Whats in My Travel Makeup Bag (Ireland/England Edition)

As I write this, I am currently fighting jet lag and waiting for dinner in Ireland. As it is the summer for most of the northern hemisphere, I thought it would be helpful for you all to see what I brought to Ireland with me on this month-long trip. It's the longest I've been away from home and I knew that makeup-wise, I had to bring products that I knew I could rely on and were multi-purpose.

I'm pretty good at packing the essentials (clothes-wise) so I had a bit more room for beauty products such as skin care, hair care, and make-up. I separated the items as follows: face, eyes, and lips. I've written my lists over and over again until I finally cut it down to a more or less acceptable number for each category. It may seem either too few or too excessive, but I find that I'm neither restricted nor overwhelmed with what I brought.

Face

Gasp! One primer, one foundation, and one powder? I was strictest with these items because I was going to buy tons while I was here. I also tend to bring too much whenever I travel, so I wanted something I was sure would work no matter what climate. 

The Etude House Good Bye Pore Ever Primer Essence has been a long time favourite of mine and is something I always come back to. It also pairs beautifully with the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint as it provides a layer of hydration and makes the tinted moisturizer look even more seamless and skin-like. The Maybelline Master Conceal while lacking in high coverage, makes up for it by blending beautifully and easily into the skin. Finally, the NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder won't run out! I do prefer it as its finely milled but doesn't take the dimension away from the face when applied. It's also much easier to travel with a compact powder versus a loose powder, so definitely no spills with this! Lastly, I wanted to test how well the Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray (Oil Control) fared in cooler climates. It'll also be useful when I'm going around for the whole day as I need to worry less about my makeup melting.

I only took one blush and my contour powder, since I was planning to buy a cream blush anyway (more on that later). The NYX Powder Blush in Pinched is perfect for the summer because of its coral and pink tones, which also works well with nearly all of the lipsticks that I bought. I decided to bring the Too Cool for School Createur du Contour as my face tends to bloat a lot whenever I travel. It's something I've noticed in all the pictures of me from past trips, and I'm determined not to look like a ball this time around!

Eyes

I was a little more lenient with eyes because most items are very small and compact. Of course I brought the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette because I want to test its versatility in creating multiple looks. I also brought a single Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Cosmopolitan because I am obsessed with the colour and I knew it would pair well with the other eyeshadows in the Cocoa Blend palette. I also brought along the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Creamy Beige in case I won't have time to do anything fancy. The Urban Decay Primer Potion is of course a must, because I do want my eyeshadows to last all day and not crease (something that still happens even when I'm in cold countries). 

I find that eyeliner makes such a big difference whenever I wear it, so I brought both the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner Micro and the Clio Kill Brown Brush Liner for variety and ease of use. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (Waterproof) still hasn't gone bad on me, though if it does, I'm definitely going to pick up a new mascara while I'm here.

Lips

I remember asking Alex from The Red Eyeliner on the acceptable amount of lip products to bring while traveling, and she answered four including lip balm. Not going to lie, surprising answer considering how much she likes her lipsticks! I managed 5 lip products including lip balm (not featured due to embarrassingly beat-up packaging), though I did pick up the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment during my layover in Singapore (oops). 

I brought along the Golden Rose 2000 Lipstick for a nice red in case needed, along with the Etude House Play 101 Pencil in 21 as they pair well together. The MAC Lustre Lipstick in See Sheer goes everywhere with me now because it goes beautifully with warm eyeshadows, and isn't too stark like most corals. Finally, the Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle is my go-to lipstick on lazy days, or for when I want to look a little more presentable. 

And that's it for me! I hope you all enjoyed this monster of a post. What about you guys - what do you usually bring on trips? Is there anything I should have brought that you recommend?

Friday, July 01, 2016

Whats in My Travel Makeup Bag (Ireland/England Edition)

By Pauline Read More

Subtle 40's Makeup - Rachel McAdams Inspired

I thought I'd so something a bit different today and show you a make-up look I tried to translate on myself. Its not something I normally do, since I usually just watch a ton of YouTube videos and mix and match whatever I think is pretty. I really like the outcome though and I'm really excited to share it with all of you! This is actually a collaboration with Alex from The Red Eyeliner, so if you'd like to see her look click this!

Now when you think of 40s makeup, its usually characterised by soft bedroom eyes, prominent brow bones, defined cheekbones, velvet skin, and of course a matte red lip. While I have not done that look yet (and I will eventually - feel free to bug me for a post!), I thought I'd share a more wearable 40s look that I could add to my limited arsenal of daily makeup looks. 

The look that I went for is this one from The Notebook. It was set in the forties and had less of the Hollywood look and more of a casual one. I would like to clarify at this point that I'm not trying to look like Rachel McAdams! I could try but we won't really get anywhere. I'm more after her makeup, which looks very lovely in this photo below.

This has three distinct features: velvety skin, pinky peach cheeks, and a wine red stain on the lips. You see none of the bedroom eyes or defined cheekbones in this one. I absolutely love how it still reads fresh without dewiness, which is something I'm not always fond of. Here are the products I used below.

Base: Etude House Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence, Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (123), Innisfree No Sebum Loose Powder*
Cheeks: NYX Powder Blush (Pinched)
Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced Natural Matte Palette, Fairydrops Platinum or Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara, Lioele Auto Eyebrow Pencil (3)
Lips: Covergirl Queen Collection Lipstick (Tawny Port)*
*Alex's Products

I did my routine as usual (primer + foundation) and left my eyebrows alone as they're naturally quite full anyway. I focused more on the eyes by doing a bit of crease definition. I did this by sweeping Heaven all over the lid up until the brow bone, and then lining my socket lightly with Cashmere Bunny. After mascara, I then powdered to get rid of all shine (yes, all shine). Final step was to add 1 light layer of the lipstick, rubbing it in slightly to create a stained effect.

Yes, shame on me for not bringing the appropriate lip colour! The closest I have in my collection is currently the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore. That one has slightly less brown tones, but one light layer will look identical. Any more than one layer results to a more autumnal look. 

You couldn't see the eye makeup on Rachel, but I did do a tiny bit of defining through the crease. It just adds a bit of definition and shadow without going in the cut-crease direction of the 60s.

This is the finished look! In hindsight, I would have contoured just a tiny bit because my face is too round for my liking, but I do like the output nonetheless. Alex and I had tons of fun hanging out and taking pictures with our respective looks and we hope you like them, too!

P.S. There was a 70s look but due to lighting issues, we didn't push through with it. I don't think any of us are ready to see that yet!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Subtle 40's Makeup - Rachel McAdams Inspired

By Pauline Read More

Birthday Make-Up

Another surprise! This is a little late, but I thought I'd share with you the make-up I wore for my birthday last week. Its currently the intersession semester at my uni, and my birthday unluckily fell on the day of a presentation. I only had about half an hour to freshen up and get ready for dinner after, so I think I was able to do my makeup under 10 minutes! This is already pretty quick for me because I normally take 20-30 minutes to do makeup, just because I find it very relaxing and also because I like my base make-up looking very perfected.

Base: Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Primer Essence + Jouer Matte Moisture Tint + Benefit Watts Up

Yes, this primer is back! My skin is much drier than a month ago (yay ;u;) and because the Jouer TM can emphasize dryness, I thought the primer would be good to counteract that and still bring a bit of hydration to the face. The result is very natural-looking skin that doesn't get too shiny even at the 6 hour mark! I couldn't be bothered with concealer because if I did, I would have never left the house.

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion + Innisfree Mineral Single Cream Eyeshadow (04 Romance Burgundy) + Urban Decay Naked 2 - Chopper + Fairydrops Platinum/Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara

I wanted to focus more on the eyes for this look (not that you can see my eyeshadows very well because of my hooded lids) so I tried out my new Innisfree cream shadow for the first time! I only used a small amount so instead of coming out as burgundy, it appeared more like a copper with red undertones and gold shimmer. I toned it down even more with Chopper from my Naked 2 palette, and it would have been perfect if I had the time to apply a matte brown in the crease like Strapless from the Too Faced Natural Matte palette. Adding some mascara to my top lashes also helped balancing the eyeshadow out.

Lips: Nivea Med Protection Lip Balm SPF 15 + MAC See Sheer (Lustre)

I really like this new lip balm (purchased because of Danie from That Nugu's review) because it hydrates my lips even as the balm fades. I paired the eyes with See Sheer because I thought it would look more harmonious with the copper-y eye.

And that's it for my makeup! What about you - what do you guys plan to wear on your birthday? Feel free to share that with me below! :D

P.S. Bonus picture of the rainbow cake I had (Yes I am a grown-up)!

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Birthday Make-Up

By Pauline Read More

Baguio May 2015 Travel Make-Up Bag

Surprise! I have not done a post like this ever, but I took some decent pictures of the make-up I brought to my last trip, and I thought I'd show you what I brought with me! You'll be seeing a lot of new things as well as old. If I'm being honest, I brought a bit too much. I rationalized while packing that I liked having options, but found that I had a small time frame to do my makeup and wanted to go with one look anyway.

Missing: Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner

Base: Benefit Porefessional + Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (Nude) + Maybelline Master Conceal (Light-Medium) + Benefit Watts Up!

This has been my go-to base since I got the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. It's not as heavy as using foundation (though my Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation is pretty lightweight) and it requires less upkeep. Having a primer plus a matte tinted moisturizer made my base last for a good 8+ hours which is great by my standards. And if you noticed, yes I didn't bring powder!

Color: NYX Powder Blush (Pinched) / Milani Baked Blush (Bella Rosa)

I'm the kind of person that matches their blush to their lip colour because I find that it looks more put together. I also wanted to have options, but found it unnecessary for this trip because I didn't bother wearing a blush at all. I'll definitely still bring two blushes for future trips - hopefully I'll have time to do my make-up then!

Eyes & Brows: Urban Decay Primer Potion + Too Faced Natural Matte Palette + Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner + Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Mascara + Lioele Auto Eyebrow Pencil

Since I didn't have a lot of time, I didn't do eyeliner no matter how much I wanted to :( I also just brushed through my brows since I just threaded them at the time. I did, however, put on eyeshadow  because I was testing out the TF palette. Also, I cannot go without mascara, which saddens me because I don't have any back-ups for my Fairydrops Mascara :(

Lips: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate (05) / NYX Butter Gloss (Strawberry Parfait) / MAC See Sheer

I originally just brought the Rimmel and MAC lipsticks because those were the ones I couldn't decide on when packing. The NYX gloss joined the line up because it was the only lip product I owned that didn't dry out the edges of my lips if used alone. I ended up using See Sheer the entire trip because I needed the warmth on my face and because it goes really well with the NYX blush. 

It surprises me how this all fit in my make-up bag. One thing I learned when packing make-up which I want to share with you is try not to bring as much as me haha! On a more serious note, it seems better to bring products that don't require brushes if you can, just to save on space.

What about you guys - what are the things you have to bring when traveling? Any tips you'd like to share?

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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Baguio May 2015 Travel Make-Up Bag

By Pauline Read More

COMPARISON: Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion

Long time no comparison post!

I've never considered primers to be essential before I got into makeup, but now I can't see myself doing my make-up without one, and eyeshadow primer is no exception. Somehow the best primers manage to make cheap eyeshadows show up and stay on my eyelids, so I knew I didn't want to settle for nothing less than the best, especially if I only needed a tiny amount for each application.

The Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) is the first eye primer I've heard of when I first got into beauty, and now it's still one of the best primers around. Another great contender that I've discovered as of late is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI). Today I wanted to put two of the best eye-primers on the market to the test to see which one is really the best. Keep reading to know my verdict!

Consistency & Finish

Both primers are flesh coloured when dispensed, but turns invisible when spread. You only need very little (probably a quarter of a pea) for both eyes. On my eyes they manage to cancel out most veins and any darkness, but take note that I have very little of these to begin with, so I cannot speak for those with more prominent veins and darkness.

Left - UDPP, Right - TFSI

There are very subtle differences in consistency, which I don't think first-time users will notice. The TFSI is slightly more runny, while the UDPP is slightly thicker and seems to contain less oil. This could mean that TFSI might be better suited for those with drier eyelids, while UDPP would be better suited for those with oilier eyelids.

I do find that I need a little bit (and I really do mean a little) more of the TFSI than the UDPP. I also find that I need to warm the UDPP a bit between my fingers, because the first few times I didn't led to a bit of blending that made me tug on my eyes a bit, which I don't like to do. I also take a little more time blending TFSI. As for the finish, you can barely notice the difference between them once blended, which takes a few seconds.

Performance

Both primers definitely bring out more colour and add to longevity to whatever eyeshadow is placed on top versus not using a primer at all. The story is different between primers. They both manage to make all eyeshadows more vibrant and long-lasting without any signs of creasing on my eyelids. Do note that I have hooded, oily eyelids, so this is a big accomplishment.

They also both work well with shimmer and matte eyeshadows, which was one of the more important factors for me. They prevent excessive fallout that come with glitter and shimmer shadows, but also bring out more of the colour of matte shadows. They also make mattes more blendable.

L to R: No primer | TFSI | UDPP

Palette used: Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette

Top row: Voulez Vous | Bottom row: Satin Sheets

L to R: No primer | TFSI | UDPP

Palette used: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Top row: Tease | Bottom row: Snakebite

One thing I noticed is that the UDPP works slightly better with UD eyeshadows than the TFSI. You can see above that the eyeshadows are a little richer in colour than with the TFSI. For Too Faced shadows, I find that both work fine. On the eyes however, I barely see any difference, which is why there aren't any pictures for that portion. Trust me, I've tried for weeks!

I will say that when I overapply the UDPP, eyeshadows get a little more difficult to blend. This means that I spend a longer time blending my eyeshadows, but on a positive note, its plus points for longevity.

Longevity

I've had a lot of days where I've worn UDPP on one eye and TFSI on the other in order to test the most important claim of eyeshadow primers. At the end of the day (and the end of my day is usually 12+ hours later), both held eyeshadows well with minimal fading and almost no creasing. There are days when I don't even remember which primer I used for which eye!

Price

I purchased both of these in Sephora Singapore for 30 SGD, from what I remember. On the Sephora USA website, they retail for 20 USD. UDPP contains 0.30 ounces or 11 mL and TFSI contains 0.35 ounces or 11mL. It's pretty much the same amount for the same price (unless that 0.05 oz means a lot to you) so it would really just be down to which one you prefer or which works for you.

Summary:
TFSI + UDPP:
- Sets clear, shadows appear more vibrant, long-lasting, works well on glitters, shimmers, satins, and mattes

Too Faced Shadow Insurance:
+ Formula slightly more moisturizing, works well with both UD and TF eyeshadows
- Use slightly more product, slightly longer setting time

Urban Decay Primer Potion:
+ Slightly drier formula, colours richer with UD eyeshadows
- Shadows hard to blend if overapplied, needs warming up to avoid streaks

Verdict: Both primers are equally good and do what they claim to do well. What you decide to be better will be up to your own experience. I personally like both and use them interchangeably.

I hope this was helpful for any of you who were curious about these two!

What were your experiences with these primers? Have you found one that is better than both? Feel free to leave me a comment below!

Friday, May 01, 2015

COMPARISON: Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion

By Pauline Read More

SPOTLIGHT: Benefit, 1028 Visual Therapy, and Urban Decay Eyeshadows

Hey, everyone!

When I was getting into make-up, one of the things I was always very hesitant with wearing was eyeshadow. In my uni, everyone is quite laid-back and majority of the people wear almost minimal to no make-up, moreso eyeshadow. I just thought it might be overboard for an everyday look but then one day, I realized I didn't really care and from then I started wearing some wash of colour on my lids.

2 palettes and 1 eyeshadow kit later, I've fully embraced and now love eyeshadows almost as much as I love bases (and that's saying a lot). I do lean to the neutrals, and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon (or ever). I've compiled a bunch of my favourite eyeshadow colours and combinations that I may have worn consecutively for at least a week because I loved it so much.

                                       

             

Chopper from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

This is a rose gold shade and probably my favourite out of all the colours in the Naked 2 Palette. I used to ogle at this quite a bit and search for tutorials using this particular colour because I found it to be so pretty. This colour is quite uncommon for an eyeshadow (from those that I notice) and impossible to dupe. I make sure to blend this out quite well as it does have a tendency to make my eyes look a bit sick otherwise.

Half Baked from the Urban Decay Naked & Naked 2 Palettes

Gold is quite possibly my favourite colour so my love for this particular colour should be no surprise. I love how this is a neutral gold and has amazing colour pay-off which I look for particularly in gold shades. I remember using this first when I got my Naked 2 and I'll definitely be using it more in the future because of its versatility.

Shade #2 from the 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette

This is still somewhat neutral but I love how it's pink without making me look like I'm sick. It also has a lovely iridescent quality to it and the most similar shade I know is the NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Cassiopeia. I love using this either as a base colour or as an inner corner highlight.

Shade # 5 from the 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette

Brown eyeshadows are so essential and this one is no exception. Out of all the brown shades I own this is probably the lightest and comes out almost as a darker version of My Two Cents from Benefit (to be mentioned below). I really like blending it in the outer-v of my eye and I've been complimented a few good times for how pretty it comes out.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit + YDK from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I talked about this combination previously in my October Favourites. Birthday Suit, an ash taupe with gold shimmer, is already a great colour on it's own and I wear this when I want a wash of colour on my lids. Combined with YDK however, its just a beautiful mix of both silver and gold that changes depending on the lighting. Because it's a powder shadow layered over a cream, it also stays on all day. Overall it's very brightening to the eyes and my favourite combination of the bunch.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in My Two Cents + Shade #3 from the 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette

This is another cream shadow that's more of a copper with gold shimmer when blended, and a little more bronze when layered. It's my favourite despite it being used least, because of the gorgeous colour. I wear it alone or with a bit of the 3rd shade from by 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette to make the colour a little more bronze and wearable.

What about you guys? What are your favourite eyeshadows, palettes, or combinations? Do you like wearing eyeshadow? Let me know in the comments below!

Review for the 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette

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1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
2. 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette
3. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit & My Two Cents

Friday, December 12, 2014

SPOTLIGHT: Benefit, 1028 Visual Therapy, and Urban Decay Eyeshadows

By Pauline Read More

Stolen From Mom Tag

If there was anyone who has been quite a big influence on me in terms of beauty, it is my mother. I've watched her put on make-up in a moving car flawlessly for years and I can say that the colours she uses to this day have greatly influenced some of the colours I prefer (especially in lipsticks).

I was tagged by Alex from The Red Eyeliner to do this tag (who also made it btw) because we used to talk about some of the make-up we've "stolen" (rather, taken and then eventually given) from our moms and how that has influenced us in terms of make-up.

For the sake of this tag, I wanted to include a few hair and nail things as well as I "borrow" a lot of those from her as well. I also added another question which will be marked accordingly. So here are my answers to the new 'Stolen from Mom' tag!

1. What is your favourite "stolen" piece?

Cure Natural Aqua Gel & Christian Dior Effets Blush Trio in 802 Expression Rose (Discontinued)

I've lusted over the Cure Natural Aqua Gel ever since I saw BubzBeauty use it years ago. I mentioned it a few times to my mom whenever we passed by Beauty Bar, and she eventually came home with a bottle. I have claimed it as my own since and as you can see, finished the entire bottle! I'm not sure if she ever got to use it as well but she's been very happy with her Laneige Multi Cleanser which I introduced her to 3 years ago.

The Dior trio is an interesting one because it was something that my mother also "stole" from her mother, which I eventually took. My grandmother was definitely more into makeup than she was (probably the same level as I am right now) and she had four drawers full of luxury make-up items. My mother used to use this on me during school events up until I was a pre-teen. I just keep it for sentimental reasons now, and I'll definitely be sad when I have to throw it out.

2. Do you have something of hers that she doesn't know you have taken?

Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo

I wanted to try this to see if it would be better than the Etude House Oh My God! Dry Shampoo that I hoarded from Seoul, and it is nothing close! It's sticky, makes my hair feel greasy, and is just a 100% fail in terms of dry shampoo. It's sad because it comes in a really big size, and would have been amazing had it worked.

3. What item have you taken that you have not used?

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Wild Rose (Limited Edition)

This is the one constant thing in my collection, yet I have never bothered to use it. I'm not sure as to why despite the beautiful colours and the lovely glow it gives. I wasn't even aware that this was limited edition until I tried searching for it online to check the price. One of the main reasons that I don't use it (I think) is that I do not have a brush to apply it. I do want to try using it as an eyeshadow in the mean time!

4. Is there something you have been meaning to return?

Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor in Creamy Coral (Discontinued)

This was a birthday gift from me to my mother years ago, and was my attempt to get her on the coral lips trend that just came out at the time. I apologize for the stock picture, but this lipstick has not only been long returned, but it has seen better days and has been thrown away. This just means that I have returned this lipstick because I didn't really like the colour on me, and it was far too drying on my lips. I don't think my mother liked the colour very much either as she never really used it as much as her other lipsticks. 

5. Are there things in your collection that you think she wants to steal?

Lioele Auto Eyebrow Pencil #3 & Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

My mom has definitely noticed the sudden increase in my make-up collection and out of all, she has stolen this pencil the most. She just ran out of her eyebrow pencil at the time and she loved the idea of the pencil having a spoolie at the other end. 

My Naked 2 Palette is another thing I've seen her inspect and open a few times when she'd visit my room. I know she's into browns and shimmery eyeshadows so I have an inkling that she really likes this palette. The only two reasons I can think of as to why she hasn't taken the palette for herself is that it's too big to fit in her make-up bag, and it has the word 'Naked' printed in the front. 

*6. Is there anything you want to snag from her current collection?

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Soft & Sexy Shadow Collection

I was originally going to get her the Naked Basics Palette for Mother's Day (as I was in Singapore at the time) but I decided to get her this palette instead as I thought she would like the colour selection better (and it has more 'Innocent Mom-Friendly' names). She doesn't use this often, probably because she doesn't have a brush for it. Sometimes I want to take it for myself (or "borrow" it) because of the lovely shade selection; I especially love Voulez-Vouz, Sugar Walls, and Lap Dance (oops).

7. Do you have a makeup memory with your mom that you want to share?

It's a fairly recent memory, but I had to put on eye make-up for my mother for a wedding she had to attend. Her eyesight isn't as sharp anymore, so I had to fix her eyeliner so the lines were thick and crisp. Somehow it brought me back to all the times she had to do my make-up for an event. I definitely wouldn't mind doing her make-up from now on because she has better features to work with than I do!

8. Who do you want to tag?

I am tagging Shari of The Misty Mom and Tari of Tari in the Morning (who should get started on blogging soon, too!). I also tag all of you guys, so please feel free to leave comments and link your posts of this tag below!

I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I did reminiscing and laughing about my answers. Until my next post!

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1. Cure Natural Aqua Gel

2. Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Soft & Sexy Shadow Collection

3. OPI Nail Lacquer in Dimsum Plum

4. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Wild Rose (Limited Edition)

5. Orly Mini Nail Lacquer in Gumdrop

6. OPI 'Muppets Most Wanted' Lacquers in Miss Piggy's Big Number, I Love Applause, Kermit Me to Speak, and Chillin' Like a Villain (Limited Edition)

7. Christian Dior Effets Blush Trio in 802 Expression Rose (Discontinued)

8. Body and Face Thairapy Morocco Argan Oil

9. Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo (Sulfate-Free)

Friday, December 05, 2014

Stolen From Mom Tag

By Pauline Read More

October Favourites

Hi everyone and Happy Halloween!

I just wanted to make a quick post to share my October Favourites with you! I didn't wear much makeup this month as I didn't have the luxury of time due to all my exams, which led to breakouts. -_- I didn't want to stress my skin further by putting on make-up so most of what I'm going to talk about here is skin care. I've also traveled twice this month so the little samples I got from my purchases before in Seoul have definitely come in handy.

Mamonde Extra Moisture Emulsion

I liked this so much, I had my friend buy me the full-sized version! Its lightweight but still gives a good amount of hydration to my skin. I've been wearing just this at home (or I add sunblock if I'm going out) and it has been enough to keep my skin from feeling tight. Only downside is that it is scented, so I wouldn't recommend this for people with extremely sensitive skin. 

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

This has been a lifesaver for the first half of this month, as I spent it sleeping late at night and waking up quite early. It helped prevent my skin from getting dehydrated and looking dull. As this is a 'sleeping' pack, I put this on at night 2-3 times a week to keep my skin hydrated and looking a little more alive than it would have without it. It doesn't surprise me that this has been their best seller for years!

NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

I don't know about you guys but there was a big learning curve for me in putting on setting powder. Regardless, this was a great first setting powder for me as it never looked cakey no matter how much I put on, and was almost invisible on the skin. It also did a great job in making my skin look flawless and poreless, which no powder I've tried has done yet. I use this with my Real Techniques Powder Brush as a last step to my routine and I'm almost hitting pan!

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit + YDK (Naked 2 Palette)

This is quite a different favourite as it's more of a favourite combination of two products. Though I haven't worn a lot of makeup this month, whenever I did I would always wear the Birthday Suit alone or in combination with YDK. I love the ease of cream shadows as well as the staying power, and the multi-dimensionality (if that makes sense) of YDK. It's slightly coppery which is probably why I love it so much.

That's it for my favourites! I hope you all have a great November! If you have any products or even experiences that made your October awesome, feel free to leave a comment down below! :)

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Friday, October 31, 2014

October Favourites

By Pauline Read More

SPOTLIGHT: Cult Favourites

Hi, everyone!

I'm sure you've all been swayed once or twice by beauty bloggers and vloggers to get some of the products they "swear by" - I know I have. While most of the products are pretty good, there are also the better products that really deserve their "cult" status. I compiled a few of the cult favourites I have and can say lives up to the hype. 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This was well worth the wait (as I had to wait for a month to get my shade) as it is now my favourite concealer! I use it daily over whichever base I'm using (foundation or BB Cream) mostly as a spot concealer, but this also works well for under the eyes (with a lot of eye cream). It's quite thick, a little goes a long way, and offers medium to almost full coverage. The applicator also makes application easier if I'm in a hurry. Highly recommended for people with drier skin!

Urban Decay Primer Potion

I never saw the need for an eyeshadow primer until I saw the difference it made in eyeshadow wear and vibrancy. This is easily the best one I've used - I just warm it up between my fingers (as I find that applying it directly makes it slightly tacky), apply it on my eyes, and whatever I put over it will not budge until the end of the day. Perfect for oily lids like mine but if you have drier lids, I would recommend Too Faced Shadow Insurance. An essential to have in your makeup kit!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I was so excited when I got this because I've been wanting it for a very long time (and I'm talking years). I opted for this versus the original Naked palette as I liked this colour selection and packaging better. All colours are very pigmented, easy to work with, and not chalky at all. It comes with a dual-ended brush which is a very good shading and blending brush if you don't have one already. Overall I'm very happy with this palette and have no regrets.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

I got this on sale during my break as a recommendation from friends. I didn't want to splurge on gel liners yet since I didn't know how to work with them yet. This particular gel liner already comes with a decent brush which makes it a little more worth your money if this is your first gel liner. The product itself is very pigmented, and easy to work with in a sense that it does not dry too quickly or takes too long to dry that you're standing there with your eyes closed for a long time. On my oilier lids it lasts well throughout the day with minimal to no fading (with eyeshadow primer). My only qualm is that in the jar, it does contain noticeable shimmer, though it does not translate on the eyelids.  

So there you have it! If you love these products as much as I do or have other cult favourites that have also become your favourites that you would like to share, feel free to leave a comment below!

Also, don't forget to follow me on Twitter if you haven't already! See you all in my next post!

Friday, August 29, 2014

SPOTLIGHT: Cult Favourites

By Pauline Read More

Singapore 2014 Makeup Haul

Compared to my Seoul 2014 Haul, this was a little more planned out. I initially thought of just getting the Naked 2 palette (which I've wanted for years) and a lip balm my friend recommended, but after stepping foot into Sephora a few times...I couldn't resist. (/__\)

As I previously mentioned, I've been rebuilding my make-up collection and thought it would be a good opportunity to purchase some of the products I've been eyeing for a while. Needless to say I don't regret anything I bought!

Also stopped by Lioele in Bugis to get their Water Drop BB Cream and Artist Auto Eyebrow Pencil that I wasn't able to get in Seoul.

From top to bottom, L to R

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 PA+ in 3.5 Warm Beige | 2. Lioele Artist Auto Eyebrow Pencil in #3 | 3. Etude House Minnie Kissing Lips in #1: Minnie Red | 4. Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Therapy Lip Treatment | 5. Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner and O'Tank Volume Mascara | 6. Lioele Water Drop BB Cream | 7. Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder - Pressed | 8. Benefit Porefect Hideaway Set (includes: a. Benefit Porefessional Primer and b. Benefit Fakeup Concealer in 02 Medium) | 9. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette | 10. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original)

Stay tuned for reviews in the future!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Singapore 2014 Makeup Haul

By Pauline Read More