review

Sheet Mask Smackdown!

Posted on by Hanan.

Sheet masks have never been my thing.

I have and will always be a clay mask kind of girl. Thanks to my oily, acne prone skin, I found lots of sheet masks overbearing on my skin. Particularly Taiwanese & Korean ones that are absolutely DRIPPING in essence. So much that there is usually a pool of excess essence left in the packet, which is a good thing that people tend to look for. However, for me, it’s just too much.

Most masks are so saturated that it feels as if they are slipping and sliding off my face. The essence is so thick that it feels as if it isn’t penetrating my skin. Thus, I hated “patting” in the goo after I have removed the mask from my face. Often times, I end up breaking out.

As I grew older though, my skin has definitely changed. It’s now more combination oily. Plus, after using retinol, my skin does get dry and I have to be more diligent about hydration.

 

With new formulations and new brands, I decided to give sheet masks another shot.

 

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LuLuLun Masks, US$3.90-$19

This is my first introduction into Japanese sheet masks. My best friend, Diyanah, brought back a pack for me from Japan. Their masking concept is slightly different because there are 7 sheets in a pack and it is meant for DAILY use. Though it sounds excessive, these masks are perfectly formulated for that. They are thin cotton masks that are saturated in a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients. The keyword here is “saturated” but not soaking, sopping wet. It’s perfect for oily skinned girls like me who can’t stand rich textures. The LuLuLun masks are hydrating and emollient, but not occlusive.

I’ve tried a bunch, my favourite being the brightening one that comes in a silver packet. The moisturizing range is bit heavy for me, so I do find that I have to rinse my face after use, to get rid of any residue. They are alcohol free, which is very important for me and have a short but effective ingredients list. If you are confused as to what is in the different ranges and colours, I found a blog that explains the different types you can get here.

Best of all, they are so inexpensive at less than 10 bucks a pack.

 

Leaders Insolution & Mediu Masks, S$3-$9.90

The hype on these masks are real. The Leaders masks are well-loved globally. They are pretty pricey, but boast immediate results. I have tried two types and I have to say that I really do like both (insolution & media amino masks). It brightens and any acne I have going on is visibly less red and irritated. The cotton used in these masks is thicker and more plush than the LuLuLun ones. They cling to the skin better and have a better, more luxurious fit on my face.

As expected, I had to wash off the residue after taking off the mask because korean mask formulas are just too moisturizing for my skin. But the results are still noticeable. This would be a special occasion mask for me. Perhaps if my skin is experiencing a bad breakout or is generally looking a little rough, I would splurge on a sheet as a treat.

 

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Naruko Snail Essence Hydra Repair Masks, S$29.90

This Taiwanese drugstore skincare brand always impresses me with their ingredients list. It is packed with botanical extracts and effective ingredients, whilst omitting alcohol, parabens and other nasties. I’ve heard great things about their snail essence mask and I was not disappointed.

First thing you will notice is how incredibly slimy the mask is. Absolutely dripping with snail goo, which isn’t the most appealing thing to slap on your face. But once you get over that, the mask itself is thick and stays wet for a very long time. There is a rather strong fragrance – a notable downside for me. It’s very cooling and this treatment can be left on longer than all the masks I’ve tried.

The essence does drip around a bit so be warned, it can get messy. The result is worth the slimy hassle because I was left with clarified and calm skin. It really helped with my hyper pigmentation and acne scars. It’s another special occasion type mask but it’s great stuff!

 

Japan Gals Pure 5 Essence Masks, S$24.90

This is, I daresay, my HOLY GRAIL sheet mask. I found this Japanese sheet mask on a whim at John Little. It has a similar concept to the LuLuLun masks in the sense that they are meant for daily use and come in large packs of 7 to 30. Personally, I have never heard of this brand, but what peaked my interest was the simplicity of the ingredients list. It’s very simple, without any alcohol or parabens, featuring 5 main ingredients that make up majority of the formulation. Due to the lack of parabens, the masks have to be used up within 2 months of opening. That pushes me to use them daily and oh my god.

My skin has never been better. The masks come in a giant resealable bag, with plastic tweezers to take a sheet out, making it more sanitary. The cotton masks themselves are of a thicker, more plush cotton than the LuLuLun and they have a larger surface area as well. This is one of the very few masks that completely absorbs into my skin, leaving zero residue. I can put on moisturizer and makeup as soon as I am done masking, without feeling sticky or slimy. With regular use, my skin tone is SO much clearer and even toned. So even that I have been going out without a shred of foundation or concealer. It’s liberating.

I highly recommend this mask for anyone with oily or dull skin. They offer a wide range addressing different skin concerns. It’s relatively inexpensive considering there are 30 sheets in the pack. But keep in mind that these are meant for daily use.

 

For what it’s worth, unwinding everyday for 10 mins with a little pamper routine like this can do more good for you than your skin. Treat yourself!

 

 

Empties #2 : Japanese Faves

Posted on by Hanan.

Recently, I am making a point to use up my current rotation of products before buying any new ones. And so far, I  have been doing really well.

Japanese products are where it’s at when you want something that is effective and affordable. I initially fell in love with their “no-nonsense” approach to skincare, and slowly found myself in the middle of a Japanese product invasion – right down to the toothpaste I use.

It all started with my desire to use more affordable skincare, after finishing up my SK-II facial treatment essence. I found that with daily use, though effective, high-end skincare products are just too burdensome for my measly pockets to warrant repurchasing again and again. I realised that there were many offerings in the Japanese drugstore category that perform amazingly! *cough* Hada Labo *cough*

After using a couple items up, I thought I would do a small round up of my thoughts from using these products from start to end.

 

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1. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, S$99

Let’s begin with the item that kickstarted my Japanese product craze. I bought a trial pack of the coveted SK-II treatment essence after reading countless raves about this “miracle water“. Their patented ‘pitera‘ is made from fermented rice and is said to be the key ingredient in keeping your skin balanced and fight against aging. The trial pack came with an SK-II sheet mask and a 75ml bottle of their essence, which lasted me a long, long time (more than a year). I did see an improvement in my skin clarity and it does help balance my skin. My acne scars faded more quickly and overall, it was a great addition to my skincare routine. However, I found that there are now a lot of other essences, priced affordably, that feature their key ingredient ‘galactomyces saccharomyces ferment filtrate’, also known as ‘pitera’.

Therefore, currently I have switched out my SK-II for Missha’s First Treatment Essence and it has been working well. There were more visible results from the SK-II, but in terms of its anti-aging benefits, the Missha suffices.

 

2. Hada Labo Tamagohada Mild Peeling Lotion, $17.90

Speaking of essences and lotions, this Hada Labo one is absolute holy grail status for me. This is the 8th bottle I’ve gone through and needless to say I will continue to repurchase this amazing skincare item. For people with sensitive skin who want to exfoliate without irritation, this is your answer. I use this as a very mild exfoliating toner as it contains ‘gluconic acid’, a natural enzyme occurring in fruits and wine. On top on that it also has ‘tranexamic acid’ that helps to brighten the overall complexion (similar to ferulic acid).

As with all Hada Labo products, the pH is slightly acidic and perfect to protect your skin’s acid mantle, making this a suitable for all skin types. It doesn’t dry out the skin and can be used day and night, to prevent the build up of dead skin cells and clogging of pores. No nasty ingredients in this one. More importantly, it’s affordable and effective. I highly recommend.

 

3. Hada Labo Air Aqua UV Day Emulsion, SPF 50, PA+++, $19.90

While we are on the Hada Labo train, I finished up my holy grail sunscreen, also by the same brand. This is my second bottle that I’ve gone through and I already have a back up waiting. I can’t stress enough how much I love this SPF. It’s perfect for everyday, super lightweight and sits well under makeup. It comes in two formulations, one for oily/combination skin and the other for dry skin. I’ve tried both and both work well! The dry skin formulation is perfect for lazy girls that want to just slap on only one thing. It definitely can be used as both a moisturiser and SPF, thanks to the addition of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, resveratrol and vitamin C.

I would repurchase this again and again. It’s alcohol free and fragrance free, perfect for sensitive and acne prone skin types that usually break out due to SPF. So affordable and beats a lot of high-end SPFs I’ve tried, even the coveted Shiseido/Kiehl’s ones.

 

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4. LuLuLun 7 Days Premium Face Masks, $10.90

I’ve always had an issue with sheet masks, particularly the Korean ones that are over saturated with essences. I find them too rich for my oily skin to use on a regular basis, even though I want my skin receive the extra nutrients. So I stopped using sheet masks for years, until I was gifted this one by my best friend. The LuLuLun masks are super popular in Japan, not just due to its adorable packaging, but also because of its ‘daily mask’ concept. These masks are formulated to be used daily and come in a pack of 7, folded into one zip-lock bag. My prayers were answered with this one.

It has no alcohol and parabens. Everything in the ingredients list is lush. More importantly, the masks are saturated just enough to hydrate the skin deeply, without over burdening the skin or clogging it. It’s because it is more serum based and is formulated to be used every day. Thus, it’s much lighter. I use this every other day and I am loving the results. My skin is so much more radiant and plump. I managed to find a seller in Singapore that carries it, so I’m already on to my next packet.

 

5. BCL Tsururi Ghassoul Oil Cleansing, $18.90

I call this my underdog pick. I found this one at Tokyu Hands (a magical place by the way) and read the ingredients at the back. I had just finished my previous favourite oil cleanser, the Muji Mild Oil Cleansing, and was itching to try something new. This particular one drew me in because it is olive oil based, just like the Muji one, but has the added benefits of Moroccan lava clay, charcoal powder, honey, oat extract and organ oil. It comes out a black oil and takes off makeup like a dream. It’s more purifying than other cleansing oils, without leaving the skin feeling stripped. The clay and honey also helped my acne prone skin tremendously with its anti-bacterial properties.

The only drawback is that is comes in a measly 145ml bottle! Lasts roughly 2 months. I switched it out because of that but after a week of using something else, I came back to this one. My skin just loves it too much.

 

6. Ora 2 Stain Clear Premium in Aromatic Mint, $8.90

BEST. TOOTHPASTE. EVER. I know you’re thinking, it’s just toothpaste. How amazing can it be, right?

Wrong.

This stuff has SAVED my coffee-and-tea-stained teeth. If I had not found the Ora 2 Stain Clear range, I probably would have the yellowest teeth, known to man. Pirate-like. I initially tried the range because it has cool flavours like ‘peach mint’ and ‘apple & rose mint’. But then I realised how amazing it is at keeping my teeth looking white. Granted, it does not replace whitening strips. However, it’s amazing for daily maintenance and keeping stains at bay. Plus, I get compliments on my teeth and trust me, that wouldn’t be the case if I didn’t use this one. I’ve tried other whitening brands, but always go back to this one.

 

7. KOJI Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Brown, $24.90

As much I love Japanese products, I tend to use their skin and body care more than their makeup. But if there’s one thing the Japanese got down, it’s their eyeliner formulations. The Dolly Wink eyeliners have a brush, calligraphy tip and the most adorable polka-dot packaging. It lasts forever, even on my oily eye lids and is saturated with pigment. I tend to use brown liquid liner more than black because it offers a softer look, plus it’s less likely to show uneven wing liner application.

I love this one, and would probably go back to it. Though I am not particularly loyal to this brand yet. I feel any Japanese or Korean eyeliner would do the trick.

 

 

And there you have it! My recent Japanese empties. Loads of them I’ve already repurchased. Most are affordable and so effective. I am just enamoured by Japanese products currently.

Who knows which country I will be obsessed with next time.

The Battle of The Dry Shampoos

Posted on by Hanan.

Like many women out there, I have a deep, deep love for dry shampoos. Ever since I discovered its existence at the age of 16 (I was late to the dry shampoo party), I couldn’t live without it. I consider as much a necessity as an actual shampoo or oxygen.

Despite that, I realise that there is still a certain stigma that comes with using dry shampoo or proclaiming your love for it as I have. Some have the misconception that dry shampoos are for lazy, unkempt girls who don’t bother washing their hair everyday. It isn’t a reflection of your personal hygiene or a mark of your laziness. Simply put, dry shampoo is a convenient way of reviving hair on the second (or third or fourth) day  and is brilliant at creating volume and texture.

Busy women and men use it to refresh their hair in the morning and I personally use it because I don’t think washing your hair everyday is good for your scalp. I find that the less I wash my hair, the healthier it looks and feels. My natural oils help my hair grow quicker and my scalp is less likely to be dry. Furthermore, it helps me conserve my hair colour for a lot longer.

Sometimes I use dry shampoo even after I shower to add body and volume to my limp hair. It’s much less drying than sea salt spray and gentler than a full-blown hair spray.

Needless to say, I have gone through hundreds of bottles over the years and have tried many different brands. I thought I would share with you my thoughts and preferences of the four that I have used in the past year.

 

Let’s commence, The Battle of The Dry Shampoos!!

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The Holy Grail

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (for brown to dark hair)

I’m going to start with a bang. The Klorane dry shampoo formula is something that I picked up in Paris and it’s a complete revelation, especially when I got my hands on the tinted version for dark hair. It leaves no visible white marks in my roots that makes me resemble a senior citizen. It smells clean and fresh, nothing overpowering and does not interfere with any fragrances you would like to wear after, but effective enough to make your hair smell clean. The aerosol spray distributes product evenly so, you don’t have to worry about accidentally spraying too much. The gentle formula is my favourite because it is effective at sucking up all the oil and grime, without drying out my sensitive scalp.

While it’s currently my holy grail, there is still room for improvement. It comes in a 150ml bottle, which is minuscule in my opinion. If you use dry shampoo as much as I do, this bottle will typically last you slightly over a month. To me, that makes it quite a pricey purchase at $14.90 a pop. Pisses me off every time I finish a bottle quicker than I anticipated, but I still go back to it. Every time.

 

The Smelly One

Toni & Guy Matt Texture Dry Shampoo

This giant bottle lasted me a good number of months. Part of the reason is that it comes in a massive 250ml aerosol can. Another part of that reason is that I couldn’t spray too much of it without gagging and choking in fragrant fumes. Fumes is not a exaggeration. I would pick this up if I’m on my third day hair and I want to make sure that my hair smells as if I just washed it. The fragrance is very strong and will definitely interfere with your perfume. But it’s a great refresher after gym.

It comes out as a white powder, but it doesn’t leave too serious of a white cast, if I’m careful. I also can’t spray too much because I get a massive headache from the overpowering fragrance. However, it’s very effective at getting rid of oil and creates amazing volume. It definitely has elements of a texturising spray in it because my hair has a lot more body and is easier to style whenever I use this one. It does mattify my hair quite a bit, so go easy on this one. Great value for money and my hair looks (and smells) fresh all day.

 

The OG One

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Eden

Ah, Batiste! The original formula that made dry shampoo a household name. Comes in a standard 200ml bottle and a million different “flavours”. The one I am using currently is one that smells of sugar melon and honeysuckle. It’s super fruity but not offensive. The scent dissipates after a few minutes and doesn’t interfere with your own fragrance. I have tried both the tinted and the regular formula and unexpectedly, I prefer the regular one without tint. I found that the tinted dry shampoo for brunette made my hair look dirtier for some reason, as if I had rubbed soil or cocoa powder in my scalp, no matter how little I use. So the white powder formula is the better one, in my opinion. I never get too much of a white cast, if I apply the product from a distance.

It refreshes my hair, soaks up grease and gives it some body and volume though it is not at all gritty in texture. It doesn’t build up in my hair like the Toni & Guy one does but is definitely more drying than the Klorane formula. The bottle lasts me at least 3 months of regular use, making it a great drugstore purchase. My tip is to find a scent you like and you’ll love this one.

 

The New Girl In Town

COLAB Sheer + Invisible Dry Shampoo

As a follower of Ruth Crilly’s blog and youtube channel, I was so delighted to see that her range is finally being sold at Watsons. I’ve heard so much about her range of dry shampoos and was desperate to try them. To be honest, after finishing a bottle, I’m a little ‘meh’ about it. Perhaps I was hyping it up too much. This dry shampoo is perfect for any coloured hair because it is truly invisible. I was the most heavy handed with this one and I can attest that it’s truly invisible. Also, ‘Monaco’ smells absolutely divine! So fresh, lightly floral but with a certain depth. I would wear it as a perfume. The scent lingers quite bit in your hair, but it will disappear after about two hours. It gives me lots of volume without being as heavy as the Toni & Guy one.

However, my only gripe with this is that it takes a lot of product to get rid of the grease in my hair. Therefore, I finished this 200ml bottle in slightly over a month and that angers me slightly. Granted it is cheaper than the Klorane one, I still wouldn’t want to repurchase it every month. Perhaps it’s due to its invisible formula that it is less mattifying than the others, but the whole point of a dry shampoo is to get rid of grease. I think for someone with a dry scalp this would be great. The product never builds up or weighs my hair down, even after the third day. I’m just disappointed that it didn’t last longer.

 

Ultimately, my search for the perfect dry shampoo continues! But these are the tried and tested. I’ll keep you posted if anything bumps my current holy grail.

 

Red Hot Summer

Posted on by Hanan.

While it is full-swing summer mode in most of the northern hemisphere, here where I live, it is a constant summer. Living smack dab in the equator has its pros and cons, one being an eternally summer styled wardrobe and makeup. I’m always wearing a light base and tons of bronzer.

What got me thinking was how to incorporate more colour , not in my wardrobe, but on my face.

As much I love the nineties look that has been taking over the world, it got me reaching for my neutral browns over my bright lipsticks and shadows. Personally, I want to get more comfortable wearing brights and donning classic red lips during the day. I tend to have the habit of shying away from red lips, for fear of calling too much attention or just avoiding the hassle of lining my lips and avoiding smears.

Hence, I made it a mission to wear red lips on a regular basis during a day. Slowly I became more comfortable and actually enjoyed how red lips transformed my look into something more chic and polished. To avoid looking overly “done”, I opted for warmer reds that have a more youthful vibe, and also perfect for sunny weather.

Here are my FAVOURITE summery reds.

 

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1. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in ‘Teroso’, S$32

The brightest and loudest shade of red I have. It’s practically orange with a hint of red. These Stila liquid lipsticks are the OG matte liquid lips that have been around before everyone started making their own version. The formula is thicker and moussey, but dries completely flat matte.

The only issue I have is that this formula leaves no room for mistakes. Lip liner is a must for me so that my lips don’t look horrifically lopsided. It’s also pretty drying, as with most liquid lipsticks. But its amazing  for bold day time looks.

 

2. Catrice Ultimate Stay Lipstick in ‘Behind The Red Curtain’, S$8.90

This is my everyday red. And it’s so affordable to boot. It’s a new colour to the ‘Ultimate Stay’ range, which offers a semi-matte finish and claims to be long-lasting. To me, this is the most comfortable lipstick that does not compromise on pigmentation. It’s not completely opaque at first pass on the lips, which I prefer as it makes it more versatile.

I can wear this all day, without feeling like my lips are cracking. The colour is a warm red, bordering on neutral. I usually pair this with a coral lip liner to make it warmer and more orange toned.

I would also dab my lips with a tissue after application and reapply a second layer to increase longevity and create a more matte finish. Obsessed with this shade!

 

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Nudestix ‘Satan’ on my lips

3. Nudestix Lip + Cheek Pencil in ‘Satan’, S$25

I am absolutely gutted because I think Nudestix doesn’t make this specific shade anymore. I got this from their holiday lip kit that came with mini sizes of their coveted lip pencils that I love. Out the three in the tin – Mystic, Whisper and Satan – I love ‘Satan’ the most. As blasphemous as that sounds.

It’s a vibrant neutral red shade with a satin matte finish. It’s to die for! The lip pencils are creamy and glide on the lips like butter and stay comfortable the whole day, without any bleeding or patching issues. They are not transfer proof but the pencils make for easy reapplication.

UGH DEVASTATED that I can’t buy it in full size. But I’m waiting for the Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils to come to Singapore. ‘Stiletto’ looks similar to Satan.

 

4. Sephora Cream Lip Stain in ‘Strawberry Kissed’, S$24

The name screams summer! The Sephora cream lip stain are essentially liquid lipsticks that leave a stain on your lips. These have been around for a while and have one of the best formulas – long-lasting, without being overly drying and a beautiful matte finish. Strawberry Kissed is a bright pinky red. A great option, if you prefer a blue-toned, bold summer lip.

For a less defined lip look, sometimes I dab a bit of this at the centre of my lip and blend it out, to create a gradient lip. Almost as if I have been sucking on a strawberry popsicle.

 

 

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Stila ‘Teroso’ on my lips

Pair these bold lips with a classic looking eye. Throw on a light crease colour, winged liner and some blush. Let the lips make the statement.

Personally, as someone who is enamoured by eye shadows and cannot leave the house without throwing a colour on my eyes, I find that gold shadows work so well with these reds. It brings out the warmth in your skin and makes the look more summery.

 

Go on now, show your bold lipsticks some love!

 

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Life’s a Peach.

Posted on by Hanan.

Let’s talk about something that has taken the makeup world by storm and is almost impossible to get a hold of.

 

Behold! The Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette!

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This is a limited edition eye shadow palette to release from Too Faced, just in time for the summer season. It was released in the US a couple months ago and because of some major YouTube hype, people made a mad rush for it. It was constantly out of stock and therefore, you know how it is. The moment you can’t get your hands on something, you want it even more.

Seems like Singapore is the same thanks to our YouTube culture. My friend, Liz, told me that its everywhere in France because they don’t really gravitate to these peachy colours, which I thought was really interesting.

Currently this palette is out of stock in all the major Sephora’s in town but I’m pretty sure it will come back, otherwise, they would’ve just gotten rid of the display.

I’ve actually highlighted this ages ago on a summer post about product I can’t wait to get my hands on. People are going bonkers, either obsessing over this palette or completely bashing it, saying it’s just another neutral palette. Despite all this craziness, I managed to get my hands on it and I have to say, I don’t regret it at all. And even if there wasn’t all this hype, I would still go ahead and purchase it – based off the simple fact that these are my preferred eye shadow colours.

Is it another neutral palette? Yes. Definitely.

But it’s neutral with a warm twist. I personally am not a fan of any of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. Even though I own the original, I hardly pull it out because I felt the colours didn’t mesh well with my skin tone. I did not rush out to buy the other Too Faced Chocolate Bar palettes or the previous Chocolate Bon Bons either. We all know how huge the hype was on those. Personally, they never called to me as I truly preferred an entirely warm palette.

My favourite palette had always been the Lorac Nude Skinny Palette. And if you look the colours in that one, they all very warm and peachy. So naturally, the Sweet Peach palette is my jam.

Seems like warm orange-peach colours are on trend for Summer and I ain’t mad. So when my prayers were answered and the Sweet Peach palette finally made its way to Singapore shores, I was ecstatic. The palette did not disappoint.

 

 

Formulation is stunning. One of the best I’ve tried and I dare say, superior to Urban Decay that tends to deliver colour with lots of fall out. Though it’s rich in pigment, the colours have barely any fall out, and it holds true even for the matte shades. Which I think is bloody impressive. All the colour appear true to colour, as in the pan, except for “candied peach”. That one shows up more matte on the lid, with specks of random pink glitter. Hardly noticeable, to be completely honest. I still use it as a crease shade to warm up a look and it works brilliantly.

The one thing I would say that this palette lacks is a solid mid-tone blending shade. The matte browns are way too deep on my skin, and tend to darken eye looks, making them more dramatic than I intended initially. The other gripe I have with this palette is the smell.

*cue gasp* Yes. To most, it’s the major selling point. People seem to be obsessed with the Too Faced palettes because their powdered products are infused with sweet fragrances. The Sweet Peach palette is supposed to smell like peaches, though to me, it has a very synthetic fruity scent. Imagine a combination of fruity candy and cough syrup. I don’t enjoy it at all, and it’s very strong. So strong, that it actually scents up my room whenever I open it up.

Perhaps I am the only old-fashioned one here who prefers my eyeshadows unscented, particularly as it will be around my eyes. But it seems like I’m alone on this because everyone else is raving about the scent.

So what’s the verdict on this one?

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k]sweet

 

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I would say get it if you are a fan of large palettes, smooth buttery formulas and a completely warm toned look. This palette isn’t multi-faceted and thus, you can only create one sort of look even if you mix and match the shadows. You can’t do cool-toned looks, there aren’t any sophisticated, muted colours. Everything is pretty much bold and warm. And if that’s your thing then the Sweet Peach palette is worth the hype.

If you are looking for versatility and are looking to achieve a wide variety of looks, then skip this one. Also, if you are very sensitive to scents, most definitely skip this one. There are other shadows and palettes out there that can help achieve similar looks, so it isn’t incredibly unique.

But it’s a nice one to have, especially for a warm toned makeup lover like me.

 

 

Journey to the Tarts

Posted on by Hanan.

If you’re thinking of beating the crowd by coming in at 10am on a weekday, just to get your hands on the coveted Bake cheese Tarts? Think again, buddy.

The system is completely unhackable.

For those who don’t know, BAKE Cheese Tarts is a bakery from Hokkaido, Japan that’s particularly famous for their oozy cheese tarts. They have taken the traditional way of consuming the humble cheese tart, by serving them warm and gooey, before the cream cheese has time to set completely.  The juxtaposition of ultra-soft textures on a crispy pastry cup made people go bananas, gaining them massive popularity.

Since then, they have branched out and opened outlets throughout Japan and the Asian market. Hong Kong lapped it up and now it has finally arrived on our sunny shores, creating massive waves of hype.

In natural Singapore style, as soon as the stall opened, the hype was deafening and the queues began. I went to experience for myself the insane queue and to see whether it was worth the hype.

 

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I thought I could hack the system by going there early but a queue was already forming bright and early at 10am on a Monday morning before most of the shops in ION orchard are even open. When asked, the people at the front have been queueing since 9am. Due to overwhelming response, the ION security has installed crowd control queue markers, designating two lanes in front of Watsons just for BAKE customers. Before joining the queue, a sign looms at the entrance warning you that there is no guarantee that you will be able to get your hands on the tarts because only a finite amount is made each day.

The whole thing was pretty intense.

The cordoned lines gained the stares of curious passers who later joined the queue due to sheer curiosity and the typical Singaporean kiasu mind set. Thus, the line continues to grow. Some join the queue not realizing what they were even queueing for. Most who walk by will whip out their phones to take photos of this phenomenon, so prepare to feel like a zoo animal.

Desperation is real with people at the back of the queue asking the ones in the front if they can spare them a box due to the limitations of only two boxes of tarts per person. This rule was made to ensure that one crazy buyer does not deplete the entire day’s stock. Those thinking of mass purchasing these tarts have to resort to these measures to get their hands on a third box, if they are unwilling to join the enormous queue again. Which is all fair in my book! If you want to get your hands on these tarts, you’d have to queue like everyone else.

It’s part of the experience, really.

 

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Once at the front of the queue, I had to wait until the ‘Bake Bouncers’ get a signal via walkie-talkie allowing me to move forward to the actual store. Before he lets me go, he handed me a card that said “Confirmed: 12 pieces per one person. Please keep this ticket with you.” Another ‘Bake Bouncer’ was waiting to greet me at the store front, and only customers with tickets can proceed into the shop. This is some serious VIP shit.

I couldn’t help but feel triumphant when I finally entered the store. It’s like a marathoner finally seeing the finish line. I wanted to pump my fist and high-five everyone.

These ‘Bake Bouncers’ don’t have the easiest job, facing the zombified, tart-hungry crowd. They told me they had encountered some pretty nasty customers. In fact, the one behind me was pretty damn mean. It’s like the Walking Dead or something. We should realise that patience is not just for those queueing. These kids have it rough too.

 

So, was it worth the wait?

The only thing that kept me going is the wafts of cheesy, buttery goodness that go as far as the end of the queue, goading people to keep going. The tarts have a crispy sweet pastry bottom and a light fluffy cream cheese filling. The ooze was not as prominent as I thought it was going to be, which was a bit disappointing. The flavours are very rich despite its light texture but the pungent, cheesy after taste kept me from going for seconds. I don’t think I could finish an entire box, so 12 tarts per person is actually reasonable.

It tasted pretty damn amazing. But I think partly because it tasted like PURE GLORY to me, after suffering through that ordeal. I gave some to my friends at work and they told me it was good, but pretty average.

Overall, it was definitely a delicious tart. However, it’s safe to say, I will not be queueing an hour and half for it again.

Maybe I’ll drop by again, next year.

 

 

March Favourites

Posted on by Hanan.

March came and went in a breeze. I almost didn’t realise that April had begun. It snuck in so quickly. Of course, I’m bringing a monthly round up of a few favourite things. I did some travelling in March so, I really got a good sense of what I consider an essential as I had to edit down the amount of stuff I packed. I’m far from a minimal packer, but I definitely strive to be. Don’t we all!

 

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1. Kindle  (SGD$ 250)

This is an absolute ESSENTIAL for me when I was travelling in Jakarta. I never went anywhere without it. With the crazy traffic in Jakarta, I spent long hours in the car trying to get from point A to point B. Though snoozing the whole way through is an option, I’m eternally grateful for my kindle because I managed to finish two books whilst I was there. Since I have the Paperwhite version, it has a lit screen, making it easy for me to read in the car even at night. It’s so light and compact, I can’t believe how I have lived without this.

 

2. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask  (SGD$ 27)

Besides it’s adorable frosted pink packaging that just looks so pretty on my vanity, this lip mask is a saviour for my dry, chapped lips. I wear lots of matte lipsticks during the day. Furthermore, the dry Jakarta air and airplane ventilation has ravaged my lips. Turning them into cracked desert ground. This lip mask is designed to be slapped on before bed, and you wake up with moisturised lips.

Firstly, I love the glossy, thick texture. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea as some don’t like the slippery consistency. I love it! It’s emollient, coating my lips with berry scented goodness. It isn’t the MOST hydrating thing I’ve tried, but it’s a pleasure to put on every night and it makes my lips very plump.

 

3. Hada Labo Air Aqua UV Day Emulsion, SPF50/PA+++  (SGD$ 19.90)

This is my holy grail sunscreen, hands down. Super accessible at Watsons or Guardian. It’s a light, runny moisturiser with a high broad spectrum SPF and it protects me from the tropical Singapore sun. I had initially regretted this particular purchase as I had accidentally bought the “dry skin” formula, instead of the one for oily skin. But I find that I am using this everyday as an all-in-one type product due to its extra moisturising properties. It truly acts as a moisturiser, sunscreen and primer in one. Helps me get ready quicker in the morning, cutting down all the product layering I previously had to do. It leaves my skin soft and velvety, also makes my pores look less apparent.

 

4. Real Techniques Setting Brush  (SGD$ 18)

A brush sold by itself (thank god) in the signature Pixiwoo Pink. This can be found in our local drugstores at a reasonable price. While this brush is made for precise setting of areas of the face with powder, it is incredible at multitasking. Thanks to its small size, yet fluffy  bristles, it is perfect to buff out concealer under the eyes and all over the face for a flawless, airbrushed complexion. The Setting Brush is also great for placing and blending highlight on the cheekbones, for a diffused luminosity. Perfection!! I definitely need more than one.

 

5. Anastasia Brow Wiz in Dark Brown  (USD$ 21)

I’m back together with my OG brow pencil that I was once upon a time crazy about. This is still nowhere to be found in Singapore. I had to buy it off Beauty Bay and pray that it arrived to my house safely. Nowadays, I would recommend purchasing it from Beautylish. The hype for this micro brow pencil has finally died down and that was when I decided to pick it up again. I wanted to go through all the back ups I bought, due to the hype and I fell back in love with it. For people with sparse brows like me, this gives you the most natural looking full brows you can ever get. More so than the pomade, the definer and the brow powders, this brow wiz is the perfect consistency to imitate the look of hairs.

 

Special mention to Zayn’s new album “Mind of Mine” has been on repeat all through March. To be honest, I had no real expectations, despite loving his single “Pillowtalk”. I was actually blown away by the Robin Thick-ese style with some solid R&B tunes. I also loved the Bollywood/Urdu influences that’s sprinkled in the album. Honestly, my jaw dropped when I heard him sing “Intermission:Flower”. So. Bloody. Good.

However, my favourite song in the whole album is hands down “Borderz”.

 

 

And that’s about it for last month. We are already full swing into April. Content on the site is likely to change in terms of its upload schedule as my job is starting to get a little hectic. But I will definitely be posting weekly, as per usual. Look for them especially on the weekend.

Ahoy, April! Let’s go!

Empties # 1

Posted on by Hanan.

Today, let’s talk trash! I’m bringing a popular series from YouTube into the site called “Empties“. This is a common beauty series that most beauty gurus do where they literally keep all their beauty-related trash and show them to their audience, summing up their thoughts after finishing the product as well as whether they would repurchase them.

I don’t know about you but I get so satisfied when I finish up an item. Unless it’s limited edition or really hard to get a hold of, in which case I will be gutted. For the most part, it’s hard for me to use a single product consistently and finish it up completely before moving on to the next one. Simply because the options are endless and new things are always popping up every day! It’s difficult to stay loyal to a product. But when I am loyal to something and finish it up, you know the love is real.

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So here’s a quick round up of my beauty trash!

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1. Pixi Glow Tonic  (US$30.50)

One of the most highly raved about AHA toners out there. Ever since skincare expert, Caroline Hirons, mentioned these, it blew up! Everyone in the UK started using it and it became a super hyped product in Europe and the US. Unfortunately, as with many things that are amazing, we can’t get this brand in Singapore. I actually picked this up when I was in London late last year. But do not despair! Recently ASOS has expanded their beauty section and you can now order this with free international shipping through them. However, be wary when purchasing items online (especially from ASOS). 

That being said, I would repurchase this and take that risk in a heartbeat because this toner is EVERYTHING. The Pixi Glow Tonic is an acid toner. Hence, it is packed with 5% Glycolic Acid as well as Ginseng extracts to help chemically exfoliate the skin. The AHAs in this toner will get rid of your dead skin cells without tugging the skin to reveal youthful, clear skin and it definitely helps with any textural issues I had. It’s great for all skin types and gentle enough to use daily. It’s one of those cases where a product is truly worth the hype.

I’ve used other AHA toners such as the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner, but this is by far superior in its formulation. Definitely more forgiving on the skin, without losing its effectiveness. I’m already on to my back up bottle. Cannot live without this one!

 

2. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (SGD $15.90)

Holy Grail dry shampoo!! I know that dry shampoo isn’t exactly the most exciting thing to talk about. And it isn’t as widely used here in Asia as it is in the states. If you aren’t using Dry Shampoo, try some! It will change your life I guarantee it. It’s perfect for second day hair or refreshing your style after a low intensity gym session. Contrary to popular belief, it is damaging to wash your hair daily as it strips it of the natural oils it need to grow and become stronger. It’s especially bad for people with colour-treated hair as washing your hair too much can strip its colour.

This is the best dry shampoo I’ve found. And trust me, I’ve tried a substantial amount. The formula is gentle yet effective and does not leave a major white cast on your roots (hello fellow brunettes). This Klorane one also does not leave the hair feeling dirty or overloaded with product, like the Batiste one does for me. It’s very airy and has a gentle inoffensive scent that doesn’t clash with your perfume. Furthermore, it adds subtle texture to your hair whilst absorbing unwanted grease. When I found that Klorane made a tinted version for brown haired girls, you can just imagine the elation. Pure joy!!

Needless to say, I will definitely be repurchasing this, forever and ever. It’s completely flawless.

 

3. La Roche Posay Serozinc Spray (£8.50)

I think it is apparent that I am a huge fan of French Pharmaceutical brands. I find most of their formulas very gentle and suitable for my sensitive acne prone skin. Speaking of which, I have finished up another bottle of my Serozinc spray toner from La Roche Posay. This is my third bottle and I have 2 more back ups, ready for me. Yes, it is THAT good.

Although the brand is sold here in Singapore, this particular toner is only sold in France. But due to its popular demand, recently certain UK sites have started carrying it and they do have international shipping. Why are people going ga-ga over this? This is basically a zinc sulphate solution, designed specifically for oily, acne prone skin but people of all skin types are able to use it. Zinc sulphate helps reduce inflammation and soothes skin irritation. On top of that, it balances the skin and also contains sodium chloride, a mild astringent to help purify. Just three ingredients in total, including the La Roche Posay signature thermal spring water.

This is GODSEND for days when I am having breakouts and my skin is red and angry. It prevents the spread of my breakouts, whilst treating it and reducing its redness. As with all gentle products, it isn’t a miracle worker that cures acne overnight. However, I love how balanced my skin feels every time I use this.

Love. Love. Love. 

 

4. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Eye Cream (SGD $21.90)

This is a standard eye cream that I enjoyed using. No fragrance, mineral oils plus a lightweight cream formula that sinks in quickly and does hydrate the skin under the eyes very well. Hada Labo features a super hyaluronic acid formula that contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid that really helps with oil-free hydration. Perfect day and night, works amazing under makeup. I’m not sure if I will go back to this, because this eye cream only targets hydration. I might graduate and take it to the next level by trying out a more anti-aging formula next.

 

5. Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution (SGD $120)

Amazing entry level retinol product that really does help with hyper pigmentation and scarring. I used this religiously for months, every night. You can read more here, where I explain in detail what retinol does and how this really helped my skin. I will definitely repurchase this for the ferulic acid, because it made my skin bright and even toned. However, I have since then moved to a stronger retinol formula so I will not be repurchasing this immediately. But I highly recommend this for its lightweight and effective concoction of antioxidants, acids and retinol. Say hello to bright, even skin!

 

 

 

Most of my empties are skincare products as I tend to use those up much more quickly than any makeup product. These kinds of things really give you a good idea of the prolonged performance of a product and encourages me to be less wasteful, to truly get every penny’s worth. I’m pumped to keep doing this and use up even more of my things.

Shop my stash more and be less fickle when it comes to beauty products.

 

Sexcited about Summer

Posted on by Hanan.

Here’s a quick one for your weekend reading pleasure!

I always get so excited around this time of the year because all the major makeup brands are coming up with new collections for Summer. We get sneak peeks on new products that are made for hot summery weather. It’s all about glowing, bronzed skin in a lightweight formula. This is what I’m ALL ABOUT!!

As usual, the US has a head start to all the cool product launches. I’m praying that Singapore isn’t too far behind, so I’m thinking these might launch in June 2016. If it isn’t launched by then, most probably it isn’t launching at all in Asia. Which would be a damn shame. (Can you tell I’m still bitter about Too Faced Hangover X Primer not being launched here?)

I’ve been stalking websites and I’ve already made a small list of products I’m dying to see in person and try out. I thought I would just share with you my list really quickly as a small appetiser, to get your appetite going and peak your interest at some future launches.

 

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1. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation (US$39)

Lightweight gel formula with medium buildable coverage that can last through the Summer heat. It boasts bioploymer filling spheres to help reduce the look of fines lines and pores along with hyaluronic acid to provide moisturization. It’s oil-free and also has vitamin C and Barley extract for extra goodness. Though I am more interested in the gel formulation than anything else. It sounds perfect for oily skin gals like me, who still appreciate a little bit of hydration. It’s cooling with a soft rose scent to boot! Ticks all the boxes.

 

2. Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Collection, Limited Edition (US$49)

Umm, can we just take a moment for this gorgeous palette? Though I am not a fan of large palettes as I find them rather bulky to travel with, and the choice of shadows tend to be quite overwhelming for a quick morning routine, I feel like I might need this palette just for the beautiful range of warm eyeshadows. Due to my yellow undertones, warm shadows tend to look most flattering on me and I am loving the reddish orange hues of this palette. Plus, it smells like PEACHES! Sadly this is limited edition so I’ll definitely be swiping one as soon as it launches.

 

3. Urban Decay Beached Bronzer (US$28)

I live and die for bronzer. My pale yellow skin has the tendency to look sallow and sickly, so I always find that bronzer helps to give my face warmth whilst defining my features. I never leave the house without it! While I have my tried and true NARS Laguna, the Urban Decay new offering is calling my name. From it’s palm tree packaging to the gorgeous matte brown shade, I am finding it hard to resist the temptation. I feel like whipping this out on a beach holiday and putting this on, just might transport me there (in my head).

 

4. Nudestix Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil (US$24)

Y’all know I’m a huge fan of Nudestix for their mascara and lip products. So when I found out that they will be releasing matte versions of their lip pencils, I was ecstatic! The NARS Velvet Lip Pencils have been my favourite formulas, though I find them quite drying at times. I have high hopes for the Nudestix formulas since they are made for both cheek and lips. The range of colours are stunning with great nude shades and incredible brights. From the swatches online, I am eager to get my hands on this one for an easy, chic matte lip.

 

5. Naked Skin One and Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector (US$34)

Another complexion product! They are truly my biggest weakness. I can’t get enough of them. Probably because I am always on the road to flawless-looking skin. It’s my biggest insecurity and something I obsess about constantly. This tinted moisturizer sounds amazing for oily, combination skin girls like me. With blurring technology and light reflecting spheres, it’s supposed to help you achieve a more perfected looking skin whilst still maintaining the look of “real skin”. The weightless yet long-lasting formula is perfect for daily use and claims to reduce the look of pores. Can we get a “HELL YES“?

 

Needless to say, the excitement is real! The Spring/Summer season has some of my favourite launches to date as it suits Singapore’s hot, humid weather. This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. This only covers mostly US brands that are sold at Sephora. There are still launches from Asian brands as well as the drugstore. I could really sit here for hours just researching and talking about this. However, these are just a few that I’m looking out for and can’t wait to try out.

Let me know what launches you guys are hyped about!

 

Awaken Your Senses!

Posted on by Hanan.

When we walk into a Sephora or Watsons, we are immediately surrounded by hundreds of brand from all over the world to choose from. Truly we are spoilt for choice. More often than not, we are attracted to packaging and product presentation, I know I fall into this trap time and time again. When it comes to skincare, I am a little more wary and I will look into the ingredients list before making a purchase, making sure that there’s nothing that my skin could potentially have an adverse reaction to.

But let’s take a step back. Where are the local brands? And what are we actually putting on our skin? 

This was when I was introduced to Rania Hasna’s skincare range that she makes from scratch. The superficial girl in me was initially attracted to the simplistic packaging that gives me major “MUJI” vibes. I loved the clean and simple look. And then I dug deeper into the brand and what it’s all about.

 

Rania Hasna Nature Elements is all about knowledge. Knowing exactly what you are putting on your skin and what purpose they serve to you. Rania started this line, first as a mother. Her motherly instinct to protect her son made her start asking questions and doubting the integrity of mass produced items sold in drugstores. They are marketed for sensitive skins, suitable even for babies but when she dug deeper and researched the ingredients, there were so many cheap fillers and harmful substances that were passed by the HSA (Health Sciences Authority) due to “low” amounts present in them. But why are they present at all?!

So she took things into her own hands. 

All her products are formulated on her own, using organic produce and cruelty free. The brand is also environmentally conscious, encouraging customers to recycle their empty product containers in exchange for dollars off their next purchase. Made in Australia, she uses the highest grade essential oils and thus, only can make small batches at a time. In essence, she gets rid of all the unnecessary nasty stuff and just focus on the good.

And we all could do with a little bit of good.

 

Due to years of using more chemically potent products on my face, I have always been rather adverse or underwhelmed with “natural” or “organic” products. I find that they don’t give me the fast results that I am looking for. But gentle products are not supposed to be abrasive and I realised how much I liked knowing what is going on my body.

 

The star for me is the Awaken Oil.

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Just the name, ohh~ YAS! Give it to me! This product only has 6 ingredients, 5 of which are amazing oils and the last ingredient being Vitamin E. It has a herbal smell that comes from the oils in the bottle itself. All her products contain no artificial fragrances. I personally love herbal smells and I find it extra relaxing when I am massaging this onto my skin.

 

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My skin type is Oily and Acne-prone. Contrary to popular belief, oil is amazing for oily skin as it helps regulate the amount of oil your own body produces. I find that the more I hydrate my skin, the more balanced it is and the less oily I am.

However, it’s all about finding the right balance as too much hydration can clog my large pores. I find that the best way to use this oil is to mix a drop into my night moisturizer. Due to it’s thicker consistency, my night cream helps it become more emollient and easier to spread over my skin. I also find that it sinks in more quickly this way. And I wake up to plump and juicy skin.

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I truly admire people who go out and make things happen for themselves. It is especially difficult in a country like Singapore, where international brands take center stage and we ignore our own people. Here is a mother and entrepreneur who is looking to make a difference in teaching people what they are actually putting into their bodies.

 

This woman goes against the grain and I salute that!