NEW BUY: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner Deep Black

Cute pink packaging

~AG~

Previously bought Dolly Wink Liquid Liner in Super Brown. Brown eyeliner creates a soft natural line while black eyeliner gives a stronger look. Now decided to try Dolly Wink Liner in Deep Black. Purchased it for S$25.90 from Watsons. For hygiene purpose, you are supposed to throw out your eyeliner after 3 months of use. But since I do not use liquid eyeliner everyday, I decide to replace mine after 6 months of use. So far, I am a fan of Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner. Stay tuned on my review on whether I like the Deep Black as much as the Super Brown.

NEW BUY: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner & Eyelash Fix

~AG~

Watsons was having an offer - 20% off for a minimum purchase of S$38. Since my eyeliner needed to be replaced, this was the perfect time to purchase one. Do change your eyeliner every 6 months for good eye health. 

 

One of my friends recommended the Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner, so that product has been on my To-Buy List. Dolly Wink has liquid eyeliner available in Super Brown and Deep Black. Japanese eyeliners are one of the bests in the market. They are known for their fine tip brush and being long-lasting. Having tried quite a few Japanese eyeliners (K-Palette, Heroine and Kate), I am curious on how well Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner will be. I accidentally purchased the Liquid Eyeliner in Super Brown. I meant to buy the Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black but did not look carefully when selecting it. Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner usually retails for S$25.90, but with discount it is S$20.72.

Decided to purchase eyelash glue as my HG DUP Eyelash Fixer is long past its expiration date. Tried to find DUP Eyelash Fixer at Watsons but it was not available. They do sell DUP eyeliner and false eyelashes at Watsons though. Anyway, decided to try Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix Hard Type ($18.90), since Dolly Wink are well-known for their false eyelashes. With the discount, I paid only S$15.12 for Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix.

Will these Japanese eyeliner and eyelash glue soon. Stay tuned for my reviews on Dolly Wink products. 

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. 

REVIEW: Physician Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum

24 hour of wear

~AG~

Bought this Physician Formula Eye Booster 2-in1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum while I was in the United States a few months ago. Target retails this eyeliner for US$9.63 (S$14). There are select Guardian stores in Singapore that carry Physician Formula products, but the pricing is not as competitive. Guardian Singapore is selling Physician Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner for S$29.90. Even when Guardian is having 20% off regular-priced items, the price of Physician Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner in Singapore is 70% more than that in the United States. The morale of the story is to ask your friends who are travelling to the States to buy it for you. 

In  Ultra Black

According to Physician Formula, this special product enhances the appearance of lashes while providing definition an eyeliner. Lash Boosting Complex targets the base of the lashes where it is most effective. The eyeliner claims to be water-resistant and smudge-resistant. After using it for over a week, I can testify that this Physician Formula Eyeliner is definitely smudge-resistant. It stayed on for well over 8 hours. It did not smudge to my lower lash line at all. The water-resistant ability of Physician Formula Eyeliner is pretty good. The Physician Formula Eye Booster eyeliner did not smudge even though I teared up while watching a sappy Korean drama. The fine tip brush of the eyeliner creates a smooth and clean look. The pigmentation of the eyeliner is better than that of Clio Kill Brush Eyeliner. The shade I bought was in Ultra Black. The eyeliner is easily removed by using a oil-based makeup remover. Two cotton pads and one cotton bud will completely remove the eyeliner.

Fine tip brush

An affordable drugstore eyeliner that I would repurchase if I were in the States or have friends travelling there. The formula is long-lasting and pigmented. I cannot comment on the lash boosting properties, since my lashes are just as sparse. Other than that, I have nothing bad to say about Physician Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum. 

NEW BUY: Drugstore Haul

 My haul from Target

~AG~

My favorite place to browse through drugstore products in the United States is Target. It has a great selection of beauty products at reasonable prices. As I write this post, I miss Target beauty aisles even more. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara 

US $6.99 (S$10)

-- It is the first patented fanning brush with 10 layers of bristles to create a full fan effect.

EOS Hand Lotion in Berry Blossom 

US$1.99 (SS$3)

-- The palm-sized packaging is cute. This hand lotion contains shea butter, aloe and oats to keep hands soft and smooth. It is fast absorbing and also non-greasy. 

Aquaphor Lip Repair 
US$3.97 (S$4)
-- This drugstore favorite relieves dry and chapped lips. It provides long-lasting moisture for the lips. Formulated with Shea Butter and Chamomile for well-moisturized lips.

Physician Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush 
US$10.63 (S$15.50)
-- This blush is infused with Happy Boost Blend containing Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins (feel-good hormone) and protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. 

Physician Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum 
US$9.63 (S$14)
-- This special product enhances the appearance of lashes while providing definition an eyeliner. Lash Boosting Complex targets the base of the lashes where it is most effective. The eyeliner claims to be water-resistant and smudge-resistant.  

Yes to Miracle Oil primRose Oil Mud Mask 
US$2.50 (S$3.70)
-- This mud mask contains primrose oil to soothe skin and calm redness. The mask leaves skin feeling cool and hydrated. 

Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Waterproof Mascara 
US$6.99 (S$10)
-- I am a big hand of Covergirl mascaras. This is mascara has petal-shaped brush and soft mousse formula to create full lashes that are not stiff nor brittle.

NEW BUY: Bobbi Brown Dark Brow Kit & Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Duo Set

~AG~

Bobbi Brown Dark Brow Kit (S$62)
This eyebrow kit includes a mini Tweezer and mini Brow Bush. The shades, Saddle and Mahogany, are for black and brown hair. One of my aunts who is good at doing her own makeup recommended this eyebrow kit. She said that Bobbi Brown's brow powders are more natural than the wax and powder combo of Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings. It is pricey for an eyebrow kit. An innisfree eyebrow powder kit only costs less than S$20. Bobbi Brown's brown kit is THREE times the price of an innisfree brow kit! Hope the price tag is worth it!
 
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Duo Set (S$59)
This duo set includes the gel eyeliners in Black Ink and Sepia Ink, with a mini Ultra Fine Eye Liner brush. Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is Bobbi Brown's bestselling product. This award-winning gel eyeliner is a staple of many makeup artists. While doing my eye makeup for an event, I realized that having a gel liner is critical when tight-lining the eyes. I was using a felt-tip liner and it took a while to tight-line my waterlines. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is not a new product. Previously, I had tried it when I was living in the States. But somehow, this gel eyeliner seemed to smudge off. However, last year, when a makeup artist used it on me on two occasions, this gel eyeliner did not run or smudge off at all. So, I am going to give this Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner another chance. *cross fingers*   

Stay tuned for my review of Bobbi Brown Dark Brow Kit & Gel Eyeliner Duo Set! 

REVIEW: Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner Kill Brown

 Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner Kill Brown

You have to shake it before use

~AG~

Bought this Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner Kill Brown in Seoul, Korea. Forgot to take note of the retail price there. This Clio Brush Eyeliner is selling for S$22.90 in Watsons Singapore. This is a highly raved about eyeliner. I heard about the great staying power of this eyeliner many years back when Lee Hyori was Clio's brand ambassador. 

Fine tip brush that is easy to use

Decided to go for a brown eyeliner because there are too many black eyeliners in my makeup collection. The first thing I noticed is that the brush tip is very fine and precise. It allows for better control, which is great for liquid eyeliner beginners. A brown eyeliner is less harsh than black eyeliner. However, some ladies might not like the super natural look. Brown eyeliner does not define the eyes as strongly as black eyeliner. Brown eyeliner works well for daytime, however it might not be suitable for nighttime or when a person is photographed. Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner lasts all day. The eyeliner stayed on my eyelids for more than 10 hours, with eyeshadow primer. This long-lasting eyeliner did not smudge to my lower eyelids. Even without eyeshadow primer, Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner has great lasting power - for up to 8 hours. Another great thing about this eyeliner is that it dries up quickly after application, in mere seconds. I do not have to worry about the eyeliner transferring to the crease of the upper eyelids. With some liquid eyeliners such as Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, I had to keep my eyes closed for at least 10 seconds for the eyeliner to dry. Those 10 seconds felt so long. Even though Clio Brush Eyeliner Kill Brown has great lasting power, it is easy to remove with an oil-based eye makeup remover. No tugging on the sensitive skin around the eyes. Yay!

Even though this eyeliner has the word "Waterproof" in its name, I would not categorize it as waterproof. It does have some water-resistance properties, but if you are going for a swim or to cry your eyes out, this Clio eyeliner would definitely smudge. Another downside to this eyeliner is the lack of pigmentation. It could be because this is a brown eyeliner, but the color is not as intense. I had to go over the line two or three times to get sufficient color. Might have to try Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner in black to get a true comparison. 

Top is a single line of the eyeliner, the bottom is three layers of the eyeliner

Eyeliner after contact with water and rubbing it. 

Overall, Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner Kill Brown is one of my highly rated liquid eyeliners. For its price of S$22.90, this is one of the more affordable liquid eyeliners. In comparison with my other HG eyeliners (Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner, Lancome Artliner and Marc Jacobs Magic MArc'er Precision Pen), Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner is ranked #2 on the list. 

AG & MG Beauty Award 2015

AG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE 

Favorite makeup remover: Bioderma Sebium H20
- - Still on my favorite list for 2015! It is a must-have to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities. Gentle on the skin, and effectively removes face makeup. The acne-fighting ingredients such as zinc gluconate and copper sulphate help purify the skin. My skin feels fresh after use.

Favorite toner: Derma-RX Toner
- - Never thought that toner is an essential part of skincare regimen till I met this Derma-RX Toner. It thoroughly preps my face for the next skincare steps. Plus, its AHAs content helps exfoliate my sensitive skin. 

MAKEUP

Favorite lip product: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX
- - Creamy texture. Very pigmented lip color, almost like a lip stain. Its unique packaging makes application super precise.  

Favorite eyeliner: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Liner
- - Super fine eyeliner tip. It goes on smooth and stays on all-day! 

Favorite facial moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
- - Perfect for my sensitive combination skin,  it hydrates my skin without leaving it feeling sticky. The scent is refreshingly oceanic.

MG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE

Favorite toner/essence: SK-II Treatment Essence and SK-II Clear Lotion

::: I use the treatment essence and clear lotion twice a day.
Treatment essence has been consistently part of my skincare regimen since the start of this year.
Clear lotion has only been part of my skincare regimen since September of this year. Clear lotion has salicylic acid which helps fight off blemishes. It acts as a toner.

Favorite lip balm: Nivea Watering Lip Care
::: Because it goes on very smoothly. It leaves my lips well-moisturised without feeling sticky or leaving a residue. The thin and sleek packaging makes it handy to carry around.

Favorite cleanser: Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser
::: My blackheads are reduced after I use this daily cleanser. It is a scrub that is gentle enough for every day use. 

MAKEUP

Favorite concealer: Cle de Peaue Beaute
::: Starting using this concealer this year. Because it is GOOD! It covers up my dark circles, acne scars and any redness. This concealer provides high coverage and fully hide my blemishes. Other concealers does not fully cover my acne scars. Plus, it lasts the whole day!

Favorite lip product: VDL Lip Tint
::: I love the color! It is nice! The texture is smoooth and it is moisturising. An easy way to create gradient lips.

REVIEW: Lancome Artliner

~AG~

Lancôme Artliner

This is my FAVORITE eyeliner right now! #1 on my list!

The packaging is a very compact, great for on-the-go. You have to shake the capped eyeliner if it not inky enough. This eyeliner has a liquid eyeliner finish, since the pigment is intense. 

The eyeliner has a very fine foam tip that allows for creation of natural eye makeup look. It took a little practice for me to get used to the foam tip. Somehow you have less control compared to the usual felt tip liner. After about five tries, I was able to create the desirable eye makeup look. 

What I like about this eyeliner is that you can layer it on to create a more dramatic look. The eyeliner is safe to use on the waterline. It takes about ~7 seconds to dry, which is a bearable wait time. 

It stays on all day and does not smudge. However, on several occasions, I have noticed it flaking off when I wiped off with a tissue. Not waterproof but it is water-resistant. 

To remove it, you have to use an waterproof eye makeup remover (an oil-based makeup remover). The eyeliner clumps up when it interacts with oil-based remover. You have to be careful to wipe it in one direction to prevent it from entering the eyes. 

Expensive at US$30.50 for an eyeliner but it is WORTH it! I will re-purchase this eyeliner. This is one of the best eyeliner that I have tried. It is long-lasting and most importantly, it does not smudge to my lower eyelids.

REVIEW: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner

 

The ultra fine brush

Look how FINE the tip is!

The black-grey pigment of the eyeliner

~AG~

This eyeliner has been in my makeup stock since my trip to Taiwan, which was a year and a half ago. I almost forgotten about it till I was organizing my beauty products the other day. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2014/02/kiss-me-heroine-make-smooth-liquid.html

My sister told me that she tried this eyeliner before and that it was pretty good. My friend, Janet, had also mentioned that this eyeliner was featured on a Taiwanese TV show as being a top-rated eyeliner.
Even though my Lancôme Artliner is still useable, it is time to move on to another eyeliner. See you later, Lancôme Artliner.

With this Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner, I will be testing it on it lasting power, pigmentation, and smudge-proof ability.

THE GOOD

• Very fine tip. This is probably the most fine brush tip that I have used.
• Goes on VERY smoothly
• Great for a natural tightly lined eyeliner look
• The brush is easy to use. This would be a GREAT eyeliner to try for those new to makeup
• It does NOT fade at all! Stays on for more than 12 hours!
• No worrying about raccoon eyes aka eyeliner smudging to my lower eyelids. Double Yay! 

THE BAD

• Not as pigmented as Lancôme Artliner or MARC JACOBS Magic Marc'er Precision Pen. You have to go over it a few times to get adequate color. The eyeliner has more of a grey-black shade.
• Will not work well for more dramatic eyeliner look such as cat eyes or winged eyeliner. It will take longer to create those looks.