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~
Sunday 12 December 2010
Tuesday 19 October 2010
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 >.<"
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 >.<"
Sunday 19 September 2010
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.
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
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
Saturday 18 September 2010
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 :)
Saturday 4 September 2010
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.
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.
MAC Superslick liquid eye liner
I'd wanted to check out the new Chanel nail polishes for the Rouge Allure collection, but then somehow found myself walking into MAC. They seem to have an endless rollout of "new"or "limited edition" collections these days, so I usually just pay attention when something catches my fancy. This time it did, in the form of their Fabulous Felines collection, released in three lines:
1) Palace Pedigreed - regal blue, plushed grey and polished silver
2) Burmese Beauty - rich olives and teak
3) Leopard Luxe - cream and golds
There's 52 items altogether which is quite overwhelming, and along with the "Dare to wear" collection of bright eyeshadows and lipglass, it took me a while to focus! I finally found myself drawn to the eye liners; somehow I'm always on the lookout for coloured liners but never find good quality ones. After testing of all the colours and lots of um-ing and ah-ing, I set on buying two: Treat me nice and Pure Show
The felt tip is similar to my staple Clinique Eye Defining Liquid Liner that a girlfriend recommended to me a few years back, though even finer and with more colours to choose from.
The colours that come out are quite stunning and intense. I was quickly impressed by the olive green, but the shop assistant was very keen to get me to try the gold. It was dazzling!
The liquid is quite thin, so it glides along with ease. Whether you want thin lines or build up for a dramatic, thick effect the applicator gives you the control to do so.
It takes a few seconds to dry, so be careful not to move your eyes. I've worn the green liner out a few times so far, and it's stay on for the whole day, without any fade in colour. Despite its longetivity, it's easy to remove and comes off in metallic blobs (I use Lancome Bifacil).
Verdict: I love playing around with colours, so I really couldn't resist getting those few colours/tones "i didn't have". The intense colours from this MAC range are great for nocturnals like me, but you can also use them during the day, playing down the look by using more natural and lighter shadows. They are a nice little addition to your make up box and handy enough to carry around in your clutch for a little touch up. Great for: those wanting to create intense party looks with ease. Not for: those who can't choose >.<"
Price: $160
At all MAC boutiques and counters
1) Palace Pedigreed - regal blue, plushed grey and polished silver
2) Burmese Beauty - rich olives and teak
3) Leopard Luxe - cream and golds
There's 52 items altogether which is quite overwhelming, and along with the "Dare to wear" collection of bright eyeshadows and lipglass, it took me a while to focus! I finally found myself drawn to the eye liners; somehow I'm always on the lookout for coloured liners but never find good quality ones. After testing of all the colours and lots of um-ing and ah-ing, I set on buying two: Treat me nice and Pure Show
Sleek and simple packaging
The felt tip is similar to my staple Clinique Eye Defining Liquid Liner that a girlfriend recommended to me a few years back, though even finer and with more colours to choose from.
The colours that come out are quite stunning and intense. I was quickly impressed by the olive green, but the shop assistant was very keen to get me to try the gold. It was dazzling!
The liquid is quite thin, so it glides along with ease. Whether you want thin lines or build up for a dramatic, thick effect the applicator gives you the control to do so.
It takes a few seconds to dry, so be careful not to move your eyes. I've worn the green liner out a few times so far, and it's stay on for the whole day, without any fade in colour. Despite its longetivity, it's easy to remove and comes off in metallic blobs (I use Lancome Bifacil). Verdict: I love playing around with colours, so I really couldn't resist getting those few colours/tones "i didn't have". The intense colours from this MAC range are great for nocturnals like me, but you can also use them during the day, playing down the look by using more natural and lighter shadows. They are a nice little addition to your make up box and handy enough to carry around in your clutch for a little touch up. Great for: those wanting to create intense party looks with ease. Not for: those who can't choose >.<"
Price: $160
At all MAC boutiques and counters
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Bubbles! Liese Hair Colour~ [Liese 泡泡染髮劑]
It's been a long time since I've dyed my hair at home, but I was quite intrigued by this foamy hair dye range from Liese. Basically it works in the same way as other hair dye, but the chemicals come out in foam form, supposingly to acheive a more even coverage. I bought one of the new Summer colours to try~Sweet Apricot
Contents of the box: 
The instructions are quite comprehensive, and with the bottles marked also, you won't go wrong. Instructions say to leave the dye in between 20-30 minutes. 30 minutes should do the trick. After shampooing and rinsing, dry hair with a towel and don't forget to use the leave in conditioner included!
**I've just briefly summarised the steps to explain the pictures. Refer to the instructions included in the box for a full guide (they provide both chinese and english versions).
Verdict: I was quite happy with the results, although no one seemed to notice that my hair had changed colour for two weeks (that was probably on my part though, not the dye!). My regrowth was evened out and the orange tinge came through nicely. Although my hair colour is still uneven, this is largely due to my hair being highlighted previously. The conditioner is a must afterwards because the hair does tend to dry up a bit. Great for: quick fixes and for those who want to change hair colour frequently at a fraction of the cost. Be careful though, too much hair-dying will damage your hair quite badly! Not for: Grey hair and for covering of highlights.
Price: $69.9
At Mannings (they have all the colours)
Contents of the box: 
The instructions are quite comprehensive, and with the bottles marked also, you won't go wrong. Instructions say to leave the dye in between 20-30 minutes. 30 minutes should do the trick. After shampooing and rinsing, dry hair with a towel and don't forget to use the leave in conditioner included! 
**I've just briefly summarised the steps to explain the pictures. Refer to the instructions included in the box for a full guide (they provide both chinese and english versions). Verdict: I was quite happy with the results, although no one seemed to notice that my hair had changed colour for two weeks (that was probably on my part though, not the dye!). My regrowth was evened out and the orange tinge came through nicely. Although my hair colour is still uneven, this is largely due to my hair being highlighted previously. The conditioner is a must afterwards because the hair does tend to dry up a bit. Great for: quick fixes and for those who want to change hair colour frequently at a fraction of the cost. Be careful though, too much hair-dying will damage your hair quite badly! Not for: Grey hair and for covering of highlights.
Price: $69.9At Mannings (they have all the colours)
Saturday 24 July 2010
Summer essentials
It's my second HK summer and I'm not liking it much. Neither is my skin. Under these sticky, humid yet blazing conditions, there's a few things I just can't live without:
1) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF30+ (from Aus, but also available in HK)
Slip. Slop. Slap.
This original health campaign has infused into my blood and for years I've been used to slapping on layers and layers of thick sunscreen to protect myself from damaging sunrays. Stickyness was never a concern with the dry Australian climate, but in HK, I was keen to find an oil-free and non-sticky sunscreen that would still do the job. This sunscreen really does what its name suggests~ it applies like a thin film and absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish on the skin. It's also suitable for use on the face as it's not sticky and won't clog pores. Also comes in SPF50 and SPF70, which would be suitable for those who do a lot of sports and/or out in the sun a lot. For daily use SPF30 would be enough.
I don't quite understand how the SPF system works, but as this meets the stringent requirements of the Skin & Cancer Foundation of Australia, I'm rest-assured that the product will protect me.
Price: $99.90 at Mannings (88ml/3oz)
2) Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel (from Aus)
I've taken to soaking up as much sun as possible these days, though keeping in mind that I can't stay in the sun too long and need to constantly lather myself with sunscreen. After a day out in the sun, I'll also smooth on some aloe vera gel to cool my skin and replenish it with the moisture it needs. Made from Australian grown Aloe Vera, it contains 97.4% pure aloe gel so it's very natural and also great for soothing sunburns, though fingers crossed I won't have to use it for that purpose!
Price: AU$10.37, bought at Chemist Warehouse for AU$8.99(100ml)
3) Menard Fairlucent Day Cream White AD SPF40PA++
I recently bought this after hearing good reviews from friends and also on the net. I wasn't disappointed. Following my daily cleansing routine, I squeeze out a portion a bit larger that pea size on my hand. The sales assistant at the roadshow recommended that the cream should be applied by lightly patting onto the face as this way it provides the most even coverage. The cream is waterproof and I treat it like a base before applying make up so I get daily protection.
Price: $630, but got 15% off ($535.5) buying it at the Menard Roadshow at Apita (40g)
4) Evian Facial Spray
A cult favourite, and definately a favourite of mine. It's an instant refresher; especially since I've got make up on during the day and can't splash water on my face whenever I feel flustered. I always keep the purse sized version with me, especially during summer. All it takes is a spray of mist, followed by lightly patting of my skin for a quick moisture boost. During winter, I still like to use it in the office to keep myself refreshed.
Price: $26 at Bonjour Cosmetics (50ml/1.5oz)
5) Pearl's Mosquitout
If only I had as many interests as the mossies that like my skin...haha just kidding. But I'm definately not kidding about the mossies. I can never repel myself enough from these insects, so I have to keep a bottle of repellant with me at all times. I've found Pearl's Mosquitout quite good and I've got the roll-on as well as the spray. It contains wild tomato extract and is DEET free, so it's safe for the skin.
The only downside is that the repellant has a very strong scent, even stronger than Citronella but without the sweetness. Which makes it quites unattractive. I use it outdoors, at the beach, bbq or on boat trips because the weeks following a bite are too painful for the scent to bother me. However, it's definately too strong for the office. If anyone has good recommendations, please let me know!
1) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF30+ (from Aus, but also available in HK)
Slip. Slop. Slap.
This original health campaign has infused into my blood and for years I've been used to slapping on layers and layers of thick sunscreen to protect myself from damaging sunrays. Stickyness was never a concern with the dry Australian climate, but in HK, I was keen to find an oil-free and non-sticky sunscreen that would still do the job. This sunscreen really does what its name suggests~ it applies like a thin film and absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish on the skin. It's also suitable for use on the face as it's not sticky and won't clog pores. Also comes in SPF50 and SPF70, which would be suitable for those who do a lot of sports and/or out in the sun a lot. For daily use SPF30 would be enough.
I don't quite understand how the SPF system works, but as this meets the stringent requirements of the Skin & Cancer Foundation of Australia, I'm rest-assured that the product will protect me.
Price: $99.90 at Mannings (88ml/3oz)
2) Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel (from Aus)
I've taken to soaking up as much sun as possible these days, though keeping in mind that I can't stay in the sun too long and need to constantly lather myself with sunscreen. After a day out in the sun, I'll also smooth on some aloe vera gel to cool my skin and replenish it with the moisture it needs. Made from Australian grown Aloe Vera, it contains 97.4% pure aloe gel so it's very natural and also great for soothing sunburns, though fingers crossed I won't have to use it for that purpose!
Price: AU$10.37, bought at Chemist Warehouse for AU$8.99(100ml)
3) Menard Fairlucent Day Cream White AD SPF40PA++
I recently bought this after hearing good reviews from friends and also on the net. I wasn't disappointed. Following my daily cleansing routine, I squeeze out a portion a bit larger that pea size on my hand. The sales assistant at the roadshow recommended that the cream should be applied by lightly patting onto the face as this way it provides the most even coverage. The cream is waterproof and I treat it like a base before applying make up so I get daily protection.
Price: $630, but got 15% off ($535.5) buying it at the Menard Roadshow at Apita (40g)
4) Evian Facial Spray
A cult favourite, and definately a favourite of mine. It's an instant refresher; especially since I've got make up on during the day and can't splash water on my face whenever I feel flustered. I always keep the purse sized version with me, especially during summer. All it takes is a spray of mist, followed by lightly patting of my skin for a quick moisture boost. During winter, I still like to use it in the office to keep myself refreshed.
Price: $26 at Bonjour Cosmetics (50ml/1.5oz)
5) Pearl's Mosquitout
If only I had as many interests as the mossies that like my skin...haha just kidding. But I'm definately not kidding about the mossies. I can never repel myself enough from these insects, so I have to keep a bottle of repellant with me at all times. I've found Pearl's Mosquitout quite good and I've got the roll-on as well as the spray. It contains wild tomato extract and is DEET free, so it's safe for the skin.
The only downside is that the repellant has a very strong scent, even stronger than Citronella but without the sweetness. Which makes it quites unattractive. I use it outdoors, at the beach, bbq or on boat trips because the weeks following a bite are too painful for the scent to bother me. However, it's definately too strong for the office. If anyone has good recommendations, please let me know!
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