Splurge : Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup SPF10

After the Missha Liquid Foundation, I was determined to find the perfect liquid foundation shade for my skin. The problem with my skin is that I have uneven skin tone. My chin area is darker than other areas of my face, i have pimple scars and fresh ones ( ie, red and ugly ). So one fine day after class, my sister dragged me to KLCC's Estee Lauder counter. She wanted to get their Blockbuster set which required a min of RM250 spent on products, to purchase the set for RM220.

The beauty advisor was a nice lady who was very helpful. I wanted something with heavy coverage because I was so obssessed with addressing my uneven skintone, so she recommended this particular foundation. She applied it and was explaining abt what to do to achieve flawlessness.

Tip 1: Exfoliate regularly ( IMPORTANT STEP ) to ensure the skin is not clogged with dead skin cells etc.

Tip 2: Always moisturize first before foundation so that the foundation adheres better.

Tip 3: DONT forget to apply on the neck also!

Tip 4: MUST use loose powder after foundation to set the foundation and avoiding it from melting.

I must say that this foundation made my skin looked so flawless! No doubt it is abit heavy, I would use this for party/clubbing nights where I require a heavy coverage with all the dancing and sweating. Cant risk pictures on facebook with my makeup melting = patchy skin ( makeup FAUX PAS! ). Haha.

However, I went to a house party one night and from the pictures, my face & neck looked white (flash lighting) as opposed to my body. I was HORRIFIED to see those pictures. I looked SO pasty! So I tested my foundation in natural lighting, and it was abit too light for my skin color :(:(

NOTE: The beauty advisor tested out this foundation at the counter under yellow lighting and it looks so fantabulous.

Tips I think are important:

1. Try the foundation, walk out of the mall and check it out under natural lighting. Even though you may think you look stupid ( especially if its the wrong shade)

I totally regretted not checking it in natural lighting after she applied it on me ( boo hoo). I was blinded by the flawlessness(under yellow lighting) that I immediately bought it on the spot. ( impulsive i know ).

I should have taken a shade or two darker than what she recommended under the yellow lighting. It was a pricy mistake as Im now left with a foundation that I cant use.

2. I would recommend you go to a beauty counter where they use white lighting ( ie. Jusco One Utama ) so that it would be easier. BUt still go out and check it in natural lighting. Cause if the foundation looks good under natural lighting, it would look good under yellow lighting too.  There is no need to feel shy to tell the beauty advisor that you want to walk around with it first. After all you are making a purchase for something that should complement your skin ( no matter what the price is ).

3. Also, it is best if you apply the foundation (tester) on your own. And use your own loose powder to set the foundation. This is because, you want to recreate a flawless look on your own, at home where there arent any beauty advisor to help you. So you would know how to work with the product you want to buy, with your own skill. Or you can watch the beauty advisor apply foundation on your face and perhaps opt to use your own loose powder.

Pros:

1. Gave me a FLAWLESS face.
2. Coverage was true to the description, it lasted almost 8 hours without melting although my skin was oily and so i needed to blot the shine after 4 hours.
3. I am in LOVE with it
4. I thought the price was worth it.

Cons:

1. I thought the screw top bottle was kinda unhygenic because I have to pour out the foundation everytime I needed it, exposing it to the air thus inviting bacteria/germs, also possibly drying it out faster.
2. Because the coverage was heavy, the foundation was thick and velvety, making me use alot for my skin and face = finish faster.
3. Apart from my mistake, the coverage for this foundation is AWESOME. I would love to repurchase this product ( and get the right shade of course haha ).

Retails at RM125/30ml at Estee Lauder counters.

Review : ELF Candy Shop Lip Gloss

I recently bought a whole lotta goodies from the elf website (http://www.eyeslipsface.com) for myself and my sisters. Its a brand in the US that sells really affordable makeup at only USD1 onwards. Yes! For only ONE buck! Anyway, after shipping fees + taxes, I manage to get 6 items for RM50, that's less than RM10 each (RM8.34 to be exact).


One of the things which we bought was the Candy Shop Lip Tins.  The best thing I love about this lip gloss is the size. Measuring around 1 inch x 2 inches, its so compact that you can easily put it into your handbag, purse and even jeans pocket. The top slides sideways revealing the gloss inside which you can then apply using your fingers or a brush. Below is how the Lip Tins look like compared to a 20 cent coin. As you can see, its full of gloss which will probably last for a long time.
According to the website, "Got a sweet tooth? With double the amount of gloss you can enjoy the candy without the cavity! A modern twist to an old favorite, the unique ultra durable sliding lip tin holds your favorite lip gloss in 7 deliciously juicy flavors to choose from. Coconut Crazed, Frosting Fanatic, Mocha Maniac, Berry Pop, Melon Mayhem, Cherry Bomb and Candy Fix. "



I got the Berry Pop and the Cherry Bomb so I'll review them only. The Cherry bomb has a chocolaty cherry smell which is sweet but not too pungent. The colour is also a very nice red that when swiped on the lips almost looks like a lip tint, but with that glossy look. Berry pop is a purplish tinted gloss with small glitters that sparkle and brighten up your lips. It smells like grapes.
First the CONS. Some might find the smell a bit too sweet. Besides that, the lip glosses are applied using fingers (or a brush) meaning its less hygienic than the tube types. The isn't much moisturizing properties in this one, so don't expect it to be a lip balm + gloss.
Next, the PROS. These Lip Glosses aren't those types that are are thick and sticky - which I absolutely hate because it feels like you slathered on a really thick glue on your lips. A big No No for me. I apply the gloss using my fingers, which personally I find is very convenient (I apply most of my makeup using my fingers). The bf also liked the smell. Very nice he said. So big plus.

So, all in all, I'm really happy with this lip gloss. And for the price of only RM8+ you get a gloss that will last you a long time.Now if only they would add a mirror to the back part of the sliding cover then I'd die happy. 

BEAUTY-O-METER:

• Packaging : 4/5
• Smell : 4/5
• Functionality : 4/5
• Boy Meter : 5/5

Review : Sunsilk Summer Fresh Hair Mist Spray

This is currently my favourite hair product. Its the Sunsilk Summer Fresh Hair Mist Spray. It offers Sun protection with Cooling Watermelon Essence. Its actually a very light mist to make your hair smell nice - especially after a night out in clubs with all that smoke stuck in your hair. Perfect for those days that you're out the whole day sweating and need to freshen up.

Best part is, I got it from a forumer for RM4 including postage. Cheap eh? Well its only 60ml.

Bad part, its a limited edition product and I can't seem to find it sold anyway - not even online (there is this gal selling a half empty bottle on ebay though). Disappointing.

Review of MiLab Goodnite Mask

Last month, I wrote about how you can get samples for Milab Goodnight Mask [link]. Milab sent me a few samples to test out and review in my blog.

According to the brochure:

(Front) MiLab Goodnite Mask. Sleeping Beauty comes alive! Now with fruity essence that revitalize your skin overnight. For all skin types
(Inside left) Start Every Morning with Rejuvenated Skin! MiLab Good Nite Mask replenishes skin moisture and nutrients continuously for 10 hours while you sleep, giving your a moist and healthy skin everyday.
A convenient and translucent no-mess, leave-on gel mask to be applied just before bedtime. Infuses skin with an intensive supply of moisture and nutrient during sleep. Moisture and nutrient is absorbed quickly and conveniently, giving you the pleasure of soft, supple skin in the morning.
How to use : Apply liberally over entire cleansed face. Massage for 10 seconds and leave on overnight. Wash your face the next morning and feel the visible difference to the skin

There are four different types of Goodnite Mask available:

Grape (Age Defense)
Contain extracts from grape seeds, which offer powerful anti-oxidant properties to fight against free radicals. It also promotes the production of collagen. A vital defense against the sign of aging

Strawberry (Brightening)
Strawberry contains the highest concentration of Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant and helps promote production of collagen protein. It can purify pores and epidermis, softening skin and removing dullness, yellowness of skin, giving you a healthy brightening glow. Also contains yogurt that replenish the skin with vitamins B1,  2, B6, B12, protein, calcium and yeast, nourishes and repairs skin, giving it elasticity

Pineapple (Soothing)
Its main application is reducing inflammation and swelling. Especially formulated for acne prone and oily skin, it works primarily by preventing the formulation of compounds that lead to inflammation

Papaya (Pore Refining)

It contains a natural enzyme extracted from papaya fruit, which is a non-irritating, anti-aging agent that softens and digests dead skin cells while encouraging new ones to develop. It reduces pore size, improve overall skin texture and reveal a softer more vibrant looking skin


They gave me two samples – the Strawberry and the Papaya one. As you can see in the pic above, they give the samples in cute little pots that are labeled. The Strawberry one has a few dots in it that dissolve when you rub it on your face. Its like little scrubs for ur face. The Papaya one is a smooth orangy gel that really smells like papaya, i almost feel like tasting it.

Apply both on your clean face. The samples given is enough for one or maybe two applications. When you apply it, you will feel that it is very gentle. I didn’t not get any negative reaction from it. The next morning, my skin really feels moisturized even though I sleep in an aircon room.

Rating : 4/5
Price : The MiLab Good Night Mask retails for RM 38.90 for a 50g jar.
Store/Shop : I saw this at Caring Pharmacy with 10% discount

Review : Cyleina Organic Soap - Honey Oatmeal

I bought this soap some time ago [posted here] from Aster in LYN. Because its quite a big bar, i cut the soap in 1 inch cubes to use.

The first thing I liked about this soap is that it smells really pleasant but not too overpowering. In fact, it smells just like honeydew. As you can see from the pic, its a white bar with bits of real oatmeal in it which give a kinda scrubbing effect. It also lathers a lot - creating a lot of bubbles/foam that makes it easy to wash your face.

After washing, it feels really clean, but not too tight that you'll feel so uncomfortable. I gave some to the guy and his face seems less oily after using it. In conclusion, I really like this soap and because its so big, its a really good buy.

Oh yes, you can also use this soap for your whole body.

Soap Ingredients: saponified olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable shortening, and beeswax, ground oatmeal, honey, sweet orange essential oil, clary sage essential oil.

Honey is rich in nutrients, enzyme and antioxidant which eliminate free radicals. It is an excellent moisturizing agent and natural cleanser due to its anti-microbial property.

Oatmeal's grainy little flakes perform mini-miracles when applied to skin. It whisks away dead cells, irritation, and redness, leaving a soft, moist glow behind There are four reasons why your skin adores oatmeal

Dryness fighting: Oats contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water and leave a fine protective film on the skin, preventing dull, flaky dryness.

Moisturizing: Oats are full of healthy, lubricating fats.

Defense building: The proteins in oatmeal help maintain the skin's natural barrier function, which is what ensures that the world outside the skin stays out, and what's inside the skin stays in.

Pore cleansing: Oats are filled with natural cleansers (called saponins) that gently remove dirt and oil from the pores.

Enjoy the beauty rewards of these superb ingredients with this soap. Infused with all the benefits of honey and oatmeal plus Milk proteins are also added to restore the smoothness of the skin!

Retails : RM20

My Collection of Makeup

I'll be the first to admit, I'm a hoarder. I don't like to throw things out. I like to collect. Also, I cant resist a good deal (wait, every girl can't resist a good deal right?). But now, I am stopping myself from buying makeup. Why? Because I have tons and tons that I buy and I never even touch. I guess I could sell some of them in forums but I feel 'sayang' (reluctant).

And this is why :

Yes, that's how much I have i total. Most of it is bought, some of it are freebies. Its grouped by categories:
(from top left)
Cheek/Face (a) - this includes blusher, face powder, foundation
Freebies & Samples - I like to collect samples because I can try out products and also its easy for travelling
Skincare (b) - These are SOME of the creams and cleanser I have. There's summore somewhere but this pic was more for makeup
(bottom left)
Lips (c) - Lips glosses, balms, lipstick
Eyes (d) - Liner, mascara, creams
Palettes (e) - Mostly eyeshadow palettes. there are some blushes tho


I didnt really jot down the full details of all the items - like the colour and all that) so I'll just write what I remember


(A) Cheek & Face Stuff

• (top left) Stila Cheek/Lips Colour Converter - omg this product is one of my fav
• (pink tube) BB Cream sample
• Stila shimmer
• Dior Foundation - I got this and a free makeover from Dior 2 weeks ago
  
• Daiso Concealer - this one seems a bit too fair for me, but I've only tried it once
• (square 2 colour box) Clinique Blush - Freebie when I bought the 3 step product
• (rectangle box) ELF Powder blush - nice but it shatters easily 
  
• (round and pink) Daiso Cream Blush - Oh I really like this one. the colour suits me and its so easy to apply
• (round and silver) Elianto Powder blush - This comes with a powder puff attached. I don't quite like the cover tho, opens up easily
• (round with mirror on right) The Body Shop Pressed Face Powder #04 - This color really matches my shade. Im on my 2nd one already
• (bottom left) The Body Shop Blush - this is a pink that is a bit too light for me
• Anna Sui Foundation - This was a freebie from a magazine
• Stila Lip and Cheek tint in Pomegranate Crush
• Skin Food Aloe Vera BB Cream

 (B) Skincare

• The Body Shop Aloe Vera Day Cream
• The Body Shop Aloe Vera Night Cream
• Clarins HydraQuench Smoothing Gel - freebies
  
• Clarins Shaping Facial Lift x 2 (small and bigger size) - freebies
• Clarins Pure and Radient Mask - freebies
• (bottom) Sothy's Cleaner - won this one from Miu
• First Lady Cleanser - Freebie
• Estee Lauder Cleansing Milk
• The Body Shop Total Energy Lotion (i think)

(C) Lips

 

•  (from top round and red) Daiso Rouge
• Clarins Lipsticks - freebie
• (from left) ELF Lucious Liquid Lipstick - Review 
• Estee Lauder Lipstick
• Estee Lauder Lipgloss
• Victoria Secret Lipgloss - This lipgloss is rather odd. Its clear with Gold sparkles. Got it as a freebie
• Clinique Lip Gloss
• Bonne Bell Lipstick - I dont like this one.
• Lip Cream
• Nivea Lip Balm - I think this is Cherry
• (bottom left) Maybelline Lipstick - sample frm magazine. I really like this colour. suits me
• Stila Lip Glaze in Banana
• Stila Lip Glaze in Dark Cherry
• Stila Lip Gloss
• The Body Shop Lip Gloss
• The Body Shop Satsuma Lip Butter

(D) Eyes

• (top) Some Eyeliner - not sure what brand
• Estee Lauder Eyeliner
• Maybelline Eyeliner
• Clinique Eye cream
  
• (left) Daiso Brown Mascara
• The Body Shop Mascara
• Estee Lauder Mascara - Im currently using this one till it finishes before i start on the rest. lol
  
• ELF Black Eyeliner
• Daiso Black Eyeliner
• Stila Mascara
• Kajal - Given by my friend. Very nice black eyeliner, but smudges easily
  
• Falsies - Given by my sister
  
• (bottom) Garnier Eye cream

(E) Palettes

• Eyeshadow Palette - The ones on the right and left are eye shadows, the middle ones are Blushes/Highlighter
• Daiso Eye Palette in Brown
• Daiso 6 Shade Eyeshadow Palette in Green - Review
• ELF Eyeshadow Quad - It shatters easily, I lost 2 colours
• Estee Lauder Blush - This one is barely used. Mayb I should sell it
• Stila Get The Look Palette - 3 are eyeshadows, 1 is a blush
• Stila Eyeshadow Quad - I like the packaging and of course the colours
• Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Duo - My mom gave me this, yes I know its similar to the stila one

So I'm currently imposing a self-ban on buying makeup. Hehe! I wonder what's in your makeup box?

10 Day No Shopping

The "10 DAYS NO SHOPPING" challenge starts today 7th September - 16th September, 2009 (11.59pm). This is a challenge that everyone and anyone can participate freely without obligations. For 10 Days you SHOULD refrained from shopping (but buying food is ok). Shopping for shoes, clothes, cosmetics, presents, etc is not allowed! The goal of this challenge is to see if we can survive 10days WITHOUT SHOPPING.

To make it interesting, I will drop tasks for everyone to do (whether you're participating or not). Tasks are little "let's get our mind off shopping" activities that you can do. They can be workshops (free), sampling activities, collecting/redeeming samples, anything that does not involved buying/shopping/seeing your moolah run away.

If you pledging or following this 10 DAY NO SHOPPING CHALLENGE, you can drop your name & blog links here. If you're a blogger, you may post daily about your thoughts & "planned" activities for everyone to read. It's like keeping a 10-DAY NO SHOPPING DIARY.

GOOD LUCK ALL, I'm also on the 10 DAY NO SHOPPING challenge! 

I found out from this "10 Days No Shopping" challenge from Miu's Blog. She challenges you girls to try and not shop for 10 days and to help in the process, she will give out freebies (yey my favourite!). Its also encouraged to write about ur progress :D


I'm going to TRY and attempt it. Hopefully it works. Hehe!

The Body Shop Shopping Bag

I was walking around in Pavillion today and a friend of mine dropped into Body Shop. Its really been a while since I've been to The Body Shop and it seems like they have a lot of new products lately. My friend bought me this Shopping Bag. I think its great that TBS is encouraging people not to use plastic shopping bags and selling these nice bags for only RM5.

So yea, go get one for yourself and help save the environment too :)