March Favourites

As you can see from the picture, the number of favourites I have every month are dwindling. It's mostly because I still have quite a small collection of make-up, so I usually use the same things more or less. I was thinking of doing this once every other month or every 2 months just so I have more to mention. Let me know what you think!

This month was hectic but I'm glad that uni is finally over...for now. -_- Since I spent most nights accomplishing few but heavy on my grades requirements, I didn't have time to wear a lot of make-up the next day. These favourites are half skincare, half make-up(ish) and I haven't mentioned most of them before.

The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover

I bought this late February and talked about it in my make-up removers post, but I really love how easily it removes eye make-up. I haven't had a dual phase remover in years and now I finally see why its so useful to have. I just soak a cotton pad (well, most of it because I don't want to use too much product), press it on my closed eye for at least 15 seconds, and by then 90% of my eye make-up is gone. It's really gentle too and inexpensive, so I highly recommend it!

Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner

I forgot which favourites I mentioned this in but obviously I still have it, and it's still going strong! I'm more of a brown eyeliner kind of person and I love how it adds a little more attitude without being as bold as a black eyeliner would. Plus, it has a brush tip versus a felt tip, so the point stays sharp and it has not dried out on me yet. 

Kiehls Skin Rescuer

I got this deluxe sample from my Christmas Haul. It addresses redness and stressed skin, which is exactly what I was looking for in a skin care product. It is quite hydrating to the point that it will leave a sheen on your face, so I use it in the evening. The next day, my skin is devoid of the usual irritated redness and looks much brighter. Despite my 'Only 5 non-drugstore purchases' regulation, this is definitely worth buying the full-sized version for.

Skin Food Black Sugar Mask

I only appreciated what this did for my skin when I used it sparingly. It's a great physical exfoliating mask that leaves skin soft yet hydrated after use. I love using it midweek when I'm feeling tired and when my skin has those teeny tiny bumps (I don't know what they are, if someone does please let me know!) because it adds a bit more life into my skin and makes it smoother for days.

There you have it! Let me know what products you loved for March - I'm always looking to try new things so feel free to leave me a comment below. Also, if you have any requests for posts you want me to do or think I should do, don't be shy to tell me because I'm open to ideas!

Hopefully (and I emphasize hopefully) my next post will be a review on a mascara I've been using and loving since the day I got it, so anticipate that for next week!

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Friday, March 27, 2015

March Favourites

By Pauline Read More

SPOTLIGHT: What's in My Bag (End of the Semester Edition)

Out of sheer boredom and because I like reading and watching similar posts on different blogs and YouTube respectively, I did a quick 'What's in My Bag' post for all of you! As someone who likes looking through my friends' bags (with permission of course :p) whenever we meet up, I thought it would be interesting to show you what I bring around with me at uni.

Disclaimer: I have a week of school left and not much is going on except 2 major papers and 1 exam, which explains the lack of notebooks and handouts. Trust me, if I did this a month ago, it would be 75% papers, 25% everything else. I'll save you the agony of my horrendously damaged notebooks and I'll show you everything else instead.

I normally have tissues and wet wipes, but both have mysteriously disappeared. -_-

This semester I've used this black Longchamp bag. Its actually my mom's which she bought in Seoul a few years ago. Funnily enough, I told myself during the first day of school that I was only going to use this for a week, and then suddenly...its the end of the semester. Oops.

It doesn't have any dividers inside so things can get messy easily without a bag organizer. Despite this I enjoy fixing the contents of my bag. It makes me feel like I have my life in order (when I don't, really). I like that it isn't too small that my notebooks can't fit, but not too big that it makes me look small. It can't carry my laptop, but I'm okay with that. 

I found this wallet in my house and have been using it ever since. I despite bulky wallets with a passion and I love how thin this is. Seriously, more companies should try creating thinner wallets for women, not thicker ones. -_- And yes, my bank book because I need to hide my money away before I can spend it. 

I like pens. A lot of pens. I've been using several colours of pens to write my notes with since high school, and noticed how it helps me remember things and makes studying a little less of a drag. Majority of my pens are from Muji and I like them so much more than the Pilot Hi-Tecs that I used to use a few years ago. The tips are quite thin, but not like the Hi-Tecs, so they won't break when you drop them. 

The offensively bright neon pink notebook is where I write any ideas I have for blog posts. It's also where I write lists of things I should try out or found to be really interesting, and I have to say it has helped me. I'm not a fan of neon though, so I'm definitely getting myself a less bright notebook for next year.

Of course there needs to be a beauty item or two lingering in the depths of my bag. I'm a bit of a clean freak so I must have isopropyl alcohol with me at all times. The reason why I don't use hand sanitizers is because most of them only contain 60% or less of alcohol, which isn't nearly enough to kill any bacteria off your hands. It needs to be at 70% for it to do that. Yep, I just put another science lesson again.

My hand cream of choice is this Nature Republic Hand & Nature Hand Cream in Wild Cherry. I got this in Korea last year and I love how it smells. I'll be pretty sad when this runs out because most of the hand creams from this range are always out of stock locally.

I carry two lip products, and for this week it was the Kiehl's Lip Balm and the NYX Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait, of course. I didn't wear any makeup this week because I wanted to give my skin some rest, and because I was breaking out from stress. The latter lip product always helps in brightening up my face and making me feel less ugh.

I finally got a replacement for my broken earphones a month ago and it has not left my bag since. I use the pink case to store my earphones and my lip products because I've realized that without a case, my earphones tend to break faster. Here's to hoping it lasts more than a year! The earphones I use are from a brand from Coloud. It blocks out noise just fine, but I'm not sure if I would buy it again because the earphones themselves don't fit perfectly. Of course, my phone. Sometimes I use it to take blog pictures, whenever my camera fails me. 

And there you go! I hope this was a bit interesting for you as it was for me to write. Do you carry these things in your bags? Is there something I'm forgetting that you consider a must have? Let me know down in the comments below!

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Friday, March 20, 2015

SPOTLIGHT: What's in My Bag (End of the Semester Edition)

By Pauline Read More

Products of the Day: February to March 2015

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share with you some of the products I've been using lately for uni or for when I go out with friends. Honestly, a lot of the time its rather the same, and you'll see which make-up items I can't forego no matter what. Sadly, no FOTD yet (I know, I know, I should show my face sometime) but for those of you who like looking at pictures of scattered make-up products (I know I do), this will be the post for you! I talk more about each product so feel free to keep reading below!

These were more or less what I used the most in February. For my base I've stuck with the Benefit Porefessional-Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation-Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer-Benefit Watt's Up combination, but only when I have time on my hands. The result is a smooth, bright, healthy-looking face even if I don't feel that way. I've been switching around eye primers, which is why I've been trying the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. More on this soon! Of course I had to go with a Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow for an easy swipe and go look (this one is in My Two Cents). I've really grown to appreciate the Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner which I got in my Singapore 2014 Haul. It's still going strong, though knowing how paranoid I am about things running out, I need to get a back-up soon. My consistent mascara of choice is the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara, which is probably the best all-rounder I've encountered. Finally, I've loved the look of the NYX Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait for a moisturizing gloss - definitely getting more from this range!

Later in February and last week, I've appreciated the appeal of a lighter base, which is why I fell back on the Lioele Water Drop BB Cream. I usually do my eye make-up in the car whenever I went for this look (with much difficulty, mind you) but it was enough for me to look like I made a lot of effort, even when I haven't. A fail-safe wash of colour for me will always be the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit, which I talk about in most of my posts...oops.

These products are for the days when I thought I had a lot of time, but took too long to do my base and had to rush everything else. Fun fact: it takes me a good 15 minutes to do base make-up. Time just seems to fly by whenever I do! And since I'm starting to slowly get into lip products (I have the lip product queens Summer and Alex to thank (or not) for that) I tried out this Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar that my friend Ena got for me in October. Balmy but leaves a really nice tint - the range is great for those who like bright colours!

Finally, these are the products I've been wearing for the past two weeks. Yes, I do have two BB Creams, but I use more of the Lioele and mix a tiny, tiny bit of the Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream to give a little more coverage. I've also been using the It's Skin Babyface Jelly Tint in #1 which is a sheer but very brightening red. The tint gets stronger after a few applications and it never fails to make me look more awake. Now I see why lip products are such a big deal. Next stop - lip butters!

And there you have it! As you can see, base is very, very important to me. I'll go without every other product but base products. I hope this was interesting for you as it was for me to write. Also look forward to a few new series' in a few months - possibly a top 10 and a few things related to travel? Stick around and wait for my next few posts!

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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Products of the Day: February to March 2015

By Pauline Read More

January Favourites

My first favourites post of the year!

This month has been great in terms of beauty discoveries (definitely not uni-related discoveries ugh) and I'm so happy to be able to talk about them with you! I purchased most of these in my Christmas Haul last year and I have not been disappointed by those that I added to my regular rotation. I've finally come to terms that I no longer have dry skin (cries) so I had to make a few adjustments with the products I use.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

I started using this starting Christmas time and I've slowly fallen in love with it! As I keep mentioning my first foundation experience with the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation was horrible, and this foundation did exactly what I expected the BB one to do and more! I use two pumps and it covers what I need covering (except acne marks, I still use concealer for that), is still on my face after a good 8 hours, and gives this beautiful, luminous glow that I have not seen in any of the bases I've tried. I'm so happy with this foundation! Will definitely do a review soon!

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This works extremely well with the KGD Foundation in applying and blending it on my face. It easily takes away streak marks and makes everything look seamless, and is great at buffing foundation into the skin as well. I preferred sponges initially, but just for the KGD Foundation, I have to use this.

NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

I've already mentioned this in my favourites from my October Favourites, but I've started using it again as it not only adds luminosity, but also makes my base makeup last a bit longer. I've already hit pan on it so now I'm trying to take the product from the sides to even it out. It feels silky on the skin and sets makeup well. It lacks a bit in the oil control department, so I think the loose version would be better for that.

Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foam

I got a sample when I bought the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I did not expect to like it as much as I did! The smell isn't my cup of tea but I love how it leaves my skin feeling clean minus the squeaky, tight feeling as most (if not all) of the cleansers I've tried usually do. It also helped reduce the oil on my face a tiny bit, and less sebum means less pimples! I couldn't resist purchasing the full-sized bottle and at 230mL and only using half a pump per wash, I think this will last me a long time.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Being Kiehls' bestselling product as well as a favourite in the beauty community, there hasn't been anything that hasn't been said about this already. I love that it doesn't aggravate my acne, absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy mess, how 3 drops is enough for my face, and the lovely brightness it adds to my skin the next day. I look forward to my night routine just for this product!

There you have it! I hope that the start of 2015 has been great so far and if not, lets hope the next 11 months are going to be better! If you have any favourites this month or have used any of these products before, feel free to leave a comment below!

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Friday, January 30, 2015

January Favourites

By Pauline Read More

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!

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Friday, January 02, 2015

Christmas Haul

By Pauline Read More

Christmas Wish List

Surprise post! Hi everyone!

Christmas is just around the corner and I figured I'd put up another wishlist like I did for my birthday. Like the previous one, I'm highly doubtful that people would actually get these for Christmas but I like making lists anyway because it's fun. I'm probably getting some of them myself anyway so it'll be fun. They're all make-up save for two, and some I want more than others.

        

Image from here

MAC Custom Eyeshadow Quad

Declaration - I do not own a MAC anything. I've eyed their lipsticks (mainly Plumful and Viva Glam 1) for a long time but I'd also like to give their eyeshadows a shot because there is so much variety. The shade I want most is Cranberry, but I'm also sure on Amber Lights and Wedge, as I don't have anything similar in my collection. I'm still debating on whether to get All That Glitters, Dazzlelight, or Naked Lunch for the lightest highlight shade. I'll swatch them at a MAC counter soon!

NARS Satin Lip Pencils

I've seen these on so many beauty blogs for so long, but never paid them any attention until I saw and swatched them for myself at a NARS counter. I can never resist NARS to be honest! This has the structure of a lip crayon but with the lasting power and pigmentation of a good lip pencil, which is exactly what I'm looking for. I really want to try Rikugien (a 'rose pink') and Mandore (a 'cranberry' colour, and apparently limited edition).

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

I've read and listened to the hype around this but never really felt compelled to like it until I tried it for myself (courtesy of my friend from uni, Pau!). I loved everything about it - the medium coverage, demi-matte finish, and perfect colour match. It's quite a pricey foundation but after the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation which was just...uck, I'd rather invest in something I know I've already tried and tested.

Bourjois Cream Blushes in 02 Healthy Glow and 04 Sweet Cherry

I've seen these around while browsing for Bourjois products online, but when I saw it in Alex of The Red Eyeliner's make-up kit, I knew I had to have it. It's so tiny and all the colours are lovely. I'd be happy to receive just Sweet Cherry alone, but I really like Healthy Glow as well. Out of all I think I would want this and the Koh Gen Do Foundation the most.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I've heard about this for years and I'd really like to have this in my night time skin care routine. It seems to do it all really and despite the price, it seems like it would last a long time because you only need two drops for your entire face. I've run out of my Innisfree Canola Honey Serum so I'd like to give this a go next if I can!

Shu Uemura Anti-Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

I loved my first cleansing oil from Shu Uemura which I mentioned here, so now I want to try out this particular variant as it gets rid of dull skin, is smoothening, and has anti-pollution properties to combat aging. This is perfect as I live in the city, and I want to clean my face as much as possible using something like this. That, and I'm running out fast of my first cleansing oil!

Trip to New York

This one is rather random but this is partially a travel blog after all! I chose New York because I've always wanted to see what Christmas was like there for years. All the Christmas movies I've watched were set in New York and the lights and the snow make it such a pretty place to be. This is more of a lifetime wish so I'll be very excited once this happens!

Thank you all for reading through this! I hope you all have an awesome holiday, no matter what you're celebrating. If you have anything on your Christmas wish list that you'd like to share, please feel free to leave a comment below!

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1. MAC Custom Eyeshadow Quad
2. NARS Satin Lip Pencils (Rikugien, Mandore)
3. Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (123)
4. Bourjois Cream Blushes in 02 Healthy Glow and 04 Sweet Cherry
5. Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate
6. Shu Uemura Anti-Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

Christmas Wish List

By Pauline Read More