Nov 2013 Favorites

Nov is a great month!! 

Cathy Doll, Snow White Blink Blink Whitening Snow Mask (for body)

I hesitated to name it as one of my favorites because I remembered it was a disaster when I first tried it. Instructions said to massage it on dry skin(I suppose), let it dry for 3minutes and then rinse off with water. HOWEVER, it was impossible to get it off. It left an ugly white chalky residue which was extremely un-natural. 
I tried it again the 2nd time, this time not on the whole body but on my kneecaps and my neck. My neck is significantly darker than my face and my chest(a round tanline), just as my kneecaps with my legs. 

This time round, I massaged a THIN layer carefully within the boundaries(the darker areas). After few minutes, I lathered shower foam on my konjac sponge and brushed them off, rinsing thoroughly with water until no chalky residue is left. Indeed my darker areas looked fairer in a natural way and my kneecaps looked the same shade as with my legs, and my neck with my chest. In short, overall complexion colour is more even.

SO, the conclusion is, it whitens by at least 1 shade very effectively and unless there is someone to help you, it's quite difficult to have an overall even application to ensure a perfect fairer body; you'll end up having some patches fairer and some patches darker if not done properly. Therefore, I feel it's most useful on partial areas which are relatively darker than your body. 

Etude House - Water Colour Blusher in No.2 Coral

I'm always hesitant to try non-powdered blushes because I was afraid of tough application. But I was actually hoping that I can find a blush which can stay throughout the day and this did it. It lasts all day. It's texture is one of the best I've seen, not too liquid nor too thick; so while it's quite pigmented, it wont accentuates the pores on the cheeks like some cream blush does nor cake up. 

It does need some tact to apply it properly though. A sponge is encouraged. Apply bit by bit; it's buildable. Apply after your foundation but before your powder.

Sunkiller BB Perfect Strong - 
SPF 50+ PA+++

In short, it's a tinted sunscreen. Very very watery texture so careful when pouring else you'll have a yellow river. Surprisingly pretty decent coverage when it's not thick at all. Very light on the skin. Evens out skin tone and covers minor imperfections while looking natural. Gives a "no makeup look". However it can look "made-up(like you have make-up on)" if more is applied. So it's up to your preference. Does turns alittle shiny after few hours with no primer/powder. Though again, it kinda makes no sense if I need a primer for a fuss-free makeup day. I still like it as a high spf sunscreen for just a few hours nearby lunch. I just blot the shine away and still look decent without touching up anything. 

Ecotools - Tapered Blush Brush

Love love love this blush brush. Very soft. No shedding. Picks up the right amount of blush and applies nicely without wastage. It's dense enough to be used to pick up blush from those mini blush compacts without messiness. Right shape and size for me too.

Etude House - Surprise Essence Concealer in #01 Light Beige

I usually use L'oreal True Match Concealer for my imperfections as well as to highlight my under-eye and t-zone. It was great and natural, but it's coverage wasnt enough for my hyperpigmentations which was like at least 2-3 shades darker than my skintone. FML. So I needed one with a higher coverage. This is great; with it's round sponge applicator, it's simply made for concealing dark hyperpigmentations or pimples. Good coverage but yet doesnt cake up. I still use my concealer brush to blend it properly. 

Dior Addict Lipstick in 353 Blush

This looks pretty nice when I swatched on my hand before buying; like a subtle reddish pink but still considered a MLBB[I'm a very MLBB(my lips but better) girl...call me a coward]. However it's GORGEOUS when applied on the lips! I dont quite know how to describe the colour. It's like a mauve-y pinkish-red which is not over the top and attract stares over your lip colour BUT yet will immediately become the highlight of your face. It's very moisturizing and lasts fairly well considering how moisturizing it is. I've been loving it! The classy packaging is lovely too!

Etude House - Dear My Essence in Lips-talk in EBE103

It looks rather sheer when you swatched it on your hand but actually it's colour payoff is good when applied on your lips. What's so special about this is you are to twist the bottom cap clockwise to release the lip essence. Usually I'll twist 1 or 2 clicks and then apply and it's so moisturizing. It's like both a lipstick and a lipgloss. A gorgeous MLBB colour. It reminds me of one of my MLBB lipsticks which is Too Faced - Spice Spice Baby. The colour is pretty similar, just that Etude's even more moisturizing and gives more of a glossy finish. Granted, it's not very lasting due to it's high moisturizing and "glossy" nature. Price wise, it's like 60% of Too Faced La Creme lipsticks. 

Etude House - Face Designer Brightener  in #Cutie Face

Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I'm recently using this as my highlighter. It's violet-based. It brightens up the face in a natural and dewy way like the korean-style of makeup; I dont like chalky white highlighters or highlighters with too much glitters on a day-to-day basis. I wish this can be longer-lasting though. However, it's sufficient for daily basis. 

October 2013 favorites

Sorry this came late!

Stila Convertible Colour - Dual lip and cheek ceam in Poppy 

Picture credited to tinted-red.blogspot.com. It's a gorgeous and elegant red and I used this as a rouge for my lips. It's great if you're concerned  with hygience as you use clean fingers to swipe the colour to dab onto your lips everytime. Stains your fingers though. Not for very dry lips. Very pigmented, be careful when applying as it stains easily. Dries to a semi-matt finish, feels like you're wearing nothing and lasts fairly decent. It's still around after a meal, merely faded alittle to a natural red evenly. I'm most terrified of red lipsticks which fades unevenly as it's unglam. The red is classy but usually I'll top it with a pink gloss and I just love the colour turn-out. Love the mirror. I think it looks great on full lips but not on thin lips because it's kinda matt. 

The Skin Food - Eye shadow Brush in 3 Medium

Actually only 2 words are on the brush and it says Skinfood. Zzzz. However, I did a search and my favorite eyeshadow brush is the middle one and it's supposedly to be referred as the "3 medium" eyeshadow brush. It's a firm small brush and I've been using it for years. It picks up the right amount of product, does not trap excess eyeshadows like the one I had from Sigma and blends evenly. The size is just nice for me because I have small eyes and very narrow parallel double eyelid crease, so much so sometimes I look mono-lid when I smile. And I usually only use a single eyeshadow for my crease and crease only. If you have deep-set big eyes and wish to blend a large amount of heavy-duty eyeshadow, then this probably is not suitable(it's not a eyeshadow blending brush). This is great for tapered eyelids and light eyes makeup. =)

Ecotools 5 piece brush set
It's travel size friendly and I love the sizing so much. The 2 brushes on the right are my essentials; The most right mini fluffy brush(eye shading brush), I use it to apply my highlighter as it gives a very natural and light finish. For the 3rd brush from the left, it's an amazing concealer brush which applies my L'oreal TrueMatch concealer flawlessly. I must say these 2 brushes are something I cant do without.

L'oreal Skin Perfection 
-3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution

I like the packaging, though will vastly prefer it with a pump because it's basically cleansing water. It says: Dissolves makeup/Unclogs pores and remove impurities/tones and soothes skin, high performance, hypoallergenic, for Face/Eyes/Lips and suitable for sensitive skin. There are simply days which I dont feel like slathering cleansing oil on my skin and this is perfect. I just saturate a cotton wool with it and wipe all over my face. I can feel the face looks and feels cleaner and also brighter without any sticky feeling nor annoying fragrance. I always double cleanse with my new favorite makeup remover cleanser, L'oreal Sublime Fresh Deep Pure Foaming Water. And face is very clean with no breakouts on my acne-prone skin. However I only use this method of cleansing when I have light bb-cream or merely powder alone; not when I'm having foundation. For eye makeup removal, I use another solely for removing waterproof eye makeup.

L'oreal Sublime Fresh Deep Pure Foaming Water

As mentioned above, I use this in conjunction with L'oreal Skin Perfection -3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution, as double cleansing. It says: remove all traces of makeup, purify 100% of pores with no soap and alcohol. It's a very watery kind of foaming wash which is very gentle to skin. I dont use either 1 of these 2 products alone BUT when I use them together, they do a great job at removing my makeup completely while still leaving my skin fresh and soft, without any break-outs. 


This is something I really appreciate alot. Because while cleansing oil can really go deep into the skin to remove deeply embedded dirt and impurities, it also means they're harder to cleanse off completely. Therefore, using cleansing oil has it pros and cons. Pros, they can remove all waterproof eye and face makeup all at 1 go. Cons, they're harder to wash it off and might cause breakouts if any residue is left.

Btw, I bought the above mentioned 2 L'oreal products with a buy 2 get 1 free promotion at Watson. So it was pretty worth it. 

Vidal Sasson - Premium Colour Care Shampoo

Recently just coloured my hair and they're so dry now. The troublesome thing is whilst the hair is dry and frizzy, my scalp gets oily easily in Singapore's humid weather. This shampoo makes my hair manageable as it's quite moisturizing, and it's not overly so for my oily scalp. So hair stays fresh for more than 8hours without looking flat. I always condition my hair ends after shampooing though.  

Random Fringe Velcro Pads

This is just a random pic I got from the internet but I got the same velcro pads from SASA; they're around S$3+ in a pack of 3. I cut my fringe lately and these are my life saviors at holding up my fringe while I'm doing makeup or washing my face, without changing the fringe style nor leave an ugly dent behind.

Many friends commented I look very different with a fringe. Hmm...mostly say looks younger. I guess so, you'll always look younger with a fringe. :P Hubby seems to be liking it.

September 2013 Favorites

Here's my September 2013 favorites. Not many, because I was really busy, and also because some items were a let down. Initially I was harboring hopes that the much raved Mrs Bunny Travel Kit Brushes from Sigma Beauty which I bought from Luxola's birthday sale will be a great favorite. Sadly it isnt. Granted that the brushes are extremely soft on the skin, no shedding whatsoever, however they trapped too much products which makes them inefficient and a total waste of my pigmented eyeshadows/blushes; I have to use so much more product than usual and yet they dont transfer to my lids or cheeks, only to the cotton pad when I am cleaning the brushes. Arrghhh! The foundation brush also streak. The packaging was cute and pretty and the travel kit cylinder holder is great for holding the brushes, but other than that, they're much much smaller than the pictures shown and I dont think they're worth the price. And I'm just glad I purchased them with a 30% off else I will really be kicking myself. =P Will be trying out Real Techniques brushes soon. 

O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in 
Thanks a WindMillion

This is the most true-to-pic picture I found online; picture credited to twoheartstogether.com. Lovely, elegant green which makes your skin looks fairer and brighter. It was a random colour I chose during a pedicure session and I was so surprised it looked so much better than on the nails colour palette. Will definitely be purchasing it. 

Beauty Credit Lovely Face Powder 
- Loose power in 21 crystal

This simply works great when worn alone; when I'm just going to nearby and not wearing any foundation/bb-creams. Thus, I just want something fuss-free, and light on my face, offering slight coverage without burdening my face too much. It brightens up my face while still looking very natural and makeup-free. It also lasts a good 5hours or so, which is enough for me if I'm just catching a dinner and movie out of town. You can use a colour-correcting base before it but not recommended for use with bb-creams/foundations as it will look heavier. 

VS(Victoria Secrets) Perfect Body Smooth me over - Pink Sea Salt - Exfoliating body polish

Simply love the packaging, sweet and classy all in one. It's a birthday gift from my darling, Gra and I love it as much as I love the girl herself. =) As the name suggests, the salt scrub is really in pink! It certainly needs more water(apart from a wet body) to be blended well for good exfoliation. Apart from that, it works miraculously well on smoothing and brightening the skin as well as keeping it hydrated, which is something lacking in most scrubs. If you have dry skin then try this out; it's less harsh but still able to give you gentle exfoliation without over-drying your skin. The product has fragrance but not really one which lingers after you've washed them off. 

ZA - Cleansing Foaming gel

It's supposed to act as a makeup remover too but I merely use it as a normal cleanser. I love the fresh and cooling sensation as well as how clean, supple, smooth and hydrated my skin feels after that. This combo feeling is something which I've never experienced with other cleansers. Shiok! =) I also realized it's less oily at t-zone and pores also got smaller. 

Fiberwig Paint On False Lashes - Extra Long

It simply lengthens my lashes to a new record length! Enough said!

August 2013 Favorites

I love my new background and template......so sweet and demure righttttt~ Totally unlike me. Muahahahaha! And did you notice my new lollipop favicon?? Kekeke! Cuteeeeee righttttt~ 

Here are my AUG 2013 favorites. Love them~~~ Hee~~

Wet & Wild - Comfort zone Palette

Although words like Browbone/Eyelid/Crease/Definer were embossed on the eyeshadows, I generally wear only 1 or 2 colours alone on lids as the colours are pigmented and pretty heavy.

This palette is love because I love all the colours; namely the nudes, metallic blues and shimmery greens. However, as much as the colours and size is perfect for travel, I doubt it's suitable because the shadows break easily. Bought this online from drugstore.com and it was shipped from U.S. And the top right taupe shade was slightly chipped. However, for the very inexpensive price, it's definitely worth your penny.

Sephora - Happy Birthday Mini Shopping Bag Palette

Love this very much. Very sleek and classy packaging. Colours are pretty pigmented and all are my must-have colours. A birthday gift for Sephora members so it's not for sale. However, you can always sign up as a member with any purchase.

More pictures and reviews here. 

Too Faced - Bronzed & Poreless -Pore Perfecting Bronzer

Finding a perfect bronzer is almost as difficult as finding the perfect shade for your face. The fairer you are, the more difficult it is to find a perfect bronzer which doesnt look too harsh, heavy or "muddy" on you. This, Too Faced - Bronzed & Poreless, is just perfect for my relatively pale skin. It is one which I can swipe without qualms at my jawline because the shade is just right. Quite buildable. And the best thing about this matte bronzer that it is so fine and smooth, true to it's name. Thus, it gives a very natural, smooth finish after being blended well. It doesnt look like you deliberately contour your face but yet still do it's job. 

Gorgeous packaging too. Granted that it's not very cheap for a bronzer to me(S$42) but it really suits me very well. And doesnt break me out. Before I purchase this, I did hover between the much raved Benefit's Hoola(kinda too dark for me) and the Sephora bronzer(lightest shade), but Too Faced's texture really win hands down. It's packaging is also much better than Benefit's "cardboard" packaging. For almost the same price, I will definitely choose Too Faced instead. 

Yitong (fake)Eye-lashes in H05

I had 3 different friends who asked me were my lashes real when I was wearing this ....which actually means while they enhance the eyes, they still look very natural. =) Pretty comfortable too, although it's not usable for many times; at most twice. I love to wear this for my work or casual days. It's quite difficult to buy this model, Yitong H05, as I ran a few Beaute Springs outlets to stock up a few boxes(10 pairs per box) before this entry. They're only S$13.90 per box.

Sephora Medium Shopping Bag Palette

Love the versatile and wearable colours in this limited edition palette. More pictures and reviews here. 

Etude House - Line Nuance Duo

Weird that the colour wasnt stated. This consists of a forest green liner on the left and a gorgeous shimmery brown eye shadow on the right. Very pigmented and lasted fairly well with UDPP. For the price, it's definitely worth it. 

TheFaceShop - Make Me Star Waterproof gel liner

(black with shimmer and light brown)

I love these 2 eyeliners because they're very easy for application, creamy and very long lasting. Colours are gorgeous, very pigmented. 100% smudge-proof all day with UDPP which is very impressive, as none of my eyeliners(pencil/gel from pot etc) is 100% smudge-proof even with UDPP. To be sharpened. The end comes with a rubber tip for a smudged effect. The width is just right, not too thick nor too thin, although if you want a very precise wing eye, it does needs sharpening as the tip is usually blunt. Alternatively, you can use an eye liner brush to assist for a wing eye. I will probably go back and get some other colours because it's so inexpensive. =)

Would love it if they have matt black and more colours.

Too Faced La Creme Colour Drenching Lip Cream - Naughty Nude.

Previously I mentioned I love this range of lipsticks in May favorites, and the previous colour I like is Spice Spice Baby. This time round, I simply love this nude shade, Naughty Nude which is simply gorgeous, It's moisturizing as well so it hides any lip lines very well. Very pigmented so you dont even need a lip concealer(I have slightly red lips). It is slightly towards an orange-nude than a pink-nude. This suits fair-skinned people very well. If you're crazy with nudes then be sure to try this lip cream out. 

Cyber Colours - GEMSTONE Blusher in Orange Coral

This is a lovely blusher in coral with graduation effects so the direction in which you swipe is important. If not then swirl for an even colour. Slight shimmers, not really visible unless you look closely. The accompanied brush is very soft. Love the packaging, very glam and chic, with the huge mirror. Thanks to SASA because I chose this with my Happy Birthday voucher of S$30. =)

Thanks for reading~~~ =D Have a great weekend!!!

Tips on staying fresh for Summer - Favorite Summer Beauty Products - Light, Fresh and LASTING Summer Makeup - July 2013 Favorites

While I totally agree on the saying that Singapore is summer all year round, I must say, our summer months, Jun, Jul and Aug are simply the worst summers one can have during the year. Despite I'm already used to the hot and humid weather here, I cant help noticing the changes I saw on myself as well as the changes which I need to adapt for these months; 

I sweat more
My makeup slides faster
My makeup just looks thicker even if I'm using my usuals
My face and scalp gets oilier faster
I get more breakouts
I get more tanned easily

There's a need to change my skincare and makeup routine. 

And I start to think...."you got any skincare routine meh?" HAHA.
Actually I dont really have an elaborate one. But I feel for now, everything needs to be "simplified" and "lighten up", in all aspects.

Previously, I was using a foundation/bb-cream with medium coverage(my all-time favorite Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation), but I had toned down to something with lighter coverage. Meaning, it will be less heavy for the skin. Because with the hotter summer, more sebum gets secreted, gorged within the enlarged pores, it will cause makeup to look thicker(and not nice) and may also cause acne. 

My current favorite light cover shield is ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV White, SPF 50 PA+++. 

ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV White, SPF 50 PA+++. 

This feels totally amazing on the skin. It feels like you're applying a serum instead of a makeup product. It spreads so easily, offering a light and natural coverage which is still competent at evening out your skin tone. But for hyper-pigmentation marks or scars or very dark eye-circles, you do need to use a concealer. Although you feel your skin is well moisturized with this BB cream, the lasting power is actually decent. 

And I never step out of the house without any sunscreen of course. And this is my favorite, Biore UV Perfect Face Milk(white bottle) SPF 50, PA+++ because it's sebum-controlling. It also strengthens the lasting powder of any bb cream that I use. And I always use it with the ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV White.

You can also use it as a primer. It's simply AWSOME. Prolongs the lasting powder of all foundations/bb or cc creams.
Meanwhile, I've also switched to makeup products which are more lasting, meaning they're usually "oil-free" or "oil-control". 

Etude House Dear Girls Be Clear BB cream SPF 30, PA++

This simply packs a punch for it's lasting power! It's super oil-control and it simply lasts all day! With the Biore sunscreen mentioned, I only need to blot max once throughout a day with almost zero touch-up! The texture is kinda matt so it's a must to moisturize properly before you apply. Gives a matt or powdery kind of finish. It's coverage is low to medium depending on the amount you use. Remember a little goes a long long way. Only 1 shade and it may be a teeny bit too fair for me, which is a slight complaint. 

For both bb creams mentioned above, Etude House Dream On Loose powder is a great match. I use Clear Beige and I think it accentuates the 2 bb-creams very well. It's finely-milled so it sets both bb creams very nicely; does not make the makeup look thicker. It lasts fairly well too. 

As I said, I hardly need to touch up if i use Etude House Dear Girls Be Clear BB cream. For ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV White, I may need to touch up like twice for the WHOLE day. This mini pressed power pact, Etude House Dear Girls Be Clear Pact is totally awesome because it's packaging is so cute and so compact. It's simply great for touch-ups. This colour is peach and it only offers very light coverage and I love it for touch-ups because I dont wish my makeup to look thick or cakey. It's oil-control too so it helps your makeup to stay matt too. 

   

Since the face makeup looks lighter, it also means eye makeup need to follow suit. I'm still using my existing gel liners with Urban Decay Primer Potion(UDPP) beneath it to make it lasts longer and smudge-proof. Just that I'm drawing thinner eye-liners so that eye make-up dont look heavy as I dont wish it contrasts with the light face makeup. Sometimes when I'm having even lighter makeup, for e.g, just using Etude House Dear Girls Be Clear Pact alone, I will use Etude House Proof 10 eye-pencil. It looks more natural and lighter because it's not very black and looks softer. It's surprisingly, decently smudge-proof and lasting, more so with UDPP. It's good that it doesnt need sharpening. Cons will be you cant draw a very precise wing eye with it's round and forever-blunt tip.

I had forsake dramatic falsies and switched to more natural-looking ones too. Sometimes I go without eye-shadows or just a light sweep of neutral colours.

For now, my favorite blusher for Summer!! F.O.X Fusion of expressions one touch blush, is an absolutely gorgeous coral! Apply lightly with the sponge applicator because it's simply too pigmented. I blend it out with a blush brush. Pretty lasting too.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

To blot out any oil on face before touching up. Blot once over any area will do. Over-blotting will cause even more oil to be secreted.

For skincare, if I was using emulsion for day, I will now switch to lighter gel-based moisturizer for day and then continue to use emulsion/serum for night. For night, there wont be much difference because I sleep in air-conditioned room where air is drier. 

   I have combi-normal/oily and sensitive, acne-prone skin. And I dont like my face to feel sticky, so usually I will apply toner and apply some gel moisturizer because gel moisturizer always feel light and refreshing; great for our hot weather in the day. For day, I'm using Naruko Magnolia Whitening and Firming Night Gelly(gel-based, left pic) but I only use a small amount especially before makeup. And at night, I will either use a bigger amount OR replace it with something more hydrating, like a emulsion or serum because I sleep in air-conditioned room which is drier. I'm using TheFaceShop Su Hyang Snow Balancing fluid(right pic), which is like an emulsion. I try to "mask" every week if possible...when I'm not overly tired. I love sheet masks that doesnt leave a sticky residue behind; most dont. 

Origins Super Spot Remover and Adult Formula Acnevir Acne & Redness Relief Gel are treatment for any acnes or pimples break out. 

   

Now, for hair! Sebamed anti-dandruff shampoo is my must-have shampoo for summer! Keeps scalp and hair fresh for entire day. Can be alittle drying for hair so must use a very nourishing hair mask for hair ends. I dont have dandruff by the way, but it still works great for oily scalp. It's best to alternate with another moisturizing shampoo by the way.

When I'm in a hurry to go nearby for a quick lunch, Marc Anthony 2nd day Clear dry shampoo(spray) is a savior. Simply spray onto scalp and hair generously and brush it through, your hair instantly look fresher. 

Lastly...for body, I highly recommend using a deodorant if you're going to be out ALL day. It's not about you sweating or not. It will just help you to stay fresh and dry ALL day. I love the feeling when I'm finally home after being out ALL DAY and I still felt as if I just had a shower. I've never tried other brands before because initially I picked up this, Enchanteur deodorant in Charming, was because I like the scent and I use it when I go nearby neighbourhood areas(thought perfume was "too much" and wasting). The scent, Charming, also carries some similar notes to the perfume I'm using. So even if I use it with my perfume, I believe the scent wont clash. There are other scents available. 






Lastly, if you're a hygiene freak like me, or you're obsessed with staying fresh, dry and clean ALL day, like me, then you can always keep extra panty liners or feminine wipes in your bag. =)


WHAT a long entry!! Pardon some repetitions. Hope it proves useful!! =D 

Jun 2013 Favorites

Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo

Together with the conditioner, the pair was my birthday present from Ir. It might be because I was using pretty moisturizing shampoos for the previous months and I felt there's alot of build-up on my scalp which caused alot of discomfort. Clarifying shampoos are not known for being super moisturizing. However, this shampoo did a GREAT job is cleaning up my scalp; it simply feels so clean, so fresh. While it isnt a hydrating shampoo(to me), it did not dry out my already-very-dry hair. A good conditioner/treatment is still essential after shampooing. Lathers well, smells nice. Recommended to use once every 3 days for oily scalp and dry hair to purify the scalp.

Tangle Teezer

This is not easily available in Sg and I got it at S$26.90 from Luxola.com. FYI, I have long hair which are easily in tangles especially after washing. I usually have to use big-fork combs to zig-zag through the tangles carefully so as not to hurt my scalp or cause even more hair loss. Most of the time, hair being tugged off is an inevitable painful scenario which I have to endure, despite being very slow and careful. Imagine my glee when I ran Tangle Teezer through my tresses without being stucked midway. I was simply AMAZED because the brush went through smoothly without experiencing any pain(from hair fall). I must say hair fall is reduced and hair brushing became an easier chore because I dont need to zig-zag-comb it ever so carefully and slowly. My only gripe is that I feel it doesnt have a very sturdy grip because it has no handle(the way it was designed).

ZA - Smooth Cleansing Oil

I cant tell you how much I LOVE this cleansing oil. It's texture is not overly thick or liquid. It cleanses extremely well; removes all my waterproof eye makeup and eyelash glue easily. It's easy to emulsify it and wash off too. And doesnt leave an oily residue behind. In fact, it already feels squeaky clean even without double cleansing. But I did(double cleansing) anyway. Lovely smell(signature ZA smell). It's pretty affordable too. Love love love! I shall stick to this for a very long time.  

Origins Super Spot Remover - Blemish treatment gel

This is a super tiny bottle retailing at S$30 but a little goes a long way for pimples. I feel it works great on swollen bumps(like when you feel a pimple might be popping out) and on big swollen pimples which feels soft to the touch. It stings like hell but usually after applying it, the next day the bump will either disappear or shrink in size.

Actually I seldom use it until few weeks ago, I almost used 3/4 bottle for more than a week on some pimples on the side of my chin. But somehow they kept coming back after subsiding for awhile, each time more serious than the last. They became real hard, as if there were something inside. I purged and they bled etc. I was really at my wits end as I realize it's never going to heal. That's when I tried another product that has been sitting in my drawer; Acnevir Acne & Redness Relief Gel, the next product below.

 

Acnevir Acne & Redness Relief Gel

This was simply my life saver few weeks ago. I was having a few of the most insistent and stubborn acne at the side of my chin which simply dont go away! They're the type which felt real hard as if something were inside; totally different from the soft bumps which I usually have(which Origins Spot Remover works best). Acnevir is simply AMAZING. I couldnt believe the acne which bothered me for WEEKS and which shamed the renowned Origins Spot Remover, could be healed in just ONE NIGHT. In the next morning, when I touched my chin, they felt smooth and even. Which was almost unbelievable because they were like red, uneven with something hard inside just the night before. The ugly hyper-pigmentation marks were still there though. =( But at least they are totally smooth and flat now and can be covered properly with little concealer. I still continued to use Acnevir for few days on the marks, it did lighten the marks alittle further but finally stopped lightening it. I guess, it's duty end there and I just need to find another product to lighten my marks. Sigh....




I'll say both Origins Super Spot Remover - Blemish treatment gel and Acnevir Acne & Redness Relief Gel are awesome products; it depends on what kind of pimples/acne you have. If you have soft, swollen bumps, go for the former. If you have hard bumps as if something is inside, with bleeding etc, then go for the later. But Acnevir is so much more affordable, perhaps less than 1/3 of Origin's price. However, it can only be purchased from drugstore.com

L'oreal True Match Super blendable Concealer in neutral

Like I said, the horrendous acne left marks behind. =( And I had to go buy a concealer because I dont own 1. I was pretty lucky that my first buy turned out to be great for me. The shade "neutral" was great to pair with most of my foundations. Very blendable. It's actually pretty light but it's buildable to max medium coverage. Not more than that. It looks very natural and lasting power is not bad. It's light and airy texture is also suitable to use as a highlighter under the eyes or at the t-zone(if you're getting a slightly lighter shade than your skin tone)

Etude House - Nail Remover Acetone Free

I have very dry hands and cuticles, so much so skin around my cuticles peel. So painful. =(  This nail remover is gentle and doesnt cause my nails to get more brittle. It's not a very strong remover so yes you need alittle more patience when removing nail polishes but rest assured they still do a good job in complete removal. What's more important is, I realized my nails did not get softer and weaker after using it, as it always do with other nail removers. What's even better, the aloe vera oil in it conditions my nails and cuticles very well so they feel very moisturized. You can totally skip using cuticle oil, if you're as lazy as me. It might leave some oily residue behind but if I find it being too much, I will use tissue paper to wipe it off. Before using, you need to shake the bottle. Nice smell too

Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat

I know Seche is renowned for it's top coat, Seche Vite which dries extremely fast and gives a brilliant and glossy finish to any nail polish. Yes I totally agree. While I love all these properties, I'm extremely disappointed with it's poor protection of colour. Despite sealing in the colour with an ending horizontal swipe along the nail tip, colours can get chipped off after 1 shampoo wash. So it's not really my favorite.

Instead, I love it's base coat more. I dont have smooth nail beds because I dont buff my nails prior to applying nail polishes and Seche Clear do a great job at creating a very smooth nail bed for colours to go on flawlessly. It's also pretty liquid in texture, provides a very thin coat and dries fast. 

Bourjois Loose powder, Airy Finish in 01 peach

This powder is so so so fine! It does give an airy finish and feels so light on the face. Maybe you might think so what if a loose powder is very finely milled? Well, it means, it goes on very smoothly on your skin. It will in turn makes your skin look very smooth and flawless because it adheres very well on your skin. A finely-milled powder will also make your skin feels as soft as a peach. Also, it will be light-weight on your skin so that your makeup wont look thick; so long so you have the right colour(or else choose "translucent"), it will look flawless and natural if you got a good base(foundation/bb cream etc). It's better for your pores too as it wont clog. =)
However, the packaging and puff really sucks! I think I need to transfer the powder and replace the puff.