Haul: Budget Beauty Buys

I ended 2011 with a mini haul, and my 1st beauty haul of 2012 is somewhat similar. And, I haven't even posted my undeclared hauls & gifts of 2011... *ahems*

It was an unintended haul. Well, they look too pretty to pass (with the price tag of $2 each). No, I didn't get 'em at Daiso (the better-known storewide $2 store). I got 'em at Nanairo (a relatively new outlet @ Tampines Century Square). My 1st acquaintance with this $2 shop was @ Liang Court (READ HERE).

***Credits to thebodyshop.co.uk for the above image.***

La Pensée Multi Face Color reminds me of The Body Shop Shimmer Waves. The texture is totally different though. TBS is shimmery, while LP is matte. And, the price of TBS is ~18x of LP.

At the shop, I thought La Pensée Cheek & Highlight 04 was rather similar to Multi Face Color 01 in terms of the color. I almost forsake the former... Glad I didn't!

***Credits to canmake.com for the above image.***

Similar to Canmake Cheek & Highlight much?

The color was not at all similar to Multi Face Color 01! Ooo... I like what I see ♥

Ahh... I do hope they've more colors the next time I pop by! :D

Mio Piccolo Flower Dual Eyeshadow 06 Pink Cocoa, the only eyeshadow duo available.Anna Sui-inspired? heh.

Both colors are decently pigmented. Doesn't feel chalky at all. Nice, for the price :p

Last but not least, I got myself yet another eyebrow pencil - Mio Piccolo Automatic Eyebrow Pencil MB.

No sharpening required.

It even has a brush side!

I like the golden brown color! It glides on so effortlessly on the skin, like that of an eyeliner. I figure I've to be light-handed when drawing my brows with this.

Ok, that's all. Thanks for looking! (:

STEAMCREAM Review (feat. Papillon, Noel & Lou-Lou)

STEAMCREAM represents the latest concept in skincare. It is a natural, revitalizing & effective moisturizer (freshly handmade in Japan).

Using a revolutionary steam-infused manufacturing process, STEAMCREAM provides a long-lasting and intensive moisturizing effect. STEAMCREAM has pioneered the use of a steam technique to create this unique, gentle and loosely-bound emulsion. This looseness allows each ingredient to breakdown and penetrate areas of the skin that other creams find hard to reach. Plant extracts including oatmeal, orange flower water, organic jojoba and lavender oils can reach where they are needed instantly.

***Credits to STEAMCREAM Singapore FB Fanpage.***

Suitable for all skin types. Multi-tasking product; can be used for face, body & hands... hair(?!)

***Credits to STEAMCREAM Singapore FB Fanpage.***

What makes STEAMCREAM even more unique is its packaging. This moisturizer comes in many different eye-catching and constantly changing graphic-art aluminium flushed lid tins (designed in Japan). Once sold out, these limited edition eco-friendly tins instantly become a uniquely collectible piece of art.

Papillon is my very 1st STEAMCREAM, which I bought (online) years ago. I used the pretty tin to store my rings :D

STEAMCREAM is also committed to being environmentally responsible and ethically sound. Other than practising a non-animal testing policy and using only the highest quality, vegan raw materials, they also encourage customers to reuse the tins for a number of storage options.

Noel is the latest addition to my STEAMCREAM collection, a sweet X'mas gift from Japalang Pte Ltd ♥

 

Noel - Special Christmas design! Reds, greens and bright Yuletide colours in a mass of festive symbols.

There’s even a tiny Santa Claus in the middle of the holly, fir cones and Christmas cheer.

The best Christmas present ever.

 

Lou-Lou was sent to me for review purpose. Thanks Ariel (Japalang Pte Ltd ) ♥

 

Lou-Lou the cat belongs to Matthilde’s crosspatch auntie.

She stares out into a beautiful autumn sky as Matthilde escapes her aunt’s scolding to enjoy the evening.

 

Contains 75g of product.

A slightly off-white colored cream, with a distinct lavender scent. I am not a fan of lavender. The scent lingers on for a while, after application.

The cream looks somewhat like almond paste. It has a light and velvety texture, which feels slightly rich on the skin. Doesn't take long to be absorbed into the skin. I like that it leaves a nicely moisturized feel sans stickiness/greasiness.

Personally, I like to use this cream for my super dry legs. Thankfully, it doesn't cause any irritation. The skin condition of my legs has slightly improved so far. Not as dry and don't itch as much as before. That's a good thing, coz I don't have the urge to scratch (until they bleed) anymore. All in all, I think the only thing I don't really fancy is the lavender scent.

STEAMCREAM retails for $25.90.

Available at BHG, Sasa, Nishino Pharmacy (Shaw House), Takashimaya and selected Watsons & Unity. For overseas customers, you can get it online, at Beauty Carousel.

From now until 8 Jan 2012, enjoy 10% off STEAMCREAM at Takashimaya! What's more, Takashimaya cardmembers enjoy additional 10% off!

1st LOTD of 2012; My Favorite Look

My 1st LOTD of 2012 - Smoky Eyes. My favorite kind of look; "VERY ME"!

The makeup tools:

• Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen
• Majolica Majorca Customize Sword Cut BR771
  
• KATE Deep Eyes GY-1
• Shu Uemura Make Up Color Palette The Basic
• Sana Gafixx Matsuge Gatch-ly Mascara
  
• Duwop Venom Gloss in Coral Tree
  

 

Had a light makeover after Clarins Skin Time... A mix of Instant Light Complexion Perfector 00 Rose Shimmer & liquid foundation (not sure which range though =.=)... To set the makeup, the BA brushed on Loose Powder 01 Translucent. I touched up a lil', using Lioele Real Crystal Twin Cake 02.

Using Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen, I tightlined the upper lashline and extend beyond the lashline. The liner is slightly thicker for my right eye, to balance my uneven eyes. For the lower lashline, I only lined 1/3 of the outer corner and extend beyond the lashline. Make sure that the extended lines meet at the ends.

I applied the darker taupe shade (KATE Deep Eyes GY-1) on the outer-V, then the light pale peach shade on the inner corners (upper and lower lashlines) and the lighter taupe shade at the middle area. Next, I applied the black shade over the lined area (upper and lower lashlines), more on the outer-V.

To highlight the brow bone, I applied P Pink 103 (Shu Uemura Make Up Color Palette The Basic) using a fluffy brush. Use the same brush to blend out harsh lines. For the cheeks, I brushed on P Amber 87 from the same palette.

This is one of my absolute favorites, KATE Deep Eyes GY-1.

I'm not sure if you can still find this in stores, as it is not a new collection.

The beautiful swatches...

I use all the shades except gunmetal gray, for this look.

Another new favorite black eyeliner - Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen.

I got it from ASOS.com, and it's cheap (I got it in a set).

On its own, it retails for £4.00.

The black is pretty intense, and can be used on the waterline (with minimal fading after 3-4 hours).

As the focus of this LOTD is the eyes, I used a light color (Duwop Venom Gloss in Coral Tree) for the lips.

What's your Favorite Look?

My Last (Mini) Beauty Haul of 2011

Last Friday, I popped by Watsons (Ngee Ann City Outlet) to check out essence cosmetics. I was literally blown away by the super affordable price tags. Needless to say, most products are out-of-stock. Prolly that's why I didn't go crazy and got myself just 2 items.

My last beauty haul of 2011 is really a mini one. These eye pencils were the last pieces on the shelf, so I just grab and go.

I ♥ ROCK gloss eye pencil $2.80

Super duper cheap! The black is so intense and glossy, totally gives off the rocker vibe. It has a buttery texture, which reminds me of NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. Good to be used as an eyeshadow base.

Longlasting Eye Pencil 11 GO WILD $3.30

Light pinkish lilac. A very pretty color, which I'll use for my lower lashline. Glides on effortlessly. Doesn't require sharpening.

 

Here're the swatches...

That's all for now. Will follow up with a LOTD soon. Thanks for looking!

Korean Style Makeup (The Basics)

안녕하세요 Anyong-haseyo!

Have you noticed that Korean actresses all look so naturally flawless, with their barely there makeup. It is no secret that most of 'em have gone under the knife (plastic surgery). Makeup is still pretty much needed to bring out their (surgically-enhanced) features.

And so, the Basic Korean Style Makeup Look is all about having that flawless, glowy complexion. I've particularly noticed their thick, straight brows. Their eyes are subtly defined (minimal or no eyeshadow, lightly mascara-ed lashes). Natural color for the lips.

I'm using the following products to achieve the Basic Korean Style Makeup Look:-

• Gowoonsesang Brightening Balm SPF30 PA++
• Lancôme Rénergie Yeux Multiple Lift
  
• Palgantong Theatrical Powder (Pearl Beige)
• L'oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara (Black)
• Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
• Canmake Powder Cheeks PW20
• K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner 01 Black
• Lancôme Le Crayon Sourcils (Brun)
  
• Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen

*Note: Products highlighted are provided by beauty company for review purpose.

As you can see, I didn't use many products for this look. Everything was kept fairly simple.

BB Cream, is a must. Gowoonsesang Brightening Balm SPF30 PA++ does the job for achieving flawless complexion. Palgantong Theatrical Powder (Pearl Beige) is lightly applied to set the makeup for that lovely glow.

To conceal my dark eye circles, I used the illuminator part of Lancôme Rénergie Yeux Multiple Lift.

Lancôme Le Crayon Sourcils (Brun).

No eyeshadow was used. Using K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner 01 Black, I drew thinly, as close to the (upper) lashline as possible (slightly winged out at the end). For my right eye, I drew a lil' thicker to balance out the eye look. I lined the lower lashline,with Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen.

Only 1 coat of L'oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara (Black) was used for my upper and lower lashes, to naturally define 'em. I did curl my lashes beforehand, just that the mascara didn't hold the curls well :/

I merely smeared on Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, for a light sheen on my lips. To finish the look, I used Canmake Powder Cheeks PW20 for a natural pink flush on my cheeks.

감사합니다 Kamsahamnida! That's all for now.