Haraju-Cute Box - Brigitte

[Haraju-Cute Box - Brigitte]

This is definitely one of my highly anticipated Haraju-Cute Box, with the brand focus being Brigitte. Fyi, Brigitte is a girly romantic beauty brand, fronted by Rola (Japanese fashion model, TV personality and singer).

These are the products I receive, namely Brigitte Romantic Blush OR-1 Orange ($24.90) and Brigitte Romantic Eyes GD-1 Gold Brown ($26.90). 

Brigitte Romantic Blush is a duo cheek color, for highlight and contour of cheekbones. 

I'm so in love with the sweet elegant packaging! It literally makes my heart flutters ♥

OR-1 Orange is perfect for naturally glowing cheeks. By the way, the rose motif "disappears" upon swiping.

The light peach shade is for highlight while the orange-peach shade is the main cheek color. Both are very soft colors that are easy to work with. You can't go wrong with them.

I like the silky smooth texture, which is gentle on the skin. The cheek color & highlighter combine to create a lasting beautiful glow on the cheeks.

Brigitte Romantic Eyes is an eyeshadow palette, which comprises of 4 delicate graduated shades of brown.

It has the same beautiful packaging as the blush. Love it!

I opt for GD-1 Gold Brown, which is perfect for a glam eye makeup look.

The light pale gold shade is the highlight color. The golden brown shade (with rose motif) is the main lid color. The beige-brown shade is for contouring the eyes, to be applied on the outer-V of the upper eyelids. The dark brown replaces the function of an eyeliner, to add a soft definition to the eyes.

All 4 shades contain very fine micro-shimmers. As you can see, they are decently pigmented. The colors show up well, even without the use of an eye primer/base beneath. Like the blush, the eyeshadows feel silky smooth.

No doubt, Brigitte products are of excellent quality! I've created a look, using these 2 products. I'll be featuring the LOTD in a separate post. Stay tuned! 

***LOTD feat. Brigitte Romantic Makeup***

That will be all for now. Thank you for reading (:

Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion [New Nano Formula]

Like Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion, Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion now comes in the New Nano Formula. Prior to this, I've not tried the one without. 

According to Hada Labo, Arbutin Whitening Lotion is so well loved by Japanese women that it is the "No.1 Whitening Lotion in Japan". It has a simple tagline: One Drop Reveals Natural Fairness. Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion gives users 3 benefits (of Shirojyun Whitening) in just 1 step >> Deep Moisturizing, Intensive Repairing, Double Whitening.

Its main ingredients - Arbutin + Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid, helps users to achieve fair, moist and bright skin. 

• Arbutin, an extract from natural plant bearberry, has natural whitening properties to fight dark spots. It also smooths and clarifies to optimize skin's radiance and translucency.
• Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of dark spots to reveal clearer and fairer skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin intensely, leaving it feel soft and supple.

It is free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant. Skin pH balanced. Low irritation. 

Ingredients:

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Arbutin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Disodium Succinate, Methylparaben, Styrene/ VP Copolymer, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

In terms of packaging, Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion and SHA Hydrating Lotion are almost identical, just the bottle color difference. The former is blue whereas the latter is white.

The lotion is in a cloudy, liquidy form. It has an ultra light consistency, which feels almost like water. For my face, 2 drops of the lotion will suffice. To apply, simply pat the lotion onto the skin gently. There will a very mild sticky feeling in the initial stage. Once the lotion is absorbed into the skin, the sticky feeling dissipates. As it comes in the New Nano Formula, the rate of absorption is really fast. 

There is no sign of irritation, which is good. I am particularly wary of trying out whitening products, as some tend to irritate my sensitive skin. It does clarify and brighten my skin slightly (while keeping it well hydrated) after 2 months of use.

Want to try out Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion? You can redeem a complimentary 20ml travel-size bottle via Hada Labo(sg) FB Page.

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

Dietary Supplement: ProCellax® DG1

I love to eat. If you follow me on Instagram, you will see a lot of food-related photos. Sometimes, I eat too much for my own good, resulting in indigestion. 

About a month ago, I was introduced to ProCellax® DG1, dietary supplement meant to aid digestion. 

ProCellax® DG1

What It Does:

• Helps break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, dairy products and difficult-to-digest food such as legumes, cruciferous vegetables and cereal grains
• Enhances nutrient absorption and bioavailability
• Improves overall digestive system and function
• Helps relieve indigestion, gas and bloating

Benefits of This Product:

Taking ProCellax® DG1 will aid your body’s digestion and increase nutrient absorption.*

This supplement supports the digestive system by providing all-natural enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into essential nutrients.

ProCellax® DG1 contains a powerful combination of protease enzymes, which are effective in a wide pH range in the digestive tract and help hydrolyze protein into smaller peptides and amino acids.

Additional Enzymes:

CELLULASE: enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a complex polysaccharide in plant material

BROMELAIN: proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme known for its digestive properties

SERRAPEPTASE: (Peptizyme SP® Brand) a protein and fibrin-digesting, anti-inflammatory enzyme*

PAPAIN: enzyme used for centuries as an effective digestive aid*

ALPHA-GALACTOSIDASE: enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates common in legumes

The ingredients in ProCellax® DG1 are all from non-genetically modified and non-animal sources. ProCellax® DG1 is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

I've been consuming ProCellax® DG1 for a month, but not on a daily basis though. Initially, I took 1 capsule (sometimes 2) with my lunch and dinner. It does aid in digestion. However, I had stomache, which resulted in runny stool. From then, I decided to only consume it whenever I've a heavy meal, limited to only once a day. This works better for me, since I didn't experience any discomfort or stomache thereafter. 

Overall, I find that it is effective in my indigestion problem. My tummy feels less bloated. And, I find myself having regular and smooth bowel movements. I think this is worth a try if you are experiencing indigestion problem like I do. 

ProCellax® DG1 retails for $89.99 (excluding GST).

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

Media Event: 313@somerset Christmas Light Show

Remember I mentioned about the Christmas Light Show event brought to you by 313@somerset? 

At the media event, I got to experience the preview of the 1st ever Christmas tree light show where a traditional Christmas tree was transformed into a canvas, presenting a brilliant illustration of colors via the innovative use of light projections.

There was also musical performance (Christmas carols) by an acapella group and another band (not pictured). 

Here's a colorful caricature of me. Nice? :D

***image credits to 313@somerset FB Page***

I totally missed out on this! There was this light painting booth where Charlie Lim (Singapore's renowned local photographer) introduce his very own technique of light art into designing Christmas cards for 313 shoppers.

Yummy cocktails and canapes were served. 

Beer, all mine (nah~ just kidding!)

To conclude the evening, a sumptuous dinner was served at Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant. 

Me, happily drinking :P

Fresh greens were served. Being a meat lover, I was looking forward to the mains :x Despite that, I enjoyed the salad, especially the mashed potato hidden within.

The thin crust meat-laden pizza tasted absolutely divine albeit a lil' oily. It was kinda spicy for some, but it was okay for my tastebuds :d~ *YUMMY*

I was sharing my Brotzeit dining experience with the other bloggers, telling them how tasty (and expensive) the sausages and pork knuckles are. The next moment, the huge sausage platter came...

Then, the crispy pork knuckles arrived thereafter.

Too happy for words! xD Ahh... I felt so guilty after eating so much oily stuff... not (lol) :x

We were expecting something chocolatey for dessert... *wish not granted* >.<~~

Hmm... I had another beer, which tasted lemony. Something refreshing, me like! 

Okay, I shall end here for now. Thank you Amanda (Havas Worldwide Siren) for the invite! And, thank you for reading!

Dramatic Thick Eyeliner Look feat. Bonavoce Premium Liquid Eyeliner - Extra Black

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

This shall be the last product I'm gonna talk about >> Bonavoce Premium Liquid Eyeliner - Extra Black, found in the Haraju-Cute Box 2. 

Bonavoce Premium Liquid Eyeliner - Extra Black contains rich carbon black ink, which ensures that the glossy black color stays on the skin without staining it. It is quick drying, perfect for layering to create a dramatic thick eyeliner look. Plus, it is smudge-resistant as well. 

The packaging is simple - a glossy pale yellow-gold body with black wordings. It features an exquisite liner brush for smooth application. With calculated length, flexibility and angles of bristles, the brush applicator catches an adequate amount of ink to create a defined line (be it fine or thick), with precision. 

For 1st time use, ensure the eyeliner is in vertical position (with brush pointing downwards), so that ink is able to flow down. Do check the ink density on your hand before lining the eyes.

There is no doubt countless brands of black liquid eyeliners available in the market. Despite that, this Bonavoce Premium Liquid Eyeliner - Extra Black really stands out from the crowd. It applies with absolute ease. The brush tip is soft, which applies gently and smoothly, without tugging the delicate skin of the eye area. As you can see, the black is truly intense, perfect for that dramatic thick eyeliner look. I also took the liberty to draw my lower lashline with it. I'm very impressed that it does not fade, flake, smudge or budge on me at the end of the day, especially the lower lashline.

It retails for $19.90, exclusively available at Haraju-Cute counters at selected Guardian stores.

Milk Skin Care by Michael Klim

Back in Oct, I attended a cozy tea session where Michael Klim (former Australian Olympian) shared his new products offering from Milk & Co., mainly focusing on Milk Skin Care. It was a pleasure meeting him in person. He comes across as unassuming, a nice and friendly man indeed. Not to mention, charismatic.

Milk & Co. is a family-run business owned by the Klims themselves. Unlike other brands, Milk & Co. embodies the ideals of the Klim family lifestyle and has the support behind it to ensure its success. Milk & Co. prides itself on creating products that are made from the finest ingredients, housed in state of the art packaging and (most importantly) at an affordable price. Since launching in Aug 2008, Milk Skin Care has received renowned reviews in Australia and internationally. 

*PS: I'm not sure if you've noticed. Milk is actually Klim spelt backwards (:

They are currently carrying men's and babies' skin care but have plans to develop beauty products for the ladies. That's definitely good news! 

The tea session was held at Cedele.

We were introduced to part of the Milk and Milk Baby product range.

Milk

• Face Moisturiser + Sunscreen SPF15
• Body Wash
• Dry Touch SPF30+ Sunscreen

Milk Baby

• Fairy Detangler
• Stinky Winky
• Moisturising Qweam

Milk Skin Care (Men)

"Australia's climate is pretty harsh, and that coupled with hours in the pool, made looking after my skin tough. I couldn't find a product that was right for me, so I made my own. It's called Milk. A fresh, easy-to-use set of products, made using natural marine-based ingredients (such as brown seaweed and algae extracts). Personally researched, tested and created by me. Milk is about helping guys feel good about their skin and relaxed about taking care of it.” - Michael Klim

Milk Baby

"When my husband, Michael, was developing his range of Milk skincare products for men, I was a new mum to our eldest child and pregnant with our second. I could not find a skincare range for babies that I felt confident enough to use on my very young family. I decided to develop my own range, based on natural ingredients, hence Milk Baby was born. I wanted to create a product that was affordable, looked good in the home and that was beneficial to the enhancement of wellbeing." - Lindy Klim

The Face Moisturiser + Sunscreen SPF15 has a really light texture, which melts into the skin fast, leaving no greasy or sticky feel. It comes in a really big bottle of 150ml. I really like the clean packaging. Though nothing fanciful, it's very pleasing to the eyes (at least to me).

The Dry Touch SPF30+ Sunscreen has a slightly heavier texture, as compared to Face Moisturiser + Sunscreen SPF15. It takes a slightly longer time to absorb as well. After it's completely absorbed into skin, it feels nicely dry to touch.

I like the Moisturising Qweam, simply b'coz it hydrates my sensitive skin well. Most importantly, it helps soothe those areas that are particularly dry and irritated, leaving my skin feeling baby smooth and soft.

I get to choose the products I like, specially autographed by Michael Klim on the spot!

How can I not have a pic with him?! *happy*

I shall end the post with a group pic (rose among the thorns lol).

Thank you Roy (360PR) for the lovely invite!

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

AB Mezical Fiber Double Eyelid Tape

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

To kickstart 2013, here's my 1st review post of the new year >> AB (Automatic Beauty) Mezical Fiber Double Eyelid Tape - Haraju-Cute Box 2. 

Strong Adhesion, Tear-Proof, Natural Looking (Discreet), Perfect Double Eyelids

AB Mezical Fiber Double Eyelid Tape is "Japan's No.1 Double Eyelid Tape", endorsed by Kevin 老師. With this "wonder tape", bigger, brighter and more defined eyes can be achieved. No need to go through the pain of plastic surgery! :S

The green plastic box given to me, contains 30pc of Mezical Fiber and a shaping stick (not pictured). This lil' box can be reused to store small items like ear studs, fake lashes, etc. Go green (:

This is how the Mezical Fiber look like, upclose.

- for your reference -

Like the AB Double Eye Rubber, Mezical Fiber must be applied to cleansed skin. Sweat, moisture, oil, dirt, makeup will deter the fiber from adhering properly.  

As compared to the AB Double Eye Rubber, AB Mezical Fiber Double Eyelid Tape is slightly less discreet. Perhaps, it's just my lack of skills =.= Having tried this tape for several times, I can't seem to get the hang of it. The Mezical Fiber ends don't seem to adhere completely as I tend to adjust it repeatedly. It is obviously not advisable to do so. In my opinion, the Double Eye Rubber is much easier to use. Well, I just gotta keep trying :P

Look familiar? The eyeshadow I use for this look is Maybelline Hyper Cosmos Duo Eyeshadow CH-1.

I clearly need more practice! =.=zzz

Other products used for this look:

• BRTC Jasmine Water BB Cream - review coming soon!
• Bonavoce Premium Liquid Eyeliner Extra Black - review coming soon!
• Bonavoce Ultra Volume Mascara - review coming soon!
• Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil
• The Body Shop All-In-One Cheek Color 01 Macaroon
• KATE Rouge Ex PK-20

*Note: Products highlighted are provided by beauty companies.

Fyi, for long lasting results, AB Mezical Fiber Double Eyelid Tape is recommended to use with AB Double Eye Liquid. 

It comes in 30pc - $19.90, 60pc - $27.90, 120pc - $45.90, available at Haraju-Cute counters at selected Guardian stores.