Love your lips and cheeks even more with Benefit Lolli Tint!

Posted on February 26, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

It’s coming; it’s coming!

Are you one of those girls who just love multi-tasking makeup items? Then this is good news for you! The much-awaited Lolli Tint candy-orchid tinted lip and cheek stain is arriving in March!

Our beloved beauty brand, Benefit Cosmetics, has excitedly announced the arrival of this eye-catchy and tempting item that will definitely be a must-have in our cosmetic kits. This delicious candy-orchid lip and cheek stain is long wearing and leaves skin with a natural finish.

Benefit Lolli Tint with Brush Applicator

Benefit Lolli Tint in candy-orchid liquid color

The Formula:

Buildable payoff
Long-wearing liquid-gel formula
Natural finish
Enhances all skin tones
Smudge-proof/ smooch-proof color

Price: RM125 for 12.5 ml

Availability: March 2014

HOW TO USE:

Using the applicator that comes with the cap, brush three strokes on the apples of your cheeks and blend quickly
Dab on lips and blend for a deeper “pop” of color
For extra delicious color, repeat!

See how the lolli tint gives a chic and pretty blush to these girls while it also adds that luscious sparkle to their lips! And all these from just 1 product! Talk about multi-tasking! Take note: the color of Benefit Lolli Tint blends well on different skin tones. So whether your fair-skinned, tanned or dark, expect beautiful tint results from Lolli Tint!

Benefit Lolli Tint Candy-Orchid Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain

For a 30-second tutorial, watch Benefit Lolli Tint’s video HERE:

Watch a 30-second tutorial HERE

Check out more fun and flirty orchid-fuchsia Benefit items!

Benefit Lolli Tint, Lip Color and Lip Gloss

Stay connected with Benefit Cosmetics, visit their FB page at:

http://www.facebook.com/BenefitCosmeticsMalaysia

Follow Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia on Instagram via:

BenefitCosmeticsMY

Or visit Benefit boutiques at:

1 Utama Shopping Centre

Starhill

Or visit a Benefit counter in:

Parkson KLCC, Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion, Gurney Plaza

Robinsons The Gardens

Sephora Starhill, KLCC, Paradigm Mall

Metrojaya Mid Valley

Colours & Fragrances, KLIA

Soap & Glory Soaper Heroes Set – Body Care Must-Have!

Posted on January 26, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

Soap and Glory body and bath care set

Who doesn’t love to smell delicious after bathing and throughout the day? If you haven’t explored the scent of any Soap and Glory product, I really suggest that you check any one of their items at Sephora during one of your shopping travels. It’s definitely a must!

The first product that I fell in love with from this brand was the Righteous Butter Body Lotion (check out my product review about it – click HERE). I had it in 2012 and I found it an amazing item. The moisturizing effect lasts long and the scent is just ohhh so delicious. I guess the significant description of Soap and Glory products is its ability to make you (or your body) smell beautiful to the point of literally wanting to eat your own skin!

To my surprise and delight, I received a lovely Soaper Heroes gift set from my sister-in-law last Christmas! This set is to die for! It contains 5 of the famous items from Soap and Glory:

Clean On Me Shower Gel 75ml

Flake Away Body Polish 50ml

The Righteous Butter 50ml

Hand Food Hand Cream 50ml

Girligo Spray-On Body Moisturizing Mist 100ml

Soap and Glory Soaper Heroes set

The set comes in a pink, eye-catching box with a big letter ‘S’ adorning the front. Of course, it’s easy to spot the genius set name ‘Soaper Heroes’ and the floral motif surrounding the box. It’s stylishly feminine and youthful. On top, you’ll read this caption: “They’ll scrub, soften and scent your skin in a single swipe! They’re not just run of the mill moisturizers, they’re SOAPER HEROES!”

Soap and Glory Soaper Heroes items in travel-friendly sizes

The contents are all in travel-friendly size so even if you bring these items or if you buy it overseas or at some duty-free shop at the airport, you don’t need to worry about ‘confiscation’ from the airport officers. That’s clever and very considerate. Don’t you just hate it when your beloved beauty stuff is painfully taken away from you while travelling?

soap-and-glory-soaper-heroes-clean-on-me

Soap and Glory Clean On Me

Soap and Glory Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel will turn you into a shower addict at first bath. The scent is just addictive and will make you want to bathe forever and ever. Serious! It contains natural mandarin peel extract and a bonus built-in body lotion, and will make you feel really sexy after shower. Wait ‘til you get to the next products.

Soap and Glory Flake Away

Soap and Glory Flake Away is a skin-smoothing body polish with shea butter, sweet almond oil, peach seed powder, sea salt and sugar. Apparently, it transforms your scaly legs from reptilian to radiant! I haven’t tried this one yet but I’m excited to spread it all over my body and scrub my dry flakes away. Let’s see if it does transform my reptilian skin, haha! But no matter what, the scent alone is enough to say that this is also a must-try.

soap-and-glory-soaper-heroes-righteous-butter

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter contains softening shea butter and aloe vera. It has that velvet-feel upon applying onto your skin and contains the signature scent of Soap and Glory. I swear you must have this butter on your vanity table! Just control yourself from licking your arms and legs!

Soap and Glory Hand Food

Soap and Glory Hand Food is a non-greasy hand cream that contains shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow. It’s great for dry, chapped hands. It’s also scented with S&G Original Pink fragrance. They say it’s the most astonishing hand cream ever? You decide! I’ve already decided! Just watch out for the effects on those around you when you apply it while at work. Your colleagues will be asking for delicious food!

Happy Hand Food month from Soap and Glory!

soap-and-glory-soaper-heroes-hand-food-month

Soap and Glory Girligo

Soap and Glory Girligo is a spray-on moisturizing mist scented with a tempting blend of bergamot, peach, strawberry, jasmine, mandarin and musk. Just spritz on all-over your body after shower for temptingly fragrant, softer, smoother, more supple skin.

This is a great body care collection, wonderful to give as a gift and wonderful to receive as a gift! The scent engulfs your senses while your skin reaps the benefits of the good moisturizing ingredients. Simply delicious and good for the skin! Trust me, your husband or partner will enjoy the results, too.

Price: RM76
Where to buy: Sephora outlets

About Soaper Heroes Set

This gorgeous little gift box includes travel sizes of our bestselling products, including Girligo™ scented moisturising body mist, The Righteous Butter™ body butter, Flake Away™ body scrub, Clean On Me Skin™ softening shower gel, and Hand Food™ hand cream.

About Soap and Glory

A fun, fresh, fearless, fantastic British beauty brand created by suds-loving entrepreneur and celebrity facialist Marcia Kilgore. We’re known for wonderfully effective bath, body and skincare products including the super-plumping lip gloss Sexy Mother Pucker™ and award winning The Righteous Butter™ body butter. Soap & Glory recommends applying products with happiness and abandon, because while beauty absolutely matters, it doesn’t matter absolutely.

Get connected to Soap and Glory via Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/SoapandGlory

Or check out their website at:

http://www.soapandglory.com

Benefit Beauty Bash with Butterfly Project

Posted on January 4, 2014 by CelesteDeJesus

Happy New Year! It’s the beginning of 2014 and I had to keep reminding myself to write ‘4’ instead of ‘3’ on dates. Lucky I use an erasable pen.

I wouldn’t let this month pass by without sharing a post about one of the most fun beauty event I’ve attended as a butterfly with the Butterfly Project. Last month, me and other gorgeous butterflies had a chance to discover tips and tricks for applying make-up in a few minutes. Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia at Starhill (that’s on a floor above Sephora Starhill) held a gathering for beauty bloggers who are simply in love with Benefit.

benefit-cosmetics-malaysia-makeup-display

Lovely Benefit make-up collection and pretty pink balloons

I haven’t tried a lot of Benefit products yet but I personally love POREfessional. It’s a great quick fix for my huge pores! (Check my review on POREfessional, click HERE)

benefit-cosmetics-malaysia-porefessional

Benefit POREfessional, my hero product!

The Benefit Beauty Bash was such a wonderful start for a great Saturday morning. Sweet, pink balloons adorned the shop, which gave an immediate feel of something wonderful for the day. I was the first blogger to arrive so I didn’t waste time by taking photos of the pretty set-up.

benefit-cosmetics-malaysia-starhill-shop

Benefit boutique at Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang

Pink balloons scattered on the floor!

Benefit loves Sephora balloon

One by one, fellow gorgeous bloggers arrived. It was great seeing and meeting all or most of them. A few of the girls I finally met in person were Shivani Balraj, Sabby Prue (Sabrina Azmi), Innanie Ariffin, Wiida Ribbon, Ayna Jalal and more (so sorry if I missed the name of some). Everyone was wonderful and I really enjoy attending events with the Butterfly Project because everyone is simply friendly and approachable. Kudos to our good friend, leader and mother, Ms. Tammy Lim.

Here are the girls having fun chitchat while waiting for the others to arrive…

Beauty bloggers having fun at Benefit boutique

Check out the pink-themed snacks and drinks for that day…

Benefit Cosmetics pink-themed snacks for the day

The event started with an introduction from James of Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia. He gave a very good tutorial on how to complete a make-up look in a few minutes; I’d say around 15.

Benefit Cosmetics quick makeup demo

Pretty Sabby Prue was the make-up model for the day. James did a really good job in transforming her eye into an even more captivating one. Sabby already has a naturally beautiful pair of eyes but with James’s makeup technique (here seen on one eye first), Sabby’s eyes became more gorgeous and perfect for going out or for an event.

benefit-beauty-bash-before-and-after-makeup

Left eye transformed by Benefit Cosmetics

After the tutorial from James, we were challenged to do our own make-up look using any of the Benefit products displayed in the boutique. It was fun looking around and trying different products! The activity was also a contest wherein we need to post our before and after shots to Instagram with tag to Benefit Cosmetics.

Here are my top picks for my own make-up look…

My top Benefit picks for my look!

And here is my before and after look…

Before and After applying Benefit Cosmetics

There are so many interesting products but I didn’t have much time. One of the most useful and practical products I noticed was the set collection. Each set contains several items that are perfect companions for make-up. And the sets come with a tips and tricks booklet attached to the box cover. Cool and genius!

benefit-cosmetics-beauty-bash-makeup-set

Benefit make-up set: How to Look the Best at Everything

The contest time finished and Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia announced the lucky winner! (Sorry, I didn’t catch the pretty blogger’s name, if anyone would be so kind to comment her name that would be so great)

beauty-bash-benefit-cosmetics-blogger-winner

And the tall, pretty blogger won the contest!

This was such an enjoyable event with the bloggers and the Benefit Cosmetics team!

Me with the Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia team

(Check my post about Benefit Holiday Look, click HERE)

Stay connected with Benefit Cosmetics, visit their FB page at:

http://www.facebook.com/BenefitCosmeticsMalaysia

Follow Benefit Cosmetics Malaysia on Instagram via:

BenefitCosmeticsMY

Or visit Benefit boutiques at:

1 Utama Shopping Centre

Starhill

Or visit a Benefit counter in:

Parkson KLCC, Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion, Gurney Plaza

Robinsons The Gardens

Sephora Starhill, KLCC, Paradigm Mall

Metrojaya Mid Valley

Colours & Fragrances, KLIA

Lancome Teint Miracle – Weightless Foundation

Posted on September 15, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Liquid foundations have been my best friends to maintain a presentable look when I go out. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t use one ever since I became conscious of my huge pores (that’s around 11 years ago!).

I was using a Japanese brand before but I wanted to try something that feels lighter, something that’s more like a second skin. During my usual trip to Sephora, I decided to grab Lancome Teint Miracle.

What caught my attention was the front of the box that said “Natural Light Creator, Bare Skin Perfection”. If you’ve read my other beauty stuff blogs then I’ll guess you’d know that packaging and labels play an important role in my purchasing decision. It just makes sense to judge a product by what information and effort a brand puts on its labels.

Lancome Teint Miracle: Natural Light Creator, Bare Skin Perfection

Lancome Teint Miracle is oil-free, non-comedogenic and also has SPF 16, might seem low if you’re exposed outdoors several times in a day but I normally apply a moisturizer with higher SPF before my foundation so this is fine. A Sephora beauty advisor assisted me to try the product on my neck and helped me picked the right shade.

The problem with some of the foundations that I’ve used before is the heavy feeling during midday. But this foundation was weightless! It doesn’t feel like the usual makeup foundation. It feels thin and light on the skin yet it gives good coverage over my pores and some dark spots.

I find the packaging great and easy to use. The pump only needs light effort to use and has very good control on dispensing sufficient amount of the product. I love that it’s in a transparent glass where I can easily see how much is left. The name ‘TEINT MIRACLE’ and the flower logo icon are embossed in silver color which make it look even more impressive and simply pretty in the vanity cabinet.

Lancome Teint Miracle in glass bottle

Lancome Teint Miracle with silver box

I’ve been using it for 3 weeks now and I just love the effect on my skin. I even skip my Benefit Porefessional sometimes when I’m rushing and my pores don’t appear huge anymore. I also noticed that when I get back home from work, my face still looks presentable — even tone, no redness, no huge pores visible, even with just one-time retouching with face powder throughout the day.

Liquid foundation designed for Asian skins

How to apply with fingers: Shake well before use. Pump a small pea size of the product, either to your hand or palm, whichever suits you but I normally pump to my hand. Dab dots on several areas of your face: nose, cheeks forehead, chin, temples, around the borders of your face. Using your third and fourth fingers, gently spread from your nose area then going outwards to your cheeks, chin and forehead. Let it set for a few minutes before you apply other creams or powders on top of it. Give it maybe 3 to 5 minutes.

Of course, this is my own technique. Some might choose to apply using other ways like maybe using a foundation brush or the entire palm instead of fingers. Feel free to use the technique you feel most comfortable with.

What Lancome Teint Miracle box says:

Natural Light Creator

Bate Skin Perfection

Fresh Foundation Veil – SPF 16

Light is not only reflected on the surface: it is also re-emitted from within the skin. Lancome Science decrypts this genuine natural light, giving each complexion its distinctive color, its sparkle of life.

Innovation – Perfection through light:

AURA-INSIDE technology works to recreate and boost the skin’s natural ‘light’. Immediately, the complexion brightens: flawless, fresher looking day after day.

Natural weightlessness: 10 times less powdery fillers, high concentration of water, enriched with a softening rose extract. Skin is smoother and unified, hydrated for 18h. Flaws visibly vanish, your complexion is sublimely bare. 12h wear.

Oil Free – Non-comedogenic

Shades and texture designed for Asian skin

Tested on Asian skin under dermatological control

Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive

Price: RM135 per 30ml

Where to buy: Lancome counters in department stores, Sephora

Reduce Pores Instantly with Benefit POREfessional!

Posted on August 23, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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 August 18, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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 August 10, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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

Lovely Nails with Butter London

Posted on July 28, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

I recently fell in love with this nail polish brand, Butter London, that I came across with while shopping for a liquid foundation at Sephora Starhill. Aside from the lovely glitter color that got my attention, the product names are also quite clever.

Well, I’ve also been searching for a really good top coat that dries fast and makes the nail color last longer so I decided to give these items a try. I don’t normally go to a nail salon to do my nails, not that I have time to go as well. I prefer to do my own nails as I’ve developed this fear from nippers. Some stylists just have this urge to keep nipping the dry skin until they accidentally cut you to bleed (ugh). So since several years back, I just do it myself. And it’s quite fun, too, to experiment with different colors myself and save time (and money) to just do it at home.

My wonderful Butter London collection: Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator, Hardwear Quick Topcoat and 3 Free Nail Lacquer.

First step is to use the Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator (RM64/ 17.5ml). This is for removing dead skin cells for gentle cuticle removal, eliminating the need to nip (yes!). Since I really hate the nipping part, this item is great for me. It’s very easy to use. Shake well, apply to overgrown cuticles using the bottle applicator, wait for 2 minutes, gently push back cuticle then remove debris with a soft brush. Clean excess product from nails after use.

Apply a clear nail polish as your base coat. Then it’s time for the nail color: 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Lovely Jubbly (RM54/ 11ml). At first, I wondered why it’s called ‘3 Free’. It has NO Formaldehyde, NO Toluene, NO DBP — so it makes this nail color 3 Free. For those who are not familiar, formaldehyde is an organic compound used in a lot of industrial products, disinfectants and more, and is toxic to both animals and humans. Toluene is a clear, insoluble liquid used to dissolve paint, thinners and more, and is also considered toxic. DBP or dibutyl phthalate was used in nail polishes and other items but has been banned in many countries as it poses as a possible risk for abnormalities on physical development.

So this Butter London Nail Lacquer clarifies that it’s free from those toxic ingredients. The color I picked was named Lovely Jubbly and it is truly lovely. It is a glitter-filled purplish hue which is also very easy to apply. Simply put 1 coat then let it dry for at least 2 minutes. If you want a darker shade, you can put another layer. But 1 layer for me is just nice.

After letting the nail color dry for at least 2 minutes, it’s time to apply the Hardwear Quick Topcoat (RM64/ 17.5ml). It’s a quick dry, ultra glossy, non-toxic that protects the nail lacquer/ nail color and extends the life of the manicure. Simply apply 1 coat over the nail lacquer.

As always, I also apply drying oil on top of my nail polish. I found this Sephora Express Drying Oil (RM35/ 7ml) which is a great companion to everyone who loves polishing their nails. Wait at least 2 minutes after applying your top coat then apply 1 drop of the drying oil on each nail.

My finished manicure…my normal digicam doesn’t do justice to the glitter effect, though. Quite hard for me to shoot with one hand if I use my DSLR so this shot was taken with the digicam (need to get a tripod or an assistant photographer, haha!). But the glitter nail polish is more glamorous and pretty in actual sight!

My verdict…in love with this Butter London nail collection! Will get more colors soon!

Where to buy: Sephora

Price:

Butter London Melt Away and Hardwear – RM64 a piece

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Lovely Jubbly – RM54

Sephora Express Drying Oil – RM54

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

Posted on July 20, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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 July 14, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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