Showing posts with label bys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bys. Show all posts

Friday, July 31, 2015

June and July Favourites

I was actually worried that I wasn't going to have a lot of favourites this time around, which is ridiculous considering I'm already doing this on a bi-monthly basis. The last two weeks, however, have given me great opportunities to try out some of the things I've been neglecting a bit in my collection. I'm really excited to share these with you so read on!


Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (Shade: Nude)

I got this in my Big May Haul as I wanted a base that didn't require powder to set but wasn't drying on the skin. I also wanted to try tinted moisturizers considering that my Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream is running low ;___; This is a cult-favourite and rightly so as it is not only ticks all the boxes for what I wanted, but it is also pigmented enough to cover redness and looks like skin. I also love how this worked when I had oily skin and now when I have dry skin due to acne medications. Highly recommended!

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation (Shade: 3.5 Warm Beige)

Yes, you read that right! I have been very vocal about my dislike for this foundation on my blog, but I could never throw it out because of the price. Now that the condition of my skin has gotten better (greatly reduced oiliness, greatly lessened acne, smoother skin texture), this foundation works so well! I've also come to appreciate the freshness it imparts now that I'm no longer a greaseball. I've concluded that this is a good foundation if you've already got pretty okay normal to dry skin to start with. Also super long-lasting now!

Real Techniques Contour Brush

I've been very dissatisfied with my current powder brush and decided to try this brush for my powder on a whim, and it's amazing! I love that it gives me a lot of control and allows me to pinpoint exactly where I want my powder to be. The tapered edge also helps in depositing a good amount of product that doesn't make the face too powdery.

Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Createur du Contour + BYS Synthetic Blending Brush

I've been attempting to learn how to contour this month, but could never get it right when I used the RT Contour Brush or the Expert Face Brush. I tried adapting Karima from Shameless Fripperies' technique where she uses a blending brush to really get into the hollows, and found that it worked perfectly! The blending brush works so well as it gets the colour right where I want, but also helps in blending. Great way for me to repurpose this brush!

The TCFS Contour Powder is great for beginners as it isn't too pigmented but still builds and blends very easily. I use the darkest mixed with the middle shade for a very subtly defined cheekbones for the daytime. The colour is also great if you're NC25 or lower with slight yellow undertones, as it doesn't look too ashy or muddy on the skin. Expect a review on this soon!

Bioderma Atoderm Restorative Lip Treatment

Ever since taking medication for my acne, my lips have been really chapped and have peeled off pretty much everywhere. I've found that none of my lip balms worked, so I was recommended this by my doctor. I do need to apply an initial thick layer, but it has been the only one to restore my lips back to a normal, non-peeling state. It is quite pricey which is the only downside, but otherwise, a really great product!

Blogging Notebook from Artbox

I've forgotten exactly when I acquired this (maybe 1 or 2 months ago) but I love that it allows me to be more organized with my blog. It has also saved me from a lot of writers' block and creativity block  because it motivates me to really sit down and think about what I want to write. I also love that it isn't lined so I can write and draw (not that I'm any good, but in case I need to) freely. Plus, the cover design is very me. :D

That's it for my bi-monthly favourites! I hope you all enjoyed reading this rather lengthy post. If you have any favourites that you've loved for the past two months, don't hesitate to share that with me below!

Friday, January 02, 2015

Christmas Haul


Helloooo everyone!

I'm really excited to share with you this huge haul that I bought for myself for Christmas! I was really stressed out from uni work (thesis year!) as well as some personal problems, so I thought I deserved to get some of the products I've been lusting over for a long time. I also picked up some items I needed in my collection as accompaniments to other products. Some of these items might be familiar as I've included them in my Christmas Wish List!


BYS Synthetic Blending Brush

I remember I was with Alex when she suggested this brush. I saw it on her September Favourites and got interested in it as I wanted to start expanding my eyeshadow brush collection, especially after seeing this post from Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup. This brush is soft yet really inexpensive at P299, so it'd be really great for beginners!

Etude House Play 101 Pencil (#23)

I knew I needed a lip liner for my NARS Audacious Lipstick in Audrey, and this was the closest from all of the lip liners in the Play 101 line to that shade. I tried it out at home and it turns out that it was a perfect shade match! It was really easy to apply and looked pretty good on its own. I can't wait to purchase more pencils from this line!


Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I have read hundreds of reviews on this miracle serum, and I wanted to splurge on something that would help with anti-aging as well as brighten my skin. I've been using it since I got it and I love how lightweight it is! It also made my skin smoother than it already was (thanks to the new additions to my routine) and made my pores a little less visible. I can't wait to see the change it'll make after a month of use!

Kiehls Mango Lip Balm

I was running low on lip balms and decided to try this out. It's pretty lightweight and doesn't leave a gloopy film on my lips like other lip balms do. I rotate this with my EOS Lip Balm and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, depending on my mood. 

I got a pretty good amount of samples, and I was surprised by how much each packet contained! I'm excited to try the Skin Rescuer as it addresses redness, and the Microblur Skin Perfector as I'm looking for a new primer.


Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

It's embarrassing to say that I've swatched this foundation every time I enter Beauty Bar (which is quite often). I'm paranoid about my Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream running low, and I wanted a foundation that I already tried, so I decided on this. It's definitely a splurge, but so far so good! I heard this was a more lightweight version of the NARS Sheer Glow which I also considered purchasing, and it's true! Even with two layers of this on, I didn't feel like it was on my skin. I also love the glow it gives my skin. I'm sensing a new foundation favourite!

NARS Satin Lip Pencil (Mandore)

It's labelled 'Limited' on the NARS website, so I assumed it meant 'Limited Edition' and would therefore not be at my local NARS counter, so I was surprised to see it among the other lip pencils! Unlike other reds, this does not have that hint of berry and is described as more of a cranberry colour. I got to try it in store and I loved it, and did not hesitate in buying.

NARS Sharpener

I knew that I would be purchasing more lip pencils because they seem so easy in terms of application and maintenance versus lipsticks (and I'm a sucker for NARS products, lets be real), so I knew I needed a sharpener. I gave in when the SA said that this was the last one, and it usually takes a long time for NARS to restock on their products. At least I'm sure that it will fit the NARS Lip Pencils, and it saves me the trouble of trying and testing other cheaper sharpeners.

And that's it! It's going to be a while before I do another haul so I hope you all enjoyed this! If you guys did your own hauls this Christmas, or have some things on your wish list that you're planning to purchase soon, feel free to leave me a comment below! Also, tell me if you've tried any of these!