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Tuesday, July 14, 2015Y
Products for Hot Weather

Living in Singapore, a country where it is summer all year round I am very used to the hot weather. But recently, the weather has turned from hot to extremely hot to the point where I can literally feel my makeup melting off my face. To combat this, I have switched out a few items to help my makeup can last longer.



The first product I switched out is the toner. I was cleaning out my bathroom cabinet when I found it the Philosophy Total Matteness hiding in a corner. I received it last year for my birthday and have used it once or twice before totally forgotting about it. I don’t recall why I didn’t like it previously, but have I found that it really helps to keep my face matte without drying out my skin. It supposedly helps with pore size as well, but I hasn't been using it that long to notice a difference.

Then is the sunblock I was using. I was rotating between a few sunblocks and I realised that my skin remains matte longer whenever I use this particular one from Innisfree. The Innisfree No Sebum Sunblock does not feel greasy and is lightweight despite being cream texture. I really like how light it feels on the skin unlike some sunblock that can feel stifling. This sunblock also blends easily with no streaks or white cast. I have previously raved about it here. I was using a sample but I liked it so much that I have already purchased a full bottle.
  
Lastly, the Benefit Porefessional is back in rotation. Previously, I was trying out some other primers and totally forgot about it. I don't think it specifically helps to combat the oils but I came to realise that without this primer, my nose area will become oily quite fast.

These three products are what I have been using daily for the past month and I think I will be using them until this hot season is over or until I find something even better.

Thanks for reading!

Bye!

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9:57:00 pm.
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Friday, April 17, 2015Y
Skin care routine - day

As compared to a couple of years back, the products I have used have changed quite a lot. Pretty much all have changed aside from d Program toner and moisturiser (not available locally but I always stock up when I am overseas).

My routine itself has not changed much. Cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise and sunscreen. I will skip sunscreen if I am not heading out.



Here's the list of items that is currently in my day time arsenal.

Cleanse (no fixed/favourite cleanser)
- Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser

Tone
- d Program Balance Care Lotion I

Serum
- Shiseido Power Infusing Concentrate
- Odacite Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrate (1 drop, mixed with moisturiser)
- Odacite Clogged Pores Serum Concentrate (1 drop, mixed with moisturiser)
- Pure Heals Volcanic Pore Eraser Ampoule Essence
  (not used on a daily basis - saw no visible results, still using it so that it will not go to waste)

      Moisturise
      - REN Keep Young and Beautiful Firm and Lift Eye Cream
      - d Program Balance Care Emulsion I

      Sunscreen

        - IPSA Super Sun Block SPF 50 PA+++
          - Innisfree Eco No Sebum Sunblock SPF 35 PA+++

          I don't have a favourite cleanser at the moment, so I am just grabbing whatever I have in my stash. Quite liking this one from Ole Henriksen, it smells good and the foam is nice and thick.
          As for the serums from Odacite, it can either be used alone or mixed together with your moisturiser, which has been something I have been doing. One drop of the clogged pores, one drop of the hyperpigmentation with one pump of my moisturiser. Loving this combination at the moment.
        IPSA sunscreen has always been a favourite of mine but recently the Innisfree one has taken over that spot! Although the Innisfree sunscreen is a cream formula, it is very lightweight and easy to spread. It also keeps my shine away for a longer time. Best of all, it is so much more affordable and accessible as compared to IPSA!

          Thanks for reading!
          Bye~!

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5:07:00 pm.
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Sunday, June 30, 2013Y
June 2013 favourites..

Well well, without knowing, another month has just whizzed me by and today is already the very last day of June!! 

Initially, I have thought of skipping this entry because I did not use any other "new" products in my routine until the last week of June and  I am pretty much still loving (most of) the products I loved in May. However, I thought that I should still mention how much I am loving these products below throughout the whole of June.

So without further ado, listed below are my top picks for this month.
  • NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara
  • Naruko Narcissus Defense BB Sunscreen SPF 50
  • First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
  • Vichy Purete Thermale Refreshing Toner
  • Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum
  • Burberry Sheer Glow
  • Burberry Velvet Foundation
The Burberry Sheer Glow and Velvet Foundation have been my favourite base makeup combination for the past X months. I am really loving the Velvet Foundation so much that I have pretty much stopped using any other foundations (with exception of BB creams which I still use when I am in a rush) and Sheer Glow is very much a staple item in my base makeup routine. 

Thanks for reading!
Bye!!


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10:06:00 pm.
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Sunday, August 05, 2012Y
Weekly Photo Challege - Summer Must-Haves

Yumeko has posted another series of her Weekly Photo Challenge. This week's theme is the Summer Must-Haves.

Well, since it is summer all year long in Singapore, but I have to admit that the June to September period is pretty much warmer than other months.

Some of the items mentioned below (eg. sunblocks) is pretty much what I use 365 days a year.

Let's get started!

1. Base Makeup – [sunscreen,powder,foundation, bb cream, whatever I use in the heat/humidity of summer]

 

From left:
- Sofina Beaute Day Protector SPF 50 PA+++ (Fresh)
I bought this when I was in Hong Kong last year. The product is lightweight and spreads easily on the skin. It is not my favourite (my favourite is still the IPSA Super Sun Block SPF 50 PA+++), but it is not the worst either.
- Clarins Wrinkle Control Eye Suncreen
I use a different sunblock on the contour of my eyes, as I find that the normal face sunblock tends to dry out my eye area.
- Garnier Instant Fairness BB Eye Roll-On
My dark eye circles are not that serious these days, so I skipped my usual cream concealers over for this BB roll-on instead. It provides a light coverage and also serves as a brightener.
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil Free and Foundation Primer Oil Free
I have switched to using these two Laura Mercier base makeup instead of my usual liquid/mousse foundations since the beginning of April 2012. The products feel light on the skin and it also last the whole day on my combination skin.


2. Point Makeup [blush,eyeshadow,whatever I use in the heat/humidity of summer]
 

From top:
- NYX Cream Rouge, Nars The Multiple and Canmake Cream Cheeks
Love, love, love my cream blushers! I don't think I can ever live without them.
- Diaso Eye Brow Coat
With just a light coat, it helps my eyebrows to last the entire day.
- Diorshow Iconic Extreme and KATE Volume Mascara
Fantastic waterproof mascaras.
- Diaso Eyeliner Coat
One of my HG makeup item! I apply it on both upper and lower eyeliner to set the pencil/gel eyeliner. It is the best and not to mention cheap! I have been rationing my usage of this item since I can't find it at any of the Diaso I have been too! >_<
 

3. Sunglasses/Hat/Anything I am wearing to block out the sun’s harmful rays


From left:
- Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 30 PA+++ and Allie SPF 26 PA+
I am currently rotating between these 2 sunblocks for body. I have previously done a review on the Biore sunblock.
- Pure UV-Cut Hyaluronic Acid SPF 15
I can't remember how long I have used this lip balm already. My lips feel nice and moist after application.


4. Deodorant/Body Spray/Perfume [whatever I am using to make yourself smell good]


From  top:
- DKNY Be Declious Parfum
I took of the cap for the photo as my reflection was on the cap. This is a birthday gift from my girl pal and she really chose well. Just wonder how she knows that I like this scent too. :D
- Kenzoki Shh De Lotus Relaxant
This is another of my favourite scent from Kenzo (the other being FlowerbyKenzo ♥). I only use this when before going to sleep, I think it really helps in relaxing my mind and let me have a good night rest.


5. Other must-haves for Summer


From right:
- Little Twin Star x Sophie Monk Body Lotion 氣潤滑身體乳 (Aroma Silky Body Lotion)
A light body lotion is a must! Currently I am using this. This body lotion is very watery so it absorbs really quickly and does not leave a sticky feeling. But I do find the scent too strong and cloying. 
- Soap &Glory Sit Tight
By right, this shouldn't be here, since I have only just started using it recently.

Here is Yumeko's post. Here is the link to her other Weekly Challenges.Do check them out as they are very interesting! :)

And if you are interested in my other Weekly Challenges posts, then click here.

Thanks for reading! Bye~~!

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10:26:00 am.
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Saturday, April 02, 2011Y
Updated Skincare Routine - Day

Since I have already did a blog spot on my cleansing routine (click here to view), I thought I might as well do a couple more posts on my skin care routine - one post on my day routine and one post on my night routine.

FYI, my skin care routines are not your typical three step routine.... I use many many different types of products... But I take less than ten minutes to complete each of the routines..

Like I mentioned before my my previous blog posts, I do not have good skin. I have mini eruptions every now and more than often they leave behind ugly scarring. So I am rather keen on using products that combat acne and products that have whitening/brightening effects.

I shall first start off with my day time routine (I will blog about the night routine soon).

After I cleanse, the first product I use is a toner. The current one I am using is the AC Lotion from d Program range (which is manufactured by Shiseido targeted for sensitive skin).

This is a refreshing toner that leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. This is actually my second bottle (I had my colleague to pick up the second bottle when he was in Taiwan last year). This toner is my favourite of the three d Program items I own.

My second step is to apply some eye stuff. My holy grail for the past many years has been the Clarins Eye Contour Gel, which I have finished up N tubes. It helps to de-puff my eyes and after application, my eyes look bigger (because it is less puffy) and more awake.

As I grow older, I find that my eye area is getting rather dry and there are some traces of fine lines, and the Clarins eye gel is not sufficient, so I added a light textured eye cream over it. Currently, I am using Naruko Marjoram and Lavender Brightening Eye Cream. It is supposed to hydrate the skin and reduce the creation of pigmentation.

Following that, I will use serum/essence - currently I am using three different types. :p

The first serum/essence I use is the Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum. First, I warm the product between my palms and then press the product on my T zone and inner cheeks where the pores are more obvious. After using this product for many many many months, I finally saw my pores are less visible.

Then I will use the am+pm Skin Ecological Complex (I got it as a GWP when I bought some Naruko items some time back). Squeeze the bottle once onto my palm, dab a drop each on both my cheeks where it is more dehydrated and using whatever that's left, I will apply it to the rest of my face.

It helps my skin retain moisture and I my cheeks does no longer feel taut even with the air-conditioning switched on. But what I do not like about it is that my skin feels sticky after application.

The last serum I use is the d Program Whitening Clear Essence, which I dab it on areas with scars and also on my freckles. Not a favourite of mine as it also feels sticky after application. Next up, is the moisturiser. I am using the AC Emulsion from d Program. The texture is very watery, however, my skin also feels tacky after application.


As much as I dislike the sticky/tacky feeling, I continued using the d Program items because they saved my skin when I was holidaying in Taiwan last year. I supposed it was all due to the weather. Too sunny, too dry (as compared to Singapore which is more humid).

On Day 2 of my Taiwan trip, my skin was beginning to break out badly, the SOS skincare products I brought along was not strong enough to curb the brewing trouble. So on Day 3, I went to the shopping mall and looked around the skin care counters and I spotted d Program. And luckily, they worked well for me (but pricey!!!). After a few days, I see that my acne has calmed down a whole lot.

This next step is an optional item. When its the time of the month, some spots will appear on my face, I will use this Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm on those hateful spots. I have reviewed it before here.


My very last step is sunblock. My current Holy Grail is the IPSA Super Sun Block, which has SPF 50 PA+++. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

It is a very light weight watery sunblock that spreads very easily. It has no funny scent and my skin feels smooth to touch after application. This sunblock is light beige colour and it somewhat makes my skin look more even and slightly glowy (but not oily) after application.


In summary, here's what I use in the mornings...

  1. d Program AC Toner
  2. Clarins Eye Contour Gel
  3. Naruko Marjoram and Lavender Brightening Eye Cream
  4. Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum
  5. am+pm Skin Ecological Complex
  6. d Program Whitening Clear Essence
  7. d Program AC Emulsion
  8. Etude House Red Spot Balm (optional)
  9. IPSA Super Sun Block SPF 50 PA+++
Thanks for reading! Bye~~~~

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7:56:00 am.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010Y
Review: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Jelly

Even since a few years ago, I have been religiously putting on sun screen on my body, or rather any exposed parts of my body, like my arms, legs and even on my feet. As much I hate the lingering sticky feel of the sun block on my bare skin, I tolerated with it.

I am always in search of THE perfect everyday body sunblock and I am glad that I finally found it.



Item name: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Jelly SPF30 PA+++

Price: I presumed it is fairly reasonable as I bought it in a drugstore in Taiwan.. It was either TWD 199 or TWD 299, I cannot recall.

Description: A new series of water-based sunscreen innovation from Japan that provides lasting protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. It is light, non-sticky, and easy to smear on the skin as the protection-enriched UV Aqua Jelly Capsule turns into water once applied, allowing the skin to absorb it very quickly and easily. With combination of Hyaluronic Acid and Mix Citrus Essence from grapefruit, orange, and lemon extracts, the new product also provides anti-wrinkle effect by helping the skin retain its moisture and softness.

Refreshingly cool and quick-drying, suitable for both facial and body skin.

Pros: I have very little expectations from a body sunscreen, I just want it to absorbed fast, no strong sunscreen smell and my skin should not feel sticky after application. This sunblock fulfills all my expectations.

It comes in a squeeze tube bottle, the quantity is 90ml and is made in Japan.

Cons: It is not listed in my local Biore website, so most probably my local drugstore might not stock it.

Conclusion: I definitely love this sunblock and I would definitely repurchase it (that is, if I can manage to find it). As for now, this sun block suits my average daily needs, I am typically out in the sun for a short while, like walking to the bus stop in the mornings and for lunch. I am not too sure if it is heaty-duty enough to protect me if I were to stay out for a long time in the hot afternoon sun. This is a scenario that I have yet to test out.

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8:45:00 pm.
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Sunday, September 26, 2010Y
Pics Galore: Haul from Taiwan

Just what did I bring back from Taiwan?? Well, I bought a lot.. *blush* I haven't really have the time to sort through and crop all the photos yet, below are just an "overall" view of what I had bought. I have taken close-ups of the cosmetics which I will post up at a later date.

Caution: Don't faint from all the photos below..

From Jill Stuart (Yippee! I finally got my hands on some JS stuff!!).


Got two of the mix blush compacts in 06 Fresh Apricot, 07 Lovely Tulip and two Jelly Eye Color N in 02 Gold Light and 10 Vintage Decor.

And from NARS...


I was really lemming for NARS items for a long long time.. I got the 9954 Everlasting Love Palette, Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, three Duo Eyeshadows in 3078 Taiga, 3081 Tzarine, 3057 Kalahari, Blush in 4005 Amour, Sheer Glow Foundation in shade Ceylan and Nail Polish 1766 Purple Rain.

From Shiseido, some skincare from the d Program AC and Whitening range.



Now moving on to items I bought from the drugstore (the ones I went to was Cosmed, Watsons and Mirada).

I know this looks silly, I bought 3 packs of sponges from Mirada.. Hehe.. One pack of big round sponges, one pack of small square sponges and one pack of small round sponges.


Three boxes of sheet masks, Neogence Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Mask, Neogence C+ Mulit-Whitening Mask and My Beauty Diary Platinum Colloid Mask.


Face cleansers... Biore Acne Mild Care Moisture and Kanebo Sour Cream Cream Soap.


Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunblock SPF 30 PA+++ and a box fake eyelashes.


Spring Heart eyelash glue, I still can remember that it cost TWD 99 for two.


Some acne skin care items from Aqualabel.


And finally, some colour makeup!

From Integrate.... Four eyeshadow palettes, a mascara base, a mascara, five lippies, a blush and base makeup.


From Lavshuca, two eyeshadow palettes and a duo, blush and two lippies..


From KATE and Tiffa, two lipplies, a mascara base, eyeliner, eyeshadow palette and a duo.


Some hair styling stuff.. I am trying to learn how to do my hair.. but I am not getting anywhere :(



Ma Cherie Moisture shampoo and conditioner and Tsubaki Head Spa Extra Cleansing and Massage Spa Mask.


Bioderma Micelle Soultion for sensitive skin. It claims to cleanse, remove make up and soothe.


Believe it or not.. On my second day in Taiwan, I already sent back a 8kg package back. Inside the package had lots of cosmetics (mine and a friend of mine), a pair of black wedges and some other miscellaneous items.



From DHC, a box of eye mask and two packets of oral supplement for skin whitening.


Some pouches from Naraya in Dan Shui and a Cath Kidston "inspired" pouch from Shilin Night Market.


Some ribbon hair tie/clips, a Hello Kitty landyard (its a gift from my BF) and three pairs of earrings from Shilin Night Market.


This hair tie and sticker are from a certain shop that spans over a few levels (can't remember exactly how many levels) called Guang Nam which is near Taipei Main Station. This shop sells everything from CDs to stationery, cosmetics to toothpaste.



Queen and Vivi magazine.


Clothes and belts from night markets (Shilin and Shida) and wholesale market (Wu Fen Pu).



2 flowery hangers from Daiso... They cost TWS 39 each !! Which after conversion is cheaper than the local price of $2.


From Eslite Concept Bookstore, I spotted lots of San-X stationery...


I practices restraint and got only one Rilakkuma...... :)


I am afraid to say, these are not all what I bought... I have missed out a few accessories, bags and items from Chic Choc.

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8:56:00 pm.
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Thursday, June 24, 2010Y
IPSA Collective Hauls

Another collective haul again! This time, its from IPSA!

I've never bought anything from IPSA before and I've always wanted to try something from this brand. Since I received some vouchers from Tangs (the only available IPSA counter in Singapore is at Tangs Orchard), its a chance for me to try some stuffs out!

So what did I buy??

  • Facial Cottons
  • Preparing Clear Lotion EX 1
  • Super Sun Block SPF 50 PA+++
  • Pure Eye Zone Concealer
  • Oil Blotting Papers


I have only used this facial blotter twice, so can't really comment much yet.

Description: Delicate fine fibers made of 100% natural linen resiliently fit over the skin. The oil blotting paper perfectly fits even against the uneven surface of the nose wings and absorbs the sebum deep inside pores. Instantly erases shine while keeping the moisture in the skin.

IPSA's facial blotter is the paper type of material, not the plasticy kind like Clean And Clear blotters. Although this blotter is slightly on the thin side, it doesn't tear easily and I only need to use one sheet to soak up all the oil from my face.

I bought the Pure Eye Zone Concealer in shade 01 which is the lighter shade. There are only 2 shades available.

Description: A concealer that covers dullness, uneven tones and dark circles under the eyes as keeping moisture around the eyes. A soft film perfectly adheres to the skin to retain the initial beautiful finish over time without becoming uneven.

I saw this product being used in the Taiwanese beauty show 女人我最大 and the results looked amazing. However, when I tried using it, the results were not as fantastic.. My panda eyes and my eye bags are still visible. If I try to layer on more of this concealer, my eye area looks patchy and dry.

It works best for me when I apply a layer of Canmake Color Stick in 07 Apricot first and then layer the Pure Eye Zone Concealer on top. By using this method, I only need to use a little of both products and my panda eyes are covered moderately well. Don't think I will repurchase, I believe there are better concealers out there waiting for me to try out.



I also bought the Super Sun Block, which has SPF 50 PA+++. I tried it at the back of my hand at the counter and this sunblock is very light and watery and absorbs fast, no tacky feeling!

Description: Prevents the penetration of strong UV rays (UV-A, UV-B) with the Multi-proof veil for beautiful skin that powerfully resists against perspiration & sebum. Provides moisture to prevent dryness caused by UV rays. Perfectly adheres to skin and prolong makeup wear with the excellent resistance against perspiration, water and sebum. Leaves no white residue or stickiness on skin after absorption. Can be removed with a regular facial cleanser. SPF50 PA+++.

I was looking for a toner to use at night as my Etude House Trouble Eraser Toner was finishing soon. I asked the SA to recommend me a toner for combination skin type and she recommended me Preparing Clear Lotion EX 1.

Description: A lotion for stratum corneum care that provides an excellent exfoliation effect to thoroughly remove excess sebum in pores as well as dead corneocytes on the skin surface. Makes the skin "ready" for skincare by enhancing the penetration of skincare that follows and helping maximize the effects of the skincare. Makes oily skin smoother, softer and clearer.

The texture of this toner is a little thick, like a watery lotion. Immediately after using, my skin do feel a little sticky, however it absorbs very quickly and leaves my skin feeling fresh and bouncy. When I sniff straight from the bottle or from the cotton pad, I can smell alcohol, but the it is not very strong and I can't even smell it when I apply the toner all over my face.

This toner is not a must have for me and I expect something more from a pricey toner (don't remember the exact cost, but should be more than $40), so I do not think I will repurchase it again.

The GWPs I received with $150 purchase.

  • Pouch
  • Preparing Clear Lotion I
  • The Time Reset Cream CS1
  • Cleansing Smooth Foam
  • Cleansing Oil




On a separate shopping trip, in order to use up my vouchers which are expiring soon, I went to buy more of the Facial Cottons and Oil Blotting Papers.


I have to say that I really like the IPSA Facial Cottons but at $8 per pack they are the most expensive facial cottons I ever used! Good thing that I have vouchers!

Description: Fine quality cotton pads made of 100 % natural cotton. Excellently absorb and release effective ingredients to the skin. The easy-to-use size (6 x 7cm) maintains its shape without becoming fluffy. Split the cotton pad into 2 or 3 sheets for optimum use with the facial mask.

These facial cottons are the softest I have ever used and they don't leave any lint on my face. And best of all, I think I use lesser toner with this facial cotton as compared to facial cottons of other brands.

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7:03:00 pm.
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