Review: Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara

I'm not going to beat around the bush.

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash is a western mascara.

And I love it.

Read on...

If you don't already know, I almost always dislike Western mascaras. Asian mascaras all the way, baby!

When I bought the MUFE Smoky Lash mascara (at a good deal, if I may add), it was without expectations. Despite wanting it to work, I was well aware of how poorly my stick straight Asian lashes respond to Western mascaras.

The brush looks pretty basic but it does pick up a lot of mascara to load on the lashes. As with most Western mascaras, the formula is a tad thick so the tube will dry up within two months or so. I won't say that it doesn't clump because after two months, it's bound to but before it dries up, clumping won't be much of an issue.


Smoky Lash doesn't groom my lashes to perfection, which is what most Asian mascaras do. For me, that's not a bad thing. As promised, the mascara volumizes, lengthens (enough) and -- wait for it -- curls. Yes! It actually does hold up a curl!

The formula is very dark thus adding instant drama to the lashes with just one coat. Though, I usually go for two coats to get even thicker and more luscious lashes. The slightly unruly separation made my lashes look fluttery, which I love.

Without this mascara, my eye makeup would seem very much incomplete. Heck, I can have on sloppy eyeshadow and this mascara would fix the look.

This formula is non-waterproof and while MUFE does have a waterproof formula for Smoky Lash, I can't assure you that it will work the same. Besides, I actually prefer non-waterproof formula for daily use because it means that I won't have to rub my eyes to get the mascara off. Wearing it throughout the day, the mascara didn't smudge at all unless I had been crying or had a really big yawn. It removes easily with warm water.

Mascaras are one of those items that I don't believe in paying lots of money for. Why should I when my trusty Maybelline Turbo Boost works wonderfully? Even if I can convince myself that I can be perfectly contented with Turbo Boost, Smoky Lash is my vice. A vice that I will indulge in.

Retails at Make Up For Ever counters for RM105 and Sephora for USD$22


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Reviews: Sue Devitt Marine Skin Care and Make Up

Believing that vitamin-rich ingredients derived from the sea are highly beneficial to the skin, Sue Devitt incorporates marine ingredients discovered from her travels into the products that she formulates. This includes color cosmetics that are caring for your skin as you wear them.

Products featured in this post:

• Microquatic™ Oxygen Infusion Masque
• Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation
• Lip Enhancing Gloss

Read on for review and swatches by Skin Deco's US Correspondent, Grace Chan.

Microquatic™ Oxygen Infusion Masque

Color, Texture & Scent:

When first exposed to air the mask has an aqua color and has little shimmers in it. It has a gel like consistency and is easy to spread on your face. It foams up when you start to massage it. As for scent, it has a nice clean smell like subtle scent of laundry detergent. That’s probably not the best way to describe the scent, but it’s a rather nice scent.

Usage:

I have been using this mask 4 times a week for about a month now. I tend to use 3-4 pumps each time I use it just because the recommended 2 pumps did not seem to make a difference. I keep the mask on for 5-7 minutes.

Product:

When the mask was first applied I got a nice cooling sensation for about a minute. According to the Sue Devitt site “The masque imparts a cooling sensation that indicates the delivery of oxygen benefits, and the removal of pollutants and impurities from the skin.” Honestly, when the mask was washed off I didn’t see much of a difference. It felt like I just washed my face with a regular cleanser. The redness of my face did decrease a little, but it came back within half an hour. It doesn’t really have long lasting effects.

Price:

Retails for $40 at SueDevittBeauty.com

Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation

Color, Texture & Scent:

I got this foundation in Nullarbor Plain. It matches me quite well (I’m a NC30-35 in MAC). The texture of this foundation is amazing. I LOVE the texture. It’s so smooth and creamy. However, the major downfall to this product is the smell. The scent of the product is extremely strong and isn’t exactly pleasant. It has such a weird smell that I can’t describe. My friend who was standing next to me noticed the odd smell and she was about 50cm away from me.

Usage:

I have been using this foundation 3-4 times a week for about a month now. I use about 2 pea sized amounts each time.

Product:

The foundation is phenomenal. It covers my pores rather well and it doesn’t accentuate dry skin. I have really oily skin. My face typically turns into a grease ball if I don’t blot it during the day. This foundation seems to control my oil rather well and it doesn’t get cakey quickly (6-7hours). The coverage is light to medium for me. It can be full coverage but it tends to cake rather quickly if you apply a lot. It evens out my skin complexion quite well. All in all it’s a great product despite the horrible smell.

Price:

Retails for $40 at SueDevittBeauty.com

Lip Enhancing Gloss

Texture & Scent:

The lip gloss is rather thick but it’s really smooth. It doesn’t have that sticky feeling to it. They had an odd scent bittersweet chocolate.

Trinity Beach : Coral

Coral Sea : Pink

Product:

Both glosses have a minty feel to it that lasts around 5 minutes. The glosses are VERY sheer and appear as a shimmery clear color on my lips. So basically both colors look the same on my lips. The lasting power is not the best. I have to reapply it several times a day.

Price:

Retails for $22 at SueDevittBeauty.com

*The products featured in this post were provided by representatives of Sue Devitt Beauty for review on Skin Deco.

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NEW Skin Deco Stash Sale -- Open for Business

I've moved my Stash Sale from Picasa to a blogshop and it's finally open for business!

Skin Deco Stash Sale

There are over 60 items up for sale including more than 30 newly added items

International shipping is available :)


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Update: Rounding Up March '10 + Body Treatments + Mani-pedi

March's coming to an end, which means there's only a little more than two weeks left until I have to face my dreaded finance and economics papers. Guess who hasn't been studying? *grins*

Before I go on to tell you about my rather eventful weekend, here are some great posts from March:

• Jenn from Lipglosseater shows the progress of her new home and dazzled us with swatches from the MAC Spring Colour Forecast Collection
• The Steam Cream is definitely heavenly and not just hype, says Beetrice of Beetricesreviews
• ParisB of MyWomenStuff rebuts, explaining why she likes some local drugstore eyeshadows
• Not only does Syen of So Loverly have a blush addiction, her body moisturizers are catching up too!
• After reading Nikki's (Askmewhats) review on the SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer, I was very tempted to get one for myself
• Extracted from her experience with celebrities and make-up artists, Yani of Red Lucious Lips shares ten of her favorite beauty tips

Read on...


Image Source: Malaysiabest.net
I felt very much like that steamed herbal chicken in the picture above when I had my first body slimming treatment experience at Bizzy Body in Mid Valley Boulevard.

First they rubbed ginseng oil all over my body, wrapped me very tightly in several layers of cling wrap, chucked me into an infrared sauna blanket, allowed me to steam for 30 minutes to get my juices going and finally, cut me out from the wrapper, ready to serve. After that they strapped me down to the bed and electrified me for another half hour.

Why do people pay 600 bucks (I got a voucher for free treatment) to torture themselves? Seriously, I'd rather exercise. Don't get me wrong, I was rather pleased with the staff. The therapist even showed me a few massaging techniques that I can do at home to help tone my arms and thighs.

Because I had some extra moolah, I treated myself to a "membership". If I was predictable, it would have been a spa or gym membership but since I'm not and I've been desperate to get an even tan, I signed up for an indoor tanning membership at Fabulous Tan in Mid Valley. The consultant was hot (gorgeous tan!) and very helpful -- perhaps I am gullible after all.
I only had my first session on Friday so it'll take a few more sessions before I can fully blog about my experience.

Meanwhile, if you're considering to sign up for a package at Fabulous Tan (FB Page), I'd really appreciate it if you gave them my membership number (M600852) upon registration. I'll be honest -- there's a referral program :) Oh, and do e-mail me if you did. Thanks!


Mom treated me to a manicure and pedicure, which I was long overdue for. If I had known, I wouldn't have cut my own nails just two days before. Apparently, I can't even get that right (see ring finger). The manicurist chose Siberian Nights by OPI for me -- such a gorgeous deep purple!


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Tutorial: Earth, Sea & Sky

I did this tutorial ages ago!

Now that I've finally finished editing the video, here it is. Again, one of those looks created because I wanted to try out some newly-acquired makeup. Decided to call it Earth, Sea & Sky. I'm welcoming the Summer trends in Spring.

Just a little teaser: I'll be starting a brand new tutorial series some time next week. The idea sparked months ago but I never got to doing it. I'm still deciding if I should do video or picture tutorials for this series because some of the looks won't be too elaborate. What do you think? Both, maybe?



Click for more pics and description of items used!

Items Used:

Eyes:
Smashbox Photofinish Lid Primer
MAC Brushed Metal-X in Metalblu
MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Sea & Sky
MAC Pigment in Off the Radar
MAC Eyeshadow in Rare Specimen
MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper
Stage Eye Liner in Oscar Olive
MAC Pigment in Teal
Giorgio Armani Eye Pnecil in Black
MAC Penultimate Eyeliner in Rapid Black
Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara
Daiso Auto Eyebrow Pencil


Face:
Majolica Majorca Face Lingerie
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #6
MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC35
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder

Cheeks:
theBalm Hot Mama

Lips:
RMK Lip Liner in 09 Silver Brown
MAC Lipstick in Marquise D'
MAC Dazzleglass Creme Lipgloss in Sublime Shine








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Review: theBalm Hot Mama

Towards the end of last year, gaining popularity amongst the girls in our “group” was theBalm Down Boy blush, which I believe at least four of them own. While I was very much suckered by the cute packaging and witty name, the cool pink wasn’t a good color on me so I passed. Not wanting to feel left out, I went for a different color, theBalm Hot Mama.

Warm peachy-pink with a golden sheen, in theory, seems like it’ll look fabulous on my warm tan-ish complexion. As an added bonus, it has also been known as a NARS Orgasm dupe.

Is it a hit? Read on…

Despite it being one third of Down Boy’s size, Hot Mama’s pan still contains a generous amount of blush. The slim cardboard packaging is magnetized so that the blush opens up like a book. There’s even a mirror inside. Cute, no? The powder is finely-milled and easy to blend.


For those of you who are wondering if Hot Mama compares to NARS Orgasm, it doesn’t. In terms of color concept, it may seem like it would but Orgasm has more peach than pink in it. The blush from the elf Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder duo would be a closer match to Orgasm as opposed to Hot Mama which is pinker. This shade should generally flatter most skin tones.


Looks pretty good, doesn’t it? Unfortunately in real life the color did not translate to what you see in the pictures. It took quite a lot of product to get the color and glow to show. By the time I got the color intensity that I wanted, I didn’t feel too “hot” – the minuscule bumps on my face seem to be accentuated. To make matters worse, the color on my cheeks would fade within 2 hours or so. I wanted so much for the blush to work on me but it didn’t. Milani Luminous looked a whole lot better on me and lasted longer too.

Don’t let my less-than-ideal experience put you off though. Many people who have used Hot Mama liked it a lot and my fair-skinned friends had no problem with the blush color fading. Maybe this blush is only meant for hot mamas…

I'm afraid this one's a miss for me *sighs*

Retails for RM65 at SaSa outlets and $19 at Sephora

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Advanced Beauty Treatments: Microdermabrasion and Ultrasound

Most of us rely on over-the-counter skin care products to achieve our ideal complexion. Some of us would even go for a monthly facial to boost the process. While we are willing to try brands after brands of products, we tend to stop at anything that borderlines extreme. Although advanced beauty treatments that go beyond steams and masks are quite common nowadays, the stakes are still higher as there is a very real risk of side effects.

Curiosity got the better of me when I was given the opportunity to experience microdermabrasion and ultrasound skin treatment at a very irresistible price. By the end of the 2-hour session, I came out with a huge smile, renewed skin and comparison pictures to show.

Read on...


Early this week, I went for my free facial (voucher compliments of A Cut Above) appointment at Facial First in Boulevard, Mid Valley. Over the years I've been to a number of facials including free ones and I've never been compelled to upgrade my session or sign up for any packages. This time, however, was refreshingly albeit dangerously (made me spend more money!) different. The salon's ambiance, while comfortable, is nothing to shout about. What got me hooked was my consultation with facial consultant, June Tan. Not to blow my own horn but I know the tricks up the sleeves of a salesperson well and I'm usually impervious to sweet talk. But give me straight forward no bullshit honesty and I'll start to weaken. June gave me that with extra doses of knowledge, sincerity and attentiveness. I couldn't say no.

My hydrating treatment session (worth RM500) comprised of a basic facial, several masks, microdermabrasion, blackhead extraction and ultrasound.

Microdermabrasion

The process involves a specialized tool shooting a stream of tiny crystals to remove the out most layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and a vacuum collecting the used crystals and dead skin for disposal. The suction felt like cellophane tape on the skin repeatedly applied and removed. You can read more about how microdermabrasion works here.

This procedure encourages the formation of new and healthy skin cells to replace the ones that have been removed.

Ultrasound Skin Treatment

The ultrasound promotes activity at the deeper layers of the skin to increase fibroblast activity needed to increase collagen production as well as signal the fibroblast cells into repairing tissue damage. Read more about ultrasound skin treatment here.

Improvements to my skin after the facial:

• Firm
  
• Smoother and more refined texture
• Less discoloration
• Less sallow
  
• Less apparent laugh lines (Nasolabial/Marionette lines)
• Less severe forehead lines
• Better absorption of skin care
• Less dry, especially in the mornings
• Foundation goes on smoothly and doesn't cake

I believe that my current skin care regimen has also been contributing to these improvements but while my skin felt and looked better overall before the procedures, the change didn't seem too visibly dramatic. Perhaps the outer layer prevented my healthier skin from surfacing?



My fine lines have been stagnant on that outer layer and now that it's gone, my skin looked significantly more 'youthful'. I've been bothered by those lines on my forehead for a very long time so I am extremely pleased with the results.


I would've loved to sign up for the package and go for the procedures a few more times but I'm not willing to give up food for beautiful skin. One day when I can actually afford these treatments, I'd definitely want to have them done again.

If you're really interested in this facial, I'd suggest that you arrange for a consultation with the salon. The prices advertised are not fixed aka negotiable so depending on your arrangements with the consultant, you may be able to get a good deal for the services. Special discounts are also offered to students. Call 03-2287 8830


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Review + Giveaway: L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid

The new and improved formula of the coveted L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation now contains Hyaluronic Acid. Seems like these days Hyaluronic Acid is becoming quite the popular ingredient in both skin care and makeup. Well, it's a terrific hydrating ingredient so I'm not complaining.

Taking over the place of a personally well-liked foundation, how does this new formula compare?
Read on...

Compared to the original L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation, this new one:

• Feels hydrating
  
• Has a lighter and runnier texture
• Is easier to blend
• Feels more comfortable
  
• Gives a sheer to medium coverage
• Didn't oxidize as much but a base will still be required
  

All the above-mentioned improvements are generally appealing to the masses though I personally prefer foundations with a little bit more coverage, which the old one did give me. Other than that, this formula is a well-rounded upgrade.

I was given shade G1 Vanilla Ivory to test which was very light for my skin. I should be more of a G2 or G3. L'Oreal has shade-matching system for various skin tones where G (Gold) is for warm, R (Rose) is for cool, and N (Neutral) is for neither warm or cool. If you wanna learn more about undertones, do check out PB's post on it.

From my point of view, most Asians will be either Warm or Neutral and you should get your foundation to match you neck or chest rather than your face. Some people may have a very pink face and think that they are cool-toned and get a pink-toned foundation to "match". What they don't realize is that their chest is beige so they end up looking odd... You'll probably get a better foundation match testing it on your chest rather than your jawline.

Anyway, since the coverage was sheer, I managed to make the shade work for me with a darker powder. Despite how the picture on the left looks, I did find that layering powder over the foundation accentuated some fine lines so I skipped the powder and got a better result. Even without powder, the foundation stayed on pretty well.

Left: G1 with a darker powder (MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus). My skin looks a tad oily but that's due to greasy L'Oreal UV Perfect as base
Right: G1 mixed with a darker foundation (Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation in Tahitian Sun). No powder was used

What really stood out for me about this foundation is how impeccably easy it is to blend it. I can simply slap this foundation on with a foundation brush or fingers and there will be no streaks. The foundation looks natural and not at all mask-like.


If you're wondering why there isn't my usual "Before and After" shots, it's because I knocked my foundation off the table and shattered it before I could get the pictures. I would've tried to salvage what was left in the bottle if it wasn't for the fragments of glass in it *sighs*

All in all, good drugstore foundation for non-extreme skin types if you like a sheer and natural coverage.

Retails for RM52.90 at major healthcare stores and L'Oreal counters. Contains SPF17 PA++

------------------------------------------------------

I have two bottles of the new L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation to give away. If you're a Malaysian resident and would like to give this foundation a go, do the following by March 24th, 2010:

1. Be a subscriber/follower
2. Post a comment about anything that's related to this post
3. Send a COPY of your comment to skindeco.net@gmail.com
4. Include your subscriber/follower username

* Winners and shades will be chosen randomly


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Why I Don't Use Local Drugstore Eyeshadows

Now and again, I get readers asking me to do looks using drugstore/budget products, namely eyeshadows, that are available locally. If not, they'd ask me to recommend local budget dupes for the colors that I've used.

When it comes to makeup, I'm not a brand snob. At least, I don't believe that I am. Nevertheless, I find the need to explain why I don't use local drugstore eyeshadows. Additionally, I'd like to stress that using the same brand of colors that I've used is almost always unnecessary.

I can't really categorize the subtopics of this post so you'll just have to read on...

NOTE

Local = Malaysian
My dislike towards drugstore eyeshadows is only applicable to locally available drugstore eyeshadows. I'm not referring to American drugstore eyeshadows. On the contrary, I like and use American drugstore eyeshadows

If you've been watching my tutorials, you'd notice that the eyeshadows I use are mainly from:

• MAC: It's a high end brand but I have never in my life bought a MAC eyeshadow at full price. Most of the ones that I own have great pigmentation and texture. I love using MAC Pigments too. More than half of my MAC eyeshadow collection were given to me and the rest I buy during the warehouse sale
  
• NYX: Their eyeshadows are of very good quality and there's a huge selection of colors. Best part of all, they're cheap and often go on sale. Only downside is that they're not available at local retail outlets but they're not difficult to purchase online. For the price that you're paying and quality that you're getting, they're worth the trouble and waiting time
  
• I Nuovi: I don't have many of their eyeshadows but some of them I use quite often because they're of very good quality and the colors are unique. The prices are only slightly cheaper than MAC but all of mine were either given to me our bought during sale
  
• Mineral Pigments: Regardless of brands (Lumiere, Sweetscents, MAD, etc.) you can get them in sample sizes and own hundreds of colors. Again, they're not available at local retail outlets but they're not difficult to purchase online. When I first started applying eyeshadow, I use a lot of mineral pigments to experiment with. They are highly affordable (as low as RM2.50 for 1/4 tsp baggy) and have good quality. Better quality than most drugstore eyeshadows, at least. However, I have been using less of mineral pigments because I now have pressed versions of the colors and it's simply easier to choose an individual eyeshadow rather than shuffle through hundreds of baggies
• 88-Color Palette: This is a very good palette if you wanna own loads of colors without having to spend too much money. At one point, I used this palette a lot but then I generally prefer using individual eyeshadows for some odd reason so I fall back to them. I still use my palette, just not as often

Having gone through that list, it's safe to say that when I actually buy eyeshadows, I often go for brands that I know produce good eyeshadows instead of just randomly buying drugstore eyeshadows for 20 bucks or more and be disappointed with them. If I'm able to get NYX eyeshadows, for instance, I might as well, right? What's the point of spending hard earned money on something that I know I won't like just because it's available locally? Besides, the drugstore eyeshadows from US come up to be more value for money in the end.

Let's go through some locally available drugstore/budget brand eyeshadows (let me know if I've missed out on any brands and I'll add to the list)

• Maybelline: Not pigmented, powdery or sheer. Usually comes in quads. I don't fancy quads with similar looking colors
  
• L'Oreal: Same as above-mentioned but more expensive
  
• Silky Girl: Used to like their duos but they've changed to this ugly cheap toy-like packaging that is just a huge turn off. The new eyeshadows are not impressive
  
• Revlon: Boring colors, usually come in palettes and not exactly cheap
  
• Rimmel: Pure crap
  
• Majolica Majorca: Very good eyeshadows but the colors are pretty sheer/shimmery/Japanese-like. Great if you like Japanese style makeup, which I don't typically go for. I like intense colors. The singles are limited and the quads are quite pricey for drugstore
  
• ZA: Quality and colors only so-so. They're so tiny and the plastic looks cheap for the price I'm paying
  
• KATE: Mostly quads that are similar to Majolica Majorca's colors but less pigmented. Again, not into quads and Japanese colors
  
• Fasio: Same with KATE and Majolica Majorca but I think they're eyeshadows are pretty good for the price. But I already have those colors
  
• Secret: Was quite impressed with the loose powder eyeshadow but the color choices were limited and none of the colors really stood out enough for me to buy one
  
• Beautilicious: The quads are great (Alyssa and Victoria palettes) but the singles are mediocre. Kinda hard to come across these days but you can now order them online
  
• Elianto: Cheap and has good selection of colors but the textures are hardly unique. Still, a good brand to start out with if you'd like to experiment with colors on a budget
  
• Bloop de Paris: Their singles are really pigmented and I think they're pretty good quality. Color selection is limited
• In2It: This was the very first brand of eyeshadow that I bought (16 for prom). They are well-pigmented even if they don't have the finest textures. The staying power is average but nothing some eyeshadow base can't help. They're very affordable but the kiddish packaging annoys me a little
  

If you're into Japanese style makeup, you won't have much trouble finding budget eyeshadows locally. So, if you prefer Western style makeup, what do you do? My advice; save yourself the time, money and trouble looking for MAC-comparable eyeshadows in our local drugstore and order online. Embrace globalization! Or, just get the 88-Color Palette.

Once again, more often than not, the brands do not matter when you're trying to recreate a look. Just use similar colors that you have or can find. If not, simply improvise. What you should be taking away from watching tutorials are the application techniques and ideas for color combination. You won't learn anything if you follow blindly -- like reading a book you don't understand. You're not expected to replicate a look down to the brands. You may use the exact same products and have a different outcome. Makeup is not about what brands you use. It's about how you implement colors, textures and techniques to create the desired look. Just because you don't use MAC doesn't mean you can't create a MAC look.


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Update: I've Got A Planet On My Thigh

Image Source: IMDb

Has anyone not watched Alice in Wonderland?
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, insomniac-looking characters aside, though it was rather morbid for a Disney production. Not complaining, just pointing out. It is, after all, a Tim Burton movie.
Mid Valley Megamall recreated the scene above at the Centre Court and I was completely in awe by the details and accuracy. Just unfortunate that I didn't have my camera with me at that time. Not sure when it's gonna be up until but I'd suggest checking it out soon.

Read on for more blabber...


Latest Purchase: La Senza's having a sale and because I've had friends gushing over their bras, I caved and got three pieces for RM135. I spotted a lot more designs that I really liked so I can foresee myself getting more next time


Current Sport: This would be the planet mentioned in the title. I have about six others on other parts of my body but the one on my thigh is Jupiter. Please don't report domestic violence, these bruises were acquired from paintballing on Saturday. The only exercise I've been getting...

Image Source: Barnes and Nobles

Currently Reading: I'm halfway through Audrey Niffenegger's "The Time Traveler's Wife". Such a compelling book and very well-written too. I highly recommend it if you're thinking of picking something up to read.

Good News: My exam results are out and I'm pleased with them. Strangely, I got an A for a subject that I was totally not confident in and Bs for those that I was hoping to get As for *shrugs* Now to tackle the Fs!


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Review + Comparison: Western Mascaras

Read this post and you'll know that I'm not a fan of Western mascaras. Yes, Western mascaras are significantly different from Asian mascaras.

Though I usually don't buy Western mascara (unless I'm really curious), they do somehow or rather make their way into my stash through gifts and sets. With my hopes set low, I'd still give them a few tries.

The ones that I've recently tested are:

• Clinique High Impact Mascara
  
• MAC Zoom Lash Mascara
• Stila Major Lash Mascara

Read on for the reviews...


Clinique High Impact (USD$14): Medium-sized brush is manageable and bristles do help separate lashes. Least creamy formula. Doesn't hold up a curl nor does it lengthen or volumize much. Minimal smudging. Very mediocre. Non-waterproof and washes out with warm water

MAC Zoom Lash (USD$13): Cone-shaped brush is easy to use and able to coat hard-to-reach lashes. Formula is creamy and a dark black, making lashes look thick. Not much lengthening. Doesn't hold up a curl but doesn't terribly weigh them down either. Least likely to smudge. Have a tendency to clump. Best out of the three but not a mascara that I'd reach for often. Non-waterproof and washes out with warm water

Stila Major Lash (USD$22): Straight brush. Thickest, creamiest and driest formula out of the three and provides hardly any volume or length. Will clump if over-applied. Weighs down lashes. Non-waterproof and washes out with warm water

*Not sure of the local prices for Clinique and MAC but should be over RM60



While none of these Western mascaras did it for me, I actually did manage to find one that I, surprisingly, really love. That mascara deserves a dedicated post. Stay tuned for it


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Update: I Nuovi Warehouse Sale

Click on picture to enlarge

If you haven't already heard, there's an I Nuovi warehouse sale going on and I just got back from it not too long ago with a rather satisfying haul.

Paris and I took about 45 minutes to find the place so you'd be smart to not ask me for directions! The sale is cash only but the discounts are seriously good that I don't think you'd need to bring much cash anyway.

Due to overwhelming response, the sale will be extended to 13 March (10 am to 2pm)

Read on for details on product availability and prices...


Expect...

• Studiocake Foundation - RM30
• Immaculate Powder - RM30
• Powder (loose) - RM30
• Perfector Concealer
• D36 Blush (decent selection) - RM15
• Facescape (all 4 shades available) - RM35
• D27 Eyeshadows (decent selection) - RM10
• Trucolor Eyeshadows - RM15
• Dust - RM15
• Liquid Pencil, Lip Definity
• Ivoluxe Lipstick (decent selection) - RM20
• Ultragloss - RM15
• Fixit
• Lash Curler, puffs, sponges
• Makeup Remover
• LipAid
• Prolash (only 08) - RM10
• Prolash EX - RM20
• Prolash NU (underlash) - RM10

I can't remember the prices for everything but basically nothing appeared to be over RM35. Most items are RM15 to RM20

Don't Expect...

• Liquid Foundations
• Facefix
• Undercover Concealer
• Cheekblush
• Metallogy Eyeshadow
• Eyebase
• Lip Polish
• Megalips Velvetshine
• Brushes
• Cleansing Oil
• Skinspa

My loot came up to RM250 but not everything's mine:

• Travel Wallet
• Prolash EX 11, Prolash EX 07, Prolash 08
• D27 Eyeshadows: Chrome, Hour Glass, Neon, Envy, Spotlight, Pop Art, Techno, Bamboo, Bewitch, Suede, Sabrina (dupe for MAC's Black Tide!)
• Studiocake in 3Y
• Ivoluxe Lipstick in Ego
• D36 Blush in Entice and Astro

Every purchase of RM50 will entitle you to a FREE Lucky Star Gloss Palette, which comes in 8 shades of gloss.

*It seems like they have ran out of the lipgloss palette and are giving away eyeshadow palette instead...


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Update: I'm Back From Singapore!

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was pretty awesome! If you've been following my tweets, you'd know that the girls and I went down to Singapore and came back feeling very horny...

*coughs*

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REMINDER: Tomorrow's the last day for you to enter the Perricone MD Giveaway!



Being Malaysian, I've always been under the impression that food in Singapore would not be as good as food in Malaysia. This trip proved me wrong. Over the years, the quality of food in Malaysia's chain restaurants and food courts has severely deteriorated. Portions are downsized and tastes become a lot less authentic (could it be because now everything's cooked by immigrants?). Eating for the sake of becoming full is not a way to live but sadly, that's how it has been for me lately.

Eating in Singapore brought my taste buds back to life. That bowl of Pork Ribs Handmade Noodles from VivoCity's Food Republic was the best SGD$6 I've ever spent.


I was excited to finally enter the Sephora in ION Orchard but after circling the store a few rounds, I came out with nothing. The prices were very much marked-up compared to the original US prices and if you don't know me, I hardly buy cosmetics off the counter when I can get them cheaper online. Regardless, it was rather thrilling to see and swatch some of the brands that I've only been able to browse online such as Urban Decay.


The headline for our trip was the mouth-watering Chippendales performing at Hard Rock (oh, their abs were definitely so) Hotel in Sentosa. We had our bride-to-be (whose fantasy man was the plumber) wear a pink veil, getting her extra attention from one of the guys.

Lots of booty-shaking and dangling of family jewels... Buckets of sweat... Screaming, squealing and climbing on chairs...
Excuse me, I need to go fantasize about Lind Walter. Please read ParisB's post on the show


Top: Did some shopping at VivoCity which gave us only 2 minutes to spare before the show started
Bottom: Hot, sweaty and flushing after the show


The woman in bunny ears looks quite like ParisB, doesn't she? Since she didn't go up on stage to get a picture with the men (only three girls were allowed for each shot, though we managed to bat our eyelashes for another) we'll pretend that it's her, k?


Got enough hot men sweat rubbed off on me that I donated some to Paris and PinkElle. Bee got some "innocent" action from the crowd favorite, Bryan Chan (far right), which she claims to have a set of really huge hands *winks* You know what that means... hee hee hee

I can now check the Chippendales off my list of things to do before I die


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Review: L'Oreal UV Perfect Long Lasting Prefector

Product reviews are based on thoughts of the person reviewing it. Nevertheless, a bad review doesn't always mean that the product is bad. Simply, the product wasn't working in favor of the reviewer but it could be the opposite for someone else.

That said, my review for the L'Oreal UV Perfect Long Lasting UVA/UVB Protector is not going to be a good one. I didn't like it a few months back and I don't like it now. I'm sure that many would disagree with me but neither of us is wrong. This is just one product that performs differently on different people.

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Out from the nozzle is a thick blob of slightly purplish cream. It didn't do much in terms of anti-dullness. I found it difficult to get the product out because of its thickness and after about 3 uses, the tube was already starting to feel empty.


Having dry skin, oiliness is seldom a problem for me. By the time I was done filling in my brows, my face started to look and feel uncomfortably greasy. How strange! When used under makeup, my foundation would blotch and cake up within a couple of hours.

Paris B and many others have gone through tubes of this sunscreen so it can't be a bad product, can it? Though I was determined to make this product work for me, by the fourth try, I gave up. I passed it on to my mom, who has slightly oilier skin than I do, and she experienced very little greasiness. In fact, she likes it a lot and has finished using it.

My color-correcting sunscreen of choice is Garnier UV Protect. I've been using it for well over 2 years and it's my go-to sunscreen for days when I skip foundation but still want a fresh complexion. Paris B, on the other hand, wasn't a fan.

This comes to show that product reviews are merely meant as guides and you are encouraged to read several reviews of the same product before buying it. If you end up not liking a product despite good reviews, it's not the reviewers' fault!

L'Oreal UV Perfect Long Lasting Protector SPF50 PA+++ retails for RM33.90/30ml at major health care stores and L'Oreal counters. Also available in Transparent and Even Complexion.

* The featured product was provided by L'Oreal Malaysia for review on SkinDeco.Net


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