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.. ;)

Hitting the "3-0".

I can't believe I'm 30. I no longer feel that I took my SPM exam recently but more like I graduated from university not too long ago. In fact, it's been half a decade of working years since then. Time flies as usual and I've learned to "live life a little" and splurge on myself.

How I celebrated my 30th Birthday?
1. Close friends treated me to dinners. :)
Yes, it's all about food, quality time together and celebrating life. I'll write a review of all the food next week. Thank you all dear friends.

2. Diamond are a girl's best friend.
My "alphabeth buddies" decided to get me little sparkles to commemorate my age. Just nice, I was thinking of extending my earrings collection. Thanks gals! :)

3. A short break from work
A weekend over in Langkawi to unwind for 2012. However, weather wasn't really on our side but still it was refreshing. Thanks dearie!

4. Fragrance
My long time perfume, 'Anna Sui-Secret Wish Magic Romance' has finally finished and I was looking for a replacement. Actually, I thought of getting 'Lancome Tresor In Love' but my brother said I shouldn't and get something nicer for myself. It shows I like something more flowery and light but I find the stronger ones can be offensive if accidentally over-sprayed on.

Hence, after a few sprays around -I ended up with Chanel Eau Tendre.
"CHANCE, the country’s bestselling fragrance family, reveals its newest facet, CHANCE EAU TENDRE. CHANEL Master Perfumer Jacques Polge reimagines the decidedly young scent in a constellation of tender and vibrant notes, at once delicate and airy, with an intoxicatingly light, fruity trail. "

A side note, I didn't really checked the prices in KL when I bought the perfume in Langkawi Airport. It ended up the same price. Lol

5. Skincare
I've reduced my budget to Pharmacy skincare but I couldn't help splurging today to try SK-II Pitera Essence Set. I overhead some colleagues talking about a trial set and saw it in Female magazine too.

It retails at RM199 for 1 facial treatment essence (75ml), 1 facial treatment clear lotion (40ml) and 1 facial treatment mask. The cleanser was a sample thrown in for my birthday. lol

6. Air ticket for 2012 holiday
Can't believe I finally did it.. can't wait to go but most of all, need to stop splurging to save for this trip!

7. Ipad2
I secretly wished for an Ipad2 when it came out. My elder brother has an Ipad. Then my younger bro bought it immediately after it launched but I still held on. Thank God... my loved ones knew my desire and my mum told me she wanted to get one for me.

However, when I saw this idea competition, I told myself, "What if I won myself an Ipad2 instead". I thanked God for helping me persevere and not backing out the very last minute of finishing my design to submit. When my friend told me I won... I couldn't believe it but secretly thank God for fulfilling my wish. This is definately from You, Lord! You heard my wishes too and my desire not to trouble my loved ones to get it for me. :)  Thanks to my bf for his support and buying the accessories for my new toy! :)

9. Racer-back Tank Tops
Ironically, when I was in my 20's, I always thought I was fleshy and didn't wear sleevelss or tight fitting clothes. Now I am 30, I want to wear them.

So here I am with flabby arms and more obvious muffin-tops, I decided I want to wear racer-back tank tops. I even decided to embrace getting size "L" instead of hoping to lose weight to look better in all my size "M" tops. My bf got me a few - I chose and he just paid it. Lol

* FYI, F.O.S. sells 3 tops for RM30. One top retails at RM13.90. However, there is a promotion currently which to celebrate Malaysia day. So I got these 3 tops for only RM21. That makes it RM7 each. Wow!

F.O.S is giving an additional 30% discount exclusively to 

F.O.S beloved Facebook Fans & Twitter Followers

Just show this voucher on your smartphone 

at the cashier counter when you are ready to pay

If you don't have a smartphone, print out the voucher,

including the barcode below, & show it to them

*Terms & conditions apply*

*Valid for 3 days only*

*Ends September 18, 2011*

****

In short, as I head out for another birthday dinner. I thank God for loved ones, close friends and best of all, the favours God has always showered me from the very beginning. I pray the 30's will be an eventful decade whereby I can be more fruitful to God and a good influence to others around me.

Approaching the next decade...

As the clock ticks, my age creeps nearer to a new decade. Last year, I wanted to celebrate the end of this decade by having an all-girls getaway but it didn't happen. Instead, I have a little trip and a cosy dinner with close friends.

This makes me need to list out my" accomplishment" or "new experiences I've tried" in my last year of my 20's. I always write down the new experiences I've done in my diary (a reflection of the year before) for years already. Here is my humble list.

1. Joined a bride's race. Lol.... I appeared a few seconds in a video clip online. Was short by few minutes for third place due to the challenge.

2. Got proposed.

3. Finally permed my hair. The wavy type right at the end.

4. Joined some architectural competitions.

5. Won myself an Ipad2.

I've been wanting to blog about all these but been "workaholic". So homework for this long weekend due to Malaysia Day and my new-decade day - blog about my past events and highlight the goodies my beloved friends, family got me to celebrate my birthday

Food review: CraftBrew - BBQ platter Groupon promo

CraftGroupon is burning a hole in my pocket because I'm buying more coupons for bargains. Lol

Anyhow, this is the first Groupon promo I bought to have yummy food, beer and good company with friends. A very belated review but timely because CraftBrew decided to have the same promotion again in groupon.

[50% Off] Barbecue Meat Platter + Salad for up to 4 people from Craft Brews for RM69 instead of RM138.05 (Only RM17.25 per person). Non-Halal

Images borrowed from Groupon promo site since I didn't remember to take photos of the ambience.

The promotion included the following:
- 2 types of pork back ribs and 2 quarter chicken.
- Salad, potato wedges and corn on the cob.
- Signature Craft-brewed beers available. (not included in promotion)
- Happy hours from Mon to Sat 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Sun 6.00pm – closing.

A big fan of pork ribs, I felt this promo seems too good to be true! :) Plus the fact that Craft Brews rave that they have a variety of "home-brewed" (in Singapore) to try out. Not really a beer fan but it's a good deal and good reason to meet friends.

So we went over on 24th June 2011 (Friday) for dinner. Honestly speaking, the portion would have served 5 girls. I overate..  but it was delicious.

Food review
They serve the salad in a large wooden bowl. For veggie-lovers-it would have been enough as a meal. I can't recall if there was a specific dressing or you can request for it but I think we selected Italian dressing.

Look at the salad portion in proportion to a person. Belinda's happily tossing the salad!

And here comes the BBQ Platter. There are 4 ribs for each type of flavour. We chose Tex-Mex and honey mustard. I recalled the meat was tender but I prefered one of the flavour to the other.

The 2 pieces quarter of chicken was a bit hard to break to 4 portion but just nice as a bite to taste the different flavour. Preferred the ribs! There are the corn cob for all of us to mellow down the meatiness. Lol

Not forgetting their potato wedges. You know - its texture is exactly like "goreng pisang"!! The crispy-fried batter around the wedges is so crunchy light! It is nice to munch on for tea break. I don't really care for potato wedges but I really liked these. Alas, we didn't finish it because we were already fulled with pork.. ;)

Drinks were not provided. So I decided to try their famous beer. I took the most unique looking one- Green Monster Larger which actually consists of spirulina. I was a bit late in arriving after work so I didn't really read up on the bitterness level given in the menu. Basically, this beer is mild but slightly bitter to me. I preferred the other beer my friend ordered - but I cannot recall what it was now.

Green beer for the green pig.. lol

Environment-wise: there is non-smoking seats (indoor) and smoking area (outdoor) which is separated by this large rotating glass door at the side. For activities, they have television installed and even foosball for you to play (but I find it a little crammed to do so) next to the sitting areas. There is wi-fi too but I didn't had time to try the connection because was busy eating and chatting.

Overall, it was a nice pleasant environment with good service and delicious meal. So for starters, I do recommend you to try groupon to get 50% off at the BBQ platter and next time, slowly enjoy the rest of the food on the menu. I'm told there is a nice set lunch during weekdays (pork burger) at around RM15++ but I've not tried it myself. Happy eating!

Details
Craft Brews
G3 Podium, Ground Floor, Menara KLK, 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Phone: 03-7722 3000

It's actually just nearby to Ikea, Mutiara Damansara - the office tower right after Tesco. Parking in Menara KLK after 6pm is RM2. So don't take a risk to park along the road.

Shoes Review: Guess Pewter Leather Heels

I've been eyeing gladiator heels for sometime since the trend started few years ago (2008?) but I couldn't get the right design. In fact, when I finally found one I fell in love with - no size!!

That's the dilemma with shoes, right gals?

Well, so when I randomly looked at shoes and if it fits and there's a spark of magic, I got to have it! Lol. I can imagine the shoes for days if I don't buy it. All right - I have to admit, I have a thing with shoes.... lol
Ta dah! Bought my ..second pair of gladiator heels/stilettoes! First was a pair of gladiator wedges which I love but "sayang"(reluctant) to wear.. haha.. I've never bought any heels with such a skinny heels before... But it just made me feel good and sexy when I tried it on.

Unravelling the package... tsk tsk

I know I have not mastered photography for macro/objects yet. It's hard taking picture of the shoes while I'm wearing them. Hence, here are the blurry picture of my pewter leather heels for now.

There are some scuff marks and scratches but there is only one pair left and I bought it at a bargain. It retails at RM389 but I got it at RM129 (about 70% off!) Isn't that a bargain? (I know, typical "woman-bargain" mentality).

In fact, I have just the right dress to match this heels. The only question is "Will I wear them" and "When will I wear them"? ;)

First of... lose off some weight to take off the pressure on my feet in such a heels. Hah..

This is actually the most recent heels I bought.. I'll intro another few more pairs I bought before this.. just because of the "woman-bargain" mentality..  (Note to self: No more purchases of shoes for a year? ) Stay tune for more heels-eye-candy! ;)

Neglecting my blog

Oh my... so sad, I've been neglecting my blog and my to-blog list is over-flowing. Argh... I should not let work control my life. I will try to post up my latest shopping and experiences to share here.

In fact, there is one big event that I've not wrote about before I forget... something to do with knees, roses, dining and diamond. Get the drift.

But last weekend, I bought myself a pair of Guess stilettos!! I can't believe I got it at a steal since it's an out-of-season outlet. Best of all? It makes me look and feel sexy.

Remember ladies, women's best friends are killer sexy heels... because walking in them does "kill you" but looking great and sexy is worth the torture. Lol

It does match a little nice shimmering dress I bought recently too. Next thing on the list - to shed the fat and pounds on me.. Lol

Online coupons review

Guess what, I've tried some of the promo coupons available online. At first, I was skeptical about these so-called bargains at 50%-70% off.

Then, I started one.. and the rest is history. But a note of caution, despite the description given by some of the promo - sometimes they do not seem like what it seems. Will share some of my experiences with you all.

A recap on my May 2011 - Coupon purchases. (to date, I've tried www.groupsmore.com and www.dealmates.com.my)

1. [58% Off] RM50 for RM120 worth of Shoes at The Cobbler. Free delivery
 The Cobbler shoes (First time buying shoes online but was attracted by the reasonable price and the ability to exchange the shoes for the right size if it does not fit)
Will share with you the duration and experience of exchanging the shoe size.

*Positive review*

2. [50% Off] Barbecue Meat Platter + Salad for up to 4 people from Craft Brews for RM69 instead of RM138.05 (Only RM17.25 per person). Non-Halal
A big fan of ribs and this promo seems too good to be true! :) Plus the fact that Craft Brews rave that they have a variety of "home-brewed" (in Singapore) to try out. Not really a beer fan but it's a good deal and good reason to meet friends.

• 2 types of pork back ribs and 2 quarter chicken.
• Salad, potato wedges and corn on the cob.
• Well-reviewed.
• Signature Craft-brewed beers available.
• Happy hours from Mon to Sat 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Sun 6.00pm – closing.

*Positive Review*

  3. [78% Off] 10” X 13” Large Personalised Hardcover Fotobook for RM80 instead of RM369
50-page 10” X 13” full colour hardcover photo book.
Customized design.
Durable binding and dust jacket.
Photos printed on matte art paper.
Ready within 7 working days.
Photoscape design software with pictorial guide.

Haven't utilised yet but think it's a bargain. Only downside - have to find a Mac to use the Iphoto to make the Photobook or drive to their outlet to do it there. (Not too friendly to PC users!)


3. [90% off] 3-hour hands-on Makeup Workshop at Celmonze Aesthetic Academy worth RM480.

• Learn to use makeup to define your features.
• Makeup tools and cosmetics provided.
• Small classes for personal attention.
• Classes conducted in English or Mandarin.

 Decided to join a friend for this class for fun but was severely disappointed based on the highlighted red terms. "Makeup tools" was provided all right.. read my review to find out about my disappointment. It's similar to being told I was attending a baking class but it turned out as a demo (Lucky guy... I was too busy to blog about that "class" I attended that I don't feel like getting upset all over again.)

*Negative Review*

4. RM99 for Almost 3 Hours of Bliss in KL City. Aromatherapy Massage + Ultimate Renewal Facial Treatment + Paraffin Hand Treatment at MURAD by Beauty Chemistry (Worth RM390).For Both Men & Women

Aromatherapy Massage (1 hour)
Ultimate Renewal Facial Treatment (1.5 hours)
Paraffin Hand Treatment (20 minutes)

Haven't had a facial in ages since the skin specialist I visited told me to finish my course of Roaccutane first before I allow my commodones to be pressed out, etc. 

*Mediocre review*

*****

I've bought a few more others which will only blog after I utilize to review about my experience.

This one promo is so worth-while I have to share it here first (another meat lover's promo!)

BAR B Q PLAZA 50% Off Supreme Beef Set or Supreme Pork Set (Set For 2 -3 Pax)

Mmmmm....

Manhwa Review: Noblesse

I started reading manga these last 2 years after watching my brother doing so and obviously - lack of better things to do. Lol

I've been randomly reading some manga and even manhwa since then. I stumbled upon this manhwa called Noblesse about some vampires (not like Twilight, mind you) who blend in with the humans. It started out with the awakening of a Noble vampire named Rai from a deep sleep for centuries in his coffin to a foreign modern world.

 Rai emerges from his deep sleep

A dash of humour (Rai's fancy for ramen), Rai's struggle with homework and compassionate with school kids, Frankenstein's cleanliness streak, high-schoolers' fight scenes got me going non-stop to catch up to 100 plus chapters in a few nights... or was it weeks? haha... Anyway, I've finished reading until episode 187 last Wednesday. Don't know if it's the interesting storyline, the charm and coolness of the character, or just good entertainment to make me laugh, that draws me to this manhwa.

The scene where the headmaster (Frankenstein) is fearful of his master (Rai) because he forgot to provide him money for lunch. 

I've been patiently waiting for scanlations to be uploaded in any of the websites online every week. I noticed it'll be released on Wednesdays or Thursday. I wanted to find out how Rai finally meets the current leader (The Lord) and the impending fight between them. Spoiler alert: From the last few chapters, it is revealled that the previous leader/previous Lord actually wanted Rai to be the next leader but he declined. So the previous Lord's daughter is currently the leader... and I assume a confrontation between them. Can't wait to see the full power of Rai released in a battle. The list of power of Rai's which is revealed so far can be found in this link.

Episode 188 last page... battle next!

It's like how the author have been teasing us with the supressed power of Rai's servant, Frankenstein which is now at the climax with the battle between Frankenstein and the Kerita Clan leader. Look at the smirk of Frankenstein when his master allows him to fight with his full power. (Before this, his powers are sealed to control him because of violent history. He can only fight with his full power with the permission of Rai.. So obedient!)

A short description from wikipedia:
Noblesse (노블레스) is an online manhwa written by Son Jae Ho and illustrated by Lee Gwang Su. Noblesse is about a powerful, noble vampire - Cadis Etrama Di Raizel (also called Rai) - who has been asleep for 820 years with no knowledge of mankind's advancement and scientific successes. He has recently woken up in an abandoned building in South Korea[1], and is starting to get used to the modern world. He goes to a school where he meets his loyal servant Frankenstein. With Frankenstein's help, Rai enrolls into Ye Ran high school, and inadvertently befriended Shinwoo - an athletic teenager, Ik-Han - a computer geek, Yuuna, Shinwoo's crush, and a few others. Noblesse follows the group's often dangerous adventures against a secret organization while uncovering Rai's past.
***

In short, I've been patiently waiting for the manhwa to be translated and satisfy the suspense of the upcoming battle.... was pulling my hair at the end of chapter 188! Another week to wait! Sighh... :)