NEW BUY: Benefit lollibalm

~MG~

I saw this product at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free and they were selling it for S$25.60. At first, I was not planning to buy this lip balm. But after seeing the not-so-expensive price, it convinced me to buy this product.

 

This is the lip balm version of lollitint, which is an orchid tint by Benefit Cosmetics. I have seen Song Ji Hyo of Running Man used the tinted version on her drama, Emergency Couple. The colour looks bright and "happy". I decided to buy the lip balm version because it will be more moisturizing then the tinted version. When I tested the lip balm on the back of my hand, the colour seems pigmented enough. I am not sure about the hydrating properties of the lip balm.

 

I still have to go through a few more lip balms in my beauty stock, before I get to this product. Please check back here again for my review on Benefit Lollibalm.

The Beauty Department: At Home Facial Series

~AG~

I am a big fan of The Beauty Department. Their website is always full of creative makeup and skincare tips. Yesterday while browsing through their website, I stumble upon their At Home Facial Series. Please click link for more details. The Beauty Department: At Home Facial Series 

The tip is to pair a mud mask with a facial scrub. I never heard of this before, and was instantly impressed by this tip. The mud mask and scrub combination amps up the exfoliating effects of each product. The scrub breaks down the mud mask and removes dead skin cells, while the mud mask clean the pores. Doesn't it sound like a great idea?

How do you combine your mud mask and scrub, you ask?
1) Apply your mud mask as usual, and wait for it to dry.
2) Once it dries, apply scrub on top and massage in circular motions.
3) Then rinse well.

The tip seems simple enough.

I am going to try it out and see whether it works for my sensitive combination skin. :)

Full Credits to The Beauty Department

REVIEW : The Face Shop Essential Mask Sheet Hyaluronic Acid

 

 

~AG~ 

 

Last night, my skin was feeling tight and dry. The winter weather in China caused my skin to be drier than usual. In addition, the five hours flight back to Singapore took a toll on my face. My skin was in need of emergency rescue. I was looking over my sheet masks collection and saw this The Face Shop Essential Mask Sheet Hyaluronic Acid. Since my skin was feeling especially parched, I decided to try this mask since hyaluronic acid is known as a moisturizing ingredient.  

 

First thing I noticed when I took the sheet mask from its packaging is that it does not have a peel-off packaging for the mask, unlike My Beauty Diary Sheet Mask. Instead, you have to unfold the mask carefully. The Face Shop sheet mask is thicker compared to My Beauty Diary sheet masks. It does not tear off easily. Secondly, the mask was heavy with artificial fragrant scent. I did not enjoy the overwhelming fragrances. Thirdly, the mask did not fit my face is well. The lower part of the mask was too big for my face. See picture above. Fourthly, the residue left my skin feeling sticky. I did not like how it felt on my skin, and had to wipe it down with tissue. Do note that the sheet mask was generous with essence as essence kept dripping down while I had it on. 

 

Regarding whether it works for sensitive skin. The next morning after I had used it, no bumps or adverse reaction appeared on my skin. I cannot remember how much I had purchased it for. I bought it while in Korea. It probably costs US$2-3. 

 

Overall, I would not recommend The Face Shop Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask. I much prefer My Beauty Diary Q10 or Natto Sheet Mask for hydration as it fits my face much better and the residue essence is not as sticky.  

NEW BUY: Laneige Water Bank Mineral Face Mist

 

 

~AG~ 

My sister, MG, who is a huge fan of face mist was looking for an airport-friendly, plastic-packaging, face mist at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free the other day. I mentioned to her that I have seen on Laneige Instagram account that they have a face mist that comes in a plastic packaging. So, we checked out the Laneige section at the Duty Free. Turns out, the Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist comes in a 120ml packaging, which is not airplane-friendly. It retails for S$32 which is expensive for a bottle of mineral water.

Anyway, I tried spraying some on my hand, and I loved the distinct fresh scent of the Water Bank range. My sister, MG, who swears by the benefit of face mist convinced me to buy it. She said that I should put it in the office, and spray it on when my skin feels dry from the extended air-conditioning.  

I will let you all know how well this face mist works for me, on whether it hydrates and refreshes my skin. Also, whether it works for my sensitive skin. Please check back for my review of Laneige Water Bank Mineral Face Mist. 

Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream

 

~AG~  

I was suprised to find this in my beauty stash. I thought I had given it away. Previously, I had tried the Korres Yogurt Instant Soothing Gel. It was decent at first but after subsequent uses, I found that it flakes for some reason. Anyway, I decided to try this Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream during my trip to Chengdu, China. Since Singapore does not have four seasons, I thought this face cream might be too heavy for its humid weather. Chengdu's winter weather is similar to that of California. It does not usually snow but the weather gets dry and windy. So, my skin gets dry and tight when I am in Chengdu. I hope this product keeps my skin hydrated; and that I will not have any adverse reaction to it. I will let you all know about how good or bad the Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream is after my trip. Stay tuned! 

NEW BUY: Benefit Cosmetics Perfect Hideaway

~AG~

I bought this in December when Sephora Singapore was having 15% discount for UOB cardmembers. This is a value set from Benefit Cosmetics, which retailed for S$42.90. My friend, Stephanie, told me that she liked Benefit Fake Up for concealing dark circles. So I decided to buy a value set to try it out. The reason why I bought the smaller version is because sometimes Benefit Cosmetics under eye concealer can be too creamy and might not work well for Singapore's humid weather.

 

Previously, MG had bought Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional primer and I have had the chance to try it out. It was a decent primer and did not caused my sensitive skin to breakout. POREfessional will be a great addition to my makeup kit. The only primer that I had in my makeup kit is Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance.  I only use Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance for special occasions. I do like it but it has an illuminating effect that can sometimes be too "shiny" for Singapore humid weather. Another primer that has a matte effect will be good to have especially for outdoor makeup looks in Singapore.

 

Please stay tuned for my review on Benefit Cosmetics Fake Up and POREfessional.

REVIEW: YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

~AG~

This iconic YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch costs me USD $41. While browsing through the Macy's Beauty department, I decided to pick this up. It is expensive for such as small item but it is supposedly a miracle product. Previously, I have tried a similar product, the Dior Skin Flash. However, it was not a must-have item in my makeup collection. The reason I am trying this product is because sometimes I need a more brightening effect for my dark circles. The current concealer that I am using, Bobbi Brown concealer, provides coverage but does not illuminate the undereye area. Plus, its click pen/brush packaging makes it a convenient product to have for on-the-go.

A trick that the YSL sales assistant told me about click pen packaging. With a new click pen, it takes ages for the product to come out initially. However, instead of clicking the pen countless time and waiting patiently for the product to come out, she said a few gentle knock/tap to the side of the pen will allow the product to come out more quickly. When the YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is being "resistant", I would tap the side of the pen a few times and soon the product will emerge.

This product provide little coverage for my severe dark circles. I only use it on days when I am in a hurry or when I don't feel like using much makeup. It is easy to use because you do not need a separate concealer brush to apply it.

Left under eye with YSL Touche Eclat. Right under without. It does brighten the eye area but does not fully conceal my severe dark circles.

One thing I learnt from using this product is that it is NOT a concealer. To get a brightening effect under the eye, first, conceal dark circles with a concealer and then layer it with Touche Éclat Radiant Touch, or vice versa. This create a soft and healthy effect.

You can also use YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch for highlighting your face. I tried doing this several times but I find that this shade does not work well. It is too light for highlighting the facial features.

In conclusion, YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is a not must-have makeup item in my beauty book. It is not worth that money. I rather pay that amount for my favourite concealer, Cle de Peau Beaute concealer or Bobbi Brown Corrector & Concealer. Even though it is a highlighting product, it does not significantly help brighten my under eye areas. Also, I cannot use it to highlight my cheek bones or other areas, the shade is not illuminating enough. Overall, I would not re-purchase this product.

REVIEW: banila co. it Radiant CC Cushion

The sponge part of the CC Cushion

The puff provided to apply the CC Cushion

~AG~

What an interesting concept of CC Cushion. It makes applying CC Cream so much more convenient. It is like a cream foundation but with less coverage.

Clink link to see my previous post about this product. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2014/06/banila-co-it-radiant-cc-cushion-spf-35.html

So what can I say about banilla co. CC Cushion?

It has a light coverage. If you have a huge zits or severe redness, this CC Cushion does not full cover those blemishes. It also does not help conceal dark circles. Texture wise, it does not feel heavy on my skin. It blends easily onto the skin, and leaves behind a nice finish. 

I noticed that the shade on this CC Cushion (BP #15) does not match well for my skin. The banila co. it Radiant CC Cushion only comes in one shade. 
EDITOR'S EDIT (May 2, 2015): Just found out on the banila co official website that there are 3 shades available for CC Cushion. The shades available are: BE10, BP15 and BE20. http://www.banilaco.com/product/productDetail.do?seq=101466
The salesperson gave me the wrong information that there was only one shade. I feel so CHEATED! I think BE20 would have worked better for my skin tone.

The shade, BP#15, is too white for my yellow/beige skin tone. For reference, I am NC 30-35, Chanel Beige 30, Bourjois 52 Vanille and Bobbi Brown Beige. I used this CC Cushion twice, and was so turned off by the shade mismatch that I discontinued use. Even though the shade somehow blend in with the skin tone, it has a white effect that is unflattering. You can see the obvious shade mismatch around my undereye area (See pics above). I think this product will work better for people that have a lighter skin tone.

CC Cushion on application is very light colored

 

It has a white effect

 

This CC Cushion is for those that have fairer skin tone and have relatively good skin without much blemishes and discolouration  With that being said, there are better skin base/foundation/BB cream/CC cream with the same price point that do a much better job compared to banila co. it Radiant CC Cushion such as Hera CC Cream  & Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation. 

NEW BUY: Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact

 

 

 

~AG~

 

My Guerlain Meteorites Compact Powder (See: Guerlain Meteorites Compact Powder Review) broke to pieces a few weeks ago. I was so sad because I barely used it. I put what remained of it into my Shu Uemura Colorless Face Powder packaging. Below are pictures of my broken Guerlain Meteorites Powder.

 

 

 

Anyway, it was time for me to look a more trusty compact powder. Chanel Double Perfection Lumiere Long Wear Flawless Sunscreen Powder was the first choice that came to my mind. I had used it a few years ago while studying in the States. It was a great compact powder but I did not re-purchase it because of the expensive price tag. Another reason was because I stopped using face powder for a while. So, last week when I was flying off from Changi Airport, I took a look around Shilla Duty Free for the Chanel Double Perfection Powder. Unfortunately, the Chanel counter has not opened, it was still under renovation. I noticed the Giorgio Armani section and was instantly attracted to it. I have heard great things about Giorgio Armani foundations, so I decided to check it out. After wandering the duty free shop for other compact powder choices, I ended up going with Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact. When I tested it on my skin, it had a nice texture and it did not feel too powdery. Plus, the shade (# 4) matched my skin perfectly.

 

The only downside is that the actual compact comes in two components. You have to buy the compact packaging ($52) and the powder (S$26) separately, which adds up to the total bill of $78. But it is also more environment-friendly and convenient because all you need to do is purchase the refill and replace it. It will be cheaper with subsequent use as you only need to purchase the S$26 refill powder. 

 

I will let you all know how well the powder works for me. I prefer compact powder that gives a light coverage and leave my skin looking matte, without being too powdery. I hope this Giorgio Armani compact powder live up to its expensive price tag.

 

 

 

Gel Manicure by Tiffany @ Seasons Nail Bar

 

 

 

 

~AG~

 

I am totally loving my gel manicure by Seasons Nail Bar. This is the second time I am doing gel nail in this nail place.

 

This time I decided to try the Tiffany brand, previously I had tried the GellyFit brand. I chose a cherry tomato shade. The bright red shade looks flattering on my medium tanned skin. The colour came out nicely, and my nails are super glossy. <3 <3

 

I found out about this manicure and pedicure place on Groupon Singapore website. Since manicure & pedicure packages are cheaper from Groupon, I decided to try this newly opened place back in August. I tried the Gellyfit Gel Manicure then and was satisfied with the gel nail results. My gel manicure lasted for more than a month without any chipping or peeling.

 

During my free soak-off session, I bought a package for 3 classic gel manicure and 7 classic pedicure, which costs me $357.14. It is more pricy than other nail places but I much prefer to go to a nail place that gives me a good experience and results.

 

I like that the nail place was quiet, and rather hidden. Do note that the shop is small, it only has 3 sofas for pedicure soaking, and a table for manicure sessions. Their manicurists are well-trained, and did my nails with high standards. I do not have to tell the manicurists to re-do or correct any issues. One more thing, this nail place is not so pushy on you buying manicure/pedicure packages. Yes, they do ask you whether you want to buy any package. But they are not aggressive on selling their packages, which I like.

 

I will let you all know whether the Tiffany gel manicure lasts as long as the Gellyfit.

 

Seasons Nail Bar is located at Shaw Center. Please click on link below for more information.

Seasons Nail Bar

MG's Beauty Resolution!

~MG~

 

1)      Start masking my face every night or at least every other night
 

2)      Practicing using eyeliner again. I love to skip this part because I always take a looong time applying it since I’m still new with it.
 

3)      Experiment with different eyeshadow colours. A new year, a new makeup look. #thinkoutofthebox
 

4)      Force myself to start learning how to properly curl my lashes and apply some mascara on it so that it will complete my makeup look
 

5)      Since I just bought some coconut oil from Bangkok, I think it’s time to start putting coconut oil on my hair as a deep hair treatment. My hair is in need of some healthy food!

MG Skincare Products

~MG~

MG's Skincare Regimen. 
My skin type is oily with some dry areas such as the cheeks. 
The focus of my skincare regimen is the moisturising and brightening of the overall skin tone.  
The skincare regimen below takes about 30 minutes.

Step 1: HADA LABO Tamagohada AHA/BHA Face Wash
I use it day and night. It is an exfoliating face wash but it does not have micro-beads. It is a cream texture, so you need to use water to foam it up well. 

Step 2: INNISFREE 1 Minute Lip Scrub

I use it once every other night. Putting a small amount and scrubbing it on semi-wet lips. The instruction says to wipe it off, but I usually rinse it off. My lips feel smoother after application. On special occasions, I use it in the daytime prior to application of coloured lip products. 

REVIEW: CLIO Professional Twist Up Waterproof Brow Mascara

~AG~

This CLIO Professional Twist Up Waterproof Brow Mascara is a replacement of my old-time favourite Benefit Cosmetics Speed Brow (older version). I bought while I was in Korea last April. 

In terms of pricing, I cannot remember exactly, but I recall it being cheaper than Speed Brow. Twist Up Brow Mascara should costs US$12-15 in Korea.

With that being said, both eyebrow gel/mascara does not harden and leave a residue upon application. Previously, I have tried a L'oréal brow mascara that left an unsightly residue on the brows when it has dried up. Below, I have compared the differences between the two eyebrow mascaras.

Differences between CLIO Professional Twist Up Waterproof Brow Mascara and Benefit Cosmetics Speed Brow (older version):

1. In terms of packaging, CLIO Twist Up is longer and wider than Benefit Speed Brow. For travel convenience, Benefit Speed Brow packaging takes up less space and is more handy to have in your travel makeup bag.
   
   
   
   
   
2. The CLIO Twist Up brush is wider than Benefit Speed Brow.
   
   
   
   
   
3. CLIO Twist Up is a tinted eyebrow mascara mascara while Benefit Speed Brow is a non-tinted eyebrow mascara. Thus CLIO Twist Up adds colour to your eyebrows while Benefit Speed Brow is essentially colourless. 
   
   
4. CLIO Twist Up thickens my eyebrow while Benefit Speed Brow just keep my eyebrows in place. On some days when I am not careful and apply too generously, I will end up having overly thick eyebrows.  
   
   
5. For fuss-free everyday use, I will recommend Benefit Speed Brow. The tinted colour of CLIO Twist Up requires a more careful application compared to Benefit Speed Brow.

REVIEW: Keratin Treatment at KenAris Salon

~AG~

On Sep 29, 2014, I did the Keratin Treament at KenAris Salon. The Keratin Treatment cost $488 for my hair length which was considered long. I was a little wary at first because I did try Keratin Treatment once in the United States and it was unsuccessful. Gilbert heard my concerns and reassured me that I will be satisfied with the results. He mentioned that my split ends will be less noticeable after the treatment. The whole treatment took 3.5 hours. First they washed my hair with the special shampoo. My hair was given a good wash to thoroughly remove build-up and other impurities. When my hair is damp, the keratin treatment is applied carefully section by section. A shower cap is put on to retain the head's natural heat. They let it soak for 20 mins or so then they rinsed it off. After that, they put another ingredient on my hair will at the sink and let it soak for another 10 mins. My hair was blown dry section by section to seal the keratin. After that, a flat iron was used to seal the treatment. Lastly, my hair was rinsed off with water and then blown dry naturally.

I was recommended not to wash my hair for 48 hours after treatment. For the first week, it was recommended to not have my hair tied up or for it to get to chlorinated water. I was also recommended to use the special shampoo for keratin treatment that was sulphate-free and sodium chloride-free. Click link for my review of the recommended shampoo for keratin treated hair. Review Kerastraight Maintain Shampoo

In order to prolong the effects of the keratin treatment, Gilbert recommended that I wash my hair every other day instead of every day. He also reminded me to wash my hair with cold water to prolong the treatment. 

Five days after the treatment, I had my hair curled and styled for my cousin's wedding. I even had my hair braided and put up for the evening. I was worried that my hair was no longer going to be straight after the hair styling, but after washing it out, it went back to being straight and smooth. Gilbert told me to put lots of conditioner after the hair styling to keep it soft and smooth.

I went swimming two week after I did the keratin treatment. I tried to minimize contact with chlorinated water but it was almost impossible to do. However, it did not seem to cause the keratin to be stripped off. My hair was still smooth and straight. 

Three weeks after the keratin treatment, my hair was noticeably straighter and not as frizzy. However, I found that my hair was too flat. I tried to follow Gilbert's advise to not wash my hair everyday. But after a week of doing it, I could not continue. My hair will be oily at the end of Day 1, and it will be super flat and oily on Day 2. I just could not stand the greasiness of second day hair after the keratin treatment. 

My hair started to look more natural after about 1.5 months. It continued to be smooth but less flat; my hair regained some of its volume back. That was my ideal hair look. 

Gilbert said that the keratin treatment should be able to last 3 months if I use the specified shampoo and proper care. I finished using the bottle of Kerastraight shampoo in December 2014, and started going back to my usual Essential Rich Shampoo. Now, in January 2015, which has been four months,   my wavy roots are showing. But the rest of my hair is still relatively straight. My frizziness has somewhat returned but it is still better than my au naturel hair. 

Keratin treatment was supposed to make the hair still look natural and not flat straight. I will not do Keratin treatment again. Yes, it does make my split ends less noticeable but I do not like how flat it makes my hair. Plus, I find that after the keratin treatment, my hair gets oilier more easily. A big no-no in my books. Lastly, keratin treatment is very expensive and does not as long as other smoothing treatment.