a review : Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

After watching endless reviews and tutorials, I decided to join the Nars Sheer Glow foundation-loving cult.

This foundation claims to give immediate hydration, evens skin tone and leaves the skin brighter and more radiant. I do agree with the claim, except for the hydration part. 

The finish of this foundation is satin-matte, so it looks really natural and skin like. I dont find my skin looking very "glowy" after using this, but it does make my face look brighter and more radiant. My face doesnt feel oily after using it despite the fact that this foundation is targeted for normal-dry skin types. I think that people with oily skin can still use this foundation. I do use a primer and powder so those may affect the oiliness of my face. This foundation still looks good even though I wore it for more than 10 hours. It doesnt claim to be long wearing, but it does last very well on me. (I live in a hot and humid country)

bare face

one layer of foundation

I dont think that the Sheer Glow foundation is necessarily "sheer" as it is a medium coverage foundation. It does cover majority of my blemishes but I do use concealer under my eyes and over some blemishes. This foundation is buildable so you can add more layers for a fuller coverage. This foundation also makes me feel like Im not wearing any foundation. It is super blendable and I use either my fingers or my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend it out.

The Sheer Glow foundation line has 20 shades (mostly yellow tone). My shade is "Punjab" which is Medium 1, medium with golden-peachy undertone. It doesnt have any SPF so you wont have to worry about flashback. It is also fragrant free. I think that everyone can find their shade from this line. 

The packaging is simple yet classy. Its a glass tube with the classic Nars rubber material cap. It doesnt come with a pump but you can buy the pump separately from Nars. This foundation is pricey and you should get a sample of it first before splurging.  

Overall, I really like this foundation. It has become my base HG. I do recommend it to anyone, from dry-normal-combo-oily skin. Its a foundation that everyone should try out. I would definitely repurchase when I run out. 

Thanks for reading! xx

a review : Maybelline gel liner

I have always loved the look of gel liner. Its dark, matte and in a way, perfect. I never tried gel liner before, so I decided to pick one up from the drugstore. I bought the Maybelline gel liner after hearing many positive reviews from various Youtubers including Wayne Goss.

This gel liner is really dark, waterproof, easy to work with and long wearing. It comes with a pretty good brush. The formulation is really great although I cant say its the best since I never tried anything else, but for the price, its pretty great. 

It was really easy to work with as it didnt dry too fast, so you do have time to apply it. It is more forgiving than a liquid liner.

It lasted well on my very oily eyelids ( i did use urban decay primer potion ). Throughout the day, it did not transfer or smudge, and that got me sold on this liner.

You do have to use a waterproof makeup remover to remove the liner.

Overall, I really love this liner. It is affordable, long wearing, black, waterproof and great for oily eyelids. 

Thanks for reading! xx

a month in favourites : september

makeup : 

1. Nars audacious lipstick in Barbara (review here) - I am absolutely in love with this lipstick. Its the perfect brownish nude for my skin tone and its my go to lipstick. I think that this would look great with any makeup look and would suit most skin tones. 

2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara - This is a great mascara for lengthening my lashes. It doesnt clump and it will not transfer or smudge. Its great for people with oily eyelids. However since is super long wearing, its pretty hard to get it off. 

skincare :

3. Clarisonic Mia 2 - I bought the Clarisonic because my skin was just not happy at all for the past few months. But after using this, my skin has definitely start to clear and improve. My face feels gunk-free after using this.

haircare :

4. Nature's Gate sulfate free volumizing conditioner for fine hair - I picked this up on a whim and it has changed my hair life. It makes my hair super soft and manageable for 2 days (i have tangly and fine hair). This conditioner is organic so its good and healthy for your hair. It has lemongrass & clary sage. Im not the biggest fan of the scent, but the scent doesnt linger. I will definitely try out the shampoo after I run out of my current one.  

thanks for reading ! xx 

new in : Nars Audacious Lipstick in Barbara

The Audacious lipsticks line was recently launched in Malaysia. Being a lipstick addict, I had to pick one up. I chose Barbara because I wanted a brownish-nude, almost like a Kylie Jenner kinda colour. 

Nars described Barbara as a "Tan Rose". To me, its a brownish-nude with a hint on pink, which makes this very wearable for many skin tones. Its a very flattering colour and it will go well with many makeup looks. 

This lipstick is really pigmented and one swipe is all you need. The formulation is super creamy and it applies smoothy and gives a really pretty satin-like sheen which doesnt look glossy. It can last up to 5 hours without touch-ups (without eating). It doesnt hydrate your lips but it doesnt dry them out either. It does feel comfortable on the lips, but I would recommend using a lip balm before applying the lipstick as it could settle into the fine lines. 

I love the packaging of the lipsticks. The tube is all black, super sleek and has a magnetic closure which makes it feel pretty fancy. 

I love this lipstick and will definitely purchase more in the future. I do recommend this lipstick and I think that it will be a great addition to your makeup collection.  

Thanks for reading!! xx

an ootd : Hilton retreat

I had a little getaway with my friends at the Hilton hotel KL, courtesy of my bf Ju Li, (her blog here). So of course, I took some ootd pics at the hotel.

top : River Island

skorts : Miss Selfridge 

heels : Topshop

bag : Kate Spade

Kudos to Min for being the photographer for the day

Thanks for reading ! xx

for beginners // starting out

If you are a beginner and have no idea on what to purchase or if you arent a beginner and you're looking for something new to try, these are the products that I think will be great pieces in your collection. You can change it up to your own preferences by adding more steps into your routine like eyeliner and blush. These products have appeared quite a few times on my blog but hey its what I use and it works! 

Base : 

1. Primer (Tarte clean slate primer review here) - For all the oily skin girls out there, you need a primer. But if you dont feel like you need it, you can skip this step. Primers helps to smooth over imperfections and create a nice canvas for your makeup. Your foundation/concealer will apply smoother and your makeup should generally last longer. 

2. Concealer (Collection and Mac concealer) - Concealer was the first makeup product I ever bought (it started my makeup addiction). Concealer is absolutely crucial in anyones makeup bag (unless you have perfect skin, then lucky you!)  If you are a beginner, I would recommend you to use a concealer first before buying a foundation. Concealer can help to cover any imperfections you have without making you look cakey or like you have a ton of makeup on. You can ease into the whole foundation step later after your comfortable with wearing concealer. 

3. Powder (Maybelline dream matte powder) - Powder is also absolutely necessary in your makeup bag. Powder will help mattify your face and also set any concealer or face products you applied. Your makeup will last longer and powder is great to carry around for touch ups. Some powders will also give you a little bit of coverage which is always a plus.

Eyes :
4. Mascara (Estee Lauder double wear lengthening mascara) - Mascara is a perfect way for you to ease into eye makeup. Its such a simple step but it will totally change your makeup game. Mascara helps to make your lashes look fuller and give you the whole fluttery eyelash look. It will instantly make you look more awake and flirtatious ;)

5. Eyebrows (Maybelline masterbrow) - This is an optional step. Eyebrows can totally change your look. They help to frame your face and make you look more put together. If you are already blessed with full brows, skip this step. But if you are afraid to fill in your brows for the first time, its no problem as you can learn how to fill them in later on.

Tools :
6. Face brush (Real Techniques expert face brush) - This is also optional. I use this face brush to blend out my concealer. But you can use your fingers to blend them out.

7. Powder brush (Sephora pro airbrush #55) - You will need a brush to use for your powder but you can also use the brush that comes with the powder that you bought.

Of course, you can switch up the products and use stuff which you love or cut down some products. Your face is your own canvas to work and paint with. Use what you love because makeup is all about making you feel more confident. Have fun with it!

Thanks for reading! xx

a month in favourites : august

I am so sorry for not posting for the past two weeks. Im currently in the middle of my exams and it will only end next friday. But I still prepared my August favourites and Im excited to share it with you guys!

makeup :

1. Tarte clean slate poreless primer. I wont talk too much about it as I have reviewed it (review here). I love this primer as it really does help my makeup last for the entire day.

2. Mac Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. I use this as my last step in my makeup routine  (i do set my concealers with a different powder). It sets my makeup in place and it kinda does keep me matte for a little while. But I just enjoy using this powder because my makeup will last and it helps to blur any pores since its finely milled. It also doesnt leave any white cast or cause flashbacks in photos.

skincare :
Glamglow supermud clearing treatment. I have been using this every night as a spot treatment for the past month. I bought this because my skin has been freaking out on me for the past two months. I bought this mask hoping that it will get rid of my breakout and I have to say that Im a little disappointed. Although it did help to reduce the size of any acne, it did not make the acne totally go away. So im still left with lots of smaller spots and scars. However Im still testing it out because my skin is starting to calm down and it could either be because of the mask or the Cetaphil cleanser. But its still in my favourites because it did reduce the size of the acne.

random :
1. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne. I cannot do it enough justice by typing it out but I'll try. I am absolutely in love with this perfume! I love the smell of it. Its sweet, florally, and feminine. To me, its the ultimate "girl perfume". I also really love the smell cause its quite unique from other perfumes. Unfortunately it doesnt last long on my skin, but in its defense, all perfumes cant last on me, so thats okay. However, it does last on my clothes for a whole day! I am just loving it and will cry when it runs out (its so expensive..). I would totally recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new perfume.

2. C.O.S. bag. (If you have not heard of this brand, COS is a brand under the H&M group) I received this as a gift from my sister a few months ago. I've been using it religiously every time I go out because it goes with everything! Its a simple, minimalist, black leather bag with a simple silver zip. It also has a thin strap and it doesnt hurt your shoulders after a long day. I just love how simple yet sleek this bag is and I will continue loving it for years to come.

thanks for reading! xx

a comparison : Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner vs Nivea's In-Shower Intensive Body Lotion

The Ro's Argan Body Conditioner has appeared a few times in my blog. I'm a huge fan of it and I love everything about it!...except the price tag. So when I heard about the Nivea In-Shower body lotion, I was really interested in it as it has the same concept as the Ro's Argan body conditioner, but for a much cheaper price. Both of the products are skin conditioners and they are meant to be applied over wet skin and rinsed off.

Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner :

-scent- It just smells like sweet rose jam. It smells heavenly and I can't do it justice by describing it so you have to smell if for yourself.

-texture- It feels like a typical body lotion. It isnt very thick so it is easy to apply. The colour of it is creamy-beige.

-ingredients- Since its a Lush product, it is made out of fresh ingredients. The main ingredients are : argan oil, brazil nut oil, almond oils, shea butter, rose oils and much more. As you can see, it is packed with really nourishing ingredients that will leave your skin feeling soft and heavenly.

-packaging- It has the typical lush packaging, a black tub. Its great cause i can control how much product I want to use, but Im always afraid i'll accidentally spill some out.

-effects- After I dry off, it does leave my skin feeling really nourished. It kinda has the same feeling as a normal body lotion (kinda sticky) and the scent will linger for a couple of hours. I love it as it is such a luxurious product. My skin will continue to feel really soft and nourished for the rest of the day.

-price- It is really expensive for a skin conditioner (about RM 150) but considering the ingredients used to make this product and the effects it causes, I think that it is worth to splurge.

-amount- 225 g

-overall- 9/10 (-1 cause of the price)

Nivea's In-Shower Intensive Body Lotion :

-scent- It smells like plain old body lotion with a touch a sweetness. (if that even makes any sense) If you are not a fan of scented products, i think that you will like the smell of this.

-texture- Just like the Ro's Argan, it feels like typical body lotion. It is also easy to spread over the body. It is white in colour. (ps the one i got is for dry skin)

-ingredients- It isnt made out of natural ingredients like the Lush one, however it does have almond oil.

-packaging- Its in a blue tube and you can easily squeeze out the product to avoid wastage.

-effects- It is totally the same as the Ro's Argan. It leaves my skin feeling super hydrated for the rest of the day. However, the smell doesnt linger when I get out of the shower.

-price- It is really affordable ( about RM 12-15) . Since its really affordable, I wouldnt mind using a generous amount of it everyday as I only use the Lush one on weekends or for special occasions.

-amount- 250 ml

-overall- 8/10

So as you can see, the Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion is a total dupe for the Lush Ro's Argan. I would recommend both of these products as they do a really great job in hydrating your skin. If you are on a budget, the Nivea one is perfect ; and if you want to splurge, definitely go for the Ro's Argan.

thanks for reading this super long post! xx

a review : Tarte clean slate poreless 12-hr perfecting primer

I was in a serious need of a new primer. My Benefit That Gal primer which I was using for years finally ran out and I was using Benefit's porefessional as primer. However I think that the porefessional wasnt a good primer for me as I had to use it over my acne and I needed it to last for a whole day (but its still great for covering pores).The lady working at Sephora recommended this to me. She said it would not break me out and it would help my makeup stay for the whole day. Sold.

This primer contains tons of natural ingredients : avocado, safflower seed, enchinacea root extract, hibiscus flower extract, t5 super fruit complex. It is formulated without : parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and synthetic fragrance. Plus its cruelty free!

On to the actual review--
I can vouch that this primer does make my makeup last for the entire day (more than 12 hours) and it doesnt make my face feel cakey or gross (note i have super oily skin). It is mattifying so oily skin girls would probably like this. One downside of this primer is that it did not cover my pores even though this primer claims to cover pores. However it does make your face look smoother as it covers fine lines.It did not break me out which is a huge plus.

I find that my concealer applies smoother with this primer as my base and it helps to set the concealer in place. The primer comes out clear and it is something like a gel-like-silicone primer. So it does make your face feel really smooth.

The packaging is simple : a purple squeezy tube. I like that its in a tube because I can squeeze out the desired amount and I wont waste any product.

If you can see, the lines on my hand from where i applied the primer arent as visible

Overall, I really love this primer despite the fact that it didnt cover my pores. But I would still recommend it to anyone. I think that it will be more suitable for normal-combination-oily skin.

Thanks for reading!!

a month in favourites : july

This is my first monthly favorites post and I am excited to share my july favourites with you guys! 

Makeup : 

1. Mac lipsticks in creme cup and creme d'nude. I like mixing both of these shades to create a pinky nude lip and this combo has been my go to lip as it goes with any makeup look. 

2. Tarte lights,camera, lashes mascara. I picked up this sample size from Sephora for RM22 (such a steal) about two months ago. I love this mascara because it is easy to apply and there arent any clumps! It is also easy to remove. It makes your eyelashes look long, volumized and natural. Its your lashes but better. 

3. Eyeko eye do liner (review here). I love this liner because it lasts on my very oily eyelids. It is also easy to use and I would definately recommend it to anyone. 

4. Real Techniques expert face brush. I use the Nars radiant creamy concealer and for some reason, it just never blends out properly when I use my fingers. It will always look splotchy. But when i use this brush, the concealer blends out like a dream. It makes applying my concealer so much easier, better and faster. 

Body :

Lush ro's argan body conditioner. I love this product as it makes my skin feel super soft (the smell is a great plus too). I only use it during the weekends or when i shave my legs (cos its just too expensive to use it everyday) Its a great body moisturizer and sometimes I put a little bit of it in my hair so that my hair is soft and smells nice (it works!) 

Book :

eleanor & park by rainbow rowell. I picked up this book on a whim and I am in love with it. Its a love story of how two awkward teens fell in love while dealing with many hardships like bullying and domestics abuse.I think that people who read The Fault In Our Stars will enjoy reading this book. It is an easy read and I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks for reading! xx

a makeup look : bright lips and neutral eyes

I love bright lips because they can instantly transform a look. I wanted to create a simple makeup look which is easy to recreate and takes less than 10 minutes to do. The look is simple : brown shimmery eyeshadow, black liner, and bright, pink lipstick.

For the base, I used Benefit's Porefessional, Nars creamy concealer, and Mac Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. I also applied Nar's blush in Douceur (review here).

For the eyes, I applied a light,shimmery brown eyeshadow (from a sephora palette) all over my lids and I also applied some under my eyes. Any brown shimmery eyeshadow will do. I also applied a light,matte brown shadow in my crease from Sleek's Storm palette. I also used Venus from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette as my brow highlight.

I used Topshop's Kohl liner to line and tightline my eyes and Maybelline's Masterbrow to fill in my brows. To top of the eye makeup, I applied two coats of the Eyeko Eye Do mascara.
                       

Shimmery brown (The middle shade of the palette)

Sleek palette in Storm

Lastly, I used my YSL lipstick in Rose Asarine (review here) and applied it on my lips.

Thats it! A really easy look to create which is great for many occasions.

Thanks for reading! xx

  

a review : Eyeko eye do liquid eyeliner

I love liquid eyeliners and I have been on the hunt to find the perfect one which can last on my very oily eyelids. I have tried drugstore liquid eyeliners from Essence and Silky Girl. Both of them couldnt really last on me and they tend to fade after a few hours. When I saw Alexa Chung using this liner in Lisa Eldridge's video, I had to have it. So I picked it up, and I'm loving it.

This liner is waterproof, carbon black, and has Widelash lash enhancer which supposedly helps eyelashes appear longer, fuller and stronger with up to 3 times more volume in 15 days of regular use. I'm not sure about the lash enhancer thing because I usually use this liner once a week. But this liner is definitely carbon black, waterproof and sweat proof. 

The nib is small and pointed, so it is easy to use and control. I think that this liner would be great for beginners because it is so easy to use. It is easy to remove when you make a mistake so, no worries.

I applied it at 8 am and arrived home at 6 pm (10 hours). I did apply Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. My liner did not transfer or flake away at all (even after sweating). This is my new HG eyeliner. I am currently trying the Eyeko eye do mascara and would probably review it in the future. 

(after 10 hours of wear) 

Overall, I would definitely recommend this eyeliner to everyone (especially to those living in humid countries or have oily eyelids). Eyeko is now available in Malaysia at Sephora :)

thanks for reading!
xx

a review : YSL Rouge Volupte Silky-Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Rose Asarine (#34)

I have always wanted a YSL lipstick ever since I saw many Youtubers raving about them. I mean, who doesnt want them? Their packaging is absolutely beautiful and it just gushes luxury. The colour I purchased is Rose Asarine. Its really bright and its a mix between berry pink and red so its perfect for both day and night time. Also it smells like watermelon! 

This lipstick is really creamy so it does apply easily but I have to be careful while applying it so that it doesnt get everywhere. It's really opaque and I can get away with only applying one layer over my lips but I do apply two layers. It sits really comfortably on the lips, doesnt dry my lips out (but I do apply lip balm before applying lipstick) and it can lasts up to 7 hours (5 hours if i drink and eat). It does leave a stain on the lips.  

The lipstick itself is very glossy and the gloss will last for about 2-3 hours. Since its really glossy, it does give a slight plumping effect to my lips.

Overall, I think that this is a gorgeous lipstick and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, bright colour for both day and night (and is willing to spend abit more on their lippies). 

Thanks for reading! 

xx

a review : Lush Love Lettuce Fresh Mask

Anyone who knows about Lush definitely knows about their fresh face mask. They are made with super fresh ingredients, thus the short 3 weeks shelf life. This mask is meant for normal to oily skin. The person working at Lush recommended this mask to me to help clear out acne and give a radiant glow to the face. 

Its a really bright green colour and it does have a really strong, fresh smell (im bad at describing scents). The mask applies smoothly and the almond shells do help to exfoliate your skin while you apply it. The mask did not really harden on my face, so it did not feel uncomfortable on the skin. It washes off easily. 

Im abit disappointed in the product because it did not clear out my acne but it did reduce the redness in my skin. However, it did leave my face feeling refreshed, soft and glowy. 

So, I would recommend this mask for someone who wants a refreshing mask to reduce redness or for someone who needs a little pick-me-up. I wouldn't recommended this mask for people who want to clear their acne. I think Mask Of Magnaminty is better at clearing acne.  

Nevertheless, I still love Lush! :) 

thanks for reading! xx

a mini haul : lush lush lush!

Top left : Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
Top right : King Of Skin
Bottom left: Therapy
Bottom right : Mask Of Mangaminty

I was recently in Singapore again and of course, I went to Lush. I went into Lush to check out the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner after hearing too many good things about it from my friend. When I tried it out on my hands, I immediately felt the oils sink into my skin, leaving my hands super soft and moisturized. Smells like heaven too! It was really pricey but a little goes a long way, so that kinda justifies the price right? 

I also bought King Of Skin Body Butter (its shaped like a crown!). It has the same concept as the Ro's Argan. Apply it right before you get out of the shower, rub it in, rinse, and pat dry. It also smells really good but it does leave an oily film on your body. But it is a body butter so its meant to be super moisturizing. 

Therapy is a massage bar which is sorta like a body lotion in solid form. It doesnt have a very strong smell so it wont overpower your perfume. Its buttery soft and I can't wait to try this! (i may have went overboard with the moisturizing stuff)

Mask Of Magnaminty was given to me by my friend. Its a face and back mask and it's meant to help clear and clean your face and keep blemishes at bay. I like using it for my acne as it helps to dry it out. Its a good mask for people with troubled skin.

thanks for reading! xx 

a makeup look : inked in pink

My friend Ju Li from http://frugalinwhite.blogspot.com/ showed me a picture of a pink makeup look. It was really simple : pink eyeshadow, blush and lips. Its a very pretty and wearable look which caught my attention because I love simple yet pretty and effective makeup looks.

For the eyes, I applied Maybelline's Color Tattoo in the shade Inked In Pink, a light shimmery pink. You could also use Nyx's Jumbo Eye Pencil in Strawberry Milk. Then I applied Mac's Star Violet (review here) at the outer corner of my lids to create more depth in the look. I applied a coat of Maybelline's The Falsies and I was done with the eye look.

For the base, I used Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer in the shade Light 2 and Maybelline's Dream Matte powder to set the concealer. For cheeks, I used Nyx's Desert Rose which gives me a natural flushed look.

I lightly filled in my brows with Maybelline's Masterbrow. Lastly for the lips, I used Marc Jacobs lipstick in Have We Met? (review here) and Nyx's butter gloss in Creme Brulee. 

Thats it! Its a simple, achievable and a great everyday makeup look.

Thanks for reading! xx