Vanity Trove October 2012

Guess what arrived for me on thursday! The lovely people at Vanity Trove sent me October's box! I love the idea of themed boxes specially picked out, and also that Vanity Trove gives full sized items in the box, which way exceeds the value of the box. If you add up the fun factor, surprise factor, and me being a giam-siap lou (calclative with money/miser), value for money factor, the $25 a month does seem quite worth it, even after taking away points for products that might not be as great. It also makes a great gift and a lovely surprise. 

Anyhoo, this month's theme is Big & Bold. I just had to bold that... excuse my Sunday morning lame sense of humour. I love getting beautifully designed items. I subscribe to art galleries so that they'll send me promotional newsletters/postcards that I sometimes use to stick on my wall or keep. Simple as this pamphlet was, I had to pick this up first before even looking at the items. Who would've thought orange and purple could go so well....

The pamphlet says it all, I don't believe I have to re-elaborate. 

This month's goodies! I finally got myself a light tent, but it's a teensy small for this huge box of products and everything looks rather cramped. I tried my best... Ok not really, I was just experimenting and I was really eager to get these photos out!

1) DHC Olive Essentials Series

The box includes this little series of mini samples from DHC. There is a sachet of DHC cleansing oil (1 use), a little bar of mild soap (10 uses), sachet of mild lotion (1 use) and a sachet of olive virgin oil (4 uses as it's meant to be dabbed on pimples). I've honestly only heard great things about the cleansing oil, but I will definitely be using these samples. I'm a little hesitant to say that I will be able to tell how great or not great these items will be based on such small samples though.

On to eye products!

2) Methode Swiss Beauty Care Thermal Therapy Eye Essence, Thermal Oxygen Soothing Eye Cream and Thermal Oxygen Overnight Eye Mask (5ml samples)

A little research tells me that Methode Swiss uses technologies and ingredients from Switzerland, a short look at their website/SaSa's website shows a Chinese advertisement so I'm a little confused. The little sample tube says made in Switzerland. I used the eye cream last night and it was a lovely soft gel like cream. I found that my obnoxiously deep undereye wrinkle on my left eye seemed plumped out today. Can't wait to try the rest!

Also, 15ml of any of these samples cost between SGD$62.90 - $69.90, so just think of the value! There is also an insert that allows us to purchase the eye essence or eye mask at $30 each with the purchase of the eye cream. That's like a 25% off so it's pretty good.


3) Bourjois Queen Attitude Khol Kajal

This if full sized! When I first opened this I thought it was a lipstick -.- and I panicked and thought wtf (pardon the language) was I gonna do with a black lipstick? For Halloween perhaps? Then I calmed down and realised that it was eyeliner and I was elated because I LOOVEEEEE eyeliners. Also the packaging is really unique and it feels expensive. I'm also pretty sure it's marketed to have some natural ingredients in it, but reading so much Beauty and the Bullshit makes me hesitant to blog about promos like that.

Sad to say though, this eyeliner doesn't live up to any standards whatsoever. It applies smoothly, nice and pigmented. But that's about the end of how good it gets. From then on it NEVER sets. The moment I blinked the eyeliner transferred onto the upper portion of my eyelid. I don't have a deep double eyelid on my right eye, so this is what single lid people can expect. I then tried to smudge it out as it's meant to be used, and set the lined portion with a black shadow thinking it might be good as a smokey eye base.



Just look at my eyes at the end of the day?! Not only did it crease into my double eyelid crease, it almost entirely vanished!!!! I haven't tried this with a primer but I'm really hoping it works better with a primer if not I'm never ever gonna use this again.


4) Leaders Insolution Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch (obviously full sized...)

Has a sticker on it that says winner of Cleo (for overseas readers, this is a female magazine) Beauty Hall of Fame 2012. If I remember correctly, Xiaxue also did quite an advertisement post for them not long ago. It's korean skincare, paraben and pigment free and promises to boost elasticity and moisture to the skin, as well as have a cooling and soothing effect. I really can't wait to try this, but I'm saving it for a rainy day.


Lastly, body and face products!

5) Audrey Christian Push Up (Breast, Neck & Tummy Cream) 150ml

This is yet another full sized product! Retails at Watsons for SGD$129... Woah. I think the name says it all. It's meant to firm boobs, neck and tummy, or anywhere else you feel needs firming I guess. Thighs? Butt? Haven't tried it yet though it sounds quite exciting. Who doesn't want bigger boobs? Especially if you're like me with mediocre unassuming boobs. ): 

Some people would have gotten the Venetrim (SGD$79) instead, meant for varicose veins. I'm fat, don't do heavy weights, don't wear super high heels and I guess I have good genetics in the vein aspect so I'm actually quite glad I got the push up cream. 

There is also a voucher that gives us $20 off any of the 2 products mentioned above at Sasa. 

6) VMV Hypoallergenics Hydra Balance Gentle Cream Cleanser and Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer, both for Combination Skin (30ml Samples)

On the little pamphlet given in the box, it says VMV Hypoallergenics validated hypoallergenic, randomized, blinded, published and awarded clinical studies, skinfatuated, skintellectual, skingenious since 1979. For some reason, these claims really really annoy me. I mean, what do those things even mean?! Speak English and not make up words! 

Apart from that, this product is practically everything free and good for acne prone skin. I did try the moisturizer last night and I really do like it. It is light weight yet gives pretty awesome moisture and my flaky dry skin did disappear after one night. 

There's also a voucher that entitles us to a free gift at the store at Ion. If we bring a friend and said friend purchases something, said friend is also entitled to a free gift. Free! Just take! (so singaporean...)

7) The Essence of Nature Bamboo Sap Patch (full sized)

This is a korean product and is a detox patch that you stick on your feet. Based on the concept that the soles of the feet are where acupuncture points are concentrated, by sticking the patch on the feet at night, it is able to draw out toxin through the feet. 

The functions of the bamboo sap patch are to absorb toxins and unnecessary waste matter in the body, promote good blood circulation, help body to recover from fatigue, eliminates hangovers and pacifies the mind and body, as well as provide antibiotic and detoxification actions. Sounds awesome doesn't it? 

I actually used it last night, and when I woke up the patch was quite disgustingly brown. In my defense, at least it wasn't black (just check some pictures out on google...). Then again, I know my body is quite screwed up from bad sleep cycles and lifestyle, especially my liver, so I was quite hopeful that this would help. I actually didn't sleep very well with the patch on and woke up quite sore. The soreness though, is most probably from friday's body combat class but I am more sore than on saturday which is funny. Maybe it's just my body's way of purging?

The patch says that it should be applied until it is no longer saturated with body discharges, so I really can't tell with 1 trial. 

Phew! I'm finally done with all the contents of the box! Overall, I'm more than pleased with this month's box. There are 4 full sized products! Phenomenal value if you ask me. For me, I'm going to be enjoying most of the products except for the eyeliner (pity) and the push up cream (really don't think I'll need it much because my boobs are just small, not saggy ): ). Thank you Vanitytrove! 

MAC Cream Colour Base - Seaside Frost

Good Tuesday everybutty! It's been a while, and in this little while, I've actually ventured into a part of makeup that I've never really explored before. That is the dreaded eyeshadow. Along with eyeshadow comes the dreaded expenditure of money because there's just so many colours! Luckily for me, I have decided that I'm a neutral eye person. Even so, I feel like I can't seem to find the right neutral shade for my eyes, thus emptying my wallet in search of that colour. I'm doomed...

Anyway, this Mac Cream Colour Base in Seaside Frost I bought at the Estee Lauder sale eons back for my mom actually. The salesrep told me it was a primer of sorts that added a nice sheen to eyeshadow. I liked the shade so I bought it. My mom didn't want it so I took it (yay!). The packaging is larger than the normal potted eyeshadows and smaller than the blushes but essentially the same. Will not elaborate.

The above photo is taken without flash on the left and with flash on the right. I don't seem to have used it much... As can be seen, it's a kind of a deep(?) pinky coral shade that almost seems to verge on a bronze tint. I might be wrong. It also has microscopic (okay, wrong term as I can clearly see it but you get the idea - tiny) glitters in all colours that when seen together come off like a frosty (duh the name) silver sheen. 

It is sort of like a cream eyeshadow, but without the staying power. I'll elaborate more. The texture is nice and smooth, though not too creamy or soft that your finger sinks in. Decently hard and almost feels...oily. 

It is a gorgeous colour I have to say. Just look at the rightmost swatch. This was taken without flash and look at how great it is at catching the light! It's a really nice colour for darker girls like myself as the intensity can be built up or sheered out for fairer girls. I am slightly biased to this colour though, seeing as I have an almost identical shade in the powder eyeshadow - Naked Lunch. That's real nice too. 

So, according to the salesrep it's like a primer, right? Very true! The 2 left swatches are a random brown shadow (Visee?) I have. Middle is without the cream base, and leftmost with cream base. For obvious reasons, I would not suggest that you use this with pale shades like whites or creams, or blues or greens unless you want them to turn pink or turn a weird shade. But for colours that fall into a matching/same colour category are indeed much intensified (just look at that brown!) as well as infused with the same sheen the cream base has on its own. 

For people who are looking for a basic primer, I would have to say that this isn't for you. Not only does it have limited colours it can work with, it's not for people who want a matte eye either. For it's basic retail price and limited use, you're much better off spending the money on a NYX or even Urban Decay primer. 

THIS is why I would not suggest wearing the cream base on its own. As gorgeous a shade as it is on it's own, it creases within the first 10 minutes of wear. That's shitty right?! I'm so disappointed. I thought that it might just work like the paintpots minus the hassle of the screw top, but it just doesn't set unless there's some powder on top of it ):

Just a look I did with the base, Naked Lunch (same shade in powder) and the brown that was swatched above. Taken with iphone as my camera decided to play a joke on me today, but you can still see how nicely it reflects light without being glittery. Best of all, I don't look stupid wearing it given my inexperience with eyeshadows.

Eyeshadow on top of the base does last a good 6-8 hours without creasing though I find that the shadow does fade just a bit. 

Oh, just to add, I see the possibility of this being used as a really nice cream blush (a sheer sheer wash of course) but I haven't tried that out as cream blushes essentially wipe off all of my base, exposing my flaws.

People with darker skin tone might see this work as a highlighter.

All in all, this is a decent product and a really decent colour, but I'm not sure if it warrants a repurchase or is in fact worth it to purchase at full price. This is a product for 1) Mac fans, 2) collectors of make up. The normal person looking for a primer should just purchase a normal primer, not a cream base.

Summary:

pros: 

• gorgeous colour that can be worn opaque or sheered out
• sheen, not glitter, no fallout
• intensifies colours well
• gives eyeshadows new life by incorporating a sheen into them
• could be multi-purpose
• slides onto eye smoothly

cons:

• creases almost immediately without powder
• doesn't work with all eyeshadows
• doesn't work for people who want matte looks
• meh wearing time

HAUL!!!!!

Hello!!!! I apologize for not updating ): I'm trying to figure out a way to take pictures in artificial lighting (for workdays) so that I can post more but I can't get it right. But don't worry I'm working on it so do look forward to more updates!

I wanted to share a haul with everyone! I actually went for a run with the boy yesterday, and for some reason, we ended up at Beauty World. We were in there for the aircon, and having watched the MOST DISGUSTING blackhead squeezing video on youtube (yes, the things that the boy shows me) which was so fascinating I had to watch all 4 parts, we went to look for the comedone remover. And hence, ended up at my favourite place - Watsons. He humoured me and gave me time to explore, and whaddaya know the Beauty World Watsons STOCKS ESSENCE!!!

Essence is a budget German make up brand. It's not stocked in all Watsons and I believe the shelves in the larger stores have been ransacked. I had to get it while I could. I am such a sucker for good and cheap things.

The most expensive product in the range is something like $9. I am not even kidding. Even items from Silkygirl (:S) would cost more than that. Lucky for me, we were out running so I had no wallet and we only had $6 left. I went home, did some googling, and then gave in to temptation today.

Not all the items in there are from today's Essence haul, but they are new(ish) items so I put them together.

Clockwise from left:

1. Estee Lauder CyberWhite  Brilliant Cells Extra Intensive BB Creme.
This was a gift and it's what I've been using to go to work. The shade seems really light at first, but it's essentially the first time I've seen the claim "adjusts to your skintone" work. Not unnatural at all, and everytime I use it the Boy says my face looks smoother! I think it's bloody expensive though but I love it anyway!

2. Essence Stay All Day Long Lasting Eyeshadow in Glammy Goes to... and Steel the Show. ($6 !!!)
I was so excited about these upon swatching that I accidentally bought the tester for Glammy Goes to. Yea. Story of my life. Anyway, I really had my eye on these because ever since the Maybelline 24hr Tattoos came out, I had really wanted them but didn't want to shell out so much $.  These are brilliant! Brilliant swatches that DO NOT COME OFF. I rubbed with all my might because people were looking at me weird with my arm entirely covered in swatches but they refused to budge. They do come off very easily with soap and water though. Colours are pretty damn nice too.

3. Essence Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris ($6.50!!!)
I bought this because I just couldn't help myself. I had bought the Revlon gel eyeliner (after the brush in the picture) just a few days ago because I really wanted (or as I tell myself, needed) a gel eyeliner at 20% off retail. But this was less than half what I paid. Plus all the pencil eyeliners swatched SO BLACK and SO CREAMY I was convinced. And okay, I googled as well. Sold.

4. Essence Eyeliner Brush ($3.30)
I like purple.

5. Revlon Colourstay Gel Eyeliner in Black ($16.90 with 20% off)
I like the Colourstay range. And I also did not want to buy a gel eyeliner and then have to buy a seperate brush. I initially wanted to buy a KATE liner as I have had a good experience with it before, but I bought mine at a time both the liner and brush came as a set. They no longer do. This liner is pretty decent and does last all day. There is not that much product but as gel liners tend to dry up before I can even use half of it, it doesn't matter too much to me. The only problem is that I need to draw my eyes a couple of times before I can get a good black line. Also, the intended usage of the brush is to pop it into the cap so you get a longer brush. Does not work. Use the brush small. I also believe that Silkygirl has the EXACT same packaging, leading me to believe (upon reading Beauty and the Bullshit she's awesome) that both products are the same. Though to be fair, Silky girl is only $2 cheaper which isn't that much difference.

6. Essence Colour and Go Nailpolish ($2.80 each!!!!)
I bought the coral colour on running day. Painted one nail that night and was very happy so I bought 2 more. I admit I was apprehensive at first due to it being so cheap. I thought it might be like the shitty Cotton On nail polishes that chip in hours. I don't even need to read the bottle to know that those are Made In China. (And I did check - Made In China). But these! These are Made In Frankfurt. They are good nail polishes, with a brush that I would say is very close to the experience of using the OPI brush. They are big, fat and flat brushes that cover the nails fast. The polish is opaque in 2 coats and live up to the name Colour and Go. Even 2 coats dried in under 5 minutes. No Seche Vite. Though it might be better to give it a top coat for extra gloss as I found that they aren't very glossy on their own. I am VERY IMPRESSED though I did wish they had nicer colours given that they have quite a huge range of colours. The other downside is that these come in tiny bottles - 5ml compared to a 15ml of OPI, but then again, I've never ever finished 15ml of nail polish before and having the option of playing around with more colours for cheaper is more attractive.

7. Clinique Eye Shadow Duo in Buttered Bronze ($6)
Think this is one of those tiny gift with purchase things. I got it at one of those shops that sell fragrances and all. I feel better this way because I don't use eyeshadow much though I'm trying to use them more now. Besides, I don't see how anyone manages to ever finish eyeshadow, so buying in smaller quantity makes more sense to me. I really do like the marbled green container (looks a lot like jade) and the shadows are great colours on me and of decent pigmentation. Great for travel.

8. Essence Forget it 3 in 1 Concealer ($5!!!)
Read the reviews on this. Then tried the pink and beige. It really does work for dark circles! Product is creamy, but I do feel like it doesn't set. Not sure of it yet, will test it out then do a proper review.

9. The Face Shop Faceit Designing Eyebrow Cake ($12.90?)
Bought this because Eyebrow Pencil running low and Eyebrow Pen too light. This has 2 mixable colours. Colours are great, not too brown or black, both with grey undertones. Does take me longer to do my brows though because I have to be more careful. Brush is kinda scratchy though, but somehow I love it because it's almost like scratching an itch.

Okay! I am in no way a promoter of Essence, but I just feel that people deserve to know that cheap makeup (no, not Rhomlom or is it Rhomlon and all that made in China crap) does exist (right now) in Singapore that is of a certain good standard. My main gripe has always been that Singapore marks up so much for make-up products at the drugstore and even in departmental stores. I've always felt that there should be some kind of price control; for them to charge almost 200% more for items such as foundations (eg. SGD$35.90 for a l'oreal/maybelline liquid foundation vs US6.99 thereabouts) even taking into account freight is quite ridiculous. So to have Essence make it's way here and still remain price controlled all as it is all over the world is pretty fantastic! I am a very happy girl today!

Oh, and I cut my luscious locks! So here's a iphone front camera poor quality photo of me and my new hair! I kinda miss my long hair of 3 years but changes are good...  Have a good rest of the weekend people!