All posts tagged: beauty review

Bobbi Brown Summer 2016 collection

Published by

Bobbi Brown will always be one of my go-to make-up brands. Because she just knows what works for easy-breezy effortless beauty.  Colours that are flattering for all skin tones, and goes harmoniously with everything else in the collection. If you are not big on make-up because you like the au naturel looks; or you are just starting to play with make-up, try Bobbi. Her products helps to complement your natural skin tone and features, so you look like yourself but better. Here are some of my picks from the latest collection. 1) The Nourishing Lip Color Oil-Infused Shine Lipstick, S$38 each Available in 21 shades, this rich and moisturising lipstick is made with an olive oil complex, avocado, babassu, jojoba, cocoa seed butter, and vitamins C and E.  The colours are bright with a translucent and sheer quality, as well as a soft-shine finish. This creamy lipstick is a value-for-money coloured balm. My fave shades: Pink Pop, a bright pink; Citrus, an orange-pink-coral; as well as Poppy, a classic red that is not too overbearing, …

Nars Summer Color Collection 2016

Published by

Inspired by the sun-drenched French Riveria, Nars’ new 10-piece colour collection is bright yet wearable.  The boxes are illustrated by artist Konstantin Kakanias (although I wish the designs were printed on the compact case instead). The collection features dual-intensity eyeshadows and blushers with a metallic sheen. Use dry for a subtle colour, and with a dampened brush for more intensity. Tan Lines eyeshadow, a rich hazelnut brown. Perfect for soft, everyday smokey eyes looks. Lip Covers liquid lipstick in Overheated, a deep dusty rose; and Members’ Only, a crimson red (this shade is only available at Nars counters and stores). One coat is enough for a rich, opaque colour with a soft shine.  Blush in Sexual Content, a peachy raspberry pink bronzer/ highlighter/ blush.  Deep-End shadow, a teal green.  Available in May

Moonshot Microfit Cushion and Moonflash Cushion 

Published by

Moonshot is South Korean pop manufacturer YG entertainment’s beauty arm. And like the others, it has caught on the cushion compact trend.     In Singapore, the cushion was launched on Friday with a special appearance by (YG entertainment) K-pop star Sandara Park. (The cushion is also fronted by the other YG Entertainment super star, G Dragon) Obviously, Moonshot is banking on the cushions to up the popularity of the brand.  A little re-cap on compact cushions: they pretty much work like a stamp ink pad. So you can do quick touch-ups with liquid foundation on-the-go, and with no mess. It is now an entirely new category of base makeup, apart from the regular liquid, cream and powder foundations. Moonshot’s Microfit Cushion SPF 50+ PA+++ ($36) is available in three light beige shades.  Lightweight with a satin-matte finish, it is made for light coverage or mid-day touch-ups. Pat and blend well with the sponge applicator for a flawless finish. The Moonflash Cushion SPF 50+PA+++ is a pearlescent and sheer cushion highlighter. So just pat it onto …

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense sunscreen duo

Published by

I can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen.  It protects the skin from wrinkles, spots and sagging.  But yes, sunscreen can be too sticky, oily and thick. Causing clogged pores, and eventually acne. Kiehl’s sunscreens are one of my favourites. Especially the Ultra Light Daily UV Defense.  The watery cream spreads easily; does not leave a white cast on the skin; and there is no greasy afterfeel. Even though it offers a high broad spectrum protection of SPF 50 PA++++ I could layer it in between an oil serum and my foundation with no issues.   For those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, Kiehl’s has launched its new Mineral sunscreen. What’s a mineral sunscreen?  It contains mineral sunblocker ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide which deflects the sun’s harmful rays.  On the other hand, chemical sunscreen ingredients – such as oxybenzone – absorbs the sun’s rays and turns it into heat. This reaction can cause irritation on those with intolerant skin. Even though chemical sunscreens have better cosmetic properties as it smoothes on more …

This Works In-transit Camera Close-up

Published by

This award-winning product is favoured by people in-the-know and jetsetters. Like Victoria Beckham and celebrity make-up artists.  Here’s why.    Made to be a fuss-free do-it-all between travels (Shinkansen, A380, Greyhound etc), this is an all-in-one mask, moisturiser and make-up primer. It contains hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and caffeine to keep skin hydrated, nourished and perky.  The gel cream feels thick and enveloping when first applied on skin. But when I massaged it in, the cream was completely absorbed. Surprisingly, it left my skin completely matte with a velvety texture. Because my skin is hydrated, it was not oily for the rest of the day.  Think of this as a thick moisturiser that actually sinks into the skin; or a mask that you don’t have to wash off. Since it prepares the skin well, make-up applied on top stays on for longer. Another bestseller to look out for by This Works is the Sleep Plus Pillow Spray.    It has a heavenly lavender scent to help knock you out in unfamiliar hotel rooms, so you …

Armani Code Profumo

Published by

This new Pour Homme is made to be worn with a sleek tux. Giorgio Armani Parfums: “Alluring, powerful, fiery, the classic Code base of tonka bean has been amplified by a sensual woody-ambery accord and notes of burnt styrax wood.  …The green mandarin essence, crisp green apple and cardamom essence…the freshness continues with aromatic lavender notes and nutmeg essence coloured by … orange blossom at its heart…Warmed by tonka bean absolute with its accents of tobacco…enveloped in a suggestive woody-ambery accord. The supple leather of notes of the styrax essence meld … with praline sweetness.”    My thoughts: I did not get a single whiff of freshness. What hit me immediately is a heavy tonka bean, and ambery sweetness. With just the slightest hint of tobacco.  This eau de parfum is not made for the faint-hearted man; you would need enough confidence and sophistication to wear it. And for sure, it is made to be worn with at least a shirt and pants. This is not your T-shirt and jeans fragrance. And because this perfume …

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm and Foam

Published by

 Estee Lauder completes its Advanced Night Repair Serum range with two new non-stripping cleansers.  The Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm ($56) is made for dry skin and to remove make-up. Uncap the jar of balm and it gives off a calming lavendar and chamomile scent. A pre-bedtime luxury.  Apply the balm on dry skin with fingertips, and it turns into an oil when rubbed onto a warm face.  Add water and you get a thin, milky emulsion. Rinse. It left my skin soft and supple. But for extra cleansing – because I’m particular about keeping my combination skin clean after a long day with make-up on, like that – I follow up with the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam ($52). This watery milky lotion – also scented with lavender – foams up thinly so skin is not stripped of oils while ot is being cleanses.  That is why it perfectly complements the balm as a two-step cleansing regime for those with combination skin, and wear makeup regularly 💋.    Launching at Estee Lauder counters in …

Hugo Boss Woman Extreme

Published by

To be honest, I don’t usually like the bottled juices of run-of-the-mill luxury labels. They pretty much all smell the same if you ask me. Just because the marketers only want the perfumers to make tried-and-tested accords that they know (or think) will sell, based on past successful blockbusters. Anyway back to Hugo Boss’ latest offering.  It is actually quite good for a regular department store juice. An EDP, here’s what it says on the box: “A boost of freshness and feminity where floral notes collide with revitalising black tea.  Top notes: boosted boysenberry and Himalayan red grass Heart notes: revitalising black tea and jasmine Base notes: feminine osmanthus” — My thoughts: Light and youthful floral with a berry accord that is not sickly saccharine sweet. Probably because a hint of the tea accord lends it some earthiness. Smells better when sprayed on clothes; relatively long-lasting.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB

Published by

Now that cushion compacts – liquid foundation or BB cream soaked in a sponge for no-spill on-the-move applications – are a legit (and presumably profitable) category of cosmetics,  Estee Lauder has its own.     This version feels more like a foundation with full to medium coverage. It is rather pigmented and has a creamy texture, so a little bit is all you need for the entire face.  The Double Wear has a matte finish; great for those who dislike the greasy-dewiness on their skin. This formula also feels rather lightweight on the skin, and is long-lasting. Once you grasp the concept of a BB cushion because it is so convenient, you’re never going back to a cream or powder compact.  Most offer light to medium coverage, and can leave oily skin looking greasy. So if you are a conservative  – because you like your foundation matte with full coverage – Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Cushion is a good place to start. It has SPF 50/PA+++ for additional sun protection too   

Air pollution and your skin

Published by

The air is clean, crisp and fresh in Singapore; most of the time.  But when the neighbouring countries practise irresponsible burning of the forests, my lung and skin suffers from the grey smog that hits. Like now. It’s a problem you would face too if you live in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, New Delhi.   In such dreary conditions, my skin flares up easily if I don’t take precautions.  Here’s how I keep my skin balanced when air pollution literally hits me in the face:  1) Stay healthy; the skin is a reflection of inner health So eat well, sleep well, and drink enough water. Because when your body’s immunity is down, your skin will be affected too. 2) Give skin more vitamin shots than usual To deal with aggressive pollutants, I take extra care to slather my skin with more antioxidants.  I use the lightweight serum oil, Estelle & Thild Super Bioactive Repairing Oil Complex, to soothe and pamper my skin. Then I seal it all in with Allies of Skin 1A All-Day Mask, which …