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 :)

Lancome Miracle Cushion

~AG~

Lancôme is following the Korean beauty trend. Foundation in a cushion form! Hoooraayyyy!
Lancôme USA official website is selling it for US$46.50. The price point is similar to that of high-end Korean brand, Hera UV Mist CC Cushion, which retails for about US$45. But Lancôme's Miracle Cushion is more expensive than Banila Co., IOPE, Laneige and innisfree. For comparison purpose, these are the more affordable CC Cushions:
Banila Co it Radiant CC Cushion - US$35
IOPE Air Cushion - US$35
Laneige BB Cushion - US$34 
innisfree Cushion - around US$20

The plus point about this product is that it comes in 11 shades! You will be able to find the shade that is most suitable for your skin tone. Whereas for Korean brands, only two or three shades of CC Cushion are available. Sometimes, the shade offered by the Korean brands are too light for medium to dark skin tones. The shade offered by Lancôme will definitely work better for medium to dark skin tones.

This Miracle Cushion claims to be ultra lightweight with a refreshing and cooling sensation upon application. It also claims to hydrate and brighten the skin, while leaving a nice dewy finish. This product allows you to create a buildable coverage - from sheer to moderate coverage.

I cannot wait to get my hands on this, and compare it to Korean CC Cushions.

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.

Eyeliners Series 3: Comparison of Felt Tip Eyeliners

FELT TIP EYELINER

Felt tip eyeliner is my FAVORITE eyeliner type. Basically, it is a marker-like eyeliner. It is easy to use and convenient to travel with. The biggest benefit of felt tip eyeliner is that it stays on, and is the most long-lasting formula. With a felt tip eyeliner, you do not need to sharpen it or carry an eyeliner brush with you for application. You minimize the number of beauty products and tools you carry, especially helpful when travelling. Out of all the eyeliner types, felt tip eyeliner are the least likely to smudge or smear. In my opinion, it is the most smudge-resistant formula. With that being said, there are many different types of felt tip eyeliners. Some have hard felt tip, while some have a more"flexible" brush tip. Some have super fine tip, while some have a thicker tip. Your go-to felt tip eyeliner depends on your makeup preference. Felt tip eyeliners are found to be able to create defined makeup looks as well as dramatic eye makeup. You are able to build up and layer on the product to increase the intensity of the eyeliner. It take some practice to master using the felt tip eyeliner, but it is worth the many tries. EVERY girl should have a felt tip eyeliner in her makeup bag!


























Lancôme Artliner (US$30.50)

This is my FAVORITE eyeliner right now! #1! It has a very fine foam tip that allows for creation of natural eye makeup look. However, 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. You have to shake the eyeliner if it gets "dry". Expensive at US$30.50 for an eyeliner but it is WORTH it! I will re-purchase this eyeliner.


Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner (US$20)

AG & MG Beauty Award 2014

AG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2014

People always ask me what products are good. To tell you the truth, a product is subjective to many different factors. But after trying numerous beauty products, I can share a few advices on what is worth buying and what is not worth trying. In the year 2014, I discovered a few beauty products that have quickly became my favourites. Here are five products that have become holy grail (HG) products in my book.

Favourite Concealer: Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer in Ocher
The best concealer ever! It works well on dark circles as well as redness and zits. Great coverage and super smooth. Review Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer




Favourite Foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 52 Vanille
This foundation has a light to medium coverage. I LOVE that it blends in perfectly to my skin, and gives a nice natural glow. It gives a more dewy effect than matte. Review Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum


Favourite Eyeliner: Lancôme Artliner Precision Felt Tip Liquid Liner
Waterproof. Long-lasting. The felt tip is very precise, and relatively easy to use.



Favourite Makeup Remover: Bioderma Sebium H20
I truly cannot live without this product. It has changed the way I remove my sunscreen and makeup. This is the best beauty product ever! Everyone should have a bottle of Bioderma in their beauty arsenal. It can be used to clean makeup brushes too. Review Bioderma Sebium


Favourite Skincare Product: Lancôme Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate
A serum that keeps my skin soft and smooth. Even my boyfriend commented on the improvement of my skin texture. It is a must-have in my skincare regimen!
Short Review of Lancome Advanced Genefique

MG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2014

Bringing you my favorite 2014's beauty finds!

Favorite Moisturizer: Lanegie Water Bank Gel Cream_EX
The perfect moisturizer for Oily/Combo/Acne-prone skin! Already went through tub and tub of this gel-cream and am still using it because I really really love love it!

Favorite Facial Oil: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

I loved using it when I was living in the U.S. Thought I won't be able to enjoy using it when I moved back to Singapore because of the hot and humid weather but I was wrong. Now every night, I have to pour this gem on my face to keep it feeling moisturized and comfortable. 


Favorite CC Cream: Hera CC(Complete Care) Cream
I think I have said enough of my love for this product. Definitely it will continued to be in my makeup pouch till at least December 31, 2015! ❤❤


Favorite Face Primer: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
It is truly a beauty-must have! It helps your makeup lasts longer, brighten your skin and most importantly, it helps protect your skin from the makeup and dirt because it acts as an invisible mask.


Favorite Lipstick: 3 Concept Eyes Jumbo Lip Crayon in Popping P
What attracted me to it was the vibrant and unique purple-plumish color! The color is great. The pigmentation is great too. It's fairly moisturizing. Plus, according to Pantone, the Poppin P's purple shade is the Color of the Year 2014 (Radiant Orchid 18-3224)!

Makeup Products Today

 

🔹Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 

🔹Shu Uemura Face PowderColorless 

🔹NARS Orgasm Blush & Laguna Bronzer Duo 

🔹 Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 2.5 

🔹Lancome Alber Elbaz Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof  

🔹 Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer in Ocher  

🔹NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base 

🔹Lancome Artliner Eyeliner

Results of 7 Days Challenge: Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate

~AG~

SORRY for taking so long to get back to you all. I was busy travelling in and out of the country. On my previous post, I said that I will report back on December 9, 2014 about the results of my 7 days Lancome Advanced Genefique Activating Concentrate challenge. Lancome Advanced Genefique 7 Days Challenge

At the start of the challenge my skin was rather problematic. The skin area around my cheeks and chins were dry, and my nose were popping with little red pimples. I wanted to test out whether Lancome Advanced Genefique will help "calm" down my skin. 

I applied Lancome Advanced Genefique twice a day, as the first step after facial cleansing. I did not use any other skin serum, only applied Laneige Water Bank Essence on top as a moisturiser.

Three or four days after the use of Lancome Advanced Genefique, I felt a difference in my skin texture. My skin did not felt as rough and my dry patches were gone. Even my boyfriend, who often takes notice on my skin condition, commented that my skin texture has improved. If he mentioned it, it must be true! My boyfriend has a keen eye regarding my appearance. However, Advanced Genefique does not help reduce the little red pimples I had on my nose. Overall, Advanced Genefique has helped improve my skin texture in terms of hydration and clarity. My skin looks healthier and definitely feels softer. Also, my ultra sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to the concentrate. 

Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate has become my new must-have, especially when I am traveling to a country with a different climate. I noticed that when I used Advanced Genefique in China's winter weather, my skin does not feel as tight and will not have dry patches. Double Yay!

Some pictures of my bare skin on December 11, 2014. As you can see, the skin around my cheeks area looks and feels smoother. My skin looks luminous. 

I will definitely recommend Advanced Genefique to you, reader. It has become a must-have item in my skin care regimen. 

7 Days Challenge: Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate

~AG~

Please do not mind my au natural face. My skin was dry after my trip to China. The weather in China was windy and rather cold. As a result, my cheeks and chin area felt dry. Furthermore, I also noticed several pimples on my nose. Overall, my skin was not in a good condition. I decided to try out Lancome Advanced Genefique to see whether it will help "calm" my irritated skin. It is supposed to be a miracle serum that improves the skin condition. Lancome claims that you will notice a difference in skin condition in seven days. What a nice claim, isn't? 

 

I started the Lancome's 7 Days Advanced Genefique Challenge on Dec 3, 2014. Lancome claims that your skin will look different after seven consecutive days of use. I will use it day and night, as the first step after facial cleansing. I will not use any other serum or skin treatment. 

Previously, I had used the Lancome Genefique in the States after one of my friends recommended it to me. My friend who suffered from persistent acne said that this serum makes her skin glowing. She swore by this product and it is her HG product. 

 

However, even after I finished using the whole bottle, I did not notice any noticeable differences. I decided to try out the Advanced Genefique because it is an improved formula and my skin has changed since my time in the States. 

 

I bought this Lancome Advanced Genefique as part of a set with the Genefique Eye-Light Pearl at Singapore Changi Airport Duty Free store. 

 

I will come back on Dec 9, 2014 to report on the results of my challenge. Stay tuned!

 

See for more details 

NEW BUY: Lancome Advanced Genefique 

October Favorites

Lancome Artliner

SunPlay Skin Aqua UV Silky Smooth Milk SPF 50 PA+++ 

CLIO Professional Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss

NEW BUY: Lancome Advanced Genefique



~AG~

Lancôme Advanced Genifique  & Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl set (S$173.60)

This set comes with a 50ml (1.69 fl. oz.) Advanced Genifique and a 20ml (0.67 fl. oz.) Genefique Yeux Light-Pearl. I purchased it last week from Shilla Duty-Free at Singapore Changi Airport. It retailed for S$173.60 (~US$138.88), which is a steal for the Genifique product line. If I had bought the products individually, it will costs me US$172 (S$215). So, I saved about S$40 (US$33) by purchasing this value set.

A few years ago, I had tried the Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate when one of my friends recommended it to me. My friend had acne-prone skin and she said that this Lancôme concentrate makes her skin glow. However, when I used it, I did not notice any significant differences on my skin. Now that Lancôme has reformulated and come up with an Advanced formula, I am game to try it again. And who knows it might work for me this time since my skin condition has changed.

I will try the Advance Genifique concentrate once I am done with my bottle of Laneige Water Bank Essence. Stay tuned!
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Lancôme Advanced Genifique (USD $104 for 50 ml/1.69 fl. oz.)

Want glowing skin in 7 days? Here’s your answer in a bottle. This innovative serum soaks into skin, targeting the 10 key signs of youth: texture, resiliency, elasticity, firmness, sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, even skin tone, and clarity, with noticeable results in just 7 days. Advanced Génifique is the perfect first step after cleansing to reveal smoother, more radiant skin for all ages, ethnicities, and skin types. With an exclusive self-loading dropper, Génifique delivers the ideal dosage to bring back the light into your skin

     

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Images

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Benefits

Acts on 10 key signs of youth, day and night.

Clinical Results after 8 weeks
(% of improvement noticed)

 Texture +57%
Resiliency +49%
Elasticity +50%
Firmness +49%
Sagginess +46%
Fine lines +42%
Wrinkles +46%
Radiance +52%
Clarity +47%
Even Skin Tone +42%

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Lancôme Genefique Eye Light-Pearl (USD $68)

Eye luminosity, the new visible sign of youth.

The new 360° eye contour transformation.

Lancôme introduces its 1st eye-illuminating serum, engineered with a unique rotating and massaging applicator to reach even the most inaccessible eye areas.
Experience a 360° eye contour transformation above and below the eyes for visible results.

Benefits

• More Luminous
• See Deflated Eye Bags
• Smoother
• After 4 weeks of use, results show 78% of women thought that the eye contour was visibly improved.

Technology

• First-of-its-kind 360° massaging Light-Pearl™ applicator.
• Perfectly adapts to the fragile eye area
• Offers a delicate and precise massaging action on the eye contour
  
  
  

REVIEW: Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Alber Elbaz

~AG~

This is quite outdated. This Alber Elbaz's designed Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes waterproof mascara was launched many seasons ago. But, I only bought it end of last year at Changi Airport duty free shop.    I cannot how much I paid for it. On Lancome.com, the Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof mascara retails for USD$27.50

The secret behind doll lashes, finally revealed!Lancôme's most flirtatious lash look. A volumized, extended and full lash fringe for a wide-eye look. 
The secret behind this amazing result?A new, unique, cone-shaped brush provides an extremely smooth and clean application, precisely defining even your hard-to-reach corners and lower lashes. Combined with the exclusively developed FiberShine formula, it sculpts, curls and loads each lash for the ultimate shiny lash fringe. Lift and thicken every single lash without weighing it down. Push up your lashes for your most flirty, wide open eye look.

Isn't the Alber Elbaz's design so cute? I especially like the red and black patterns running through the mascara. It makes it so fun. Unlike the usual boring monotone colours of mascara's packaging. It is definitely a collector's item.

The wand is narrower at the tip for easier application for my tiny lashes. The specially designed wand gives my short lashes length. The mascara formula thickens my sparse lashes. It defines my lashes and creates an wide-eyed look. This makes my eye area appear more awake.

Lancome really meant waterproof when they said it is a waterproof mascara. Sometimes, waterproof mascara still smudges on me and makes me look like a racoon. But I had no problem with this one.

I really like this mascara. It has to be one of my most favourite mascaras - the others being YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils and Tarte's Lights, Camera Splashes. I truly recommend this to those of you that have short or sparse lashes, and want defined lashes. It creates the volume and length of false lashes with its voluminizing formula and lengthening wand.