My Favourite Things: Mentholatum Lip Pure Lipbalm

So you know I go balm crazy, right? And the Mentholatum Lip Pure (Fragrance Free) is one balm I absolutely go nuts about.

Despite having a whole stash of balms in my drawer, this is the one lipbalm I go to, day after day. And night after night.

Since I first met it when it first hit the shelves (what, a year or two back?), there has never been a time I have gone without it. You can always count on finding one in my stash.

It's that good.

So what makes this one so special? First of, it could be just me going all sentimental. This balm's formulation really reminds me of my all-time childhood holy grail of lipbalms - Ultra Ready E-honi. It came in a transparent casing, and it was one heck of a balm. There was never a chap it couldn't fix. Sadly though, it seems to have been discontinued.

Back to Lip Pure, it's made of beeswax and 100% food grade ingredients, which it claims makes it suitable for even sensitive lips . And Shea butter oil, almond oil, aloe extract and jojoba oil certainly makes for an emollient balm.


It also claims to contain no preservatives or colorant.

Frankly, it's nothing terribly fancy. No raspberry scent to boast off, no minty taste to tempt the palate. It's just an honest-to-goodness lipbalm that does its job. Of course, those of you who like citrusy scents can have that option, but me, I prefer the plain one. No citrus scents for me, thank you.

But what I do love, is its texture and finish. I always wear it under lipstick to keep my lips moist, and sometimes over the lipstick to add a little shine. It gives my lips a slightly glossy finish, which is lovely by me.


For a drugstore lipbalm, it's not exactly cheap at RM14.90 at its usual price. But what I do is to stock up during offers and promotions, where it can go for about RM10.

So, to the crux of the matter - would I repurchase? Oh yea. I can't even remember how many tubes I've run through. Just please don't ever discontinue this.

Pretty please?

The Ferarri of Lip Glosses: Hourglass Extreme Sheen in Primal

Meet the most expensive gloss I own. At RM100, it even trumps Naked Man Gloss for price. Touted as THE gloss favoured by Angelina Jolie of the very-famous-lips, promised as long-lasting and waterproof, this baby has a lot to live up to besides its hefty price tag. So, how did it do?

Packaging

The tube is lux, substantial and very posh. The antique bronze shade is also very classy without being in the least old fashioned. I also love the brush as it's perfect for precisely applying gloss evenly. Having said that, they could provide a better insert - see how much gloss is on the wand? A good insert would keep the wand clean and provide just the right amount of gloss on the brush so it doesn't drip. Stage's Glosses are great in this respect, but the absolute best design in this regard goes to the Naked Man Gloss (all applaud Urban Decay!)

Formula & Flavour
The formula is that coveted thick formula that once on, clings to your lips and NOTHING else. It formes a smooth glossy layer that isn't sticky in the least, but lasts very well. I would say in terms of lasting power it matches Clinique's Long Last 8 Hour SPF15 gloss. But, as this gloss disappears, it lays down pigment that can actually get more intense over the day. I find myself topping with just lipbalm around teatime.

Promising to be waterproof (but not "dry finger-proof" as make-up artist Michael protested), you'll find it will last through delicate food like sandwhichs and hors d'ouvers. It doesn't quite stand up to greasy Malaysian food though. Darn..

The gloss contains coconut oil and vanilla essence making it very moisturinsing. However, I'm not crazy about this gourmand scent even though it's natural. It can be a little heady on a hot day or when I'm full. But I don't hate it either. So while I can do without it doesn't turn my stomach (thank God!)

And for the all-natural gals among us. I think this critter and vegan loving baby may qualify!

Ingredients
(From Sephora)
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

Ocytldodecanol, Polybutene, Isocetyl Stearate, Ethyl Cellulose, Isostearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Dilinoleyl Alcohol, Frarance (Parfum), Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Silica May Contain: Mica (Ci 77019), Titanium Dioxide (C I 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Carmine (Ci 75470), Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140).

Shade
Don't you just LOVE the name, Primal? I do. *purrrs*

But for the less linguaphilic among us, Primal is a truly unique and versatile shade. If I had to splurge on a gloss I'm darned glad it comes in a unique shade that's glossy, classy, shimmery, natural and when layered, vamp!

It's even both cool...


And warm...
Don't ask me how it goes with everything but it does.

It perks up my complexion when I'm tired, and at the end of the day if I really layer it on it turns red and glamorous. But throughout the day if I want to I can keep it sheer and natural.

I love it so much you can see how much the tube has depleted! *eep*

Conclusion
Am I happy with it? Yes! Thank heavens! Would I buy another? Ah... honestly I don't know. I love it, but I do believe comparable glosses can be found. Still the next time I'm in Singapore and feeling streseed - who knows? It does give me a kick to use it everytime I pull it out.

15 Minute Time Savers: Klorane Oat Milk Dry Shampoo

Each time I oversleep in the morning and don't have the time to wash my hair, I offer up a silent prayer for the person who created dry shampoo.

Kahani has already acknowledged her love for the popular Batiste dry shampoo here so i thought I would take a peek at it's more expensive equivalent: Klorane Dry Shampoo

Retailing at AUD 14.99 for 150ml, Klorane is roughly AUD 5 more expensive than Bastiste. However, Klorane is paraben-free, fragrance-free and claims to be a little bit more "natural" than Batiste since it relies heavily on oat milk as a secret weapon.

Both dry shampoos perform equally well in getting rid of greasy roots but Klorane gives me a lot more volume than Batiste. Batiste makes my hair looks rather flat and dead. I also find that I can use Klorane for several days in row (think the longest I managed to go was 3 days) while Batiste weighs my hair down after one use.

Maybe that oat milk really does works.

While Klorane wins performance wise, I prefer the scent of Batiste dry shampoo. Klorane smells too strongly like hair spray and sends me running out of the washroom for air each time I use it.

Price versus performance versus scent makes it a really tough call. Let's just say that I would go for Klorane when it's on offer and use it next to an open window.

My Favourite Things: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Of the many cleansers that sit in my bathroom right now, (very) few I will gladly repurchase over and over and over again. Some cleansers come and go, bought only to satiate a fancy or curiosity. But this one's here to stay. For good.

Ladies (and gentlemen), meet Cetaphil - my best friend in a bottle.

How can it possibly be that we've kept a beauty blog all this while, and NEVER reviewed this Holy Grail cleanser? I have no idea. So much has been said about this legendary product that I will be frank to mention that I'll just be one more rave from among its legion of fans.

So read on for my take!

Cetaphil really is what is says - a gentle skin cleanser. Many dermatologists recommend it for people with dry, sensitive skin. I've also read it's highly recommended for people with eczema. Even though I don't fall into any of the listed categories, what with combi-oily skin and all, I find it works perfectly well for me.

One pump is sufficient to cleanse my entire face, and I usually go over it a second round - this time with a bit of my fave Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub added in. I find that that way, it's emollient yet exfoliating, which results in really clean and happy skin.

Don't expect foam and lather. You will find none of it. Instead, you'll find a thick translucent liquid that goes on very smoothly and easily. After a wash, there is no pulling, no tightness, nothing. It's gentle as gentle gets. I love that it's also very kind to the eyes and does not sting, which is a huge plus is my books.

Generally, at the end of a work day with my usual makeup on (ie. powder foundation, blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow), this cleansing routine is enough to get everything off. For those who wear heavier makeup, you might need to use a makeup remover beforehand.

I first started using Cetaphil early this year, after somehow including it in my daily cleansing regime. By and by, used together with several other amazing products, I noticed that my skin had cleaned up and started looking much happier.

Those of you who have been following this blog will know that for a long time, my favourite cleanser has been the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Face Wash Cream. But guess what? Cetaphil has officially bumped off Himalaya Herbals from first place. I love it thaaat much.

Available in most major pharmacies, it's not too pricey with the current promotions going on everywhere. I recently bough a pack of two huge 473ml bottle for only RM40ish. Totally worth the dough, if you ask me.

And so, while this won't stop me from trying out different cleansers (because I have itchified fingers), Cetaphil will certainly have the top spot on my bathroom counter for a long, long time.

This really is love. Have you tried it?

Monday's beauty bits

If you're a frequent shopper at 1 Utama and don't yet have a One Card - what are you thinking? The points translate into cashbacks you can spend in participating outlets - which are many. And for this month, spend RM100 at participating outlets (including ~H2O+) and get an additional RM5 back.

Malaysia appears to finally be making an impact on the beauty map. New brands are cropping up all the time like Ecotools (first spotted by Plue)! It's available at Shins but the prices are twice what you'd pay if you bought from Makeup Masala. Even with shipping, buying online is cheaper.

Etude House is running a promotion that gets you 30% off cosmetic items when you spend RM20 and above on non-cosmetic items. They also try to give you a file and poster of some Korean actor. I say try, because I handed them both back posthaste. If you're curious, I picked up their cream brush (it looks like a mini foundation brush) and their dual eye-brightener. Believe me, I need it.

It's official! Face Oasis by ~H2O+ makes my skin happier than Clinique's Moisture Surge. I just switched back to Face Oasis and already it looks glowier and is less oily. The general rule seem to be, if you're drier you like Clinique, if you're oilier then Face Oasis is for you!

I don't remember if I've said this but it bears repeating. A general rule of thumb when applying makeup is to use the lightest touch possible. Blush will then contour naturally to your face, foundation application look flawless and your liner will not be overdone. If your touch is too light, then just go over again till you find the perfect degree of force.

My daily delight: The Balm Shady Lady Eyeshadow Palette

Meet the one palette that has successfully quenched all longings for any other palette. No, I'm not kidding! With nine superbly useable, long lasting, pigmented shades in a creamy powder formula that resembles Shu Uemura, it's hard to want anything else!

Palette
Ok I'm not a fan of the hoochie leopard print with the sillhouette - but the slim sturdy design witha lovely large mirror can't be faulted.

Shades
With 3 liner shades (matte), 2 highlighter (shimmer), and 4 mid-tone crease shades (satin) this pallete is wonderfully thought out! From sweet and pretty to daily glow to dark and smokey this palette makes it all possible. So far I've created a warm natural day look, a sweet and sexy purple and dark blue, a fresh green and gold, a smokey silver and blue... The combinations are endless!

Here are just 3:

>Lucious Lani, Curvi Cami, Risque Renee

Lucious Lani, Shameless Shana, Cought in the Act Courtney

Jet-Setting Jennifer, All About Alex, Jealous Jordana

For swatches, check out this great post at PrettyB!

Formula
As mentioned the creamy smooth blendabiity of these shadows rivals Shu Uemura. So easy is it to blend together that I have started using 4 even 5 shades on my eyes on somedays. It brings out the latent artist in me. ;)

Over a primer the shadows last all day with slight fading of the shimmer. One gripe I have is the liner shades on my lower lids does smudge somewhat on my oily skin throughout the day. Easy enough to clean up, but I'd rather it lasted like Bobbi Brown's Espresso eyeshadow. Maybe it's the trade in for blendability because even the liner shade is wonderfully easy to blend in to deepen and shadow.

Conclusion
I can't be happier with this palette - a great buy for RM120. My only worry is Luscious Lani, the most perfect shade of warm highlight pink, is running out faster than the rest. I may have to get the mono!

Buffy, the kickass Elf Studio Powder Brush!

Over the years, I have somehow managed to amass quite a few makeup brushes (along with the other makeup stuff). There are the amazing ones, the good ones, and the meh ones. But only a select few make enough of an impact that they get the daily cuddles and usage.

I guess it can be likened to making headlines on the front page of the papers - every day. Awesomeness.

And today, I will introduce you to one such brush: the Elf Studio Powder Brush.

If you're going, "Haven't I already read about this brush somewhere in this blog before?", then the answer is yes. Kahani very briefly reviewed it before here, along with several other Elf Studio products.

I had purchased it a while back together with Kahani, but it was only recently that I fell head over heels with it. Which was when I decided it deserved the honour of getting a review all on its own. So here goes.

After reading Connie's raves about this brush, it somehow stuck in my head that this brush is awesome for liquid foundations. Which sounds great. With the only problem being, I hardly ever use liquid foundy. My daily go-to has always been ZA's two-way foundation.

Call me dense. But it just never occurred for me to try the brush with the powder foundy earlier.

*smacks forehead*

Until one fine day sometime last week. And then it was aaaalll lurve. This synthetic haired Taklon brush is dense, yet so unbelievably fluffy and soft, it is such a joy to use. It's chubby handle makes for a pretty easy grip. It doesn't smell, it doesn't bleed, and it sheds very, very minimally too. Which makes it one heck of brush.


It works really well in picking up powder evenly, and using it in a buffing motion results in a smooth, flawless, even application. Absolutely gorgeous.

It might jolly well be my imagination, but I did notice that my face also stayed oil-free for a few good hours longer. Where my face would have been oil-slicked by lunchtime, I can now wait until well after, before I really feel the urge to blot. Hot damn.

I haven't really tried using it for blush, as I've nary strayed from my MAC#129, but I can definitely see it working as a blush brush too.

And the bestest part of all? It costs only US$3 (~RM10). Serious.

I've already bought a back-up. And now I'm thinking of getting a back-up for the back-up. It's madness, but I really am in love.

This brush definitely kicks ass.

Review: Nivea Oxygen Power Reviving Night Cream

"You have to try this, Eli," my sister told me. "It's my HG cream."

I know I often poke fun at my older sister's beauty blunders but if she says that something works (or doesn't work), it is worth taking her advice seriously. It took me a while to get around to using this but now that I have, my faith in my older sister has been restored.

*dodges flying object thrown at head*

I am a pretty big Nivea fan but brand loyalty doesn't prevent me from noting that "Oxygen Power" sounds like a silly name for Nivea's oxygen-based range. Both day and night creams in the Oxygen Power range claims to contain 15% oxygen which helps with cell regeneration.

Big sis and I are guessing that there is some truth to the oxygen claim as we both get happy glowy skin when we wake up in the morning. It doesn't matter if we were up all night trying to meet a deadline or returned home at some ungodly hour after a night of drinking and clubbing. I remember waking up with an awful hangover and although my skin wasn't exactly glowing, I still looked pretty decent. Before this, I would have looked like death warmed over.

The night cream is really light, spreads well and absorbs quite quickly into the skin. I used this through winter and was pleasantly surprised at how moisturising it was as I was worried that it would be too light for my skin. It didn't cause any pimples either.

My major grouse about this product is that because the cream is so light, I have a tendency to overpump and end up with a lot more cream than needed. Also, the metal pressurised container doesn't let you know how much is left in the can until the last day.

If any of you are wondering, I have not tried the day version of this cream and probably won't as I prefer using a daytime moisturiser with SPF. Has anyone tried it?

The Nivea Oxygen Power Reviving Night Cream retails at AUD15.99 for 50ml. However, Priceline is offering this for AUD 3.99 until 26th October. While I am jumping for joy at the low, low price, I am worrying that Nivea is planning to discontinue the Oxygen Power.

Looks like I had better stock up for my nights on the town.

Like lemon cookies: Maggie, by Wiggle Perfume

It has been pointed out to me that because it's so hard for me to find a perfume my nose agrees with, I am a wee bit fragrance obsessed. Having given up on commercial designer perfumed I find myself sniffing my way hopefully through handcrafted perfumes and that's how I came across the delightful Nani and her Etsy store - Wiggle Perfumes - and a perfume that makes me smell like warm lemon cookies.

I adore the Wiggle Perfume name and philosophy:
"The wiggle is about pushing back against the notion that all our parts are meant to be hard and flat and angular. It's about realizing how much power there is to be found in the curvy jiggly bits. It's about spending less time in the gym and more time in the bedroom. It's about relaxing and letting the good outweigh the bad. Rock what ya got!"

Who doesn't want the wiggle in her walk? And isn't her photography wonderful? I want to frame some of them up!

I bought 4 samples off Nani at US$1 each - 101, Valdosta, Verbena & Maggie - and got one, Geneva, free (she's wonderful that way). Now scents are very personal, and what I dislike another may love, so I'll only say that I didn't take to any except Maggie.

Scent
Wiggle Description:
"My first official bakery scent, this one, like my others, has a grown-up twist. Layered into the lemon cookie sweetness are touches of cinnamon, sandalwood, egyptian musk, and soft yellow rose."

That I like Maggie so much surprises me. I've always thought that I'm about clean fresh scents and foody perfumes always annoy or distract me. But the warm cinnamon and slightly baked scent rounds out the bright and tart lemon making me smell fresh, yet snuggly. Like a warm kitchen with the tang of a cool breeze, Maggie makes me feel delicious, but not too sugary. I may on a nice day be a lemon cookie, but I am never candy.

As proof of it's yumminess - I had to put off wearing it until after Ramadhan as it made my poor fasting colleague too hungry!

Formula
Approach Wiggle perfume oils with caution as they are very strong. The tiniest drop gives you a longlasting waft of fragrance about you. A larger drop and poof you're a room fragrance. No matter how yummy the perfume, aim for the tiny drop. Please.

Conclusion
When this sample runs out (and it's taking awhile) I'll be buying a 5ml rollerball vial of Maggie. Considering how long it lasts, that will be $US11 well spent! I've already ordered samples of Clementine Spice Tea, Speakeasy Vanilla (more for friends than me - I've never liked vanilla) and Martine. From reviews I gather Nani's strengths may lie in slightly heavier, foodier perfumes. I can't wait to sniff these out!

Monday's Beauty Bits

Hellooo! This week's beauty bits will be about the little odds and ends of promotions and products that Kahani and I discovered along the way. As we head along towards Dec and the holiday seasons, we can definitely expect more in this department. So happy reading, and happy shopping, perhaps?

~H20+ is currently celebrating their 20th anniversary, and for that they're having a 20% sale on their star product - Face Oasis. If you've been wanting to try, or restock the Face Oasis (which totally screams HG), now might be a jolly good time to run along and check it out. Kahani managed to restock on this offer, but impatient me bought a tub in Sept and missed out! Boo.

Stage Cosmetics is AGAIN having their Buy One Get One Free (BOGOF) promotion up till Nov 1, and by George, it's one of those promotions that I WILL WAIT FOR. Products I'd recommend without batting an eyelid are their Wonderlust lipsticks (RM48) and their Wondergloss glossies (RM55). Me thinks it's totally worth it, and I loooove the light vanilla scent! Just in case you're wondering, yes, I ran and bought two lipsticks. And yes, they're already been included in #71.

Fans of iNouvi makeup, you might be happy to note that they now have a counter in Parksons, One Utama. Located in the new wing (for the uninitiated), it's very near the Laura Mercier counter there.

And finally, mad MACanistas, MAC's Magic, Mirth and Mischief holiday collection is ready for sale! But only at the KLCC stand-alone store. Or so I was told. The official launch date is Oct 21 (if I remember correctly), and products are not out on the counters yet, but they are all available for purchase. I was given a quick introduction to them when I ran by the store, and I can tell I will be buying a palette or two. Some of the colours are just goooorgeous. So run, ladies, run! No wait, let me rephrase that - wait for MEEEEEE!!!!

What's your number, pouty lips?

Bet that got your attention, din it? *grin*

No, no. Nothing scandalous of any sort in this post here. But I've recently been looking at my ever growing stash of makeup, and the pile of lipsticks and glosses I've accumulated over the years.

If I haven't mentioned it before, lippies are my original sin. I started with one Estee lipstick and it went baaaad from there. Right now it's blushes AND lipsticks.

Oh dear.

So I was just wondering. Does this sound familiar to you? You see a lipstick/gloss, and you have this insane voice going, "I waaaaants this." Nevermind if you already have 10 other lipsticks in the same shade sitting in your stash back home. The thing is, you need THIS one.

Some friends of mine have maybe five, or six, lipsticks and they run it through before they feel the need to get another one. One colleague of mine has only three. A coralish, a pinkish and a reddish.

"Why would I need more?" asks she.

But if you're anything like me, you'd bring that lipstick home too. Where you let it make friends with the other 15 coral lipsticks sitting on your dresser. Which begs the question, as some of my colleagues and friends have asked: How on earth do you ever finish a lipstick?

So now I'm asking you girls too. Do you finish your lipsticks and then buy more? Or buy more, regardless?

Anyhoo, what I started wondering then was how many lippies I actually own. And that got me counting. So my number is - 71 lipsticks and 29 glosses.

So 'fess up. What's your number? =P

I want it TOO!: Eau de Soap & Glory

I was idly browsing The Muse's site when I came across this. Oh. My. God. All my S&G prayers have come true (except for the one where they come to M'sia at a reasonable price). They have a perfume. An actual perfume! I love Soap and Glory's scents and have been hoping they'd bottle it.

Only available for £15 in Boots England as far as I know. Boo!

Anyone headed there? *looks hopeful*

Great for Everyday: Maybelline Volume Express Hypercurl Mascara in Very Black

I've finally found an everyday mascara I'm happy to repurchase over and over. As far as I'm concerned this baby is a HG. Is it outstanding? Nope, but it's precisely what I want out of my daily mascara:
1. It's cheap!
At RM22.90 it won't break the bank, and if I'm going to buy a new tube every 3 months, and still afford to try out new mascaras, cheap is good! (Edit March 2011: It's now RM32.90 and I find myself a LOT less willing to shell out for it)

2. It lasts
No smudging, flaking, or any hanky panky around my eyes.

3. It holds a curl
While not as dramatic as Stage's Standing Ovation, it's not bad at holding a curl all day.

4. It isn't OTT
Even though I suffer from lash envy, I honestly don't want a fake lash look for everyday. This mascara volumnises but keeps lashes looking feathery and non-clumpy (providing you don't over-apply) and lengthens to a lesser degree. This subtle emphasis makes my eyes look pretty but not dramatic.


5. It comes off easily
This is super important to me. After a long hard day I don't want to spend 15 mins struggling to remove my tenacious mascara.

6. I don't hate the brush
I don't love it either, but really look down when applying and you won't smudge your lids. It isn't outstanding but it isn't bad. Good enough for me!

Conclusion
I've found my staple basic mascara that I'm happy to buy over and over. I must add though that there are two shades for this - brown and very black and the only difference is a tiny sticker at the bottom. Brown does nothing for me, so I am annoyed that I've made this mistake. I wish maybelline marked it more carefully. Be careful!

Not a Looker but a Winner: Mitchum Antiperspirant Deodorant

Mitchum is no-looker as it looks more like a man's deodorant than a woman's. As far as I know, it doesn't even have a scent. However, judge not a book by its cover, ladies. This happens to be my HG antiperspirant.

My ideal antiperspirant has to be able to: (1) keep my pits from smelling, (2) keep the pit marks at bay, and (3) not stain my clothes. I hate it whenever the latter happens and destroys a perfectly lovely shirt.

After searching high and low for years, a pharmacist handed me a bottle of Mitchum with a wink and a smile. "Try it," she said. So I did and fell in love.

Goodbye unslightly pit marks and annoying stains! I just swipe this on in the morning and I am good to go til night, even after a run. Don't bank on the Mitchum claim that it is effective up to 2 days though, I have only managed to make it last for a day (yes, I really tested it out).

Best of all, how much does this cost? AUD 3.45, ladies. Cheaper than all the pretty looking and scented crap on the shelves. Just go past the lookers and head for the one means business.

Zits be Gone: Aknemycin Plus Solution

I have never had great skin. There are the bad days and then there are the good days, but there have never been great days.

Several months prior to my wedding, my skin was bad. Various options of came to mind, including visiting a skin specialist, or even taking hormone pills to control the break-outs, to ensure that I would get that flawless canvas in time.

Thankfully, however, thanks to the combination of these two products + Clarins facials + Aknemycin Plus (which was recommended by a doctor), my skin was at its best behaviour. Excellent.

Aknemycin Plus is a topical ointment, which can be applied directly from the 25ml bottle through its sponge head. On its list of active ingredients are erythromycin (4%)and tretinoin (0.025%).

A quick check on the Net found that erythromycin is indeed a very commonly used antibiotic for acne, and acne vulgaris, as it has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness in lesions, in addition to killing bacteria.

In my case, I found that when applied to a formed pimple, or one which is only just forming, it instantly soothes the pain and itch, and reduces the redness. Applied over two or three days at night before bedtime, the pimple eventually shrivels up and disappears.

As for pimples which are just forming, they never quite even make it to be troublemakers. Perfect.

On the down side, where applied, this ointment does cause the skin to dry up as well, leading to flaky skin. But with sufficient moisturiser, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Since discovering aknemycin, I must say that I have happier skin, and it has certainly lessened my pimplish woes.

A little note from a pharmacist friend of mine though. Apparently, prolonged use over large areas of the face will cause the medication to lose its effectiveness. As it's essentially an antibiotic, she suggested it could well be because the bacteria may well develope a resistance against the drug.

But in any case, until that day comes for me, I'm a happy girl.

PS: Apologies on the lack of a price tag. I really can't remember as it was purchased from a panel clinic.

Singapore Confessions & a look at Hourglass Cosmetics

It is shocking, truly shocking the amount of financial damage you can do when you're stressed. One working day-trip to Singapore (for an F1 event), one mall (Takashimaya), two shops (Watsons & Sephora), and 1.5 hours makes for SGD$100 in damages. Ouch.

Watsons (Damage ~SGD$60)
1. 2 Nivea Pink Grapefruit Balms - $6.50 for 2
2. 2 Clean & Clear Pink Grapefruit Blotters - $10 for 2
3. Clean & Clear Powder Blotters LE - $6.50
4. 2 Insolia Shoe Inserts - $13.50 each
5. Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Balm in Mint - ~$5
6. Nexcare Microfibre Face Towel - ~$5
7. Juice Organics Lip Plumping Gloss (Free Sample Kit) - $10

Sephora (Damage - $42)

I had decided to spend SGD$100 on myself (and not buying anymore cosmetics for the rest of the month) and so after Watsons I went into Sephora to see what I could snag for that price and wandered right into the clutches of Hourglass Cosmetics makeup artist, Michael Pierce who was in Singapore just for that weekend to promote the new counter in Sephora, Singapore.

Michael proved truly lovely and I suspect he was rather grateful to find someone who had heard of Hourglass cosmetics - and heard great things. I was wavering over their expensive but legendary gloss, Extreme Sheen when he swayed me by loading me down with samples to try and a full-sized eyeliner that was about the same price as the gloss - $42.

Yes that's my justfication for going crazy and splurging RM100 on one gloss. I've never done this before. Even the naked man gloss wasn't this pricey. But it IS a really nice gloss and Angelina Jolie loves it. And if it's good enough for Angie's pout...

*cough*

Now about Hourglass cosmetics, it's a high-priced line with a select range of cosmetics that are high quality. No MAC-style releases with this line. All shades are very flattering, all formulas are cutting edge and sophisticated, and each capsule collection is designed to make you look pretty, not arty. Packaging is lush, solid and very very pretty. Founded by Carissa Jane, the line is cruelty free and packed with natural ingredients so the makeup almost amounts to skincare. I can't wait to review the goodies I've got! I've already cracked open the gloss (of course) and liner and love them both to bits. Pity I'll very probably never be able to afford them again. *sighs*

On the plus side, even though the prices are high the prices in Singapore are much the same as the prices in the US. None of us like paying the huge markups lines like Benefit, Smashbox, and Clinque exact from their Asian consumers. So at least you're paying a fair price.

Standby for reviews!

Cheapie & Goodie: H&M Blush in Tawny Rose

Geez. It's been a while since I've talked about my pet subject hasn't it? It certainly seems that way to me. What are we talking about?

Blush. Of course.

So today I'm going to introduce you to a little cheapie but goodie blush that I picked up in H & M, while romping about in Greece. Oooh.. what fun!

I had zoomed in on Sephora, but then H & M was the store just before it, so I thought, "Ah, why the heck not?", and walked in with not much of an intention to buy anything. I really, really wasn't planning to spend much time in the store anyway, so I zoomed straight for their little makeup corner. Just a quick little browse through, ya know.

But things never quite turn out the way you think, do they? Which was how I ended up walking out with a blush, a bronzer, and ... oh right, I've told you all this before. =P

Aneeeway, on to the blush.


Called tawny rose, it's a lovely rose shade, even if it leans towards the warm spectrum of things. Although, from some angles, it even looks like it leans towards coral, doesn't it?

Pigment wise, it's just about right and shows up on my NC25 skin with ease. Two swipes with my MAC #129 gives me a natural glow. Three swipes if I want to make it pop just a little more. Go ahead with four swipes if you're on clown duty.

As for its texture, this finely-milled blush is sturdy enough for me to swipe my brush on its surface, as opposed to some really soft blushers, like say Stila or Cargo. Those I can only touch or dab my brush against.

In terms of packaging, it comes in the typical H & M minimalist casing with a see-through lid. All the better to see the shade, my dear. While I'm not too fussed up with its casing, what I do like about it is that it's really slim (at 11mm. Yes, I measured). All the better to stuff it into my already-stuffed makeup bag.

And oh, did I say it was still on my face in the evening after work? It stayed on all through my rounds of (careful) blotting. Impressive.

(Okay, so not to mislead anyone, this blush was freshly applied to show what it looks like on me. This was with two swipes. With my current fave lipbalm - Nivea Star Fruits in Strawberry. And oooh, shiny hair! LOL.)

For €3.95 (~ RM20), I really do think that this little 7.2g blush is definitely worth your buck. Small and portable, cheap and works great. What's not to love?

Oh right. We don't have it here in Malaysia. Dang.

Happy Toes: Revlon Nail Polish in Red Hot Tamale

Ever since I got this bottle of red hot nail polish from Revlon's distributor, Alliance Cosmetics (thanks girls!) it's been almost constantly on my toes. I love bright loud happy colours for my toenails - it's like therapy in a bottle. Just seeing bright glossy red toes peeking out from my sandals makes me grin happily to myself.

Pedicures always outlast manicures (most of us don't use our toes to type) and with a top coat, the polish lasts till the nail grows out.

For RM19.90, therapy in a bottle is pretty affordable!

Pardon the smudgey big toe, I didn't notice it till after the pic was taken and then I was too lazy to retake!

Review: Eau Thermal Avene Cleanance K

Some time back, a reader asked for recomendations of pore minimising products which actually work.

Truthfully, I kind of gave up on searching for that HG product and decided to concentrate on having clear skin instead. Time would (hopefully) erase all my scars and pits by the time I hit 40 and attain MILF status. In the Quest for Clear Skin though, I did stumble across this very affordable product which gave me clear skin and shrunk some pores: Avene's Cleanance K.

The Eau Thermale website claims that Cleanance K contains 6% Glycolic Acid, 2% Lactic Acid and 0.1% Salicylic Acid, making it a pretty effective chemical exfoliant. While AHA's and BHA's are not as effective as retinol in cleaning out the pores (if memory serves me right, retinol is able to penetrate the skin more deeply and encourages cell renewal), they are a lot less drying on the skin.

Texture and fragrance wise, Cleanance K is not great. The product itself is a slightly sticky gel which balls up after a while and there's that indescribable Avene fragrance about it which makes you sit up and go, "What the heck is that?" Also, put it too near your mouth and you will discover that it tastes really, really odd.

Oh, and it stings a little especially when applied over zits and small cuts. The tingling can feel odd but still bearable. Your skin gradually builds resistance to it after a while. The first time my sister used it, she came roaring like a lion into my room to ask if I had started using bottled brimstone on my face.

She was having a bad breakout and thought that Cleanance K was moisturiser. The memory still makes me hunch over in laughter.

I recommend only using this product at night with some moisturiser on top (I usually wait an hour) if your skin feels too dry. I imagine your makeup would look pretty odd balling up all over your face in the daytime.

Sadistic remembrances aside, Cleanance K works pretty well for me. It took about 2 to 3 weeks for results to show but I was rewarded with clearer skin and less obvious pores. I had oil plugs coming to the surface after a few days of use and I could easily do self-extractions with tweezers or nose strips. Be warned though, your skin can get pretty dry and sensitive while using this so ease off on the exfoliants and be sure to use sunscreen in the a.m.

I have not been using this since Winter came along but now that Spring is here... Hmm, where did I put my tube?

Avene Cleanance K retails at AUD21.95 for 40ml. I am not sure how much it costs in Malaysia but I think it falls in the range of RM40-RM50+.

My Fruity Indulgence: The Body Shop Peach Shower Gel

A while back I did a post about my sudden craving for all things fruity. And I did say I would be reviewing some of my fruity purchases. But as time went by, I promptly forgot about it. Ooops.

Until perchance I came across that particular post again recently. And so I will pick up from where I left off - The Body Shop's Peach Shower Gel.

Wander into any The Body Shop outlet, and you're bound to find something you like from their shower gel range. They have quite the variety of scents to choose from, but somehow there's just something about peaches that call out to me.

But peaches or no, I've always reluctantly walked away from making a purchase as RM24.90 for a wee little 250ml bottle does seem rather steep to me. Especially since my basic Johnson's pH5.5 Nourishing Body Wash with Honey costs only RM13.90 for 1000ml!

Fortunately though, I managed to snag a bottle at a 30% discount, which made it err... about RM17. I had to bring it home.

This shower gel has a lovely, fruity scent about it, but unfortunately, I can't quite tell if it's truly peach. The good thing about it though, is that it has none of the cloyingly-fake-sweet scent that some other shower gels do, thank heavens.

Applied to my shower glove, it lathers up, but not overly so. It washes off easily too. While it's not terribly moisturising, it doesn't cause any tightness in the skin either. After a shower, the scent lingers on just a little while without overstaying its welcome.

This shower gel can also be used for shaving, although, with its price tag, I'm not sure you'd want to use it all that often just for shaving. This one I usually save for days when I feel in need of a little pampering in the shower.

The hubs, however, doesn't seem to have such reservations. There has to be a correlation between his "I looooove that peach scent" exclamations, and the rate the shower gel is depleting. I sense something peachy going on here. LOL.

So, to the crux of the matter, would I buy it again? I just might. When's the next The Body Shop sale again?

Monday's Beauty Bits: Prowling through Watsons

Hey dear readers, so sorry to have been absent but I had to work last weekend, went down to Singapore - will be posting the haul soon! Sadly I was too exhausted to post that weekend and too busy to post all week. But I'm back and I hope you'll like the finds Syen and I spotted as we prowled through Watsons, at The Curve

New Quads by L'Oreal

You've heard how much I love the Star Secrets Quad in Penelope Cruz, well L'Oreal has released a new quad collection called "Open Eyes" for RM49.90 each. The verdict? Both Syen and I secretly want the smokey grey palette she's swatchin in the pic above.

And even though I have the dark brown in my quad I do want the brown palette as well! There's purple (for Beetrice) and Blue for (ParisB) as well. ;)

Superdrug products

If you've never heard of it, Superdrug is to Boots what Watsons is to Guardian. Slightly less serious and full of fun brands. Meldee spotted their Tea Tree & Peppermint shampoo and conditioner range (which she says smells delish - Syen screwed up her nose though and I think they're ok). They also have a basic Tea Tree range of skincare products. Prices are low - in the RM20 range - and worth checking out. I haven't personally tried any of the products Watsons has brought in though.

BRTC Range

Finally, we also spotted popular Korean BB cream and skincare brand BRTC. I've read rave reviews of their BB cream and while I'm not interested in BB creams (every single one I've tried breaks me out), I know many of you girls are. I know the one on the right is definitly a BB cream and the price os RM99.90.

You put WHAT on your hair?!

I thought I had heard everything wacky beauty related: sheep placenta and baby foreskin in cosmetics, cockroach facials (Kahani still refuses to let me post the video of that one)... But nothing prepared me for this one:

Bull semen hair treatments.

This is definitely one for the books.

Most of us in Malaysia have heard about the urban legend of the rich old Datin, her young toyboy drivers and her belief in sperm-based facials. Sperm-based hair treatments? Now that's new.

On one hand, it does make sense. After all, brittle hair is lacking in protein and if anyone remembers from our high school biology lessons, sperm is chock-full of protein. So, if you are into naturally derived products, why not use already existing resources from the bull?

"Wait," one of my choking male friends said, "so does that mean that you are going to go a salon, let them wash your hair and then bring out a bull to stand over your head?"

Ack, no. The semen is treated and mixed with another protein-rich plant before being refrigerated in straws. There is no smell and the treatment is said to leave hair looking glossy and full. Its pretty pricey though as a course costs £55 to £85 (USD $90-$138) and the semen comes from Aberdeen Angus bulls.

"I have to ask," another friend piped up, "how do they extract the semen from the bulls? Do they stick a needle in there or... ?"

Grins ran around the table.

Check out the original article here.

My Wedding Snapshots ~

Finally! The wedding photos are here. And as promised, here are some shots I'd love to share with you girls.

The wedding was held on Aug 8, 2009, in Kuala Lumpur. We had a church wedding, and the weather was bright and sunny (if a little warm). It was then followed by a Chinese dinner reception in a hotel.

To all you dearies who turned up for it, the hubs and I thank you! All you girls (and guys) made our day. And oh boy, what a day it was. =D

Enjoy the piccies!

Getting fidgety with the engagement ring while waiting for the then fiance to arrive.

Me and my parents. I thought my mom looked lovely in her cheongsam.

With the bridal team at my parent's home, save the ringboy and the flower girl, who went straight to church. Our wedding, albeit a Christian one, took on some Chinese traditions, such as having the groom pick up the bride from her home.

Aren't they sho cute? He's a first-timer. She's already a pro, with five weddings to her resume.

Daddy walking me down the aisle. What was in my head? - "Don't trip. Don't fall. Don't trip. Don't fall." LOL.



The newlyweds! =D

Oooh. I loved my wedding cake. Simple and classy, just how I wanted it to be.

Me and my hoard of childhood friends. I grew up with a lotta guys. Thanks for coming darlings!

Me and my besties - Kahani and Mich. I love you both. *mooooaks!*

No Chinese wedding dinner can be complete without the customary "yaaaaaaaam seeeeeng!!!"

The new Mr & Mrs! Wheee! =D

And today I turn a year older too. Oh, I feel ooold. *tee hee*

Note: Photos by Wondrous Vision.