I thought this was awesome.
Sharing with you guys.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 06, 2011
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.
In case you are wondering, the colours look nothing like the colourful stickers on it.
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.
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.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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. :\
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. :\
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