My Fruity Indulgence

Over the last few weeks, I've been having a fruity craving. What with Kahani talking about delicious raspberries and all.

The fruity craving wasn't something which happened overnight. I'm guessing it was more of a subconscious leaning towards all things fruity and juicy. Just a while back I was perfectly contented with my choc and vanilla-scented products, but slowly but surely, the fruits have started invading my bathroom shelf, much to my delight.

It started with The Body Shop's Peach shower gel, which I had been enjoying for the last two or three weeks.

And before I knew it, I was browsing the aisles of Watson's and Guardian meticulously sniffing shampoos and conditioners. And walking away with Sunsilk's Fruitamin Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner.

And the Clairol Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship split-end protector mask somehow ended following me home too. =P

More fruity-tutty details after the jump!

What I've decided to do is to review each of the items in my next few posts, starting with Sunsilk's new range of shampoo and conditioner today.

Sunsilk Fruitamin Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner


For a while now, I've been meaning to try out Sunsilk's shampoo and condi after pretty much hearing raves from all round about it.

So when I found myself sniffing around for something to satisfy my fruit-lust, I thought "Why not Sunsilk?". And boy am I glad I found this combo, which I believe is a new product from Sunsilk.

And besides, it can't hurt to try something which claims to make your hair "strong and sleek", can it?


Scent

As bad as my nose is, I can tell when I do like a scent, and when I don't. And as far as this shampoo and condi is concerned, it suits my fruity craving just fine. On the label behind, it includes kiwi, orange, strawberry, apple and grape fragrances in the shampoo. It really is as fruity as fruity gets.


But if you ask me, I think it smells more strawberry-ish. Nothing citrusy as far as I can tell, which is absolutely great as I hate citrus scents.

So far, it's been getting the nod from everyone around me, scent wise. After using it for the first time the other day, I was drying my hair in my room when the brother walked in and went, "Oooh.. that smells nice." And believe me, the brother has a fussy nose. So that's definitely a thumb's up. =)

Performance

I absolutely love the way the shampoo and condi work together. I usually don't bother buying coordinating shampoos and condis, but since I was on fruity spree and since this came together in a value pack, heck, why not?

The shampoo is light and is shimmery (yes, it has pretty SHIMMERS in it!), and works well to clean out my hair without being too squeaky clean. Know what I mean? My hair also doesn't feel weighed down. If my hair is feeling particularly icky, I either just mix in a little Tresemme Deep Cleasing shampoo, or just shampoo twice.

As for the conditioner, it too, falls into the lightweight category. No heavy conditioning action here, as far as I can tell. But I love it all the same as it totally fills the gap in my condi collection. With many heavyweights in my haircare arsenal already (John Frieda, Dove, and a myriad of hairmasks) what I was really really looking for was for something light for daily use.

I find I can use a little more of it too as it doesn't seem to be oozing in glycerin, something you'd normally be able to tell when you're rinsing the conditioner out from your hair. So I just slather it on, more on the tips of course, and go about my business in the shower then rinse it out. If I'm not in a hurry, I usually just leave it to air-dry.

And the result? Happy, healthy-looking bouncy and great-smelling hair that doesn't feel weighed down at all. Love it!!!

Conclusion

After being such an avid supporter of Dove for so long (there are still two big bottles sitting in my bathroom as proof), I might actually be sticking to Sunsilk for now. It's cheap, works great for a drugstore product and it keeps my locks happy. And oh, it feeds my fruity wants right now. What's not to love?

By the way, this value pack I got is REALLY value for money. The 375ml shampoo and 180ml conditioner only cost me RM18.80 from Watson's, so go run for it if you're keen to try.

Of course, Dove and all the heavyweights will still be at arm's reach should I need a misturising boost, but for now, as Meldee is wont to say, "It's all gooood." =D

Monday's Beauty Bits (by Eli)

It took me a while to figure this one out but thanks to a conversation with a Korean friend the other day, it turns out that any Korean cosmetic described as “watery” isn’t a reference to the product’s texture but that it’s supposed to give a dewy or shimmery effect. Unsurprisingly, these products come loaded with a bit (or a lot) of shimmer. So if you stumble across a Korean eye makeup tutorial for “watery smokey eyes”, relax, it isn’t a smokey eye tute for phlegmy eyes. It just means that they’ll be using shimmery eye shadows.

If you use hair serums, apply it to the ends of your hair. Then, take a comb to your hair ends before combing through from crown to bottom. This distributes the hair serum evenly about the ends and applies a very light layer of serum to the upper strands of your hair without giving you that dreaded flat head.

I haven’t the faintest idea why didn’t I think of this before but if you are a blur dodo like me, applying a light layer of face primer (NOT UDPP or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Keep that for your eyeshadows) to your undereye area will help your cream concealer spread more evenly and last longer. Bestie swears by using Monistat to keep her concealer from caking up under her eyes. Make sure that your primer is safe to use under your eyes and doesn’t come with the extra bells and whistles of shimmer or tint.

If your mascara is too watery, just leave it for a couple of days before trying again. The air let in from first opening it will dry out the formula to make it less liquidy. I do this all the time for my mascaras.

Is your HG mascara suddenly smudging on you? Don’t chuck it until you check out your other eye products. That new moisturiser or under eye concealer might be the culprit. I just realised that my mascara has been smudging since I started using Bobbi Brown concealer and silly me put it down to skin change. A good dusting of powder or using oil blotters before applying mascara might do the trick.

News: Stage launches Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deal

If you haven't given our home-grown prestige cosmetics line, Stage, a try yet, now's your chance ladies! Until July 6, the line is offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer on "lipsticks, eyeshadows, liners and more!". I don't know what the "and more" is but run along and check it out. I'm digging the green eyeliner in the pic and they have some VERY nice lipglosses and lipsticks which I will review soon to help you choose.

A perkier bum can be yours!

For just RM12.90. No surgery needed!

Spotted in one of Amcorp Mall's odd stores located on the LG level. Photo taken with my BB so the quality isn't the best.

But yes, pop these babies on and your'll have a tush to rival JLo's. =P

Video: Friday is for a MANHUNT (for gloss of course)

So you've heard of the Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lipgloss, and now they're on the hunt for two more guys to pop on the tops of two new gloss shades.



Now the finalists have been chosen, but voting is still open! Choose your favourite gloss topper here. I'm leaning towards Shigaki myself. ; )

What about you ladies?

Beneft Cosmetics Warehouse Sale - Insider Peek

Here's how much I love you ladies. I just got back from the Benefit Warehouse Sale and this is all I can remember. Bear in mind that I'm working from memory here, so there may be mistakes. Also that I was there when they threw open the doors, so not everything I mention will be available:

Cream Shadows - 2 for RM50
Shades I remember: Busy Signal, Stiletto, Get Figgy, Marry Up, Towne Car (this is the matte black I was talking about in my previous post, not Taxi Cab, will correct when I have more time), Sippin' n' dippin', Bunny Hop. There was NO Skinny Jeans or Strut
UPDATE: Just remembered Gossip and My Date's My Brother

Powder shadows (round ones) - 2 for RM40

Lust Dusts - 2 for RM49

Boxes of Powder - RM55 each
Shades (this I remember): Hoola, Dallas, Georgia, and Ten. Nothing else.

Lip glosses - RM20 each
Shades I remember: Very poor selection, more IT Glosses. Her glossiness only in a dark plum shade.

Lip Sticks - 2 for RM50 (CORRECTED!)
Shades I remember: LOTS Too many! I bought Born Ready & Flirt Alert. I remember the bridal collection (marry up was there I think) and quite a few darker shades.

Benetint Lip Balm - RM49

Bum Ready, Jiggy Gel - RM60

You Rebel -RM30

Spotted but cannot recall price or shades:
Get Even in Dark (Remembered that one)
Boi-ing
Lemon-aid
Rush Hour
Playsticks
B-Spot Fragrance
Browzings

Not available:
Benetint or Posietint
Hello Flawless
New glosses, shadows, highlighter

Hope that helps ladies. If it's not mentioned it means I really don't know if it's there or not. And the room is terribly small btw, and the queue was long. Decide for yourselves if it's worth it. I'm pretty happy =D

Review: Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara

You know those products which have a spot on your shelf for so long, you cease to realise it’s there and just automatically reach out for it? Bingo. That’s Maybelline’s Full N’ Soft Mascara for me. It has been a staple in my makeup bag ever since I hit Australia and I love it.

Let’s get the formalities out of the way before I do my gaga thing.

This stuff comes in two colours – Brownish Black and Very Black – and two formulas, waterproof and non-waterproof. The normal retail price is AUD 16.95 but I can usually get it on sale from Kmart for less than AUD 12. If it hasn’t sold out by then, that is. It sells out amazingly fast come sales period.

If you look this up on MUA, the jury is split over the waterproof and non-waterproof versions. Some like one more than the other, some claim that there isn’t a difference, others hate both. Me? I have only used the waterproof version and I lurve it.

True to its name, Full N’ Soft really does leave my lashes looking incredibly full and soft to the touch. Amazing as most waterproof formulas feel a little heavy and stiff on me. All I need is just one coat and tada! Beautifully defined lashes without looking overdone. Another two coats gives me fluttery eyelashes worthy of Bambi without the fuss of falsies.

When you first open this, the formula is pretty watery and liable to clump but happily, the texture improves after a week to reveal pretty, clump-free lashes.

Another wonderful thing I have discovered about this mascara is that it gives me the exact same results as DiorShow Iconic. I applied a coat to each eye and marched over to a friend’s room to ask if he could see the difference and my very befuddled male friend said no. Exact same length, volume (well, Full N’ Soft delivered a wee bit better there) and heck, they even smudged the same way at the same time! (Will get to that soon)

The only cons I can think of with this product is that it can smudge after a month or two’s usage but I guess that’s fine if you are particular about trashing your mascara every 2 months as recommended. The second con is that we can’t get this in Malaysia! *sighs* Can we petition Maybelline Malaysia to bring this in?

Quick & Easy: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows in Busy Signal & Carte Blanche

Update (Correction): Sorry, it's "Towne Car" not "Taxi Cab". Correction made below.

I may be vain as sin, but by god I'm also lazy. And now I find I'm too lazy to use eye primer - but I still want my eyeshadow to last all day.

Yes I want my cake and to eat it too. And with Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner (what a mouthful!) I can. In all its delicious shimmery-brown glory.

Carte Blanche and Busy Signal - better together than apart

(L-R) Carte Blanche & Busy Signal

I've had both shades for ages, but until I learnt to use them together, they weren't quite perfect. They look similar in the pot, but when swatched are very different.

I bought Carte Blanche, described as a golden shimmer, at the Benefit Warehouse sale for RM25. Until Busy Signal came along, it seemed like such a disappointment. Beautiful in the pot, when applied on the eyes it was just bleh. Not shimmery enough, a neutral tan medium-brown - it utterly failed as a liner, and as a shadow it didn't make my eyes pop.

Busy Signal, which I bought online for US$19 is closer to what I wanted Carte Blanche to be. It's dark and rich enough and shimmery enough. But this beautiful brown has copper-red undertones which always makes me look diseased. Argh!

How to make them work
I apply Busy Signal in the crease and undereye. At this point I look like I have a bad flu. So I pat CB over it and immediately the neutral gold tones turn it into the perfect brown.

Then using a flat synthetic brush, I pat Carte Blanche above the lid on the outer corners and blend out for a more cat-eyed look.

A dust of shimmery highlighter on the inner corners, blending out to the middle and up above the smoked out wing, and voila! My perfect everyday eye.

The look can easily be amped up with some powder shadows for more drama at night, as I did here.

Oh, and I quick tip! To intensify colours, layer it on letting it dry between layers, this will let it stay smooth and last for ages. Too thick a layer will crease and fade.

Conclusion
Two other shades I have are Towne Car (sheer matte black) and Skinny Jeans (taupe shimmery pewter) and I love both of these for a dramatic smokey eyed look that will last all night long. I'm still working on using Skinny Jeans for day as I prefer a brown-based rather than a grey-based look for day at the moment.

I also have RSVP, a sheer shimmery pink which I pretty but I don't really use it as it only makes a half-way decent primer, and doesn't really make my eyes pop. I prefer using a powder shadow as a shimmer that also helps set the darker cream shadows.

I'm currently eyeing Strut and Stiletto. And despite my rant about not wanting the lighter shades, the incredibly intense gold of Sippin' and Dippin' really grabs me! Especially since it doubles up as a liner.

Do you girls have a favourite cream shadow?

The Naked-Man Gloss: Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket in Eric

Oh you knew this was coming. It's a fabulous gloss with an equally fabulous undressing man on the top. So of course I got my greedy hands on it as soon as I could.

The makeup mule this time was my colleague and her really amused family who just gor back from the US. At US$19 it's not a cheap gloss which is why I only bought Eric, and not David as well. But hey at least I know there's nothing like this in Malaysia!

Packaging
I'll admit that what I'm really buying is the packaging. After all, a gloss is a gloss. But the packaging and marketing of this is crass, cheeky and ingenious.

Each guy has a backstory. Here's Eric's:

American born, but schooled abroad, Eric retains many European

sensibilities, including Italian bravado, French table manners, and
German soccer skills. Undress him for a little Spanish fly.

Any wonder why I chose him? Besides the fact that he's a red gloss. Somehow, if I was going to own a gloss as racy as this I knew it had better darned well be red!

The tube itself is large and surprisingly flat. With 8ml of gloss in it though, it contains more than your average gloss. The applicator brush is lovely and there is never any gloss on the applicator's shaft. The design is that good.

Oh and it's printed with pheremone ink. You rub it to activate it - causing all men around you to become instantly attracted to you - crashing cars, dueling for your handkerchief and all that.

Honestly, I've never had the guts to try.

The Gloss

Eric isn't just good looks though. He's really a great gloss. This sheer true (maybe slightly cool) gloss is not overly tacky but still longlasting. It's also very glossy and really gives you a pout in the poutiest sense.

And omg he smells YUM. Like creme brulee. Only not artificial - too sweet vanilla-y creme brulee. This gloss smells warm and baked, with a custard sauce drizzle. Any wonder why I've been craving apple pie, bread and butter pudding, and creme brulee? Mmm...

Conclusion
I don't know if I'll repurchase as it's pricy, not available in Malaysia, and there are so many other men to choose from. But I am really pleased with Eric.

Which guy would you choose?

Monday Announcement: Launch of Frocking Around!

Running this beauty blog with Syen & Eli has been an incredible journey, the people I've met, the things I've learnt and the doors it has opened. So, it should come as no surprise that I'm eager to run straight down the yellow brick road of my other passion - pretty dresses.

I love each and every one of you who read So Loverly, so what better audience could I hope for to launch my new baby?

Introducing Frocking Around a fashion blog dedicated to rocking the frock! The adorable jumper you see there, is my co-blogger Meldee. (I have a thing for co-bloggers you see, everything's more fun when it's shared.)

Come on over, let me know what you think, and here's to another really fun journey, in pretty dresses. Can you tell I'm raring to go?

Love,
Kahani

Ps. Don't worry, I'm not leaving So Loverly!

Video: Friday is for faking 8 hours of sleep

I love picking up "oh, I never thought of that!" tips from reading other blogs and watching beauty vids. My takeaways on this vid is to duck my head down when looking in the mirror to conceal undereye circles (how have I never known this before?) and that I should consider getting a pinker undereye concealer.

Review: Bourjois Anticernes Pinceau Brush Concealer

My pet peeve about my much raved about industrial strength Bobbi Brown concealer is that it takes a while to pat on and blend in the morning. And, if my eye area is not properly moisturised, I end up with parched-earth type cracks under my eyes before lunch time.

So whenever I am rushing for time in morning, that's when I reach out for this little baby by Bourjois.

A cheaper version of YSL's Touche Eclat, I stumbled upon this little treasure a few months ago in Priceline. Usually sold for AUD 25, it was on offer that day for AUD 20. I snapped it up in Beige Dore 83 (the darkest shade amongst the three) when I realised that it was a perfect match for me.

Application is pretty fool-proof as all you have to twist (I usually twist-click it twice), swipe and pat with a finger. Great when you are pressed for time in the morning and handy to tote around for touch ups during the day (though I have never found myself having to do touch ups).

This product isn't great if you are looking for something more heavy duty. Coverage is about sheer to medium, just about enough to make me look a less panda-ish than usual when I use it on its own. When I layer this over NYX concealer in Medium, I actually look pretty decent. And the best thing is that there is hardly any caking at the end of the day.

For those worried about sanitation issues with brush-type products, fret not. All you have to do is spritz the brush with rubbing alcohol and wipe dry. Ironically enough, I got this tip from a YSL sales assistant while checking out the Touche.

Fast, easy and travel-friendly, this is definitely a keeper in my makeup bag. I suggest checking it out if you are looking for something to brighten up your under eye area.

Sadly though, I was looking for backups of this the other day and I suspect that Australia has stopped carrying the Beige Dore shade! *grumbles* I'll keep you girls updated when I go on another manhunt this weekend.

Budget Beauty: Awesome eye brushes from Carrefour! - Living & Companion Eye Definer and Eye Contour brushes

Meet the brushes that completely cured my lemmings for a new MAC 224 brush (my SE version is spiky with split hairs) and MAC's pencil brush. And here's the really great part. They only cost RM8.50 each.

You'll find them in Carrefour's beauty section in plastic packaging that looks like this (pic on left). I first learnt of them thanks to Dollie Pomme's rave review, and when I was researching Essence of Beauty's Eye Contour Brushes I found that they were comparable to Living & Companion's thanks to Puss in Heels.

You can bet I tore down to Tropicana Mall and snatched these babies up!

I've been using them a week and I absolutely could not be happier. They are soft, soft SOFT... and unlike most budget brushes, these are made of animal hair. Which animal? Can't tell you, it doesn't say. But so far these two brushes have performed wonderfully. Love them!


Eye Contour Brush
To me, this rounded countour brush is the real steal of the two. Densely packed, its tapered shape makes it great for everything from smoking out to precision work. I find I can use it in my crease, to blend out my darker shadows and even along the lower lash line. It's shape is absolutely brilliant!

Eye Definer Brush
I use this loose and soft brush much as I did my MAC 224 - to apply a sheer wash of shimmery shadow and blend it out. It's not much good for defining in my opinion, but I love it for blending lighter shadows over darker as it applies just the right amount - enough to see, but not enough to obscure the darker colour beneath. It also works great for blending shadows up and out so that the shadows blend seemlessly into your skin.

Conclusion
I've washed both brushes twice so far and no shedding although both have a few hairs wandering out of place. I love these two so dearly I'll probably buy backups. And at this price, I can afford to!

FOTD: Taking the falsies out for a spin

Edit: Pic of dress after the jump!

A dear friend of mine from church got married last Saturday and for the wedding dinner I decided to bring on the glam and use my iNuovi half-lashes. As false lashes go, they're pretty tame and natural looking when your eyes are open, until you blink. Then for a brief moment your have full-on fluttery lashes! Think of them as false-lash-lite. =P

I found them incredibly easy to put on, taking me only one try and about 5 minutes total. Now the temptation to slap them on for EVERY evening function (and believe me, I have quite a few) is unberably tempting.

I'm also considering taking advantage on iNuovi's current offer of "Buy 2 boxes of Prolashes and get one box" free to stock up on these lashes, and maybe give a few other more dramatic ones a try. The offer is only valid at the iNuovi store in Sunway Pyramid and will end June 18 (that's this Thursday!).

Now for the rest of my look:

Eyes
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows in Busy Signal (a deep shimmery brown) and Carte Blanche (a mid-toned gold-based brown)
L'Oreal Colour Appeal Star Secrets Quad in Penelope Cruz - Dark brown and gold shades
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner
Lancome Oscillation Mascara

Cheeks
Benefit Coralista
Benefit Ten to contour

Lips
Benetint as a base
Silk Naturals kisser slicker gloss in Maiden (dupe of MAC Slimshine in Bare)

Edit (June 16,2009): As per request here's a better shot of the halter-neck dress. Forgive the odd angle it's a candid shot by a friend - cropped out the other ladies in the pic in case they're not eager to feature on the blog. =P

Monday's Beauty Bits: Making those killer heels less killing

Lately I've been cheerfully running around in pretty heels that would normally have me limping by the end of the day. While I won't lie and pretend that these are as comfy as flats - they're not - they're still pretty darned comfy! Once I'm through with them that is. Here are some tips on geting more use out of those pretty frivolous sky-high heels you usually only wear when you know you'll be sitting pretty.

Scholl High Heel Insoles: These are a must have! They're slim and slip straight into shoes with no slipping. Their moleskin uppers are comfy and cushy on your feet, and even better, the cushion stops before your toes start. It may seem like a small thing, but toe space is usually at a premium in shoes, and these allow your toes all the wiggle room they need! A pair retails around RM10 (will check) and they are removable, washable, reusable... go get a pair!

Cushioned toe-socks: The other thing that has me dancing on air, is this lovely little invention. These stockings that only cover your toes are almost invisble when on, help keep your toes dry instead of sweaty, and minimise friction in the shoe. Even better, the added cushioning under the ball of your foot, combined with the Scholl inserts, makes for some pretty happy feet! I wore those 3.5" red heels for 16 hours straight on Friday, and wasn't a limping moaning wreck at the end of it. These from Guardian retail for under RM8, while Susoku's offering (also available at Guardian) is priced closer to the RM9 mark.

Bathroom non-slip appliques: Yep you read right! Rather than splurge on these (admittedly cuter) Heartstoppers, pick up a roll of this white non-slip tape at Ace Hardware for RM25. It's essentially the same thing and so far my slippery shoes have been much improved by this. They won't give you the same amount of grip as a pair of sneakers (as a tumble on the stairs of Ole Ole Bali will testify. Be careful at the one in Solaris, the stairs and upper floors are SLIPPERY!), but they sure help. I'll admit i'm looking for cuter alternatives for bathtub appliques though.

Silicone strips and patch stickers: Once the sole purvue of Scholl's wonderous Party Range (really I thank them for it, they are such a god-send!) these silicone strips, patches, and party-feet soles are now produced by just about everyone. Guardian and Watsons included. But having used both, I have to say that if you really need it to work all day, and not slip or get bent out of shape. Scholl is the way to go.

Video: Friday is for everyday glamour

Vintage queen, Super Kawaii Mama shows us how she creates her glamorous pin-up look, everyday. While the tutorial is very long, and could stand some editing, I do love her voice and her soft accent. I can't begin to say how much I wish all makeup gurus had such delightful voices to listen to. Far too many have shrill or piercing voices that make my poor ears ring and are tiring to listen to. Anyways, I love her eyeliner tip, and find her finished look really lovely. Gosh I'm on such a vintage kick, bear with me ladies!



Part two, after the jump!

Review: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner

When researching for the best liner to achieve a "winged" tip, the one that kept getting recommended, again and again, is this - Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner. (What's wrong with their site? Black looks MAROON!)

Right where was I? Ah yes...

I caved and picked up the liner at RM31.80 because my Coastal Scents Gel Liner was getting gunky. Also the idea of being able to swipe on my liner without needing an additional brush was tempting.

After a week's use I can see why this liner is so highly recommended. And I also realise that my dream of not using the liner brush is going to STAY a dream for everyday use.

Applicator
This is where the product is special. It doesn't use a brush, but a pointed felt-tip applicator that allows maximum control and the absolutely finest tip I've ever seen. If you want to draw wings, heck, if you want to draw flowers, birds, bees you name it you probably can!

Problem is, while it is great for precision, it lays down a very hard thin line which is too hard, thin and black for everyday. So I end up dotting on the liner and smudging it out with ELF Studio's tiny Smudge Brush. The result is wonderful!

Formula
When they say blackest black, they MEAN blackest black. It don't come more black than this! And it's smudgeproof and waterproof. Good thing is, once it's on it doesn't budge. Bad thing is, once it's on it doesn't budge so do all your smudging and correcting quick quick before it dries.

Conclusion
I'm aleady loving this liner, and will be happy to use and repurchase it. I aim to get the hang of the wing-tip and maybe one day be able to swipe it on perfectly and not require smudging! We all need something to work towards. ;)

Classic glamour look: Dragonfly

Why "Dragonfly"? I've mentioned in the past that I am badly swayed by the names of products, so lines like Silk Naturals, Benefit and Philosphy all hit my weak spot dead-on. Words that trigger me off include raspberry, pink grapefruit, lavender... and dragonfly. This look was inspired by the Stila Duo Eyeshadow in Dragonfly (sitting in a compact by Beautilicious), and Maybelline Watershine Lipstick in Dragonfly Red. (Everybody say, "Ahhh....!")

I was secretly in love with both products just from seeing the colours (red! purple! taupe! perfect!) on ParisB and Beetrice's sites. I snapped up the duo for RM20 during the clearance sales, and the lipstick recently for RM17.80 - usually it's RM23.90. While the lippy is readily available everywhere, sadly the duo is gone, along with the brand, from Malaysia. But any pale shimmery lavender and medium-dark, brown-taupe will do.

Surprisingly both lavender and taupe go together really well. I used the taupe in my crease, and smudged it just above the crease on the outer corners. I then blended the lavender shadow over as a highlight, concentrating on the inner corners and just under the brow-bone.

Pardon the rather "bleh" shot. I was having a bad photo-day, I took 15 shots, all were worse than this. And then I ran out of time. *sighs* So I wasn't actually sad or pissed off (whichever the photo most resembles) but I was tired as the week was a tough one. On the plus-side, this whimsically themed look perked me up for the day! Its' fun being a girl

Anyways, the red can be layered on to be pretty intense, or applied sheerly - as ParisB prefers it. I love its versitility. To me it's a true-red with slightly-warm undertones. It's very flattering and never turns orange or fuschia. I find it's one of the lippies that suit me even when I'm not wearing foundation or blush. It just perks me right up. LOVE it, this baby has earned itself a permanent place in my makeup bag.

And ah yes I used Benetint on my cheeks. =)

Makeup Organisation Attempt: My Stash Mound

Hellooo ladies!

Taking inspiration from Kahani and Tine's stash mound, I've decided to also share with you girls on where I stash my stash. Do bear in mind, it's nowhere near as neat as Tine's but here's to hoping you girls won't mind too much. =P

As you can see, mine's a built-in dresser, complete with a big mirror (loves) which has storage racks behind it, and a small fluorescent lamp above which provides for excellent lighting when applying makeup. Since Kahani and I started our blog, my makeup stash has boomed so much I have had to add more storage area, hence the little plastic rack at the bottom right. =P

Read on for (many, many) more photos!

Top of my dresser: This is where I put all the daily necessities. Products that I reach out for on an almost daily basis, such as my moisturiser, toner, lipsticks, hairbrush etc. Some other stuff, like Frederik Fekkai are also almost-daily necessities. Love!

A closer shot of the top of my dresser: Watches, Simple eye cream, lipbalms, lipstick stash *hehe*. Can anyone spot my Face Oasis? Vaseline and Lucas' Papaw Ointment. And ooh.. you girls won't believe this. But my hairbrush? RM7 from Watson's in Phuket. It's lasted me err.. 4 years? Awesome. 

Lippies galore: Like I said, I'm a lipstick girl. And the entire lower left corner of the container is dedicated to lipbalms. =P The container I got for RM5 at Daiso (duh), and my first reaction when I saw it was, "It'd be PERFECT for my lipsticks!" =D

Right drawer: Filled to the brim with makeup. There are lots more underneath the first layer which you can't see. But as I'm going to be moving in another couple of months, I'm not really bothered to thoroughly re-organise this. Just a few items you can see - Smashbox's Soft Fusion Lights which I bought off Paris, and Stila's convertible colour in Lillium and Lavshuca palette (thanks Paris!), Shu blush and eyeshadows, Estee Lauder palette etc.

More makeup: After I started blogging, I also started hoarding even MORE makeup, hence the mobile rack to contain the makeup boom. Plus storage space for brushes too. The bigger brush holder is actually a pen holder from Daiso too. Don't you just love that place? And the container right at the top contains even more lipsticks, and glossies. =P

Lippies: Erm.. yea.. well. The lipsticks and glossies which won't fit into the lip storage on my dresser. Mascaras go in here too.

Top drawer: Wokay. This shelf was (initially) meant for the mineral makeup stuff. But with the ever expanding makeup collection, screw mineral exclusivity. So (l-r) it's blush, eyeshadows (plus one blush which can't fit anywhere else anymore), eyeliners and extras.

Lower drawer: (l-r) MAC blush, eyeshadows, more blush (NYX, Cargo and MAC). Blush addict, I am. =P

So there you go, girls. Pretty much almost all the makeup stuff that I have. I have a bit more of skincare products behind the mirror, but I've cleared a lot of it out, so nothing very interesting there.

In a few more months I'll be stashing my makeup mound in another dresser so there might another stash-mound post in the not-so-near future. =P

In the meantime, I'd love to hear your storage ideas. And if you can, blog about it ladies!

Monday's Beauty Bits

I've taken to mixing FOTE Aloe Vera Gel with my Revlon Colorstay Foundation as I believe the foundy has dried out a bit. I think it makes it easier to apply, but I'm as yet unsure as to how it will affect the foundation. If it all goes horribly wrong, or wonderfully right I'll update you! Does anyone do this?

And speaking of Revlon, to alert you girls, Guardian's running a deal that's a little mixed up right now. In their catelogue, it states that if you spend RM60 on Revlon Cosmetics you will get a satin lipstick & powder foundation case (with mirror) free. But when I was picking up a replacement foundation, I thought I'd just tack on the colorstay liner and get the case (since my black Coastal Scents Gel Eyeliner is getting gunky) and get the case. Well guess what? The deal at the shop was spend RM120 including a Beyond Naturals product to get the case. I held the sales girl to the catalogue's deal and got the pouch anyway. They're legally obliged to honour the better deal. So check out the catalogues!

Don't have alcohol handy for sterialising, pressing shattered eyeshadows / blushes / powder, or cleaning up sticky labels? Well a hand sanitiser that has enough alcohol should do the trick! Dettol's isn't quite alcoholic enough to clean up stickier labels though.

Want to know one simple thing that will make you look taller, slimmer, and more graceful on the spot? Stand straight! You can be the best dressed, most perfectly made up lady, but if you slouch like Quasimodo all the beauty is just wasted. Nothing flatteres the figure more than a great posture. I'm sorry to sound old-lady, but it really hurts me to see a lovely girl slouching around like a computer geek.

Much as I love the Himalaya Herbals Neem Mask, it can be awful to remove. After a long day I really dread the struggle. I've finally found my perfect solution. I bought a facial celullose sponge from Caring (it's just a flat blue disc sponge) and after scrubbing the mask around. I wet the sponge and it neatly and cleanly removed the rest of the mask. Lovely!

My total and very happy immersion in vintage-inspires sites that now include Lady Melbourne & Super Kawaii Mama (thanks to the lovely, Tine) have made me miss vintage shopping. So when twittering journalist Melody told me about Amcorp Mall's flea market's hidden treasures I went a-prowling today and bout three dresses for RM30! I'm so delighted with them! One's a shift-dress ala-Twiggy in summery faded yellow and lime-green checked gingham (it needs taking in), another is a grey-checked shirt-dress with a huuuuge circles skirt (that needs to be shortened), and the last was an absolutely gorgeous, vintage cut black dress. It has lattice-panelling, a very intersting back, pockets, a tiny waist and a big flouncy skirt. It's perfect now I've stitched a button on. They've all never been worn - they were just never sold. So now I have three pretty dresses and mini-sewing projects all in one. Whee!

Video: Friday is for shits and giggles - how NOT to do your makeup!

Many of you have probably seen this, but here's Connie of SkinDeco's hilarious video on how NOT to do your makeup! While Connie, however improbably, actually manages to look adorable after all she's done to herself. I really do urge Asian girls to not DO this look. Or at least, not all at once. Get a foundy that matches, if you want to use the lashes, tone down everything else. The pale frosty lipstick isn't for everyone, I for one, cannot pull it off!

Review: MakeUpForEver Super Mat Loose Powder in Translucent No12

I've long known about this powder, and have given it a try twice in the past. Both times, I tried a yellow-translucent shade, and a skintone matching shade. Both times I was disappointed. The finish was ashy, it barely controlled oil, even in England, and I just gave up on it altogether. I couldn't see what everyone else loved about it. And then I read ParisB's rave review of it, and I know how exacting her standards are. So then it hit me, maybe the shade you choose makes a difference. I got the one she recommended, Translucent No 12, and guess what? I love it!

Here's my theory
MUFE are a sly bunch. Their much-hyped HD Powder, has been proven to be simply 1o0% silica powder, in a much smaller jar. This large jar of powder is also silica-based. And my guess is, the more translucent it is, the less colouring additives you opt for, the higher the silica content. This results in the poreless, mattifying coverage this shade provides that the others cannot.

Why I love it
It provides a beautiful finish without altering the shade of my foundation. It holds off the oilies as well as Mac Blot, it makes me look poreless, and I can apply and reapply as much as I want during the day without it ever looking cakey. What's not to love?

Oh and when I do decide to have a light day and use a powder foundation or a mineral foundation, this powder helps them adhere and last so much better without getting patchy or sinking into my pores. I'm not sure if it will help on a very very long day. But so far it's helping on half-days. Who needs a primer? Whee!

Conclusion
At RM110, it's not the cheapest of powders until you calculate it's value per gram. As ParisB pointed out, for 28g, it's a worthwhile price. I remember checking out L'Oreal's Translucide loose powder and finding that gram-for-gram MUFE is STILL cheaper. It's also cheaper than MAC's loose powders. Awesome!

Sweet Stains: MAC Rose Romance Gel Cheek Blush in Just A Pinch

I rushed this one out ASAP because it's LE. Who knows, there may be a few pots left lurking about, and MAC may re-release it with another collection. Now I'm somewhat torn on this product. I love the formula, the packaging, the ease, the colour and the portability. But... and this is a big but because it's a main reason why I love stains... it doesn't really last the day. *sighs*

Colour
Don't let the scary bright colour in the pot fool you, this gel blush is every bit as sheer as Benetint. Both products were swatched twice side by side in the pic below:

It really is a much cooler red than Benetint, and on me it gives a nice brightening flush. In shade it is really quite similar to Etude House Dear Darling Tint in Shade 01.

Formula
The formula is delightful, light and non-sticky. Now I normally prefer using brushes, but just for you my dear readers I used my very clean fingers just the once. I found it patted onto my cheeks, over liquid foundation smoothly and blended out very easily. On my lips it feels more moisturising than most stains, and it has no taste whatsoever.

Now I apply it with The Body Shop's Foundation Brush for cheeks, and a mac lip brush - this method works well, if a bit slower. But I do prefer it for reasons of hygiene.

It also has no scent, which was a bit of a surprise as I expected it to smell of roses.

Wear
This is where the product falls down. I find I have to apply it far brighter than I normally would beacuse it quietens down quite swiftly to a more muted colour. I'd almost accuse my foundation of drinking it up, if it didn't perform so well with every other blush I have.

It also isn't as lasting, even over Revlon Colorstay. In fact, my powder blushes last longer when patted into my foundation than this blush. Major boo boo. It also won't last beyond the lightest meal on the lips, so it only looks like a lipstain - it won't perform like one.

Conclusion
It really is so pretty, and its portability makes bringing it around to touch up a snap so I can almost forgive it for not lasting as long as a stain should. But then again, it's not really a stain is it? And at RM78, I can't say I regret buying it. It is soooo pretty. =D


Product pic courtesy of Temptalia

ELF Studio: The Good, The Bad, and The Meh

When affordable line, E.L.F (or EyesLipsFace to be precise) launched its Studio line at $3 a pop, ripples of excitement ripped through the beauty community. Well, I was excited anyway. Especially when I clapped eyes on the Nars-like Blush/Bronzer Duo thanks to Connie. But after buying quite a few items from the line I have to admit that not all of it is worth your money and time. Even when they're only RM18.50 each via SGDrugstore.

Note: These aren't full reviews, just brief overviews of each product, and why they belong in their respective categories. I'll review in full anything you guys want. Just ask. =)

The Good
First, here are the items that are definitely worth your RM18.50! These are great products that exceed expectations and I find myself using again and again!

(Listed Top-Bottom, L-R) Eye Primer/Liner Sealer Duo, Small Smudge Brush, Eyeshadow 'C' Brush, Powder Brush, Blusher/ Bronzer Duo

Eye Primer / Liner Sealer Duo: This is incredibly handy on a travel trip. The primer isn't as great as my Mac Studio Paint Pot, but it's a good sight handier as it's fat crayon-like format makes it easy to swipe and go. The liner-sealer duo does really change any dark eyeshadow into a long-lasting waterproof liner. The brush is rather had and spiky though - this does allow for quick application.

Small Smudge Brush: Too small for some, just right for me. Great for precise application of cream-powder eyeshadows, and for smudging out gel eyeliner.

Eyeshadow 'C' Brush: Soft and densely packed this is amazing for both packing on the shadow, and blending out hard lines.

Powder Brush: Watch out! ELF Studio can get these mixed up with their Complexion Brushes! But on the whole this is an incredibly brush I use to stipple on blush (because my Revlon Colorstay foundation is tacky, I like to stipple on, rather than brush on blush), apply mineral foundation, and matte powder. I'm considering getting a back-up, Syen already has! And Connie adores this brush.

Blush/Bronzer Duo: I love this blush and bronzer! So handy, and according to Connie, comparable to a Nars Duo. The blush is a cooler, less sparkly shade of Nars Orgasm that nevertheless looks great on everyone. I once used it on an entire wedding party (the lousy makeup "artist" they hired only had one shade of blush - hot pink) and it looked lovely on everyone. The bronzer is very pigmented, so a big fluffy blush and a light touch is needed. I love how it's gold-based and not red, and shimmery but not sparkly. Lovely! Great for coutouring too.

The Bad
Believe me, when I say bad, I mean really really disappointingly bad.

"Mini" Eyelash Curler and Concealer/Highlighter Duo

"Mini" Eyelash Curler: This isn't a criticism of the product itself. But as with the Powder/Complexion Brushes, ELF Studio has gotta stop DOING this. I bought a Mini Eyelash Curler and got a full-sized one! ARGH!

Concealer / Highlighter Duo: The product itself is decent, but the packaging is abominable! I twisted the concealer portion one morning and the damned thing snapped off. Concealer everywhere! I scooped out what I could into a small pot, but oh I was furious!

The Meh
Here are the products that may work for some, but were lackluster for me. Not a waste of money per se, just not great.

(Clockwise) Fan Brush, Eyeshadow / Eyeliner stick duo in Green Moss, and Mattifying Powder

Fan Brush: Too thin and too flimsy for ANYTHING. Even dusting away eyeshadow fallout doesn't work. And when I tried to dust bronzer on, I was left with a line where it inititially touched my face, but it was too flimsy to blend it out. Just not worth it.

Eyeshadow/Eyeliner Stick in Green Moss: Connie finds this to be the best shade, and I agree with her. It's lovely. But the packaging is awful, the shadow wobbles and I'm afraid it'll break.Plus the eyeliner, while smooth, isn't dark enough and the eyeshadow is hard to apply. I just don't find myself using it.

Mattifying Powder: While mostly translucent, it's still too pink. It doesn't control oil particularly well, and for the bulky packaging, there is very little powder. I expected it to be the size of the blush/bronzer duo halves, but it's much much smaller.

So that's my overview, any comments or anything to add? Do let me know what you girls think of this line!

Monday's Beauty Bits - The good 'ol fashioned kind

Yes ladies, I have finally restocked my beauty bits chest that lives in the far right corner of my brain. So here we go!

Eyelure is in Malaysia! As are their Girls Aloud false eyelashes. Spotted in Watsons, MidValley to be precise. At RM23.90 a pair for the Girls Aloud lashes, it really isn't too bad.

Of late I've developed a love for all things pretty, feminine and vintage. It's been escalating for awhile, red lipstick, big skirts, flowers in my hair, mary janes, but I've finally admitted it's a vintage crush. New blog Pretty Vintage is feeding my lust admirably. Loves it!

Is the lead in your lipstick killing you? Who are the worst offenders? This well-researched, written and balance piece allows you to draw your own conclusions. I was shocked at Dior, I must admit. SHAME on them!

While I find most photo-effect sites to be rather tacky, PhotoFunia really isn't half bad! Dead easy, fun and quite a few of the effects are rather tasteful. =D