End of hibernation

So the hibernation period's been long enough but I'm back and ready to share some beautyful sightings again. Watch this space :)

Catching up

Just got back from a (very complicated history of events but nonetheless wonderful) trip to South Korea and have so many wonderful product reviews to share from this beauty haven. Very excited!

Also had three rounds of beauty hand-me-downs from work this week. All new and unused products which means a lot of things to try and christmas pressies. My beauty stash has tripled in this past week so it's probably time to get my lazy self back onto the blogging front.

Til tonight then~

Shu Uemura x Aya Takano- Christmas Collection 2010

Just got off work and completely exhausted. Definately too tired for a full post, but I thought I might try to redeem myself for not posting for a month. Although there was the travelling, which I am still trying to find the time to blog about.

Received a DM in the mail today from Shu Uemura. Their Christmas sets are already out, so very impressed, but a little scared at the same time. The special sets feature beautiful illustrations by aya takano



There are 11 pieces in the total collection. I'd love to get my hands on the cream blush that is in a handy tube form 魔法櫻桃胭脂 (HK$165) and perhaps the brush set 魔法化妝掃 (HK$420) or eyeshadow palette 魔法眼影胭脂彩妝盒 (HK$480)

Let's hope I'm not still cooped up in the office by the time the shops close >.<"

Intimately Yours

I still remember years ago when the first his and hers duo from the Beckham empire came out. Though they might not be everyone's favourites, there's really something quite compelling about David and Victoria when they work together and I'm constantly in awe. The fifth and latest duo, Intimately Yours follows on from its successful predecessors, and whilst I'm yet to try the fragrance, the latest advertisement is another envious display of the sizzling, power-couple.



Some notes:

For him- ‘an elegant and sexy Oriental Citrus Aromatic’ which includes hints of frozen lemon, sage, lavender and blood mandarin
For her- ‘radiant, warm and captivating’ scent with essences of fressia, orange blossom, sandalwood and frangipani.

At the end of the day, a fragrance is a most personal choice, but even if you could resist the scent, can you resist the ad? Effortless.

Shu uemura red: juvenus line-reducing eye essence

I went for an eyebrow shaping service at Shu Uemura the other weekend and during my time there, the technician talked me into buying a new eye essence. I have been on the look out for an eye cream/essence, so it wasn't a complete impulse buy^^

Although I'm not yet in the market for anti-aging/wrinkle products (at least I hope I'm not), my eyes have been suffering from my late nights in the office - dark circles, puffiness and damage from wearing endless hours of make-up.


What the product says:
* Reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles, rejuenating the skin around the eyes
* Contains caffeine to boost cutaneous microcirculation and micro pearl to brighten the complexion.

The sales assistant gave me some samples from the red juvenus range to try too~ always welcome

Results: The creamy texture is non-oily and absorbs easily into the skin. Once applied, the skin feels a little tingly, which I like as it indicates the blood is being circulated. Eyes feel rejuvenated although any darkness diminishing/ de-puffing is not immediately noticeable. Probably not my highest recommendation of an eye cream so far, based on its price and effects but still useable nonetheless. Great for: an eye-protectant. Not for: immediate de-puffing, eye lifting.

Price: $380
At all Shu Uemura Boutiques and Counters

a day in my life ~ time to relax

enjoying a relaxing mask with lavender and bergamot for a good nights sleep~hopefully will alleviate the pain from my feet for a little bit :)

A great drop minus the pricetag - Innisfree Wine Essential Mask

Last year when I went to Korea, I was overwhelmed by the number of beauty stores dominating the streets of Myong Dong. With my interest in beauty products still in its budding stages, I selected a handful of products to try first, taking care I wasn't going overboard. One of the treasures I managed to pick up was the Innisfree Wine Essential Mask.

What the product says:
* Rich in polythenol- the antioxidant in grape seeds and red grape skin- to revitalise the skin
* Contains rose essence to calm the skin



The thin mask sheet is saturated in essence, with an invigorating wine fragrance that's not too strong.


I'm not generally a fan of mask sheets, since the majority of them are too big for my face and never cover the most important areas. This mask is still big, though it fits quite snug. I tend to leave masks on from between 15-20 minutes. For this one, I left it on for 20. Instead of washing off the excess essence that is left on your face, massage it into your face.

Results: Skin feels tighter and instantly hydrated. After a nights sleep, my skin still feels soft and moisturised. (My cheeks are constantly dry and they are the best determinant of whether a product works for me or not.)

Verdict: There are an endless number of wine and grape beauty products out there and this is one of the successful outcomes. The mask is inexpensive yet works effortlessly to hydrate and revitalise. It's best for use during winter, when the effects are greatest but dry skin types can use it all year round. The only downside is that I haven't seen this mask outside of Korea (even distributors of Innisfree fail to stock this product), so remember to have it on your checklist next time you or a friend goes there. Great for: dry skin types and your travel kit. Not for: anyone looking for something beyond hydration

Price: 1,500 Won (approximately $10. Ridiculously inexpensive!!!) / 10,000 Won for a pack of 10.