[Review] Shu Uemura – Hard 9 Formula Brow Pencils in #Acorn & #StoneGray

Hey everyone, HAPPY NEW 2016!!!!! Apologies for the long hiatus! I’m back with a review of Shu Uemura’s Hard 9 Brow Pencils! These have been raved and used by so many bloggers lately isn’t it?  It’s strange as I started using them wayyyy before they got so famous and it’s great to see more people realise its beauty :p

Brand: Shu Uemura
Product: Hard Formula Brow Pencils (or commonly known as “Hard 9”)
Shade: Acorn, Stone Grey
Price: SGD 33, USD 23, JPY 2300
Type: Eyebrow Pencil
Origin: Made in Japan

THE PACKAGING

Nothing fancy.  A simple pencil with a transparent cap lol XD.

THE PRODUCT

Quoting from shu uemura website:

“This unique eyebrow pencil only releases color pigment when it interacts with the oils in the brow hairs. The result is a natural, defined brows. Smudge-proof and long-lasting.”

If you try to swatch the colour onto the back of your hand, good luck!  The colour somehow only reveals itself when you draw it on the brows themselves… how intriguing!

Also, notice how they sharpen it to the shape of a “samurai sword”.  Sharpening is free at any shu uemura counter and I simply love this special “cut” of the pencil!  Makes it much easier to define and outline the brows and I believe it also enhances colour payoff.

THE SHADES

I have got two shades for you today – Acorn and Stone Gray.  Don’t you love the samurai sword cut? *always impressed*

Acorn is a warm brown tone suitable for Asian or fair skin stone, while Stone Gray is a darker gray-brown suitable for dark-hair girls like me.

There are many shades available!  I realised different countries offer different shades but Japan should have the most variety 🙂

Top row (Hard 9):  Sound Black, Seal Brown, Brown, Stone Gray, Acorn, Walnut Brown, Tea Beige

Bottom row (Hard 6): Seal Brown

Looking at the palette, I find Seal Brown, Stone Gray and Acorn to be safe bets for fair skin tones.

Check out the transformation!

The samurai sword shape really helps the outlining at the end of the brows before filling them in.  I typically use Acorn to outline, and then a mix of Acorn and Stone Gray to fill in.  Or I would use Stone Gray alone if my eye look suits a grey-black tone rather than brown tone.

Tips:

• Stroke it quite a few times to fill in as the colour comes out really soft and light so you don’t have to worry about having harsh brows at all.
• Need some slight pressure too, but be careful not too press to hard or you’ll break the beautiful sword!
• Hold the pencil at an angle where the sword is parallel to your brows, and you can also draw brow hairs to mimmick your natural brows for a natural look.

Small trick discovery!  I used it for nose contouring too.. so handy!

Just use fingers to blend. It’s so quick and easy!

MY VERDICT

PROS

• Super natural look, no worries on harsh fierce brows
• Samurai sword shape is unique in the market and helps in outlining corners of the brows
• Long lasting (I typically need to sharpen once in 4-6 weeks) and the pencil probably lasts a year or so
• Variety of neutral shades available
• Tried and tested (and loved!) by many since 25 years ago

CONS

• Pricey – so many cheaper alternatives available
• Colour a bit too light?  The ‘natural’ result is a good thing, but can be annoying if you prefer slightly more defined or darker brows
• Cumbersome to go pencil sharpening at shu uemura counters every now and then

OVERALL

If you are into natural soft brows, I think this is a great product for you.  I’ve tried many other brow pencils (Korean, cheaper alternatives) and sometimes those can come out stronger than I want it to be but this shu uemura ones never does that.  Always soft and natural no matter how much you fill in.  I did repurchase mine after who-knows-how-many-years because it took me soooo long to finish ONE pencil.  Try it out at the shu uemura counter before you make the investment – remember you need to draw it on your brows to experience it, not on your palm or back of your hand 🙂

[Review] Laneige two tone lip bar in #2 Red Blossom & #3 Pink Salmon

Gradient lips! It’s the lip trend in Asia now hailed from Korea and I find it really clever and flattering. It’s basically the technique of focusing more intense colour in the inner lips and gradually fading into the lip line with a nude / skin / another lip colour. The effect is gorgeoussss. Clever marketeers cuz we now have to get more lip products – lip concealer, at least two lippies, maybe a lip stain as a base omg. 

Today I’m going to review the Laneige two tone lip bar created for the very function of gradient lips that has two lip colours in 1 lipstick! Gradient effect in one swipe, it claims. I was so intrigued by this and it is still the only product in the market like that. Let’s get down to the review!

Brand: Laneige
Product: two tone lip bar
Shade: #2 Red blossom & #3 Pink Salmon
Type: Lipstick
Price: SGD34 (or around USD30 online)
Origin: Made in Korea
Website: Laneige website

THE PACKAGING

  

A rectangular lip bar packaging, different from the typical round lipstick. 

 
 See the little button at the side? Slide that down to get the product up. 

 
Innovative yea? It is retractable by sliding the same button up. But guess what, after photographing these, one of the sliders malfunctioned and it won’t retract even with sliding up! Gosh! Had to use a tissue to push the product back in so the cap can close. Thankfully it wasn’t too hard but don’t play with the sliding up and down unnecessarily!

THE PRODUCT

  

Song Hae Kyo is the prettiest!

   

They have 10 shades. #2 red blossom and #3 pink salmon suited me well when I tried it at the counter so into my bag it goes! 

THE SHADES

      

#2 Red Blossom has a bright red-pink and a nude pink-beige colour. 

# Pink Salmon has a bright true orange and a baby pink colour. 

Love these two lip bars as the colours are really complementary and brings out the gradient very nicely. Some of the other shades have more contrasting colours if you like, and some not even much contrast (like 7 cashmere nude) which defeats the purpose.

On my lips!

   

I find both shades brighten up my complexion in different ways! I don’t own any red red lipstick yet but I find #2 red blossom works on me! 

The texture is smooth and glides on easily. It also feels comfortable on lips, just like a moisturizing lipstick. The lighter colours may accentuate lines so lip balm or scrub first. 

The gradient effect is not achieved in one swipe though. Although I like the diagonal slant which helps create a softer effect, you need a Q-tip to blur out the harsh line between 2 colours. Fingers (even the last finger) don’t do the job as it ends up smearing the line too much that you lose the gradient and end up with one mixed colour on your whole lip. I also tried to use the lipstick edges to blend but then you kinda get both colours onto your lipstick, which you need to clean before your next use so you waste product. 

Staying power is so-so, maybe 3-4 hours? I haven’t found any lipstick which can last beyond 3-4 hours. Except Etude House play 101 pencil #11 with a very matte/dry texture. 

MY VERDICT

Pros:

• Gradient lips with less fuss! No need two different lip products. 
• Innovative design, fun product
• Sleek and light packaging 
• 10 shades, each made with complementary colours and good range from light to dark colours. 
• Comfortable moisturizing texture and wear on the lips

Cons:

• Still need a Q-tip to blur out the gradient line. Fingers too fat. 
• Need to be careful with button sliding thing as mine malfunctioned before using!
• Find the size of the product quite little (only 2g) for the price. It is not as wide as typical round lipstick due to its small rectangular design. 

Overall, I had fun! I’m especially happy with #2 red blossom since I could finally add some red to my lipstick collection. I put #3 pink salmon in my pouch and it is great for daily use and the bright orange really brightens my face with one light swipe. 

You don’t exactly need these lippies to create a gradient effect. Sometimes I actually prefer to use different products and play around with my collection, but for something to carry out and you want gradient lip as quick touch-up, then this is great 🙂

[Review] Etude House Play 101 Pencils in 1, 6, 11, 15, 41, 43, 44, 47 & 50

After watching PONY’s YouTube demo, I was amazed at how she could only use pencils to do a full face makeup! That thought never crossed my mind~ although the video was also sponsored by Etude House (ie. it is an advertisement), I was still inspired to try and eventually got myself…9 of these. Power of YouTube. 

Brand: Etude House
Product: Play 101 pencils
Shade: 1, 6, 11, 15, 41, 43, 44, 47, 50
Price: USD$6 (official website) but can be cheaper on some websites or if you buy in Korea
Type: everything! Can be eyeliner, blush, lipstick and even concealer
Origin: Made in Korea
Website: Etude House website

 THE PACKAGING

  

I bought mine in Jeju Korea while on a holiday and they had a lovely promotion that if I buy 8, I’d get this gorgeous pink pencil case made to house 8 pencils! It was love at first sight with the pencil case, and of course I had to get 8! Not a difficult task lol XD

  

Keeps 8 pencils perfectly. I have 9 🙂

    

Laying the boxes like that make it look pretty, no? Colours of the boxes match the shade of the pencils. 

  

The back of the pencil tells you the shade and is also a sharpener! Another innovation from Korea cosmetics. This is really convenient although I realised I dun use it much – just lazy XD. 

It is also a roll-up system which is great cuz I hate sharpening. So I basically just roll the product up and and when I use them, I try to auto-sharpen it without using any sharpener. It won’t be very sharp but acceptable. 

THE PRODUCT

From Etude House website:

Easy and fast makeup pencil type eyeliner with 50 various colors and textures. Pencil for from beginning to finishing of makeup. 

 – Simply full makeup: Various pencils which could be used for eyues, lips, cheeks, etc.

– Rich color with a single drawing: Rich and pigmented colors that do not need layering over and over.
– 5 various textures: Creamy, matte, glossy, shimmering, and glitter types available. Pick your favorite texture and experience the easy and fast makeup
– Long lasting waterproof function: Made of ‘highly functional waterproof polymer’* for long-lasting makeup.
(*’Highly functional waterproof polymer’ is NOT applied to some of glossy type items)

Color System

– Creamy: Soft drawing texture with rich colors.
– Matte: Soft drawing but powdery finishing. Recommend to use as eyebrow, eyeshadow, concealer, and base.
– Glossy: Moist texture that can simply fill up crease. Recommend to use as blusher and lips.
– Shimmering: Delicate glittering color for urbane look.
– Glitter: Glittering texture for dramatic and fancy makeup.

PONY filmed a new video while in Etude House Singapore using shades outside the 50 classic shades and I was told those are like limited edition and available only in Korea 😦 

THE SHADES

  

• 6 – Glittery champagne pink. Good for inner corners or highlighter. 
• 11 – Creamy orange, for lips and cheeks
• 15 – glossy satin coral peach (my fav!), for lips and cheeks
• 41 – Creamy matte ash brown, good for brows
• 43 – Glitter rose pink and gold, good for all over lid shadow base or highlight 
• 44 – Shimmery bronze ash brown
• 47 – shimmery bronze orange brown
• 50 – Creamy dark brown
• 1 – Creamy black

I tried to use all the colours I have to create a look and tada!

All shades are used except black, as I picked dark brown to be the eyeliner. 

Close-ups!

 

For brows, PONY uses 41 or 42. Mine is 41 and it creates the softest brow look of all the brow products I own. Texture is really creamy and easy to draw. Lasting power is decent too. 

For eyes, it’s abit difficult to spread and blend pencils on lids, but they work great as liners – be it the typical liner or tightlining , inner corners and under eye outer corner lining.  The textures are really creamy and colours pigmented and true to its shade.  The highlight shade, 6 is abit dry and settles into fine lines 😦 

For lips, the pencils are kinda dry, especially 11. 15 is glossy satin texture so it’s better. Lip balm is still a must though. But I notice if you use less lip balm and more product stick to the lips, the lasting power is realllyyyy powerful! It’s the most long lasting lip experience I had, with 11 especially. Expect some product to stick to the dry parts, but both colours are gorgeous. Good as precise lip liners too 🙂

For cheeks and highlight, glossy satin texture like 15 is easier to blend than the others. But the warmth of our fingers can still do the work for other textures, you just gotta work fast. 

MY VERDICT

Good for:

• Many many colours (50 in all!) for you to play around. I recommend the creamy and glossy textures. 
• Eyeliner, tightlining, detail work around the eyes (1, 50 or other dark creamy eyeliner type of colours) 
• 41 for brows creates a really soft pretty look 
• Lipstick for glossy satin textures (15), lip balm recommended.
• Lasting power really awesome for 11 though abit drying. 
• Lip liner, can be really precise and pigmented 
• Cheap!

Not so good for:

• All over lids, not so easy to blend 
• Still need brush if you want a very sharp line for eyeliner. Tip is more suitable for smudged look rather than sharp.
• Glittery 6 abit dry and settle into fine lines in inner corners for eyes

Overall I really enjoy playing with these pencils. I use 1 and 50 almost daily as eyeliners and tight-lining, and also 11 and 15 as lippies. The other colours meant for eyeshadows are kinda ignored unless I want to line the crease or under eyes with 44 or 47. 

 

Which shades have you tried and which are your favs?  I saw Smashbox has a Always Sharp liner product that auto sharpens to a sharp tip (sharper than these play 101 pencils) every time u use it.  I really want to try them next! See how much I hate sharpening? Lol XD

[Review] YSL baby doll kiss & blush in #4 Orange Fougueux and #8 Pink Hedonista

Hi everyone! Today I would like to review YSL baby doll kiss & blush! I really like how YSL comes up with their product names 🙂

Brand: Yves Saint Lauren (YSL)
Product: Baby doll kiss & blush
Shade: #4 Orange Fougueux and #8 Pink Hedonista
Type: Lipstick, Lip tint, Cream blush, Cheek tint
Price: US$40 (I got it at SGD45 duty free)
Website: YSL website

 THE PACKAGING

Comes in a clear square-cut container where you can see the shade clearly. And signature YSL gold tube handle. Simple and sweet! Light and won’t hurt to squeeze a few in your pouch XD

  
The applicator is like felt material with a pointed tip and a round pop in the centre. Overall it picks up the product very well, not too much or little at one go. 

The pointed tip is good for dabbing a few spots on the cheek before blending; and the round pop is great for spreading colour onto your lips. Truly made to work for both lips and cheek huh?! Clever people at YSL!

The bottle opening is made to be as small as possible but sometimes I still worry about air going in and out whether it will dry up the product *paranoid*

THE PRODUCT

On YSL Website:

Kiss your cheeks. Blush your lips. Play with color and mix and match your lips and cheeks. Yves Saint Laurent introduces the latest innovation in the edgy Baby Doll attitude. This 2 in 1 ultra blendable air whipped mousse beautifully highlights your lips and cheeks with a sensual soft matte finish. Available in 12 signature YSL shades.

What’s inside:

• – Hyaluronic Acid Spheres
• – Moisturizing action emollients
• – Softening action
• – Pomegranate extract
• – Antioxidant action
• – Candellila Resin
• – Protection
• – Mineral Pigments
• – Bright sheer color

THE SHADES AND TEXTURE

Edit    

Sorry the lighting is on yellow side. The  pigmentation is really high and colour difference is so clear with flash. 

#4 is a really bright orange coral while #8 is a sheer baby rose pink. Both are just my type of shades 🙂

The texture is really light – truly like air whipped mousse indeed and I love it! Nothing like it elsewhere. 

Blended look below! This shows how it might look on cheeks when you blend it out. 

  

You achieve also this finish when you dab product on lips or cheeks for natural look. Colour depth is certainly adjustable if you layer on concealer on lips or sheer foundation on cheeks. 

You need to dab rather quickly on cheeks to blend it out nicely before product settles. I use bb cushion or concealer to blend out the sides to avoid any harsh lines 🙂

Next, on mua lips!

  

It would work awesome to apply on cheeks too for a matching look, but I was lazy XD

 #4 suits me well as a my-lips-but-better product isn’t it?  #8 really brightens up my face, as with how coral / orange lippies work on me.  What I love is its consistent soft matte texture and gorgeous colour… 

The staying power is ok on lips, and longer on cheeks. I haven’t found a lipstick that truly stays anyway LOL. Because of its matteness, it could feel abit dry on lips and accentuate some fine lines. I also notice it leaves a tint of colour on lips even after product fades – which is a good thing although the tint tends to cling to the dry parts of lips…

MY VERDICT

Pros:

• Love the soft matte texture on both lips and cheeks
• Buildable colour from sheer to highly pigmented
• Wide variety of gorgeous shades (#4 and #8 suit me well but I’d love to get the whole range!)
• Truly dual function where it works well for both lips and cheeks – travel friendly!
• Staying power on cheeks are good! Colour can also be adjusted if you layer on sheer foundation. 

Cons:

• Pricey at US$40 if not duty-free. But product probably will last a long long while. 
• Abit drying on lips and may accentuate lip lines
• Staying power on lips not that long although it leaves a tint on dry parts of the lips which looks fine from far (not so much from near)

Overall 

I carry #8 in my daily pouch now and works great as quick touch up to both lips and cheeks when I need it! I keep #4 at home for us during weekends when I want bright lips 🙂 it’s also a great dual product perfect for travel. 

I tend to always get a natural sheer colour and a bright coral / orange shade for lippies but I’m really tempted to get other shades of this range like #5 as recommended by beautifymeeh YouTuber. The only thing stopping me is the cost and the chance to try something new from a zillion brands out there.  Till I figure what to do, I’m certainly happy with my purchase  and probably won’t ever need to repurchase since quite a lot of product in there XD

I’m just infatuated with YSL, you know?

Brazil Haul and Travel 2015

I was in Brazil for 2 full weeks for work and hauled a couple beauty items from duty-free airport shopping, and of course grabbed some must-get Brazil goodies! 

1. YSL baby doll kiss & blush 

  
Got this in #4 Orange Fougueux and #8 Pink Hedonista. Been wanting this for the looooongest time since its launch! Finally…I succumbed and even got 2! First impression, I love its soft matte texture and dual functionality of a blush and lippie. Just what I need for travel ^_^

2. Laneige two tone lip bar

  
Uh huh…yet another lip product. I got #2 Red Blossom and #3 Pink Salmon. I don’t even apply much lipstick actually, but I can’t stop buying! What’s wrong with me LOL XD 

These have two tones in 1 lipstick – and so far the only product in the market like that! I’m just very intrigued by this idea, saw some good reviews, tested #2 Red Blossom and #3 Pink Salmon and it flattered my skin tone.. so into my pouch it goes!

3. Havaianas flip flops

  
THE must-get if you come to Brazil. 
They are so much cheaper in Brazil and probably nicer designs too. Two for about USD35 including accessories add-ons!  Pretty sure you can’t get that price outside Brazil. I love how you can add accessories or bling bling to these flip flops. See the diamond heart and pink turtle? ❤ 

 

4. Kopenhagen chocolates

  
This is the Godiva of Brazil and I must say I love what I’ve tried from this chocolate cafe/shop. Bought 3 types of their 70% chocolate – should be dark chocolate in 3 different flavors but I can’t read Portuguese so not exactly sure LOL. 
I’m still in Brazil and going home in 2 days! Gotta take a 25 hour flight – oh my gawd…. Probably won’t travel here for personal trip cuz it’s simply too far! But Latin Americans are sooooooo friendly I really enjoyed their hospitality ❤

As a bonus, sharing some travel pics!

Iguazu falls weekend getaway. This is a world heritage site and won the 7 new wonders of nature! Seriously..just breathtaking. 

Argentina side~ nope this is not from a postcard and there are so many rainbows! 

  

Brazil side. Also worth visiting!

 

And my next favorite is the street art gallery at Vila Madelena. Love this place and the art is so diverse! 

   

  
I had fun taking selfies lol. I wonder if I’ll ever come brazil again cuz it’s so far but definitely a unique and friendly city! 🙂 

☆ Liebster Award ☆

Thanks so much, Kelly Jung for nominating me for this award!! I feel so happy and it’s my first ever award since I started blogging!!  I never thot I’d ever ever get any ‘award’ but I’ve been loving my blogging experience and the wonderful people all around the world! Check out Kelly’s awesome blog here 🙂  

So here goes!

Kelly’s 11 Questions:

1. What is your favorite restaurant?

Wow I’ve been to so many good restaurants it’s really difficult to pinpoint a favorite. But my fav type of hangouts are cafes and I like cosy rustic quiet ones. Which girl doesn’t? Hehe. 

 

2. What is the unhealthiest thing you ever did?

Having Indian prata (fried dough bready thing) with sugar and curry as supper.  It’s a very common supper option for Singaporeans as these places often open till dawn, but I try to steer away from these now~

 

3. What is your worst habit?

Peeling my lips.  It’s just stuck with me since infant days and i just can’t kick it off..   I guess I perpetually have dry chapped lips so always looking out for good lipbalm and moisturizing long-lasting lippies!

 

4. Stay at home or go out?

I’d say 70% stay at home; 30% go out.  I’m definitely more of an introvert.  Love cooping in my room watching K or J-dramas / movies or just beauty surfing.  I can watch youtube beauty bloggers all day LOL XD.  But I do get the urge to go out on weekends for get-together with close friends.  It’s also the time where I can try more daring makeup looks and I look forward to that! haha

 

5. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?

My favorite country is Japan (though slowing leaning towards Korea haha) – so I’d say Japan! There are just so many awesome things to do and eat in Japan, and I don’t really mean Tokyo.  Since I can speak Japanese, I love exploring the not-so-touristy areas that are just as beautiful and authentic 🙂 

 

6. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

I know dark chocolate is much better than milk chocolate – higher cocoa content, less sugar – but if I’m in need of a sweet indulgence, I’d go for milk chocolate *guilty*

 

7. Did you ever buy anything from the boy’s section at a store?

Of course, for my boyfriend / fiance.  Always get shirts and gifts for him when I travel abroad 🙂

 

8. What is the first thing you notice when you meet a person?

Eyes, I think.  I believe you can tell alot from the eyes, whether they are sincere or just entertaining you.

 

9. What is your favorite fruit?

Hmm.. I think watermelon or chinese pear.  They are super juicy, crunchy and mildly sweet 🙂

 

10. Do you prefer sneakers or sandals?

Sandals.  I don’t even own a pair of decent sneakers now LOL.  Not a sporty girl at all haha. 

 

11. What is your dream job?

Owning a rustic woody cosy cafe.  Where I can serve a small andquiet crowd with great coffees and teas and some light meals.  And beauty blog when I want to! haha

 

11 Random Facts about me:

1. I lived in Japan for 3 years.  My favourite country!

2. I am the only child. 

3. I cry very easily when watching dramas or movies. 

4. I love Arashi – a Japanese boy band and my favourite member is Ninomiya Kazunari.  They are the epitome of cuteness and friendship! Watching them brings me pure joy. 

 

5. There is only 1 Korean boy group I can call myself as a fan for – that is, MBLAQ.  But they disbanded recently.  Sad!  Tough idol industry in Korea! 

 

6. I work full time in the finance field that lets me travel a lot!

7. I never understood why people put on lipstick in the past but since I got crazy over makeup about 2 years ago, I can’t stop buying lip products!

8. I feel so envious when my fav beauty bloggers get sent so many goodies from big brands. It’s so ex to buy them all with your own money!

9. I was born in Malaysia, Penang and I love that place. 

10. I live and work in Singapore now. 

 

I nominate the following awesome blogs for the Liebster award! Spread the love ❤

soydou

Hair Beauty & Style

auberginereverie 

makeupbyingrid 

STYLED BY S

fashionbeautyacne

My 11 questions are:

1. If you can pick only 1 makeup product to use, what would that be?

2. What’s your favorite makeup product now?

3. What’s your favorite skincare product now?

4. Where’s your next dream holiday destination?

5. Coffee or tea?

6. Introvert or extrovert?

7. What music do you like?

8. What languages do you speak?

9. iPhone or Samsung? (Or what phone are you using?)

10. What’s on your beauty wish list now?

11. What’s on your fashion wish list now? (can be clothes, bag, shoe, anything!)

If you got nominated for this award here are the rules:

– Link back to the blog that nominated you.

– Answer their 11 questions for you.

– Tell 11 random facts about yourself.

– Nominate 11 other blogs with less than 200 followers.

– Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

Thank you guys so much again!!! <333

[Review] and [Comparison] – NARS Contour Blush in #5180 vs MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in #Medium Dark

Hi beautifuls! I always considered contouring / shading to be advanced makeup skills that only pro-makeup artists can handle, but for the past year or so, this concept has boomed so much that any new makeup junkie like me can learn the tricks of making my face look slimmer without exercising *hooray!*

Today I’ll be reviewing the NARS Contour Blush in #5180 that I bought in Japan, and also doing a comparison with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in #Medium Dark (gosh what a long product name). 

Brand: NARS
Product: Contour Blush
Shade: 5180 Olympia (ivory/rose)
Price: US$42 or 4200yen 
Type: Blush / Contouring
Origin: Made in USA
Website: NARS official website

THE PACKAGING

   

  

Classic black NARS packaging with velvet-matte finish very nice to the touch. 

  

Love the NARS font – so classy. Decent size mirror. Larger area for contour shade (rose) and lesser for the highlight shade (ivory). 

THE PRODUCT

From NARS:

A LUST FOR BLUSH

A duo of contouring blush shades to create natural-looking dimension for the face with a lightweight luminous finish. A deeper shade enhances definition while a lighter shade illuminates the high points of the face.

  

Closer look at the powders. They are TOTALLY MATTE. No shimmers at all, so double thumbs up for me! 

There are 3 shades from NARS for this product and this is the lightest and probably the only usable one for fair or Asian skin tone (I am NC/NW20). The other 2 shades are much darker suited for darker skin tones. 

Also love the fact it has both highlight and contour shade in one compact! Good for travel. Just gotta remember to pack a contouring brush along~

Now onto comparing with MAC!

  

Regarding MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural:

A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect light coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day. New mirrored compact.

I was introduced to this by a MAC salesgirl when I told her I am looking for a contouring product. This powder has a thousand shades and she picked #Medium Dark for me. It is really a natural light powder that can be a foundation, setting powder, etc and I never would have thot it could be used for shading. Thanks to the helpful MAC salesgirl!

THE SHADE AND TEXTURE

  

The contour shades are quite different. NARS has more of pink/red hues while MAC definitely lends more to a brown/beige shade. 

The contour shade in NARS is called Rose and I feel it is very apt. A rosy pinkish shade that can be a blush on its own. 

  

Swatches! Reconfirming the rosy hues of NARS and brown hues of MAC. 

On texture, NARS feels really smooth and silky while MAC powders are really fine though not as silky to the touch. 

Both are MATTE. No shimmer. 

  

Just nose shading only. It’s amazing how a small dab of powder makes your nose look taller/sharper. 

  

Nose shading comparison only. Can you see the shade difference? Sorry it’s really subtle. 

I think you can pick the colour that best matches your eyebrow colour or overall makeup look. 

Now onto cheek shading! I’m still super amateur in this so pardon the skills please!

No other blush product applied~

NARS definitely create a more rosy pink look while MAC is slightly darker. Both offer great contouring and definition!

I think you don’t need another different blush product for NARS whereas for MAC, perhaps a pastel lighter colored blush might be good to brighten the face. NARS also has the white highlight shade so it’s really convenient. 

MY VERDICT of NARS

Pros

• Super silky and smooth texture
• Easy to blend, hard to get unnatural blotches
• Fully MATTE
• Contains both highlight and contour shade in 1 compact
• Sleek flat portable packaging with mirror (but no brush)

Cons

• Packaging can get dirty easily with foundation stains from fingers on the matte surface
• Need to buy good contouring brush (no brush included)
• Rosy shade may not suit all skin tones (but it suits mine well!)
• On the expensive side?

Overall

It took me awhile to open this NARS product as I was using the MAC whenever I wanna do shading if at all. Still learning the technique. But I think the rosy hue of NARS probably suit me better than MAC, especially for natural neutral makeup daily. I also love that it has a matte white highlight shade! Don’t really like shimmers on face as I could end up looking like a shimmer ball. 

MAC probably suits a darker makeup look better but I’m definitely happy I have both! Can pick and choose to suit whatever look I have on the day 🙂

Btw for the brush, I use MAC angled contouring brush #168 or Hakuhodo angled highlight brush #B512 / #G512. Both work greattttt ~ 

[Review] Josie Maran -100% Pure Argan Oil Light

My acne is getting worse, my mood has been down and my search for mild yet effective skincare for ultra sensitive skin continues. Sometimes it’s just so hard I skip putting anything on my face though I know I must still moisturize at the least. 

In the peaks of my skin’s dryness I bought Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Light to try. It’s my first time using oil as skin care and I must say I’m pleasantly surprised. So here goes. 

Brand:  Josie Maran
Product:  100% Pure Argan Oil Light
Size:  15ml
Price:  US$16 
Type: All-natural oil for skin and hair
Website: Sephora website for Josie Maran 

THE PACKAGING



I bought the smaller 15ml to try. There is the standard 50ml size too but this smaller size is great for travel. 

I love the design. It’s simple and classy in a glass bottle and dropper system. 







Love these small symbols all saying good stuff:

• Natural ingredients
• Argan oil
• Recyclable 
• Paraben free
• No synthetic fragrance
• Gluten free
• Vegan
• Cruelty free

When you have acne skin, it’s great to have all-natural products without anything synthetic. I won’t want to risk it by doing more damage to my skin 😦

THE PRODUCT

Argan oil is produced from the fruit kernels of the “Argania Spinosa” or Argan tree, endemic to the Northern African country of Morocco.

Rich with antioxidant phytochemicals and essential fatty acids, argan oil is about 80% unsaturated fat by composition, of which about 32% is essential linoleic fatty acids and 47% oleic acid.

What it is:
An ultralightweight, quick-absorbing version of Josie’s cult-favorite 100% Pure Argan Oil. 

What it is formulated to do:
A featherweight version of the world champion of oils, 100% Pure Argan Oil Light moisturizes deeply and absorbs quickly, leaving a semi-matte finish. Produced by Moroccan women’s co-ops, this top-grade Argan Oil is extracted from the nut of the argan tree, then first-cold-pressed to protect its healthy, hydrating properties. Wear it under makeup or instead of makeup, and fear not if your skin is oily. This must-have oil actually reduces sebum production, so it is ideal for all skin types, especially breakout-prone and sensitive. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
– Parabens 
– Sulfates 
– Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
“I’ve been asking chemists for years if there was a way to get an ultralightweight version of Argan Oil. After years of development, using a proprietary process we are able to release the lightest elements of Argan Oil while still maintaining all the amazing skin benefits. This new, ultrafast-absorbing version is the perfect partner to my classic 100% Pure Argan Oil.”—Josie Maran 

Research results: 
Argan Oil is clinically proven to significantly improve skin. In a 4-week consumer study: 
– 86% agreed skin felt and looked more hydrated and supple 
– 84% agreed skin felt and looked smoother 
– 82% agreed skin felt and looked more radiant 
– 84% agreed skin texture improved 
– 81% agreed skin felt more balanced 
– 80% agree skin felt calmer and soothed



With all the good claims and raving reviews, I had to try and I went for the Light version of this brand.  The last thing I want is my face to feel more greasy and gunky. 



THE TEXTURE AND SCENT



Love the dropper system. Perfect for dripping dots of oil just how much you want it. Simple and effective. No mess at all. 



To my surprise, the texture is really light! Almost flows like water. A lot of toners and lotions are so much thicker than this. Loveeee the lightweight texture!

Although it is an oil, I won’t use the word greasy to describe it at all! It may feel slightly so at first but it’s so lightweight it blends into your skin so quickly and really does not leave any sticky or greasy feel (see last pic). 

I can also feel how moisturizing and calming it is on troubled skin, just what you need when you have angry red spots. Almost like a healing agent but with all the skincare benefits your face needs. 

The scent is also mild and natural. Although not fragrant like aromatherapy oils, it is still a calming mild scent that I like. 

MY VERDICT

Pros:

• Ultra lightweight texture. And I really mean ultra. 
• 100% All-natural oil. No synthetic stuff at all. Good for any skin type. 
• Calming, moisturizing and healing. Suitable for even acne or oily skin. 
• Absorbed into skin very quickly. No greasy or sticky feel. 

Cons:

• Still oil texture so I don’t use it everyday when I’m in hot and humid Singapore. It’s great for dry weathers or as an in-flight moisturizer. 

Overall:

I’m so glad I gave this a try. This really changed my impression about using oil as skincare and I might give other raved about oils (like coconut oil) a try too. I like to put this under eyes or areas extra dry with fine lines or wrinkles when I don’t want to apply on the whole face. It really feels like it deeply moisturizers the area despite the lightweight texture. 

My search for acne prone moisturizers still continues though. Let me know if you’ve tried really good ones!

[Review] YSL Rouge Volupte in #13 Peach Passion

Its been so long since my last post! Today I want to review a YSL lipstick that I hauled recently in USA 🙂 I think this is probably the most famous lipstick in the world and finally I own one of it! 

Brand:  YSL
Product:   Rouge Volupte – Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick
Shade:   #13 Peach Passion
Price:   US$36
Type:   Lipstick
Website:   YSL

THE PACKAGING

  

  

I love EVERYTHING about the packaging!

Classy elegant gold reflective casing. Beautiful YSL engraved detail. And my fav part is, the background colour of YSL engraving matches the lipstick shade!  I dislike lipsticks where I have to turn over to squint at the label in minute font size 2 to see what shade it is…. Certainly YSL folks understand the pain to come up with this clever design! 

Also, it won’t steer you from getting more of the same range cuz the displaying different shades just makes your vanity pretty ^^

THE PRODUCT

  

Quoting from YSL: “An object of desire, this award-winning lipstick is wrapped in a romantic, elegant gold case that exudes luxury. Each signature shade saturates lips in captivating color that’s intensely pigmented, and imparts an irresistible glossy shine. The long-lasting, comforting formula is highlighted with a unique Color-shine Complex that leaves lips visibly smoother, plumper and more radiant. Light, silky texture smoothes on a veil of satiny, sensual color that’s altogether alluring.”

An object of desire – how true! Seriously, a luxury to have 🙂

  

The texture, just like the name, is silky sensual. It glides on your lips SO smoothly and it feels SO moisturizing! 

This is seriously one of the most moisturizing lipsticks I have! Almost like butter. 

The scent is also a pleasure and very mild. Nothing too strong to remind me of anything but I like it 🙂

THE SHADE

  

I love the name of the shade. Peach Passion. 

In natural daylight (pic above), you can see how it exudes a gorgeous peachy colour! Not too bright, not too dark. Just right and perfect for spring!

  

It looks gorgeous with flash too! The pigmentation is certainly rich enough to show colour but makes you look naturally beautiful!

  

I love how it adds colour to my lips yet achieving such a natural look! I am a fan of neutral natural makeup 🙂

Certainly the choice for my daily work days and also any casual outing. The shade matches my skin tone (MAC NW/NC20) so perfectly that I can also use it as a nude shade where I want a smoky night look. 

Notice it also looks very smooth on my lips, not accentuating my chapped lines – thanks to the moisturizing formula!

There are not many days in a week (or month) that I sport a hot red or flashy pink lipstick, so this was such a gooooood buy for me! I use it almost daily for any occasion XD

MY VERDICT

 Pros:

• Elegant gorgeous packaging. Whipping it out of your bag exudes luxury!
• Super moisturizing and buttery texture
• Does not accentuate lip lines or chapped lips
• Rich pigmentation (yet looks natural!)
• Gentle mild scent
• Lasting power pretty long at 5 hours or so. But I love to take it out for touch ups as it is just a joy to look at these lovelies!

Cons:

• Pricey. You can get Korean lipsticks (also good quality) at probably half price. 
• In very hot and humid weathers (like Singapore), lipstick could become too buttery so beware not to store it at places with high heat. 

Overall:

I LOVE THIS!!!!! Holy grail quality. 

Now I wanna get the whole range. Sheez. 

  

Semi Smoky Look x Cafe Brunch

Hi everyone! So I tried out a semi smoky look for my weekend brunch in a cafe.  Weekends are like my best chance to try smoky looks since I don’t really go clubbing or partying at night XD  This is also my first post relating to a cafe so I’m excited!

So first, the look!



For the face: 

• Concealer: Shiseido spot concealer foundation in S100
• Base / Foundation: Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control in #21 
• Finishing powder: Innisfree Mineral Ultrafine Pact pressed powder

For the cheeks:

• Coffret D’or Smile Up Cheeks in #12 Nudy Peach

For the brows:

• Étude House Play 101 Pencil #42
• Innisfree brow pencil in #3 

For the eyes:

• Eyeshadow: Naked 1 palette – Sin all over lid, Gunmetal in outer corner, up to crease line, and also under eye outer half, Creep to smudge eyeliner and Virgin under eye inner corner
• Eyeliner: Étude House Play 101 Pencil #1 and Clio Penliner in #KillBlack

For the lips:

• Maybelline Babylips balm
• Laneige Silk Intense lipstick in #36 Beige Chiffon 

What do u guys think of the look? It was my first time adventuring into Gunmetal and Creep on Naked 1 palette and I LOVE it! Can’t wait to wear it again!

So I had brunch in Natick Mall, Massachusetts in their newly opened PAUL Cafe originated from France 🙂





Wow 125 years history! Gotta be good. 

I ordered Cafe Latte and Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. I swear that every time I see Eggs Benedict on a menu, I will order it 99% of the time. 





Even looking at the pics as I post makes me hungry. The latte is not so sweet – which is good. The eggs are great too, though I think it can’t beat my favorite eggs Benedict place – Sarabeths. But definitely still better than a lot of places in Asia that I’ve tried. 



The best moment of eating eggs benedict – the yolk oozing out haha. 



I really enjoy sitting at cafés to just relax, people watch, read blogs on my phone, blank out into space and dream of setting up my own cafe someday. 

Leaving USA in a couple of days and although the food portions here are wayyy too large, I’ll miss the different atmosphere and lovely people here 🙂