Haraju-Cute Box - Looking for Big Alluring Eye?

[Haraju-Cute Box - Looking for Big Alluring Eye?]

Time flew by so quickly, it's already nearing the end of Nov. Apologies for the lack of posts for the past week. Anyway, in this post, I will be featuring the 2nd Haraju-Cute Box that was sent to me quite sometime ago. 

The theme of this Haraju-Cute Box is "Looking for Big Alluring Eye?". And, the brand focus is AB and Bonavoce. 
Products I received:

• AB Mezical Fiber Double Eyelid Tape 30pc - REVIEW
• AB Double Eye Rubber 
• Bonavoce Premium Liquid Eyeliner - Extra Black (actually I opted for Ultra Long Mascara...) - REVIEW

I'll start with the review of Automatic Beauty (AB) Double Eye Rubber.

Apparently, you don't have to risk going under the knife, to get parallel eyelids... though it's not permanent. heh. AB Double Eye Rubber is an eyelid glue, which creates natural-looking double eyelids instantly. It is perfect for puffy single eyelids... and double eyelids as well! It is no wonder it is so well-loved by Japanese models and beauty guru, Kevin 老師.

Let's say... if your double eyelids are not prominent enough, you can use it to extend the crease area. For uneven aka big-small eyes like me, you can use it to "adjust" the eyelids to make the eyes look more even. For droopy upper eyelids, it can be used to visibly "lift" the eyes, to make you look more awake. For single eyelids, you can now enjoy (temporary) double eyelids! Woohoo~

The eyelid glue is packaged like an eyelash glue. In fact, it can double up as one.

***image credits to www.dear-laura.com***

I followed the instructions for "wide dramatic double eyelids" and was really pleased with the results!

1. The eyelid glue must be applied directly to cleansed skin, to ensure the rubber to adhere properly.
2. When applied along the desired crease line, the eyelid glue is white and liquidy.
3. It'll gradually turn translucent when completely dry. While maintaining squinted eyes, gently apply pressure along the desired crease with shaping stick, when the glue is semi-translucent (approx. 1-2 min).
4. Then, slowly open eyes, glancing upwards. Oh yay~ Double eyelids! ♥

I find that it is relatively easy to use, creating double eyelids instantly, for big alluring eyes. Plus, it doesn't irritate the skin at all. It is hardly visible with eye makeup unless you scrutinize real closely. It is quite lasting, with no touch-ups required.

To remove, just soak the eye makeup with oil-based eye makeup remover. It will come off easily, and doesn't tug the skin at all. No worries, it is that easy to remove. 

AB Double Eye Rubber retails for $17.90 at Haraju-Cute counters at selected Guardian stores.

Laqa & Co. Fat Lip Pencil in Wolfman

I was introduced to Laqa & Co. sometime back via the ArglyDuckling event. This beauty brand makes only (nail polish) pens and (lip) pencils, packaged in boxes adorned with unique artwork of young designers. 

Back at the event, I swatched all the colors at the back of my hand. I was truly impressed with the buttery smooth texture and the good color payoff. Not to mention, it requires no sharpening. You just have to twist the (pink) end, to wind it up. Easy peasy! 

The color given to me was Wolfman, a name that doesn't sound cute (lol)... sounds really dark. As you can see, the actual color is contradicting indeed.  A light innocent shade of pink. Such a sweet color, isn't it?

Fyi, its packaging artwork is created by Mark Mawson. He specializes in shooting fashion & people underwater.

Wolfman looks somewhat pale on me, a lil' frosty. To balance the look, I'll pair it up with strong smoky eyes. If not, I'll look sickly. 

The lip pencil is easy to apply, the way you apply a lipstick. It feels lightweight on my lips, and adds a sheer (buildable) color with a hint of gloss. Do make sure your lips are well exfoliated prior application as it tends to accentuate fine lines and dry flakes.

On a random note, I'm pretty interested in getting Lampchop, a beautiful bold pink color. Will see how it goes... (:

Laqa & Co. Fat Lip Pencil in Wolfman ($26) is available at ArglyDuckling.

Brigitte Romantic Lip Gloss PK-1 Baby Pink

When I first saw Brigitte cosmetics, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sweet and romantic packaging. And, not forgetting the pretty face of Brigitte cosmetics - Rola (Japanese fashion model, TV peronality and singer).

***image credits to www.brigitte-cosmetics.jp***

Brigitte Romantic Lip Gloss ($18.90) is a shimmer lip gloss that creates a glamorous, long-lasting lacquered effect for smooth, delicious lips. It contains jojoba oil and olive squalene to keep the lips moist. 

Comes in 5 shades PK-1 Milky Pink (hmm... it says "Baby Pink" on the product box), PK-2 Pink, BE-1 Beige, BE-2 Pink Beige, RS-1 Rose.

Other than lipgloss, they have blush, eye makeup (eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, falsies) and also eyebrow grooming products.

Brigitte Romantic Lip Gloss Pk-1 Baby Pink, was one of the (many) goodies I received at the Haraju-cute event.

Ingredient list, for the curious...

It comes with the doe-foot applicator, which I prefer over the brush ones.

Brigitte Romantic Lip Gloss PK-1 Baby Pink, is a beautiful opalescent milky pink. It is fairly pigmented, which can be worn alone or over your favorite lipstick. 

It applies smoothly, giving a slight lip plumping effect. I like that it doesn't feel sticky at all. The shimmers are so fine, you can barely detect them. That's a good thing for me. 

This is the perfect lip color for a first date :P

Brigitte cosmetics can be found exclusively at the Haraju-cute counter at Guardian.

BYS Color Change Nail Enamel in Orange ♥

BYS Color Change Nail Enamel in Orange, was one of the goodies given to me, at the BYS event.

Color Change is an interesting range of nail polishes, which changes color according to temperature (not so much of mood). It is quite fun to see the color shift as the temperature changes.

***image credits to www.bys.com.au***

Change your look without having to change your nail polish!

BYS Color Change Nail Enamel changes with your temperature, so if you're a cool cat one minute and hot under the collar the next, BYS Color Change Nail Enamel will keep you fun and fashionable whatever your mood.

This was my 1st time painting my nails in all yellow. To be honest, I was not really feeling much for the color initially. Now, I can't take my eyes off my yellow nails! I didn't know that yellow can be so flattering on me *hehe~* :P

This color has an uncanny resemblance to the salted egg yolk filling in my favorite custard bun (流沙包). Ahh... feeling hungry already :S

I applied 3 coats of nail polish, to ensure complete opacity. The application is a breeze, very even and smooth. As you can see, not streaky or gloopy at all!

Each coat dries pretty fast, to a satin finish. I didn't apply any base or top coat, by the way. You can always apply a top coat, for a longer-lasting manicure.

In order to see the color change, I dipped my fingers into a glass of ice cold water. The color change is very obvious, isn't it? That's a pretty shade of orange!

Then, it started to shift back to yellow (the pinky already did lol).

Today is the 6th day. The chipping is very minor, only on 4 nails. It's hard to tell unless you get a really close scrutiny of them.

Now, I wished I have other colors to play with! 

Color Change retails for $9.90, exclusively available at Watsons. 

The Body Shop White Musk EDT

Not long ago, I received a pleasant surprise from The Body Shop, their best-selling White Musk fragrance. Oh, I did notice something different...

White Musk EDT 
A soft and velvety signature scent for every woman, for every moment. Forever sensual. Eau de toilettes are the most popular form of fragrance, and are lighter than eau de parfums.

Top Notes: velvety musk, floral lily and sensual ylang ylang with hints of fresh galbanum and basil
Heart Notes: velvety musk, oriental jasmine, floral lily and rose
Base Notes: velvety musk, oriental jasmine, floral lily and iris, rose, sweet vanilla, fresh amber, patchouli, oakmoss and vetiver with hints of fruity peach

Price: $28.90 / 30ml

And so, the White Musk fragrance had a change of packaging. I must say, the newly revamped bottle looks stylish chic as compared to the old one. Agree?

It is a lovely revisit of this fragrance, which I'd tried years ago. It still smells the same IMO - velvety soft and musky. It is a clean and comforting scent which I adore very much. The initial scent is soft and sensual, then it gets a lil' feminine floral and gradually settles into a warm musky scent that lingers on my skin thereafter. FYI, the EDT lasts about 2 hours on me.

White Musk is truly a timeless classic scent. Simple yet elegant. It is no wonder that it is on the list of The Body Shop 10 Most Loved Products.

Have you tried White Musk?

***All info and unmarked image are extracted from press release.***

NOTD: Colorful BYS Nails

I mentioned earlier on, that BYS (nail colors) would be launched in Singapore, exclusively at Watsons. However, I couldn't seem to find the brand at Watsons. I was at the NAC outlet just a few days ago. Hmm... shall see if I can spot it on my next visit.

Anyway, they have a pretty substantial number of nail polishes of different colors and ranges. For now, only 4 nail polish ranges are available - Basics, Colour Change, Neons and Mirror Finish. 

It was fun trying on so many nail colors during the launch party. I applied 2 to 3 coats for each nail, for an opaque finish. They dry pretty fast, which eliminates the need of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

Here's what I painted on my nails (left hand), love the blue-green theme ♥ The glittery bits came from Diamond Glitter Aquamarine. 

Hmm... I didn't take note of the specific nail polish used for each nail though =.=

I love my blings, as usual :P

As for the nails on my right hand, I think the colors are pretty well-coordinated too. The glitters are super gorgeous IRL. The one I used was Glam Glitter Kinky Pink, a gel-like nail polish with large holographic glitters. Unfortunately, this is not available in Singapore as yet.

They were pretty long-lasting, lasted for a week or so. There were signs of minor chipping by Day 3.

I'll be featuring these goodies I received soon, starting from BYS Color Change Nail Enamel (my current fave nail color).

That's all for now. Thank you for reading!

Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion [New Nano Formula]

Hada Labo's best-selling Hydrating Lotion (1 sold every 2s in Japan!) is reformulated and now comes in New Nano Formula!

For those who are unfamiliar with the term "lotion", it is also known as "toner" in Japan. According to Hada Labo, the Hydrating Lotion is a "toner" that prepares the skin for better absorption of other skin care products. It also helps make the skin smoother and more moisturized. 

The reformulated Hydrating Lotion contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid [nano, super, normal] that deeply penetrate the skin (epidermis) to nourish and help restore skin's barrier to prevent moisture loss.

Apart from the new Nano Formula, everything else about it remains the same.

• Instantly hydrates skin and helps preserve its optimum moisture balance.
• Replenishes and locks-in moisture for complete hydration. Skin feels significantly soft and supple.
• Helps improve dry and dehydrated skin, leaving it silky smooth.
• It is free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant. Skin pH balanced. Low irritation.

Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Methylparaben, Disodium Succinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Succinic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

The packaging remains the same, simple and fuss-free.

2 drops is what I need for the whole face. I gently pat the Hydrating Lotion onto skin until it is fully absorbed. Then, I apply serum and day/night cream thereafter. 

The consistency of the new Hydrating Lotion, is lighter and feels slightly more watery. It absorbs within a min, so much faster than the old one. It does feel slightly sticky initially. I assure you that there is no sticky feel aftermath, an issue I had previously. My skin feels better moisturized (soft, smooth and supple), with the new Nano Formula. I'm definitely enjoying the boosted hydrating effect it has on my skin. So far, it does not irritate my skin. 

I clearly prefer the new Hydrating Lotion. And, it has inevitably become a staple in my skincare routine. Grab yours at Watsons!

***All info are extracted from press release.***

Introducing KATE Cosmetics - Autumn Winter 2012 Makeup Collection

I was all excited about this newly launched Autumn Winter 2012 Makeup Collection by KATE Cosmetics, especially the star product - Powderless Liquid Foundation. Sounds awesomely exciting much!

The above featured products are part of this new collection, namely:-

• Powderless Liquid Foundation
• Slim Create Powder
• Deep Shiny Eyes PK-1
• Limited Colour Super Sharp Liner RD-1

KATE Powderless Liquid Foundation SPF20 PA++

KATE Powderless Liquid Foundation turns into powder within 15s of application. Formulated with Thin Film Fit Powder, this innovative foundation contains coated pigments that help to correct visible skin problems and provide excellent coverage. In addition, it also includes a volatile oil ingredient that vaporises instantly upon application, allowing the foundation to adhere perfectly onto the skin without leaving it look/feel oily or sticky. There is no need to apply powder to set the foundation, for a matte finish.

Available in 6 varying skin tones.

Retail price: $34.00 / 30ml

Here's the swatch of OC-B shade, which fits my skin tone perfectly.

I mean it, when I say PERFECT. It covers my imperfections pretty well, say 85%. The best part is that I need not use any powder to set the foundation. It really lives up to its claim of turning into powder within 15s of application. I kid you not. Anyway, the finish is not matte-matte, more of a nice satin IMO. 

After using it, I now fully understand why it is labelled as the star product. This is one foundation I will want to repurchase again AND again. Seriously holy grail!

KATE Slim Create Powder

KATE Slim Create Powder is specially developed to help create the highly coveted slim and contoured face. This ultra convenient 2-in-1 product, comprises of a shading and highlight powder.

The shading powder creates shades along the face line, while the highlighter attracts light to the centre of the face, giving the illusion of a slimmer and contoured face. Formulated with sweatproof + fade-resistant fitting and coating powder, this is the must-have product for that perfect face-line.

Retail price: $27.00 / 3.8g

Flashlight VS Natural Sunlight

The micro-shimmery bits of the highlight powder are ultra fine, which imparts a glow on the skin. I like that the shading powder is not too dark, which doesn't appear too stark on me. I like the subtle contouring effect it gives. My features definitely look less flat after highlighting and contouring.

Hmm... I don't normally care much about the brushes that come along with (powder) makeup, as they are usually of poor quality - the brush bristles feel rough and scratchy. However, this flat natural horse hair brush feels so soft against the skin. It doesn't feel scratchy at all. Most importantly, it picks up the right amount of powder, which applies nicely and evenly. 

KATE Deep Shiny Eyes

KATE Deep Shiny Eyes is a jewel-inspired trio eye shadow palette. The middle features a glittery shade formulated with ‘Gloss Jewelry Pearl’ that produces a highly lustrous and transparent shine, while the other 2 shades are Deep Night-themed shades formulated with a special ‘Black Star Pearl’ that helps to coat deep colour pigments with shine. 

Its jewel-like lustrous radiance, together with deep colours, creates a beautiful harmony, giving eyes a deeply mysterious and shimmery finish.

Available in pink, orange-brown, brown, gold, blue and golden yellow.

Retail price: $23.50 / 3.2g

I'm a big fan of KATE eyeshadow palettes! I love how they give dimension to my typical Asian eyes... and they are so easy to apply!

PK-1 is a lovely trio of pink-taupe + oyster pink + dark pink-brown. This is the exact eyeshadow palette I want from this collection. Thanks Shumin for reading my mind :P

You probably can tell from the swatches that they are pretty well-pigmented, with a resplendent and transparent shine. I love how they dress up my peepers with this enchanting jewel-like glow.... super gorgeous! The texture is incredibly silky smooth, doesn't feel chalky or gritty at all. 

KATE Limited Colour Super Sharp Liner

KATE Limited Colour Super Sharp Liner comes with an ultra thin brush that allows you to draw lines of your desired thickness effortlessly and smoothly. At an amazing 0.03mm width, this eyeliner is currently the thinnest finds in Japan’s market. It is also designed to be long-lasting and smudge-proof, with its ability to repel water and perspiration.

Launched in commemoration of its 10 millionth unit sales, this product is available in 2 special limited edition colours [night red & night blue], on top of its regular high black colour offering.

Retail price: $17.00 / 0.6ml

On a random note, the glossy red cobweb design does remind me of Spiderman.

Anyway, the color night red is also what I wanted... night blue looks kinda "boring" in comparison :X 

This liquid eyeliner is the least impressive of the lot. It smears on me when I perspire... definitely not a pretty sight. I like the dark red color, something different from the usual blacks and browns. From a distance, it looks like dark brown.

Will be posting my LOTD, with these featured products on a separate post. Stay tuned ♥

***All info are extracted from press release.***