Sunday, March 27, 2011

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.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

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

Friday, March 11, 2011

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.

Saturday, March 05, 2011

Looklet.com 02

I'm a little bored at the moment.

More looks that I put together at Looklet.com.


Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Majolica Majorca Chapter 30: Sugary Trap Collection Puff de Cheeks

I can't wait to get my hands on these Majolica Majorca blush macaroons. They are so adorable. I'm not even a pink blush fan but I feel like collecting all of these. :x



From left to right: PK303 Strawberry Macaron , OR302 Apricot Macaron, 
PK301 Peach Macaron and #82 Vanilla Macaron.



PK301 Peach Macaron, OR302 Apricot Macaron are permanent shades while PK303 Strawberry Macaron and #82 Vanilla Macaron are limited edition.

These retail for SGD$22.90 at Watsons. (I'm not sure if #82 Vanilla Macaroon is available in our Watsons).