Monochromatic madness

The monochromatic stripes trend is still around. Ranging from thick to thin stripes, horizontal and vertical as well. Some might find it overwhelming but its actually quite easy to wear it. Got a pair of newlook striped jeans some time back and here’s a few ideas how you can wear it everyday for one week or rather 7 times at least.

 

Black and white goes with everything! From the left to the right:

1) Grey knitted pullover. Perfect for a rainy day or a day in the lecture hall. Pair it with a simple black pumps and its a done deal.

2) Neon striped top. You won’t go unnoticed in these. Stripes and neon spells loud. Show you fun loving and experimental side!

3) Racer back thin strap top. Pair the stripes with a unique top like this. No doubt, awesome for a hot day.

4) For those who are a bit more daring, challenge the horizontal stripes with the vertical ones. Careful not to choose stripes that are nearly the same as the bottom. You wouldn’t want to risk looking like you just came out of jail. The trick is choose some thing that is lighter than the bottom. 

5) Crop tops, needless to say more. Perfect to bare that midriff with if you have some good abs. 

6) Statement tee. GEEK tees, NERD tees. Well, they go well with anything.

7) All else fails, can’t think of anything? I’m sure you have that basic white time lying somewhere

Have a great holiday everyone!

Routine of the day

Here’s another short post to share about what I put on my face daily! For me, a simple day doesn’t involve eyeliner and eyeshadow. I only put those on when I have functions to attend.

Make up base: Lancome make up base in spf50, tinted

This is the most perfect make up base! It gives high protection and best of all, it is tinted. So it acts like a make up base as well, evening and correcting the skin tone, prepare the skin for make up application. 

Lancome teint miracle foundation in PO-03

Though the 03 might sound really dark, but it does look quite light. This foundation is awesome because it gives you the dewy look without mattifying the face too much. Your face really glows! Provided you don’t put too much pressed powder to set the foundation. Tip: If you really want to retain the dewy look, you can just spray some facial water like Avene or Bio essence to set it. 

YSL Touche Eclat in 01

This works as a concealer and an illuminator. It brightens up the undereye and you can even use it as a highlighter to highlight T-zone. This click and release system makes it mess free and fuss free. One down side is that, its shelf life is only 6 months and it cause a whopping S$56 if I don’t remember wrongly.

Lancome teint miracle pressed powder in 01

Usually I use the lightest shade of pressed powder as there isn’t much choices anyway. Choosing the right colour is essential in making sure that you don’t end up with a face darker than your neck at the end of the day. I feel that this powder sets my foundation and prevents it from ‘sliding’ away.

Stila self adjusting blush in Coral

I don’t really know whether the self adjusting power is really prominent since I’ve only used it on me thus far. But I believe, it adjusts its shade according to PH level on our skin and temperature. So far, my shade of coral has always look flattering on me. It doesn’t seem to sit or float on my cheeks. Which is good! Of course, a lil goes a long way. The price of $28 definitely justify the purchase of this ‘magical’ blusher. Available in Pink as well. 

The more product you put on your face, doesn’t mean it is better. Less is more. For those who have really good skin, don’t be afraid to show it.  

 

 

 

 

Coming to a close

2012 is coming to a close. It has been a year filled with various different trends. The most lasting one is probably the peplum trend, perfect for days of feasting, for work and play. Here’s a summary of what’s popular in 2013 and ways to carry them off!

This is the camouflaged trend, super convenient for a lazy day out. Looks chic and rugged! Camouflage bottoms goes well with plain tops since its already printed. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and single coloured. To go full force to rock the army chic, get a top that says ‘ARMY’, would totally complete the look. Don’t spoil the whole dress down look with a classy handbag. Go for printed tote bags that will enhance the laid back look. Perfect with open toes slip on or sandals. Now, you won’t be afraid if the sky suddenly churns out storms!

Shimmers! Every girl has their bling sides. Exactly how do we avoid looking like we are going to perform in a concert? The trick is to simmer down on other blings, have one bling at a time. Shimmer shorts can’t go well with shimmer tops unless you want to look like a walking christmas tree. Choose similar tones with your blings, matte colour and materials would do fine. If you run out of ideas, choose your trusty knit wear in this cold weather. Couple out outfit with a nude clutch and neutral shoes be it heels or flats and you’re ready to go on and rock the new year parties.

Finally, the oxblood trend. Frankly speaking, I can’t really tell the difference between oxblood, burgundy, wine and maroon. They all have similar tones and shades. There is definitely a few colours you won’t go wrong matching them with. The safest is probably cream or white colour. Grey and taupe colours goes well too. Crochets and lace are a great way to match them with! If you want to be a bit more adventurous, you can try matching them with spring colours like bright yellow or red. Match it with your most classic bag, longchamps will do as well. Simple outfits like these can bring out unique shoes like gold tip shoes or your jeffrey campbells!

Cheers to a upcoming awesome new year!

Review: Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream

Been neglecting this space for so long! Taking a rest from all the books, so I’m writing this review about the Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye contour cream. Well, i’ve quite a fair bit of fine lines under my eye though i am still in my early twenties. Its terrible, maybe it is due to long term contact lens wearing! So I have to take extra care! Recommended this by the SA at my usual outlet. The initial plan was to get bobbi brown, but priced at $99, i really couldn’t bear to part with the money. 

(picture from http://www.clarins.com.sg)

Let’s see, the pros of this item:

• light texture
• Glides on easily
• Smell nice, abit like hazeline
• Comes in a pump form
• 12 months usage

Though the site claims that its a night time serum, I was told by the SA that it can be used for day time also. So great! My foundation goes on pretty well over it too. 

Now the cons of this:

• $82 / 20ml (abit steep)
• Might accidentally pump too much and you can’t pump back
• Have yet to see awesome results like fine lines reducing yet

Been using it for about a week now, can’t really tell the difference yet. So maybe, it will take at least a month to see the effects? All in all i’m happy with the buy!

Will update this space more often! Bye!

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector a.k.a Light BB review

Garnier is highly promoting this B.B Cream now,
it is being marketed as Miracle Skin Perfector.
However, it is rather confusing as they seem to have different versions of it.
Some come with the label ‘Light B.B’ and some ‘Miracle skin perfector’.
But according to Garnier, they have stated that it is the same.

But I can’t help thinking if they’re just trying to clear their stocks first.
The manufacturing date dates back to 13042011 as stated on their bottle.
That’s more than a year ago! However, you can use it for up to a year after first opening.

It has 10 benefits:
-More radiant
-More even toned
-With less dark spots
-With less visible imperfections
-Reduces redness
-Smoother
-More hydrated
-With less visible lines
-With less visible pores
-Reveals healthy glow

It is also dermatologically tested, with SPF26PA+++

Doesn’t smell lemony or floral-ish as most have claimed.
Just smell like normal BB cream, abit like acrylic paint if i were to describe.

Now, for the actual BB cream itself,
The consistency is light and watery, the coverage is light.
It does have a certain amount of moisture, however, it
does not make any difference to my mole on my hand as you can see.
But it does blends well! And as compared to the ZA one, the colour is more suitable for me.
(I am a MAC NC25)
But i feel it leaves a slight yellowish cast, unnoticeable is you don’t scrutinise.

I would say, Garnier BB cream is great for light days,
or even when you’re on a holiday and just want to have a fuss free make up day!
Just put this on after cleansing your face.
Swipe on some pressed powder, blusher and lipbalm and you’re ready to go!

Retails for SGD18.90, 20ml at all local drugstores.

Here’s a #FOTD!

Products used:
Garnier B.B cream
Chanel pressed powder
MAC blusher in breathe of plum
Estee Lauder concealer
Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner

After using on my face, i was rather amazed that the liquid texture actually
turns into a powder form texture upon application on face.
Sadly, its not as moisturising as i thought it would be.
So I’d advice users not to skip their moisturiser before this.
Its good that its gives a matte texture thus powder on top of this,
is not necessary! Overall, its a good to have!

(PS: All opinions are personal opinions, I am not paid to advertise)

ZA total hydration BB Cream UV

Latest BB cream from ZA!
Got it from the local drugstore Watson’s for about $12.70
Retails for $15.90, but got it at a discount cause watson’s was having a
20% discount off selected brands.

12 in 1 benefits:

• Conceal Dullness
• Conceal Pores
• Creates Healthy Skintone
• Evens Skintone
• UVA & UVB protection
• Brightens the skin
• Makes skin smooth and transparent
• Moisturizes the skin
• Non-sticky
• Livens up the skin
• Perfect skin for makeup

Comes in a lovely pink packaging of 20ml, made in taiwan.
As I’m not paid to advertised, my feedback is purely based on personal opinion.
This product comes in one shade. However, for me I felt that it was a tad darker
than my NC25 skintone. Felt a bit unbalance after using it on my face, had to use
my press powder more in order to lighten up the skin tone.

The only plus points for me to purchase this item is that its packaging is really simple and cute.
The price wise is also very affordable, $15.90 is one of the cheapest bb cream u can find.
Lightweight, and one shade. High UV protection. and a pleasant smell

No FOTD yet, will update if there’s one!

The Spring Paisley Trend 2012

I don’t know why. But somehow these Paisley tops just seems so attractive to me.
Maybe its due to the nice shots that H&M shot.

 H&M Paisley Kimono Top SGD $17.90

H&M Paisley Box Top $14.90

Love it that they come at such an affordable price. But the downside is,
chances of you bumping into someone wearing the same top is quite high.
But for the price, I’m willing to risk it
Not to mention the conscious collection. Absolutely awesome!

So, some ideas with you can wear it with…

or this,

so delightful! Go get your own paisley top now

Kose Junkisei Prime Cleansing Oil VS Seikisho Perfect Cleansing Oil

 

Above is the Junkisei Prime cleansing oil.

Here’s the Seikisho Perfect Cleansing Oil.

Both are from Kose, however, i believe the junkisei series belong to the drugstore brands.
The price wise is pretty pocket friendly too, i got it at a sale for around $10?
Whereas for the blue bottle, it retails at major cosmetic stores for $35.

The perfect cleansing oil has always been my holy grail,
after seeing that they are both made from japan, and the ingredients wise are
pretty much similar, I decided to give it a try.

here’s the ingredients list for the Seikisho Perfect Cleansing Oil:

Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Peg-8 Glyceryl Isostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclomethicone, Water,Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Coix Lacryma-jobi (Jobs Tears) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Isostearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance. 

(according to http://www.cosmetic-ingredients.net/product.php?brand=589&type=Cleanser)

And for the Junkisei Prime cleansing oil:

Mineral Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Triethylhexanoin, Cyclomethicone, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

As you can see, the Junkeisi consists of water in the ingredients.
Hence the texture of it is lighter then the Seikisho. Seikisho is heavier in texture.
Also, the fragrance is lighter than Seikisho as well.

Overall, i felt that the Seikisho cleanses more thoroughly,
the Junkisei perhaps work better for lighter make up.
After using it, my skin felt really smooth but it felt as if there was still some oil left.
According to their website, here’s their description of their product.
(www.kose.com.sg)

For the Junkisei Prime Cleansing Oil: Removes all impurities ridden in skin completely with a superior emollient effect.

Product Description:

Highlights: Make-up and dirt within pores are thoroughly removed from the depth of skin with this oil formulation whilst keeping skin velvety-soft after rinsing.  Emollient ingredients such as Rose Hip Oil and Tea Oil maintain moisture within skin. How to Use: Dispense 2-3 pumps into palm, blend over face using fingertips and rinse off with lukewarm water

For the Seikisho Perfect Cleansing Oil: Deep Pore Cleansing with Perfect Cleansing Oil 

Product Description:

Highlights: Instantly assimilates with makeup – thanks to new Deep Pore Cleansing Formula – removing waterproof and heavy makeup, as well as old skin cells containing melanin (the cause of rough surface on the nose and chin). The result is smooth, resilient and clear skin. Enhanced comedo-clearing formulation (using finer particles of ester oil) quickly assimilates with sebum, removing pore-clogging sebum to realize clear skin. Amazing convenience! Since it is effective even when used with wet hands, you can cleanse your face even in the bath. No sticky after-feel too! Herbal floral fragrance refreshes and relaxes your skin and mind.   How to Use: Take appropriate amount (about 2 – 3 pushes worth of the dispenser) and work into makeup using fingertips. Rinse off.

I guess I’ll stick to my Kose Perfect cleansing oil after all

Lancome Teint Miracle in PO-03 Review

A quick summary of the Teint Miracle Foundation:

LANCÔME REINVENTS BARE SKIN PERFECTION AURA-INSIDE™ TECHNOLOGY,
NATURAL LIGHT CREATOR

Works on both surface and internal radiance,
when traditional foundations only play on surface radiance.

• Hydrates skin for up to 18 hours!
• Minimises the appearance of uneven skin tone, for a unified and radiant complexion.
• SPF 16 for daily protection against ultra-violet rays.
• Dermatologically tested formula: suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.
• Non-oily, non-comedogenic.

Comes in a 30ml bottle and retails in Singapore for $66
Though this foundation has been launched in late 2010,
I haven’t had the chance to try it since i was using my Chanel vitalumiere then.

I’m a MAC NC25. The SA recommended me the PO-03 and the O-03.
Choose the PO over the O as the the PO has a pinkish tone that didn’t make me look so sallow.
Those who are looking to cover their red spots on face should go for the O one.
However, this doesn’t pose much problem to be as I would still use concealer over my problematic areas.

So, radiance over coverage
So, here’s a FOTD:

What i used:
-Clarins UV plus day screen protector SPF40PA+++
-Lancome teint miracle in PO-03
-Estee Lauder double wear concealer in light
-Chanel Pressed Powder
-MAC blusher in breathe of plum

It really holds on well! Doesn’t crease even after 12 hours of wearing.
This is definitely staying on my make up desk.

Greetings! Happy 2012!

Happy new year to all of you!
Thank you for still sticking around this place. Haven’t been updating much!
Nevertheless, still want to thank you if you’re still reading this space.

These are some of the new products i’ve purchased lately.

From top left: Origins Starting Over (SGD $63), Estee Lauder Double wear concealer (SGD $34),
Urban decay primer potion (SGD $33), Kose cleansing oil (SGD $35),
Lancome teint miracle foundation (SGD $66)

Loving the lancome teint miracle, i’m using it in PO-03.
It definitely gives of a dewy look, FOTD soon if i have a chance!
Not that i’m abandoning my chanel vitalumiere aqua, i’m just keeping it for
light make up days….

oh, i’ve have removed my braces as well!
But its a pain to have to wear retainers…

Kose has always been my HG oil cleanser, this is my third bottle already!
As for concealer wise, chanel’s vitalumiere hasn’t been giving me coverage.
So why not give estee lauder a try! ^^
That’s all for now, have a great year ahead!