Let's hear it for my new laptop.
I'm pretty sure most of you who read my blog are people I actually know in real life, and have probably heard me vent about my plight of living without a laptop. And honestly, you really don't realize how much your laptop means to you until, you know, you really don't have one anymore!
Long story short, there was a software failure in my previous one, and I wanted to wait for the new release of laptops from Apple. So, here I am, a week after the announcement of their new line of laptops, typing away on a laptop which smaller size I am not entirely use to.
I guess, during these six weeks (six weeks without a laptop, can you believe that!), my lack of accessibility has taught me to be discreet about a lot of things happening in my life, which in turn actually made life so much more satisfactory despite the heavy workload and personal issues.
Right now, it's Tuesday night....well, Wednesday morning, to be exact, and i just got off work. I have a few more hours to go before I can finally hit the sack and get back up four hours later for class, but I am just thankful that I do not need to be walking alone to the library at this time just to use the computer there. I am just thankful I don't need to step out of the house in fear, and walk back home with an extremely heightened sense of security....JUST THANKFUL, that I have a working laptop, and I can finally realign the priorities in my life and get my life back together again!
I will do a beauty post very soon!
So, if you're reading this....YOU ARE AMAZING.
And I, am back!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Review: Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer vs. Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer
Hello magnifique readers!
Just thought I'd squeeze in one post before I fly off to New York! I am still super determined to do my July beauty haul post so I'll make sure to get that done the weekend I get back to Columbus. But for today, I would like to bring you a primer showdown! Well, to be quite honest, it can't really be a showdown because one product clearly stands out over the other.
I originally just wanted to review the new Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer, but I decided that hey, since I'm doing a primer review already, I might as well just share with you lovely people how I feel about the previous (also the first) primer I had as well.
When the Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer was first released and many people in the beauty sphere were raving about it, I was intrigued but hesitant. The first reason being I have always been hesitant about trying anything by Benefit. Same goes to brands like Nars and MAC. I do own quite a number of MAC cosmetics, but it's a brand I always approach with apprehension. I've heard people talking about certain Benefit cosmetics having favourable scents to it and I was afraid of how my sensitive skin would react to it. The packaging for the Benefit cosmetics adds to the whole fear factor as well. Anything pretty and cutesy is likely to have ingredients that would aggravate my skin, in my opinion!
Sucks not being able to buy make-up or skincare products because I find the packaging interesting, doesn't it? ):
Another reason why I didn't purchase the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer right away was because the one and only primer that I ever used never worked for me. I saw no difference in my make-up or just the product itself alone on my skin. And I know this is a problem many people encounter with primers. But I am extremely glad that I gave in to peer pressure (as some people may call it) and just got the Benefit primer anyway.
Now, I can't even do my make-up without first gliding the primer all over my face! And that's how the product works. You glide it over fresh, clean face without rubbing it in. Then, you just apply your foundation and just blend your foundation in with your fingers or your brush, whichever you prefer.
Personally, I've found that blending those two products with my fingers help maximise the primer's full potential. And although I've always likened my Real Techniques Stippling Brush to my fingers whereby they really do blend products into my face really well, I must say there is nothing that can compare to the warmth of one's fingers! LOL.
I also realized that my make-up does last longer than it would without me first applying a primer. It doesn't have a significant mattifying effect to it, which I am thankful for, but after a long day I can really tell the difference because my skin doesn't look AS greasy as it'd be usually. And since it is pretty humid this summer, that's always a good sign!
The only qualm I have about this product is that I might need to start purchasing a new one soon because it does seem like it's going down a bit faster than I thought it would. Only time will tell, though. I'll update you guys about that, fo'sho.
As for the Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer, I first got it because I wanted to give primers a try and see whether they really did wonders for your make-up. It was, sadly, very disappointing. I trusted Revlon because it is the only drugstore make-up brand that I would trust with my face, and I've heard so many good things about this primer as well.
However, it didn't seem to live up to its name. At least, it didn't for me. My skin tone is pretty uneven and I have redness on certain parts of my skin. The primer did nothing to correct it. It felt like I was just applying something to my face that did nothing for it. Mixing it in with my foundation, I did not see any difference from when I didn't have the primer on and when I did. Needless to say, after that I gave up on primers in general until I came across the Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer...
All in all, I would say, the Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer is a must-try! It retails for $32, which is about three times the price of the Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer, but I love it! It's a staple now in my make-up routine.
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I've been thinking for a while now of doing videos because there are a lot of things that I feel would be better expressed through videos, especially when it comes to product demonstration. I also know a lot of people don't like reading as much anymore and even just a post like this may be too tedious for them. However, I do realize I don't have a large following for the need to actually make beauty videos. And I am not doing this to be popular, or to earn money. Starting this beauty blog has always been about sharing with the world what I'm passionate about and my experiences when it came to anything beauty. Writing is also very important to me and I intend to keep this blog for that. Video wise, I'm going to start vlogging during my trip to New York and see how I like it. If I do, I'll get a tripod and get this all started!
Until next time,
xx
Just thought I'd squeeze in one post before I fly off to New York! I am still super determined to do my July beauty haul post so I'll make sure to get that done the weekend I get back to Columbus. But for today, I would like to bring you a primer showdown! Well, to be quite honest, it can't really be a showdown because one product clearly stands out over the other.
I originally just wanted to review the new Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer, but I decided that hey, since I'm doing a primer review already, I might as well just share with you lovely people how I feel about the previous (also the first) primer I had as well.
When the Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer was first released and many people in the beauty sphere were raving about it, I was intrigued but hesitant. The first reason being I have always been hesitant about trying anything by Benefit. Same goes to brands like Nars and MAC. I do own quite a number of MAC cosmetics, but it's a brand I always approach with apprehension. I've heard people talking about certain Benefit cosmetics having favourable scents to it and I was afraid of how my sensitive skin would react to it. The packaging for the Benefit cosmetics adds to the whole fear factor as well. Anything pretty and cutesy is likely to have ingredients that would aggravate my skin, in my opinion!
Sucks not being able to buy make-up or skincare products because I find the packaging interesting, doesn't it? ):
Another reason why I didn't purchase the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer right away was because the one and only primer that I ever used never worked for me. I saw no difference in my make-up or just the product itself alone on my skin. And I know this is a problem many people encounter with primers. But I am extremely glad that I gave in to peer pressure (as some people may call it) and just got the Benefit primer anyway.
Now, I can't even do my make-up without first gliding the primer all over my face! And that's how the product works. You glide it over fresh, clean face without rubbing it in. Then, you just apply your foundation and just blend your foundation in with your fingers or your brush, whichever you prefer.
Personally, I've found that blending those two products with my fingers help maximise the primer's full potential. And although I've always likened my Real Techniques Stippling Brush to my fingers whereby they really do blend products into my face really well, I must say there is nothing that can compare to the warmth of one's fingers! LOL.
I also realized that my make-up does last longer than it would without me first applying a primer. It doesn't have a significant mattifying effect to it, which I am thankful for, but after a long day I can really tell the difference because my skin doesn't look AS greasy as it'd be usually. And since it is pretty humid this summer, that's always a good sign!
The only qualm I have about this product is that I might need to start purchasing a new one soon because it does seem like it's going down a bit faster than I thought it would. Only time will tell, though. I'll update you guys about that, fo'sho.
As for the Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer, I first got it because I wanted to give primers a try and see whether they really did wonders for your make-up. It was, sadly, very disappointing. I trusted Revlon because it is the only drugstore make-up brand that I would trust with my face, and I've heard so many good things about this primer as well.
However, it didn't seem to live up to its name. At least, it didn't for me. My skin tone is pretty uneven and I have redness on certain parts of my skin. The primer did nothing to correct it. It felt like I was just applying something to my face that did nothing for it. Mixing it in with my foundation, I did not see any difference from when I didn't have the primer on and when I did. Needless to say, after that I gave up on primers in general until I came across the Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer...
All in all, I would say, the Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer is a must-try! It retails for $32, which is about three times the price of the Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer, but I love it! It's a staple now in my make-up routine.
---
I've been thinking for a while now of doing videos because there are a lot of things that I feel would be better expressed through videos, especially when it comes to product demonstration. I also know a lot of people don't like reading as much anymore and even just a post like this may be too tedious for them. However, I do realize I don't have a large following for the need to actually make beauty videos. And I am not doing this to be popular, or to earn money. Starting this beauty blog has always been about sharing with the world what I'm passionate about and my experiences when it came to anything beauty. Writing is also very important to me and I intend to keep this blog for that. Video wise, I'm going to start vlogging during my trip to New York and see how I like it. If I do, I'll get a tripod and get this all started!
Until next time,
xx
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Review: Simple Eye Make-Up Remover
I skipped out on hitting the gym today even when I had no legitimate excuse, so I have been PUSHING myself in my head for the last couple've hours to blog about what I've been wanting to blog about since a week ago. It's like a punishment, but not really since I love drafting up posts for this blog, but I can never get started! Does anyone else feel me?
I feel like this is my problem. I always know what's the right thing to do, what I should be doing, and the magnitude of things that I am capable of doing, but I can never get started. I can make to-do lists, download apps that will help me remind me things I have due, and repeat motivational quotes in my head, but the hardest thing for me to do is stop procrastinating and get started. And having an iPhone has only made it worse for me. I am pretty much such a sucker for the apps on my phone that I've become the kind of person I hate the most...you know, the kind of people who at any time feels mildly bored would whip up their phones and scroll through Instagram/Twitter/Facebook. I've been trying very hard not to do that when I am not at home, and so far it's working well. I like looking at things around me and being aware of my surroundings when I walk anyway. But when it comes down to needing to get stuff done, my phone is the first thing I turn to. It doesn't even matter whether there are things to see (time difference and stuff), I just keep refreshing my social feeds until I feel extremely disgusted with myself. But enough about my "problem", I am blogging now and I feel keep this momentum and transfer it unto my school work later!
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Two weeks ago, along with my drugstore beauty haul, I finally got an eye make-up remover that I thought would be PERFECT. Given the price point as well, I thought I snagged myself what could be the best eye make-up remover ever!
So, everyone knows Simple as the brand that does products for sensitive skin. I've been using their cleansing wipes for years and I've loved it simply because it was gentle enough for my skin but still cleansed it well, and it never gave me any problems. I've also used their cleansers before on one or two occasions but I never had any qualms about it.
That's why I thought this eye make-up remover would be perfect! And look, even on the outside of the bottle it says it is "kind to eyes"....what a load of crock. Seriously. I have never had an eye make-up remover that stung my eyes so bad, and I've been using your regular drugstore brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline, and even Malaysia's own SILKYGIRL. Those eye make-up removers never irritated my eyes and they work well enough to remove waterproof mascara too.
This remover I swear, felt like I was just using regular make-up remover for the face to take the eye make-up off. It was terrible! And I am just appalled, because imagine how much chemicals have to be in it for it to have stung so bad. Their claim is that they have no "harsh irritants" like perfume or dyes, and it is "safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers"...if only there was a drinking game for the number of times I rolled my eyes while reading those claims.
So, yes.
I am thoroughly disappointed with this eye make-up remover. Their cleansing wipes are still amazing though and I highly recommend them, but for the sake of the comfort for your eyes and the love you have for them, please don't purchase the eye make-up remover. If anyone has had good experiences with this particular eye make-up remover, let me know!
Until next time, my wonderlicious readers!
xx
I feel like this is my problem. I always know what's the right thing to do, what I should be doing, and the magnitude of things that I am capable of doing, but I can never get started. I can make to-do lists, download apps that will help me remind me things I have due, and repeat motivational quotes in my head, but the hardest thing for me to do is stop procrastinating and get started. And having an iPhone has only made it worse for me. I am pretty much such a sucker for the apps on my phone that I've become the kind of person I hate the most...you know, the kind of people who at any time feels mildly bored would whip up their phones and scroll through Instagram/Twitter/Facebook. I've been trying very hard not to do that when I am not at home, and so far it's working well. I like looking at things around me and being aware of my surroundings when I walk anyway. But when it comes down to needing to get stuff done, my phone is the first thing I turn to. It doesn't even matter whether there are things to see (time difference and stuff), I just keep refreshing my social feeds until I feel extremely disgusted with myself. But enough about my "problem", I am blogging now and I feel keep this momentum and transfer it unto my school work later!
---
Two weeks ago, along with my drugstore beauty haul, I finally got an eye make-up remover that I thought would be PERFECT. Given the price point as well, I thought I snagged myself what could be the best eye make-up remover ever!
So, everyone knows Simple as the brand that does products for sensitive skin. I've been using their cleansing wipes for years and I've loved it simply because it was gentle enough for my skin but still cleansed it well, and it never gave me any problems. I've also used their cleansers before on one or two occasions but I never had any qualms about it.
That's why I thought this eye make-up remover would be perfect! And look, even on the outside of the bottle it says it is "kind to eyes"....what a load of crock. Seriously. I have never had an eye make-up remover that stung my eyes so bad, and I've been using your regular drugstore brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline, and even Malaysia's own SILKYGIRL. Those eye make-up removers never irritated my eyes and they work well enough to remove waterproof mascara too.
This remover I swear, felt like I was just using regular make-up remover for the face to take the eye make-up off. It was terrible! And I am just appalled, because imagine how much chemicals have to be in it for it to have stung so bad. Their claim is that they have no "harsh irritants" like perfume or dyes, and it is "safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers"...if only there was a drinking game for the number of times I rolled my eyes while reading those claims.
So, yes.
I am thoroughly disappointed with this eye make-up remover. Their cleansing wipes are still amazing though and I highly recommend them, but for the sake of the comfort for your eyes and the love you have for them, please don't purchase the eye make-up remover. If anyone has had good experiences with this particular eye make-up remover, let me know!
Until next time, my wonderlicious readers!
xx
Monday, July 22, 2013
Announcement feat. Selfie
On the way to Huntington Beach, when my hair was still dry and pretty, and when my make up was still perfect in my eyes. No editing needed! Super happy.
Hello lovelies!
I know I said on my Instagram that I will be blogging over the weekend but I was out there doing things and I was hardly at home. I apologize for the delay and the letdown (if there was any) but I had a great weekend despite it being really tiring.
Follow me on Instagram if you haven't already at @exquisitefox. I try to post interesting and appropriate pictures of my life, and I like all the love I get when I'm on that thing! I start hustling for finals starting this week and it ends the week after, and I'll definitely try to squeeze in at least two more posts by this weekend. There are so many things I want to rave about, but there's so little time!
Stay tuned!
xx
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Issue #4
Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder
COVERGIRL Brow and Eye Makers Pencil in "Midnight Brown"
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in "Original"
Laura Mercier Artist's Palette for Eyes, "Sunlit", "Plum Smoke", "Cafe Au Lait", and "Rich Coffee"
Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in "True Black"
Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer
Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Sorry about the image quality. Took this with my phone instead of my camera.
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I thought taking a break from being lazy and just relying on the two shadows I have on my Bobbi Brown Atomic Pink Lip and Eye Palette would be a good change for me. I have been guilty of settling into a routine for the last few weeks, especially since I discovered that when I do away with the eyeliner and just apply the Bobbi Brown metallic eye shadow in "Cement" across my upper eyelid, my double eyelids that were previously inconspicuous will become more prominent. I guess that was a sticker/surgery-free way that I discovered to making my double eyelids more visible.
But then because I started blogging again, I got really annoyed with myself for running through the motions when it came to applying my make-up. So I decided to revert back to my Laura Mercier Artist's Palette for Eyes. This time, I also decided to mix colors that I would not usually apply together on the same eyelid, and use a completely different method of applying the eye shadows. Also, let's not forget the eyeliner! It's been a while since I've had eyeliner applied across my lash line. It felt nice.... :D
P.S. Never, ever try to substitute an eye make-up remover with one that is designed specifically for the face.
I made the mistake of using my Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion on my eyes because I ran out of my Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover and I had no other eye make-up remover stocked at home! I was supposed to drop by CVS to get it after my night out but it completely slipped my mind. As I am typing this right now, I am slapping myself for not thinking of using my cleansing wipes! They would have been gentle enough on my eyes, even if I might have to exert more force than usual on my eyelids. But those wipes would have been better than what I put my eyelids through! Firstly, they burned. After that, they still continued to burn while I felt incredibly dry around my eye area. Then, even after dabbing on the bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream, I could still feel the burn! The next morning, after I cleansed my face, I felt the skin around my eye area to be incredibly tight still.
Therefore, I would like to apologize to my eyes and the skin surrounding them for the pain that I've put them through. I will never succumb you guys to such suffering anymore!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Manicure Mondays #1
This beautiful colour by Essie is one that I would never choose at first glance. It is only during those days when I'm shopping online and I am eager to step out of my box to dabble into something I wouldn't usually mess with that I would purchase a colour like this. And I didn't regret it of course!
I've always loved Essie polishes because the formula is always consistent. The colour is buildable so you can trust that even if it looks sheer the first coat, by the second coat it's as beautiful as you'd expect it to be.
Also, if you're thinking- Ah, Nen Lin, I see you decided to make your accent nail on a different nail...
Well, I truly intended it to be on my second finger! But then you know how you sometimes just go through the motions without even thinking? Kinda like brushing your teeth? Yeah...I was on my middle finger and then I realized I just applied the same polish on the second nail without thinking! Anyway, there was still my ring finger so all hell did not break lose. Phew! Hahaha.
The blue polish that dominates this colour palette on my fingers is Essie in "Avenue Maintain". Two coats.
My accent nail is Mariah Carey by OPI in "Get Your Number", which is part of the Liquid Sand collection. Three coats, because I wanted it to be a deeper, darker blue.
As for the sparkly flakes, they belong to China Glaze in "Luxe and Lush".
As you can see, the surrounding skin of my nails kind of suck. I am attributing it to my inability to resist peeling dry skin. Probably should moisturize with all the hand creams I have lying around, and not just using them when I want soften them and push my cuticles back.
I hope today has been a great start to the week for all of you!
xx
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Product Empties- March to June 2013
Hello!
It's been a long weekend for me since I went on break on Fourth of July and didn't have to go back to work/school on Friday (yay on-campus dining services and my instructor!). Also, I had a pretty stressful start of the week because I had a magazine article due on Tuesday and a midterm on Wednesday, so this break literally felt like my finals ended. And all the stressing paid off at the same time because I got really great feedback on my article and the research I did!
So, here I am, after a whole weekend of binge-eating and South Park/Amazon Prime movie marathons, ready to blog about something at least! It's no surprise I have A LOT of things to talk about but I'll try to do it one at a time without overwhelming you lovely readers with one long post that will probably take up your bandwidth or something. Lol.
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I never thought of showing you guys the products that I've used up because it never felt like I was finishing stuff as quickly as the beauty gurus I follow on YouTube. But after hoarding empty bottles of body lotion because I was weird and couldn't bear to throw them out, I realized how quickly I actually went through my beauty stuff! And I've even thrown some away but for those that I've managed to "save", they're here for you to see! Some of them are pretty mediocre, some of them I absolutely love...
1) Crabtree & Evelyn Savannah Gardens Scented Body Lotion
3) Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel
The first Crabtree & Evelyn product I've ever used for as long as I can remember! This is actually purchased by my sister back in Malaysia and I just brought it over hehehe. I always trust my sister to have one of the best tastes when it comes to these things and I am pretty sure it works the other way too (:D :D :D), and she used to let me use this when I was back home during the summer of 2012. Quality wise, you can expect not to be disappointed because it smells great and it won't irritate your skin. At the same time, I probably won't be repurchasing it just because I have come to the conclusion a few months back that unless the shower gel has healing properties in it, there is no point spending so much money on them when I can get a sizable product for just $5! This shower gel is only 250ml and it retails for $22 here....I can't even...
4) Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Body Lotion
This, I got it on my own when I was at the store. It is too, only 250ml and it costs $24. I finished this bottle in LESS THAN THREE WEEKS. No points for guessing how heartbreaking it was for me. It was good while it lasted though but there is definitely better, cheaper body lotions out there. I mean, just compare this with the first body lotion I talked about!
5) St. Ives Collage Elastin Moisturizing Body Wash
Drugstore product! +1 point for being a money-saving, financial savvy lady. I joke! Got this before I came back to the U.S. August last year because I made a mistake when converting the currencies and thought this was cheaper in Malaysia than it would be in the U.S. How stupid can I be, though? This product is made in the U.S. and then Malaysia imports it. -.- It's okay. It cleanses, it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, and it smells nice! Probably would repurchase this but I'm more interested in trying other drugstore body washes.
6) Crabtree & Evelyn Jojoba Oil Moisturizing Body Lotion
Don't you just LOVE saying jojoba oil? I love how you're supposed to say it! Hohoba hohoba hohoba. Anyway, talked about this before too. Love the scent for this more than the scented body lotion mentioned above, but the scented body lotion is more moisturizing. See how Crabtree & Evelyn tries to trick you?! Hahaha. I'm sure they're not trying to do that, but that's how their products work for me.
7) Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion
I've been using this make-up remover for as long as I can remember. I also first started using it because my sister had it and she highly recommended it. I never switched my make-up remover because like I said before, it is tough trying new stuff that could possibly be detrimental to your skin. I want to start off by saying, I LOVE this make-up remover. I know a lot of girls like using cleansing wipes to remove their make-up but I've never been a fan of that, simply because it always feels like the cleansing wipes don't remove your make-up as thoroughly as it should, and I always feel like I'm pulling on my skin (bad for someone like me who is already starting to look old!). I do get pretty lazy sometimes when it comes to removing my make-up, I am human after all. But I think if you're already removing your make-up, do it the right way! The product says that you do not have to use a facial cleanser after using this, but I still do anyway with my Lancome Creme Radiance Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and my Clarisonic Aria. Always better to be safe than sorry.
Funny story about this product.
I wanted to stock up on these make-up removers when I was back home last year (this time, it IS cheaper to buy it in Malaysia), and I was with my girlfriends. They kept telling me to try the one called Bifesta when all along I've known this product as Mandom. So, we reached the store and we realized that we were talking about the same product all along! It was funnier the way I remembered it...now it just sounds like a regular story. OH WELL.
They sell these here at the Asian supermarkets as well but they're mad expensive. I might try searching for a replacement after the remaining bottles I have run out. It will be a tough goodbye, but it has to happen! Also, if you're in Malaysia, they're CONSTANTLY having a sale at Watson or SASA for these cleansing lotions, so go snag one while you can! The one I'm using is called "sebum" because it's for combination skin but they have others for dry skin, dull and flaky skin, and mature skin.
8) Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Bought this when they first released it. Works just like how an eye make-up remover should. I don't know whether I've gotten better at removing my eye make-up, but using this I never felt like I would be scrubbing or pulling on my eye to get all the gunk off. It removes all the eye make-up really well, even my waterproof mascara goes off without a hassle. My only concern about this is that it is a pretty small bottle and I went through this bottle really fast as well. I definitely can get more out of my eye make-up removers when I'm using the ones by L'Oreal and Bifesta. So, I might repurchase this, but not in the near future.
xx
It's been a long weekend for me since I went on break on Fourth of July and didn't have to go back to work/school on Friday (yay on-campus dining services and my instructor!). Also, I had a pretty stressful start of the week because I had a magazine article due on Tuesday and a midterm on Wednesday, so this break literally felt like my finals ended. And all the stressing paid off at the same time because I got really great feedback on my article and the research I did!
So, here I am, after a whole weekend of binge-eating and South Park/Amazon Prime movie marathons, ready to blog about something at least! It's no surprise I have A LOT of things to talk about but I'll try to do it one at a time without overwhelming you lovely readers with one long post that will probably take up your bandwidth or something. Lol.
---
I never thought of showing you guys the products that I've used up because it never felt like I was finishing stuff as quickly as the beauty gurus I follow on YouTube. But after hoarding empty bottles of body lotion because I was weird and couldn't bear to throw them out, I realized how quickly I actually went through my beauty stuff! And I've even thrown some away but for those that I've managed to "save", they're here for you to see! Some of them are pretty mediocre, some of them I absolutely love...
From left to right, top to bottom:
1) Crabtree & Evelyn Savannah Gardens Scented Body Lotion
I've talked about this before in my post about body moisturizers so I am not going to waste your time on this. I would just like to say again that with Crabtree & Evelyn products, it is always the most unsuspecting ones that makes you the happiest! For real. Who would've thought a scented body lotion would be more moisturizing than a body lotion that claims to moisturizing? I am currently using the Crabtree & Evelyn Nantucket Briar Bath & Shower Gel and its only claim is that it's scented but damn, it leaves your skin all supple and soft! The bottle is 500ml and it retails for $28.
2) Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturzing Gel
Many of you out there probably have used the Clinique moisturizers in this range. It is, after all, the safest and more effective moisturizers for your face, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, one thing that really irks me about myself is my timing with these moisturizers. I bought this during wintertime, having never truly bought a face moisturizer before (I do not count my first few failed products), and so I bought the gel version thinking it would suit my combination skin best. But the thing is, my skin has changed a lot since I got here to the U.S., especially with the weather conditions. I'm sure I mentioned this before but when I was back in Malaysia, the only skincare product I regularly used on my face was my cleanser...but right now during the summer, even though it's still humid, I am still finding my skin needing a moisturizer no matter what.
During the winter, I used to slap a ton of this gel on my skin to moisturize it. Why didn't I just buy the cream version for dry skin then? Well, for one, I was still at that stage where my skin would break out if I even dared to dabble into other skincare brands (remember, this was pre-Clarisonic days!) and I was scared of the frustration that would cause me if I went on to discover other brands. Secondly, this worked fine anyway as long as I slap on just a bit more on certain sections of my face (the corners of my mouth, for instance).
And then, when this moisturizer was running out, which was coincidentally when summer was rolling around, I went ahead and purchased the bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer...for normal to dry skin. If you're thinking, why didn't you just figure it out and adapt by buying the one for combination skin instead? Well, the reviews for the normal to dry skin one was better! Some people had breakouts using the one for combination skin...and I wasn't sure the moisturizer sample I used from bareMinerals a few months ago was for normal to dry skin or combination skin. Sigh. First world problems, right?
Anyway, returning stuff to bareMinerals is a bit of a hassle because you have to call them first...and I have to get around to doing that...because the normal to dry skin version of the bareMinerals moisturizer can't be adapted to my skin no matter how I try.
3) Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel
The first Crabtree & Evelyn product I've ever used for as long as I can remember! This is actually purchased by my sister back in Malaysia and I just brought it over hehehe. I always trust my sister to have one of the best tastes when it comes to these things and I am pretty sure it works the other way too (:D :D :D), and she used to let me use this when I was back home during the summer of 2012. Quality wise, you can expect not to be disappointed because it smells great and it won't irritate your skin. At the same time, I probably won't be repurchasing it just because I have come to the conclusion a few months back that unless the shower gel has healing properties in it, there is no point spending so much money on them when I can get a sizable product for just $5! This shower gel is only 250ml and it retails for $22 here....I can't even...
4) Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Body Lotion
This, I got it on my own when I was at the store. It is too, only 250ml and it costs $24. I finished this bottle in LESS THAN THREE WEEKS. No points for guessing how heartbreaking it was for me. It was good while it lasted though but there is definitely better, cheaper body lotions out there. I mean, just compare this with the first body lotion I talked about!
5) St. Ives Collage Elastin Moisturizing Body Wash
Drugstore product! +1 point for being a money-saving, financial savvy lady. I joke! Got this before I came back to the U.S. August last year because I made a mistake when converting the currencies and thought this was cheaper in Malaysia than it would be in the U.S. How stupid can I be, though? This product is made in the U.S. and then Malaysia imports it. -.- It's okay. It cleanses, it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, and it smells nice! Probably would repurchase this but I'm more interested in trying other drugstore body washes.
6) Crabtree & Evelyn Jojoba Oil Moisturizing Body Lotion
Don't you just LOVE saying jojoba oil? I love how you're supposed to say it! Hohoba hohoba hohoba. Anyway, talked about this before too. Love the scent for this more than the scented body lotion mentioned above, but the scented body lotion is more moisturizing. See how Crabtree & Evelyn tries to trick you?! Hahaha. I'm sure they're not trying to do that, but that's how their products work for me.
7) Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion
I've been using this make-up remover for as long as I can remember. I also first started using it because my sister had it and she highly recommended it. I never switched my make-up remover because like I said before, it is tough trying new stuff that could possibly be detrimental to your skin. I want to start off by saying, I LOVE this make-up remover. I know a lot of girls like using cleansing wipes to remove their make-up but I've never been a fan of that, simply because it always feels like the cleansing wipes don't remove your make-up as thoroughly as it should, and I always feel like I'm pulling on my skin (bad for someone like me who is already starting to look old!). I do get pretty lazy sometimes when it comes to removing my make-up, I am human after all. But I think if you're already removing your make-up, do it the right way! The product says that you do not have to use a facial cleanser after using this, but I still do anyway with my Lancome Creme Radiance Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and my Clarisonic Aria. Always better to be safe than sorry.
Funny story about this product.
I wanted to stock up on these make-up removers when I was back home last year (this time, it IS cheaper to buy it in Malaysia), and I was with my girlfriends. They kept telling me to try the one called Bifesta when all along I've known this product as Mandom. So, we reached the store and we realized that we were talking about the same product all along! It was funnier the way I remembered it...now it just sounds like a regular story. OH WELL.
They sell these here at the Asian supermarkets as well but they're mad expensive. I might try searching for a replacement after the remaining bottles I have run out. It will be a tough goodbye, but it has to happen! Also, if you're in Malaysia, they're CONSTANTLY having a sale at Watson or SASA for these cleansing lotions, so go snag one while you can! The one I'm using is called "sebum" because it's for combination skin but they have others for dry skin, dull and flaky skin, and mature skin.
8) Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Bought this when they first released it. Works just like how an eye make-up remover should. I don't know whether I've gotten better at removing my eye make-up, but using this I never felt like I would be scrubbing or pulling on my eye to get all the gunk off. It removes all the eye make-up really well, even my waterproof mascara goes off without a hassle. My only concern about this is that it is a pretty small bottle and I went through this bottle really fast as well. I definitely can get more out of my eye make-up removers when I'm using the ones by L'Oreal and Bifesta. So, I might repurchase this, but not in the near future.
9) Philosophy Amazing Grace Whipped Body Creme
This product is separated from the pile not because it deserves the attention, but because I forgot to include it into the group picture. Lol. I was excited to use this product because I knew it was going to be very different from the other body moisturizers I have used. And also because it was the same kind of texture that the Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme that I covet is. But, it was a bit disaapointing. The scent was absolutely delish, of course, which was what appealed to me when I was in the store, but I felt like I had to use a lot of the product on my body because it was a dry kind of texture so you can't spread it as easily on your body as you could with a body lotion or a body butter. Won't be repurchasing it, but I still want to try the Laura Mercier one of course!
---
That is it for today's post! Obviously it is long and wordy as usual. But I really wanted to give you an honest take about these products and I didn't want to miss anything out.
Let me know if you have any questions or leave your comments down below! I would love to hear from people who read this blog, and I will definitely try to update more. Thinking of incorporating just a bit of my personal life and some style stuff into my blog, but that is still an idea. I might not do it since you have my Instagram for that!
I now own two times the lippes I owned when you all last heard from me. So I might want to talk about some of my favourites.
Expect to hear from me soon!
xx
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Ten minutes ago, I decided to finally approach the corner of my room where I keep the boxes of beauty stuff I intend to return. This particular box was the the Sephora one. I've had this nagging feeling that I've surpassed the return deadline for the stuff I wanted to return but I was hoping that somehow somewhat I could still return them! But, yes, once again, laziness got me nowhere. So now I am in possession of three bottles of the Nails, Inc. Feathers Effect nail polish which I don't quite fancy anymore because the novelty has worn off and a bottle of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which I have actually grown to love after the review I did but didn't quite plan on keeping it since it was pretty pricey...but I GUESS NOT since there is no way I can return them anymore! Unless someone wants to buy the nail polish bottles off me...I am keeping the beauty elixir just cause it works beautifully as a morning toner!
Sigh.
At least one of those things is going to keep me fresh and awake in the morning.
Admittedly, I have been slacking off the skincare department for the last few weeks. I think not keeping this blog updated has had my spirits running low. Which is a bad thing, because I've started developing zits on my chin (CAN SOMEONE SAY EW!) Obviously, I haven't had a "zit situation" in a while, especially since I started incorporating the Clarisonic brush into my skincare routine. Also, every time I DO use the brush, I go on a full skincare routine with serums and the like.
I could do a haul post now and show you guys all the products I have accumulated in the past two months. Or, I can do a shorter one featuring the products I'm really into as of late, especially with the changing seasons and the temperamental weather! I'll see where my mood takes me.
Stay tuned!
The next post might have me posting pictures of myself with a mud-like mask slathered all over my face!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Update: I Am Working On Bettering Myself
Hello wonderful people who are still taking the time and patience to visit this site in hopes of seeing an update! It's been three weeks since my semester has ended and summer session has begun but no new post could be found since then....until today!
I would love to blame it all on my busy life schedule, but it is really just due to my laziness. I would also like to blame the ridiculously hot weather that we have been graced with. I have taken to making weird noises and grunting to express my disgust towards the weather. This is what we have in Malaysia all year round! But there is always an air-conditioned space where one can escape oneself. But here? My apartment has NO air-conditioning. The closest I can get to "cool wind" is by opening my window and turning on my stand fan and have it blowing directly at me. No "swing" option because no way am I letting anything/anywhere else have the fan. It's a luxury in this weather on a college student budget!
Anyway, forget the weather.
I have had many beauty hauls, tried and tested several products, and used some until they were empty. All these while, I am always thinking about my blog- "I should blog about this" is a pretty standard thought in my head, one that comes up at least once a week. But alas! With the diminished amount of workload since one of my summer classes started this month, I have only become lazier...if that was even possible.
It's not that I hate blogging.
I don't! I love this blog, I love composing posts knowing I'm contributing to its growth, I love sharing what I know about beauty, and I love sharing this learning process I'm in with my readers. But you know how some people always have the greatest ideas but they are never really good at executing them? Well, I am one of them. I am currently trying to make all my dreams a reality, big or small, and it all starts with my attitude towards things!
Therefore, I will be blogging more often. I will not be avoiding Blogger completely just because I don't want to think about it. And, terrible weather or not, it should not be a reason for me to not keep this blog updated!
Stay tuned!
And thank you for never giving up on me!
LOVE ALWAYS!
I have also FINALLY gotten my own iPhone to Instagram! So, I am definitely updating more often there. Follow me on Instagram as well, if you wish to!
I would love to blame it all on my busy life schedule, but it is really just due to my laziness. I would also like to blame the ridiculously hot weather that we have been graced with. I have taken to making weird noises and grunting to express my disgust towards the weather. This is what we have in Malaysia all year round! But there is always an air-conditioned space where one can escape oneself. But here? My apartment has NO air-conditioning. The closest I can get to "cool wind" is by opening my window and turning on my stand fan and have it blowing directly at me. No "swing" option because no way am I letting anything/anywhere else have the fan. It's a luxury in this weather on a college student budget!
Anyway, forget the weather.
I have had many beauty hauls, tried and tested several products, and used some until they were empty. All these while, I am always thinking about my blog- "I should blog about this" is a pretty standard thought in my head, one that comes up at least once a week. But alas! With the diminished amount of workload since one of my summer classes started this month, I have only become lazier...if that was even possible.
It's not that I hate blogging.
I don't! I love this blog, I love composing posts knowing I'm contributing to its growth, I love sharing what I know about beauty, and I love sharing this learning process I'm in with my readers. But you know how some people always have the greatest ideas but they are never really good at executing them? Well, I am one of them. I am currently trying to make all my dreams a reality, big or small, and it all starts with my attitude towards things!
Therefore, I will be blogging more often. I will not be avoiding Blogger completely just because I don't want to think about it. And, terrible weather or not, it should not be a reason for me to not keep this blog updated!
Stay tuned!
And thank you for never giving up on me!
LOVE ALWAYS!
I have also FINALLY gotten my own iPhone to Instagram! So, I am definitely updating more often there. Follow me on Instagram as well, if you wish to!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Review: Nails Inc. Feathers Collection Swatches
Textured nail polish seem to have increasingly becoming a thing. Just five years ago, if I were to encounter a textured nail polish that wasn't glitter, I would have been very non-accepting to that idea, I think! Even back then, glitter nail polish was probably the most anyone would go. But with the rising world of nail polish addicts, NOTHING is impossible now.
I stumbled upon these nail polishes when the collection first came out on Sephora.com. Piqued my interest so I decided to give it a go! Feathers effect? How often do you see that?! I never bought into the other fads that existed since the glitter nail polish. I was mehhh with the hologram and magnetic nail polishes and I hated the idea of the caviar nail polish because it just didn't seem right to me! But I mean, if you liked all those things, good for you. Everyone has their own taste and the different things that appeal to them, so it's great we're all so diverse, but those nail polishes just never appealed to me.
This feathers collection by Nails Inc. felt like it could stick around for a bit when I first saw it. I don't think it's something that will "catch on", but like glitter nail polishes, it can be a classic polish!
This color is in "Brighton". In the bottle, the color just looks absolutely beautiful! For the base coat, I used Maybelline Color Show in "Blue Freeze", which is a dark blue shade that looks a little purplish under sunlight. Love the mix of the colors for this "Brighton" shade, and I think it'll give you a different look if you were to apply it over a lighter shade as your base.
This is in "York". I thought this would be my second favourite out of the three I got, but when I was applying it, it felt like the brush was picking up more of the clear polish than the feathers itself. I ended up applying a few coats of the feathers, hence the thickness of the feathers as you can see in the pictures. That ended up ruining my base coat- Revlon in "Minted"- and the "little holes" formed in almost every nail, even though you can't really tell from here. Wasn't really satisfied with this one..
Unexpectedly, I love this one the most! Maybe it's because of the base coat I used- Essie in "Ballet Slippers". Applying this shade called "Cornwall" over my base coat ignited this love I never had for this almost pinkish-nude Essie nail polish. Love love love this one! And the staying power for this particular combo is pretty good. :D
The feathers polish were topped with a top coat after I waited some time for it to dry. It was recommended on the bottles themselves, and either way, I always apply my top coat when it comes to textured nail polish, since you don't want the coarse surface that's raw rubbing against your skin or anything...the top coat protects you AND your nails from chipping.
After doing the swatches for these nail polishes, I can proudly say that I am glad to finally be able to return to doing my own nail art! Applying these nail polishes for review purposes have made me feel like I'm a boring person with no creativity...even if I did get plenty of compliments on the way my nails looked. It looked like you put effort into it, but you yourself know that it was so easy. I think if you're the kind of person who doesn't like sitting around for your nail polish to dry, this is the nail polish for you! Granted, I did wait around because that's what I always do to ensure that the quality of my polish remains intact even after it's dried, i.e. no bubbles, smudges, weird holes. I would definitely keep these polishes to use them once in a while!
Also worth noting- LOOK AT THE PACKAGING OF THE BOTTLES. If you're a sucker for that kind of thing, these bottles will definitely rock your boat! Each pigeon is in different colors and they have these feather-imprinted designs on the cap.
There's also another nail polish from this same collection called "Edinburgh" which I didn't get because I didn't really fancy it. These nail polishes go for $9.50 per bottle on Sephora.com!
xx
I stumbled upon these nail polishes when the collection first came out on Sephora.com. Piqued my interest so I decided to give it a go! Feathers effect? How often do you see that?! I never bought into the other fads that existed since the glitter nail polish. I was mehhh with the hologram and magnetic nail polishes and I hated the idea of the caviar nail polish because it just didn't seem right to me! But I mean, if you liked all those things, good for you. Everyone has their own taste and the different things that appeal to them, so it's great we're all so diverse, but those nail polishes just never appealed to me.
This feathers collection by Nails Inc. felt like it could stick around for a bit when I first saw it. I don't think it's something that will "catch on", but like glitter nail polishes, it can be a classic polish!
This color is in "Brighton". In the bottle, the color just looks absolutely beautiful! For the base coat, I used Maybelline Color Show in "Blue Freeze", which is a dark blue shade that looks a little purplish under sunlight. Love the mix of the colors for this "Brighton" shade, and I think it'll give you a different look if you were to apply it over a lighter shade as your base.
This is in "York". I thought this would be my second favourite out of the three I got, but when I was applying it, it felt like the brush was picking up more of the clear polish than the feathers itself. I ended up applying a few coats of the feathers, hence the thickness of the feathers as you can see in the pictures. That ended up ruining my base coat- Revlon in "Minted"- and the "little holes" formed in almost every nail, even though you can't really tell from here. Wasn't really satisfied with this one..
Unexpectedly, I love this one the most! Maybe it's because of the base coat I used- Essie in "Ballet Slippers". Applying this shade called "Cornwall" over my base coat ignited this love I never had for this almost pinkish-nude Essie nail polish. Love love love this one! And the staying power for this particular combo is pretty good. :D
The feathers polish were topped with a top coat after I waited some time for it to dry. It was recommended on the bottles themselves, and either way, I always apply my top coat when it comes to textured nail polish, since you don't want the coarse surface that's raw rubbing against your skin or anything...the top coat protects you AND your nails from chipping.
After doing the swatches for these nail polishes, I can proudly say that I am glad to finally be able to return to doing my own nail art! Applying these nail polishes for review purposes have made me feel like I'm a boring person with no creativity...even if I did get plenty of compliments on the way my nails looked. It looked like you put effort into it, but you yourself know that it was so easy. I think if you're the kind of person who doesn't like sitting around for your nail polish to dry, this is the nail polish for you! Granted, I did wait around because that's what I always do to ensure that the quality of my polish remains intact even after it's dried, i.e. no bubbles, smudges, weird holes. I would definitely keep these polishes to use them once in a while!
Also worth noting- LOOK AT THE PACKAGING OF THE BOTTLES. If you're a sucker for that kind of thing, these bottles will definitely rock your boat! Each pigeon is in different colors and they have these feather-imprinted designs on the cap.
There's also another nail polish from this same collection called "Edinburgh" which I didn't get because I didn't really fancy it. These nail polishes go for $9.50 per bottle on Sephora.com!
xx
Saturday, April 20, 2013
April Mood Board
I've never done a mood board/polyvore collection/collage like this before but I thought this would be a good time and place to start. I might continue this every month because I quite like this idea. These are just what I'm currently into- the concept of the products or just the products specifically. But at the same time, these are the things that I would most likely not get for myself because of the price tag attached to it (college student with a budget here!). For some of these products, I may have found dupes and alternatives to satisfy my yearnings for a bit...but if I were to ever possess any of these- I WOULD BE SO HAPPY.
1. Laura Mercier Crème de Pistache Soufflé Body Crème- I discovered body souffles a few months ago and the Laura Mercier ones were the first ones I found out about. I watched one of my favourite YouTube beauty vloggers talk about how amazing the body souffles in this Laura Mercier collection were. I think when these first got released, they were selling it as a set. Smaller sizes, but giving the consumer the chance to try out all the four different "flavors" they had to offer. This was about six months ago, and after that when I tried searching for it online, it didn't seem like they sold it anymore. ): ANYHOO, if I were to ever be given the chance to own one of these, I would choose the pistachio one first! As you all already know, I am nuts about body moisturizer, so I go through body lotions and body butters pretty fast. But with the current body souffle I'm using- Philosophy Amazing Grace Whipped Body Creme- I realized it took me less than a month to get to the bottom of the jar, and the one I bought was a decent-sized 8oz. My verdict is, I will go through body souffles pretty fast, so the Laura Mercier one? I'll save it for a special occasion to purchase it!
Retails at $55.00
2. Lately, I've been envisioning myself dressed in tailored pants, fancy blouses and structured blazers. I don't know what sparked this change in me (even though my wardrobe is still filled with clothes you would find in your average college girl's closet) but I've been wanting to just look more....lady-like. Which is not a bad thing of course! But getting what I want always requires a lot of money. People say money don't make you happy...THESE PEOPLE NEED TO GIVE ME THEIR MONEY AND LET ME LIVE. Jokes. Of course there are things that can provide you with happiness that money can't, but that's not the main point of this post. This is not really beauty related, but I love this dress from Suno's first fashion collaboration. I've always been pretty neutral about Uniqlo. This printed belted dress from that collection caught my eye instantly when I was going through the items of this collection! Anyway, whether or not I get this when the collection comes out (it is pretty affordable!) is debatable. Will think about it. But to a more lady-like wardrobe, maybe? (:
Retails at $39.90
3. Oh my God...this Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick in Gigolo 70...I've been eyeing dark berry red lips on women and I absolutely love it! Found this Guerlain one and just by reading its reviews alone I was totally sold. Unfortunately, due to its hefty price tag, I am better off finding a dupe. Found a NYX Matte lipstick that might make me happy enough to forget about this Guerlain one, but we'll see when I get the NYX one in my mail! :D
Retails at $49.50
4. Keds for Kate Spade New York "Kick" Sneaker. So cute, especially when you're wearing it during the summer!
Retails at $75.00
5. Unintentionally saved this for the last ("save the best for last", anybody?). It's also what I've been wanting for a really long time. I know purchasing this would be somewhat worth it because a little of the product goes a long way...but I can NEVER just buy one and try it out. I want to get the set and possibly the one that was created in collaboration with Nylon (HOW CAN I MISS THIS OUT WHEN I LOVE NYLON MAGAZINE?!). So yeah...Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pro's Picks Lip Tar Set v2.0 and the "limited edition" Nylon version. Honestly though, what is limited edition anymore? I wonder sometimes...
The set retails at $49.00 and the Nylon edition for $18.00
Let me know what you're going gaga over this month in the comments below! :D
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Review: Caudalie Beauty Elixir
There is something about reading about beauty products that are promoted in a non-hard sell way that makes me want to try them even more. Especially when the products are listed on websites I absolutely love visiting.
This Caudalie Beauty Elixir boasts smoothing properties while providing you with a glowing complexion. As much as I would love to love this product, I don't. Maybe I just haven't been using this often enough (more on why I don't later) or maybe my skin isn't as bad as I think it is to be seeing a significant improvement on my complexion.
What prompted me to purchase this product in the first place was this Caudalie x wine article. This beauty elixir does not have any wine in it at all (although it does contain alcohol which can be pretty irritating) but the brief mention of this product got me all excited. I am so easily amused! On Sephora.com itself, they've even list all the bad stuff that this beauty elixir is formulated without:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
Just looking at this list made me feel like I would be providing my skin with so much goodness! The name "beauty elixir" does more good than harm in instilling ideas in your head as well.
According to the glass bottle, this beauty elixir (sounds so magical, doesn't it?!) is "inspired by the 'elixir of youth' used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary." ROYALTY, PLEASE. It "visibly smoothes features, tightens the appearance of pores and provides a burst of radiance to the complexion."
You spritz this onto your face before you apply your moisturizer or even at any time of the day to refresh your face or set your make up.
The first time I used this I thought I got it in my eyes, even though I DID close my eyes prior to spritzing this wonder liquid onto my skin. I found out later on that like many products filled with alcohol, just it being on your skin irritates your eyes. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. It's when you apply certain products that you KNOW have intense levels of alcohol in them and they get near your eyes and even without direct contact they just make you feel uncomfortable. And that was how it was for me. I even started splashing tap water onto the areas surrounding my eyes but to no avail, I still felt the same way. And throughout the night, the smell of the beauty elixir (which I can only describe as overwhelming levels of alcohol with a tinge of fragrance) stayed with me.
I know this product is part-toner, part-serum but I am never a big fan of toners.
I use toners, especially after I've worn make up for the entire day and I want to make sure I get those pores extra cleansed and tightened after my using my Clarisonic, but the way it tingles on my skin makes me not want to use them everyday.
This beauty elixir seems to encourage consistent usage for beautiful looking skin, but I hate that "burning" feeling even though it is slight and manageable. The scent that stays on with me throughout the day is also why I deviate from the everyday usage of this beauty elixir.
As for whether this does help set my make up, I really can't tell the difference.
I just realized how inaccurate this review might be since I haven't used this much. So, for review's sake, I will be impartial and spritz this on every morning before my moisturizer. It hasn't given me any breakouts yet, so I guess the formulation of it is fine. I've read about people who have said the chemicals in it are really bad for you, so I definitely do not intend to keep this if I see no difference.
Stay tuned for an update! And let me know about your take on this beauty elixir if you've used it. Maybe I've been using it wrong or maybe you just want to suggest a better way for me to use it. In any case, let me know!
xx
This Caudalie Beauty Elixir boasts smoothing properties while providing you with a glowing complexion. As much as I would love to love this product, I don't. Maybe I just haven't been using this often enough (more on why I don't later) or maybe my skin isn't as bad as I think it is to be seeing a significant improvement on my complexion.
What prompted me to purchase this product in the first place was this Caudalie x wine article. This beauty elixir does not have any wine in it at all (although it does contain alcohol which can be pretty irritating) but the brief mention of this product got me all excited. I am so easily amused! On Sephora.com itself, they've even list all the bad stuff that this beauty elixir is formulated without:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
Just looking at this list made me feel like I would be providing my skin with so much goodness! The name "beauty elixir" does more good than harm in instilling ideas in your head as well.
According to the glass bottle, this beauty elixir (sounds so magical, doesn't it?!) is "inspired by the 'elixir of youth' used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary." ROYALTY, PLEASE. It "visibly smoothes features, tightens the appearance of pores and provides a burst of radiance to the complexion."
You spritz this onto your face before you apply your moisturizer or even at any time of the day to refresh your face or set your make up.
The first time I used this I thought I got it in my eyes, even though I DID close my eyes prior to spritzing this wonder liquid onto my skin. I found out later on that like many products filled with alcohol, just it being on your skin irritates your eyes. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. It's when you apply certain products that you KNOW have intense levels of alcohol in them and they get near your eyes and even without direct contact they just make you feel uncomfortable. And that was how it was for me. I even started splashing tap water onto the areas surrounding my eyes but to no avail, I still felt the same way. And throughout the night, the smell of the beauty elixir (which I can only describe as overwhelming levels of alcohol with a tinge of fragrance) stayed with me.
I know this product is part-toner, part-serum but I am never a big fan of toners.
I use toners, especially after I've worn make up for the entire day and I want to make sure I get those pores extra cleansed and tightened after my using my Clarisonic, but the way it tingles on my skin makes me not want to use them everyday.
This beauty elixir seems to encourage consistent usage for beautiful looking skin, but I hate that "burning" feeling even though it is slight and manageable. The scent that stays on with me throughout the day is also why I deviate from the everyday usage of this beauty elixir.
As for whether this does help set my make up, I really can't tell the difference.
I just realized how inaccurate this review might be since I haven't used this much. So, for review's sake, I will be impartial and spritz this on every morning before my moisturizer. It hasn't given me any breakouts yet, so I guess the formulation of it is fine. I've read about people who have said the chemicals in it are really bad for you, so I definitely do not intend to keep this if I see no difference.
Stay tuned for an update! And let me know about your take on this beauty elixir if you've used it. Maybe I've been using it wrong or maybe you just want to suggest a better way for me to use it. In any case, let me know!
xx
-Day One-
My experience today with this beauty elixir was better than the previous times I've used it. I managed to cover all sections of my face with this alcoholic mist while keeping my the bottle at arm's length. Was afraid to open my eyes and feel the sting after spritzing it, but it wasn't too bad! It didn't irritate my eyes at all. One thing that I do have to note though, is that I would have preferred to be able to pat the mist for better absorption and so as to be able to cover every part of my face. But either the product absorbs really quick, or the mist just evaporates really fast due to the alcohol in it. So, theres that. My face does look clearer compared to the days before this when I would apply my moisturizer WITHOUT using this beauty elixir beforehand. This product is growing on me. So as long as it doesn't start breaking me
out, I should be keeping it!
out, I should be keeping it!
-Day Two-
My verdict today: same old, same old. Again, I was still afraid to open my eyes today after spritzing it onto my face...I guess as the saying goes, "once bitten, twice shy"..but it was, surprisingly, not irritating at all. Keeping the bottle at arm's length while I spritz was definitely the right move I discovered! No drastic changes in my complexion. Might just return it. It was $49 after all. /: but I promised to do five days worth of a review. So, three more days to go! Shout out to my mom who just started reading my blog as well! :D
-Day Three-
NOT GONNA WAIT. Returning this product. It's not worth the money (for me) and as the weather becomes more humid by the day, I think it only acts as a catalyst for my oily/combination skin.Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Issue #3
Remember how in my post about lash enhancement formulas I raved about the Tarte lash combo?
Well, see it for yourself!
This was tonight's eye make-up to Sum 41's concert.
Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
My lashes are usually barely visible by itself, but this Tarte combination does the whole "false" natural lashes for my sparse Asian lashes.
xx
Well, see it for yourself!
This was tonight's eye make-up to Sum 41's concert.
Excuse my bare face. I usually like to let my skin breathe on weekdays.
Empro Triangular Brow Pencil in "Natural Brown"
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in "Original"
Laura Mercier Artist's Palette for Eyes, "Sable" and "Rich Coffee"
Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in "True Black"Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
My lashes are usually barely visible by itself, but this Tarte combination does the whole "false" natural lashes for my sparse Asian lashes.
xx
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Most Affordable Beauty Product
Lip balms are probably everyone's first beauty product (girls and boys alike!), and most likely, we all started with a drugstore brand. Personally, I have swayed from one drugstore brand to another, sometimes getting a bit more adventurous and dabbling into the more premium brands. But, these days, I swear by only ONE brand. And it is Carmex!
Carmex lip balms have got to be the cheapest and most effective lip moisturizing product I've ever used! Stores usually sell it for $1.99/tube and sometimes, if you're lucky, you can get them for only $1! I have experimented with my fair share of lip moisturizers to finally be able to say, THERE IS NOTHING ELSE FOR ME BUT CARMEX.
I have also, unintentionally, tried all the different flavors Carmex has to offer. Now, I usually stick to the strongest lip balm in a collection, always leaning towards the original scent because I always want to be able to get the most out of an effective product! But, sadly, the original Carmex hardly ever comes in tube form, which is how I like my lip balms to be, so I always end up getting the Cherry ones (but now they have Carmex in two new flavors- Vanilla and Lime, whut whut!) And unlike other brands, like Burt's Bees (which I have now come to detest after buying other lip balms from their collection that weren't medicated), the quality of their flavored balms do not differ much from the original!
Carmex lip balms do not leave a greasy residue on your lips unlike certain Burt's Bees lip balms and Kiehl's very famous lip balm (another lip balm that I hate with a passion). It may take some time for it to get absorbed completely, but your lips are always supple after! I get very chapped lips and I find that Carmex lip balms never fail me. I get instant nourishment and my lips are good to go for a long time without reapplication.
Annnnnnd...since it is so cheap, I never feel very bad whenever I lose them. Face it, we are all always losing lip balms. Carmex gives you quality lip balms for cheap and it is my favourite lip balm to date! For now, Carmex, I WILL NEVER DIVORCE YOU. You have and will always be a lifesaver!
What is/are your most affordable beauty product(s)? Do you have a favourite lip balm that you think I should try? Leave me a comment!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Issue #2
I don't know why my face was so swollen that day, and I only realized after going through the pictures.
Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in "Flash"
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation in "N120"
NYX Rouge Cream Blush in "Natural"
Empro Triangular Brow Pencil in "Natural Brown"
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in "Original"
Urban Decay Naked Palette, "Sidecar" and "Virgin"
Laura Mercier Artist's Palette for Eyes, "Chocolate"
Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in "True Black"
Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System
Korres Lip Butter in "Wild Rose"
I first applied the luminzing lotion and foundation across my face, then going in circular motions with my Real Techniques Stippling Brush, I mixed them together. I used "Virgin" to highlight the area under my brow bones and along my nail bridge.
xx
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Lash Enhancing Formulas
The first time make-up item I ever bought for myself was a mascara. I was 12, and make-up and all things beauty had just started piquing my interest (unavoidable, since I was cultish-ly consuming Seventeen magazine every month). At the tender age of 16, I also learned that false eyelashes save you a ton of time and money spent looking for the perfect mascara, since they do wonders once you stick them on, enhancing your make-up without you even trying. For the last few years, I've toned down on falsies, mainly because it was impractical (for me) to be wearing them on a regular basis...so I've practically survived on deluxe mascara samples.
LOVE mascara samples because they last you a long time! And let's face it, you never really finish a tube of mascara before they dry out!
Two months ago, I was lucky enough to receive a lash primer sample with one of my orders.
I guess everyone has their own way of applying their mascara, but I was taught since I started using them to first coat your lashes by brushing downwards, then only brushing upwards. I know it sounds odd, but it really DOES make a difference! Think of it this way, you're coating both sides so that when you finally LIFT THOSE LASHES from bottom to up, it is stable enough to provide this lift. You get longer and more voluminous lashes! F'REAAAAAL. Don't believe me, try it. Because of this, I hardly ever use my eyelash curler anymore! By the way, if you ever have to use one, you must use the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler!
Anyway, back to the lash serum!
I do the same as I would with a regular mascara, coating both sides with the Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer before proceeding to coat both sides again with the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara. MY EYELASHES HAVE NEVER LOOKED SO PRETTY.
This Tarte combo is the best! I once wanted to test its durability since most mascaras these days don't even need the waterproof claim to be waterproof, so I wore this for the entire day from 7 a.m. up till 7 p.m. And I even worked out that day and sweat quite a bit, but there were NO smudges whatsoever! Tarte is slowly becoming my favourite brand, I swear (more on that in a future post).
Another mascara that I really loved, and would still have continued loving if it didn't already dry out is the Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara. Now, when I first started using this three years ago, I had people come to me asking me whether I was wearing false eyelashes! That, my dear readers, is how good this mascara is. I don't pair this with the Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer because 1) it IS totally dried out and I am happy enough with the aforementioned Tarte combo, and 2) after a few bad smudging experiences with pairing the Tarte lash primer and the Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara, I kinda just want to stick to the Tarte combo for now..
A few weeks ago, I got a an email from Beautylish.com with a $10 off voucher. If you all don't know, Beautylish.com is a beauty community online that recently started having an online boutique...so recent that they include personalized messages in your packaged goods, thanking you for being one of the first customers! Lol.
The website's pretty neat though, even if they do not offer as many brands as other beauty sites, but it's worth visiting, and they ARE expanding. I got this Too Faced Better Than False Lashes set. This comes with an Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat and a tube of Nylon Lash Fibers. This set, has got to be, the WEIRDEST thing I have ever applied onto my lashes. I mean, it's not like I've done lots of funky things to my lashes to have anything extreme to compare this with, but if someone were to ask me of my WEIRDEST experience with make-up, this probably takes the cake.
...and this is why. It looks exactly like this in real life, and it is dry.
It was SO weird applying it. And since the instructions said to apply the Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat first, and then the Nylon Lash Fibers, it felt super weird. I guess since the fibers are dry, they could hold on to the base coat if they were "step 2". After applying that, I still had to go back to apply the last step, going back to the first tube I used.
My lashes did not feel "false". They did not even look nice as real lashes. They were just dull, and I even had to use my eyelash curler after that!
It claims so many things, and maybe I need to be wearing this consistently to see the results, but I'm returning this. The hassle is not worth it, and the nylon fibres get into my eyes! Such a pity, though. I really wanted my first Beautylish.com purchase to be one that I didn't have to return! I really wanted to love it since it is the first full-sized mascara I've bought for myself in a long time and it's so pretty as well, in its gold packaging and all..
Quick Tips
I will be posting more on my March beauty haul & March favourites.
So, stay tuned! :D
Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram
LOVE mascara samples because they last you a long time! And let's face it, you never really finish a tube of mascara before they dry out!
Two months ago, I was lucky enough to receive a lash primer sample with one of my orders.
I guess everyone has their own way of applying their mascara, but I was taught since I started using them to first coat your lashes by brushing downwards, then only brushing upwards. I know it sounds odd, but it really DOES make a difference! Think of it this way, you're coating both sides so that when you finally LIFT THOSE LASHES from bottom to up, it is stable enough to provide this lift. You get longer and more voluminous lashes! F'REAAAAAL. Don't believe me, try it. Because of this, I hardly ever use my eyelash curler anymore! By the way, if you ever have to use one, you must use the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler!
Anyway, back to the lash serum!
I do the same as I would with a regular mascara, coating both sides with the Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer before proceeding to coat both sides again with the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara. MY EYELASHES HAVE NEVER LOOKED SO PRETTY.
This Tarte combo is the best! I once wanted to test its durability since most mascaras these days don't even need the waterproof claim to be waterproof, so I wore this for the entire day from 7 a.m. up till 7 p.m. And I even worked out that day and sweat quite a bit, but there were NO smudges whatsoever! Tarte is slowly becoming my favourite brand, I swear (more on that in a future post).
Another mascara that I really loved, and would still have continued loving if it didn't already dry out is the Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara. Now, when I first started using this three years ago, I had people come to me asking me whether I was wearing false eyelashes! That, my dear readers, is how good this mascara is. I don't pair this with the Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer because 1) it IS totally dried out and I am happy enough with the aforementioned Tarte combo, and 2) after a few bad smudging experiences with pairing the Tarte lash primer and the Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara, I kinda just want to stick to the Tarte combo for now..
A few weeks ago, I got a an email from Beautylish.com with a $10 off voucher. If you all don't know, Beautylish.com is a beauty community online that recently started having an online boutique...so recent that they include personalized messages in your packaged goods, thanking you for being one of the first customers! Lol.
The website's pretty neat though, even if they do not offer as many brands as other beauty sites, but it's worth visiting, and they ARE expanding. I got this Too Faced Better Than False Lashes set. This comes with an Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat and a tube of Nylon Lash Fibers. This set, has got to be, the WEIRDEST thing I have ever applied onto my lashes. I mean, it's not like I've done lots of funky things to my lashes to have anything extreme to compare this with, but if someone were to ask me of my WEIRDEST experience with make-up, this probably takes the cake.
...and this is why. It looks exactly like this in real life, and it is dry.
It was SO weird applying it. And since the instructions said to apply the Activating Mascara Base & Top Coat first, and then the Nylon Lash Fibers, it felt super weird. I guess since the fibers are dry, they could hold on to the base coat if they were "step 2". After applying that, I still had to go back to apply the last step, going back to the first tube I used.
My lashes did not feel "false". They did not even look nice as real lashes. They were just dull, and I even had to use my eyelash curler after that!
It claims so many things, and maybe I need to be wearing this consistently to see the results, but I'm returning this. The hassle is not worth it, and the nylon fibres get into my eyes! Such a pity, though. I really wanted my first Beautylish.com purchase to be one that I didn't have to return! I really wanted to love it since it is the first full-sized mascara I've bought for myself in a long time and it's so pretty as well, in its gold packaging and all..
Quick Tips
- NEVER pump your mascara in and out to get more product, or whatever reason you're doing that. It will only introduce more air into the tube, causing your mascara to dry out faster.
- Everyone's lashes is different. A mascara that might work for someone else might not necessarily work for you. Just like how we are all of different shapes and sizes, so are our lashes! It is always better to try things out on your own!
- Applying a thin line of dark shadow just below your waterline when you're applying mascara to your bottom lashes will help create a fuller look.
I will be posting more on my March beauty haul & March favourites.
So, stay tuned! :D
Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
What YOU Can Anticipate This Weekend
Hey girls (and boys who read this just for kicks),
I know I haven't posted in a while and it might feel like "a very long time" for someone who just started her blog, but I swear, with school and work and Spring break it really didn't feel like time passed at all. BUT I JUST KNOW IT HAS...but I still don't want to check the date on my last post because I don't want to know how long has it been.
There are reasons as to why I haven't been posting besides my usual excuse but since this blog is pretty new, I have been working on trying to make it look more desirable for my readers, and myself. And with Wordpress' free blogs, you don't get as much flexibility as you do with Blogger in terms of editing the CSS for your blog to make it look pretty and sparkly. I can always use my own domain but I'm saving that for the future when I have professional portfolio to showcase! So, I've been thinking about migrating and doing the editing and transferring my existing posts over and all that blogger jazz I don't want to bore you with..
Look forward this weekend to read my post about lash serums, mascaras and lash extension formulas in a tube!
Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram
I know I haven't posted in a while and it might feel like "a very long time" for someone who just started her blog, but I swear, with school and work and Spring break it really didn't feel like time passed at all. BUT I JUST KNOW IT HAS...but I still don't want to check the date on my last post because I don't want to know how long has it been.
There are reasons as to why I haven't been posting besides my usual excuse but since this blog is pretty new, I have been working on trying to make it look more desirable for my readers, and myself. And with Wordpress' free blogs, you don't get as much flexibility as you do with Blogger in terms of editing the CSS for your blog to make it look pretty and sparkly. I can always use my own domain but I'm saving that for the future when I have professional portfolio to showcase! So, I've been thinking about migrating and doing the editing and transferring my existing posts over and all that blogger jazz I don't want to bore you with..
Look forward this weekend to read my post about lash serums, mascaras and lash extension formulas in a tube!
Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Cleansing
Over the weekend, I sampled the Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It's been a while since I used a BB cream, actually, and in fact, the last time I used a BB cream was the first time I used it and found it gave me breakouts. The BB cream was the FIRST thing I've ever purchased myself as a base for my face, so you can imagine how it brought down my spirits (because I thought my skin was so sensitive I couldn't use make-up other girls could! *sad face, sad face, sad face).
This Skin79 Hot Pink Super Plus Beblesh Balm was the one I was using, and every review I read that was out there on the interweb told me that this was the best at that time, especially with Asian skin, AND SO I GOT IT. And breakouts aside, it did make my skin look fantastic! My skin was flawless and I look back at pictures taken then when I used this BB cream and I get kinda sad because I know I won't be able to use it without irritating my skin. My beautician told me that because the molecules in the formula are smaller than your regular foundation, it seeps into your skin to be absorbed, and so people have had problems with the BB cream because they don't cleanse their face properly. And I can see why! You're boasting 10-in-1 properties in your product, you're claiming that it benefits your skin while providing foundation-like coverage, it makes sense! Now, before you think I am NOT washing all that gunk off my face properly, I can assure you- I WAS. I spend a considerable amount of time cleaning my make-up, double-cleansing, all that jazz...but it is what it is.
Anyway, my beautician just told me that the BB cream was bad and asked me to stay away from it (lol).
I never took her advice quite literally, but for my own sake (and my pocket's, since there was no return policy in Malaysia), I never ventured out to try other BB creams anymore. And the reason why I finally did again, AND ALSO THE MAIN POINT OF THIS POST, is because I knew for sure this time that I will be deep-cleaning my made up face at the end of the day.
If you guys don't know already of Clarisonic's existence, I, along with any other beauty fanatic out there, swear by the Clarisonic Sonic System Cleansing Systems!
These brushes deep-cleanse your skin without being harsh, so it's possible for you to use it everyday if you have make-up on your skin on a daily basis! I even use it when I don't have any make-up on, and it's just part of my regular night time skincare routine, so it's definitely not harsh! The brushes are soft and you get to choose the kinds of brush heads (sensitive, normal, deep pore, etc.). It is NOT an exfoliator, but it does the job of cleaning your skin, so much so that I don't even use exfoliators anymore! It is battery-operated, rechargeable and it is waterproof so you can bring it in with you in the shower!
I'm currently using the Clarisonic Aria, and the way this cleansing brush has changed my face is amazing. I no longer worry that I have dirt stuck in my pores that the mere cleanser and water could not reach and I know my serums and creams are being absorbed completely (every serum works so well now I don't know which do I love more anymore...).
When you first start using this, you WILL breakout, but it's only because your skin is purging. The girl at Sephora told me that it's usually within the first two weeks, but it was a month for me. After all, when it comes to your skin, it varies for different people. What I usually do is I'll go through the regular motions of applying my facial cleanser (Lancome Creme Radiance as my night time cleanser) onto my face and when it foams, I'll use the brush to cleanse my face, in a circular motion as well. There's a timer to the brush that tells you when to move to the next part of your face, and the whole process only takes a minute! After that, you just apply your toner, moisturizer, serums or whatever that goes with your regular routine.
And it took me months before I finally bought this, because I wasn't sure whether it would be worth the investment.
Take my word for it, girls. It is. Because the Clinique BB cream that I used last weekend? Did not cause any breakouts at all. I'm willing to go back to Skin79 again to see whether it'll work differently this time, but until then...the Clarisonic is a lifesaver!
xx
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