December Haul!

It’s been a good three months since I last updated, so news flash: I’m back from my slumber! Sure, I did have my fair share of fun during my long hiatus but I had a larger portion of internal bleeding. Life pretty much feels like the aftermath of the Japan tsunami now. Anyway, I know I was supposed to update yesterday. Funny story: I ended up having an impromptu baking session with my guy friends. Random plan was random but I was happy. Guess that’s all that mattered

Apparently, make-up shopping also went on a hiatus since my September haul. I was busy with school and I kinda lost the mood to get new stuff. Until after my last paper (which sucked btw but let’s just leave the worrying for later), I figured the best way to uplift my mood was to splurge on make-up. And since smoochiezz’s warehouse is conveniently located near my school, what more can I ask for?

My cousin has been bugging me to try out Elf’s Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder since she got hers. She really love the colour pay-off and after trying out the product, I’ll vouch for that. I love how the bronzer comes out really dark and how the blusher comes out really sheer. I tried it on last Saturday and I’m amazed that it literally remained intact on my face. I looked exactly the same even after a long day – definitely a plus point. I also love how a small amount of both made my cheeks stand out and glowy.

I’ve been itching to get myself a new blush since forever. The initial plan was to get a purplish one, like Plum Foolery but they were out of stock. So I settled for a natural, pinkish-brown tone instead. I love how it lives up to it’s name, Pinch Me. It really complements my skin tone. Ah, me love me blushes!

Louisiana is my first bright lipstick and was totally an impulse buy. I wanted to be a lil’ adventurous hence the hot pink.  The trick is to keep your whole face simple and keep the attention just on the lips. I wore it out once but I guess I still need to get used to it. It feels kinda weird wearing a bright colour out since I’m always for darker colours. Guess it doesn’t hurt to go out of your comfort zone once in a while huh. Change is good.

I’ve stopped using liquid eye liner recently. I realised that liquid liner makes the eyes look fierce. It also has that wet look which I don’t really like. So I decided to try on NYX Eye/Eyebrow pencil in Black/Brown for a change. I used to have difficulty using pencil liners but I’m pretty much a convert now. Its so much faster, looks so much more natural and has a softer finish – the kind which makes you look like you don’t have liner on.

I can’t remember the last time I bought/wore a lip gloss. This really takes me back to my secondary school days. I was attracted to its smell at first, it reminds me of gummy bears. Only after I swatched it on my hand did I really fall for the colour. Such a gorgeous shade of Copper, with tiny gold shimmers. A permanent resident in my bag now.

Um okay, I kinda broke my “no more buying of nail polishes” rule. But seriously. O.P.I for 9 bucks? Whoever can resist that? Plus, I’ve always wanted a red polish. This shade is very flattering, might sound a little cliche, but it’s perfect. I might just put this on before my trip!

Brushes are your best friend. If I could invest on anything make-up related, I’d definitely start off with brushes. I really love the coastal scents angled contouring brush. You can see that I’ve used it quite a bit (looks so dirty lol sorry). It’s super duper soft and I love how it’s long enough to contour my cheekbone. On the other hand, Elf’s blush brush is too hard for my liking. I figured maybe a few washes will make it softer. If that fails, guess I just threw away my six bucks.

Boo-Yah Ni**a!

sorry,not fiza.she’s been,umm.busy.what with her uni exams and all.makes me wonder how i’m gonna survive.>.<.so anyway,since she hasn’t been updating this blog,i thought i’d give it a shot.unfortunately,i don’t blog about make-up.hahaha.i prefer music.music is like,my life.i listen to all kinds of music.i relate everything to music.yes,everything.

the song from the video above has been my earworm since,well,today.it’s a tagalog song.harana means serenade,and yes,it’s a love song.i just love the progression and the whole song just makes me feel like i’m a kid again.sometimes,you don’t have to understand the lyrics of a song to enjoy it.to me,this is one of those songs.

aaaaaaaaaanyway,enough of that.Fiza’s last exam will be on the 28th,but i think she’ll be hibernating for a week after that.crazy bitch.i’d never stay up so late for so many days in a row to study.then again,i’ve never been to uni.hahaha.only time will tell.

kbyeeeeeeeee ps. love you

September Haul + Hit Pan #6

Decleor Men’s Scrub

I know what you’re thinking. Men skincare? Especially for dry skin? That was my initial reaction too. My exfoliator from Face Shop doesn’t do the job as well as I thought it would. So the search for a good exfoliator begins yet again. This thing never ends, I tell you. It’s so tiring. My beautician recommended this to me on my last facial session. As you know, products formulated for men are usually stronger but this scrub is very gentle on the skin. It has a gel consistency with micro beads to help exfoliate. You can even use this everyday if you want. I like to exfoliate twice a week since scrubbing too much can also damage the skin. I love how it leaves a cooling effect after scrubbing. My skin feels nice and smooth too. I’ve been using it for about three weeks now and I noticed it helps clear/brighten my scars.

Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick Compact – Pink Quartz

Oh my gosh, finally! FINALLY. This shimmer brick has been on my wishlist for the longest time and I finally own it. I wanted Nectar but the MUA suggested trying Pink Quartz cause it gives a nice sheen on my cheeks. Ah I love it! It’s great for highlighting, eyeshadow and even blusher! The best thing is how you can go crazy and apply as much as you want without you looking like a disco ball. This compact has a mixture of bronze and pink. So you can definitely use it to contour your cheeks too. Definitely one of my favourite purchases for this festive season!

I only got two items this month. I’ve been a good girl, really. I’m trying my best to just stick to items that I will use and make do with those that I don’t need. I managed to clear out my make-up stash last month – gave out products I no longer use to my mom/cousin. I’ll probably blog about my current make-up collection soon.

Anyway, just out of curiosity, how much do you set aside for make-up? or do you make a list of products to get? I really want to cut down my spendings on make-up but I doubt my method will work. At least, in the long run. Any suggestions?

Revlon Photoready Compact – Medium Beige

I love this compact, I really do. It’s probably my best drugstore compact. I love how it sits on my skin, how flawless my cheeks look and it’s lasting power. Sadly though, it makes my eye area look extremely, extremely dry even though I have my eye cream on.  I understand that two-way cakes are not suitable for dry skin. But I didn’t experience the same problem with other powders, so I’m guessing it’s just this product? I don’t know. Just when I found a good product, it had to give me problems. Sigh.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder – Warm Natural

Amazing product is amazing. Looks so natural, feels so light and gives a nice flawless matte finish. I think I used it a bit too often though. I can’t believe I’ve already hit pan! Gotta stop using this for school and find something else. I shall only use this baby for going out. Love love love it!

Dr Payot Solutions Stick Couvrant Purifiant

I ran out of my magical portion Can’t wait to stock up. Come to think of it, I never regret my decision to try out facial. I don’t experience any more break outs, my scars are disappearing, I learnt so much about my own skin and got myself exposed to amazing brands of products (which worked btw!). I feel like I did a huge favour for my skin since I started facial. Looking forward to the day when I don’t have to conceal any scars/blemishes unless I really have to.

ps. I recently found out that most SaSa outlets carry Dr Payot and Decleor products. If you are interested in this purifying stick, try checking out your nearest SaSa outlet! They don’t have the full range though.

Could I hold you for a lifetime

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I never thought anyone could effortlessly raise the bar higher for every surprise. Despite the glitches (thanks to the people who might have accidentally gave away subtle hints), the thought of you wanting to surprise your loved ones was really sweet. Thank you for making the past week so enjoyable. It didn’t feel like we’ve been apart for so long. I haven’t actually told you this but I self declared your surprise return as my best advanced birthday gift. No wait, both your surprise return and Linkin Park concert are my best gifts So can I expect something even better for my 21st? I kid, I kid (hmm maybe not.okay, a little).

Halfway there, honey. We’ve been coping very well for the past five months. What’s another six right? I’ll see you again real soon. ♥

Hari Raya Shopping (+ mini review)

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (Warm Natural)

I’ve been wanting to try out a new brand since my failed relationship with MAC base products. After reading tons of reviews, I’ve decided to try out Bobbi Brown’s cosmetics (cherry popped!). This foundation stick happens to be Bobbi Brown’s signature product. Based on what I’ve read, cream foundations are best suited for people with dry skin. I went to the counter to test it a week ago and it stayed on my skin nicely throughout the day. Best thing, it doubles up as a concealer! Worth every penny in my opinion.

(I am completely, insanely and madly in love with this thing. It made me look dewy without looking like I have anything on my skin. I don’t experience any greasing up and I don’t look cakey at all. Coverage was wow. I might be biased but I’m impressed. It conceals dark circles and spots, evens out the skin tone and make my skin look almost flawless. The staying power is beyond awesome too. It last the entire freaking day and it still look fresh. For this crazy magical thing in a stick, I don’t mind forking up $60 bucks every time I use it up. Gone are my days with liquid foundations!)

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder (Warm Natural)

I got a powder in the same shade to set my foundation. I want the look to be as natural as possible. No layering of foundations, no looking like you’re wearing a mask and most importantly, I don’t want to over do the make-up. I believe that make-up should enhance your features, not make you look like a different person. A tip I got from the MUA: tap the powder on lightly. Don’t buff/press it into the skin.

(It is very sheer, almost like a blot powder from MAC. It’s very fine too so you can definitely build it up. Like the foundation stick, you don’t have to touch up. You most probably have to if you have oily t-zones though.)

Bobbi Brown Blush (Nectar) 

Tip 1:  Choose a natural color that your cheeks turn when you exercise. Tip 2: Add a pop of a brighter blush just on top of the apples of the cheeks.

(This. It looks really pretty on my cheeks. I thought it looked scary since it’s so pink and such but it turns out to be a nice wash of color. You do have to be careful and not apply too much though, especially if your skin tone is about the same as mine. The trick is to apply with a light hand. It might be too early to say this but I seriously think I am a Bobbi Brown convert. Why didn’t anyone rave about this brand before? I personally think it’s better than MAC. At least for the base products. I just got another product yesterday. Hehehehe.)

NYX’s Caribbean Collection (I dream of Aruba) 

The initial plan was to get Sigma’s Dare palette and brushes for Hari Raya. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that patient to wait for three weeks. Judging from how pigmented NYX’s Nude on Nude shadows are, I thought I’d try the palettes from their other collection. $11.50 for a palette, you don’t want ah?

(I should have just ordered the Sigma palette. Kinda regretted my rash decision. The shadows are not really pigmented. At least, not as much as I expected them to be. The darker colors don’t really show on the crease and the shadows are powdery. There were fall outs everywhere :/ I might just try the foiling method one day, provided I’m not too lazy. Heh. Hopefully the shadows will show up better that way.)

Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit (Light)

I read reviews about Laura Mercier’s brow definer and I was really intrigued by it. I never thought you could use a cream/gel for your brows. Did you know that cream/gel based gives a softer finish? Talk about learning something new everyday! But my goodness, the thought of spending so much for your brows is just ummmm I don’t know. Is it worth it?

(The mother hates it when my brows are thick. Even when I use very little product to shade my brows, it will always appear thick. It must have been the case of my utterly noob brow shading skills. It doesn’t help that it takes forever to get it right. This kit comes with a tiny angled brush and I noticed that it’s easier to control the thickness – plus points for that. Question though, why are there two shades of brow powder? Anyone? >.<)

ZA Concealer Perfection (Shade #2 and #3)

I bought it sorely because it was on sale. I thought it was kinda troublesome to have two different shades but the brand only carries three shades. Bummer.

(THIS TOPPED MY LIST OF CONCEALERS. Crazy, amazing coverage. Perfect match for the skin and under eyes and it  feels super light. It has a watery consistency but it’s not runny. It doesn’t set on the skin too fast, so there’s enough time for you to blend out. A pea-size amount is enough to cover any area with blemishes. I love love love it. Definitely lives up to it’s name – perfection.)

Hope it’s not to late to wish all my Muslim readers Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir batin! I apologize for any wrongdoings or any offensive posts/words in this blog. Enjoy the month of Syawal with the company of your loved ones!

Why my make-up collection never grows

I’m back with another Project Hit Pan post! I’m not setting any target month whatsoever this time. Simply because …. aiyah, it’s my project right, so own time own target. As if school’s not stressful enough pfft. Don’t ask why the intro sounds so angsty. I’ve missed you all, really ;D

If you follow my blog, I’m sure you know how much I love my lippies. My recent cosmetics spring cleaning (not like I have a lot to begin with) saw me digging out lipsticks which I haven’t touched in a really, really long time. That can only mean two things; either 1) I’ve used up most of it or 2) the color/lipstick no longer appeal to me. Again, if you followed me long enough, you know that I’m not a make-up junkie (ie. I don’t keep things which I won’t use). So the five lipsticks, by default, are definitely in the list!

Make-up is all about experiment. Contrary to the cliche: “once you put on eyeliner, you can’t live without it”, I managed to survive. I went eyeliner-less on my waterline for the past two months and it feels so refreshing. I decide to just use my liners when I have dark/heavy eye looks. Oh, between you and me, I think I look younger without liner on my waterline *giggles*

I love my Canmake liquid liner, I really do. It’s no doubt my HG liquid liner but I’m just itching to try out gel and felt tip liners.

Blushers come in second after my lipsticks. Ironically though, I only have three blushes. I need and I must finish this one for it is the sole reason why I put off buying blushers for the longest time maigod. And if you’re wondering why – it relates back to “I don’t keep things I won’t use often”. So yeah, until I finish the pot, no new blushers allowed. But umm I’ll make an exception for this week. HARI RAYA LAH GIMME CHANCE CAN?

This kemetot (read: shortie) should be easy to use up, no?

One make-up “rule” that I will never follow: Change your mascara every three months. So even when you have so much product left, three months later must throw ah? Hello, mascaras in Singapore are not cheap okay. It’s taking me forever to use up a sample size. Imagine how much longer I’ll take to use up a full-sized one. Faster finish lah Clinique, I want my Maybelline Magnum back!!

Hai studio fix, I’ll risk myself looking darker just so I can finish you up. Is this how you repay me after all the love I’ve showered you with. Love, disappointed me.

I interrupt this happy post with two products which topped my “why the hell did I buy this” ”products I regret buying” list. I know the Elf’s eyebrow kit was featured in one of my favorites post. Not until it made my life difficult. First, I only dropped it once. ONCE. In my defense, I dropped my MAC blusher and studio fix countless of times yet they are still intact. Second, just look at the product, are those stones or powder srsly?

Then comes the MAC shade stick. What is this thing? I don’t even. The whole damn thing fell out after one application and I can’t twist it back. Come to think of it, I don’t even know why I bought it in the first place.

So how do you deal with nonsense products? That’s right, THROW THEM AWAY.

July’s Favorites

Clinique’s Superdefense SPF 15

If you remember my huge Clinique haul, I got this moisturizer as a sample. I use this only when I’m going to be out in the sun. The fact that it is anti-aging and has SPF psychologically make me feel good about using it. Honestly though, I don’t see the need to use anti-aging products for now (since I don’t have wrinkles yet lol) and I’m not crazy over products with SPF. I’m just using it cause I like how it sits on my skin and how it has a matte finish.

From the jar, it looks like the moisturizer has a thick consistency but it feels so light on the skin. You’ll have to avoid the eye area because it will sting! Not kidding on this guys.

Clinique’s Pore Minimizer

The pores around and across my nose are very noticeable. I don’t really mind actually but they don’t look nice whenever I have make-up on. It’s like make-up magnified them by 10x. Some prefer using primers since they sort-of  have a duo action; 1) help to minimize pores 2) keeps the face matte all day. But nah, I’ll pass. Primers have a history of provoking my unstable hormones and triggering wars on my face. This thing here, it doesn’t completely make my pores invisible but my pores are indeed minimize with make-up on. Plus point: no break outs so far.

Revlon Photoready Two-Way Powder Foundation (Medium Beige)

I’m currently trying to switch my powder to drugstore brands. Since I hit pan on my Studio Fix powder, I decided to try Revlon’s. If you are not looking for a full coverage powder, you might wanna go for this. I prefer using the sponge that comes with it and it gives me decent coverage. I’m impressed with its staying power too. Very long lasting and trust me, you don’t have to touch up. You can even leave your powder at home!

Dr Payot Solution Stick Couvrant Purifiant

I seriously don’t think this concealer contains just tea tree oil and oat extract. There must be some magic portion in the formula. I feel like someone just handed me a mini magic wand – it does wonders to my scars! I have a lot of small bumps on my cheeks and they are greatly flattened now. My two really stubborn and huge bumps on the left cheek (finally) seem to be smaller now. The scars? Slowly but surely diminishing. I use this as a concealer when I need to put on make-up. It doesn’t conceal that well but that’s not it’s main purpose you see. I use it again at night before I sleep for it to work on its magic. [ps. wondering what happened to Kuan Im? it's weeping in my drawer now ]

Silkygirl Lash Prism Mascara (Dark Brown)

I interchange my clinique sample-sized black mascara and this. I am reminded how brown mascara can enhance a natural eye-look. It definitely won’t go well with smokey or dark eye looks. I prefer using it when I have my browns/nudes/champagne shadows on or with just a simple winged liner. I tried using it on my lower lashes too and I’m hooked! It looks like I have brown eyeliner on when I don’t. I wonder if they have the non-waterproof one though hmm.

NYX Lipliner Pencil (Natural) 

I don’t know how to use a lip liner before this. I mean, I know you’re supposed to use it around your lips, but there are different techniques on how to make your lips fuller/smaller/what have yous. I’m still trying to get the hang of it. So for now, I only use lipliners to make my lipstick last longer or to add color to my lips on lazy days. This color is a perfect match for my lips. Love it!

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick (Blush)

Words can’t describe how much I love this, srsly. IT’S THE SEX.

I hope it’s not too late to wish my Muslim readers a blessed Ramadhan. May Allah forgive all our past sins and shower us with His mercy. Happy fasting, you all!

July’s Haul

Time is playing tricks on me and it ain’t funny. It ticked slowly last month and made me all panicky when I realised it’s almost end of July!

School’s starting on Aug 8 and I’m getting my timetable tomorrow. I feel like I haven’t had enough holidays (I deserve a slap, I know) but I’m running out of things to do at home. And while I’m excited to go back to school, the thought of it never fails to turn my tummy into a butterfly park. Rusty brain is rusty and I’m scared  :S

That aside, I can’t wait for the holy month of  Ramadhan. As tweeted by Dila, “Ramadhan, the greatest way to detox from so many toxins that we accumulate throughout the year.” I couldn’t agree more.

Brightening Rice Water Cleansing Foam

This is probably the hundredth (exaggerating as always) time you’re seeing this cleanser. I guess the product speaks for itself.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

I find that brush cleansers do not clean the brushes thoroughly and that might cause bacteria to build up and accumulate. Brush cleansers only spot clean the surface of the brush and not the interior of it. So can you imagine just how dirty it might be in there? I’m positive that brushes also contribute to breakouts. I’ve decided to use baby shampoo from now on and though it will be a hassle, at least my brushes will be residue-free prior to every use.

Revlon PhotoReady Two Way Powder Foundation (Medium Beige)

My cousin, Dayang, told me about a powder she liked from the photoready collection. When I found this in Watson’s some time back, I thought they changed the packaging. So I happily bought it and realised that it was a different product altogether. I’m so dumb It wasn’t a waste though, cause I am completely in love with this powder. I literally tossed my studio fix foundation into a box since I got this.

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick (Blush)

I’ve been meaning to get Blush since Z raved about it months ago! The color’s amazing, srsly! I have to say that it looks like my lips but better. Very natural and pretty (the color, not my lips lol). Ah, so happy I got it *jumps around* 

Dr Payot Solution Stick Couvrant Purifiant

I went for my first facial earlier this month and learnt that my black scars were not acne scars. They were, in fact, congested blood :/ I have no idea how it formed but I’m guessing it was from pinching and/or pressing my pimples. So yes, lesson learnt. The beautician recommended this purifying concealer. It contains oat extract and tea tree essential oil. I’ve been loving it so far.

Bourjois Bronzing Powder

I first saw this in one of Nic’s tutorial and honestly, I wanted it because of the packaging. It look like chocolates, no? Okay seriously now. I’ve been wanting to own a bronzer for the longest time. But I wasn’t sure which brand I should try. Since this comes in a cute packaging, I thought I’d give this a shot. I couldn’t find it in Singapore, sadly. But my trusty beauty fairy, Ilyana, got it for me in Melbourne! Thank you so much, babe! <3

The Body Shop’s Gift Set

I met my darling sister, Nadiah, a few days ago and she got me a present. She’s always so generous and loves to buy me gifts though there’s no occasion. It feels nice to have a pretend sister, sometimes. Hehehe. With this set, I now have five loofahs in my bathroom! Still, thank you so much dear! <3

Hit Pan #5

L’oreal True Match Foundation (N7 Nude Amber)

One of my top drugstore products. The shade is, sadly, no true match to my current skin tone. It used to be but I guess along the way, I got a little fairer?  It doesn’t matter though, since I’ve already used it up. If you are on a budget, I really think you should give this a try. For its price, you’ll get pretty decent coverage.

M.A.C Studio Finish Concealer (NC35)

It’s amazing that I “cleaned” up the whole pot. Really worth the price since it lasts me over a year. I love how it brightens the under eyes and conceal minor spots without looking cakey.

M.A.C Studio Fix Powder (NC42)

My to-go product on lazy days. It gives awesome coverage even without concealer. Definitely buildable but it will look thick if you put on too much. Word of caution though: like all other M.A.C foundations, this powder will oxidize. As it is, NC42 is too dark for my current skin tone (it used to be a perfect match last year) but after oxidation, I look even darker! Definitely need to get a new shade once I’m completely done with this.

Maybelline Magnum Volum’ Express Mascara (Black) 

I love the Maybelline’s Volum’ Express line for mascaras. Magnum, however, happens to be my favorite. The brush makes application super easy. I love how it makes my lashes look dark, thick and volumized.

Brightening Rice Water Cleansing Foam 

I’m really in love with this. I just bought my second tube. Guess I found my new favorite cleanser!

Clinique’s Turnaround Instant Facial Masque

I found out that this caused me to break out. Kinda sad since this product is on the pricier end. Then again, I’ve managed to use up more than half of the product. So I guess it wasn’t really a waste.