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!

Top 5 Concealers + 1 dud

L-R: Benefit Fake Up in Medium, MUFE Full Cover Concealer in 7, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard, MAC ProLongwear in NC30, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium (I think), Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light-Medium

Hello! I have made an impromptu trip to Bangkok, so the next few posts will be scheduled posts! Since I'm someone who has plenty to conceal, and with that, plenty of concealer, I thought a round up was in order. I apologize in advance for the majority of them being high end concealers, but I do find that with concealers you get what you pay for. So since coverage is one of my top concerns, the drugstore does not really cater to that - hence the high end concealers. I might be slightly biased towards liquid type concealers due to overall ease of use and blendability.

Best All-rounder - Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (SGD$42)
The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a concealer I tend to keep for special occasions, or for adding coverage on top of already done makeup before heading out the door. This has a thicker creamy and slightly sticky consistency. It provides instant photoshopping to any dark marks on the face, even if applied on after powder, which is probably one of the highest praises I can give. Also does not disappear on an oily face (unless of course you're one that touches your face).

Best for spots/dark marks - MUFE Full Cover Concealer (SGD$52)
What can I say, the MUFE Full Cover Concealer is high coverage indeed. It's all there in the name! The consistency of this concealer is definitely on the thick, creamy side and it goes on darker than it looks on the tube. Be warned, this sets to a budge-proof finish very quickly so quick blending will be your friend. I'm pretty certain that this is water-resistant, or if not, sweat resistant.

Best for large areas - MAC ProLongwear Concealer (SGD$30)
There were points in time I was literally using the MAC ProLongwear Concealer as foundation. The texture of this is very liquidy and thin, yet it still has extremely high coverage and blends well into the skin. 2 layers gives full coverage. I think the thin texture of the concealer has something to do with this concealer looking very natural (for such a high coverage product) on the skin. I've read some reviews that the MAC Prolongwear Concealer was extremely drying on the undereye area, but I've had no such problems myself.

Best for undereye - Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer (SGD$39)
The Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Conconcealer is the concealer that not only has high pigmentation to colour correct my dark circles (of course, please choose the correct undertone), but also is a concealer that creases very very minimally. It's texture is really very much a sticky cream and it doesn't completely set so it has a sheeny reflective finish. I find that this texture helps it to adhere very well to the uneven surface and into the fine lines on the undereye area so that it doesn't crease or migrate, and keep the area well hydrated.

Best drugstore - Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
The Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is amongst the cheapest drugstore concealers I've tried and yet boasts the highest coverage of all the drugstore concealers. It actually reminds me of the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in texture, however the coverage is definitely not as good. It also doesn't layer great - probably 2 layers max before it starts to look cakey. However, for the price paid, it definitely is the best.

Big Fat Dud - Benefit Fake Up
I dislike Benefit Fake Up so much I saw it as my duty to put it into this post so that you are warned. The concept itself is great, a twist up balm type concealer with a pigment centre core to give hydration and coverage at the same time. I really wanted to like this as the attraction of the ease of use was really great. The finish of Benefit Fake up is the same as the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in that it never ever sets and has that reflective sheen, which ultimately makes it a mess. Application is a mess because the 2 parts (balm and pigment) never quite mix together evenly. Then because it doesn't set, it migrates in seconds. I've tried to use this on dark spots, undereyes, pretty much every part of the face, and each time it just seems to pool in areas of the face. The hydration part will work you think, but a big fat nope. The balm/oils in this product just sat as a disgusting layer of oiliness on my face. How about pigmentation you ask? Actually quite decent, but it migrates away from your spot anyway, so I would say - final answer, zero. Please don't waste your money on this product.

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Hope everyone's having a good weekend! And if you have any good concealer recommendations for me, I'm all ears!

Does Your Face Have Expensive Taste?

Halo good sunday everyone! Buying makeup is slightly addictive isn't it? Until you check your bank balance at the end of the month and realize you're dead broke. I've seen the 'how much does your face cost' tag going around, and decided to find out how much my 'face' actually costs. I'm rather apprehensive because the items I like tend to veer to the more expensive range! Damn you face, why do you need so many products!

This is my everyday look, actually it's slightly more than what I wear to school but if I were to head to work or have a presentation this is what I would wear. There's no budget here for a more extravagant evening look!

Products used!

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (SGD$62) to cover dark acne marks, can also double up as a tinted moisturizer when mixed in with moisturizer though I tend not to like doing that.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Peach (SGD$43) for my tedious dark circles.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (SGD$42) to add coverage for my tedious dark circles and for blemishes on brighter areas of my face. Also used to brighten up my cheeks and nose.

Everyday Minerals Concealer in Pearl Pick Me Up (~SGD$16) as a highlighting powder for under my eyes and cheeks. Seems to have been discontinued, but this seems like the replacement.

Collection2000 ShimmerShades in Blushalicious (~SGD$8) as... blush.

MAC Paintpot in Nubile (SGD$10) to brighten up my lids and undereyes. I pretty much slap it on all round my eyes. SGD$10 because I got it in a sale! If not... I probably would use something else or not use anything at all. I'm cheap like that.

Jealousness Waterproof Eyeliner (SGD$15) most days to line the ends of my eyes, interchangeable with mascara or liquid liner. I'm not particular with what type of eyeliner I use as long as it stays on. Imma pro with all! I kid. Also, when I line my eyes, I'm too lazy to use mascara because it can't be seen anyway.

The Faceshop Faceit Designing Cake Eyebrow (SGD$12) is the only powder I've ever used for my brows and is not running out any time soon. Though with bangs, I feel like I can get away without doing them.

Revlon Lip Butter (SGD13) is a brilliant formula and I heart-eyes it. The usual price is SGD$15.90 which is a rip off and the drugstores have 20% or more sales pretty much all the time so only get it on sale.

Total Cost: SGD$221

Well, that's cheaper than I thought my face would be. Granted, I did not include a foundation, or setting powder, or setting spray (cheating) which would make the total cost nearer $300. If my $300 worth of make up lasted a year, each face would cost me $0.85! I could get a damn good kopi (coffee) from my uni's canteen for that price. Really makes you think doesn't it?

I think that what's more important though is whether my 85c face looks like it's worth 85c (haha, it better look worth more than that!). How much does your face cost and does it have expensive taste? Let me know!

P.S. All links provided in this post are for your clicking convenience only. I am not linked or affiliated to any of the stores.

September 2013 Favourites

Gosh, the months of this year are really flying away! It's so hard to believe it's October already, seemed like just yesterday it was July and we were so proud of ourselves for planning in advance for Halloween! It's really been a busy month, and I've seen myself using these products religiously!

Skincare wise, my skin has been absolutely loving the Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque. I haven't had that oily skin for quite a while now, but this mask has not dried my skin out one bit. I love the refreshing feeling of slapping this mask on, and it really does the job in clearing out the excess sebum and gunk from the skin. My skin feels so soft when I wash this off too. In terms of performance over monetary value, this is definitely holy grail material.

I've also been mentioning the Kitoko Kalani  Super Aqua Gel to no end this month, so it's no surprise it's ended up in my monthly favourites. If you haven't read my past posts, this gel comes out a.. gel (wow big surprise) but upon spreading out on the skin, it turns into water droplets which are then absorbed by the skin. It's super moisturizing despite feeling like water (not even a serum!) and dries down to a nice matte finish. Skin is also smooth after because it does have a tiny amount of silicon in it (not obvious to feel though) and I find that it does calm skin down. I also like to use it on itchy areas of my body.

When I purchased the Kitoko Kalani Gel, the SA also recommended the Tsaio Herb Too Double Scrub Cleanser. I'm not the kind to stick religiously to any single cleanser because I haven't found the one yet, but I might've just found it in this cleanser. The scent is heavenly. It's probably just perfume, but I'm so addicted to the smell I actually look forward to using my cleanser day and night and after taking off my makeup. I've never smelt any other scent like this so I can't pinpoint what it smells like, but it's clean and herby and slightly citrusy. This cleanser is creamy with little pink spheres in it that gently scrub the skin. It's definitely a very gentle scrub and suitable for use everyday. After massaging it into the skin, upon adding more water, this cleanser foams up into micro-bubbles and washes off to leave the skin feeling ever so soft, yet not squeaky nor dry and taut. I can also vouch for its cleansing ability because my industrial strength toner doesn't remove any remnants after using this cleanser.

The Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Essence is something I don't use nightly as the name suggest, but I like to smother my face in this once in a while as a mask. It's not very strong, but I do find skin to feel substantially smoother and look brighter after washing it off.

My last skincare item is not really skincare, but it's this rather unique Chrisyl hairband that can be found only in Takashimaya. It's by no means cheap at SGD$10, but it's just about the most comfortable and secure hairband that I've ever used. When I use this hair band on my bangs, my bangs get a curl that is usually only achievable with tongs or blow drying with a round brush! Super useful for a lazy person like me. The Boy also liked this so much that he purchased one for himself because the teeth of the hairband leave a really nice effect on the hair when worn.

L-R: MAC Wonder-Woman Mineralize Skinfinish in Golden Lariat, MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Tea Ceremony, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard, K-Palette 24Hr Real Lasting Eyeliner in Black

Make up wise, my routine has been simplifying itself as I just don't feel like too much makeup is appropriate for a school look. The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard hasn't been with me for a whole month, but it's definitely sticking around. I've been using this in place of any base and it's the best all rounder concealer I've had. It's got high coverage, is not too dry for the undereyes (MUFE Full Cover I'm looking at cha') yet not too hydrating to slip off blemishes. Major heart eyes for this concealer.

I used to think that the MAC Wonder-Woman Mineralize Skinfinish broke me out, but I recently pulled it out of hiding to give it another shot and my skin has not reacted. I think it's because I've gotten slightly fairer that this trio is working so well with my skin. I've been wearing the bronzer mixed with the blush on my cheeks everyday and absolutely loving how it's working with my skin tone now! I also use the highlighter and blush as an eyeshadow when I feel like getting a little more dressy.

Another surprise for me was that I'd been reaching for the MAC Sheen Supreme lipstick in Tea Ceremony as an everyday lipstick. This lipstick is a pinky brown colour and actually almost exactly the same colour as my lips. In fact, it has a little more brown in it than my lips. It doesn't sound great but it photographs quite a peachy brown and just pulls off any look with a bit more polish without being over the top. The vanilla scent of the MAC lipsticks is also irresistible!

I'm definitely an eyeliner girl, and I've ditched eyeliner in favour of mascaras but ever since getting my fringe cut, I've felt like my eyes needed more definition. I had thought that the K-Palette 24Hr Real Lasting Eyeliner I had was running out of ink, but after not using it for a month the ink seems to have come back in full force! This is the easiest eyeliner to work with, having a flexible brush tip. It's also very long lasting and my 2 sisters and I all can profess our love for this eyeliner. To complement the eyeliner with natural lashes, I've been opting for Majolica Majorca Lash King. My formula has dried since I first had it, but it's less clumpy than ever and adds so much length to my lashes that I cannot resist using it. No smudging or flaking and super long lashes, I couldn't ask for anything more!

So there's my lengthy monthly round up - what are your monthly favourites? I'm looking for a chemical exfoliant other than the Paula's Choice ones, any recommendations?

Weekly Favourites #10 Face

I am quite in love with the eyeshadow combi I mentioned in my weekly favourites, so I thought it deserved a post of its own!

L-R: MAC Eyeshadow Duo in Culturalized (Brule and Retrospeck), Layered Retrospeck over Permanent Taupe, Maybelline 24HR Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe, Marks and Spencer's Cheek and Lip Tint in Coral

The M&S Lip and Cheek Tint in Coral does go on quite a scary colour, but fret not it blends out incredibly well! Pardon the hair, I just got it cut yesterday and haven't quite figured out how to work with it - really wish I had fine, tame hair!

I had quite a bit of a problem trying to wear Permanent Taupe on its own - I think it was just a tinge too cool in colour for me. I did quite like Retrospeck in the MAC duo but it does lean quite brassy rather than gold. Layering the 2 colours really warms the taupe up and gives it great depth, even as a single shade all over the lid. Best of all, you could up the intensity of the gold on the center of the lid for even more dimension! Load up the mascara (or in my stingy eyelashes cases, falsies) and there you have it - smokey eye done!

What do you think? Is this colour something you would wear?

Weekly Favourites #10

I'm always on the look out for a good moisturizer, and was looking for a sample sized tub of the Origins Ginzeng Moisturizer, but by some chance of fate, ended up with both the Clinique Moisture Surge and this Kitoko Kalani Super Aqua Gel. This came highly recommended by the sales lady complete with a story of a holidaying Taiwanese family purchasing 2 tubes and returning to purchase 6 tubes. I was sold and now I'm in love. This comes out a gel and disappears into water droplets, leaving the face moisturized yet looking quite matte. It literally does not feel like anything on the skin once absorbed and leaves my skin moisturized. When I use it before bed, my skin is not a bit oily in the morning and that's how I know the moisture content in this gel is ace!

I've dug out the Marks & Spencer Lip and Cheek Tint in Coral from my stash and it's become quite a go to as a cream blush. I much prefer a pure cream formulation over a cream to powder as my skin texture isn't the best. Don't be fooled by the pigmentation in the pan - this goes on beautifully and blends into a subtle flush that catches the light due to the glossy formula. This is more raspberry than coral (as per its name) and I can see it working well with all skin tones. It has really been a saviour for stipple and run days.

 I've been reading so much online about the Clinique Chubby Sticks for eyes in Burnished Gold (see what I mean here) and have been lusting for such a colour. Not being prepared to fork out $$$, I decided to get creative with what I had. Layering Retrospeck (gold shade) in the Mac Eyeshadow Duo in Culturalized on top of the Maybelling 24HR Color Tattoo in Permanent Taupe does the trick. The result is what I can best describe as a dirty gold colour and it is (if I may say so myself) gorgeous! And it just lasts and lasts because that's just what the colour tattoos do! Great for nights out about and just in time for the weekend eh?

Do you like anything you see here? Let me know!

Sweet Lips - NYC 16H Smoochproof Lip Stain & GOSH Long Lasting Lip Marker

These are the mainstay products I have for a daily makeup routine. Let me go through it step by step.

Face base: The Hada Labo BB Cream has rather decent coverage on its on and with SPF30 is great for a base that protects, hydrates and evens out skintone. Remember concealer face? I've managed to whittle it down to just the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer and I'm really excited about it because that means that my acne scarring is toning down! 

Cheeks: I did a really stupid thing the other night. I tried to epilate my face myself. (hides away in a dungeon of shame). Confession - I have a rather hairy face which I am not proud of but I haven't been to to get my face threaded for a rather long while. My hairs are not that visible but they bug me anyway ): Anyway, long story short, I am considerably less hairy but I managed to irritate the tops of my cheekbones and they've turned red, like a sunburn. Now I have to try to blend it in with my blush, that's why my blush seems so high. I used the Natural Collection Blush in Pink Cloud on the cheeks under my eyes to draw the blush down. I really like this blush as it's matte and the colour is so subtle it looks like natural skin.

Eyebrows: I stick to pencils when I'm rushing for time as it's just that much easier to control. This Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Pencil is the perfect grey-brown for soft brows. 

Eyes: Raved about the Essence Liquid Ink Eyeliner before here. It's such an intense black and works really well whether drawing a fine small line or an obvious cateye like I've done. The Diorshow Extase Mascara is my choice of mascara for really long, defined separated eyelashes that still look natural. Did I mention long? These make lashes so long.

Lips: Mentioned the NYC 16H Smoochproof Lip Stain and the GOSH Long Lasting Lip Marker in this week's favourites and thought I should showcase them. I used them in this look for a subtle ombre look and I quite like how they work together. 

Both are felt tip markers and leave a stain on the lips. The NYC is in Persistent Pink, looks really neon but comes out much more subtle on the lips. It probably would not show on more pigmented lips but on mine, it ups the pink factor of the lips. The GOSH stain I have is in Berry which is a berry red (excellent description eh!) that looks exactly like a cherry stain. 

NYC has a faint scent that smells like cherries and apples (and chemicals) mixed together and GOSH has a very strong cherry smell which I love. Both taste sweet on the lips which is so amazing! I know I should not be ingesting my chemical lip products but I cannot help it. Wearing these feels like I rubbed cherries on my lips and left the juice all over. Yummy!

Bigass picture of my crackly lips to show the ombre. I used the NYC Persistent Pink all over with GOSH's Berry in the centre. As you can see, Persistent Pink does not really show up on the browner edges of my top lip. Since I'm not a fan of lipsticks, my favourite part about the lip markers are that they don't change the natural texture/finish of the lips. Though they might be drying, I'd much rather top up with a balm than use a lipstick.

Obviously, these last a very short time on me because I lick my lips like crazy when I have this on (I might just have an addiction) but even so, I don't think the lasting power is that great. They could probably last you through a drink but not a full blown meal.



Summary:

Pros:

• Tastes like sugar heaven!
• Smells like fruit heaven!
• Doesn't change lip finish - only stains lips to a nicer colour
• Marker like and very easy to use

Cons:

• Ingesting the chemicals due to excessive lip-licking probably isn't too good
• Stain does not last too long
• Can be drying

These get an A from me as a lipstick noob. What do you guys think? Are stains the way to go or do you still prefer lipsticks? Have an awesome weekend lovelies! 

Weekly Favourites #8

Hello lovelies! How's the week been treating you? I've had a rather breakthrough week with some of my products and I'm super excited to share with you how I use them.

I've had the Renew Rose Hip Oil for a rather long time. I've used it on and off, always put off by how my skin could not fully absorb the oil. I absolutely detested the oily film it left on my face no matter how long I left it on to sink in. However, I recently dug it up to give it another whirl. This time, on a rather sturdy cotton pad, I put quite a good bit of hyaluronic acid toner (I use the Naris Up Hyaluronic Skin Conditioner) and then 2 drops of rose hip oil, then swipe it all over my face. I find this method allows the mix to fully absorb into my skin and leaves it completely moisturized and plump. My skin seems to be healing more quickly too (might be a placebo effect) and I'm really loving it!

Ah Mac Pro Longwear Concealer... we have a serious love-hate relationship. I could never quite like the texture of the concealer and found it too watery and thin, affecting the coverage that it gave. However, since most of my scarring has gotten slightly lighter and I've gotten fairer, the coverage of this concealer is perfect. It works best with a flat powder brush or stippling brush, rather than fingers (that was my mistake) for higher coverage. It layers rather well, to a maxium of 2-3 layers before it starts to cake, enough to blur out the most obvious imperfections. Most days now I just use this concealer with powder and I've really got the 5 minute face routine down pat. -smug face-

Has anyone ever finished an entire tube of lip balm before it gets lost or purchasing a new one? I have to admit that I lose lipbalms like I shed hair (okay, that might be TMI). However, they more or less do turn up when I clear out my bags. The Maybelline Baby Lips in Smoothing Cherry turned up the other day. It's colourless and massively emollient. It might be odd but I adore the artificial cherry smell (don't judge me). I don't find the moisturizing effects last but the short term effect is just great. Doesn't help that the colour combination of the tube is so adorable.

A repeat favourite! I've been experimenting with the Maybelline Magnum Volum' Express Ultra Comb and testing it to its limits and so far I have not been disappointed. This works well in a single layer (or 2) for the nicest, barely accentuated lashes. I am a sucker for a natural looking lash. I also tried layering this mascara wet, and after 3 layers or so, I got the most incredible volume and length, almost like I was wearing false lashes. The only problem is that the extended portion of lashes tend to droop if I wear the mascara for too long, but since I seldom wear mascara for such extended periods, it's perfect!

A friend once told me, girls are attracted to all things sparkly (upon looking at a Swarovski crystal display case and oohing and aahing) and I could not agree more. I just had to share this H&M ring. It's a blue, green, purple, gold sparkly glittery orgasm in a ring. I am obsessed. At SGD$6.90, it's the perfect pick me up for the day (or week if you must).

Hava great friday night everyone! I'm going to be tucked away at home performing magic on my dissertation. Wish me luck! <3

Current Concealer Face

I have a confession to make. I am a concealer hoarder. I am fickle and unable to stay loyal to any one concealer and have enough concealer for many families. In order to use up my concealers, I have a face routine that consists of no foundation and all concealer. This works for my acne prone and scarred face, because it avoids slapping on a full face of foundation and spot covers instead.

If I could only live with 2 concealers, they would be the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (SX10) and the MAC Mineralize Concealer (NC30). Together, they manage to blur out most of my imperfections. If you've followed me for a while, you would know my great love for the SSE. The Kevyn Aucoin SSE is great for coverage and is very thick and creamy. When used with a tiny brush to spot cover, it can really look flawless. Used with fingers however, it can look unnatural on the skin if too much is used.

The MAC Mineralize Concealer has a thin liquid consistency, though not as liquid as the Pro Longwear Concealer. It has medium coverage and can really be built up without looking cakey but I use this mostly on lighter scars or redness. I tend to forget about this concealer sometimes because it does wear off during the day, but is something I always go back to when I'm in a rush. Great concealer that gets lost in all the hype about the other MAC concealers.

The little worn out stub in the top left of the picture is the MAC Studio Touch Up Stick (NC30). This was the very first concealer I have ever used (thanks mom!) and I've forgotten all about it till very recently. What I love about it is that it feels like the Studio Fix Concealer in a stick! I just draw and dot it where I need and it blends and covers like a dream. Sadly, it's discontinued so I've got my eye on the Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Concealer...

Benefit's Fake Up (Medium) is a much newer purchase of mine and I'm still on the fence about it actually. I don't find that it works under the eyes (wrong colour, too greasy, gets into all the lines). It is however, very easy to just swipe onto my cheeks for great coverage and a non-drying formula. I tested this together with the Laura Mercier Concealers at Sephora and found that this had better coverage actually. Go figure. As this is a very slippery, glossy formula, SET SET SET WITH POWDER PEOPLE, or I guarantee you it will disappear.

The Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener (Light to Medium Peach), Bobbi Brown Corrector (Light Peach) and the Collection 2000 Concealer are my serious eye army. Depending on the coverage I need, I will use either of the Bobbi Brown products and if I feel like even more coverage, I will use the Collection 2000 Concealer. The creamy concealer has better coverage than the tinted eye brightener but it is also more obvious on the skin so it's really a preference. I do prefer the eye brightener with another liquid concealer over it for a more natural finish.

I would love to put my face up, but it's not doing too well and I'm not that confident yet so, hopefully the swatches help!

I think my concealer collection is rather expensive, but ultimately, like foundation, the quality and colour match makes up for the price. For skin like mine (ie blemish prone and not blemish free) a colour match is important because I am unable to sheer concealers out to blend into my skintone. Ease of application is also very important to me. So, what are your everyday concealers and criteria?

Weekly Favourites #2

I should really set a specific day to get these posts out :S Nonetheless, here's some... mid-week entertainment?

I've been trying out a new oil-free skin-care routine recently to try and reduce the number of comedones I have on my forehead (seriously, I've gotten my cheeks in order but my forehead is a serious bitch). I haven't been very successful, but I did get my hands on this La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum. According to the SA (she sure was enthusiastic) this was sure to clear up dry skin overnight. I love (and that's quite an understatement) the texture of this serum. It's like a water but infinitely more hydrating and not at all sticky unlike say, the Hada Labo Lotion which takes a moment to sink into the skin. This works extremely well provided you don't use drying medications on the skin..

See my dingy ring in the centre? This is neither skincare/makeup but I thought I'll just give it some lovin'. I've been loving simpler rings lately but my fat fingers can't pull off above-knuckle rings so this was just perfect. Also, +10 points for boyfriend's approval when I bought this!

I cannot get my head around how amazing the Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray is. Granted, my only experience with setting sprays is the Elf one, which only seem to make my face wet. But this UD setting spray works brilliantly as a primer and setting spray and I will NEVER EVER go out without it now. This made my makeup last a 7am to 10pm day, throughout an extremely hot and humid photoshoot of a house where I had to move furniture around, and still look presentable enough for a dinner. Best of all, when I got home at 10pm, my blush (cheap blush that usually wears off middday) was still on my cheeks, no touchups mind you. How incredible is that!!! I'm also glad I got the Chill version because I still felt like my face was not hydrated enough.

I cannot admit to how long I've been lusting after this Mac Paintpot in Nubile and I finally got it at the Estee Lauder Sale. I don't know if it's only visible to me, but I really like how these brighten up the lid and undereye/inner corner of eye without being as obvious as a white shadow or highlight. Super duper subtle, and long lasting to boot. I've been loving using this on its own all round the eye.

Saved the cutest for last! If I was a lip product fiend, I would've bought the entire collection purely based on packaging. But I'm not. This Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bars are on par with the Revlon Lip Butters and wayyyyy cheaper. Like SGD7 cheap. I love the minty smell and feel and the colour payoff is pretty darn decent. Glossier than the lip butters too! The different colours have different bunny expressions too it's just too darn cute. I highly recommend!

Have a great rest of the week everyone! And let me know of your favourites or if we share any favourites!

NYX Bronzer & Blush Combo and MAC Wonder Woman Mineralize Skin Finish

Bronzer/Blush combos! I only have 2 so I thought I would just put them in the same post to see how they stack up against each other. They're probably not really in the same category but they are nifty lil (okay not so lil) things so read on! I have the MAC Wonder Woman Mineralize Skinfinish in Golden Lariat and the NYX Bronzer & Blush Combo in 01 Sunrise in Bali. 

As you can see, the Wonder Woman MSF is HUGE. WONDER SIZED. 

The NYX Bronzer Blush Combo (BBC) is actually a very nice lil thing. It has quite a solid white casing that snaps shut, a decent sized mirror and 0.35oz/10g of product to boot. Considering I have yet to finish any blush, it is almost a relief to have 2 products for the price of one. I got this for SGD$20 at Smoochiezz.

It is also my very first bronzer, so I'm not very skilled in the bronzer area. 

Some people may like this semi-indian(?) princessy design on the cover though I kind of see it as a space filler and feel that it doesn't do much to make the packaging seem more expensive. It really is quite plasticky and I do wish I can see the colour of the product through the packaging. 

I will try my best to describe the brown. I think that bronzers should lean towards greyer tones if that makes any sense because shadows are typically grey. At least those are for true bronzers. We can also understand bronzers as a powder to warm up the complexion, hence the term sun-kissed bronze. This is definitely one of those sun-kissed bronze shades. It leans quite yellow in my opinion and that quite suits a skintone like mine (mac nc30) without being too overpowering, as long as I do not apply with a heavy hand. This however does have glitter even though I find that the brush does not pick up too much of it. Even so, glitter phobes stay away.

The pink in this BBC, is absolutely gorgeous! It is a dupe for Nars Orgasm, so I've heard. As I don't own it, I compared it to the Too Faced Papa Don't Peach (also a dupe) and they are almost identical in colour. Both are a nice pigmented peachy pink, with a gorgeous fine gold glitter in it. I think this pink might be an even closer dupe as it's got more gold glitter than Papa Don't Peach which imparts such a nice glow to the skin. (I will take a proper picture of both colours swatched together and update this post!)

The blush in the NYX BBC is a tad crumbly, so pat the brush in it, not swirl. This blush is also awfully pigmented so do be careful when applying. It shows very obviously even though I'm considered quite a tanned girl.

Wear time is decent for the BBC, lasts about 5-6 hours on my oily skin. It does disappear when I blot my face.

Onto this absolutely irresistible brilliant packaging wonder. I got this at the Estee Lauder sale for 20 bucks. What a steal! When I saw it, I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT even though I probably didn't need it. This Wonder Woman MSF in Golden Lariat is MASSIVE. M.A.S.S.I.V.E. It is bigger than my palm and I definitely have larger palms than most girls. It's got 0.70oz/20g of product which is just an insane amount of product. I can probably keep this for my entire lifetime and not even make a dent in it.

Hey there pretty useless gold rim and pretty useless lack of mirror. Hey there absolutely visually stunning shimmery overspray and marbling. This compact has everything you need to contour your face with. Blush, bronzer and highlighter. I would say that this is probably meant for the tanner girls out there as fairer girls might find this too dark. However, if you are a huge fan of sun-kissed then go for it!

I do like that because this compact is M.A.S.S.I.V.E it is so easy to use each colour individually. Also because it's baked there's literally no mess/fall out.

The blush in Golden Lariat runs almost a brownish peach with a nice subtle satin finish. I would say just use this colour to achieve the sun-kissed look with almost no effort at all. I really do love this colour. Compared to the NYX, NYX seems awfully pink and the MAC seems awfully brown. 

The bronzer in Golden Lariat is quite matte on the skin, unlike the NYX one which has some tiny glitter. The sheen seen in the compact is just a overspray. It's a brown that runs more red, and though I find suits me when I use it as subtle shading, looks absolutely off if I accidentally put too much. 

The highlighter is INSANE. Even without flash, the amount of light it's reflecting is crazy. It's chock full of multi coloured glitter, and it definitely applies gold if too much is used. I find that the powder for this feels very powdery. Seen from a distance, the glow that this powder gives is so so so nice since it's multi coloured glitter and not a single colour, but upclose, I feel like the individual glitter particles can be seen. Definitely need to know how to work with this highlighter, and definitely mostly for the glitter drama mama. 

I find the blush and highlighter last longer than the bronzer. Still, overall quite decent at 5 hours for bronzer. Blush seems to last all day for me while the highlighter seems to spread as the gold fades and glitter remains and moves (cos I blot). 

One very unfortunate point about this compact is that I THINK IT BREAKS ME OUT. It seems that every time I wear this, my temples where I apply bronzer start to break out. I also find that I get tiny bumps on my cheeks. I don't know if I'm sensitive just to the bronzer, or the entire compact, but I do try to refrain from using this compact too much unless I really feel like I want that colour on my face. It is a pity but honestly, vanity and clarity of skin before colour. 

Summary:

NYX BBC Pros:

• Highly pigmented
• Nars Orgasm dupe!
• 2 colours for the price of one
• Decent lasting power

NYX BBC Cons:

• not for people who don't like glitter, especially in bronzers
• blush is crumbly

MAC MSF Pros:

• MASSIVE in size
• very handy with 3 colours in one compact
• large enough to use each colour seperately
• highly pigmented
• decent lasting power
• awesome sun-kissed look combo of colours
• bronzer is matte

MAC MSF Cons:

• Can be too big/heavy to carry around
• Wasteful packaging + no mirror integrated
• BREAKS ME OUT
• highlighter is too glittery and powdery
• glitter in highlighter tends to migrate

- end of post -

update: I've just found the most awesome eyeliner in my history of using eyeliner. It does not budge under any circumstances. And it is PENCIL eyeliner. Will blog about it this weekend I'm so excited I bought 3. Stay tuned!!!

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!!

Thanks to an awesome awesome person (thank you so much!!!!) who spread the joy, Gerry (hi Gerry!) and I got to go for the Estée Lauder staff sale! I sadly forgot to take a picture of the ticket (can't for the life of me document things properly) but I'm sure Gerry did!

Since I don't have that, I took a picture of the haul to remember it by. It really made my day! And also reminded me how scary females can be (guilty face).

Most if the stuff have been taken by my sisters and reserved by my mom, but no worries reviews in due time :D

Happy happy!

Mac Sheertone Blush - Breezy and Fleur Power

Before I start of today's post, I would first like to apologise for the 2 week break that I took. I have been insanely busy with my end of semester submission and paper. The good thing is that I'm done with all that now, and have plenty to say!

Today, we have 2 MAC sheertone blushes. The one on the left is Fleur Power, the right is Breezy. These are currently the only MAC blushes I own as I'm not really a huge fan of them. I used to own Springsheen but that fell and cracked the hell out of itself. Moving on....

Casing. Well, pretty typical. Snaps shut securely. Not flimsy. Just do not EVER ever drop these blushes. They crack on first drop which is heartrending, given how clumsy I am. Apart from that, I have no qualms. 

Fleur Power is a gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous matte pale peachy pink (pale at least on my nc30 colouring). The moment I saw it in the pan and swatched it I knew I had to have it. Breezy is quite a unique colour. It looks super duper plummy in the pan. When swatched it's a really nice purply-red(?)(I know this description sounds gross) with a nice sheen. 

Fleur Power swatches chalky. It is also a very sheer and light colour, and hence I don't feel it's very pigmented since I'm tan. This would show up nicely on fairer girls though.  Used with a brush, I also find it hard to buff evenly onto my cheeks. It always ends up patchy. However if I just press the brush into the pan and then pat the colour along my cheeks, then it ends us with a nice sheer wash of colour over the cheeks and is not chalky at all. It is my go-to daily blush for now because of its colour. 

Breezy on the other hand is a very pigmented colour suitable for tanner girls since it shows up easily. No matter, use this with a really light hand. I find that this colour seems more mature, and can be used as a contour colour when used along the hollows of the cheeks. I tend to like to use this on the outer parts of the face and light blended in, then topped up with a brighter colour just on the cheeks to look more youthful. 

Both colours only last about 4-5 hours on the face, hence they aren't my favourite blushes of all time. Breezy lasts slightly longer due to its stronger pigmentation.

Here's me with Breezy on the left (my right cheek) and Fleur Power on the right (my left cheek). I know I look quite ridiculous with 2 differently coloured cheeks but this is for a better comparison of the colours when worn. I also realised that my blush posts always look like I'm wearing the exact same blush in all of them. All in all, MAC sheertone blushes don't impress me very much, even though their colours are to die for.