Review: Stila Perfecting Foundation Stick

It took me awhile to find a stick foundation that agrees with me and I'm proud to announce that the Stila Perfecting Foundation Stick so does! Extra cookie points for getting it at a steal during the Stila Malaysia closing down sales.

Read on for the full review and comparison pictures.

This is your classic stick foundation that twists out from a metal tube like an over sized lipstick. Such a packaging practically screams convenience with the most minimal risk of making a mess.

Shade d 05 is a perfect match for my skin tone with the exception of a very slight peachy undertone. Other than that, it's pretty much a neutral shade that neither looks too yellow or too pink. The foundation is very creamy and thick as expected from a stick foundation.

My way of applying stick foundation is by drawing lines with it all over my face (I usually go for the tiger stripes) and buff it out with a dense synthetic kabuki brush (The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation Brush). Application is swift and flawless as blending is completely effortless. The coverage is medium to full, which is very good in my books, but if you're all for sheer foundations, this may not be for you. Also, there's a chance of getting the feeling that you're "wearing" foundation as it's hardly lightweight.

I probably did not like most stick foundations that I've tried (Benefit Play Sticks, RMK Stick Foundation) because they were too drying and cakey. This one, however, feels so comforting on my dry skin though it offers no oil control. Again, not an issue for me but may be for others. The lasting power is pretty decent too.

A little birdie told me that he experienced breakouts from this foundation so I'd probably suggest to not wear this foundation on a daily basis and remove it properly at the end of the day, just to be safe. Personally, I have not had zits from this.

Can't you tell that the camera loves my skin? The glow is to die for and no white casts! So, if you're looking for something that is guaranteed to come out good in pictures, look no further.
Tutorial for this makeup [here].

Unfortunately, there's no more Stila in Malaysia. I don't see this product on the Stila website either and from reading a few websites, it seems like this one has been *gulps* DISCONTINUED! O_O

Yeah, I had no idea when I was writing the review. Huge bummer! I found it on Strawberrynet so grab it fast!

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Contest Reminder: Sustainable Youth + Stage

Two contests will be ending today so please make sure that you submit your entries by 11:59pm GMT8:00 tonight:


July will be a very exciting month. You can look forward to a month long of contests and giveaways with awesome prizes...

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Update: Eyebrow Routine + Mom's Birthday + New Contacts

I feel like I'm disappearing with the lack of updates! Shame on me...
First off, I'd like to thank everyone who have posted their feedback on Skin Deco. Your kind words mean the world to me and as for the suggestions, I truly appreciate them. If you've noticed, I've been doing some tweaking here and there, even if it's not a lot. I'm somewhat technologically-challenged so it will take me time to figure out the more technical stuff.



My skin just cleared from a nasty eczema flare, hence the week without any tutorials. Just in case you feel deprived, here's a little update video on my current eyebrow-filling routine.

It was my mom's birthday last Sunday and we had a little dinner to celebrate. And I got new contacts!

That's about it. Read on for more pictures :)

GEO Tricolor Green Lens
I buy them through a friend now so if you wanna buy them, please Google "GEO lens" and your location. The prices change too much and I'm not sure who is reliable and who is not so you'd have to decide for yourself.

Looks less scary here. I swear it looks really good in daylight. :p I did a tutorial for this look but my angle was so off I couldn't post the tutorial *sighs* I'll redo it when I redo it. blegh

The two loves of my life (human wise)

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Beauty Budgeting Chp. 5: Warehouse/Clearance Sales

I'm not one who goes on constant manic shopping sprees. However, when it comes to a warehouse sale that I'm eager to get to, I can start queuing at 6am, study in line for my finals on the same day, and find my way unmistakeably despite my rotten sense of direction. The oddest part is, I'm hardly the worst kind.

Getting an amazingly great deal on something is absolutely thrilling. Nevertheless, things do get out of hand when you're at a warehouse sale. And I'm not talking about the fight over that one last lipstick.

"What's the greatest find that you can remember from a warehouse sale?"

Read on for my input on the Dos and Don'ts of warehouse sale shopping...

Do Plan Ahead

Although most of the time you won't be able to expect what's on sale, it's still good to have a list of items that you'd like to buy if they happen to be available. For skin color and skin care products, it wouldn't hurt to do a little research on your shade and suitability. You can't be pissed at the sales assistant for not consulting you properly at the sale when there are women grabbing stuff around them. Be a little more considerate and do some homework before attending the sale. This will save you money because you'd be less likely to go home with products that don't work for your skin tone or skin type.

Planning your budget is also very important. People tend to go overboard with their spending at warehouse sales. I know it's easier said than done but you have to be firm with yourself. Go with a budget and stick to your budget!

Do Go With Friends

The more the merrier? Think strategy. The line at warehouse sales can be up to 1 hour long so taking turns with your friends to stay in line will save you time. Since the companies' aim is to clear off their stock, they tend to pack a few items together and sell them for one price (bundle). For instance, 3 lipglosses in a pack but you only like two of them or buy two eyeshadows for a lower price. Ask your friend if she'd like to share the purchase. That way, you won't be stuck with products that you don't like or too many of the same thing.

Do Check for Manufacturing Dates

Rule of thumb: don't buy anything that has been manufactured more than two years ago. Do I really need to explain why?

Don't Hog

Selfish people are more likely to spend more. Come on! If you don't have intention on buying something, let it go! If you're selfish enough to wanna buy everything just so other people can't buy it, you're only fooling yourself. In the end, you'll have to face your credit card bill and that compact powder in the wrong color sitting at the corner, gathering dust.

Don't Impulse-buy

"OMG! Only 20 bucks!" Buy. "OMG! 3 for RM60!" Buy. Don't you have any self-control? Everything seems cheap but they add up. Try not to give yourself a heart attack at the cashier counter when your initial budget of RM500 tallies up to RM1500 . Buying a fushia pink eyeshadow that you know you'll never wear just because it's cheap is not a very smart thing to do. But of course, in the heat of the moment, most of us make excuses to want something we don't need. Remember, those products are on sale -- not free. If you don't need it, don't buy it... no matter how cheap it is.

Do or Don't Buy for Re-selling?

Buy cheap, sell high. Sounds like a good idea to make fast money. If you have the capital, by all means. Do keep in mind that you'll be accumulating stock and if the things don't get sold, they'll just be junk that you've forced yourself to use because nobody wants to buy them.

If your plan is to make money out of this, at least have the courtesy to admit it. It's not a nice thing to do when you're claiming to be helpful and then insert a high mark-up to the products you got on sale.

It would help if you don't sell items too soon after a sale. Most people at that time would've known your cost price and they won't be too happy about it because you've grabbed their opportunity to buy the products at the sale. Try a month after the sale when people would seriously be willing to pay for something because they want it. Then, you'd just be a seller and not some bitch who bought up everything at the sale 'cause she wants to make other people's money.

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Review + Swatches: MAC Bronzing Powder + MSF

Remember that time I was faking a tan? It was thanks to MAC Bronzing Powder and Wayne. I'm thinking of trying it again now that I've added some color to my arms from paintball with Paris. This will be a double review with my second MAC Mineralize Skinfinish.

Read on if you're keen.

MAC Bronzing Powder

Most people confuse bronzing with contouring. Keep in mind that bronzing is the act of becoming tanned while contouring is to sharpen features. MAC Bronzing Powder is meant for bronzing and this is usually indicated by shimmer in the product. Contouring, on the other hand, is best done with simply a darker matte shade of your natural skin tone or a grey-toned shade. Refined Golden is a warm tan shade with a hint of orange and flecks of golden shimmer. This shade works really well with my NC30-NC35 skin to warm it up without looking artificial or muddy.

The golden shimmers are barely visible when applied but it does give a hint of glow. It looks really good as an all-over powder too. If you have a darker skin tone, this could work as a glow powder or just to add a healthy hue to the skin. Fair-skinned ladies, this may look too orange so use sparingly. The powder itself is very fine so it can get dusty although this would also mean that the powder wouldn't look cakey on the skin. With this powder, it'll look like you've just added color to your skin and not piled on powder.

The Bronzing Powder is in the permanent line but mine's from the Neo Sci-Fi Collection with its very hot fluorescent orange casing. Retails for $21USD and should be around RM90 in Malaysia? Anyone care to clarify?


MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

Basically a baked shimmery powder, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish can be used for the cheeks, eyes and even lips depending on the shade. New Vegas is a pale gold highlight shade with very intense shine factor. It came out with the Alexander McQueen Collection in 2007 and I don't think it has been repromoted ever since.

It's not something that I can use regularly compared to Light Flush but it's beautiful nonetheless. As a highlight, it truly amps up the cheekbones. Example in this tutorial(See picture below). The powder can be easily layered to be used as eyeshadow. The golden shimmer is a tad too intense for my taste and can look chunky at times. I can't say that I'm in love with this MSF but I'm still biased towards them! Some things just weaken my knees.



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Beauty News: Benefit Sale + I Nuovi Ditch and Switch

Click for larger view

Read on for more...

Oh crap. There's a Benefit sale tomorrow and the day after! I NEED TO GO!!!!! Anyone else going? News source [here].

Click for larger view

The next I Nuovi Ditch and Switch is up too and this time it's for their amazing eyeshadows! Trust me on this, their eyeshadows are AMAZING!


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Beauty Makeover for Malaysian Readers!

Marina of Alliance Cosmetic Group gave me FIVE Stage Beauty Makeover vouchers (worth RM80 each) to treat Skin Deco readers! *Malaysia Exclusive*

How about it? Want a professional makeover? Just post your most creative answer to the question below:

"If you were on STAGE, what would you be performing?"

Contest Rules and Regulations apply. Click for more details.

Contest Rules and Regulations:

1. You must be a subscriber or Google Reader follower to enter
2. Your entry is only valid if you've answered the Question in the Comments. E-mail responses don't count
3. Please include your e-mail address in your entry. If you do not wish to publicize your e-mail address, you may send me a COPY of your comment
4. The e-mail address that you use should be the same e-mail address you've used to subscribe. If you're following Skin Deco on Google Reader, please include your ID for my reference
5. Please arrange your own transport to your preferred Stage outlet. View website for locations: Penang, Kuantan, Petaling Jaya, Pavilion, Mid Valley, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Miri
6. This contest is opened to Malaysian residents only
7. One entry per person. One winner to one voucher
   
8. Winners will be selected based on creativity of answers
   
9. This contest ends on June 30th, 2009 11:59pm GMT8:00
   

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Review: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation is my staple and it's one of those products that I have too many of and can't get enough of. Okay, that sounds like mascaras, eyeshadows, gel liners and lipglosses too... *sighs* I think I have a problem.

Today's foundation review is on the Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex SPF6 and probably most well-known as the best drugstore liquid foundation.

Read on for my thoughts and before/after pictures.

Finding a shade that matches was hell for me since the closest shade available in Malaysia was Warm Golden, which had too much of a peach undertone. After searching around, I finally settled for Golden Beige as preferred by Christiana. Unfortunately, this shade is not available in Malaysia so I ordered it from the US. Shocked to see that I bought the Combination/Oily Skin formula? I was taking a risk because the Normal/Dry Skin formula for this shade couldn't be found.

Revlon ColorStay foundation comes in a classic glass foundation bottle which isn't the most practical or hygienic, of course. The foundation has a runny texture that's easy to work with and doesn't feel heavy at all on the skin.

Coverage can be built from medium to full depending on how many layers you go for. For an oily skin-taylored product, I was expecting this to be cakey but that wasn't the case at all. The foundation didn't give me the kind of glow that I crave either but that's easily solved with a liquid illuminzer (Revlon Skinlights).

Revlon claims that this foundation will still look fresh after 16 hours. I'm not convinced with fresh but it stays on the skin long enough to not look all greasy and melted at the end of the day. I'm yet to really sweat with this foundation on though. The color did not oxidize much either, which is a huge plus for a liquid foundation.

The color is closer to NC30 (MAC foundation shade) rather than NC35 so it does look a tad fair on my skin but not unnatural. Thus, I use The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation in 03 to set this foundation. What do you think? Better match? See neck please...

If you're looking for a very good yet averagely priced (~RM55?) liquid foundation, I highly recommend this. No wow factor but certainly a reliable foundation.






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Feedback Wanted!!

Hello *waves*

Lately, I've noticed a different trend of readers for the blog and I'd love your feedback so that I'll be able to figure the changes out. With your comments, hopefully I can find ways to make the blog more reader-friendly.

Click to read more...

Changes (negative and positive):

• Amazing response towards tutorials and looks
• Good interaction for the Beauty Budgeting series and popular product reviews
• Increase in followers (based on Google Friend Connect)
• Decrease in contest entries. Very perplexed by this! I have MANY contest coming up but with the poor response, I feel reluctant to run the contests.
  
• Little to no response towards less known products (despite good/in-depth reviews)
• Dramatic decrease in unique visitors (I only check once in a while but compared to two months ago, there has been a decrease of around 50%)

I admit that I have the tendency to be defensive (It's a Virgo thing and I'm working on that) but I would really like to view your thoughts anyway. With my kind of ego, I wouldn't ask unless I really have no clue! So help me, I'm desperate.

Please give me your honest feedback on the blog (what you like and what you don't) and perhaps provide me with some pointers on how I can improve the blog eg. what you'd like to read more about or even if there's a specific style that you're looking for.

This is the one time that I'd highly encourage you to comment anonymously if revealing yourself is holding you back from commenting. That way, I won't be having any hard feelings or hold any grudges. I'm only human, as civilized as I try to be. If you dislike me enough to laser-comment with your ID, by all means I can't stop you.

I will not reply to any of the comments in this post but I will view them all and take in as much constructive criticisms as I can. If I highly dislike what I read and cannot accept what's said, I promise to not rant but I may ignore eg. saying that I look like a prostitute.

Knowing that people are benefiting from the blog keeps me going. Bad comments don't dishearten me but seeing my readers go missing discourages me. I'm very grateful for all of you who have supported my passion for beauty blogging and the past 1.5 years have truly been a blast.

Now, fire away!

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Beauty Budgeting Chp. 4: Patience

Many overpaid and impulsive purchases tend to be caused by lack of patience. The urgency to buy something while it's fresh out and before anyone else is probably due to not wanting to feel left out or the desire to create envy in others. I won't blame human social nature but when your funds are easily bruised, perhaps it's time to lower down that ego and bring up the patience. Does "better late than never" ring a bell?

"Which product have you bought that you wish you would've waited?"

Read for tips on achieving Patience

New and Pricey

Not knowing is barely an excuse for purchasing something very new in the market at full price. Most new arrivals are not discounted and since consumers can be so impatient, they'd still be willing to pay full price than to wait. That's how the company gets back their capital. The discounts are meant to get money from the lower level consumers who value the product at a lower price. Makes sense? For instance, I wouldn't buy a Majolica Majorca mascara when it's originally priced at RM46.90 but I wouldn't think so much when it has been discounted to RM39.90 because I value the mascara at that price.

New collections are leeches. If you crave for Limited Edition stuff that easily go out of stock (mostly due to other impatient consumers), I really can't help you. It depends on how you perceive the actual value of the product. Personally, I don't crave for Limited Edition things. I'd be happy if I get them but I won't exactly go chasing after them or pay loads of money for them. I've seen MAC MSF in Light Flush being sold at almost $40USD and I bought mine well over the collection was out at RM70. Would I have paid $40USD for Light Flush? Most definitely not.

So, when it comes to newly launched products, it wouldn't hurt to just wait it out a little and you'll eventually get a better deal.

Sales and Discounts

Even existing products will go on sale every now and then. I put off getting the Urban Decay Primer Potion until the 30% Friends and Family sale and save about RM30 for my tube. Same goes for my Paul and Joe Foundation, which I've patiently waited to get from the warehouse sale. And thankfully I waited since the foundation ended up looking too fair and oily! If you're in America, you can easily return or exchange the product but in Malaysia, we don't have such privileges.

Research First

How many times have your purchases been determined by the description on the back of the box or the convincing from sales assistants? It's the age of the Internet! Don't feel obligated to buy something just because you've looked at it for more than 2 minutes. The first hand information is often distorted so researching a little more before making a purchase is advisable. Nobody wants that horrible feeling of being so excited to buy something only to find out that it doesn't work. Reviews are out there for a reason. Make use of them! When reviews are good, chances of disappointment are low although not entirely impossible. Nevertheless, chances are still low. Taking the time to actually educate yourself about a particular product will save you from regretful spending.


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Review: Maybelline The Colossal Mascara

Finally, I opened my Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara after realizing that I won't be using much of the Lash Stiletto. Turbo Boost is one of my most preferred mascaras but the idea of The Colossal promising to give 10x volume instead of Turbo Boost's 5x was intriguing.

I'm all for the funky yellow and purple packaging, now on to the review.

The brush is massive! No wonder they called this The Colossal. Coating the top lashes didn't pose any problems but getting the bottom lashes was a wee bit annoying. Similar to the Lash Stiletto, the formula has a rose-like scent that according to the boyfriend, smells more like cockroach.

As with most Western mascaras, the formula is heavy and weighs my puny Asian lashes down despite curling prior to application. The lashes separated and volumized decently but nothing wow-worthy.

I normally use this with more dramatic eye makeup looks where prominent lashes are not called for. The mascara washes off with warm water but since I highly doubt I'll wear this on its own, that extra point doesn't really count for anything. However, it does remain smudgeproof for long hours.

Retails at about $7 in drugstores. This mascara is not available in Malaysian stores. Please refer to sgdrugstore.


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Tutorial: Red & Black Vampish - Alice Cullen?

Those eye bags are real! I had no intention of looking vampish but the Red & Black + testing out new foundation that's too fair for my skin kinda resulted to that. Turned out pretty cool actually so I was quite pleased with this look. Kinda Alice Cullen-ish perhaps? I've been in a Twilight craze lately (I'm slow, I know) -- very much absorbed by the books and watching the movie five times counting just so I can stare helplessly at Edward Cullen *sighs* Anyway, hope you like the tutorial. The song's really good so you can just play the video for that if you don't wanna watch me.



Read on for full description of items used and more pictures.

Items Used:

Face:
Monistat Chafing Gel
SaSa HD Perfect Foundation in 04 (darkest shade and still too fair *groans*)
e.l.f. Tone Correcting Concealer
e.l.f. Healthy Glow Powder in Luminance
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder

Cheeks:
Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in #2
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Flush

Lips:
RMK Lip Pencil in 09
NYX Round Lipstick in B52
RMK Gloss Lips in 01 Clear Peach

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in Black
I Nuovi D27 Eyeshadow in Velvet
NYX Eyeshadow Trio - Rust
MAC Pigment in Off The Radar
MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper
MAC Mineralize Shadow Duo in Love Connection
Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow in #18
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Maybelline The Colossal Mascara
Ardell Demi #102 Lashes
Daiso Auto Eyebrow Pencil
e.l.f. Brow Kit in Light
RMK Eyebrow Mascara in 04





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Find the Keys to Sustainable Youth Contest

Are you Anti Aging?

If your answer is "Yes", this is the contest for you! For the past few months, I've had the pleasure of experiencing Sustainable Youth Technologies and blogged about it. Now, thanks to the generous people at SYT, YOU stand a chance to win a set of the Total Immune Performance Regimen worth $225!

Wanna know how? Read on for contest details!
This contest is open to ALL readers WORLDWIDE
Note: You MUST leave your answers in the comment box. Your e-mail should be a COPY of your entry and not the entry itself. Please. Read the contest rules and regulations carefully before you post your entry.

Browse through www.sustainableyouthproducts.com to find the answers to the following questions:

1. What is Alasta?
2. What is Sustainable Youth's Philosophy?
3. Share at least one unique feature you've found about Sustainable Youth that entices you to win the Total Immune Performance Regimen package.

Leave your answers in the comment box below together with your name, location and e-mail address.

Contest Rules and Regulations:

• ONE winner will receive: (1) Elastifirm Supplement, (2) Elasticity Cream, (3) Revitalizing Serum
• This contest is open to all readers worldwide
• Only entries with all the correct answers will qualify for the draw
• Question 3 is subjective so there is no set correct answer. As long as the answer makes sense and explains any of the features of SYT which you think is unique, it will be correct
  
• If you do not wish to publish your e-mail address, please send a COPY of your comment posted to skindeco.net@gmail.com
• Entries without e-mail addresses and e-mails without post comments will automatically be rejected
• Only one entry per person, please
• Submit your entry by June 30th, 2009 11:59pm GMT+8:00
• Winner will be randomly selected
  

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Beauty Budgeting Chp. 3: Brushes

"A good brush is an investment"
Heard that before? In some ways, that statement is true but most of the time, it's merely an excuse to spend on expensive makeup brushes. Yes, good brushes will last you years but that doesn't necessarily mean that all good brushes should be expensive. Another thought that you should kick out is thinking that "better" brushes will improve your makeup skills. Sure, good brushes make some differences in how your makeup would look but not instantaneously and not without practice.

"What's the most expensive brush that you have in your collection?"

Got a habit spending on brushes? Better read on...

The Lure of Brush Sets

Brush sets are often scammers. They make us think that we're getting a better deal. I mean, 24-brushes in a whole set which only comes up to $x a brush! Take a second look at that brush set. Do you think you will be using every single one of those brushes? Better yet, do you KNOW what each of those brushes are for? Brush sets are often addictive so you'd most probably end up with five flat synthetic brushes that you really don't need. Travel sets are damaging too so don't even think about it. Realistically, we'd only need ONE travel set.

Buying brush sets is not wrong but make sure you choose the right brush set for you. My very first set was the Mini Italian Badger Brush Set. It's the one that started my brush collection 2 years ago and the one that I'm still using to this very day. Every brush in the set is useful and enough to create a complete makeup look. So, if you're thinking of getting a brush set, get one that you'd be sure to use all the brushes in it.

Brushes That Should Be Cheap

Some brushes you simply do not need to spend a lot of money on and they are:

• Percise Liner Brush (eg. MAC209 or 210)
  
• Spoolie/Lash Brush (eg. MAC204)

Liner brushes, regardless of the price and "quality", are not meant to last very long and in no time, it will fray. The best alternative to liner brushes are synthetic nylon/taklon liner brushes from art stores. They will cost you less than two bucks (in both RM and USD) and they get the job done. It's practice that will give you a perfect line and not an expensive brush.

Next time you visit say Benefit or MAC, ask the beauty consultant for a disposable mascara wand. And there you have your spoolie!

Awesome and Cheap Brushes

Some of the best brushes that I've ever used are incredibly affordable and even have better quality than their pricier counterparts. I may not have mentioned all but here are a few examples:

elf Eyeshadow Brush
elf Studio Powder Brush (for liquid foundation)
Elianto Eyeshadow Brush
Black Deluxe Shadow Brush (supposed dupe of the MAC227. I've tried the MAC227 and it was scratchy)
Italian Badger Round Crease Brush
Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush
Silk Naturals Fiber Optic Brush
La Mei La Kabuki Brush

"Investment" Brushes

Of course, there are certain brushes that are worth the investment. I used to think that it was my MAC187SE but now that it has been reduced to blush work instead of the initial foundation duty (taken over by elf's $3 Studio Powder Brush), I've changed my mind.

Looking at my stash, if there's one brush that's truly worth its hefty price tag, it would be the Stila #30 brush. Keep in mind though, that everyone's investment brush is different. It all boils down to the brush that you truly utilize. Of course, we tend to make bad investments every now and then before actually seeing profit. The most important thing is not to be easily lured. Anyone can tell you how "worth it" a brush is to them but in the end, you'll be the one using the brush so think carefully before splurging on a brush that you know you will not use much of.


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Review: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Wrinkle Filling Night Treatment

Twenty-one and I'm already using wrinkle fillers... So, let's hope I'll still look twenty-one by the time I'm forty, eh? *prays hard*

It seems like I have expensive taste for night creams -- Creme De La Mer and Shu Uemura Phyto Black Lift are my favorites. Since those two don't exactly fit into the student budget, I read Tine's review and bought the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Wrinkle Filling Night Treatment.

Read on for the review

I wanted to post this up earlier but "Meh" (So Loverly's term for a very average product) products just don't inspire me to write. We shall just get this over with, shan't we?

In this big jar there's cream... er... thick and hard cold-cream-textured cream. There's this not-exactly-pleasant scent but I can't really decide what it is. Tine says it's "bean-y" so we'll just go with that. As much as I love rich creams, this one goes on oily and feels highly uncomfortable. You see, I like rich creams that make my skin glow. Treatment wise, the results were unnoticeable. I didn't see any wrinkles being filled or feel any substantial firmness. The cream moisturized enough, I'll give it that.

Perhaps what I'm looking for is more than just a moisturizer so this one doesn't really cut it for me. However, if you're just looking for an averagely-priced night cream, this could work. I'm currently using another brand of night cream and we'll see how that turns out to be. If that doesn't work, I may just have to go back to Shu Uemura. At the very least, it's cheaper than La Mer.

Eucerin Hyaluron Filler retails at pharmacies for RM98 or so.


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Review: Skinfood Gingko BB Cream

Foundations, I've owned a lot. BB cream, however, is something that I can never seem to come close to finishing. Meet my 2nd tube of BB cream after almost 2 years of owning my first [click to read Missha BB Cream review + BB cream intro]. This Skinfood Gingko BB Cream was given to me by a very kind reader, Lisa.

Read on for the review

The Skinfood Gingko BB Cream has been on my wish list for quite some time, if you've noticed. I was certain that this was the BB cream that I will get next but my bottomless pitt of a BB cream held me back. So finally, I have this in Shade 2, which is still about two shades lighter than my skin tone but acceptable. There's also a slight pinkish tinge that prevents me from layering on too much.

Skinfood's tube isn't as big as Missha's. Thus, I'm hoping that this means I'll be able to get through the tube. The nozzle is flat so there could be some mess. Compared to Missha, Skinfood's cream texture is not as thick and is easier to blend. Somehow I find that the finish isn't as fine and glowy in comparison to Missha's, which is a downside for me. Unless I use a heavier moisturizer underneath, I won't be able to put powder on top of the BB cream without looking all caked up.

Nevertheless, it doesn't slide around without powder and pretty much stayed on through heat and sweat. This BB cream would suit oilier complexions better since it keeps shine at bay and isn't oily at all. The coverage isn't too bad either.

I'm yet to find a BB cream that really wows me. Quite unfortunately, almost all BB creams come in fair shades which I can't accommodate. Any suggestions? I've heard very good things about L'egere but again, shade problem. The texture of Etude House's Mousse Magic BB Cream was gorgeous but the coverage was too sheer and color a wee bit too fair.

Retails at Skinfood stores and kiosks for RM49.90 (again, I can't remember prices but it should be correct)

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Simple Looks + Puppy + Updates

Things have been slow, haven't they? I actually have many posts lined up but I'm yet to compile the pictures. In this post you'll find some simple makeup looks, a new skin care range that I've just started using, adorable puppy pictures, food pictures, and some random rambling about stuff.

Read on for all that and I'll explain this first look, k?

This is the kind of makeup that I do when I don't have much time and I don't want my makeup to look too much. For the face, I tried out the Revlon Color Stay Foundation with the MAC109 brush. On the cheeks is Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in P Orange 55 and MAC MSF in Light Flush. I used L'Oreal HiP Eyeshadow Duo in Riotous, EDM shadow in Cypress with Bobbi's Ivy Shimmer gel liner for the eyes.

On lazier school days, I'd just have on BB cream (Skinfood), Paul and Joe Eye Gloss, MAC Fluidline in Blue Peep then Blacktrack at the base. I attempted to straighten my hair so that it wouldn't look so poofy but it didn't seem to work. I need a haircut *sighs*

I've recently acquired the Origins Light Years Ahead range which is for anti-aging and brightening. Brightening/whitening has never really been my thing but the discoloration around my chin area is bugging the hell outta me. Not sure if this will work but we'll see. It has only been 3 days.
Meet Duncan Oreo, our little puppy. He's Nikki (our Lab) bastard of a puppy. Lol! Quite a monster, he is but awfully cute. He'll be going to his new home in about a month's time. Tremmie makes a cameo appearance here but she's really not too happy with a new dog in the house. The ShiPoo is already a nightmare as it is.

Went for Pasta Mania with Bee and Paris after an eye, neck and shoulder treatment at 128 Faubourg. The beauty specialist that attended to me was Emily Chan and her service was superb. I was so relaxed that I was snoring away.

Finally, I watched Twilight. I know. I'm like so outdated but better late than never, no? I loved the movie so much that I just bought the book. Whee!

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Review: Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel SPF25 PA++

After the awful experience with Biore UV Gel, I didn't think that I'd be able to find a drugstore gel sunscreen that would not irritate my skin. Since Plue didn't like the lack of oil control in this product, she passed on the Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel SPF25 PA++ to me. Lucky for me, my skin seems to like this sunscreen a lot.


Prior to this, I've been avidly using RMK Face Protector as my sunscreen for makeup days and I don't think I've ever used a better sunscreen. However, Sunplay Skin Aqua makes a decent substitute with its lightweight texture and gentle formula. The sunscreen feels comfortably hydrating on the skin but doesn't cause additional oiliness either. Since it's fast-absorbing, this makes an excellent sunscreen to be used under makeup. Due to the hydrating benefits, I especially like using this under powder foundations which tend to move around quickly when oil-based skin care is used underneath.

There's quite a lot of product in the handy squeeze bottle so it's considerably cheap. However, when it comes to the effectiveness of this product, I can't quite tell yet. I know for sure that RMK Face Protector works because having used that over the past few months, I've noticed that my foundation shades were getting fairer and I haven't developed any new spots on my cheek. Perhaps I'll do an update after a few more months to re-view this one.

For the time being, I'm happy enough with this product to the point that I'm not keen on looking for another sunscreen to substitute it.

Paris of MyWomenStuff did a review on both the Skin Aqua Gel and Milk.

Retails for RM29.90/80ml. Small trial sizes are available for RM5 (I think).



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