Haul-Review / Makeup: MAC - Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

Item Name: MAC - Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist
Size: 100 ml
Price: SGD37.00
Available At: Tangs Vivocity
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com

Product Description from Manufacturer:

Charged water, fused with vital ions from a diamond and instilled with a spirit-lifting therapeutic aroma, then delivered to the skin in the soothing aura of a revitalizing hydrating mist. Like its source – a diamond – on application it makes the skin feel clear, sparkling, pure and energized. Its aroma, a blend of green tea and citrus.

Why I bought it:

This was really an impulse buy. My original intent was to purchase the MAC Fix+ to see if it works better than my Avene atomiser. However, according to the MAC consultant, it was out of stock islandwide for months already.

So, she recommended me this product instead. It's more expensive but it was supposedly to be better than Fix+. And so, I decided to purchase this instead, for the adventurous spirit in me.

Packaging:
Plastic spritz bottle with lock for travelling.

Texture:
Normal toner water with a subtle flowery scent.

Price:
SGD37.00 is steep compared to my drugstore Avene Atomiser.

Road Test:
I used this product as a finish for my makeup to avoid looking too powdery.

It does give a nice finish to my makeup but the mist wasn't as fine as compared to Avene, and I had some problems with the plastic spritzer. I had to press extra hard to get the product out.

Verdict:
I like this product,but given the price, I don't think I would repurchase after this bottle runs out. My Avene performs the same at half the price.

Review-Compare /Skincare: Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O + MAC Cleanse Off Oil

Today's review is on cleansing oil.....

 

Item Name: Shu Uemura - Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula
Size: 150 ml
Price: Not Available
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: Shu Uemura USA

Product Description from Manufacturer:

cleansing beauty oil premium a/o is the #1 selling shu uemura cleansing oil in the world. the new advanced formula is empowered with Green Tea and specially selected Gingko Leaf Extract contains flavonoids, recognized in Japan for strong anti-oxidant and micro circulation properties that help to promote transparency and radiance to fatigued skin. the removal of oxidized sebum, which accelerates the aging process, is the first step in anti-aging skincare. the innovative Natural Origin HPO system has a superb cleansing ability which removes sebum and dramatically increases the removability of waterproof mascara and long-lasting makeup. the advanced formula leaves the skin soft, and refined for a youthful appearance.

Item Name: M.A.C - Cleanse Off Oil
Size: 150 ml
Price: Not Available
Available At: Tangs Orchard and all good dept stores
Picture Source: M.A.C Cosmetics

Product Description from Manufacturer:

An industry-strength oil-based makeup remover that's gentle on the skin. Botanically formulated with oils of olive fruit, evening primrose and jojoba seed and absolutely 100 percent mineral-oil free. Massages onto the skin to loosen all makeup, including waterproof mascara. Emulsifies into a lotion-type liquid with water: rinses off easily, no tissues required - and no residue! Protects with vitamin E. Skin softening and conditioning. Good for all skin types.

Why I bought them:
The M.A.C Cleansing oil actually belongs to my little sister. As for the Shu Uemura, I bought it to replace the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm when it ran out.

Packaging:
Both products comes in clear plastic bottles with a fuss-free pump.


Texture:

Both are oils. However, I noticed that the M.A.C cleansing oil was lighter in texture and there is a nice scent to the M.A.C Cleansing oil.

Price:
I have no idea how much my sister paid for the M.A.C Cleanse Off oil but based on the USA RRP, it is definitely cheaper than the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil.

As for Shu Uemura, since I got this product at a pretty low price compared to the RRP, I would say I'm alright with the price. But I think the RRP is around SGD60.00. A little dear for a cleasing oil.

Road Test:
The Shu Uemura cleasing has a thicker texture as compared with M.A.C, which didn't sit well with me. It was a little too heavy for my taste.

M.A.C on the other hand was something that I really like. The scent is nice and the texture is light.

In terms of cleansing power, I didn't notice any significant difference between the two products. In fact, the Shu Uemura cleansing oil left a sticky after taste which I didn't like at all. This is probably due to anti-aging properties. In fact, it actually broke me out!

Verdict:
The Shu Uemura would be more suitable for very matured or very dry skins because of the anti-aging properties.

For me, I would prefer the M.A.C Cleanse Off Oil given the similar performance and much lower price.

Of course, I still have the Shu Uemura White Recovery EX+ that I haven't tried yet. I hope this product would be able to perform better as compared to it cousin in the same line. Anyway, have a great week ahead.

Base Makeup - Foundation Swatches & Lemmings

I have to admit, I'm obsessed with flawless skin and I'm always on the lookout for products that would help me look less ruddy and more polised.

Today is a showcase of the foundations that I own and a short introduction on them. Not a lot and I'm still a long way from building a foundation bible.

I do hope that this can help those who are trying to buy foundations with absolutely nothing to rely on, except for online swatches for comparison.

This idea came about when I realized that there were very little cross foundation swatches to be found on the WWW. Maybe my search parameters wasn't good enough, I don't know.

Anyway, I decided to pull out all the foundations that I currently own and swatch them. For the benefit of others, who like me, don't have the luxury of testing out products in person.

Click Image for larger pic

Lunsol Water Cream Foundation in YO02:
You can read my review on this foundation here.

RMK Liquid Foundation in 101:
I bought this out of impulse when it first re-launched in Singapore. Frankly speaking, I didn't quite use this foundation due to the heavy yellow undertone. Moreover, the coverage was not enough to cover old and blemished skin like mine.

Paul & Joe Liquid Foundation in 010:
The first Japanese foundation that I bought. The color is a tad too light for me but the undertone was perfect. The only drawback is that, it doesn't really provide the coverage that I need.

IPSA Pure Protect Foundation in 100:
You can read my review on this foundation in my last post here.

DiorSkin Nude Liquid Foundation in 020:
What can I say? My perfect HG foundation. Gives the best finishes. You can read about my review here.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville:
One of the latest addition to my makeup collection. Color is a tad light for me but once it oxidizes, it's a perfect finish. You can read about my review here.

As for my lemmings:

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in Trench 4
Armani Luminouse Silk Foundation in 4
Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation in Sunny Beige
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe
Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation in Chamomile
Chanel Pro Lumiere Foundation in Clair-Cameo


A good resource is the Foundation Matrix on Temptalia. Go take a look if you're interested.

Haul: Collective - Origins, MAC, Clinique, Dior, Prejume

This entry is a collective haul post on the stuff that I got some time back. So, this is really a guide for me to keep track of the things that I buy....

First up is Origins - Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins, Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum. My friend knows that I chomp through this serum like a mean grinding machine. And so, whenever there is an offer on this serum, she would be the first to sms me. I got 2 x 30ml at SGD25.00 each!

Next up is the MAC 217 brush and this is my second 217. This brush is very soft and perfect for blending out the eyeshadows! SGD33.00 available at all MAC Counters across Singapore.

Next, the Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips (SGD39.00). My sampler bottle ran out and I've decided to purchase the full sized bottle since this worked quite well to remove my eye makeup.

Next up, is the Dior - Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup (SGD70.00). I was looking for a loose powder and the BA recommend this loose powder to me since I'm using the Dior Skin Nude Foundation. The BA assured that it wouldn't be heavy since I recalled that one of the BA at Takashimaya told me that this is actually mineral powder foundation. However, I really think that using this powder on top of the Diorskin Nude foundation is a little overkill for me. In addition, the actual size is really puny and paltry, compared to other Dior Loose Powder that are bigger in size with about the same price.

Lastly, Prejume hair wax that my hairstylist brought back from Hong Kong for me (SGD29.00). I totally like this hair wax. It has a rice paste texture , styles but not oily at all!!

Blog Sale....

Just to advertise a little... I'm letting go of my MAC foundations.. Details here

Please do email if you're interested...

Haul / Review: MAC Disney Venomous Villians Collection - Maleficient Duo Eyeshadows

I'm back!! Whoa. Is that dust?? *Coughing*....

Anyway, it's been a hectic journey and I hope that it would end soon come next week...

The next few post would be on my hauls.. I've been busy with work but I didn't quite lax when it comes to shopping. Especially when I have dear friends who keeps me updated about the latest happenings in the beauty world, and then texting me whether I want the items...We're always in this love-hate relationship kind of thing.. They'll tempt me with something and in turn, I tempt them with another...

And so, this entry is on the MAC Venomouse Villians stuff that my BFF, J.Low helped me snag.. I heard there was a crowd at Tangs Orchard on launch day and things were literall flying off the shelves.

Luckily, I didn't have to fight with the crowd and the best part, I got them at a very good price.

I think the whole blogger sphere have already blogged about it except for me. *Sheepish grin*.. But this is for my record, so do bear with me. I promise the next entry would be a better one...

The Eyeshadow Duos from Maleficient collection




The Duos in their pristine packaging. Even the box looks so wickedly cute!



The Duos in their gorgeous pans.





Aaawww, She Who Dares..

 I fell in love with the blue almost immediately. It was the blue that sparked my lemming for the duos. And yes, blue is one of the colors that actually works for me. No matter what others say.





My Dark Magic...

My Dark Magic is a dark-pink and purple combo that also works on me. Probably because of the blue undertones. The color reminds me of the hocus-pocus potions that you see on cartoon concocted by witches. Strangely enough, when I first saw this name, the image of a Shaman pracing around with feathers on his head just came to me.. Haha.. *Shakes her mind to clear that image*

I've been unable to bring myself to deface the pristine shadows to do the swatches, preferring to admire them a little longer, before I attack with a makeup brush.

However, Ling has done a very comprehensive swatch on these 2 lovelies. From her swatches, I can see that it is very pigmented. So please go lightly on them. Start with a light hand and then build up.

To make it more wearable for work, remove excess glitters by blowing on your brush before application.

Next up are the nail lacquers, courtesy of J.Low as I decided not to purchase them.

I've never been a nail polish person. Reason being, I can never quite get the application right. I'll always end up making a mess.

And being an impatient person, I'm too hyper-active to sit down and wait for the polishes to try thoroughly.



From Left: Green & Mean, Formidable, Bad Fairy



Close up of the lacquers after 2 layers.

1 layer was not quite enough to make the color come through. In addition, application was kind of unbalanced. Probably due to the shimmers. 

Mean and Green was kind of special but it didn't quite stir my heart. Formidable reminded me of OPI Chutney with Shimmers. I think I like Fair Fairy the best. It has a dash of cuteness and yet a subtle hint of wickedness beneath the facade. 

The line up (from left): Bad Fairy, Formidable, Green and Mean

And that's all for now.. Until then, keep loving... =)

Happy!!!!

I just got an SMS confirmation from my friend that she has managed to help me get the MAC Maleficient Mineral Eyeshadows! Hoot!

I've never been a fan of MAC's limited edition items. I refuses to be subjected to marketing gimmicks of these kind. It makes some women go into frenzies and what is supposed to help them look beautiful in turn make them into monsters.

However, I was totally won over by the mineral eyeshadows when J.Low informed me about this MAC collection.

And so, out of kindness from J.Low and her cousin, I managed to snag the two items from the Maleficient series without much trouble or hassle. I'm truly blessed to have good friends who loves me!!!!! Love moi friends!!!!!

Haul: Essential Tools

Stock on some essential skincare and makeup tools recently.... They are not exactly skincare or makeup but they are part and parcel of my whole regime.

These were bought from SaSa, travel containers and spatulas (S$1-S$5). I got other stuff as well but I wanted to group my hauls according to type as I shopped for several tools this time round.

I'm most interested in trying out the big container. I first saw this in a nail salon whereby the ladies there use it to hold nail polish remover. The vent of the pump is upward facing and it is so interesting! (And yes, I'm easily amazed [too]).

I was thinking of using it to store my Kose Sekkisei Lotion, which by the way, is a pour bottle with a gaping hole; which sometimes results in wastage from pouring too much.

Next up is my FAVORITE cotton pads. Ok, not exactly my favorite but they are the only ones that are economical and yet, fulfills my purpose. It's the Lily Bell Patting Cotton Puff (S$3.00) from Sasa.

So, what is so special about the about these cotton puffs as compared to common cotton pads? Each cotton puff is made up of 3 layers. First layer is comes with a rough surface mesh, covering the cotton below. This layer helps exfoliation when using Japanese exfoliating / softening toners.

The other side of the puff is a layer that has a smoother surface, which I usually use for my soothing toners. Some of the Japanese lotions uses this particular surface for application, allowing better absorption.

These two layers uses material that do not shed or ball up as compared to regular cotton pads.

So, what's the third layer? It's actually a membrance in the middle; to prevent wastage. Traditional cotton pads usually gets soaked through due to it's absorption properties. The middle layer helps to distribute product more evenly across the surface rather than through the cotton.

It might cost more as compared to regular cotton but I swear by it whenever I use the Sekkisei Lotion for mild exfoliation.

There are other brands and Watsons has also come up with their own version but I'll stick to Lily Bell until something better comes along or when I can no longer afford it.

Lastly, wedge sponges and powder puffs from MAC (S$8.00 each pack). I'm totally in love with MAC wedge sponges. They do a good job of evening out my foundation and giving me a polished look. As for the powder puffs, they are meant for my MAC powders. The original ones that came with the powders simply fell apart after being abused by me.. (Haha)

Haul: Random buys in June

Been away.. Was kind of depressed over the week as I lost my brand new laptop! Well, technically, I didn't lose it but rather, a cab driver took off with it in the boot. I was so shocked by what happened that I didn't get the license plate. It was a brand new laptop just out from the shop.

I was more angry with myself than with the cab driver. First, I shouldn't have put it in the car boot. There was enough space in the back seat for it. And I should have asked for the receipt. But the cab driver was so nice that I was caught off-guard. I shouldn't have been so trusting, remember, low crime doesn't mean NO crime.

Anyway, I lodge reports with the police, LTA and the cab company. Although chances of getting it back is slim, but I still want to put it in record that there is an errant cab driver on the prowl.

This entry is for the random buys that I did for the month of June. June is not only my birthday month but also the month of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS).

Not a lot of stuff as I'm trying to curb my spending. Oh well, living in Singapore meant that there are sales going almost all year round. There's always next time.

First up is MAC 217 brush. It's a my second MAC brush. This is a much raved eye makeup brush and I was totally won over. It's so soft and blends my eyeshadows very well. The best part is that I paid for it with my Isetan vouchers that I redeemed with my Isetan points. So, this brush came almost as free!

Next is the Lunasol 2010 Summer Collection, Nature Summer Blue EX01 Eyeshadow Quad (S$77.00). I've been lemming this quad ever since Rouge Deluxe and Fuzkittie featured it. So I decided to get it when it launched in Singapore on 18th June 2010.

Friends of mine know that I'm a blue eyeshadow lover. A lot of people are scared of blue eyeshadows but they are one of the colors that actually works for me. And Japanese seems do well in this arena.

I'm totally in love with the deep blue!!

Ok, what else???..... Oh yes, I purchased a Fancl sunscreen. Due to my sun-phobic nature, I'm very into sunscreens. I currently own.. hmmm.. about 6 bottles of sunscreens. All of different brands.

My ma thinks I'm totally insane. She's an advocate of sunscreens since I was young but I think I've outshone her. Wonder how many sunscreens my daughter will own next time. Anyway, picked this up because I had quite a good experience with it previously. The only thing I don't like about Fancl products is that they expire way much faster than I can use it up. 75days after I've opened the bottle, I'll have to toss it.

I also stocked up on some essentials during the GSS period.

MAC makeup sponges and brush cleaner. Truth to be told, I'm not exactly a connoisseur when it comes to makeup sponges. So far, MAC makeup sponges have worked well for me and so, I've been hooked on it ever since.

The MAC brush cleaner was a purchase I decided after reading somewhere that normal shampoo do not do a good job when it comes to disinfecting. And so, I bought this so that I can give my brushes a good clean. I'm a germ & dust-phobic when it comes to the things that I put on my face. To the point that I rather buy the wrong foundation shade home, then to have the BA test it on my face. I once saw this lady who took the tester lipstick and applied straight on her lips. Yew, I was totally turned off and horrified by what I saw.

Next up is the Clinique's Liquid Facil Soap (Mild) - S$35.00. Another staple of mine that I've grown to love. This product does a good job of cleaning without stripping moisture off my face.

Lastly, is the Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner (S$53.00). Another staple of mine. I had a bad reaction when I first used it but now, it's one of my holy grail. I'm already in my Nth bottle!!

Review / Makeup Tool: Mac 190 Foundation Brush

Item Name: MAC 190 Foundation Brush
Size: NA
Price: S$60++. Cant remember the exact price.
Available At: Isetan Scotts and all good department stores.
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com


Product Description from Manufacturer:

Pro-quality. A foundation brush designed to create even finish, flawless look. Works well with any M·A·C foundation, including Studio Fix and Studio Tech. . A professional-class foundation brush designed to provide a smooth, even finish, flawless look. Use to apply, distribute, and blend foundation into all areas in the face.

Why I bought it:
After reading so many raves and rants on this brush, I had to get one to try myself. Plus, I'm still stuck in the regime of fingers and sponge. So I was looking at another way of apply foundation that hopefully, make my skin look better.


Price:
What can we say? This is a MAC brush. Meaning that it doesn't come cheap. And that is the reason as to why I took so long to get it.


Road Test:
I used the brush with the MAC Select SPF 15 foundation for the first try. The handle was kind of long for my liking and I kept knocking it against my mirror.

It did give a nice polished and finish look but I spent a lot of time trying to blend out the streaks. In the end, I still had to whip out the sponge to blend around the sides of my nose.

In addition, the finish was something that I found a little too heavy for my taste. Plus, it took at lot more foundation than I would usually need to cover the whole face.


Verdict:
To me, I would categorize it as a nice to have brush. Maybe I'm still a klutz and need more practice but I still find the finger and sponge method to be the fastest and easiest way. This brush do give a nice polished finish which isn't my preference at this point of time.

The Japanese liquid foundations that I used with this brush were so streaky that I had to blend / buffer the whole face with either a sponge or powder brush after using this brush.

Perhaps, this brush will work better with a cream foundation. But I'm more of a liquid foundation freak. Maybe when I open my Lunasol, I'll use it to do a road test again.

Hauls

Haul Photos!!! Woo-Hoo!! Nothing beats talking about my lovelies and nothing can get me down when I'm talking about them.... These are some of the purchases I've made during this period..

Warning: Picture heavy



Avene Soothing Moisture Mask x Centerpoint Guardian Pharmacy - 5 April 2010
Got this on the day that I went to my new company to sign the Letter of Appointment. And so, was able to recall the date that I got it. The lady was so zealous about recommending me use this product that I was embarassed to say "No". In addition, I do know that Avene have some really great products. Just that sometimes, I find the products too mild for my taste.

Franche Mineral Skincare Sample Set x My Beautician

I got this a week after I started on my new job. My office was going to have a major renovation and people were packing their stuff. The air was so dirty that I had a major outbreak of cystic pimples. So out of desparation, I went to my beautician for help. And all they did was gawked at my face and pushed this set of skincare to me right after my treatment.

I figured there was no excuse to not buy and since it's my first time encountering mineral skincare, my interest was piqued. However, I haven had the chance to actually try it. And the condition of my face now, it's much better than 2 weeks ago but it can be better.

The sample set in it's plastic bag.

The items taken out...

The cleanser

The Toner

The Moisturizer

The Phamplet

Dior Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Foundation in 020 x Takashimaya

I had make the decision to buy a hydrating foundation. And so, this is not an impulse buy but an intended buy. After reading through the forums and raves by makeup gurus, I was deciding between Lunasol Water Cream Foundation and Dior. In the end, the superb service by Kline (Takashimaya Dior Counter) won me over and I went ahead to purchase the Dior one. I would still want to purchase the Lunasol one but I guess I'll wait till I'm finished with at least one more bottle of foundation before I make the purchase.


The pretty box that my foundation came in...






















The elegant glass bottle within...
























Of course, being Kline (kind), she gave me a sample of Diorsnow sunscreen in translucent. I so liked it that I decided to purchase the full-sized bottle.






















MAC 190 Foundation Brush x Isetan Scotts
My first MAC Brush!!! Yeah!!! Got this on the same day that I got the Dior Foundation. I have been comtemplating this brush for the longest time but I just couldn't bear to sink so much money on a brush. But my sister gave me some Isetan vouchers and I utilized the vouchers and ended up paying a lot less.

My MAC brush in it's pristine plastic protector...



















MAC Brush#190

Fancl Calorie Limit Tea x Isetan
This is my absolute necessity. I drink whenever my ma buys fried fritters. Not to mention the nice taste which I've grown fond of. I also bought the Kale juice along with this purchase but the latter is something I would rather not mention. The taste is just not my cup of tea. Maybe I should dilute it further instead of following the 250ml guide.

Guerlain Meteorites 03 Beige Chic x Tangs - 23 April 2010
Ling got word from Beauterunway that Guerlain Meteorite was going at 50% discount @ Tangs as they are going to change packaging. Of course, being the kiasu singaporean that I am, I had to get one for myself. It's not every other day you have Guerlain giving this kind of discount for their products.

Haul x Metro 20% Storewide Sale - 23 April 2010
Metro was having a Storewide 20% sale and I headed over to Metro with Ling as I decided to purchase the full sized Clinique Take the Day Off since I had quite a good experienc with the sample product.

In addition, I was undecided whether I should get the Diorsnow sunscreen.

And below are my spoils for the day. Please ignore the Guerlain Meteorites as I bought from Tangs and not Metro.




















Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
I had originally wanted to get the Bi-remover only to realise that the product is meant for Lips and Eye Color. Lol. In the end, the BA recommended me the the Balm, which can also be used for the eye area. I was a little put off by the packaging since I've to either dig in or to use a spatula. But in the end, I went ahead to buy it since I quite like the texture.

Dior: Diorsnow Protection UV - Translucent
I got the sample pack for this product and I was pretty won over by the sample pack that I decided to get the full size.


Dior: Dior Addict - Lip Glow
This product was recommended to Ling by Kline of Takashimaya Dior Counter. The same day I was buying the Dior Foundation. In the end, Ling got it during the Metro Private Sale. I was very impressed by the effect that I decided to get one for myself too...

Dior: Rouge Dior - 264 Replenishing Lipcolor
This is totally an impulse buy as I was $1.00 short to being a Dior member. So Ling suggested lipcolor since I was just tellng her the other day that my sister commented that my lipgloss is too red for my pale skin. Plus, I quite like the color swatch.

Of course, we mustn't forget the samples that the BA gave me. Sorry I didn't get her name but she's a very nice lady too. I do forsee that I'm visiting the Dior counter soon.

Fancl x Bishan J8 - 27 April 2010
My face was lacking radiance and moisture. So, decided to drop by Fancl to get some "clean skincare" to help.

Below is the spoils photo:

Skin Renewal Pack

Night Pack Cream

Beauty Concentrate
GWP for Night Pack Cream.

Facial Blotters
Another GWP. Not sure of the mechanics though...

That's all for now.... Review posts coming up...