). I think the extras would've come in useful if I had to go to a fine dining restaurant (chances were low considering I only packed slippers) or if I had gone with friends and we wanted to head out to bars/clubs. No lip products because... it's Bangkok and I'm eating pretty much all the time! Also, one more tip - the more products you can apply with a sponge/fingers, the more hygienic (you can wash your sponges/hands faster than a brush) it is!

It is a relief to be back to raining and somewhat cool Singapore - that's how hot bangkok was! What do you guys usually pack on trips? Let me know - I have another trip planned for a few months down the road so that would be really helpful!

Highlighter Rundown

Good Sunday folks! I was rummaging through my stash the other day in an attempt to re-organize and I realized that I have managed to accumulate quite a few highlighters... and I just recently bought a set of 4. Shhhh. I'm still resisting opening that set. Anyway, I've really been about the subtle highlights for quite a while so I thought I'd break down the deets on what I have. Sharing is caring, yeah?

L-R: MeMeMe Beat the Blues in Sunbeam, Innisfree Rose Marbling Blusher and Brightener, Sleek Face Form in Light, NYX Mosaic Powder in Highlighter, Collection2000 Shimmershades in Blushalicious, ELF All Over Color Stick in Glow  

 As you can see, my highlighters can all be considered drugstore, I'm a budget kinda gal. All the highlighters with the exception of MeMeMe Sunbeam and Elf Glow are powders, which is my favoured type of highlighter to work with due to ease of application. I do however feel like liquid highlighters work the best as the glitter stays put. For my NC30 colouring, the highlighter shades don't seem to have much of a colour difference but if you're fairer they might matter more.

L-R: MeMeMe Beat the Blues in Sunbeam, Innisfree Rose Marbling Blusher and Brightener, Sleek Face Form in Light, NYX Mosaic Powder in Highlighter, Collection2000 Shimmershades in Blushalicious, ELF All Over Color Stick in Glow

MeMeMe Sunbeam is obviously a golden highlighter, use for darker skin tones or if you want a more bronzey look. 

Innisfree Marbling Blusher and Brightener is almost a pure white but goes on the skin translucent. 

Sleek Face Form in Light's highlighter shade is a champagne colour which would work beautifully on all skin tones. 

NYX Mosaic Highlighter is a strange one depending on how you mix the colour. On paper it comes out almost a grey-beige, but it appears mostly pearl white on the skin. 

Collection2000 Shimmershades lightest pink is not very pigmented - took me about 5 swatches to get the colour to show so even though the base colour is pink, it goes on the skin pretty much translucent. 

The ELF Color Stick in Glow also comes out rather dirty looking on paper, but I assure you it's more white-beige than dirty on the skin. 

MeMeMe Beat the Blues in Sunbeam is my favourite highlighter at the moment especially when mixed in with a tinted moisturizer/foundation/BB cream for a very subtle look. It's pearly golden formula also means that there's no obvious glitters on the face. It also works well on top of liquid/cream foundations for an even more glowy finish. Works best blended in with fingers and on slightly tanned complexions. 

Innisfree Rose Marbling Blusher and Brightener has the most obvious glitters out of my collection. This reminds me of the MAC MSF's from my limited knowledge of them but with less obvious glitter. When brushed on the cheeks, this leaves a brightening effect and it is extremely glowy. The powder goes on pretty much translucent and I've had comments of having super glowy skin when I've had this on. Win!

Sleek's Face Form in Light's highlighter has a champagne tinge to it and extremely tiny glitters that catch the light. This would be the most versatile highlighter for all skin tones as well as in terms of being able to use it on all parts of the face. I tend to double it up as an inner eye highlight and eyeshadow as well. Lovely pigmented, soft and buttery texture - best kit for travelling too! 

Pardon the used appearance of my NYX Mosaic Powder in Highlighter. I have after all, used this compact quite a bit. This was a favourite highlighter of mine for the longest time because it has no obvious glitter particles in it. It goes on the face more like a white powder and blends away perfectly for a barely there highlight. I also like that it has different coloured powders to counteract different imperfections (well not so much a targeted approach but more of a overall brightening). I like to use the purple or pink toned powder for inner eye highlight, yellow toned as an eyeshadow, and all brushed together to highlight my cheeks. This really is a beautiful compact for the most subtle highlights of all.

The Collection2000 Shimmershades should not need introducing. I have afterall, mentioned it quite a fair bit in my previous posts. The lightest shade in this compact is not in the least bit pigmented, at least it doesn't show up obviously on my NC30 skin tone. It does however impart the tiniest bit of glitter and glow when used. The pink tinge is barely there. My favourite way of using it is on the cheek area under the eyes to fake a healthy pink tinged complexion ala english rose types or the super fair asian skin tones. Grass is always greener (or in this case pinker) on the other side!

The last highlighter I own is a dud. The ELF All Over Color Stick in Glow is a cream type highlighter in a stick form for I guess ease of application. Do not ever stick this straight on your face, it will wipe off all your hard work to form that perfect base in an instant. This cream highlighter does actually go on quite nicely, but it doesn't ever fully set so if you're into that then you're in for a treat. I only ever use it on my nose because that's what it best accentuates, and even then it just fades into my oily nose a few hours later. It's probably best used under a powder highlighter, but in all honesty, who needs that much highlighter on the face on a normal basis?

To sum it all up, I think my perfect highlighter would be a mix between a cream and liquid type, maybe almost a thick mousse that has no glitters, just a balm type pearly glow. Do you know of any products like that? What are your favourite highlighters? I would love to know! Have a great glowing sunday ☼☼☼

August 2013 Favourites

I can't believe it's already the end of August, it seems like it was just yesterday I took a year off from school. At any rate, TGIF people! Oh the good days. It was really hard to narrow down my August favourites because there was just so many things that I was using but wasn't absolutely loving. It's just one of those funks that I fall into... y'know, one of those I-have-nothing-to-wear-but-staring-at-wardrobe-full-of-clothes days. First world problems indeed.

What I have really been loving alongside with my clay masks are these Biore pore strips. I would use this everyday if I could. I love standing in front of my mirror and spending 5 mins just peeling the strip off ever so slowly and witnessing every single whitehead wiggle out of my nose. Just one of my disgusting obsessions. When I was younger, I would just peel the nose strip off so fast that all the plugs would just break off and remain in my nose and I would wonder why the strips didn't work. Slow and steady is the trick girls, slow and steady.

I also figured out the best combination for the Topshop BB cream in 3.0 which I mentioned here, and that is with the MUFE HD Foundation in 120. Together they give a high coverage, soft focused finish that feels like almost nothing on the skin. Also doesn't hurt that I have neither in the right shade (the SA matched the MUFE for me too...Sephora should really improve their lighting) so when mixed together it's a heavenly, creamy blend of the appropriate shade. The Topshop BB cream is slightly fragranced, almost like a grandma scent and the occasional whiff does have me wrinkling my nose. Still, price to pay for nicer looking skin.

My little sister purchased the Sleek Face Form in Light for me when she came back for the holidays and I finally realized the hype over Sleek's highlight/contour products. I'm not such a fan of the rose gold blush, since I already have similar colours and consider it a yesteryear colour, but the bronze shade really works in definition without being too orange on my nc30 skin. The highlighter really holds its own and I use it when I want a stronger highlight than the NYX mosaic highlighter. The kit is so nifty and versatile, i just wish it had a matte blush. Oh, I also used it on my other little sister who is darker than me, and the contour shade still worked! Like I said..nifty and versatile.

The Estee Lauder Double Wear ShadowCreme in Cafe Au Lait is something that I've recently opened after a good... half year? Patting myself on the back for patience. I had to open this to stop myself from purchasing the Maybelline Colour Tatto in Bad to the Bronze (addiction much?). This is a really nice bronze/taupe mixture with multicoloured micro glitter in it. It is not a dupe of Bad to the Bronze and comes off much lighter in colour. The glitter comes off more on the silver side, but for some reason, when on the lids it can look quite golden rather than bronze, especially when a darker brown is blended in. It's a nice subtle shade for all over the lid definition and catches light in all the right places. Best of all, no creasing or fading throughout the day.

Lastly, I've been wearing the Majolica Majorca Blush in OR211 quite a bit this month. In the pan it comes off a rather pale orange, but on the cheeks it transforms to a rather coral shade. The colour pay off is not super intense, which I like for daily wear. Also it's such a tiny cute pan I really can't resist it sometimes.

From L-R, MAC Studio Fix NC30, MUFE HD Foundation 120, Topshop BB Cream 3.0, Majolica Majorca Blush OR211, Sleek Face Form in Light bronzer and highligher shades, Estee Lauder Double Wear ShadowCreme 22 Cafe Au Lait

What are your August Favourites? Do recommend me some! Happy Friday everyone!

Sleek Eyeshadow Palette in Storm

I don't normally wear eyeshadow unless there's an event. It's too leychey (tiresome) to put on everyday. But here's one palette that I really like, that provides colours for both a neutral everyday look as well as a more intense night time look. It's the Sleek Eyeshadow Palette in Storm.

It's a beautiful sleek (haha pun) palette measuring 14 x 7.3 x 1cm (machiam handphone dimensions). Each colour measures about 2cm in diameter, which is a decent size. The palette snaps shut securely, and doesn't feel like it's made of super cheap plastic despite its super cheap price of SGD$20. (not affiliated, but you can get it here.)  That's like $1.70 per colour!!!! (On a side note, it's only GBP6 so we're already paying a premium and it's still cheap) I feel super auntie with all this price details but SUPER GOOD VALUE YO. It also comes with a full sized mirror where even if you have a big face like me, confirm can see entire face, as well as a pretty good quality applicator which I quite like using.

Above are colour swatches on paper (indoor light) ,in pan (sunlight) and on skin (indoor light with no primer). I tried to show how reflective some of the colours are on the paper, hence some do seem quite bright. The formulations are super smooth and buttery and pigmented. Only the matte shades (3, 11, 12) lack pigmentation. Another good swatch would be below, showing the reflective qualities of this palette in most awesome lighting.

credits: http://avainwoman.blogspot.com/2010/09/sleek-storm-i-divine-eyeshadow-palette.html

1: Antique gold colour with tiny tiny tiny glitters. Satin finish. Colour is true to pan. I super super super super love this shade.

2. Champagne gold colour, almost comes off white. Super reflective. Awesome for highlighting face, or the inner corner of the eyes.

3. Matte milk coffee shade. Rather blah as it's lighter/same colour as my skin tone. Fairer skins will like this as a neutral base colour.

4. True gold. Applies to almost a foil effect because it's soooo reflective. Another one of my favourites in this palette.

5. Golden pink colour. Super smooth shimmery satin finish.

6. Deep maroon colour. Satin finish. Comes off on skin almost like a red tinged copper shade, but when packed on, the purplish hues emerge and is quite lovely.

7. Super intense dark copper/ brown with a satin finish. 5,6,7 almost seem like a nice gradient of intensifying colour. I think this shade would be great for outer corner shades or even as an eyeliner.

8. Greyish dark ice blue is probably the best description I can give this colour. I love how it looks like in the pan. On skin, the base colour is the greyish dark blue, but the sheen is silver. So intense. Slightly crumbly formulation.

9. Dark ivy green. In pan, this colour looks like a really intense deep deep green. I had high hopes for this colour. However when swatched, it comes out almost like a greyish kind of black with a satin finish. The green is barely visible. Still very pigmented though. Formula is also crumbly.

10. Dark electric blue with tiny blue, purple and silver glitters. Fans of blue or brighter colours will like this one. It is quite an awesome and killer shade, but I prefer neutrals and haven't really figured out how to wear this one yet. Formula is crumbly.

11. Matte dark chocolate brown. Not very pigmented but can be layered for intensity. Pretty normal. Can be used for eyebrows.

12. Matte black. Also not very pigmented. Can be worked into some of the other colours to tone/darken them however.


My overall thoughts on this palette:

Pros:

• Packaging is very sleek, sturdy and compact. I really like the mirror and applicator.
• Value for money
• Glitter shades are phenomenal. Super super pigmented, not frosty or chalky, and I love how reflective yet subtle on the eyes these shades are.
• Formulation is soft and smooth
• Good mixture of neutral, light and dark shades to play with
• Colours last on me

Cons:

• Matte shades could be more pigmented, the ones included are good colour choices, but still quite meh
• Only 3 matte shades
• not locally available in stores to try
• shades 8,9,10 are crumbly (if I were nitpicking)

2 looks that I did, 1 neutral and 1 smokey eye (?). 

2 champange gold colour : all over eyelid, as well as inner corner of eye

4 true gold colour : concentrated under the double eyelid line

6 deep maroon colour : concentrated at the outer corner to give depth

5 golden pink colour : to blend 2 and 4 together, also to reflect light and add dimension

1 antique gold colour : all over eyelid
2 champagne gold colour : inner corner of eye
9 dark ivy green : concentrated under double eyelid line
7 intense dark copper : drawn in a > shape into the crease line to give the fold more depth.. blend this shape really well.

I hope this review is comprehensive enough! I apologise in advance for not doing a look for monolids, but that's because I don't have monolids (just uneven eyelids) and thus do not know how to!