Tag Archives: cosmetics/makeup

Fashion Nail Sticker for Beautiful Nails

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve been using nail polish and a lot of different types, styles and brands but I have to admit that I haven’t tried using nail stickers before. I got the idea to finally try it because of a dear friend who wittingly asked me, “Why don’t you just use nail stickers?” when I was telling her about the long wait for nail polish to dry, especially on hand nails. I found out later on, though, that she herself hasn’t tried nail stickers!


So I decided to finally try the thing. I found a lovely, posh set from Sasa. They have several brands and styles available but I was looking for a pinkish or purplish color. I picked First Kiss Nail Dress in Marabou which has a mix of colors and faux colored stones.


The box says FASHION THAT STICKS, LASTS UP TO 10 DAYS, which caught my interest. Keeping manicure in place and chip-free has always been a challenge for me. Being a working mother makes it even more challenging as I need to keep washing stuff and my son. Pedicure is not so challenging; it just stays nice and chip-free for more than a week. In fact, I only re-do my pedicure every 2 weeks. Whereas my manicure needs changing every week. BUTTER LONDON does a very good job for my manicure but if I wanted something more posh with artistic designs, I’d be lazy to do it with manual application by myself, unless it’s something like this nail sticker. 


First Kiss Nail Dress in Marabou

Unfortunately, the back of the box isn’t much help on giving more info and exact procedure on how to properly apply it on your nails. The pictures are quite self-explanatory but I was looking for more tips and if there are any other things to remember when applying it, like: is there a drying time, do you need to apply something first before putting the sticker on, etc. 

Back of First Kiss Nail Dress box

The box contains 28 pieces of the nail sticker in different shapes and sizes to fit the toes and nails, and a nail file. 



Since the instructions were not quite clear, I applied my own techniques for application. 

STEP 1:  I wiped my nails clean with nail polish remover.

STEP 2: Carefully choose the right size and shape for each nail.

STEP 3: Using a pair of scissors, I cut each sticker for the shape of the base of my nails. Don’t worry about the edge of your nails yet, adjust the shape of the base first

STEP 4:  Stick the nail sticker, starting slowly on the base first, where your cuticles are. Then press slowly from the middle going to the sides. This is to prevent crumpling. Don’t press the entire sticker at once. 

STEP 5: Using a nail cutter, cut the excess sticker from the tip. I find it best to cut the sticker and my nails a bit to ensure that I’ve perfected the size. 


It wasn’t very easy to do, especially for a first-timer. It took me a while to finish my hands and toes, at least an hour. The cutting and shaping takes some time, unless your nails are perfectly shaped based on the sticker shape. But it was worth the effort. Look at the result! I seriously loved it!

My nails with First Kiss Nail Dress






The ultimate question: does it really last up to 10 days?


For toes, yes, it does last. I am now wearing it for the 7th day and the stickers on my toes still look like they were freshly-applied. I am sure it will stay for several days more or even another week. It will also be very easy to retouch since you don’t need drying time. You just simply take out the sticker, clean your nails with nail polish remover, let it dry then apply a new sticker. 


For hands, it did last and stay chip-free this entire week. But I do take extra care such as wearing plastic gloves when washing dishes, washing clothes even while bathing. After 4 days, though, you’ll notice some fading on the tips as with normal nail polish but there was no chipping at all since these are stickers. And I loved it for that. 


Will I wear nail stickers again? YES! This is absolutely perfect especially if you’re attending a special occasion soon like maybe a wedding, big party, etc. In my case, I need lovely nails when I am about to host events for my job. So, yeah, I love this First Kiss Nail Dress. Not necessarily every  10 days but maybe once a month for those very important events. 


Where to buy: Sasa outlets

Price: RM26 for 28 pieces


Reduce Pores Instantly with Benefit POREfessional!

Posted on by
2

Pores, pores, pores all over my nose, chin and cheeks have always haunted me. I used to have a lot of pimples when I was younger. Pimples on my nose, cheeks, chin and other spots on the face. Did you ever have those irritating pimples on the edge of your nose that really make you look funny? Or just under your nostrils and it’s so painful every time you wipe your nose? And the worst thing is you’re having running nose then you have one pimple right on your nostril? Agh, I hated those days. I don’t squeeze or pop them myself but I still developed big pores over time. 


Although I am using skincare products that address pore concerns, I still require an instant solution that will hide or, at least, reduce the appearance of my pores. Foundation does great magic but it’s just not enough especially for the size of the pores on my nose (gasp!). Thank goodness for skincare science and we now have access to quick-fix stuff. 


I’ve always been intrigued by Benefit’s line of products but so far, I haven’t really bought or tried any item. The product names are very clever and witty while the packaging design is just catchy. Have you seen Hello Flawless, Confessions of a Concealaholic, Benetint, Posietint, Some Kind-a Gorgeous, Stay Don’t Stray, Ooh La Lift or That Gal? The names don’t immediately tell you what it is but makes you curious enough to read on, don’t they? 


I haven’t tried Benefit products before but, well, there’s always a first time. The POREfessional has always caught my attention and when I finally finished my other pore quick-fix, I decided to give this a try. 


Benefit POREfessional


The caption on the box tab caught me: QUICKLY minimize the appearance of PORES

The POREfessional PRO balm to minimize the appearance of pores




I liked that the tube has a seal which makes the product less prone to oxidation before you actually use it. 



It’s also a thoughtful idea from Benefit to place a product insert with this item. It shows techniques on how to use it, even outlines the areas for retouching over makeup. PORES…now you see ’em, now you don’t!



I only need a little amount on each pore-prone area on my face. I apply it on my nose, cheeks, chin and forehead before my foundation. It does wonders to make my skin look even, less oily and, of course, almost pore-free. 



The texture is very smooth and silky, very lightweight and works well as a makeup primer. It makes my foundation glide even more smoothly and stay longer throughout the day. I tend to have some oily spots around my face but with the POREfessional, my foundation doesn’t clump at all. 


I’ve been using it for 5 days now and I’m lovin’ it! I made the right decision to switch from the other brand which happens to be a bit more expensive. 


Price: RM115 for 22ml


Where to buy: Sephora, Metrojaya Mid Valley, Robinsons The Gardens, selected Parkson stores, Benefit boutique and counters


What the box says:Apply this silky, lightweight formula to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin. To use under makeup:Apply to moisturized skin to help makeup stay put. Focus on problem areas and blend with fingertips.To use over makeup:Pat on lightly over makeup and blend.





Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Long-Lasting Nail Polish

Posted on by
2
We all love having pretty nails but it’s always a challenge to keep them pretty as long as possible, a week at least for me. Keeping nail polish on my toes is not a problem, it can even stay as long as 2 weeks with minimal retouching required. My toes are always nail polished, I love keeping it that way since I always use open-toed shoes. 

Manicure, on the other hand, is just tough to maintain, especially if you have a child and need to do a lot of chores and washing. So here are some simple step-by-step guide and tips for those who encounter a manicure challenge like me.

STEP 1: Remove or push back excess cuticle from your nails. 

I often get lazy to do this before. But removing excess cuticle (the strip of hardened skin that you see on the base and sides of your nails) makes the nail polish look more even and clean. There’s no need to use a nipper or cut the cuticles. I just use Butter London Melt Away, then push the excess cuticle back. Wipe off the excess product from your nails with a wet wipe or cloth. 



Butter London Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator

STEP 2: Wipe your nails with nail polish remover (yes, even if there’s no nail polish there). 

This is to ensure that your nails are free of dirt, oils and other impurities before you apply the base coat. The base coat needs a clean surface so that it stays longer. 



STEP 3: Apply a clear base coat first, not your color polish. 

This is very important for keeping your nails pinkish and free from nail polish stain as well as making the color polish stay longer. The base coat is similar to a makeup primer, it provides a better ‘canvas’ for the color to be applied. It also makes it easier for you to remove your color nail polish later on because it’s not applied directly on your plain nails. Ever had a hard time removing your color nail polish before when you didn’t apply a base coat? Or ever noticed a yellowish stain on your nails?


I use Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat for my base coat. 



STEP 4: Now you can apply your beloved color nail polish. Make sure that you allow your base coat to dry for at least 3 minutes. 

Reminder even if most of you know this already — always start with your non-dexterous hand. What do I mean? If you are right-handed, start with the left hand first so you avoid spoiling your polished nails on the right hand. 



STEP 5: Apply your clear top coat after allowing the color nail polish to dry at least 3 minutes. 

It would be good if you can extend your top coat to the edges of your nails, that part that you use to scratch your skin or something. This spot is where water seeps in and chips your nail polish. With the top coat, it will be a few days before water can break in. It takes some skill to apply it there, keep trying. 

I use Butter London Hardwear Quick Topcoat. 




STEP 6: After 1 or 2 minutes, apply an express or quick drying oil. 

Remember, this doesn’t mean that you can immediately go around and doing things loosely with your hands or nails. The drying oil just makes the polish non-sticky. Ideally, you should allow your nail polish to set for several hours, 2 hours at least, before you do some washing. And if you do need to wash, wear plastic gloves. 


I use Sephora Express Drying Oil. 


And here are all the 6 items I used…



Just some additional tips:

1) Try not to do anything with your hands within at least 2 hours after applying your last coat. 
2) When you need to wash the dishes or anything, wear some plastic gloves. I bought this box of disposable plastic gloves from Daiso at only RM5 for 100 pieces and it’s worth having this around. Protect your nails from too much water as much as you can. 


3) If you have time, retouch your clear top coat after or every 3 days to protect your polish.
4) Don’t use your nails to remove staple wires, remove adhesive tape, open a bag of chips, lift the soda can tab and the like. 
5) Moisturize. Apply cuticle oil on your nails daily. Moisturize your hands and feet with lotion or cream regularly. 

Have pretty toe nails and hand nails, ladies! 













Tried & Tested: Lancome Genifique Yeux for Fine Lines, Dark Under Eye

Posted on by
Reply
I’ve recently been in a panic state due to formation of fine lines around my eyes. I guess stress over the past few years at work and, of course, age have caught up with my skin. So I looked for an eye cream that will hopefully solve my fine lines.

I decided to try Lancome’s Genifique Yeux Yout Activating Eye Concentrate. 


This eye concentrate is non-greasy, non-sticky and feels very light on the eye area. Like some of you, I am also worried about eye creams causing milia or oil seeds. I’ve developed 2 before, around the eye area, so I’ve gotten very cautious about using eye creams. 

Fortunately, Lancome’s Genifique Yeux is not too thick or rich for my skin. I have combination oily/ dry skin and my eye area tends to be oily during the day. But Lancome Genifique Yeux actually leaves a matte finish and makes the eye area feel velvety. Good match for my skin. Another plus for this product is that it’s suitable for contact lens wearers. 

The scent is very light which I also like. Some eye creams tend to have a stronger scent which I am not very comfortable with. Knowing that the skin around the eye is too fragile, I also wouldn’t want a product with strong scent to be applied there. 

Lancome Genifique Yeux comes in a glass jar with a nice silver cover, topped with Lancome’s signature floral icon. The box is also elegant with embossed silver text and the embossed floral icon in silver print as well. Yah, I kinda have a weakness for nice packaging. 



And so I tried and tested this eye concentrate. I’m supposed to apply it twice a day but mornings are too tight for me as I have to quickly apply my sunscreen and do my makeup then get my son ready for school. For 2 weeks, I’ve only been applying it at night. And yet, I’ve seen good results! Look closely at the fine lines under my eye (I hope my photos show clearly). 

                             BEFORE                                                                    AFTER
On the left, you can see there are several lines, the texture looks uneven and my under eye is a bit dark. On the right, there are less lines, the texture has improved and my under eye is brighter. Eew, my cheek pores are so visible here. 

Here are the identified areas for easier reference…

Before & After 2 weeks using Lancome Genifique Yeux Youth Activating Eye Concentrate
Amazing. And this is just based on once a day application. I have now started to apply it twice a day (when I can) to make the results even better and prevent more lines from forming. 


What the box says:
Youth Activating Eye Concentrate
Major scientific discovery: Skin’s youth is characterized by the presence of certain proteins on the skin’s surface which are the result of gene expression. For the 1st time from Lancome: Genfiqiue helps promote an environment more characteristic of youthful skin to leave skin looking younger. This gel texture helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and under-eye bags. The eye contours appear brighter and radiant, as if infused with life. 
Tested under dermatological and opthalmological control
Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

Where to buy:
Sephora, Departmental stores – Isetan, Parkson, Metrojaya, Aeon

Price:
RM208 for 15ml

Make your Make-Up Last Longer with Urban Decay’s MakeUp Setting Spray

Posted on by
4
Working women like me, and maybe more ladies out there who are out-of-the-house for more than 8 hours a day, face the challenge of maintaining makeup as long as necessary. Occasional touch-ups for face powder is fine but who has time to retouch full face foundation or keep looking at the mirror to check if the T-zone is getting too shiny? I’m normally busy at work and I only have time to retouch my powder after lunch and that’s it. So the quest to lengthen makeup life on my face brought me to Sephora. And I was not disappointed. 

Urban Decay’s All Nighter MakeUp Setting Spray was attractive and catchy to my eye with its simple white and purple packaging (I love purple, by the way). The product name says it all and the phrase “All Nighter” is just clever. For RM49/ 30ml, the item seemed worth a try. Oil-free, paraben-free and temperature control technology were the highlighted points on the box. 



The bottle comes in dual cap; I’m not quite sure, though, why. Maybe to give you an option to use the smaller cap if the purple cap makes it big to fit in a small cosmetic bag. But then again why not just make a small purple cap? Or maybe this is to prevent leaking when you put it in your bag on-the-go? Nevertheless, I love the packaging color scheme. The box and bottle are both in matte finish. It feels and looks good now but I foresee that the bottle will have that brownish, dirty look after some time since matte finish tends to absorb dirt more. Anyway, I just simply keep it unexposed to dust and element by placing it inside my makeup kit in a drawer. 

I’ve been using UD MakeUp Setting Spray for 3 weeks now and I’m delighted by the results. From morning at around 7:30am (this is the time when my makeup’s done before I wake my son up for school) until evening at around 8 or 9:00pm, my makeup still looks great. Before, my foundation used to be blotchy and faded out by 3 or 4pm. But with this Makeup Setting Spray, my face makeup is still in place when I get home! 

It’s quite easy to use: Simply shake it well, hold the bottle around 8 to 10 inches away and mist your face 2 to 4 times in an ‘X’ and ‘T’ formation. And, voila! Your makeup is ready to stay all day and night! Reminder, close your eyes and purse your lips before spraying. 



This product is also very travel-friendly at this size. It’s light and slim which can easily fit into a cosmetic bag snugly. 


What the box says:

IN A 7 DAY CLINICAL STUDY OF ALL NIGHTER
  • 78% of participants said ALL NIGHTER helped their makeup last for 16 hours
  • Over 80% said their makeup not only looked better, it stayed on better (even in the T-zone) without settling into fine lines
  • Whether they had combination, oily or dry skin, 88% or more said ALL NIGHTER was the best product to help their makeup last


Where to buy: SEPHORA
Price: RM49
Size: 30ml/ 1.0 fl. oz. 




TALIKA Photo-Beauty Therapy: Youth through Light Innovation

Posted on by
4
The first TALIKA product that I fell in love with 2 years back was the Gentle Eye Cleanser. That was also when I started using contact lenses and this Talika product was probably one among few eye care products in the market that specifically address sensitivity of contact lens wearers. It contains rosewater so it also has that lovely scent. This ingredient is actually meant to tighten the skin around the eyes while serving as a mild astringent. Although it doesn’t remove waterproof makeup, it is a great 2nd step for eye cleansing. I would normally use cleansing oil then use Talika Gentle Eye Cleanser afterwards. 

Photo from web

A few months ago, Talika launched a skincare collection: Photo-Beauty Therapy. I was introduced to these 3 amazing products: Light Essence Cellular Activator Photo-Beauty Therapy, Anti-Aging Cream Photo-Beauty Therapy and Brightening Serum Photo-Beauty Therapy. 


These 3 look good and elegant together, don’t they?

The Light Essence caught my attention immediately…



Talika indicates that THE LIGHT ESSENCE…
acts like a correction curve, an “equalizer”, which takes just a few seconds to reset all “cell counters” to zero! Meanwhile, it boosts the youthfulness process in your epidermis.
The cell recovers its “original” potential, as a result skin is able to receive and transmit the benefits of daily skincare LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Benefits:
Transforms light into cellular energy for a global anti-ageing action. (Photo-Beauty Enzyme®)
Helps to brighten the complexion and diminish the intensity of dark spots.
Helps regenerate and protect the skin’s DNA. (Photo-Beauty Enzyme®)
Hydrates, relieves discomfort. (hyaluronic acid, gentle fruit acids, rose water and vegetal glycerin)


The new Talika skincare also has an Anti-Aging Cream, a delightfully-surprising addition to the brand as I’ve known Talika for light-inspired products. Having a Talika anti-aging item is truly a surprise and revolution in its technology. 



Talika indicates that the ANTI-AGING Cream…
gives skin a new youthfulness thanks to the synergy of the PBE and anti-wrinkle, firming, energising and repairing active ingredients with recognised efficacy.

After 14 days, +19,9% collagen*.
After 4 weeks, the signs of ageing are visibly reduced.

Benefits:
Transforms light into cellular energy (Photo-Beauty Enzyme®)
Helps regenerate and protect the skin’s DNA (Photo-Beauty Enzyme®)
Anti-wrinkle and firming action (adenosine, walnut seed, soya beans)
Intensively nourishes, moisturises and repairs the epidermis (shea butter and vegetal glycerin)



I’m sure you’ve seen so many brightening serums in the market, well, so have I. But what makes this Talika brightening serum interesting is the PBE or Photo-Beauty Enzyme, a unique component in this line of Talika products which has the ability to transform light into derma-repairing energy. 



The Talika Brightening Serum is…
Prodigious, rich in PBE and brightening active ingredients, it targets melanocytes specifically to reduce the intensity of dark spots and brightens the complexion within four weeks.
After 14 days, +79,6% non-pigmented cells*.

Benefits:
Transforms light into cellular energy (Photo-Beauty Enzyme®)
Helps regenerate and protect the skin’s DNA (Photo-Beauty Enzyme®)
Lightens the complexion, anti-dark spot action (niacinamide, zinc)
Moisturizes (vegetal glycerin)


Reduce my dark spots in 14 days?! That’s worth a try. I wasn’t so concerned with dark spots before. But with a few years of driving around in this hot weather without my usual super-black tint, I guess sunscreen is not enough and I’ve developed spots on my cheeks!

I think this is a great addition to Talika’s line-up of products. I’ve known Talika as an expert for eye care, lash care and revolutionary skincare devices such as the LIGHT DUO and the CREAM BOOSTER. And now that Talika has launched a skincare line, the devices will have the right Talika products to complement and provide a complete regimen for our skincare requirements, whether it’s for anti-aging or brightening or both. 

And look, my Lancome Genifique Eye Cream fits right in with the Talika collection…



Excited to try and test this Talika Photo-Beauty Therapy collection soon!

For more details, visit Talika counters in Parkson Pavilion, KLCC, 1U, Gurney Plaza, Isetan KLCC, 1U, and Metrojaya Mid Valley. Also available in Sephora boutiques and selected Sasa outlets. 

Retail price guide:
The Light Essence, RM349/ 140ml
Anti-Aging Cream, RM299/ 50ml
Brightening Serum, RM229/ 30ml





Bye Bye to Dry Lips with Nature’s Baby Organic Soothing Stick, The Body Shop Lip Butter, Holika Holika Real Butter Lip Balm

Posted on by
Reply

Having dry, chapped lips is probably every lady’s regular enemy. Special care needs to be given to our lips as it is what people look at when we are talking, aside from the eyes. And working in air-conditioned rooms can be even more challenging in keeping our lips moisturized throughout the day.


So like most ladies, I also arm myself with lip balms. I love trying different products and comparing results, and yah, I’m quite a shopaholic when it comes to beauty products, I confess. Anyway, I have 3 different lip balms at the moment: Nature’s Baby Organic Soothing Stick, The Body Shop Lip Butter, and Holika Holika Real Butter Lip Balm.


I actually bought Nature’s Baby Organic Soothing Stick for my son. He’s also having chapped lips so I bought this balm. I found it at Skin Labs in Mid Valley Megamall, costed RM47.50 for 19ml. It is paraben-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic so it’s assured to be safe for babies. Finding good skincare products for babies is not very easy especially a lip balm so I decided to give this a try. Quite pricey for a baby’s lip balm but it was worth a try. Too bad my son didn’t like putting it or anything on his lips; I ended up having to use consume it myself. It smells of coconut oil and has a very soothing texture on the lips. I normally apply it at night before going to bed and I wake up with softer lips. I’m not very fond of the smell but it does the trick of curing dry, chapped lips so I still find it good.


My other lip balm is The Body Shop Chocomania Lip Butter at RM26 for 10ml. It is definitely recommended for a chocolate lover like me. The scent is so delicious as expected, oozing of freshly melted chocolate aroma that makes you want to gobble up the thing. The texture is quite good but thinner compared to Nature’s Baby. I use it during the day, depending on my mood and craving, alternating it with my other delicious lip balm.


The third item on my lip balm collection is the Real Butter Lip Balm from Holika Holika, costed RM30.80 for 6g. Among the 3, this is my favorite addiction. It really smells of real butter, has a good, thick texture similar to butter and tastes like sweet butter on the lips. I’ve grown a habit of putting it several times a day in the office as it keeps my lips well moisturized and it just feels good on the lips. It also comes in a convenient packaging that just slides to open instead of the screw cap.
Some ladies prefer using lip gloss for that quick, ultra moisture they need but I’m not a fan of super glossy lips as it’s just overwhelming when combined with an oily face (my T-zone tends to get oily during the day). I also don’t like the sticky feel of lip gloss on the mouth so it’s either lip balm and/or lip stick for me.
I highly recommend having a lip balm as this is very convenient to use any time of the day, can be blended with your lipstick and works wonders when used overnight regularly. It doesn’t really matter what brand (as long as it’s a trustworthy one) or price; your preference on texture, taste, smell and result on your lips shall be the deciding factors. So say goodbye to those dry, chapped lips and butter up those smackers!