Mid -Week Makeup: The Balm Balm Jovi Face Palette

Hello,

For today's mid-week makeup, I will be featuring the Balm Balm Jovi Face palette.

 

For more information, you can visit thebalm website.

Full Face makeup

 

                                                               Face and lip products

Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Face Base

Maybelline Mineral powder

Nip + Fab CC Eye Fix in medium

Essence Hug and Kisses blush in 01 Dating Prince Charming

Dior Rouge in 434 Samarcande Brown





 

Eye Products

 

The Balm BalmJovi Face Palette ( Iron Maid-in for all over lid, The Stroke for outer 'V')
Maybelline The false lash volumn mascara

 

 

Close up of eye makeup

 

 

 

That's for this week mid-week makeup!

Thanks for reading!

Monthly Favourites - July 2013

Hello

Time for another monthly favourites. These are products that I reach out often this month. Not much though.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
Great for everyday! For more swatches and pictures, check my post here

M.A.C Blush in Pink Swoon
Love this blush. this gives me a rosy flush when I use it lightly. You can definitely build it up for a more intense colour.

Holika Holika Face 2 Change CC cream
My favourite cc cream at the moment. Check out my full review on this cc cream here

M.A.C Lipstick in Crème Cup
My everyday lipstick. When I just want to have that natural coloured lips, I will reach for this.

Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner in No.07 Golden Black
Best black eyeliner that I have so far coz it stays on my waterline the whole day. At the end of the day, I need to use a q-tip to remove it. And the pencil is soft too so it glides on smoothly. I have another 2 colours which I love as well.

Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner in Khaki
Instead of applying black, I apply this eyeliner to give it a different look. For review swatches of this eyeliner and the other colours I have, check out my post here

What's your July Favourites? Share It in the comments section! Don't forget to subscribe/share if you like this post!

Thanks for reading!

My Everyday Brow Routine (Step by Step)

Hello

Brows are the most important part of makeup. Even if you do not apply makeup everyday, groomed brows are the best way to frame your face. I have rather thin and sparse brow. In other words, its like having no brows at all! I envy people with thick full natural brows, especially Korean girls. So filling in/drawing my brows is important to me when I have makeup on. Otherwise it will look "incomplete"! Even when I do not have makeup on that day, I will try to fill in my brows as natural as possible and here's how I do it.

"Disclaimer: Each individual has their own way or technique in doing their brows. There's no right or wrong way. It's just your own preference!"

I do my brows in the following way when I have makeup on. When I need to do a more defined eyebrows for special occasions, I will use a more precise eyebrow pencil, Bioderma makeup remover to correct and concealer to highlight my arch.

1. With a spooly brush, I make sure to comb my brows to tidy them up.
2. Using my eyebrow pencil from The Face Shop in no.01, I start by "sketching" the lower part of my brow.
3. After that, I "sketch" the upper part of my brows, keeping the front lines parallel and tapering it at the tail to meet the lower line
4. Fill them in with short strokes, following the direction of your natural hair.
5. I do not have any products at the front of my brows so that I wont have a "stark line or square beginning".With a stiff angle brush, I blend the product to the front part to create a "gradiation". It also helps to blend the rest of the product evenly throughout the whole brows.
6. With a q-tip, I clean up any excess product or "sharpen" my tail.
7. Lastly, I "seal" everything with my MAC Brow Set in Show Off.

It will usually take me about 5mins to complete both my eyebrows for my everyday routine. How long do you take to do your brows? What are the products you use? Share it in the comment session.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Nip + Fab CC Eye Fix

Hello

With the CC cream trend going on, Nip + Fab has released their new CC Eye Fix.

 

Claims:

• 2 in 1 eye cream
• Illuminates + brightens
• Conceal dark circles

Swatch

 

Before and after

 

My final thoughts:
Great 2 in 1 product if you have lesser time to get ready in the morning. Blends well but I find that the brightening effect does not work on me. Maybe because I got a shade that is the same as my skin tone. Still, easy to use with the twist up pen. All said, as a mum and soon to be mum of 2, I find this definitely helpful in speeding up my makeup routine!

Retails at $19-$20 at Watsons, comes in two shades only (light and medium).

Have you tried it yet?


Thanks for reading!

My Skincare Routine.(Night)

Hello

This post will be my night time skin care routine. Check out my day time skincare routine here.

Night time routine overview

 

If you prefer to apply more products or heavier creams, I find that night time is the best time as you don't apply makeup so you don't have to worry about how much you already have on your face. Also, night time are the best to slather on your mask or special products while your skin "rest" and "recuperate".

 

Cleanser: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild.
I have always been a fan of Clinique since my late teens. It never broke me out and keeps my skin flawless. The only time when I started to have breakouts was when I started getting more into makeup and trying new things so I stopped using Clinique products, which was a bad move! This cleanser does not dry up my skin but still makes my skin feel clean.

Toner: Clinique Clarifying Toner
This is more like a 'exfoliating toner' which claims to exfoliate dead skin before moisturiser. This does sting the skin if you just "popped' a pimple and can be a little drying if you are having pimples. However I like the concept of 'exfoliation' hence I only use it at night.

Toner: Etude House Wonder Pore Toner
Like I mentioned above, I don't mind putting on tons of products at night. Minimise the appearance of pores and control excess oil. Also deep cleanse my pores.

 

Essences: Loreal Youth Code Pre-Essence
A boosting essence to help boost your skincare by 2times. Apply before any treatment/serum. It is so lightweight that is absorbs immediately with no sticky residue!

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Containing more than 90% Pitera, a miracle water that combats all 5 dimensions of skin problems; Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance Enhancement and Spots Control.

 

Eye Cream: Loreal White Perfect Micro-Vibration 3-in-1 Brightener
Anti-dark circles, Anti-spots & Anti-puffiness. What I like about this eye cream is the built in massager/vibrator. It gives you a relaxing feeling and also helps in better absorption of the eye cream.

Moisturiser: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion
Not only its moisturising, it does not leave any sticky feeling and makes my skin feels smooth!


So there is my night time skincare routine. What's your favourite or must have skincare products?

Thanks for reading!

Mid-Week Makeup: K-Pop Inspired

Hello

For this week's mid-week makeup, I did k-pop inspired makeup. K-pop makeup usually focus more on the eyes. Droopy eyeliner, thick straight brows and neutral shimmery eyeshadows. Here is my take on k-pop makeup!

Full Face K-Pop Makeup

 

 

Face/ lip:
The Face Shop Face It Aura CC Cream in 02 Natural Beige
Chanel Loose Powder in 30 Naturel-Translucent 2
M.A.C Sheertone Blush in Pink Swoon
Peripera Peri's tint in No.2

Close up of eye makeup

 

Eyes:
Lioele Real Colour eyeshadow in No.2 (base)
M.A.C Mineralize Eyeyshadoe in Lovestone
Etude House Lucidarling in #8 Miss Berry Berry (darkest colour to define outer V)
Maybelline Lasting Drama Pen Gel Liner
Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Line in Beige Shine No.1 (Waterline)
Etude House Lash Perm 3 step Volumecara


Thanks for reading!

Review: The Face Shop Aura Colour Control Cream

Hello

This will be the last cc cream that I am reviewing. I did reviews on 2 other cc creams here and here.

The Face Shop Face it Aura Colour Control Cream SPF 30 PA++
Retails at $49.90 (20g), this is the most expensive cc cream I have paid for so far. I feel like that I am paying more for its packaging than the product itself. Available in 3 shades, (mine is in 02 Natural Beige) I am the 2nd shade. While some find the packaging compact and travel friendly, I feel that its a bit bulky as I don't usually touch up on my base makeup except powder. Instead of the regular pump, you will need to press the semi-circle button to dispense the product.

Unlike the other 2 cc creams I owned, this one dispense to a flesh tone instead of white. Consistency is thicker than my other 2.

 

Claims

Left: Bare face

Right: With CC Cream

Full Face makeup

My Final thoughts:
Out of the 3 I have, this has the highest coverage. Medium to full. Though the consistency is thicker, it is easier to blend into my skin probably because its already close to my skin colour even before application. However, it is not my favourite finish (dewy). Definitely not for oily skin. In terms of staying power, it starts to get oily by the 4th hour even though I powdered my face. Not something I want if I am outdoors a lot. Like I said, packaging too bulky for me. All in all, I feel that I am better off with my other 2 cc creams.


That sums up my cc creams reviews. Would you like a brief summary and round up of all the 3 cc creams I have tried? Let me know in the comment section below!

Thanks for reading!

My Skincare Routine (Day)

Hello

Skincare is very important. It not only helps to prep your skin for a better makeup application, it is also important to keep your skin in good condition so you can put lesser, more natural looking makeup.

Overview of my daytime skincare products

I am going to share my everyday daytime skincare routine. I admit that there are days when I just don't feel like putting on anything on my face at all. However, I try to be as religious as possible in my skincare routine, be it day or night routine. Skincare basics includes cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Even if you have oily skin like me, there are moisturizers that suits different skin types. Moisturizers that contains SPF are great for day time so you don't have to slap on sunscreen if you are indoors but be sure to add sunscreen with a higher SPF if you are going to be outdoors for a long period to protect you from that harmful rays!

Apart from those mentioned above, if you have a specific issue or skin condition, you can easily add serum/essence to your basic routine for that extra boost or special care to combat/treat that specific issue.

Last but not least, exfoliating! Exfoliate the dead skin at least once a week to get rid of all the product buildups. It allows new skin cells to surface, giving you a much smoother, healthier and brighter looking skin. It also allows better absorption of other products, making the products work more effectively!

So lets start with my cleanser and toner:

 

Cleanser: Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Gentle Cleansing Foam
Lathers well, smells amazing and brightens up my skin for that morning "glow'.

Toner: Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner
Minimise the appearance of pores and control excess oil. Also deep cleanse my pores.

 

Essences: Loreal Youth Code Pre-Essence
A boosting essence to help boost your skincare by 2times. Apply before any treatment/serum. It is so lightweight that is absorbs immediately with no sticky residue!

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Containing more than 90% Pitera, a miracle water that combats all 5 dimensions of skin problems; Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance Enhancement and Spots Control.

Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Essence Lotion
Lightweight and easily absorbs, this essence lotion not only smells amazing, it makes my skin look radiant and rosy. Just like Korean women's skin.

 

Eye Cream: Loreal White Perfect Micro-Vibration 3-in-1 Brightener
Anti-dark circles, Anti-spots & Anti-puffiness. What I like about this eye cream is the built in massager/vibrator. It gives you a relaxing feeling and also helps in better absorption of the eye cream.

Moisturizer: Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Moisturizing cream SPF21/PA+++
Just like the other 2 products from this line, this smells amazing as well. What's great is that not only it contains SPF, it is not heavy or greasy even though it's a cream!

So there it is, my skincare routine for daytime. I keep everything light and as little as possible in the day so I can have more time in between each products to allow them to fully absorb in my skincare before putting on more.

Do keep a look out for my night time routine as different products are used.

Thanks for reading!

My Favourite Setting Powders (Drugstore, Mid-End & High-End)

Hello

With Singapore's weather (all year round summer) and my oily combination skin, skipping setting powder in my makeup routine is a no no for me as I love wearing creams and liquid bases. Here all my all time favourite setting powders. I have no particular preferences over which to apply when as I love them all and rotate them frequently.

Lets start with the high end one shall we?

Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder in 30 Naturel - Translucent 2
Retails about $70ish (30g)  here in Singapore, this is the most expensive setting powder I owned. It is also the largest amongst those I owned.  Packaged in a sturdy plastic jar with the classic black and white double c's logo, it is not the most convenient to travel with though it has a sifter and a puff. With only 3 shades available, I feel that for someone with a darker skin tone than me (i'm NC37-40) can get away with this powder as it is translucent. It does not provide any coverage but the finish is the most natural out of the 3 that I love. It is so finely milled, does not make you look cakey at all. I always apply this with my kabuki brush. Throughout the day, I find that it does not oxidise or budge and I don't need touch-ups.

M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
Retails at about $46 (10g), I have repurchased this powder at least 3 times. Packaged in a sturdy black plastic compact with a clear plastic top, this is definitely easier for travelling or on the go. With a wide range of shades available, you can definitely find the right one for you easily. The coverage of this powder is slightly more than Chanel's, so if you have good skin, buffing this with a kabuki will give you a decent coverage for evening out your skin tone. I do find that this oxidise a little so you probably want to purchase a shade lighter. You can also purchase a darker shade for bronzing as it gives a nice satin-y finish and had a good staying power of about 6-8 hours.

Lastly, the drugstore one. If you are in the US, this would be the cheapest but for me, there are other cheaper ones here in Singapore. I bought mine from drugstore.com so it is still affordable 2s compared to buying it at Watsons here.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Beige (Medium 2-2.5)
Retails at $22.90 (9g) at Watsons, I have also repurchased this at least twice. Packaged in a beige plastic compact with a clear top, it is the most travel friendly as it comes with a mirror and puff. Great for touch-ups on the go. This is a staple in my makeup bag. It has just the same coverage as M.A.C's but has a more matte finish. This can however look cakey if you over apply. If you just got into makeup, you can consider this as it also has a lot of shades. However, this does not last as long as the other two, but since its easy to carry on the go, I wont complain!

So there it is, my favourite setting powders. What's yours? Share it in the comment section below!

Thanks for reading!

Review: Holika Holika Face 2 Change CC Cream

Hello

This post will be another cc cream review. I have reviewed Etude House's cc cream here . I will be reviewing The Face Shop cc cream in another post. Hopefully with my reviews of 3 cc creams, it will help you  decide which cc creams interest/appeal/suit you better.

Retails at $39.90, it is slightly higher price than Etude's cc cream. However, Holika Holika's cc cream comes in a bundle which includes a Pure Mellow Multi Puff. I have not try the sponge yet. It is shaped like a pear. 

Packaged in a black pump tube, u will need to pump countless times prior to first use. There are 2 tones available. The BA that served me said that 01 is more of a pink based while 02 is more yellow based. I got mine in shade 02.

Contains 50ml of product, it is definitely more than Etude's cc creams which contains only 30ml. Also, Holika Holika's cc cream has a higher SPF than Etude's. ( SPF 32 vs SPF 30)

With both cc creams, they comes out white at first but adjust to a more skin colour after application.

Claims: UV protection + Whitening + Anti-Wrinkle

Left: With cc cream

Right Without cc cream

With cc cream all over face

After setting with my Chanel loose powder.

My Final Thoughts:
I love this cc cream better than my Etude's cc cream for so many reasons. Its more value for money though you pay  higher price for Holika's ( $39.90 for 50ml, free multi puff. Etude's priced at $25.90 for 30ml) Holika's provide more coverage. Adjust to skin tone much faster even before you rub it in.  It looks more of my skin tone. Finish is more natural ( not matte, not dewy). It lasted the whole day for me even after being out and about for more than 10hours. It looked the same as when I first applied it.

Have you tried this cc cream? Which is your fav? Let me know in the comments section. Look out for The Face Shop cc cream review next week!

Thanks for reading!
Comment/Like/Subscribe/Share. Just click the buttons below!

Mid Week Makeup

Hello

I am thinking of doing a series of makeup look on my blog called, Mid-Week Makeup. I will feature LOTD/MOTD on the first and third Wednesday of every month. It will include products used for that look. So, here is the first Mid-Week Makeup!

Mid-Week Makeup

Face makeup

Overview of face and lip products

The Face Shop Face it Aura Colour Control Cream in 02 Natural Beige (as base)
M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus (to set)
ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder
M.A.C Lipstick in Love Lorn

Close up of eye makeup

Overview of eye products

M.A.C Painpot in Painterly (as eye base)
Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner in Turquoise Blue (inner half of top lashline)
Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner in Golden Black No.7 ( outer half of top and bottom lashline )
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Electric (inner half of lower lashline)
Maybelline The False Lash Volum' Express Everlasting Mascara
Maybelline Define-a-Brow in Medium Brown

What do you think? Leave a comment below. Don't forget to subscribe/share/like!

Thanks for reading.

Peripera Peri's Tint Maker (Swatches)

Hello

 

 Lipstains can be used in for many reasons. Be it for staying power, matte finish look, base for lipstick/lipgloss, whatever your preference is. I love it for all the reasons mentions.

Peripera's tint marker has 3 different shades. I got 2 from Watsons. Priced at only $14.90 each, you cant go wrong with this babies. And the packaging is cute too!

Looks like a marker

 

 

You can definitely build its intensity to your desire. What are your favourite lipstains? Share it in the comment section!

Thanks for reading!

Etude House Lucidarling Fantastic Gradation Eyes (Swatches)

Hello

 

 With the ongoing GSS (Great Singapore Sale), there's always great deals up for grabs. Etude were having their weekly special on this eyeshadow palette. Since I do not own any of their eyeshadow, I thought it would be a great time to pick this up cause it was only $12.45 instead of the usual price of $24.90!

without flash

With Flash

I picked up the one in #8 Miss Berry Berry. I believe there are 2 other colours. Non are matte. They are all satin finish and contains glitter accept for the orange shade. They are a little powdery but not gritty at all, so when using this palette, I would probably do my eye makeup first followed by my face base.

Swatches

Top: No flash

Bottom: With Flash

 

Swatches are without primer/base, but yet pigmented. Based on longevity and fallouts, I have yet to try so I can't comment on that yet. However, I am thinking of doing a pictorial/review on this. Would anyone be interested? Let me know in the comments section below!

Thanks for reading!