June Favourites

1. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in #13 Le Orange
It says orange but it sways towards a little bit of reddish as well. I love it. I love the pop of colour it gives to my face, the soft sweet smell, the gorgeous packaging and weighted material. The colour applies easily across the lips, is pigmented and feels moisturising. I initially got one only because I liked how the brand's lippies looked, but I ended up liking everything about it. Great buy. Looking forward to more adding more YSL lip products in my future travels and stocking up at the duty-free :P. It's just one of those things you open up your bag and you're happy to see.

2. MAC Brow Shader in Porcelaine/Browning & 3. MAC 208 Angled Brow Brush
Got this as I wanted a darker shade for my eyebrows and decided to give powders a try. I purchased it together with the MAC eyebrow brush in #208, and have been using them since. It allows me to build up definition in my brows slowly as desired and the brush picks up product well. 

4. Shu Uemura Cleansing  Beauty Oil Premium A/I
 I wonder what took me so long really! Anyone who has heard of this brand would be aware of the cleansing oil which is a really popular favourite with their customers. I was walking by a Shu Uemura store and decided to go in and check out a new foundation which I had saw on an adv, and it was actually my very first time testing out their products. I purchased the Cleansing Oil and the Lightbulb Foundation. Not exactly the very first product(s) I owned from their brand as a friend had gifted me with their eyelash curler a couple of years ago.
I love it!! It takes off makeup efficiently and as I got the yellow bottle as pictured above which is formulated for sensitive skin, it was gentle and left my face feeling clean, refreshed and soft after.Not sure if the other Cleansing Oils would be suited for my skin but I would be buying one in the smaller size bottle to give it a try soon, as my current one is running low.

5. Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Creme Cleanser/Moisture Mask for Dry Skin
The smell! I know it shouldn't be a main focus in a cleanser but I was really happy using it the first time and the scent hit me. I think Estee Lauder has a knack of producing comforting, fresh and likable scents which do not overwhelm. This product as it name suggests, can be used as a facial wash and doubles up as a moisture mask when you leave it on for longer. I have yet to try it as a mask. It works great for a cleanser, feels gentle on my skin, does not seem to irritate it and leaves a very light moisturising film after rinsing. 

6. Shu Uemura CC UV Under Base Mousse
With a bouncy, soft and pinkish mousse that dispenses when you press the nozzle, this is pretty fun to use, especially on days when I'm leisurely putting on my makeup. It helps to create a smooth and slightly dewy finish after application which helps to brighten and give an overall polished look. I like that it comes with an SPF protection.

7. The Body Book - Feed, Move, Understand and Love Your Amazing Body
I have been reading this on and off as my bedtime read. It's by Cameron Diaz and what I like is that this book does not touch on the topic of being healthy superficially or is content that feels repeated. The book is written in a personable way, is technical and informative, and teaches more in detail on not just how muscles or a body organ could be strengthened but explains their functions and how everything you do or eat can affect them. It could get a little too technical at times though, haha but I think it's great to have these knowledge squeezed into a book for reference if you are interested in improving your lifestyle and health.

8. Shu Uemura Makeup Sponges
I use these for applying my liquid foundations as well as the Shu Uemura CC. The angles of the sponge help reach areas like sides of the nose and upper lip areas etc. more evenly. The sponges are soft and do not scratch or feel rough against my skin.

#SOTD -Mamonde

Pics from my recent travel to Fuzhou, CN.

Bingsu!

Totoro! Aren't these cute. Too bad it was hard to transport back.

And my buys. Surprised they stocked Korean brand, Mamonde in one of their department stores.


There are more shopping that I haven't had the chance to post about. Perhaps after when I've tried them and will share more. Looking forward to my short upcoming trip to get-away and just relax with my friends and also because... duty-free buys!! haha. ^^

My latest obsession

I've been diverting from Korean beauty products recently and have been trying out more Western brands as I think they have a lot to offer as well. Even thou  Korean/Japanese brands have strong research in skincare (especially tailored for Asians) and highly innovative products which are getting global attention, I love trying new stuff. I will usually go for products that already have rave reviews or are star products from a brand so there's a higher chance I'd like it and also because I don't want to end up having money wasted.^^

It seems that Western brands are also taking their cue from the Koreans, with the introduction of a cushion foundation from Lancome in recent months, which have already a popular concept in Korea for some time with cushion-everything (concealers, blushers, sun protectors etc) popping up everywhere from Korean brands.


I have a slight hoarding habit (haha I admit) and I like to stock up on products before I finish them. That way I wouldn't find myself running out of something especially if I happen to be really too busy for shopping, and I would be more likely buy a product that I've had time to read reviews and try out a couple of brands before deciding on one.

Back to the title of my entry, my current obsession is.....Shu Uemura.

If I really enjoyed a product that I try from a certain brand, I'd start looking into their product range and try more.

Mini collection from my shopping on 2 separate occasions. The compact powder and case(2 smaller square boxes) were a gift with purchase. Haven't gotten down to trying everything but so far I pretty much love what I had! <3

March Favourites

(L-R)

Mario Budescu Silver Powder
I noticed more blackheads than usual on my nose during a period of time and decided to get the Mario Budescu Silver Powder, which had mixed reviews but sounded promising enough for me to purchase it.

Application can be a pretty messy affair for the first time. I usually dampen a cotton bud (Q-Tip) with water, and dip it into some of the powder, before carefully patting it on the problem areas. It sticks to the skin though I usually put a tissue on my top as a bib while waiting for the application time of about 10 minutes, before wiping off with a toner as per the instructions.

Does it work. I would say partially. It does not fully rid the problem areas of blackheads, (actually I've yet to find a product that really does), but it helps to bring them up to the surface more, as you can easily scratch (not recommended) them out after, and the blackheads do not seem to be stubbornly rooted deep in the skin. Some reviewers have recommended using a blackhead patch after using the powder to lift the blackheads out of the pores. That sounds like it might work though I do not have any and I usually use an exfoliator/scrub after which seems to work alright.

The product does not work miracles but it helps to loosen the blackheads in the pores for easier extraction etc. I find it pretty useful and something I'd like to keep around for times when I'm a little more hardworking and my skin feels a little clogged.


Benefit Girl Meets Pearl
The mini sized Benefit "Girl Meets Pearl" came with two other Benefit products. I like that it gives a subtle sheen, blends well with skin and gives a smooth and glowy look. I tried "That Gal"which came in the travel sized trio however, I didn't see any difference with application. "Girl Meets Pearl" is like a night version but I think it works fine for day as well and it gives a nice sheen while "That Gal" does nothing for me at all. Haha. I will try it out again though and see if the results are still as unnoticeable.


Estee Lauder Daywear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidation & UV Defense, Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Firstly, this smells like cucumbers. Not sure if this is Estee Lauder's signature smells for their skincare, but it is pretty pleasant. Unfortunately, this is not available locally and it's not even widely available in the US as my sister took quite an effort before locating it at a Macy's. The product feels lightweight and absorbs easily and most importantly, blends nicely and does not leave white streaks! It comes in a sleek mint colour tube which looks pretty on a dressing table.

Clarisonic Mia2
This has been around for some time and honestly I was a little skeptical when I first heard about it a few years back. And also, one more extra step (preparing and washing the brush head) in the already cumbersome skincare routine? XD
However, in recent months I decided that I wanted to deep cleanse my skin even more and splurged a little , or should I say invested on this popular cleansing tool.

I would say it does make my skin feel like it's better cleansed, and it is pretty fun to use. The vibration of the bristles makes me feel like I'm getting a little massage on my skin and helps to circulate the blood flow. The soft bristles feels gentle on my skin as well.

Etude House Play 101 Pencil #43
I got this quite some time ago actually, when the pencils were first released. I bought three and this is one I've been grabbing very often as an eyeshadow especially when I'm in a rush. It's convenient, easier to control than a eyeshadow brush and glides on smoothly and has pretty good lasting power.

Make Up Forever HD Foundation
 This is probably one of the priciest foundation I've ever bought, but I've seen such great reviews. And I do like it. It gives a very even coverage while blending smoothly into the skin. 

Hey

Hello!

I've been pretty busy and it has been some time since I've sat to write a proper post.
Have also missed a couple of Favourites posts but I look forward to doing one soon. :)

#mondaybluesclub

Have a good week ahead!

Makeup removers for sensitive skin (Water, Gel Removers)

Ever since I developed a sensitive area around my left eye, I have been on the lookout for sensitive skincare products. I wanted something that I could use on my whole face without causing the eye area further irritation.

I went to the doc's and was given some steroid cream for the sensitive area and while it works well, occasionally it comes back and gets dry and slightly itchy again, and some skin care products meant for normal skin could also cause the itch to return.


I got these from Luxola (again). I sound like I'm an ambassador lol. I've actually only purchased from them a couple of times and have reviewed some of the products separately previously.

Came across the brand This Works on the site and got the This Works 5-in-1 cleanser as it sounded promising with the online reviews which were largely positive.Found the light herbal smell a bit off at first but I've since grown to like it and I find it a relaxing scent nowadays.

It's packaged a in long slim elegant bottle with simple classy fonts.Bottle is really convenient and hygienic with a pump dispenser.

I only realized later it wasn't meant for cleaning makeup at the eye area and it did feel slightly sting-y when I wiped my eyes with it.I still love to use it for the rest of my face and very lightly over my eyelids as an extra cleansing step after using makeup remover wipes. There is no feeling of stickiness and it takes off dirt and makeup easily, leaving skin feeling refreshed, soft and hydrated. Love it because after swiping with a cotton pad it looks like it really takes all the gunk off. I sometimes use it after exercising or during the afternoon when I feel my face needs some refreshing and I don't want to wash it again.

Got the Mario Budescu eye makeup remover gel (non-oily) shortly after and it is great for delicate skin. It's my go to remover especially on days when my skin feels really sensitive and I prefer not to use a wipe. The gel is lightweight and requires only a small blob of product, removing even waterproof eyeliner when you massage it over the eyelids. And after, just lightly clean with a cotton pad to get rid of any residue.

These are of course just for removing makeup, and you do need a cleanser as an additional step to remove any remaining impurities and to deep cleanse your skin. This Works Clean Skin Gentle Cleanser is a mild facial wash containing Rosehip oil which has hydrating properties and the cleanser leaves a smooth film after rinsing off. It has a floral herbal-y scent which does not irritate my skin. However if you
use an oil-based makeup remover prior to this, it can feel like your skin is not properly cleansed even with the cleanser as the both together creates this slightly 'oily' feeling.Otherwise, I think its a good cleanser that although feels mild and gentle, effectively cleanses the skin.

Besides all the mentioned products, I started getting makeup remover wipes for tiring days when I just want to quickly remove my makeup and save the hassle of transferring products onto a cotton pad. Have been trying a couple of brands which are supposedly formulated for sensitive skin and I can only say that wipes do more or less lightly irritate the eye area, sometimes because of the ingredients or due to the material which can be a little rough on the skin.

I've also been on the lookout for cleansers and I'm happy that there are a couple which have had great results and do not aggravate. May do a post on that soon.


Have a lovely week!

November's Favourites

L-R

Reed Diffuser
I've been having an obsession with diffusers! I got the one above for my bedroom and recently one for the office too. It's relaxing and puts you in a happy mood when the smells wafts over.

Leader's Insolution Sheet Masks

These are the masks I was using in November, or what’s left of the stack I bought. I actually tried them a few years back and had decided to get some again. If you’re looking for reasonably priced sheet masks for regular use, this is a pretty good choice. I love that it’s soaked with essence (leftovers in the package) and the texture of the mask sheet is silky and fits snugly onto the skin. The sheet feels really thin but does not tear easily and feels almost like a gel on your face. Skin is soft and hydrated after use.

Mario Budescu  Eye Makeup Remover Gel (Non-oily)
This is a mild makeup remover and it takes off mascara, eye-liner pretty well without stinging. The gel spreads easily and gently rubs off eye makeup as you massage the area. Great for delicate skin around the eyes.

This Works Clean Skin 5-in-1 Water

Ever since my eye area developed some sensitivity, I’ve been looking for a suitable cleanser and stumbled upon this water-based cleanser which is supposed to have 5-in-1 benefits. I like that it seems very natural and the ingredients don't seem very harsh and most importantly it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. Great for days when you have light makeup on. Been using it very often.

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm
Prettiest floral packaging on a lip balm. Moisturizes well and I try to apply often if as I regularly use lip products.

Model's Own Artstix Nail Polish Duo - Snow Mix

Nail Polish. The glitters are gorgeous to look at. Pics of my nails here.