REVIEW: NARS Narsissist Hardwired Eye Kit

~AG~

Sleek mirror packaging

Comes with 6 eyeshadow shades

~AG~
This eyeshadow palette contains six neutral shades, and comes with a travel-sized brush and brown eyeliner. This purchase was a steal! It typically retails for S$80. But during Shiseido Warehouse Sale in December 2016, this NARS Narsissist Hardwired Eye Kit was selling for only S$40. So, why not try it? I have not tried NARS eyeshadow before, but have used NARS's eyeliner and lip pencil. The makeup artist that is doing my makeup for my wedding day has several NARS eyeshadow palette in his 

This eyeshadow palette works well for day and nighttime looks. So far, I have only used the three shades - the two shades on the right side (IV and I) , and the light grey shade (V) on the middle top.

What can I say about NARS Narsissist Hardwired Eye Kit?
The eyeshadow is not as pigmented as other brands such as Urban Decay and Visee Nudy Rich Eyeshadow. Since I prefer a natural eye makeup, the darker colors in this eyeshadow palette will be untouched. The shimmers on the eyeshadow is finely milled, and does not irritate my eyes. The texture of these eyeshadow is not powdery and there is no fallout. It is a decent makeup. The only downside is that the eyeshadows are not pigmented enough, you have to apply several layers for the color to show up. So if you are looking splurge on some eyeshadows, I would not recommend NARS eyeshadow.

I and IV does not show up well on my skin tone

Mini Eyeliner in Via De'Martelli

For the mini Larger than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via De'Martelli, it is a dark brown pencil eyeliner. Pencil eyeliner does not work well for my monolids, and tends to smudge. It especially, does not work well in Singapore's humid condition. This kit also includes a travel-size #43 Wide Contour Eyeshadow Brush. This densely packed angled brush blends and sweeps eyeshadow with ease. 

Wide Contour Eyeshadow Brush

Overall, this was a great buy because I bought it at a discounted price. Though, I would not splurge for a NARS eyeshadow palette at full price. In terms of pigmentation, NARS eyeshadows are not up to standard. I would rather splurge on Urban Decay or MAC eyeshadows. 

NEW BUY: Leaders Insolution Sheet Mask

~AG~

Sheet mask is one of my must-buy items while in Korea. Sheet mask is great when your skin need a boost of hydration or when your skin is irritated. There are affordable and super easy to use. I have not tried Leaders Insolution sheet mask, but MG mentioned that they are popular as well. Bought 3 boxes of Leaders Insolution Skin Mask for KRW 51,300. There was a 'Buy 2-get-1 deal" at the duty free store. Each box contains 10 sheet masks, so each mask comes to be KRW 1,710 (S$2.10). The sheet masks I purchased were:
of my must-buy items while in Korea. Sheet mask is great when your skin need a boost of hydration or when your skin is irritated. There are affordable and super easy to use. I have not tried Leaders Insolution sheet mask, but MG mentioned that they are popular as well. Bought 3 boxes of Leaders Insolution Skin Mask for KRW 51,300. There was a 'Buy 2-get-1 deal" at the duty free store. Each box contains 10 sheet masks, so each mask comes to be KRW 1,710 (S$2.10). The sheet masks I purchased were: 

Aquaringer Skin Clinic Mask 
- This is the best-selling mask from Leaders Insolution, according to the helpful saleslady. With enriching nutrients and alpine glacier water, it restores moisture and maintains healthy hydration level.

AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask
- This sheet mask soothes irritated skin and helps reduce redness. It is suitable for those with acne-prone skin. 

Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask
- Helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture level. Collagen boosts vitality for tired skin. Other Collagen Sheet Masks have shown good results on my skin, so I cannot wait to try this Leaders Insolution Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask.

Cannot wait to try these sheet masks. I wish I had more than one face to put them on. Hahaha.. Stay tuned for my review of Leaders Insolution Skin Mask. Have a good day!

Beauty Haul: Korean Lip Products

 Lip products haul from South Korea

 They all fit in my tiny hand

 ~AG~
So during my time in Korea a few weeks ago, I did not go too crazy with the buying of cosmetics. My focus this time was on lip products. Korean beauty industry are known for creating innovative beauty products. I am big fan of Korean lip products because they are pigmented and are suitable for Asian skin tones. Not to mention, they are also more affordable compared to high-end brands such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Lancome. 

Mamonde Highlight Lip Tint Glow in Mangosteen (#16) costs KRW 11,000 (S$14). This product was made popular by Korean actress, Park Shin Hye. This glossy lip tint has a nice texture. Mangosteen (#16) is a darker lip color than what I usually go for. 

3CE Red Recipe Lip Color #212 costs KRW 17,900 (S$22). This red lipstick by 3CE has a hydrating texture that feels comfortable on the lips. It is difficult to find a suitable red lipstick. This 3CE Lip Color is pigmented and has a blue undertones. 

Labiotte Wine Lipstick retails for KRW 16,000 (S$20). I am unfamiliar with this brand, Labiotte. MG told me that Labiotte is famous for their Wine Lipstick and Lip Tint. The cute packaging resembles a wine bottle is irresistible. This melting-type lipstick is an innovative beauty product - it reacts to the lips at optimal temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. The texture is smooth and hydrating as well. I bought two shades: Noir Pink (PK01) and Sauternes Red (RD04).

 

Labiotte Petal Affair Firming Lip Color Volume Fit in Selfie Coral retails for KRW 16,000 (S$20). This lip product contains rose oil extracts and pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, which is high in amino acids, to care for the fine lines of the lips. 

Stay tuned for my review of these lip products. I cannot wait to try them all!

REVIEW: 2nd Session of Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment @ My Cozy Room

~AG~

Hello readers! If you read my blog, you know that I tried back acne facial for the first time at My Cozy Room 

I was rather satisfied with the result of the first treatment, and decided to buy three more sessions of the Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment. The price for the additional sessions are S$268.20 per session. The cashier at My Cozy Room recommended that I come for a back acne treatment every three weeks or so. But with my hectic work schedule, wedding planning and on-going renovation, that is not possible. 

My second session was 2 months after my first back acne treatment. I was so tired that I fell asleep during the treatment, which is rare for me. I never fall asleep during massage or facial treatment. The treatment process was similar to my first session. Except my facial therapist, Clover, did not use the High Frequency Treatment as she said my pimples are not as big.

Some questions that you might be wondering about:

1) Did the Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment prevent back acne from appearing?
I felt that the Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment is helpful with the lightening of acne scars and improving the overall skin tone. It does not prevent back acne from appearing, as I still have acne popping up.

2)  What is the difference between Diamond Peel Back Acne treatment and other Back Acne Treatment?
Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment includes a step that uses a diamond tip machine to buff and polish the layer of dead skin cells. It helps make the skin appear smoother and brighter. 

3) Is the Diamond Peel painful?
The diamond peel is not painful at all. It feels like a hard scrub or scratch on your back. As someone with low pain tolerance, I can say it is painless. 

I still have two more sessions of Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment. I hope it helps improve my back acne condition. 

NEW BUY: Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap

~AG~

While in South Korea recently, MG wanted to stop by ALAND stores to buy some COSRX and Klairs skincare products. We spent some time at ALAND Myeongdong store to find some current popular products in the Korean beauty world. 

Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap retails for KRW 10,500 (SGD $13.50). This is a heavy price tag for a bar soap that weighs 100 grams. Klairs Charcoal Soap claims to purify pores without over-drying skin. Charcoal eliminates dead skin cells and organic Moroccan Ghassoul (mineral clay) eliminates sebum. Black sugar exfoliates to give a brighter and clearer skin. It also contains hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter and grapeseed oil. Essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus are also found in Klairs Charcoal Soap. This natural soap does not contain fragrances, preservatives, artificial foaming agents and emulsifiers. 

My plan is to use Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap for my back area. Since I am constantly plagued by back acne, using a targeted cleanser for that area will be a good idea. My hope is for Klairs Charcoal Soap to help prevent back acne from appearing. *fingers crossed*

NEW BUY: The Body Shop Spa of the World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay

~AG~

Browsing through a Body Shop store, I chanced upon this Spa of the World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay. This was so interesting as I have never seen a clay product for the body. Clay face masks are commonly used to soak up impurities, and excess sebum. So, I asked the helpful saleslady what the difference between this Body Shop Charcoal Body Clay and regular clay face masks. She mentioned that the skin on our face is more sensitive, so clay face masks are much more gentle. She added that everyone has different skin types and not every skin type is suitable for clay face mask. While, we do not define the skin on our body the same way as we do the face on our skin. The skin on your body is more resilient compared to the skin on your face. 

This Body Shop Charcoal Body Clay is to be used once a week on areas such as your chest and back. Since recently, I have been suffering from some back acne, I decided to try this product out. It contains Bamboo Charcoal for the Himalayas. How cool is that! It comes with 200 ml of clay and retails for S$36.90. With the Body Shop membership discount, it came to be S$33.21.

While looking through the ingredients list, I found that Spa of the World Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay contains Salicylic Acid, a known acne-fighting ingredient. 

This has a minty sensation when applied. You leave it on for 10 minutes to dry. The saleslady told me to massage the areas in circular motions when rinsing it off with water. 

I would have to use it for a longer time to see whether it helps with my back acne. Stay tune for my review on The Body Shop Spa of the Worl Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay.