Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Sneak Preview

I was looking at Urban Decay products and saw some sneak preview pictures of the new Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette.

OMG..

Compiled them together. They are contributed by UD's Facebook fans (I suppose) so I am not claiming any credit for the pictures.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite

Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout

Top row: Swatches from Urban Decay Naked Palette
Bottom row: Swatches from Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

The Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette comes with a mini lip gloss (Lip Junkie) and a dual-ended eyeshadow brush.

New Hauls: Watsons Christmas Member Preview Event 2011

Went to Watsons Christmas Member Preview Event on 16 November 2011. There was 30% discount off for most items. I thought it was a pretty good sale considering Watsons only had 25% off sales for previous Cardmembers' events. I had planned to get KATE stuff but the place was so packed and overwhelming that it totally slipped my mind. -.-


Here's the stuff that I picked up.

I picked up Majolica Majorca Rouge Majex in 21 and PK102 and Majolica Majorca Frozen Splash Eyes in GR732. These came together in a pack for $15. I thought I'll try it as I have never tried MM's lip glosses before. Was also curious about their Frozen Splash Eyes, which is basically like a cream base. It's kind of sheer.

Also bought Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheeks in PK301 Peach Macaron since there's 30% off. I think the original retail price was $22.90 so I got it for $16. Can't wait to use this.

The cosmetic section for brands like Maybelline/L'Oreal/Revlon/Silkygirl had some great deals like "Buy One Get One" for lip products or "Free gift with purchase" so everyone was squeezing over there.

I picked up more Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss as I really like those I've tried. I got them in Peach Petal and Pink Pursuit. Peach Petal is a milky pale peach while Pink Pursuit is a medium pink with lots of shimmer. I don't know if it's me but Pink Pursuit stings my lips if I overapply.

And I finally bought Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 070 Soft Nude. I have been wanting this for a while but I'm not willing to pay full price for it, which is $21.90. There was 30% off for Revlon products and if you buy their lipsticks, you get a free nail polish too. I get to pick one from 3 shades so I picked out Revlon Nail Enamel in 790 No Shrinking Violet. It's a super gorgeous deep purple (almost eggplant).

I figured I need more sunblock so got Mentholatum Acnes UV Tinted Milk SPF 50 PA++ UVA/UVB and Mentholatum SUNPLAY Water Kids Low Sensitivity SPF 60+ PA+++. I've never tried these before. Bought these after doing some online research about sunblocks.

I also got a twin pack of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water ($24.90 member price) to try out. It was so crazy as Watsons had twin packs for thermal sprays of different brands like Avene, Vichy, Uriage. I was just so drawn to them all as my skin had been feeling really dry lately.

I actually enjoyed myself and the trip down was worth it. There were some other better deals which I missed out as I was in a rush. I also think I bought too many lip products. The Revlon nail polish was also a really nice surprise. It worked beautifully and I absolutely love the colour. Would totally recommend it.

Review: Jewelmint Serpentine Necklace

Got the Serpentine Necklace from Jewelmint. If you watch Youtube, you would probably know what Jewelmint is. It's basically an online store selling jewellery pieces designed by Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter.

It comes in a neat mint green box with a black ribbon. You do not have to untie the bow. It's just a separate piece of ribbon in a bow shape stuck on another piece of ribbon . I feel kind of foolish untying it. -.- You just have to slip the whole thing off the box.

Inside the box, it comes with detailed information on the piece. The mint green box is more true to colour in the second photo.

The box is also well packed with black cushion.

So after removing the top layer of cushion, tada, here comes the necklace.

The Serpentine necklace is made with gold and silver herringbone chains that crossed each other in the front, giving a layered effect. I was impressed that it appears true to the photo provided on the Jewelmint website. The necklace is really pretty. It appears to be really simple but when you touch it, you can feel that it's quite substantial. The piece is also quite shiny in real life.

At the back, you get a clasp that's like those you find on watches. Generally, I find it a pain to open. I laid it flat in the photo above so you can see the gold and silver slinky chains crisscrossing each other at the front.

Here's a closeup of the Serpentine necklace. I had a hard time capturing the real colour of it as it just appears super shiny on the camera. But the colour's pretty close to the closeup shot. Look at how the two chains intertwine with each other. Now you know why it's called the Serpentine necklace.

Jewelmint also suggested that it could be worn as a bracelet.

Serpentine Necklace worn as Bracelet

Overall, I love it. I picked this up because I find it to be a versatile piece for wearing with collared tops, dresses, dressing up simple tops or layering with longer necklaces. Generally I am not a fan of slinky chains like these but I think it goes perfectly with this design. I love that this design is very simple, yet sleek and also the two-tone concept. Like I said earlier, the necklace is also very substantial and definitely doesn't look or feel cheap.

One thing that I probably would rethink about is the price. Each Jewelmint piece is priced at US$29.99. In all honesty, I wouldn't pay full price for it. But I've seen discount codes floating around and "Buy one get one" sales, so that would be a great time to buy instead.

Currently, Jewelmint only ships within the US. They do not take international orders at the moment.

Tips: How to Create 14 Looks with 7 Pieces of Clothing

I thought this was awesome.

Sharing with you guys.

Review: E.L.F Mineral Lipsticks

I've been wanting to do swatches for the E.L.F Mineral Lipsticks for a while so finally got down to doing it while cleaning out my stash.

I actually did a "partial" review on some of these lipsticks quite some time ago.

My opinion is pretty much still the same. While I do have some favourites from the range, the E.L.F mineral lipsticks are probably just average. The constitency of the lipsticks is not the same for all. They may be creamy but some glide so smoothly while others can look unflattering on dry lips.

From left to right: Rosy Raisin, Barely Bitten, Runway Pink, Rosy Tan,

Bare Brown, Cool Coral, Party Pink, Natural Nymph

In case you are wondering, the colours look nothing like the colourful stickers on it.

From left to right: Rosy Raisin, Rosy Tan, Natural Nymph, Barely Bitten

From left to right: Cool Coral, Runway Pink, Party Pink, Bare Brown

My favourite from the range is probably Natural Nymph. It's a very pale beige pink shade. It's almost like a lip concealer if I apply it on and can make me look dead. But that's precisely why I like it because I use it in that manner in order to cover my pigmented lips and then go over with a pigmented nude lip gloss to achieve nude lips. The consistency for Natural Nymph can be rather drying so it's best to exfoliate your lips before you use.

My other favourite is Barely Bitten, which is a sheer red lipstick which is buildable. It glides on super smoothly and the reason I like it is because it's just like its name. It gives a lip tint effect. It's a wearable red  lip colour to try if you want to experiment with red lips but do not want a full on red lips effect.

Rosy Raisin and Rosy Tan are neutral shades that I don't mind wearing. Cool Coral is a more orangey reddish shade, not truly  reflected in swatches. It also has gold shimmers in it. It's actually weird to be named Cool Coral when there's nothing coral about it. Runway Pink is more a bude baby pink while Party Pink is a brighter pink compared to it. (The pinks look the same to me. I had Nicely Nude too but had to throw out as it grew mouldy. :() Bare Brown is just a straight up brown. I wouldn't recommend it if you are fair to light skintone for I don't know what you can use it for. -.-

These retail for US$5. I would probably recommend getting them only during the E.L.F sales.

Article: What Your Eyes Are Telling You

The eyes are not only windows to the soul - but to your general health.
If you are ill, or just under the weather, the first place it's likely to show is in your eyes.

Amy Anderson spoke to Professor Alistair Fielder, ophthalmologist at Imperial College, London, to find out what signs to look for.
Read his top 16 signs below and click on the links in the blue box for tips to look after your eyes.

WHITE RINGS
A milky-white ring around the edge of the eye's cornea - the transparent circular part of the front of the eyeball - is usually called arcus senilis. The white ring is caused by the deposition of fat in the cornea and can mean you have high levels of fat in your blood.

Although this is usually found in older people, a different term, arcus juvenilis, is used to describe white rings found in those under 40. This can be an indication of high cholesterol levels and should be checked.

SORE RED EYES
Cosmetics are one of the most common but least suspected sources of eye problems. Misuse of products and adverse reactions to ingredients are often responsible for eye irritation, allergy and infection. Bacteria can contaminate old make-up, causing infections, so it should be replaced frequently.

WHITE SPOTS
If you have little white spots on your eyelids, this can also mean too much fat in the blood.

PALE EYELIDS
If the skin inside your lower lids looks pale rather than bright pink, this usually means you are anaemic and lacking iron, which is crucial for the healthy production of red blood cells.

RED BLOTCHES
Red blotches appearing infrequently on the whites of the eyes are not dangerous. However, more persistent ones could be an indication of high blood pressure which causes blood capillaries to expand and sometimes burst - leaving red marks.

FAILING NIGHT VISION
Can be a sign of vascular problems due to inefficient circulation. Could also be a symptom of parasites in the intestine and a lack of absorption of essential minerals and vitamins.

The acidity levels of blood can affect the way our eyes work, particularly if the pH becomes too acidic. Acids may come from the food we eat or from under-functioning liver and kidneys. One way to rebalance the system is through diet.

MUSCLE FATIGUE
This is usually caused by poor lighting at work and over exposure to computer screens. In addition emotional stress can be damaging to the eye because stress inhibits absorption of essential B vitamins that help keep eye muscles strong.

The tendency of one eye to close more than the other is another common complaint, especially among student bookworms. This is also a symptom of tired muscles.

To ease the strain, try holding a pencil about a foot away from your face and focusing on it. Then bring it slowly towards you until it goes out of focus, do this three or four times a day.

DOUBLE VISION
Double vision can be an indication of nerve damage and you should consult a doctor.

TOO MUCH WHITE
Sanpaku, meaning 'three whites', is a term from the ancient Japanese system of medical diagnoses called Bo-Shin, closely linked to the philosophy of 'yin and yang', on which the macrobiotic diet is founded.
If a person has Sanpaku eyes, it means that the iris is turned upwards so the white is clearly visible on three sides.

The condition has been recognised for centuries in Oriental countries where it was thought to signify poor physical and mental health - caused primarily by an unwholesome diet too high in red meat and acidic foods.
A person's psychological state can also cause the eyes to become Sanpaku because stress affects the optic nerves. This pulls the muscles up, moving the iris with them towards the eye socket, so white space is revealed underneath. Many high-profile people have been affected, including Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Adolf Hitler and Princess Diana.
Artist David Hockney also recently noted that Cherie Blair (above) has Sanpaku eyes. Some therapists believe that a macrobiotic diet can get rid of the effect, but only over a matter of years.

BLURRED VISION
This can be a sign of glaucoma, a serious eye disorder in which excess fluid causes increased pressure in the eye, or iritis, inflammation of the coloured part of the eye. Your doctor may send you to hospital for urgent assessment. If you have glaucoma, you will need drugs to reduce the pressure in the eye. Iritis needs immediate treatment with corticosteroid eye drops or tablets.

YELLOW EYES
If you have eyes with a yellow tinge this may mean a liver complaint or infection. Check with your GP.

FLASHING LIGHTS
These and floating spots can be the first sign of a migraine, a severe headache. Symptoms can often be eased by self-help measures, such as painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids and resting in a dark, quiet room.

DROOPY EYELIDS
A droopy eyelid can indicate a muscular problem or nerve damage elsewhere in the body, and you should see a specialist.

ITCHY, RED EYELIDS
Blepharitis(inflammation and scaling) may be the cause. This condition is often associated with dandruff. Using an antifungal shampoo may clear both conditions. Unperfumed moisturising cream on your eyelidsmay also help. If the condition does not improve, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointment.

LIDS TURNED IN OR OUT
You may have entropion, a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards so that the lashes rub on the eye, or ectropion, in which the eyelid droops away from the eye, exposing the inner surface of the lid.
Although they are not serious, both conditions can look unpleasant and increase the risk of damage to the cornea. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for a minor operation to realign the eyelid.

RAPIDLY FAILING SIGHT
Can be a sign of diabetes due to a lack of protein or a violent form of macular degeneration, where part of the retina ages prematurely and loses function. Consult a specialist.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-156166/Can-eyes-saying-you.html#ixzz1cCBoUSko

DIY Skincare: Niacinamide Rosewater Toner

I decided to try out this DIY Niacinamide Rosewater Toner recipe which I took down ages ago.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is good for treating acne inflammation, giving oil control and skin lightening. I thought it would be good to try out for my oily, acne-prone skin as I grew to love Niacinamide after trying out the Watsons Green Tea mask which (contains it and) is effective for soothing any swollen and inflamed acne I have.

Things to prepare:
Bottle of Rosewater Toner (I use Guardians rosewater toner)
1g of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) powder
An empty bottle for storage

The proportion I was recommended to mix for Niacinamide to Rosewater toner was 1g : 25ml so that the percentage of Niacinamide is 4%. Since the glass bottle I have is able to contain 30ml, I just poured close to its brim and poured the 1g of Niacinamide in. After that, just shake the bottle well. It is not necessary to use rosewater toner if you can't find it. Any neutral toner (without all the fanciful benefits and ingredients) will do. Another tip I was told was to add in Witch Hazel toner as it can act as preservative. Or you can just buy the Guardians Rosewater and Witch Hazel toner which saves the extra step. I skipped the witch hazel step as I could finish the mix fast due to the small storage bottle.

I would apply this DIY Niacinamide Rosewater toner with a cotton pad after cleansing my face. Didn't feel anything special initially except the rosewater helps to hydrate the skin really well. After some time, I noticed my skin would produce less oil. There was slight improvement to my skin though it did not stop breakouts entirely. My existing pimples appear less inflammed and I also did notice my skin seem a little brighter.

I would actually continue using this. It's just so easy to make and I like the oil control it gives. The niacinamide in it helps to reduce the rate at which sebum is produced so there's less tendency for clogs (blackheads, whiteheads) to happen, in turn causing less breakouts. It's a little hard to obtain the Niacinamide powder though. I purchased mine from Milagro Trading (Singapore), which seems to only sell it in 1g packets. I would probably recommend purchasing from other websites (if you can find any) in bigger portions for more cost savings. :\

Free Stuff: Samples from Various Brands

Some free stuff/samples I got over the past few weeks/months. I think they are still available for redemption so if you are in Singapore, give it a go.

All you have to do is to log in Facebook and click the "Free Sample" tab on the left. Then fill in your details. The samples would be sent to you in a week or so.

ChocoMarvel Natural Menstrual Care Sachet (powder)
http://www.facebook.com/ChocoMarvel

Ginvera Nude Cover BB Cream and Green Tea Aqua Whitening Cream
http://www.facebook.com/ginvera.sg

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion in travel sized bottle
http://www.facebook.com/hadalabosg

Sunsilk Co-Creations Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner
http://www.facebook.com/sunsilksingapore

Acnes Medicated Skincare Creamy Wash in sachet form and Sealing Gel
http://www.facebook.com/acnes.sg

Bioessence Bird's Nest Nutri-Collagen and Whitening Advancer
http://www.facebook.com/bioessence.sg


Don't really have much to say about these items.

By the way, ChocoMarvel Natural Menstrual Care Pack is a cocoa drink for relieving menstrual cramps and discomfort. I took it while I was having my period and thought it was pretty good. It keeps you warm and fuzzy then you'll stop cranking up from all the discomfort. So I think it's a must-try among those in the list. :)

New on Shelves: Garnier BB Eye Roll-On

Garnier BB Eye Roll On (Taiwan packaging)

I've read that the Garnier BB Eye Roll-On has finally reached our shores and was really excited about it. I first heard of it on the show 女人我最大 (NRWZD or "Ladies First", it's a Taiwanese show on women and beauty related topics) few weeks ago when one of the makeup artists recommended this concealer that doubles as eye cream/gel too. According to him, this eye roller existed long ago and was first sold in UK and it's a top-selling product. In addition, the caffeine in it helps to reduce puffiness of the eyes, improves blood circulation and since it is tinted, it helps to conceal dark circles and brightens areas where it's dark. Sounds too good to be true right? I was sold immediately and wanted to try it so badly.

Did a little snooping online and turns out that this product is probably just a renamed version of Garnier Tinted Eye Roll-On.

picture credits: Musings of a Muse

So in case, you are looking for reviews for the Garnier BB Eye Roll-On, you might just want to search for the other name "Garnier Tinted Eye Roll-on". Now I'm kind of skeptical about it and wondering if the "BB" (which stands for blemish balm, like in BB cream) was added into the name to appeal to the Asian market. Ahhh.. Feel so cheated. I could be wrong though as this could be a new formula but everything (packaging wise) looks the same to me.

Shall be waiting for more reviews before I buy it. :\

Garnier BB Eye Roll-On retails for SGD$22.90 in Watsons Singapore.

Favourites of the Month: May 2011

I thought I'll do a quick update. I haven't been updating much as I've been getting lazy. My daily makeup routine has been kept as simple as possible. Thought I'll share some of my favourites. :)

1. Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm VIP Gold Collection (BB Cream)
I bought this a while back from Gmarket Singapore (I took a risk and after verifying, it is real and authentic. But I probably would still discourage people from buying from there as there are really a lot of fakes floating around. The seller I contacted is no longer selling it. ) I didn't like it at first because the BB cream just looks so ashy gray when I pumped it out. Loving it ever since I tried it out in May.

Weather in Singapore during May was incredibly hot and humid. I just couldn't bring myself to put on foundation so I got started on this BB Cream. It takes a while for the BB cream to set so it can look a bit ashy initially. After sinking in, it looks like you aren't wearing anything. My skin looks brighter and it's as if I was starring at skin instead of powdery/liquidy foundation.

I would say it has light-medium coverage. Coverage is buildable if you pat on the Skin79 Gold BB cream layer by layer, preferably with fingers, over problematic areas that need more concealing. It didn't manage to cover all my acne so I still need to top it off with another concealer. Another reason why I love this is that I noticed my undereye concealer staying put really well after I topped it up over the BB cream. (I've read cases of people reacting badly to certain BB creams applied on the undereye areas so please do a patch test before trying out.) I hate it when my concealer starts melting off after a hot day so this is a bonus. After everything, I would set it with either Maybelline Dream Matte Powder or Silk Naturals Silk Mineral foundation. :)

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Coral Reef
I'm so loving this colour. It's almost a bright neon coral orange shade. As I've been keeping my makeup simple, this shade works really well as a perk-me-up colour to brighten the face on lazy days.

3. Garnier Pure SOS Anti-Blemish Gel/Pen
If you had read my earlier entries, I've been complaining about acne problems. Sometimes I wonder if my over-reliance on Tea Tree Oil products somehow backfire on me. I dug out the Garnier Pure SOS Anti-Blemish Gel (squeeze tube form) which is really old.  I used to really love this in the past but it was never essential for me since I was combating cystic acne most of the time. This stuff works but not on cystic acne. For some weird reason, my recent acne problems seem to be mostly black heads problems.

This anti-blemish tube gel works amazing on blackheads. This product contains sacrylic acid, which is good for using against blackheads. I used it after washing my face with Garnier PureActive Deep Unclogging Pore Facial Wash. My acne problem slowly stopped.

This is also the best-smelling pimple gel I've ever smelled. It smells of sweet longans. I think it has been discontinued in Singapore (sadly) and replaced with the Garnier Pure Active Spot-On Roller though I kind of suspect they don't contain the same formula. Anyway I never figure out why Garnier wants to change it to a roller since squeeze tubes are definitely more sanitary for acne application.

New Hauls: Watsons Members' Preview Sale

Sorry for the lack of updates. I was too caught up following Singapore General Election 2011. Politics has always been the last thing in my mind so I'm pretty shocked by my interest. It is taking a long while for the emotions to sink in. I just feel so exhausted.


Went for Watsons Members' Preview Sale on 18 May. Some of the items had discounts up to 20% + 10% off.

Finally picked up Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheeks in OR302 Apricot Macaron. Had wanted PK 301 Peach Macaron too but it was sold out.

Also picked up 2 items from K-palette that I wanted to try out. There wasn't any testers for this.

I got the K-palette 1 Day tattoo 24Hr Real Lasting Eyeliner in Super Black and 24Hr Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner in 02 Greyish Brown. The K-Palette Eyeliner won BEST Liquid Eyeliner for 2010 in Singapore Women's Weekly 'Best Beauty Buys' award .

Picked up a lip balm from Mentholatum too. I've been using Mentholatum lip balms since young. Don't find them to be very moisturising but I heard this is really good so giving it a try.

Watsons was selling ZA bundled packs for $10, which is quite a good deal.

In one set, you get a ZA Eyes Vibrant eyeshadow trio in E10, a ZA Dramatic Eye Color quad in Green, a ZA Wide Eyes Mascara in Rose (I just realised the mascara is not black -.-').

For the other set, you get 2 ZA Pure Shine Lips in 01 Violet Visions and 02 Rose Toffee. These are really sheer and have tiny glitters.

I think there was also a set for ZA foundations but I missed it. I got these 2 sets since I kept missing out the ZA deals whenever I go Watsons. Not too sure how these items are. I wished there were choices for colour. :\ (What am I going to do with a rose-coloured mascara?!?!)

Other than that, it's really a good deal.

I think I'll end here.

New Hauls: More Cleansers and KATE Dual Blend Eyes GN-1

Bought three cleansers last week. Lol, I can't get enough of cleansers.

From The Body Shop atrium sale, I managed to pick up the Tea Tree Oil Skin Cleansing Foaming Cleanser. It's in the new formula which I've yet to try. Also picked up the Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash. I didn't really like it when I first tried it last year and used most of it for washing brushes but I've switched over to using this when I was having bad breakouts. This doesn't dry out my skin as badly as the Tea Tree Oil facial wash, when used in conjunction with my pimple creams or acne gel. I really can't decide which I like more now so I had to get both.

And then I picked up another new cleanser which I've never tried - Garnier PureActive Deep Unclogging Pore Facial Wash. I'm actually a huge Garnier fan. I know you probably can't tell as I don't blog about their products much. I have tried their cleansers, exfoliator, creams/moisturisers, sunblock, eye cream, pimple gel, spot whitening cream, masks etc. Lol. Some are average products but I still like most of them. The blue range (previously, the blue range was called Garnier Pure instead of PureActive)  cleanser is something which I've used in the past to combat my acne skin as it contains sacrylic acid and zinc minerals, way before I switched over to using Tea tree oil based products. I didn't think much of their cleanser back then as most of my problems are dealing with cystic acne and it didn't show much improvement. But recently I started picking it up my old Garnier Pure Pore Unblock Foam to use and it cleared up a good amount of my clogged pores. Thinking back, perhaps this has been the reason why I don't get much clogged pores/blackheads/whiteheads back then. I wanted to get back the old cleanser but apparently, they revamped the range again. I bought this new cleanser to try but I realise it doesn't contain zinc minerals like the old range. I'm not really sure why Garnier likes to keep changing their formulas, packaging and even product names. It's actually most frustrating. Anyway I've started using this and it did show results (as promised on the bottle). My skin is slowly clearing up. I still wish they'll bring back the Pore Unblock Foam as it has microbeads in it.

Also picked up this tool for cleansing the face. It's made from a soft rubbery material and said to help cleanse the face better. As I got this cheap, I'm really not expecting miracles.

Finally caved in and bought KATE Dual Blend Eyes in GN-1. I've been wanting a moss green eyeshadow for a while. The pigmentation of the moss green is really great and I just love how sophiscated it looks. The lighter green is more of a sheer light minty green wash of colour. It isn't crazy pigmented but the various shimmers in it really make the colour to be very interesting.

By the way, I picked up the KATE eyeshadow quad at John Little. So now besides Watsons, you can also find KATE cosmetics at John Little stores . :D

Review: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash

Will be reviewing the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA) Hydrating Facial Wash. I have been using it daily for more than 6 months and have been really enjoying it. Decided to get this after I tried out the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA) Hydrating Lotion, which I have mixed feelings about it (I might review it slightly later).

The Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA) Hydrating Facial Wash is a hydrating cleanser, which promises to help restore and preserve skin's natural moisture. The product is labelled as a gentle cleaner that promises low irritation and to be free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

The key ingredient, Super Hyaluronic Acid, helps to lock in twice the amount of moisture than ordinary Hyaluronic Acid does. I wanted to explain how it works in theory but I gave up. Included some illustrations.

Basically when you have well moisturised skin and with a protective shield that helps lock in moisture, your skin layers would fall back in place neatly, thus your skin feels softer and smoother.

When I first started out on this Hada Labo SHA hydrating cleanser, I really like it the minute I tried it. It foams really well and I feel it cleanses really well, removing all the grime, dirt and dead skin from my face. It does not dry out my skin like most cleansers do and that's because of the Super Hyaluronic Acid, which helps to lock in moisture after cleansing. I also felt my skin to be significantly softer after it. In particular, what I'm most pleased with is how the area around my nose isn't dry and flakey.

I started out using this facial wash only once a day to slowly let my skin accustomed to the Super Hyaluronic Acid. After a month of trying, I used it twice daily for several months. After a while, I did notice that my skin got brighter and that the surface of my skin to be smoother (less bumpy).

I would say this is a product that I'll definitely repurchase again. As of now, I did stop using this facial wash for a short period. (I had another breakout which I couldn't figure out what's causing it. It could be due to a mixture of reasons ranging from lack of sleep, diet, stress or other facial products. Basically I switched my usual skincare products just to be sure it wasn't adding on to the problems I have. )

If you have dry skin or are living in an area with dry climate, this product would be great for your dry skin. For those living in humid countries like Singapore like me, it is still fine to use this product. But when the weather turns extremely humid, I feel it's better to stop using the product temporarily. High humidity causes low evaporation hence when you overload your skin with over- moisturising forms of skincare, you might end up blocking your pores (since if they don't absorb fast enough, they just sit on top of your skin and wouldn't evaporate fast enough either).

If you suffer a bad experience from the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA) Hydrating Lotion due to its "overpowerful" moisturising properties (lol), don't be afraid to try this facial wash. I would say this facial wash is significantly milder compared to the hydrating lotion.

The Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash retails for $12.90 at Watsons Singapore.

Review: Stila Collectible Travel Palette No. 1: Road to Radiance - Across the USA

Did some swatching so here's a quick review.

What it is: Follow this Stila Girl around the world and get five complete looks!What it does: Road to Radiance is the first in a five-part series of collectible palettes. It includes Stila's award-winning eyehadows in four trend-setting shades: Snow Bunny (shimmery champagne), Southern Belle (mauve), Valley Girl (pink), and City Chick (alloy). The palette also includes Convertible Color in "Hibiscus", a limited-edition shade, and a built-in mirror for easy application and touch-ups on the go.

What else you need to know: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kylie is at a career crossroads. She's an educated, intelligent, and passionately creative twenty-something with the entire world at her fingertips. She's also a free spirit and wary of being held back by a 9-to-5 job. So on a whim, Kylie jumped in her car and decided to live out her life-long dream of crisscrossing the USA, discovering her native country, and finding herself along the way. Join Kylie on the journey of a lifetime, as she travels across the country and uncovers twelve of America's most interesting cities. She mingles with the residents, immerses herself in local culture, and-of course-shares her travel itinerary with you!

From left to right: Snow Bunny, Southern Belle, Valley Girl, City Chick, Convertible Color in Hibiscus

After swatching, I realised I haven't really tried out this palette yet. The eyeshadow pigmentation for this palette was a little disappointing. Basically each swatch takes two swipes to get colour out of it.Snow Bunny is more of a sheer silverish white highlighter, Southern Belle is a sheer greyish mauve , Valley Girl is a very sweet pink. They all have some form of shimmer in it. City Chick is a matte burgundy brown.

But I was really impressed by the Convertible Color in Hibiscus. It's a sweet rosey pink. It's actually super pretty. Kind of surprised I didn't notice it earlier. The Convertible Color doubles as blush and a lip tint. It blends really well so I'm really liking this.


Stila Collectible Travel Palettes retail for USD$10 but I don't think these are still available on their website or in stores anymore. Try Ebay or Amazon if you are interested in picking one to try out.

Article: 11 DIY face masks

We’re making healthy skin even easier for you with one-ingredient, all-natural, DIY facials made from common supplies you can easily find right in the refrigerator shelf or kitchen cabinet. Raiding your pantry is also a great way to save money and cut back on food waste and packaging.

If you want pretty and healthy skin, don’t skimp on the bare-bone basics. Be sure to always drink lots of water and wear sunscreen moisturizer.

1. Honey -- A humectant, honey, attracts and retains moisture, so it's great for anyone who wants to combat dry skin. Use a cloth damp with warm water and pat skin to open pores. Smear honey onto skin and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then pat skin with a cloth dampened in cold water to close pores.

2. Raw egg yolk -- Egg yolks are high in vitamin A, a common ingredient in acne-fighting products. Spread on face and neck and leave on skin for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

3. Raw egg white -- You'll get a lifting effect as the protein in egg whites dries on your skin. Beat egg white until frothy and spread on face. Wait until it dries and rinse off with warm water.

4. Grapes -- They contain powerful antioxidants, called polyphenols, which help combat aging. Cut one grape in half and rub lightly all over face.

5. Banana -- Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, and E, all of which benefit the skin. Mash one overripe banana and spread onto face. Rinse off after 15 to 30 minutes with warm water.

6. Plain yogurt -- Yogurt contains alpha-hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, which are commonly used to help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. It's also rich in B-complex vitamins, including B-5, or panthothenic acid, which is commonly used to promote skin healing. Apply on face after cleansing and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Apple cider vinegar -- It has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. It's also antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or yeast that trigger infection. Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply over face with a cotton ball as a toner after washing face every day and every night.

8. Olive oil -- Olive oil is a source of squalene, a natural moisturizer used in many cosmetics. Natural antioxidants found in olive oil include A and E vitamins, as well as some polyphenols. Dab on lips at bedtime if chapped or leave on face overnight. It can also be used to de-frizz hair.

9. Avocado -- The fruit is rich in vitamins, A, C, E, iron, potassium, niacin, and pantothenic acid and its natural emollients. Mash avocado, then leave on skin for 10 minutes. You can also use it to strengthen and condition your hair.

10. Baking soda -- This pantry staple has a gentle abrasive action. Use as an exfoliant for face by adding to your regular cleanser. It also helps neutralize skin's pH.

11. Milk -- Seriously? Yes, seriously. Like yogurt, it contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is often used to revitalize skin. Swab on face with cotton ball, leave on until your skin feels tight. Rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel super-soft afterwards.

source: link

Review: VOV Castledew Extreme Pearl Up Eyes

I bought the VOV Castledew Extreme Pearl Up Eyes online a while back. Been wanting to try out some of the eyeshadows from the range because I've read some raves about it, especially their palettes.

I picked up VOV Castledew Extreme Pearl Up Eyes in VL331 Midnight Deep Violet and VOV Castledew Pearl Up Eyes in 9933 Glam Gold.

From left to right: Extreme Pearl-Up Eyes in VL331, Pearl-Up Eyes in 9933

If you are wondering how the eyeshadow packaging looks like, it looks like this. Couldn't snap a proper photo without the shiny surface reflecting off all the light. The packaging does have a cheap plastic feel but looks really pretty like a gem.

From left to right: Extreme Pearl-Up Eyes in VL331, Pearl-Up Eyes in 9933

VL331 Midnight Deep Violet is a medium purple shade with visible microglitters. But when applied, the glitters don't show up as much. It's a really pretty pearly purple shade. Love it.

9933 Glam Gold is no doubt pretty but a little disappointing for me. I was expecting more of a pearly champagne gold but it's more of a pearly beigey gold. It goes on looking like my eyelid colour. Would work well as an all over eyelid shade or highlighter.

From left to right: Extreme Pearl-Up Eyes in VL331, Pearl-Up Eyes in 9933

I actually really enjoy these eyeshadows and was super happy when I got these since they are so pretty. Both colours have decent pigmentation. If you like eyeshadows with pearl finishes, definitely check out the range.

I got these off Gmarket. John Little Singapore carries the VOV brand but I've yet to check whether these VOV Castledew eyeshadows. Will definitely get more if I see them.

Looklet.com 02

I'm a little bored at the moment.

More looks that I put together at Looklet.com.