Simple Cleansing wipes, YOU'RE DUMPED

Ah, the trusty green packet which a staple of so many bedsides and travel kits. Well guess what? It's taken me years, YEARS, and I feel absolutely brick-red embarrassed foolish that it took me so long to realise...

They break me out. 

Oh yes they do. 

For years I've thought that I was being great to my skin by using these gentle wipes to take off all my makeup while on long-haul flights. I'd use them, go through my usual night-time skin routine, and sigh the next day at the bad breakout I'd suffer. 

Until Cannes, I sincerely and honestly thought that I broke out because of the stress of travelling. Not these wipes. Because, hey, it MUST be better to use these to take my makeup off than to just leave all of that foundation on for 13 hours, right? Right? 

Wrong!

Absolutely natural: Topicrem Rouge Á Lévres Phantom

On my power whizz through a French pharmacy in Cannes, this unusual lippy stopped me dead in my tracks. Completely clear, with silver sparkles it looked like the toy plastic lipsticks I used on my Barbie dolls once upon a time.

Muddling through the French explanation I gathered that it would go on clear and morph into a natural pink shade based on my lip chemistry / heat / god knows what. 

I swiped it on my hand and it did indeed slowly morph into quite a pretty clear pink. Most importantly the silver sparkles didn't show up AT ALL. 

I impulse bought it and after a few uses was completely and utterly in luuuuurve.

Home and Jetlagged: Japan Report and Mini Haul

I just stepped off the plane from Japan yesterday and am still recovering from the long flight -- tiny seats, lots of crying babies. For those not in the know, partner and I have been travelling around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka for the past two weeks. It was a spur of the moment decision and we nearly didn't get our visas approved in time. 

Tokyo is the best place for shopping but I decided not to buy anything there. We were travelling by train from city to city and relying on public transport so I didn't want my bag to be too heavy. We had stopped in Malaysia for a week before that and I had to beg the parents not give me anything as we were trying to travel light. Does anyone else's parents do this to them?

There are also other reasons why my haul is so small but I'll get into that later.

French Pharmacy Mini-Haul

So I was recently sent on a work trip to cover the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and in between the crazy amounts of running, networking, taking down seminars and interviewing people I managed to snatch a bare 30 mins to dash into two French pharmacies and Sephora (not bad aye?) and grab a few items in a frenzy of high-powered shopping.

In a sorta clockwise fashion, starting with the pencil on the far left, I picked up (with mini reviews)...

1. Sephora's Flashy Liner Waterproof Pencil in #14 Flashy Taupe (amazingly smudge proof pencil and dark taupe is such a great eyeliner colour!) for €6.50
2. Topicrem Rounge a Levres Phantom (a really fun lipstick that goes on clear, turns pink) for €9.90
3. John Frieda Frizz Ease (because this summer my hair's gone from sleek to shriek) for €15.90
4. Vichy Derma Blend Ultra Corrective Foundation Cream-Stick (silicone free, here's hoping!) for €20.90
5. Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water (for the plane, wipes break me out) for €3.90
6. Clarins Rouge Jolie Rouge Brilliant in #7 Raspberry (I blame Lisa Eldridge for this one, but pretty, sheer, shimmery and smells of berries, so far I like) for €20.90

I also picked up...

The Crumpler. The perfect travel bag.

Well... for me, at least.

Call me dense, but it's only just that I've noticed that my bright red crumpler has been doing quite a bit of travelling. For quite a few trips now, it's faithfully accompanied me - crazy road trips in the UK and US, and to Bali, most recently.

Since getting a DSLR at the end of 2009 (wow, it's been that long?), I've always made it a point to bring it along on trips when I expect to take loads of photos. (Short catching up/shopping/eating trips don't count.) After all, what's the point of having a fab camera if you're not going to bring it with you when you're running around creating memories, right?

My crumpler came with my camera, but you can easily get a crumpler bag from uhh.. Crumpler. It's not cheap, but in my opinion, well worth it. Let me tell you why.

Part 2 of Surviving a Nightmare with review of L'oreal Open Eyes Pro Palette in Smokey Brown

"I need to drop by Watsons," I informed the boyfriend the moment we set foot outside the hotel. 

"Anything else?" he asked, grinning. 

"No! Watsons! Need! Now!" 

Realising that this was not the time to tease, he guided me straight into the nearest Watsons. It was near People's Square in Shanghai. It was sheer and utter madness. The sales promoters were shouting about their respective brands like fishmongers. Swooping down on the most taupey palette I could find at the L'Oreal counter (it seemed like the most reliable drugstore brand) I was stopped from whisking it off to the counter by a determined sales girl. 

"??????!" she ordered me in mandarin. 

Inwardly cursing my banana-ness I made her explain to me, with gestures and halting English that I had to pay for the palette FIRST and then return to collect it. 

Flustered by the complete paranoia displayed by Watsons Shanghai, I asked her to write up a bill of sale for me while I tried to procure a Maybelline Mascara. No dice. Even the humble mascara required the entire song and dance. 

Clutching the order forms, I fought my way through the milling crowds to the counter, paid, and fought my way back to the cosmetic counters, by then, in a bit of a snit. 

Clutching my purchases I burst gratefully into the clear, cold outdoor air. 

When nightmares come true - surviving a trip without your makeup kit (Part 1)

It happened, it actually happened. While on the plane from Hong Kong to Shanghai for a week-long visit with my boyfriend I realised, with spin-chilling horror, that I had left my carefully packed makeup kit, the one with all my brushes, with my perfect Inglot palette, with my foundations, with my foundation sponge... all on the little table by my bed.

Damn these red-eye flights!

I took stock of the little makeup bag I had with me. Thank goodness I had my ZA 2-Way powder foundation and my trusty concealer (Time Balm - I really owe the poor thing a review) with me along with theBalm's blush in Down Boy. I'd intended to freshen up before stepping off the plane and my vanity was saving my skin (literally!) then and there. 

In a state of mild panic I thumbed frantically through the in-flight shopping guide. "Should I get a palette? No wait brushes... good brushes are hard to find in a drugstore."

Eagerly I looked for the Bobbi Brown travel brush kit I'd been eyeing for several flights now. Ah hah! Slim, wallet sized and silver it was pretty and looked practical. (It's also known as the Bobbi Brown Party Collection Mini Brush Set for Holiday 2011 judging by this post by the Muse). 

Part 1: In the Land of the Free

Hello lovelies,

Apologies that I haven't posted all of last week. Something urgent cropped up which needed immediate attending to. Anyhoo, to make up for it, I'll be sharing quite a few shots I took whilst I was on vacay in the United States.

Starting with New York!


(Note: Really photo-heavy post!) Enjoy!

Fanda Pharmacy - Possibly the best drugstore in Hong Kong

It was while looking for some way of buying dry shampoo in Hong Kong that I came across elusive mentions of Fanda Pharmacy on expat forums. A pharmacy where you could buy not only Batiste dry shampoo, but shampoo of all kinds, makeup, and skincare brands you couldn't find anywhere else. Posts also promised a great pharmacy with well-trained staff who could speak both English and Mandarin.

If you're as familiar with drugstore shopping in Hong Kong as I am by now? You'll think it's valhalla. 

I found out there were (likely) two outlets. One, right near my office in Central and the other in Tsim Tsa Tsui. 

Read on for my mini-haul:

Mission: Shopping in the United States. Help required.

Hello lovelies,

Oooh... I'm so excited! As I'm typing this post out, I can already count the days before I pack and fly off to the US of A!


A trip to makeup mecca of the world (in my humble opinion). Finally! (Can you tell I'm excited?)

Anyhoo, I know loads of you ladies reading our blog are from the US, or have been there, and here's where I need some help.

Notes on beauty shopping in HK

HK is a place where you can find most things, sometimes. Erratic stocking, monopoly-run pharmacies and budget cosmetic stores make beauty shopping here a constant treasure hunt rather than a once-a-month stockup. You can score fantastic bargains but sometimes at the price of incredible frustration.

For the most part though I make do and will likely only be stocking up on Himalaya Herbals Neem Face Pack and Silky Girl Mascaras.

Here are some personal notes on beauty shopping in HK. It's still a work in progress:

If you see something you want for a good price at Bonjour, Colourmix, Angel or Sasa, buy it. You may never see it again and very likely not for the same price.

They may have the brand you want, but not the product you want. For example, Clean & Clear Clear Fairness range? Yes. The moisturiser? No. Also, Neutrogena's Deep Clean Toner is conspicuously absent even though the rest of the range is present.

Clinique is cheaper here in general than in Malaysia, and definitely cheaper if bought at discount shops. 

Help: What should I do & where should I go in Hong Kong?

Hello lovely ladies, 

I need your help on this one, you see I've got a job in Hong Kong and will be moving there in a month or so. I've visited it once with Syen but a few days just isn't the same as going to live in a place now is it? 

I'm working in Central area and will be looking for a place to stay around Northpoint.

So my question to you is, what are your favourite places there? Great eateries, places to shop, things to do, bars to hang out in? Please share - along with the name of the place, address and nearest MTR stop if you can manage it!

Love,

Kahani

Ps: Know any good Hong Kong fashion & beauty blogs I can start following?

Monday's beauty bits: Top travel ideas

I love travel. I love planning for it, packing for it, I even love being on the plane - although I have as many plane-horror stories to share as anyone. But perhaps my most obsessive aspect is crafting the PERFECT away-from-home beauty kits.

Be prepared for a peek into my insanity.

Bath

It's not perfect, but for now it works. This is a net shower bag from Daiso, it has a plastic base and netting all around so it dries super quick. The idea is to hang it in the shower but this has its drawbacks - there's not always a convenient place to hang it, and the drawstrings make getting stuff out of it hard. Still, I haven't found anything as lightweight or handy to compete yet.

Monday's beauty bit: My mini glamour-to-go kit + Laneige offer to Malacca shoppers

Working long hours means if you want to run out and have fun, you don't have time to run home and glam up. So instead I've taken to carrying around a tiny pouch filled with mini goodies that can be used to create an everyday look or to build up a day look into one for a night on the town. Also, in case you haven't noticed, I adore putting kits together and this one's been tried and tested!

The kit contains:

One cute satin pouch - small and compact yet roomy from Daiso (where else?). 

A rollerball vial of Annick Goutal's Petite Cherie - my absolutely favourite perfume of the moment. Feminine, fresh, pretty and crisp. 

Everyday Minerals mini kabuki - soft & dense it's great for everything from blush to powder foundation and more compact than any retractable brush I've seen. (Discontinued I'm afraid but Loving Minerals has a substitute!)

Bobbi Brown blush in Nectar - If you're only going to bring one blush around, I'd say this is it. It's not shimmery nor completely matte and it straddles the line between peach and pink which means it can go either way. Brush on lightly for a natural no-blush flush or build it up into a rosy cheeked look. Your choice. It's also very compact, sturdy but with no extra packaging making it perfect for on-the-go beauty. 

Bobbi Brown eyeshadow split pan shimmerwash in Champagne Shimmer and Espresso - I think this is discontinued and that's such a shame as these are probably bobbi's two most versatile shades ever. I got it in a beauty swap with the girls (thanks!) and am constantly amazed how many looks I get get out of it. Espresso, a matte incredibly pigmented eyeshadow, can be dusted on (VERY) lightly for a , built up into deep intensity, used as an eyeliner or to fill in brows. Champagne blends espresso out well and can be used as a face highlighter. 

Benefit mini brush - Most brushes you get from kits are rubbish but this mini dual-ended brush from Benefit's Primpcess really isn't bad. While not good enough to be an everyday brush, the mini fluff brush works very well in a pinch to blend and layer eyeshadows while the mini talent brush acts as a great little eyeliner brush. 

Silk Naturals Vegan Lipstick in Crimson - SN's dupe of MAC's Russian Red this little beauty (pardon it's battered appearance) is the right size for the kit and swipes on easily for instant glamour. Plus the mini tube means precise application without a lip brush or a lip liner. Can be patted on for a more natural stain too. 

Monday's Beauty Bit: Beauty Shopping in New Zealand

Hello lovelies!

Am back from a glorious vacation on New Zealand. Words cannot begin to say just how much I needed that holiday. Truth to tell I'm still in no mood to work so this is going to be a wee bitty lazy post. Forgive me! =P

Anyway, about beauty shopping in New Zealand, in a nut shell I'm going to have to say, just don't. Really. Prices there are insane, for example a tube of MAC lipstick is NZ$40!! That's almost DOUBLE the price here! And The Body Shop's wares are dollar for dollar which means, they are MORE than double the price they go for  here. 

What's in My Makeup Bag (Work Travel Version)

I am constantly on the go for work. One minute I am crawling through the jungle, the next minute I am chit-chatting to VIPs. It's hard to predict what I'll need on the go.
After much trials, I have finally decided on this array of cosmetics. Nothing too expensive -- so you won't find me crying over a case of broken powder -- but everything WORKS for day to night.
1. Bobbi Brown Lips and Cheeks to Go
2. ZA 2-way powder foundation in no. 24
3. Silky Girl lipgloss in Cranberry
4. Almay dual eyepencil in... I forget what shade. But one end is an eyeliner while the other can be run along the lower eye as a brightener. I usually smudge out the dark brown shade for night and it stays with the help of...
5. Benefit cream eyeshadow in Carte Blanche. Great neutral.
6. Stage Angel Lash Mascara. My new favourite! Have stockpiled for the next few months.

Shopping in Bangkok!

Hello lovelies,

So I'm guessing you would have already seen what I got from Bangkok. And while it's not exactly a big haul... I was rather happy all the same.

I was wandering around pretty much on my own for a couple of days, and getting around via a taxi or their subway or sky train is easy enough. Both are extremely affordable and safe enough.

Just a little note about taxis though. They are supposed to use the metre (insist on it), but I think they try to circumvent that by tipping themselves! So check your change after you pay them. You never know if the taxi driver has helped himself to a lot more than he should.

And as promised, here's a list of some of the places where I had better luck at splashing my cash.

So here goes... read on!

The little things in life...

That make you happy.


(Meet Marco. A gentle giant of an Old English Sheepdog. No, he's not mine.)

I was over at Kahani's the other day, and all of a sudden she squealed, "OOOOH! There's something I've gotta show you! Come!"

She looked mighty excited, so of course I had to see.

And there it was, a brand new shower sitting in her bathroom. She even let me have a little "test-drive" just to show me how wonderful the water-pressure was. And wonderful, it most certainly was.

"I woke up one morning and there it was in my bathroom," she proclaimed, half cackling with glee.

What's In My Travelling Bag

I love my job but one of the downsides of being a researcher is that you usually travel at the drop of a hat. The appearance of a white travelling slip on the worktable is usually followed by a wail of, "AGAIN?! But I just got back/ Haven't done my laundry from the last trip/ Have a pile of papers to go through/ Need to clean my house!"

During a 6 day work trip out to the countryside last week, one of my colleagues gloomily observed that it felt like we have been away from home for years like Rip van Winkle.

"I half expect to reach home and find my kids grown up," he said glumly.

"And my wife fat," added another.

We sputtered beer all over the table.

Since I am on the go all the time, I have a plastic bag of toiletries on my bathroom shelf ready for me to grab and run at any time. Click to see what I bring!

Shopping for Beauties: Makeup Shopping in the UK

T.G.I.F. Seriously.

I thought this day would never come. It just turned really busy midway through the week and I've been practically crawling towards Friday, and I just can't wait to hit the sack tomorrow. *snore*

But before that, let me share with you the makeup shopping destinations you'll want to look out for if you're in the UK. While I know there are many of you who've been to the UK before and some of you fortunate ones have even lived there (*envious scowl*), I'm hoping this little list will help those who are heading there for the first time or new to makeup hauling.

Shopping in the UK is not impossible, especially with the current (fabulous) exchange rate!

1. Boots & Superdrug

The two main drugstores in the UK, they are loaded with makeup, skincare, bodycare and haircare goodies. You'll be able to find brands that are not available here in Malaysia like Cargo, No7, Jergens, John Frieda, Too Faced, Urban Decay, Bourjois, Frontcover, James Brown and Soap & Glory.

And while there are a few brands that we do have in common - think Prestige, L'Oreal, Garnier, Vaseline, Dove etc. - they will of course, have a selection/range of products which is not brought in here.

And of course, as they are direct competitors, competition abounds in terms of pricing and promotions. Which works jolly well fine for me, the customer. Don't forget to check out their various offers, such as BOGOF deals, Buy 2 for £X amount, Buy 2 for 3 etc. If you're staying there long-term, don't forget the Boots card too, which Kahani has exploited to the max. I'm not sure if Superdrug also has a loyalty card though.

2. H&M

Again. Don't diss H&M. While this chain is noted more for its fashion, don't forget to check out their makeup corners for cheap makeup. I've bought quite a few items before, such as eyeshadows, and they come highly recommended!

3. Space.NK.apothecary

If high end products are what you're looking for, then SpaceNK is where you want to go. Here you'll be able to find brands like NARS, Eve Lom, Frederic Fekkai, Bumble & Bumble, By Terry, Jemma Kidd, Lipstick Queen and Serge Lutens. There are quite a few all over London and the rest of the UK, but the one I shopped in was in Covent Garden.

4. Sally Hair

This one I found by accident. I was walking towards Leicester Sq along Shaftesbury Ave. when I looked up and saw a door with the name "Sally Hair" and looking past the glass doors, I saw aisles of products. I walked right in. This place is like the hair shop for the hairdressers. They've got everything from shampoos, condis, styling products to hair dyes, brushes, extensions, rollers, perm rods etc. In short, everything hair related. I can't really remember the brands here (they were too many!), but whatever it is you're looking for on hair, chances are you'll find it here.

(Btw - I just read that Sally sells Queen Helene Mint Julip stuff too! Why didn't someone tell me before I went? *pouts*)

5. The Body Shop

Yes, we have The Body Shop. But no, we don't have some of the stuff they have. Like the Coconut range. And I'm guessing they have pretty awesome deals too every now and then. When I was there, there was a BOGOF offer, and I ended up getting 2 body scrubs for only £12! That's like RM30 for a full-sized body scrub tub. And to think I almost paid RM85 for a tub of the Coconut scrub while I was in Hong Kong! *phew*

6. LUSH

If you're a fan of LUSH, then you'd DEFINITELY want to shop for it here. Compared with many other countries, LUSH is cheap in the UK. And it's almost everywhere. And I sure hope it stays that way.

Happy shopping!

PS: If you know of even more great places to shop for makeup in the UK, do tell in the comments!