Contact Lens Review: FreshLook Colorblends Amethyst

Update on June 2012: I didn't win the camera..  :(  At least I got coloured contact lenses!! :)  But a heartiest congrats goes to Elle! Read other reviews from this link.

Finally tried out the FreshLook Colorblends contact lenses (courtesy of mrlens.com.my and plusizekitten) and managed to do a makeover while wearing them. Here is my review in 4 parts:

1. Shopping online review
2. Background on online retailer
3. My review on FreshLook Colorblends and finally pictures of me... (if you follow my blog, I normally avoid posting pictures of my shy self.. )
4. WHY I am using Contact Lenses .... because it is inspired by my English teacher in SCHOOL!!(Read at the end of my post on this)

1. Ordering from MrLens.com.my

Step 1: Create an account first.
Step 2: Log in to select your item want to order. The categories are as follows: daily disposable, 2-week disposable, monthly disposable, toric lenses, colored lenses, silicone hydrogel and multifocal.
Step 3: When you are done shopping, just check out (make sure you have selected the right item, diameter, base curve and power for your eyes). You can also save all this info under your "Contact lens passport" for future orders. :)
Step 4: Make payment either with credit card or online banking.
When you are done. Then wait for your order. :)

This is the history of my order to show how efficient their delivery is:
16 April 2012 - Ordered my lenses.
18 April 2012 - Received my item with free samples of Fisherman Friends' candies too..

2. A little background on this new online retailer:
MrLens.com.my claims to be the largest online distributor of contact lenses from Europe in Malaysia currently. It  is also the finalist in the prestigious Swiss Economic Award in 2008 with the largest online inventory of Contact Lenses at the lowest price in Malaysia with Free Delivery (within a specific radius in Klang Valley)

Examples of the brands that they offer:
Acuvue Tru Eyes, Acuvue Moist, Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Oasys Astigmatism, Acuvue Define,
Soflens 38, Soflens 59, Soflens Toric, Purevision 2, Purevision HD, Biomedics 38, Biomedics
55, Proclear, Definition, Focus Dailies Aqua Comfort, Focus Night & Day, Air Optix, Air Optix for
Astigmatism, Freshlook One Day, Proclear 1 day, Sauflon Clariti 1 day, Soflens daily disposable,
Acuvue 2, Acuvue Advance, Adore Dare, Adore Imagene, Adore Pure Eyes, Air Optix Multifocal,
Biomedics 55 Evolution, Biomedics Toric, Blincon BB, Blincon Big Eyes, Blincon Classic, Blincon
Elegance, Blincon Jazzy, Blincon Sweetie, Chameloen, Colorvue, Freshkon Alluring Eyes,
Freshkon Color Fusion, Freshkon Dezigner, Freshkon Mosaic, Freshlook Colorblends, Maxim
Color Blue, Maxim Colors Orange, Maxim Color Pink, Maxim Color Toric, Sauflon 55UV, Sauflon
Bioclear, Saulfon Bioclear Toric, Sauflon Clear Comfort Aspheric, Soflens Multifoca and etc
Other promotions:

• Recommend a Friend Program and earn discounts to shop with MrLens.com.my
• Coupon Share with Friends and earn vouchers to shop with MrLens.com.my
• Occasionally in their Facebook, there are discounts too in May 2012: there is 10% discount off for Facebook fans.
• Click "share with friends" on MrLens Facebook campaign to earn RM20/discount when 10 friends like their page

3. My Review on the Freshlook Colorblends Amethyst colour... :)
 
Actually I ordered 2 boxes with 2 different colours but since it is a monthly disposable contact lenses, I'm only reviewing one of them. The invoice I received shows that the main headquarters for Mrlens.com.my is in Penang. Since I received the items safely, I haven't tried calling their helpline to check on their effectiveness.

Receiving the contact lenses.. yipee!!

BEFORE shots of me in my dark-brown-black iris with no makeup. Yes, I know - typical Chinese looking girl... lol

AFTER SHOTS

And then, I attended a wedding dinner wearing the Freshlook Colorblends amethyst lenses with some makeup to dramatise my own look.

My dinner makeup look with the FreshLook Colorblends amethyst lenses. I always feel very cat-tish looking when I wear coloured contact lenses like this.

2nd attempt: A makeover with purple-black smokey eye shadow effect. How? Does it bring out the purpleness of the lenses too? ;)

Am loving how my amethyst eyes matches the purple eyeshadow I'm going to use for my wedding dinner. Love the makeup which makes my eyes look larger. In RL, it does look over the top. ;)

3rd attempt: Finally I decided to use the Shu Uemura false eyelashes I bought from Miu last time for a photoshoot.... Does this dramatised the eye makeup and also my amethyst eyes? 

 Happy I finally got to use the false eye lashes with this lenses to complete my seductive look. Lol.. I know, the expression is just a simple smile! :)

A note of caution, remember to remove your contact lenses before removing makeup. I accidentally rubbed the lenses with my cleansing oil together which is not very good to your lenses. Silly me...



4. In short, why use contact lenses?
My English teacher made me... Seriously, indirectly she did push me towards using contact lenses.

I used to have an English teacher in secondary school who shared her experience with us. I can remember vividly 2 important things she told us then:

a) Contact lenses make eyes bigger (I have squinty small eyes so yes, by wearing contact lenses, I find my eyes slightly bigger and it also gives me confidence!)

b) Wearing tampons is like wearing contact lenses. (even though no relevance to this post - but I tell you, this sure stuck in my memory after many years later... lol) I guess they can be considered quite similar; both are small/thin/tiny and placed into your delicate body parts.

I also like the variety offered by these lenses. It is similar to changing clothes and hair colour.. (I always admire red haired girls with green cat eyes... somehow, they just seem so much more interesting to look at)

Hence, happy shopping online for your contact lenses to make you look pretty, confident and best of all, maybe "Ah-moh" looking too?? Also, remember to check with your own optometrist first to determine your power and suitable types of lenses before making any online purchases. :)

Girls being girls..

Girls being girls.. love looking pretty and of course, pretty little things. Don't you?

I guess I'm going into another cycle again and am getting interested again with makeup. As I read some reviews online on beauty products and look at FOTD (face of the day) by other bloggers. It makes me wonder; can I play dress up and practice my makeup too. Perhaps, that'll give me confidence too?

Lol... the last time I went full blast into makeup, my skin had an outbreaks of comodones which was horrible.. took me 2 years ? or less to clear those blemish and bumps on my face. Perhaps it was bad cleansing or most likely the stress from studies, but I have a little phobia with putting foundation on my face nowadays.

Well... meanwhile I've placed some "orders" with my parents in Australia to get me some Face of Australia products that I've been reading online by beauty bloggers in Australia.

Should I or shouldn't I start experimenting again?

I personally think, ladies should practise and improve their added advantage from men. Ladies should dress selectively to enhance certain feature when necessary and look pretty and pleasant all the time. People will like to deal with a sweet pretty smiling lady, right?

Like watching this smiling Korean actress in the new drama series now, Glory Jane

After all, men is said to have the brawn and strength. Women have their beauty. We should use all the gifts from God in our physical form too. But not too extreme- mind you.. ;)

Hence, this is a checklist of makeup I wish to try and master it:
1. Eyeliner ..... (liquid!! Lol)
2. Day eye makeup which is not blue. Maybe try the neutral warm tones without looking like a black eye.
3. False eyelashes
4. Manicure - technically not make-up but I think with the beautiful nail art around, I should at least give a basic polish to my nails, right?

Wish me luck! ;)

Do's and Don'ts for Make-up (to increase lifespan)

A little reminder on how we should treat our makeup. We forget that makeup is exposed to germs when it is opened. If we don't take good care of makeup like how we care for food, we will be putting on makeup filled with germs directly on our skin! Imagine that!

There are a few general rules to follow closesly to minimise torturing our skins and potentially making it sensitive, prone to break outs.

• Keep it clean by cleaning your makeup brushes. It is like the eating utensils that you use to feed yourself. You will only use clean fork and spoons.

• Not sharing is caring. Sharing your makeup is unsanitary, as it transfers infectious bacteria such as staph, conjunctivitis, yeast, and fungus.
• Keep it cool. Store makeup in a cool, dry place. even when you are travelling. Direct sunlight can alter the preservatives in your makeup.
• Stay dry. For liquid makeup, use disposable applicators, such as Q-tips, and give your sponges plenty of drying time so as not to encourage bacteria.
• Clean your makeup bag. When was the last time you even wash or clear out your makeup bag? It could be collecting bacteria and transferring to your makeup brushes, makeup and ultimately to your face.

• Think storage How you keep you make-up will determine how long it will last. To make sure your lip gloss lasts for a long time (as well as with other products), keep your make-up in a cool and dark place. Don't leave them out in the sunlight because some of the important ingredients can break down.
• Keep oxygen out This is the number one enemy for your make-up. Make sure the lids and caps of all your products are kept secured when not in use. Leaving them in the open will result in oxidation.
• Opt for powder Powder-based make-up usually lasts longer that its cream-based counterpart. All cream make-up has a lifespan of one year. Powder varieties can last up to three years if you use them approprietly

Makeup Lifespan: What salesgirl never tell you

Seriously, I never knew makeup have specific lifespan till a few years back. For someone who seldom uses makeup, the makeup usually is left in the makeup bag for years. Hence, I seriously feel I should share this information or reminder to myself.

1. Makeup Lifespan Symbol
Did you know that there is a little symbol on the packaging which shows a little container with e.g. "12M" on your makeup? The "M" symbolises the months of the makeup lifespan after it is opened.

2. Recommended Makeup Lifespan
I've summarised some recommended lifespan from online sources. My opinions are highlighted in blue. Warning signs of "to toss the makeup" is highlighted in red.

Makeup	Toss it...
Mascara	Shelf life: 1 year. Once opened the shelf life decreases to 4 months. Life span: Typical everyday use for approximately 1-2 months Once mascara is exposed to air the product will begin to dry. Pumping the brush back-and-forth into mascara container can also reduce the life span (I don't follow this because I seldom use mascara as it will make my eyelashes too long and hit my glasses. I only use them when I wear contacts for events... sigh. On another note, I'm told if you wash off the ones you don't use, you can keep it to brush your eyelashes) Warning signs = Change in odor, texture, or color
Foundation	Shelf life: 2 years Life span: Water-based liquid foundation typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use while oil-based foundation can last longer; approximately 6-9 months. (I wonder what about BB cream and those all-in-one foundation? I guess one year would be your safest bet) Warning signs = thickening, altered color, or change in odor
Concealer	Shelf life: 2 years. Life span: Typically lasts for 2 months with everyday use. Once oil visibly separates from product indicates that a product is starting to age. (I rarely use concealer not because I have no scars or blemishes but am too lazy for this step. Lol. Unless it's a stick.) Warning signs = color change or thickening
Powder	Shelf life: 2 years for press powder and 2-5 years for loose powder. Life span: Both typically last for 3-6 months with everyday use. With powders, do not blot your face with the same sponge you use to remove oil from your face; the powder will harden when the sponge is placed back into the compact and the life span will be dramatically cut. Wash a used sponge with shampoo after 1-2 weeks and toss if the sponge gets too soiled. (I don't use powder... maybe I should start using? ;p) Warning signs = texture change when applying, dryness or change in color
Blush/Bronzer	Shelf life: 2 years Life span: When it comes to blush, you can keep it up to two years because of its powder form. Using cream blush, you can keep it tops for one year. Assuming you are using your fingers to apply, this will cause acceleration in bacteria building. Now you know the lifespan, how do you tell then if your make-up is off? Simple, in three (I always use this and find that it is important to wash the makeup brushes weekly to avoid contamination to your blush.) Warning signs = texture change when applying, dryness or change in color
Eye shadow	Shelf life: 2-5 Years Life span: Typical everyday use for eye shadow is 9-12 months. Warning signs = texture change when applying, dryness or change in color
Eyeliner	Shelf life: 2 years Life span: Full-size pencil eye liners with typical everyday use 3-6 months; this is also dependent on sharpening. Retractable eye liners can last up to 9 months. Liquid eyeliner is very much like mascara so watch out for the same telltale sign. The longest shelf life liquid eyeliners have is roughly six months. Maintain its lifespan by avoiding direct sunlight exposure or keeping its lid open for a long time.Because the eye is such a sensitive place, using expired make-up can bring about many problems and damages Warning signs = Change in odor, texture, or color
Lipstick / lip gloss	Shelf life: Up to 4 Years. Life span: Typical everyday use for 6-12months A good lip product can last up to two years. But don't expect the colour to remain the same. It won't look as fresh on your lips as it was the first day you bought it. Also, the amount of water in a lipstick and lip gloss make it ideal for both to become breeding grounds. And like the mascara, don't pump air into your lip gloss as this will promote bacteria breeding Warning signs = If the lipstick ages and has a rancid smell or odd odor, toss it.
Lip liner	Shelf life: Similar to eye Liner, 2 years. Life span: Typical everyday use will last up to 3-6 months depending on whether you use lip pencils to only line the lips, or to line the lips and fill in color Warning signs = Change in odor, texture, or color
Brush	Wash twice or once a month with mild detergent or shampoo. Throw when bristles start to fall. The secret to makeup application is a good blending brush.
Nail polish	One year
Makeup sponges	Wash after each use, then throw away after a month. Use disposable ones intead. (Honestly - I don't use them - I use fingers which I'm told is unhygenic but I find warm fingers can make the foundation blend easily... )

This reminds me to evaluate my makeup bag.. ;)

Shopping Temptation: Loving Minerals' Birthday Promo

Despite my earlier post about sales... I'm tempted to commit Error no. 1.
I suddenly feel like getting more makeup brushes.

Loving Minerals is celebrating their 2nd year anniversary with some promotion for their products.

I've bought some items online before: angled kabuki brush (loving it as a traveling blush brush and contouring brush) and Loving sample kit at RM30. (I've finished the blusher sample and love the miniature containers which is good for traveling). I did not get the baby kabuki then.

My weakness was make up brushes which I've stopped buying for sometime. Mind you, I'm still using the blush brush, powder brush, eyebrow brush and occasionally the eyeliner brush.

Handy Kabuki
Hence, the promotion for Handy Kabuki at RM30 (previously RM39) is tempting me... Should I?? I really love their brushes... soft.. small.. handy! ;) So far - the previous brush I bought has not shed that much hair and is still nice to use!

Baby Kabuki
2nd item would be the baby kabuki at RM18 (previously RM25). I've bought a Maybelline minerals set before which comes with a baby kabuki but the bristle was too loose and it shed a little. Since then, I've managed to give it away and I haven't really tried minerals foundation anymore. Should I get this little cutie to finish up the remaining minerals foundation sample I have? Arghhh..

In fact, as an after thought, I remember buying a kabuki brush from ELF but misplaced it during moving places. Sniff.. Oh well.. 

Or... should I let the promotion lapse and forget about this urge? Hmmmm.... wonder what will the outcome be? Lol...  Somebody tie my little fingers from clicking "add to cart"? Lol

Makeup Tips for Acne Skin

I’ve read these few useful tips on shoppinglifestyle.com. which I think worth highlighting here and reminding myself.

If your skin tends to break out easily, it doesn't mean that you have to swear off all makeup. But you do have to be more careful about what you apply on your face. With the right products, you can treat your acne while concealing spots at the same time. 5 tips to do it right:

1. Look for "non-acnegenic" makeup

When buying cosmetic products, stick to those labelled "non-comedogenic" (meaning the product doesn't clog pores) or "non-acnegenic" (meaning it doesn't cause acne). Rich, oil-based cosmetics can clog pores and aggravate your acne.

2. Keep oil at bay with mattifying products

Applying a layer of mattifying moisturizer or base before your makeup will help keep your face from re-greasing too quickly while ensuring your skin stays hydrated and supple.

Follow with an oil-free foundation and dab a little concealer to areas that require more coverage. Resist the tendency to cover up the spots with way too much makeup -- it'll end up looking unnatural and mask-like. Just dust on loose powder and blend evenly for a matte finish.

3. Use a sunscreen

The sun's harsh UV rays can darken any existing acne scars and slow down their healing process, so always wear a suncreen during the day, or choose a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Look for one that is suitable for oily or acne-prone skin and offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

4. Choose medicated makeup products

Try powders and concealers are specially formulated for acne-prone skin, and contain medicated ingredients like tea tree oil or sulphur to target pimples as well as soothe and fight blemishes. They're multi-tasking little workers that conceal and heal at the same time!

If your skin is also sensitive, look for fragrance-free, preservative-free makeup that minimizes the chances of break-outs.

5. Cleanse thoroughly every night

At the end of the day, remove your makeup thoroughly with a gentle yet efficient makeup remover, followed by a mild, medicated facial cleanser. Proper cleansing is essential to prevent makeup residue and grease from clogging up the pores.

Conclusion

My take? Wear minimal makeup if possible and keep your face clean. (double-cleansing if possible). But it's always nice to doll yourself up once a while to feel good and look great! :)

Win RMK Creamy Makeup Base

How?

Just wish Miu Happy Birthday and write her a slogan in this link to win a RMK Creamy Makeup Base (worth RM120)! Instruction is as below:

It's so easy to win this but only ONE Winner will be selected! All you have to do is wish me a Happy Birthday & Tell me why you love reading my blog! Remember the more you love me, (the more points u gain) the more you're going to win! (I know I know I am so vain.. neh.. it's my birthday let me do what I want to do!).

How to Win?

1) Leave your entry as a comment with the following details:

- follower ID
- e-mail address
- birthday wish: (example: Happy Birthday Miu! May u forever Pretty & Lose More Weight!


Here's my entry! Wish me luck!

Birthday Slogan Wish: Wishing you joyous time during the day of your birth as presents overwhelmed you and flood your place… may you swim up to breathe in the fresh yummilicious air of your freshly-baked goodies in the kitchen learnt from your Jamie Oliver book. :p

Slogan: Reading your blog is like quick-sand. The more you read (struggle), the more you sink into the crazy world of makeup, shopping and beauty! But knowing that, you still try to stay afloat and hope the mud does wonders to your skin! ;)

P.S. Miu, do I get extra points for the "chin-chai" photoshopped picture? 

2009 Makeup Obsession: Part 1 - Makeup Brushes

I can finally announce that I really, really, really spent on makeup for my first time in my life this year. I know, it’s quite late for a girl to pick up on makeup but at least now I can confidently makeup myself. Lol (Shows you how “tom boy” or indifferent I used to be to the world of cosmetic and beauty.)

I used to own some lipsticks from mum and freebies from magazine (which I didn’t really use – regretting now) and a set of makeup brushes I asked my mum to buy from me – never knew how to use till this year.

Lets start with the tools first..


This is how my makeup brushes collection look liked. I got my mum to buy me the set of 4 makeup brushes from Beauticontrol. (At that time, I kept them and never used). The brush roll has started peeling; so I threw it away. I got those brow grooming brushes from pharmacist. The only proper tool I bought and used was the eyelash curler from Bodyshop for events.

2009
Came 2009 and my makeup brushes collection became like this:



PG Brush Travel Set from lowyat.net
I went into online shopping and was interested in getting a compact travel set makeup brushes. I stumbled upon this PG brush travel set for RM65 from the user hinale in lowyat.net. I decided on synthetic brushes after reading the comments there because it shed less, less smell and is very soft. (The smaller brushes in the black pouch)

Yet, I didn't really used it except for the blush brush. At that moment, I was busy googling about the different types of makeup brush and trying to figure out which is the blush or powder brush. (Noob here)

Stila brushes
Then I found out about Stila closing down sales and grabbed 3 brushes for myself at RM30 each. The remaining Stila Brush no. 8, 21 and 27 was obtained from a personal shopper, Miu around RM60-RM100 each.

Everyday Minerals Brush
I bought Stila Contouring Trio at this time and checked out YouTube on how to use it. Then, I looked for an angled blush brush as shown in the tutorial to contour my cheeks. I got the EDM angled brush from Everyday Minerals range (bought from www.lovingminerals.com) at RM36. It's really soft! Love it!

ELF Makeup Brushes

I noticed many people raving about this 1USD eyeshadow brush by ELF and got one myself to try. It's really fluffy and compact to collect the right amount of eyeshadow for me. Then, I started checking out online sprees and got myelf a few ELF Studio brushes range at 3USD each. I got myself 2 brushes to compare with Stila in terms of function which I have yet to do. I even got the Face Kabuki Brush which was given very good ratings online but have yet to test it out.

I was eyeing a few more other brands but thankfully, looked at the holes in my pocket and stopped myself..

In short, I only now use a blush brush (Estee Lauder blockbuster set) from my mum, Beauticontrol Powder brush, PG eyebrow brush, Bobbi Brown eyebrow brush (will demo the difference between the two), Stila eye liner brush, eyeshadow brushes from Watson and Elf. Looking into getting a lip brush.
(can't edit my pictures to show you which brush is which - next time)

I haven't used the other brushes because I "sayang" them.. haha meaning I'm willing to just keep them new and unused. Well, I think I will test the rest next year.

Not bad for a beginner? Haha Did I manage to catch up to you other “expert” gals out there? Someone is going to harp on me about spending so much for cosmetics after seeing this entry and the next!

P.S. Wanted to take nicer pictures of my makeup brushes but kind of lazy to arrange them... so you'll have to endure my mediocre photography using my handphone first. He he..

Next entry: 2009 Makeup Obsession: Part 2 - The Cosmetic Products

Review: Clarins workshop (Afternoon session 1st Nov 2010)

Thanks Miu for organizing another Clarins workshop. I was a little apprehensive as my skin problems recently made me ban myself from all skincare and especially makeup workshop.

Earlier this year, milia seeds, comodones and white heads have erupted all over my jawline and spread to my face. Reluctantly, I took roaccutane pills and it has subsided.

A day after the workshop, my skin was smoother and hydrated – no longer flaky from the medication. I’m impressed enough to buy the hydrating mask from Miu. I can’t afford other skincare products for now as the pills have made a huge hole in my piggy bank.

I’m not going to tell you what exactly happened step-by-step during the workshop except that you get to use a skincare product (from any range you like) for each step while the presenter will explain the usage and differences. (There are other bloggers’ review on the workshop which you can easily google)

These are the skincare products I used.

I do like the way they portray the 4 major types of skin problems with pictures. Graphically meaningful!(forgot to take a picture of the slide; so here are some alternative pictures)

Skin problems
1. Dry = dry earth

2. Oil = french fries (now I know my skin loves fast food - hence it's oily! Ha!)

3. Pigmentation = ladybug

4. Wrinkles = raisin

Besides learning how to use the products; hands-on, you get some good tips from the presenter. Here are some tips from what I understand (forgive me if I misunderstood some)

Eye care
1. Do not rub your eyelash vigorously – it takes about 4 years for it to grow back.
2. To clean eye makeup (mascara), carefully soak 2 pieces of cotton pads with your eye make-up remover. Fold one to line below your eye and take the other one to rub gently over the lashes. The lower cotton pad is to avoid staining your skin. Yes, wearing smokey eyeshadow daily might really give you permanent smokey eyes! (normally, I just rubbed the best I could… sigh)
3. Take 2 cotton pads and soak with toner and press it gently over closed eyes. This can de-puff your eyes!

Skincare Routine (most of us do the 3 steps : cleanse, tone & moisturise)
Day time: 6 steps
a) Cleanse
b) Tone
c) Eye care
d) Serum - max 2 tyeps
e) Moisturize
e) UV- Sunblock

Night time: 6 steps
a) Remove
b) Cleanse
c) Tone
d) Eye care
e) Serum
f) Moisturise

Sunblock
1. Always wear sunblock because it takes 5 years for the pigmentation to appear!!
2. To calculate the efficiency of sunblock, e.g. 50spf X 10 minutes of direct sun. After 500 minutes in the sun, you need to reapply sunblock.
3. There are 2 things from the sun you should fear : UVB (causes sunburn) and UVA (causes you to lose the elascity of your skin)
4. Hence,run for cover! ;)

Cleanse/ Tone
1. Double-cleansing is important to remove your makeup and even other residue of sunscreen products at the end of the day.
2. Using the analogy of the amount of either 3 pumps , 5 cents coin size, helps to gauge how much of the product to apply.
3. Soak 2 cotton pads with your toner and wipe from the center out (symmetry). I find this helps to shorten the process. I’ve been only bullying one hand when I tone. Lol

Moisturise/ serum
1. Pour 5 cents coin-sized of moisturizer in your palm and rub together to warm it up. Then press lightly with your palm to your face to “dab” on the moisturizer/serum.
2. The palms of your hands will fit the contours of your face somehow.
3. This also makes the process faster for me. Instead of fingers!

Mask
Do not be stingy on the amount of mask – it has to be thick enough to work. Place a generous amount onto your palm – about 50 cents coin to slather on your face. (It depends on what kind of mask but the one I'm referring here is the hydration mask)

Facial
The effects of the facial will work better if you relax or even allow yourself to catch some shut-eye. Clarins facial has no extraction at all and uses the 5 senses to maximize the effect of the facial for the skin.

A very brief introduction of their makeup ended the session. Some pictures I remembered to take are shown here.

The makeup products available for testing...

Alina's hands showing the effect of a product - before and after (forgot which product)

I did buy one of their trial pack because I was intrigued by the cleansing. But I forgot to put the bottle in this picture! Ha!

Thank you Clarins for such an educational workshop. I truly believe that this is the best way to introduce and educate the skin-preservers like me out there to try your products... As the saying goes, seeing it (and trying it oneself) is believing! ;)

ELF Spree

I've never really used make-up except for lipstick and eyebrow pencil before. Somehow, this year, it was a crash-course into makeup and I have spent a substantial amount on it (which shall not be disclosed.. sighh)

Therefore, I've been getting makeup recently. I've stumbled upon good reviews and people raving about USD1 products from E.L.F. (eyes lips face). I've bought the infamous USD1 eye shadow brush and so far have no complaints about it.

I've got it through Mandy's spree from an efficient (in terms of query) and reliable spree I found in lowyat.net. Do take note, it is a spree from US - so you have to be patient about the delivery. Just order and don't bother about it for about a month. The order for the spree closes at the end of every month.

Hence after a hiatus from makeup shopping for 2 months, I'm back again. ELF is having 50% off its mineral and studio line. Therefore I wanted to try the "higher end product" of ELF which ranges from USD3-5.

Here is my wishlist: I think I should cut down on some items but it is on discount now - best time to try products! ;) If any of you have bought any of these items before and encountered problems, please leave a comment for me to stop my order. Thanks! :)

ELF Studio Line

1. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder
I'm getting this as my blush should be thrown by now after a few years? How long should you keep it? Actually I just used it for 1 year plus after buying it 2 years' back. This item is highly recommended as the blush is very much a dupe for NARS Orgasm and the bronzer is a dupe for Laguna.

2.Eyebrow_stencil
I'm getting this because I'm just curious about eyebrow stencils. Unless anyone can recommend a good one around here? IMHO, I'm fine drawing my own eyebrows but I wanted to use this with the eyebrow kit. :P
3.Eyebrow Kit
This item is highly recommended except for the brush it comes with (which people have said is flimsy). I'm getting the medium shade (anyone tried this shade?) I have the Stila's brow set but I wanted a compact one to carry around.

Light

Medium

Dark

4.Complexion perfection
I'm ordering this because it is highly recommended and I've never tried any concealer to even out the colour tones before. Many recommended this for oily skin and says it's not suitable for dry skin. I'm having a combination skin now - hence I'm on the fence on this item. Curiosity or thrifty? Any thoughts?

5. Hollywood Eyelashes Kit
This kit included a lash applicator, lash stand, false lashes and adhesive glue. I find this kit useful to place the fake eyelashes (last time I just chuck aside the eyelashes I got from a makeup session). Perhaps it'll help me to use fake eyelashes which I haven't tried applying it before. I have seen a cheaper eyelash stand/applicator around but it doesn't look this nice. Anyway, this kit is 50% off too! :)

6. Studio- Powder Brush
I know someone will tell me why buy brushes when I have managed to get some Stila brushes. Well, I'm just curious to compare the brushes in terms of application! USD3 brush vs.. u know how much during the Stila clearance sale.

7. Eye Transformer
Another highly raved item - which I thought would be good to change your eyeshadow shade by layering it below or above your eyeshadow.. I must try to learn to use my eyeshadow to be able to play around with this more.
Did I miss anything worth getting? Recommend me before the end of this month. Thanks! :) Or discourage me.. either or.. lol