Showing posts with label Shiseido. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shiseido. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Sale: Shiseido Singapore Sale - Nov 2010


Click on image to enlarge

The Shiseido Singapore Sale is back again!!

Date: 24 & 25 Nov 2010
Venue: 1 Grange Road, Orchard Building, #12-01
Time: 1000hrs - 2000hrs
Brands: Shiseido, Cle De Peau Beaute, Ettusia, Majorlica Majorca, ZA, Shiseido Professional

This is definitely a sale that I dont want to miss. The last round was a really good experience and the stocks were fresh, unlike the ones at LuxAsia sale.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Eye Makeup Practice

Now, I'm not a eye makeup person cause it takes me 1.5 hours just to do a presentable (note the word presentable) eye makeup. This, to a person who clocks 10-hours workdays is just too much of a luxury.

My daily makeup regime includes the basic act of covering up my open pores, evening out my skintone and I'm good to go. 10 mins max.

So, with this public holiday, I decided to put some time and do some eye makeup practice, in hopes of shortening my eye makeup process. So, all went well although, there was no shortening in the time though.

The Products:


Clockwise from Left:
  1. Shiseido Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes 2 - BL743
  2. Kanebo Lunasol Nature Summer Blue EX01 Eyeshadow Quad
  3. Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Brush
  4. Shiseido Maquillage Dramatical Gel Liner - BK951
  5. Loreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara
  6. Springheart Eyelash Glue
  7. Daiso False Eyelashes
  8. MAC 217 Brush (Not in photo)
  9. Shiseido Eyelash Curler (Not in photo)
  10. Sponge-tip applicators (Not in photo)

First I applied the eyeshadow from the Maquillage quad. Using the white as the base, the light blue for the inner corners of the eyes and the dark blue for the outer corners.

Next I used the dark blue from the lunasol palette and blended upwards, from the upper lashline. Then, with the light yellow, highlighted the middle of the eye to give it a pop of color.

All of the above done with sponge-tip applicators provided in the palettes.

Next I lined my upper lashline with Maquillage gel liner on my upper lashline.

Thereafter, I tight-lined my lower lashline with the maquillage gel liner, for 2/3 of the lower lashline, starting from the out corners. After this is done, I thickened the out corners with the gel liner, converging into the thin line when moving inwards.

After that is done, I took the Lunasol Eyeshadow palette, using the dark blue, apply it to the upper lashline again to soften the black eyeliner. Blending from the upper lashline upwards.

Next, for the lower lashline, I broke it into 3 parts, the most outer 1/3 corner, I used the dark blue from the Lunasol palette to soften the look.

The middle 2/3, I used the dark blue from the Maquillage and for the most inner 1/3, I used the white from the maquillage palette to pop the eyes.

Lastly, I used my MAC 217 brush to blend the colors together.

This was the final result.






However, I decided to try out the Daiso falsies. Since I wanted to really open up the eyes, I decided to use a realy dramatic pair so that the difference can be seen. And I totally liked the end result. Look at how much my eyes popped up compared to the above pictures.

But well, it's really too much hassle to do on a daily basis. It's very burdening for the eyes and the skin around them to do such kind of dramatic eye makeup. Plus,I think the difference is too much between my made-up eyes and actual look.

The finished result:


Monday, August 9, 2010

Haul: Collective Drugstore Hauls + New Partner

It's a public holiday today in Singapore. It was this very same day, 45 years ago that we declared our independence. Happy National Day, Singapore!! The place that nurtured and made me who I am today..

Anyway, judging from my last post, I've been away for almost a month. This period has been a difficult one for me. It's still is but I think it'll turn for the better moving forward (I hope).

First up, my new partner in the blogger sphere... The Toshiba Portege T110 with 11.1" screen. I totally love the color and the size. This would be my new blogging partner moving forward.

I'm still trying to get used to it as the keyboard is smaller and the keys are placed differently as compared to other laptops, due to it's size.




Next up are some of my random drugstore conquests. Most of them are products from new brands available in Singapore for the first time. I just wasn't able to contain my excitement for them. Hoho..

First one is Heme Magic T-ZOne Peeling Mask For Girls (S$14.90). This is a peel off mask meant for the T-Zone and nose. Heme is actually a line targeted at young adolescent girls. Of course, I'm long past my adolescent years but it never hurts to try alternative products.



The next one is also under Heme, the 24hr Hydrating Detox-White Night Jelly (S$18.90). This was the product that Kevin 老师 introduced during 女人我最大 many years ago, when I first got access to cable TV. And it was this product that drew my attention to this line. Many years later, I finally laid hands on this product that I've been coveting.



The next one is a brand that is also very well known in Japan and Taiwan. It's the drugstore line released by Shiseido, Aqua Label.

I was wandering around in Watsons, trying to decide whether I should get something from the brand as I already have a huge stash of skincare at home that would probably last me another 2 years. And between Heme and Aqualabel, I was more keen on Heme. But after the SA explained the line to me, I decided to go for the Bright White EX Serum (S$35.50).



Due to my ignorant adolescent years, I already have quite a few distintive brown spots on my face. I had entertained thoughts on buying whitening products from either Lancome or Shiseido. But was put off by the heft price tag and my ma's upbringing.

Yes, she opposed the use of any whitening products, saying the ingredients would make the skin "thin". Furthermore, the word "Acid" don't usually sit well with my sensitized skin. Anyway, since Aqualabel's parent company is Shiseido, I decided to take the plunge and buy the whitening serum. After all, it's a less hefty price to pay compared to the likes of it's more luxurious cousin.

Up next, is Kanebo's Kate Gel Eyeshadow in White (S$14.50). This is a shimmery gel eyeshadow that is similar to Jill Stuart's Eye Jellies. Actually, I absolutely do not need this eyeshadow. I have more than enough eyeshadow to probably last me for the next few years since I don't do alot of eye makeup. So why? This is purely for retail therapy. I'll see if I could find the right occasion to use it. Otherwise, I might decide to make it a giveaway.



The next items are sheet masks. Truth to be told, I'm not exactly a sheet mask person. They can be really messy and I don't like the feeling of having something covering my face, feels as if I'm suffocating. But I find that I'm drawn to buying them nevertheless. Probably due to the price and the wide selection of properties offered.

This is something that I found in Guardian Pharmacy. I don't usually shop in Guardian since Watsons offers a better variety of products and I get rebates at Watsons. This purchase was a result of lunching alone for quiet time. And yes, I like to lunch alone. It helps to calm my nerves and organize my thoughts for the next half of the day.

The masks are from a Korean Brand call Leaders Clinic - Clinie and unlike conventional sheet masks, these are actually silk cellulose masks. They retail for S$4.95 each and has several selections to choose from. I got 2 of them. One is the P.D.T AC-Dressing Ampoule Mask and the Caviar Repairing Essential Mask.

Based on the description on the packaging, the P.D.T AC-Dressing masks is supposed to help combat acne and contains a full bottle of ampoule in each mask. The Caviar Mask, as the name suggests, contains caviar extracts and other ingredients to help hydrate and pamper the skin.




Next up, are some of my basic tools. Sponge applicators and medical needles.

I'm a klutz with makeup and sometimes I find using exotic tools such as brushes somewhat complicated for me.

The needles are for my cystic pimples. I'll use them to poke through the pimples instead of squeezing them and bruising the skin in the process. I used to follow my ma's method of heating up a alcohol swiped sewing needle but I think the medical needles are so much more convenient and hygienic.


Lastly, I've been experiencing difficulties in bowel movements and decided to get some external help from Fybogel. Hopefully, it will help with my bowel movements and in turn, improve my skin condition.




Ok, I think I've spoken enough. My my, it's a lengthy posts for this small number of products.. lol

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Haul: Shiseido Sale

Got to know about the Shiseido Sale through Ling. I know I shouldn't be spending anymore but I just couldn't resist the urge when the prices were going so low....

So on top of the eyeshadow palette that I've been lemming for so long, I also got some other stuff along the way...



First up is the Shiseido Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in BL743 (S$20.00). This is part of the 2008 Spring collection and it's the eyeshadow palette that I've been lemming for the longest time since my sister got it.. So, I was hoping that this item was on sale. As fate has it, J.Low was able to find it straight away when I told her!! What else can I explain this except for affinity?

The whole package in mint condition:




The palette out of the packaging..


The pretty inside...



And the instruction at the back of the packaging..


Next, is the 2 single eye shadows (S$7.00 ea) that I bought on my own...

Cream Eye Shadow in PK214 and Powder Eye Shadow in BL146




After that is Shiseido Luminizing Color Powder in L3 Golden Beige (S$20.00). I got this as I was looking for a contouring powder. And this was my answer to it.


The brush layer. The brush was kind of crappy...


And the bottom layer where the actual content is.. 3 shades of beige..


Lastly, a Benefiance sampler set (S$30.00). I have always wanted to try out this range but never got around to do it. So since there is a sampler set, I just grabbed it straight away.




The sale is definitely worth the effort. The sale items are relatively new and some are expiring only in 2013. So I'm very happy with my purchases.

I had originally wanted to get some Cle De Peau products but I really couldn't bear the stuffiness and plus, I was controlling my spending.. So I made a beeline for the cashier since I'm more than satisfied with my spoils..

There was also a counter for Majolica Majorca and ZA. They are drugstore lines under Shiseido and I saw huge price slashes for these 2 lines, which of course attracted a huge number of ladies..

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Review / Makeup Tool: Shiseido 213 Eyelash Curler

Chen was asking about eyelash curlers. So I decided to do a review on my newly acquired eyelash curler and do a comparison with my existing Koji No. 70.

Item Name: Shiseido 213 Eyelash Curler
Price: S$16.20
Available At: SaSa Outlets
 
Incidentally, both models were recommended on the Taiwanese 女人我最大 show by famous makeup gurus..
 
 
 

 The road test:
 

1. My original eyelashes without curling. Although the end part is curled up, the front and middle portion is flopping downwards.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



2. Using the eyelash curler. It managed to catch all my lashes without pinching. Be careful when using eyelash curlers. Test by pressing down slowly and lightly first to make sure there is no pain, before clamping down. There are many ways and preferences to clamp lashes but my preferred way is to do a one-off 90degrees clamp straight at the roots because of my hooded eyes. This may sound a little dramatic but the end result is a natural perky curl cos most of it would be hidden in the hooded eye area. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

3. End result. Now we can see all the lashes in the middle and front is all curled up. And 90 degrees angle doesn't look so unatural under th hooded eye.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

4. Lashes with Mascara. For people with monolids, we are usually limited to do magic on our eyelids. So, another way to play up the eyes would be the eyelashes. A good mascara that gives length and volume is very important.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shiseido 213 VS Koji No. 70  (Standard Curve)
 
The design: Both design looks very similar, in a conventional eyelash curler design. The curve for Shiseido is apparently bigger compared to the Koji. And the pad for Shiseido fitted better than Koji.
 
All in all, I would say Shiseido is a better product in this case due to the ability to catch all my lashes and the curl effect is a little better than Koji. However, we have to note that Koji also have a No. 73 which is wide curve and might prove to be better compared to Shiseido.
 



For a review of the Koji Eyelash Curler and a run-down of the various models offered by Koji, please visit mintfusion.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Haul: Sasa - 19 Dec 2009

I had originally wanted to go for a movie today With Chen but Cathay's ticketing site was down for the whole afternoon. So, movie became dinner session instead.

The pasta place at B2 of Takashimaya serves some really good food. But I'm digressing.. Anyway, after dinner, I went over to the Sasa at Wisma Atria cos I was thinking of getting an eyeliner brush cos I lost my BB one.. In the end, I did a mini haul instead.



Shiseido Eyelash Curler
I've read raves about Shiseido Eyelash curlers but I'm not sure if this is the same one that is being hyped about. Anyway, out of curiosity, I decided to purchase it... Let me see how it well it levels up to my current Koji one.



Silk Whitia Hanfang Masks
This was labelled as "New" on the shelf although I don't really know how new is new. Anyway, I've used their Rose Mask before and had quite good experience. So I decided to get these "new" babies to try out. There is a promotion for "Buy 2 Get 1 Free". So I decided to get 3 different types to try out.



Biore Cleansing Oil
No particular reason why I bought this product other than I need a Cleaning Oil to remover makeup and it was the cheapest in the house given the volume. I don't place alot of emphasis on Cleansing Oils since all I need is a product that does a decent job of melting down makeup.



Cyber Colors Eyeliner Brush
Of course, not forgetting the main purpose that I walked into Sasa - an eyeliner brush. Haven't use this brand before so no comments.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Haul: Isetan Pte Sale - 18 Dec 2009

I originally had a dinner appointment and was going to skip this sale but my friend wasn't able to make and so, off I went to spend $$$... Isetan Card Members get 10% beauty vouchers and if we pay by HSBC Credit card, we getanother 5% worth of vouchers.

I limited myself to max $200 since I've already spent a lot for the month of Nov and Dec 2009. And here are my little pretties....



A bird's eye view of my haul.. Many MAC products.. Woohoo









MAC Haul
I've been thinking of changing foundation and after some advice from Mag and the MAC MA @ Isetan Scotts, I got the Select SPF Foundation and Pressed Powder and a eyeshadow. The foundation applicator was purchased to top up so that I can enjoy the rebate vouchers...





Clarins
I've already stocked up on my Clarins products during the Metro sale but with the 20%+10%+5% off. I just couldn't let it go without purchasing something. So I bought the Renewing Gentle Exfoliator since I'm lacking a scrub and the Clinique one isn't exactly sensitive skin friendly.




Shiseido
I originally wanted to get the 3D Face Creator but the MUA, Shawn introduced this product to me. This item covered my ruddy cheeks and even out my skintone so well that I was totally won over.

I was so lucky to have met Shawn that day. Shawn is the only Shiseido MUA for now and he has to run all over Singapore. He's really nice and patient when it comes to answering your queries, even if it sounded silly. Maybe because he doesn't have to hit sales target, he don't hard sell but instead, try to win you over with products that actually works. He's at Scotts for the whole of Dec 2009. Do drop by if you are interested.

That's all for now... Off to the next post..