Hello everyone~

For a while now I've had a sneaky suspicion that I was drawn to certain colors in my makeup. I suppose we all are, but have you ever unconsciously gravitated toward a shade so much so that you start to own several things in the practically the same shade?  

I noticed all my eyeshadows were near identical, a few years on, I noticed the color fixation has migrated from the eyes to the lips. Because, ladies and gentlemen, I have not one, not two, but six rosey nude lip products.

VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in #502 Triple Burgundy

I had to get myself a new one because my old one had melted. The consistency is so balmy and light and it never feels heavy and high maintenance. I love this thing and if I were to be perfectly honest, it's more of a raspberry than a rose, but it is included in this group because the tint it leaves blends into my natural lip color and it ends up looking like its rosey-in-the-tin cousins. If this ever melted, I'd go out and get a new one again.

Clinique Chubby Stick in #04 Mega Melon

This is a new one in my collection and was given to me by an aunt when she found out this was the sort of color I was drawn to. This one is a little peachier than the others, color-wise. I suppose the best part about it is that it's a gigantic twist up pencil. I like taking it with me when I'm traveling because I don't have to worry about it getting damaged somehow in my bag even if it is a twist up. Great on-the-go product.

 

Lanc ome Rouge A Leveres Attraction in #319 Rose Impulsion

Oldie but a goodie, this one is. It's almost sheer if not for the tinge of pink and the light gold lustre it leaves behind. Quite moisturizing for a lipstick and despite how classy I feel when I use it (hi Lancome and your gorgeous packaging and upscale branding) it's a lazy-day lipstick. It's more on the baby pink side, but without the solid white base that leaves you looking too much like a Bratz doll.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien

This lovely mini was one of two in the Sephora birthday gift set I picked up. It's great as an all over color or just for lining the lips when I use the Kate Moss lipstick in this group. I am really starting to fall in love with the formula and how nicely it sits on my lips. My only real problem is that I do not own a Nars lip pencil sharpener or any sharpener that is this fat. I wish it was a twist up instead because it is tinycandy and sharpening it will make it even tiniercandy. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in #08

 On big important days when you have to worry about the paperwork you brought with you, how you're getting to where you're going, answering well and looking good, knowing that your lipstick will stay on and will look gorgeous is a godsend. Okay maybe that's exaggerating, but ticking lipstick off your long list is still a great thing. A true dusky rose, I feel like this shade has worked on everyone who has borrowed it from me for events, pictures, and interviews.

Kiko Intensely Lavish Lipstick in #01 Lusty Peony

This lipstick is one of those dream-come-true type things. I had it on my wishlist last year and it just so happened that Kiko opened a store here in Hong Kong so I got this with a great deal. Icing on the cake? It is an amazing lipstick. Satin finish with great pigmentation and opacity. Wears well for up to five hours without fading or feathering. It's creamy and is fairly moisturizing. On top of which, it was incredibly good value but looks and feels very premium on your lips and in the bullet. I could write a whole paragraph on that packaging. I love this, let's leave it at that.

Side by side, the differences between the shades are quite visible. It's a little like how in high school I would notice details like the color of someone's earings or the slightest change in skirt length when all of us in uniforms were supposed to look, well, uniform. On their own, however, these shades are nigh undistinguishable on my lips. Which brings forward the question, why the heck do I keep them all instead of picking a favorite and dumping the rest? 

I really couldn't tell you why. I feel like as soon as I get rid of one of them, I'll probably get my hands on another lip product just like it. I'd love to wax poetic and convince you that each one makes me feel different when I wear one, but it really isn't the case. It's more like, on some days I'll chose one or the other. Other days I go with the one that happens to be in my makeup bag. I wish I knew why I keep choosing these colors, but I suppose we're all allowed quirky mysteries. I'll let you know if I amass any more dusky roses. 'Til then~ 

 

Hello, hello, hello, everyone~

I cannot believe how close we are to the Holidays! Well, not really, but close enough for me to start thinking about what to get people for Christmas and what I'm thinking of getting myself for my birthday. I really enjoyed writing my wish list last year so I thought I'd do it again! Aside from that, a few of my friends and relatives said they found it very useful because normally I'm pretty hard to shop for. So they say anyway :)) Last year, I managed to buy or be given half of the things I put on my wish list . I was even able to get two bottles Laneige Water Bank Essence (one I bought myself, and another was gifted me) so hopefully, I get just as lucky this year~

If anything else, this is just an excuse to talk about things I love reading reviews about, swatching repeatedly if there's a counter nearby, and staring at longingly through my computer screen if it's not available here. I have tried some of these products and found that I really liked them, but most of them have been just out of reach. *Finger crossed that I go on a trip where they're available and have enough cash*

REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial

You may remember seeing this in my skincare post and NY mini haul. I put a tiny, tiny dollop on my finger and massage it in with dampened hands. It brightens, tightens, smoothens, and rejuvenates tired skin. I've been using it for several weeks now and I absolutely love it. Because I only have the sample though, I use it once a week as opposed to the recommended thrice a week. Even then I only use the tiniest amount because it feels like such a precious product. What I would do for a full-sized version of this *sigh*

Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack

I came home from a tiring commute home earlier this year and I felt like all the dirt of the world was on my face. Even after a bath and cleansing my face, I still felt a bit grungy and gross. I borrowed my cousin, Kim's tube of this and was blown away. It pulled out all the impurities leaving my skin clean. I was very surprised by how tightening it was and how baby soft and smooth my skin felt after. On a side note, Kim has a lovely blog if you want to check her out here.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup in Beige #20

I cannot even count how many times I've swatched this at the Chanel counter. It's so beautifully lightweight and blends like a dream. The coverage is much higher than most people expect from such a thin formula and it's buildable too. I have wanted this for years and years, but seeing as it is pretty expensive, I probably won't get my hands on it any time soon. Still, it's nice to have things to look forward to having someday.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in #52

Having said that about the Vitalumiere Aqua, this is something with a more forgiving price tag that is pretty good as well. I'm a very big fan of the 10-Hour Sleep Effect Foundation, but I've been looking for something that's more hydrating. It isn't high coverage by any means, but it is very good at giving you a glowing skin-like finish. The formula is said to be very gentle as well and is good for people with more sensitive skin.

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Very recently, I've changed my mind about this highlighter. When I first swatched it on the back of my hand I found it way too glittery, but when I tried it out on my face it was a whole other story. The glitter isn't harsh at all and it gives you that gorgeous cheek highlight that's brighter than your future. From what I've seen, it photographs beautifully too.

Clinique Cheek Pop in #03 Berry Pop 

It's been pointed out to me recently (hi, Poreen) that I wear a lot of blush. While I never skip this step, it isn't one of those bits of makeup that I think about quite so much. I'm looking to expand my collection a tad and this is at the top of my blush wish list. It's much brighter than I would normally go for, but still very wearable. The reviews I've read have raved about how pigmented, buildable and, blendable this is and the wear-time wasn't bad either.

By Terry Ombre Black Star in #05 Misty Rock

I have to confess that this is on the list because I've seen it way too many times on way too many blogs and YouTube videos. It looks absolutely amazing on so many different people and is a multi-dimensional color that changes up depending on your coloring. It looks so easy to blend and is touted as a longwearing eyeshadow.

RMK W Color Mascara in #03 Blue & Violet

More often than not this year, I've reached for an earth-toned eyeshadow and kept my eyeliner colors neutral. Aside from my makeup having to be work and interview appropriate,a lot of my old bright eye products have become hard or patchy. I've been in need of an update. I came across these when my friend was asking for a recommendation for a pink or red mascara. This was extremely pigmented in the swatches I saw and I wanted them instantly.

Covergirl Star Wars Mascara in Dark Side

I can't believe The Force Awakens is coming out in two months! But before I runaway with my feelings, let's talk about this mascara. The Covergirl Super Sizer mascara is out in a special edition Star Wars TFA version. It's a wet formula, which lengthens and volumizes. Reviews were mixed on this one, mostly because of how it applies, but for as long as you know your way around a mascara wand, I don't think it should be a problem. If you're interested in this, there are a bunch of tutorials and exclusive content on the official Tumblr which are worth checking out.

Kiko Intensely Lavish Lipstick in #01 Lusty Peony

I don't know how I managed to only have one lip product on this list. What has come over me? :))  Kiko is a great brand and I have such a hard time keeping myself from wanting so much of their stuff. Just look at this gorgeous lipstick: The color is mauve-rose and is said to be very buttery and opaque. Then of course there is that absolutely beautiful rose gold packaging. Love the Art Deco vibe of the lip which is *gasp* magnetic. It's such a lovely product especially for at that price-point (GDP 6.90)

This year, I was way more selective of what I wanted to put on this list. At one point I had 30-40 things on my list. I took out a bunch of stuff that was just pretty to look at, but I really had no intention of buying or really using and knocked out a few things that were just repurchases. I'm thinking of putting the things I want to repurchase in a separate post sometime soon~

What are you bb's looking to get this year? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Haven't done one of these in a while wew! It's been pretty busy the last few months, but I've finally gotten around to this. February was pretty stressful for me and it was really showing on my skin. I thought it would be best to cut down on the foundation and treatments. Plus truth be told, I've been very lazy this month in terms of makeup. That said, I've made it a point to be much more consistent with my skincare. The results have been promising so far and I have the products below to thank for it. Aside from that I also have a few items for those days when I felt I really wanted to have a bit of make up on which helped brighten my day as well.

Innisfree Apple Juicy Deep Cleansing Foam

I use this every morning because I figured that the apple juice scent would help wake me up a bit more. It's chock full of natural ingredients and Apple extract has AHA's which are good for reducing sebum (a fairly new skin issue for me). It gives a good cleanse and is pretty gentle. My skin feels soft and moisturized after use. It was also an absolute steal at KRW 10,000! 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I switch to something slightly stronger at night and use the Innisfree Green Tea Pure Cleansing Foam. Afterwards, I put this on freshly washed skin. This was yet another great recommendation from Pauline of Catpacking. I put 3-4 drops on my palm and warm it up in my hands before patting it on. I love love love how it makes my skin feel and look healthier. The scent also helps me get in the mood to sleep.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense

Finally got my hands on a full-sized pot last January and I'm already a fourth of the way into it. I have to contain myself every time I talk about this product because I love it so much. It's a great gel moisturizer that also helps calm and smoothen my skin. Most of what I really like about it is in a review which you can read here. I use it at night to lock in the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and in the mornings after I wash my face. 

Innisfree Skinny Microcara

I've been keeping my makeup fairly minimal out of general laziness, but one of the things I find easiest to do is to put on mascara. This mascara has the slimmest brush I have ever seen and it is great for getting into the roots and is very defining. The finish is matte and it looks pretty natural even when you layer it on. For days when I go bigger on the lashes and use fibrewig mascaras, I swipe this on the lower lashes to keep them from looking clumpy. I have to thank Danie of That Nugu for this lovely present and for getting me the cleansing foam as well!

Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner

Really been loving this eyeliner. My friend Kara had one (as well as a stunning collection of pictures on Instagram) and I immediately wanted one. I've always been a big fan of a brush tip for consistent precision when drawing wings, but a sponge tip is fantastic for pressing into the roots and one-swipe application. Alexa Chung, who designed this pen, designed it to be easy and quick and I've found that to be true. I also cannot get over how this is able to replicate the matte look of a gel eyeliner. It also has great staying power, but is never difficult to remove at the end of the day.

Too Cool For School Roll Lip Pop in #01 Pop Red

I did not expect to like this lip balm at first as I didn't think it was anything special. That was until I noticed that unlike a lot of others, this did not make the dry bits flake off the moisturized lip. My lips felt moisturized and smooth for hours. The tint it leaves is a raspberry color which also stays and it builds up with reapplication. It is very similar to my VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot, but the consistency is thinner, more gel-like than a solid balm. I've finished mine up and I'm planning to repurchase this soon.

VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX SPF 10 in #502 Hello Stranger

Despite it being a minimal makeup month for me, I couldn't resist a red lip when I went out. I did use quite a few other reds this month especially around Valentines. My favorite of the bunch is this incredibly gorgeous one from VDL. It's got it all: it's a pretty shade of burgundy red, it has great pigmentation and color pay-off, it has moisturizing formula and SPF 10, it really stays on when applied properly, it has classy packaging and an amazing rose scent. Really, what't not to love?

Marcia Shiny Nail Colour

I think this may be the first time I've mentioned a nail polish on this blog. It's really good quality for such a cheap polish (HK$3 for 1, HK$5 for 2 at Sasa). It doesn't chip easily and the color is very vibrant even with just one coat. Most nail polishes go bad before I can even get halfway through them, but this tiny bottle has just the right amount for me. This cutie is a vivid tangerine color with very small specks of gold and pink glitter. I really like this color and how bright it is. Perfect for spring!

Keeping things simple has done my skin a lot of good. I have a lot of fun putting on a good base, blush, eyeshadow, the whole shebang, however, I've learned that I really cannot have a full face of makeup on all day every day. These products are a few of the ones that helped improve my the condition of my skin or just my mood that day. It really is amazing how just a bit of mascara or a hint of color can make you feel a bit better when you think you look less-than-your-best. I don't know if I'm alone in thinking this, but I find that when a day isn't going so well, I take comfort in knowing that at the very least I look okay haha. Hope you had a good month!

 

 Hello, hello, hello! This month I’m featuring my lovely cousin, Kim! She’s studying to be a nurse and then a doctor (best of all, she wants to be a dermatologist and has promised me discounts haha!) 

She also does hospital duty as a nurse-in-training. At the hospital her makeup looks are more subdued and natural. After hours she amps up everything from the big lashes, to the red, red blush, to the bold vampy lips. While she was at my house we had a long chat about the contents of her makeup bag and which products she felt she had to have with her, on-duty and off. 

Lips

I use Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in LA Exclusive and Parisian. They’re very longlasting. LA isn’t as longwearing as Parisian though, maybe because it’s a lighter color. It’s moisturizing, glossy, but not sticky. I can’t wear Parisian when I do hospital duty though, because the patients get surprised. I don’t want to give them heart attacks.

When I have extra time, I gradate the Etude House Play 101 Pencil in #23. It’s really good for the gradated lip look. It’s not drying and stays on for a long time so you don’t need to reapply it too often. It’s a bit expensive for me at over Php 300 for a pencil from a Korean road makeup shop. When I do the gradated lip, the boys in my class ask, “May kinain ka ba?” (Did you eat something?) Boys don’t get it.

I use the EOS Lip Balm (in Sweet Mint) every night after I do my skincare routine. It’s great because in the morning you feel your lips get really moisturized. Afterwards, I just scrub and apply my lip products. The scent is relaxing as well. I’ve been using it for a year and there’s still a lot of product. The only thing I don’t like is that it gets sticky and you can’t use it over lipstick because it will stain the EOS.

I just bought this Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop (in Mint Sheer) and it isn’t very good. It smells like Lemon Maxx candy. I expected it to smell minty. It’s very watery too and you have to blot it after applying. Unlike the EOS, you can use it over your lipstick because it’s cheaper and you won’t care out it getting stained.

I got this (Estée Lauder Pure Color #14 Rose Petal) from Mama. If I don’t do a dark lip, I use this.  I use this when I’m on hospital duty so my patients aren’t too shocked by the color. It’s like a lighter version of a berry color. It’s moisturizing too.

Blush

The Mocha MAC Powder Blush is my first MAC product. It’s called mocha, but it isn’t mocha-colored. The color is like, what is it like? Pink, but not pink? It’s mauve! That’s the word. It seems more like a sculptural blush. I use it under my cheekbones, on top of the Happy Skin powder I use to contour. It’s matte so I use it when I’m going to be under the sun. So when I’m walking to school, I won’t look oily.

I only use (Nars Blush in) Torrid for special occasions or if we’re going out at night. It’s a bit dark so you need to apply it lightly. I use a flat Etude House brush that came with a contour kit I didn’t like. I don’t like the packaging of this though. It gets dirty and end gets dented easily. So really, it isn’t okay to put it in a makeup bag unless you have partitions, but I still keep it in there in case my friends want to go out after hospital duty. For people with my coloring, instead of Orgasm, this is the shade.

Eyes

I should really throw this K-Palette (Real Lasting Eyeliner in Black) away it’s gotten so watery. I only keep it when I want to do a wing or if I’m going on a night out I don’t worry so much about it smudging.

The 3CE (Creamy Waterproof Eyeline in #1 Cats) irritates me if I use it on my waterline otherwise it’s okay because it doesn’t smudge and the color is really black and the finish is matte. I use it more for above the lashline. The finish is more natural than the glossy K-palette. Sometimes it breaks when I sharpen it though

I have the Revlon (Colorstay Eyeliner Crayon Contour in Black) for tight-lining. It’s a lot like the 3CE, but it breaks really easily. I haven’t really found the eyeliner that I really, really like. I want to try the Bobbi Brown gel liner, but it’s in a pot so I need to practice. I used the Tony Moly backstage gel liner before and I enjoyed the process of applying it so I might like the Bobbi Brown.

Maybelline the Magnum Volume Express Waterproof. This one for when I am stressed. Just this so I look more awake and so I don’t look so haggard. I like that’s waterproof. I’m oily so it’s easier for mascara to smudge. I like the brush. It reaches the lashes on the corners. The only thing is my lashes clump together so I really need to use a lash comb. It’s metal and I have a hard time cleaning it. Sometimes I get lazy and just leave the clumpy lashes.

The Oh! M’Eye Lash Top Coat is supposed to be a top coat, but I use it when I don’t want my lashes to look too done up. First of all, when my lashes are too done up, it’s hard to remove. Secondly, if you’re just in school, especially since we’re all in uniform, I don’t want to stand out too much. We’re trained as nurses not look too bold. If my makeup is too bold I might get told off by a professor. And my patients aren’t allowed to get shocked they might have heart attacks. Deadly pretty.

Powder

I used up my Makeup Forever HD powder, I’d hit pan and finished it all off.

Unlike the Makeup forever, Clinique Stay Mattte Sheer (pressed powder oil-free in 02 Stay Neutral) doesn’t make you look too matte. You still retain some dewiness. And since I have dry patches, I need certain areas to look brighter and healthier. I was supposed to get a translucent shade, but it was out of stock so this was recommended to me.

Etc.

I have Chronic Rhinitis so when I get attacks, I put Vicks VapoRub on my nose. When I have a cough I put it on my chest area and it’s soothing. I keep it my makeup bag because I need it all the time and I don’t really have a medicine bag. I keep it there so I know where to find it when I need it. It’s also the product in my makeup bag my friends borrow the most often. They dab a bit on the sides of their nose to decongest.

As a nursing student she has seen it all. From people being born to people at the end of the road and has her fair share of interesting stories and anecdotes about curious ailments. It comes as no surprise that when I asked her what she wanted to call her makeup bag, she answered, “a Myocardial Infraction Makeup Kit or a mini-heart attack kit. It won’t kill you, but it will paralyze you for life. My beauty will paralyze you.” I must agree that she is very pretty and kind of looks like Pocahontas haha. 

P.S. Kim posing as Pocahontas

Happy new year everyone! I feel like it's been a while since I posted a review so I thought it would be

good to do one on a pair of products I've been meaning to write about for a while. 

Name: Clinique Moisture Surge 

Net Weight: 15.00 ml/0.5 oz.

Price: (currently) HK$49.00 (upon pruchase) HK$38.00

Purchased at: SaSa Haiphong Road TST

The original moisture surge has a very light gel texture which I absolutely love. Gel textures generally feel less heavy and get absorbed quicker into the skin. This is definitely true of this product. I use it as a pre-makeup moisturizer and I do not need to wait long or pat it in too much before I can start the rest of my routine. On me, it gets absorbed quickly and leaves no residue, but a few people who I've swatched this on have found that it can leave a slight film if you have smaller pores or if your skin is not as elastic. 

It's a god send for people with normal to slightly dry skin. More than just moisturized, my skin feels nourished and a lot of puffiness is toned down. It has a lot of anti-inflamatory and anti-oxidant ingredients. It also has ingredients that renew cells and prevent the formation of free radicals. These include vitamin E, linoleic acid, camomile extract, and green tea extract. I will say though that I really don't like how it smells. It has a chemical scent in the tub and seems more like a medicine-type thing than a beauty product. It is also quite expensive for a moisturizer (75ml is Php 2,600 at Rustan's and I think HK$ 499 at DFS).

Name: Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 

Net Weight: 7.00 ml/0.21 oz.

*Gifted

The most noticeable difference between Moisture Surge and Moisture Surge Intense is the consistency. Intense has a thicker, heavier consistency and consequently it stays on the skin surface longer. It can also get quite sticky and needs a lot of time and patting in for it to absorb properly. Additionally, base makeup gets greasier with this underneath it.

That said, it does retain moisture for much longer, though it doesn't feel quite as nourishing as Moisture Surge. It has a lot of the same ingredients, but has more silicone and much less green tea extract. Intense also has a stronger chemical smell to it than the original. That said, this was formulated for dry to extremely dry skin. I feel like it would also be better if used in dry, cold weather.

I really like the ingredients in both items as they do a great job of hydrating the skin as well as provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and renewing benefits. Though I think the proportions of the ingredients are better in Moisture Surge. The lighter consistency is also a definite plus. I honestly prefer the original formulation because I don't really need something quite as strong as the Intense formula, at least not for everyday use. Moisture Surge Intense isn't something I would purchase, but I think I will still keep it for dry skin emergencies. Moisture Surge on the other hand is a product I've really come to love and need and I am very pleased to say that I finally got a tub of the full sized version (it's on it's way to being in my hands at least!)

TL;DR

Moisture Surge

+ normal to dry skin, very light gel texture,  absorbed quickly, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, renewing ingredients, makeup goes on smoother, nourishing

- may leave a slight film, has a chemical smell, expensive

Moisture Surge Intense

+ dry to extremely dry skin, good for dry cold weather, retains moisture for much longer

- thicker, heavier consistency, does not get absorbed quickly, sticky, base makeup gets greasier, stronger chemical smell, expensive