For the Love of Sheet Masks

~AG~

Sheet masks are an essential part of my skincare routine. This single-use sheet mask helps to soothe and add moisture to the skin. The first brand that ignited my love of sheet mask was My Beauty Diary, a Taiwanese brand that has a wide range of sheet mask for different skin concerns and needs. During my university days in the States, I would put on a face mask after a long day at school and work. A box of sheet masks costs about S$12-16, and a single mask costs about S$1.50. This is one of the most affordable sheet masks in the market. My recommended series from My Beauty Diary are: Aloe Vera and Natto. The sheet masks are drenched with serum and your skin will feel instantly moisturised after application.


innisfree offers a range of sheet masks. I have used:

1) My Real Squeeze Masks (S$2). A triple layered sheet mask with freshly squeezed juice of plants or fruits. My Real Squeeze Mask offers 16 different types to try - Rose, Rice, Green Tea, Aloe, Kiwi and etc. For those who are more budget conscious, My Real Squeeze Mask is a good way to try mask for various skin concerns. The Face Shop and Nature Republic offers similarly priced sheet masks, but they are not as memorable. 

2) Skin Clinic Mask (S$3) is made of 100% natural cotton sheet and it is mineral oil-free, colorants-free and animal ingredients-free.

3) Second Skin Mask Range (S$7-8) is made of fermented soyabean sheet that feels like hydrogel. I have tried the Nourishing and Soothing sheet mask.

This a new discovery for me. LuLuLun Daily Face Mask costs about S$7-9 for a 7-pack sheet mask. It also comes in a pack with 30-pieces face mask. The one that I tried LuLuLun Daily Facial Mask Extra Moisturising. Though the sheet mask is not as drenched with essence, my skin feels hydrated and soft after use.You are supposed to use it daily for seven days, but I am usually too lazy for that. It is a good skincare boost when your skin is feel tight and tired.

Leaders Insolution Mask from South Korea is a popular sheet mask brand. The ones I tried was the Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask, AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask and Aquaringer Skin Clinic Mask. The one that I use most often is Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask as my skin has been on the drier side lately. The sheet mask is fully drenched with essence and helps to restore moisturize. A single mask costs about S$4.00. This is not as affordable as My Beauty Diary and innisfree.

Last but not least, is my highly-rated Mediheal Mask. One of my Korean friends said this is one of the best-selling sheet masks in Korea. The Collagen Impact Essential Mask is my ultimate favorite sheet mask. It soothes and moisturizes my tired skin. Whenever my skin feels dry, I would apply the sheet mask. This Mediheal Collagen Mask is fully drenched with essence. Even after applying it for 20 minutes, the sheet mask is still soaked with essence. I have yet to try the other mask from Mediheal.

Overview of Eye Makeup Removers

~AG~

Maybelline Makeup Remover
One of the first eye makeup removers that I tried. It is a dual-phase remover that you have to shake vigorously before use. Overall, it is a decent eye makeup remover that is affordably priced @ S$2 (US $1.50) for 40ml at Watsons Singapore. To remove my waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, I use a cotton pad for each eye area. 

Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover
This is Target's own brand. It is a dupe of Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. US $4.59 (US $6.50)  for ~160 ml. It is also a dual-phase remover, though the two contents are colourless. It is not as heavy duty as other eye makeup remover such as Lancome Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover or Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover. It takes a lot more work to get rid of waterproof eye makeup, but for the price

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover
This makeup remover is also a dual-phase content, so you have to shake it well before you. The only thing I have to say about Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover is that it is oilier than Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover, and Maybelline Makeup Remover. It is very similar to Lancome Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover. It is quite costly @ US $9.50 (S$13) for 50 ml of product. Other more affordable eye makeup removers on this last can get the job done just as well such as Maybelline Makeup Remover. 

Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover
This very popular Japanese eye makeup remover works well. It takes about two cotton pads to completely remove my waterproof mascara. S$12.90 for 145ml of makeup remover. This affordable eye makeup remover is also a dual-phase 

Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
This drugstore eye makeup remover retails for US$4.49 (S$6.50) with 118ml worth of product. This makeup remover burnt my eyes. It was horrible! Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover also did not do a good job in removing waterproof mascaras. *thumbs down*

Lancome Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
This highly-rated eye makeup remover by Lancome is similar in texture with Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover, though it is pricier. US$15 (S$20) for 50 ml of makeup remover. It is has a higher oil content compared to Maybelline or Bifesta Makeup Remover. It does a good job in removing eye makeup, but other comparable makeup removers does the job too. I would not spend that much money of eye makeup remover again. 

Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil
This is not categorised as an eye makeup remover. But it is a cleansing oil that works for eye makeup as well. The texture of the oil is rather thick, which is great for removing stubborn makeup. However, for S$55 for 150ml, I would not specifically use this cleansing oil for eye makeup. It is too luxurious a product to use it solely for removing eye makeup. Though, this cleansing oil is especially great for removing lash glue and false eyelashes, it is the most gentle method to take it all of. 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Even though, the name mentions Oil-Free, it has a slight oily texture. This drugstore find costs US $6.19 (S$8.50) for 160ml. It is similar to Up &Up Eye Makeup Remover, in that both these products are not very effective in removing waterproof makeup. It takes more tugging to remove long-lasting mascaras which is not good for the sensitive undereyes area. 

L'oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover

This was one of the earliest eye makeup removers that I tried. This drugstore eye makeup remover is easy on the pockets @S$11.90 (US$9) for 125 ml. Compared to Maybelline Eye Makeup Remover, this L'oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover feels oilier, and is also more effective in dissolving waterproof mascaras. This dual-phase makeup remover is a constant fixture on my vanity table. It works great and is affordable. 

*** Out of all the eye makeup removers on this list, the #1 recommended product is Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover. It is very affordable, gentle on the eye area, and effectively removes waterproof makeup. The runners-up are L'oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover and Maybelline Makeup Remover. I find that it not worth it to buy high-end eye makeup removers, as there are plenty of affordable eye makeup removers that work just as well. Save some $ on eye makeup removers, and go with drugstore finds instead. Your pockets will thank you for it :)

Blush Series - Powder Blush, Highlighters & Cream Blush

~AG~

BLUSH

1. Benefit Cosmetics Sugarbomb Box o' Powder Blush
- This is a more 'bronzey' blush that is suitable for a sunkissed glow
- The shades are very pretty and blends well together
- Plus, the blush has a sweet scent

2. Nars Blush in Orgasm
- The highly-awarded powder blush by Nars
- This peach blush with gold shimmers works well for various skin tone. 
- I would not recommend this blush for those with dry skin, as it can accentuate dry patches

3. Tarte Pin-Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette
- My FAVORITE blush palette! It has various pink and peach shades. You can pick and chose  the shade based on the look of the day. 
- A great piece to have in your makeup arsenal. Highly recommended!
- Highly(x2)  pigmented and has good staying power. 

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
- If you are looking for a matte blush, this is the blush for you. 
- Great pigmentation and stays on very well.
- Works well for sensitive/oily skin. 
- Nothing to complain about this wonderful powder blush

5. NYX Powder Blush in Ethereal
- An affordable dupe of Nars Blush in Orgasm, though it is not as pigmented
- Shimmery peach shade that will be great for fair-to-medium skin tone

6. Benefit Cosmetics CORALista Box o' Powder Blush
- A shimmery shade similar to Nars Orgasm though it is more shimmery
- This coral/peach shade is much lighter than Nars Orgasm, and works well for fairer skin tone

BLUSH/HIGHLIGHTER

7. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Rose
- This was my first Bobbi Brown purchase and I loved this!
- Love this shimmery blush and highlighter product
- People often comment on my healthy glow when I use this product
- Works well for my warm, medium skin tone
- Easy to use, you just swirl your brush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks

8. Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche
- Beautifully designed powder, you can expect no less from Chanel!
- Finely-milled shimmers that are oh-so-flattering
- It works more as a highlighter than a blush as it does not give off as much color

CREAM BLUSH

9. Stila Convertible Color in Lillium
- Great for those new to cream blush as it is easy to apply - you can use your fingers to apply the cream blush
- The shade, Lillium, works well to create a fresh, healthy glow. Cream blush creates a more natural look than powder blush.
- Works especially well for those that have dry skin type. For oily/combination skin type, I recommend powder blush instead, p.s: see #4 (Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush).

All about Under Eyes Concealer

 

~AG~

Ever since Secondary School, I have been plagued with dark circles. It has been over 10 years since my search for the best under eyes concealer. My dark circles are exactly that of a Panda's. T_T
Some friends have commented on how severe my dark circles it. Though some articles mention that dark circles are caused by the lack of sleep. But from my personal experience, no matter how much restful sleep I get at night, I will still have dark circles. Thus, concealer is my long-term best friend. Over the years, I have tried quite a few highly-rated under eyes concealers. Right now, my #1 concealer is Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer. See below for my comparison of other under eyes concealers.

Bobbi Brown Corrector
THE GOOD: This salmon tone Corrector is meant to be worn under the yellow-based Bobbi Brown concealer. Though, I usually wear this Corrector on its own. It was designed specifically to cover severe dark circles. It covers my dark circles well.

THE BAD: This product can be too thick. The thickest under eyes concealer out of the rest on the list. It tends to cake up even when eye cream is applied beforehand.

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer
THE GOOD: Provides high coverage, stays on well. You only need a little bit to fully cover your dark circles. Plus, it does not melt in Singapore's humid weather!

THE BAD: Super expensive! US$80 for this stick concealer. But it lasts for a long time, I have been using mine for almost two years, and still no signs of defeat. Though on some days, I wished it has a more salmon tone to neutralize my dark circles.

 

Benefit Erase Paste
THE GOOD: Value for money, US$26 for more than 6 months' worth. The texture of this concealer is very creamy. You only need a tiny bit to cover your dark circles.

THE BAD: Due to its creamy texture, it tends to melt in humid weather - even thought I set it with a loose powder. This is the creamiest under eyes concealer out of all on the list. It would work better for those with dry under eyes areas, or for people who live in drier climate.

Benefit Fake Up
THE GOOD: Nothing

THE BAD: Not much coverage and tends to crease in Singapore's humid weather. A gimmick product!

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
THE GOOD: It has a salmon undertone to conceal dark circles, and brightens the under eyes area. Its creamy texture is great for those with dry under eyes area. But it is not as creamy as Benefit Erase Paste. It does not melt in humid conditions.

THE BAD: It does not provide enough coverage for very severe dark circles. Coverage not as high as Cle de Peau Beaute concealer, but better than other concealers on the list. It provides good enough coverage for an everyday concealer.

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot
THE GOOD: It comes with a Secret Concealer, a Secret Camouflage as well as Translucent Setting Powder. 3-in-1! With that being said, Secret Camouflage is more of a blemish concealer. It does not work well for dark circles. The Translucent Setting Powder is alright.

THE BAD: Expensive at US$34. Since I did not use the Secret Camouflage and Translucent Setting Powder as much, I rather buy Laura Mercier Secret Concealer which only cost US$25.  

Is Your Deodrant Safe for Use?

~AG~

Have you read online articles on the possible link of using antiperspirant deodorants and the occurrence of breast cancer? As a young woman, these articles are of concern to me. Between 2009-2013, breast cancer was the most common type of cancer affecting women in Singapore (29.3%). This means that 2 out of the 10 women you know might be diagnosed with breast cancer!! https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/default-document-library/cancer-trends-report-2009-2013.pdf?sfvrsn=0 

I do not know about you. But that number is ALARMING! One of my best friends stopped using antiperspirant deodorant because of these reports. Do note, at this time of publication, the science community does not warrant this claim, but they do mention that there might be a possible link. More peer-reviewed studies need to be done on it. 
"Studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum, are absorbed into the skin.. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the action of the female hormone estrogen, which is known to influence the growth of breast cancer cells."
Please click on link for more details
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/antiperspirant-facts-safety
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet

With that being said, I much prefer to be on the SAFE side. Thus, I will be switching to a deodorant that is aluminium-free. In search of an aluminium-free deodorant in Singapore is like finding money on the ground. Guardian only carried one aluminium-free deodorant which was a crystal aloe vera stick in a glass packaging. I NEVER heard of that brand before and it was retailing for S$26. Some shops that I went to were belief, The Body Shop, Aesop, Kiehls, Lush, Sephora, Crabtree and Evelyn, and FINALLY L'Occitane.

Expert Night Care Advice by Dr. Hauschka

~AG~

 

While browsing through Dr .Hauschka website, I stumbled upon their "Expert Advice" section. Dr. Hauschka Skin Care does NOT recommend night creams or oil-based moisturizers at night. Yes, you read it right. This is the first time I am hearing such beauty advice. As my curiosity arose, I clicked on the link:  Dr Hauschka Night Care



This is an excerpt from Dr. Hauschka Skin Care website:

Moisturizers are what your skin needs during the day. During the day, our skin benefits from the care of waxes and oils, which protect skin from the elements as we're out and about living our lives. Plus, our moisturizers support your skin's natural processes to balance, firm, renew and refine your skin.
At night, the opposite is true—moisturizers are not needed. Once the sun sets, your skin is biologically programmed to perform its natural night-time functions of self-cleansing, balancing oil production and cellular renewal. However, if you apply oil-based moisturizing products like night creams, they can interfere with these essential tasks.
Oil-based night creams & lotions signal your skin to "take the night off." These products then take over the work your skin would naturally do. If this occurs night after night, your skin becomes "lazy" and learns to depend upon these products to perform its nighttime functions and feel balanced.

WOW! This is amazing. I never thought of that before. It does makes sense. When you sleep at night, your body and skin repairs itself. So, if you are letting your heavy-duty moisturizers do the job. Your skin becomes "out of job" of its natural repairing process. Sometimes when I am lazy, I skip the moisturizer step at night, and feel guilty about it. But now, I don't have to feel bad about skipping the moisturizer at night. All I need on my face at night is a lightweight serum, a good eye cream and spot treatment.

 

Eyeliners Series Introduction

~AG~

In the next few days, I will start a series of posts regarding eyeliners. Over the years, I have tried more than 20 eyeliners. Some drugstore brands, some high-end brands. You name it, I have probably tried it. Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Stila, Lancome, NARS, Tony Moly, 24k Palette, Almay, Revlon, Milani, Eyeko and The Face Shop. All the different formulas I have tried - pencil, liquid eyeliner, felt tip, gel eyeliner.

A little introduction about my eyeliners experience.  I have single eyelids that tend to smudge eyeliners to the lower lids. So, I am always on the quest to find THE perfect eyeliner that would not smudge, is waterproof and is easy to use. Simple enough right? To find such a perfect eyeliner has been full of trials and errors. Now, I can narrow down my HG eyeliners to 3 eyeliners. Stay tuned to see which 3 eyeliners are my HGs! 

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!

AG's 2015 Beauty Resolution

~AG~ 

Some beauty resolutions for 2015. Little changes to my beauty routine and habits.
 

1) Use eye cream regularly. Sometimes I skip putting on eye cream, especially at night. This is a bad habit. Since the eye area is in need of moisturization. 
 

2) Use eyeliner more. I have two or three brand new eyeliners that have not been used. 
 

3) Find the approriate shampoo for my scalp and hair type. Reduce hair fall. 
 

4) Use at-home hair mask & hair treatment more frequently.  
 

5) Apply lip balm more often, to keep lips soft and moist. Nowadays, I only apply lip balm once or twice a day. It will be good to increase the frequency to 4-5 times a day. It will be even better if I can use my stashed lip products, my collection of lip srick, lip stain, lip gloss and such. 

3 Easy Hairstyles for a Rainy Day

Some simple ways to style your hair on a rainy day. Beautiful loose buns. Different hairstyles to create a chic look.

REVIEW: MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Magic Marc'er Precison Pen

~AG~

What I love about MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Magic MArc'er Precision Pen?

• Super super long lasting. It seriously lasts all day. From 8am- 11pm. The staying power is better than my HG 24k palette eyeliner, FaceShop eyeliner and eyeko eyeliner. 
• It does not smudge to my lower eyelids. No racoon eyes effect. I tend to have issues with supposedly long-lasting eyeliner smudging to my lower lids. But I did not have any problem with this eyeliner. 
• Totally waterproof. Even after I cried my eyes out. I was truly impressed by its water-proof properties. It did not budge. 
• Easy to remove with oil-based makeup remover. It becomes fibrous when in contact with oil-based eye makeup remover. No tugging is necessary. But be careful to remove the fibrous material with Q-tip (cotton buds) so that it does not get into the eye. 
• The fine brush tip takes a little getting used to, but I find it relatively easy to use. I'm not a pro in the eyeliner application, but I will rate this product as an easy-medium application level.
• The eyeliner flows generously without being too watery/inky.
• It is an intense black 
• It takes sometimes for the eyeliner to dry. ~10 seconds. But the drying time is much shorter than Stila's. The eyeliner's drying time is still acceptable to me. 
• You can use it to draw super fine eyeliner. Or manipulate it to draw more dramatic eyeliner.
• It is very pricy at USD$30. But for an eyeliner beginner, I will definitely recommend this product. It is easy to use. Waterproof. Does not smudge, and stays on all day.