Posts Tagged ‘Product Reviews’

11
Jun
2010

Sponsored Review

Carry my heavy as a brick bag, and the first question you’ll ask is, “What’s in your bag!?!” (exclamation marks optional.) I will admit, without hesitation, that I carry a truckload of beauty products in my bag on a daily basis. Heehee. I’m quite a smell person, so naturally perfumes and body mists make up the majority of the things I bring. But look carefully and you’ll wonder what a pink bunny wabbit is doing inside my bag.

Being a beauty junkie, when I was offered to try the Soap ‘n’ Sorbet Steam Cream, I jumped at the chance. Steam Cream! Is it anything like steam cake? Sounds yummy! Gimme gimme gimme.

It’s delish sounding name and the fact that it contains lavender oil made it hard to resist. Lavender oil has antiseptic components which can help heal and reduce inflamed and sore skin. It is also a known fact that lavender helps induce sleep on top of improving blood circulation. Take a deep breath with me now everybody. Ahhhh…..

Opening the screw cap, the cream is visibly slighty runny but smells absolutely delish. It is light weight and applies easily onto your hands, body or face. Massage the cream gently to your desired spot, and viola, it magically disappears leaving your skin softer to the skin and smelling oh-so-good.

This natural multi-purpose cream comes packaged in eco-friendly (yay for going green!) aluminium tins, each individually decorated with eye-catching art designed in Japan. Each design is run as a limited edition print, so presenting this to anyone as a present would be perfect. You wouldn’t be able to find another one like it! Porky Rabbit is now a member of my family of beauty products.

Chock full of natural and vegan ingredients like oatmeal infusion, orange flower water, almond oil, lavendar oil, organic jojoba oil and cocoa butter, SGD 26 is a reasonable price for quality skincare handmade in England. Using a steam-infused process, the result is this luxurious vegan cream that me, the skin nazi, would slather all over my body just to pamper myself.

Soap ‘n’ Sorbet, a delightfully easy-to-navigate Singapore website, is the first to stock this delish sounding Steam Cream for your enjoyment. The wide assortment of beauty and lifestyle products are thoughtfully categorised into various groups for easy searching. Be it bath, makeup, skincare or fragrance, you name it, they got it alongside the best-selling Steam Cream.

I already hear the beauty addicts cheering, but shopaholics, this is the best news for you. The Great Singapore Sale is still going on and will go on till the end of June. This means, A WHOLE MONTH of shopping! And on top of that, they just launched 12 new adorable designs that run in limited quantities. So, are you ready for some luxurious pampering? Let’s get Steam-y!

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28
May
2010

I’m sure many die-hard mascara fans would have already heard of the big name vibrating mascaras: Lancome Oscillation Vibrating mascara and the Estee Lauder TurboLash All Effects Motion mascara. But did you know that drugstore brand Maybelline, for a third of the price, has it’s own affordable version of the vibrating mascara? Yes, the Maybelline Define-a-Lash Pulse Perfection mascara is the powerful sister mascara of the Define-a-Lash series mascaras that knows how to give your lashes a good time.

When I crowned the Maybelline Define-a-Lash Lengthening mascara my all-time favourite mascara, I figured the vibrating version would probably be as just good, or possibly even better due to the 7000 vibrations per minute wand. The vibrating wand does what no hand can do.

Now girls, listen up. THIS is the secret weapon I use to apply mascara to my bottom lashes. Using only the tip of the vibrating wand, gently press it to your bottom lashes and press the on button. Your job is to wait and let the wand work its magic on your lashes. The wand does all that zig-zag work for you lengthening, separating and voluminizing your lashes in one simple sweep.

This mascara wasn’t previously available in Singapore (I had to order mine from drugstore.com) but a limited edition one is now retailing in all good department stores and Watsons outlets for SGD$29.90.

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13
Apr
2010

I’d been looking for a moisturiser for quite some time to feed some much needed hydration and moisture to my poor skin. So when the kind people of Skin MD Natural sent me a bottle of their highly raved about Shielding Lotion, I was stoked. Finally, maybe I’d be able to achieve that sort of a radiant dewy glow you only get when you skin is plump and hydrated.

Having never heard of this product before, I obviously had my doubts. I looked it up and here’s what they said on the website.

A shielding lotion is far more effective as a dry skin care treatment than mere moist­urizing lotions or protective creams.

If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion does not solve the problem.

This is an entirely new con­cept in skin care requiring a new classifi­cation: “Shielding Lotion”. Skin MD Natural keeps moisture-robbing irri­tants away while proprietary “super” humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

Skin MD Natural is promptly absorbed without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

The Skin MD Shielding Lotion is recommended for dry skin and also said to be good for problem skin, eczema sufferers and people with latex allergies. Although I didn’t have any of these problems, I still decided to try it out since it’s paraben free and contains natural extracts. Really no harm in trying it because it’s over 90% natural – free of harmful fragrances and colorants. It’s also non-comedogenic which means it will not clog pores. Hooray! Maybe transforming the outer layer of my skin would prevent further loss of moisture and help improve my skin condition.

The first time I tried the Shielding Lotion, I really liked how it glided onto my skin and quickly dried up afterwards. I couldn’t believe how fast it took to dry compared to conventional moisturisers. It probably took a total of 2 seconds for the lotion to disappear. When it did, my skin didn’t feel tight and there was no sticky residue. WOW. The effect is instantaneous. You see your face looking visibly smoother and if you look carefully, it’s as though there is an invisible barrier on the outer layer.

The effect, however, doesn’t last the whole day. Depending on your skin condition you have to apply the lotion initially every 2 – 8 hours until moisture level improves, then just once every 12 – 24 hours.

As much as I loved how the Shielding Lotion made my skin look, I felt it worked better on my hands, heels and legs. Possibly because my skin’s primarily dehydrated and not completely dry. One application and my hands and heels were softer and smoother. I particularly love how the Shielding Lotion dries non-greasy, because I was able to get back to whatever I was doing in a jiffy without having to worry about all that stickiness. I could never stand just sitting around doing absolutely nothing waiting for stuff to dry.

Although the product wasn’t what I was looking for, it might work for someone with a different skin type. If you have dry skin and are looking for something to keep improve the moisture level in your skin, the Skin MD Shielding Lotion might just be the thing for you. A single bottle retails for SGD29.90 while a Twin Pack costs SGD51.90 at the DRM Concept shop.

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10
Apr
2010

NARS products all pretty much look the same. The black casing is sleek and the white words printed across the surface are simple and clear. It’s the same for all their blush, bronzers and eyeshadows. If you throw all the NARS products you have together in the same box, you probably won’t be able to distinguish the blush, bronzer and eyeshadow from the each other apart from their difference in size. But you know how they say you should never judge a book by its cover? Well, never judge a product by its cover. Despite the simple yet elegant packaging, it’s really what’s inside that’s important. NARS products are simply stunning.

I have a grand total of…… 4 NARS products. Dont blame me please! They don’t have NARS here in Singapore. I do, however, own some of their classics. They include NARS Orgasm blush, a NARS eyeshadow in Pandora that I absolutely cannot live without, a NARS Orgasm lipgloss and the NARS Casino bronzer which is a current obsession.

I was never much of a bronzer girl till I went to the Philippines and had to use a bronzer for most of my contouring. Bronzer across my cheeks, across my abs, across my forehead and maybe even on the legs. You think I’m crazy? Wait till you see the amount of bronzer the other girls used. Haha. This NARS bronzer pan is much larger than the blush one and finding it won’t be a problem, but that’s totally irrelevant to the point here.

I absolutely love how bronzers can be multi-functional: as a blush, an eyeshadow, of course, a bronzer and even as a contouring shade.

Casino is a dark rich brown with golden shimmer intended to mimic the sun’s delightful rays dancing on your cheeks and more. Unlike the shimmer in the Orgasm blush, the golden shimmer in Casino is not that obvious and the rich brown is so delicious you’re tempted to apply a generous amount on your cheeks. But, really a gentle sweep with a light fluffy brush instantly warms up your cheeks and face giving you that tanned beach babe look immediately. I was greedy the first time I used it and applied HEAPS of this luscious brown bronzer on my cheek. I ended up looking like a wooden doll that had two brown patches painted on as cheeks. Oops. Hahaha.

But I really love how the deep brown makes it seem as though you’ve spent a good amount of time in the sun having loads of fun. With the NARS Casino bronzer, you get an instant tan without having to face the sun’s harmful UV rays. Instead of tan-in-a-bottle, this is tan-in-a-pan.

Other than using it for a bronzed look, you can even use Casino as a contour for your jawline. Just remember to always use a big fluffy brush for a natural flush.

Because bronzers give you an instant glow regardless of whether or not you’ve been in the sun, I hereby declare that every girl should own a bronzer because it gives you an instant tan and makes you look healthy. We can live in summertime all year long! Yay!

NARS is available at Sephora.com and narscosmetics.com

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5
Apr
2010

When the first Sephora Singapore store finally opened in Ngee Ann City Singapore, I’m sure many beauty addicts like me were ecstatic. THE ONE AND ONLY SEPHORA. The one that carries many of the brands we love and lust for: Too Faced, Bare Escentuals, Pop Beauty, Smashbox etc. But what they didnt have were the OTHER brands that we really wanted, brands like Urban Decay and NARS.

The second and much bigger Sephora outlet in ION didn’t manage to bring in these coveted brand either. But now, girls, after months of waiting, it’s time to pop the champagne.

URBAN DECAY IS FINALLY HERE IN SINGAPORE!


A peek at just a few of the items the counter carries.

Mention Urban Decay, and the ever popular Urban Decay Primer Potion comes to mind. Other than the original Primer Potion, two new stunning colours are now available for your picking: Eden, a wearable, tawny, matte shade and Sin, a shimmering champagne colour (all three seen in the picture, extreme left of middle row). Both gorgeous to wear on its own as a cream eyeshadow and of course, for use under your eyeshadows to make them stay longer. I couldn’t decide which of the two to get. I love shimmery shades but at the same time want a matt eyeshadow that’s ever so versatile. Anyone want to buy me them both? :D

The counter also stocks the to-die for 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils, Heavy Metal Glitter eyeliner and brilliant StarDust eyeshadow which again made my pocket cry out in vain. I poured over the items and couldn’t decide which one to get. Ohhhhh… The joy of shopping for your items and testing out the colours you like. The Oil Slick StarDust eyeshadow had my name written all over it. I couldn’t help but drool over the intense amount of glitter in this pigmented eyeshadow. The Heavy Metal Glitter eyeliner was another one with an obscene amount of glitter in it. Back during my escapade in the Philippines, I was lucky enough to have Miss Northern Ireland lend it to me. I tried it out and ended up looking like I had pretty fairy dust on my lids. Teehee.

If you’re like me and can’t decide what to get, perhaps the 24/7 sets with the 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil and Heavy Metal Glitter eyeliner will be an easy choice for you. The assortment of rainbow colours allow for some dramatic and fun looks. But me being me, I had difficulty picking just ONE set. They were all so pretty. I’m greedy, I WANTED THEM ALL!


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Electric

These creamy Glide-on eyeliners literally glide on your skin and stays soft for up to 30 seconds before drying up to a long-lasting finish. They are waterproof and WILL not BUDGE. It took a quite hard rub with my finger before the liner would smudge.

Because it’s the beginning of the month and the paycheck is already in, I think it might just be a good time to hop on down to Sephora right now. :P

Sephora is located at:
Sephora ION Orchard Shopping Mall
2 Orchard Turn #01-05
Singapore 238801

Sephora Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road #B1-05
Singapore 238873

Sephora Great World City
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-59
Singapore 237994

Sephora Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue #B2-32
Singapore 018956

Are you an Urban Decay fan? What are your favourite products? :D

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31
Mar
2010

I am officially in love with the Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. This product is absolutely fantastic and I will tell you exactly why in this review.

First, I will tell you what this product is supposed to do. It is an epidermal re-texturising micro-dermabrasion and is thus supposed to re-texturise your epidermis via micro-dermabrasion. Haha. Okay, in short, it’s kinda like a scrub. It smoothens your skin surface via tiny particles in the product. I’ve written about how useful a scrub is for keeping skin baby smooth and soft and the same goes for your face.

Now, I will tell you what’s inside this product that helps you do just that.

There are three main components as listed in the Kiehl’s website.

Micronized Shells (Diatomatious Earth)
dia-to-may-shus
A naturally occurring crystalline silica derived from diatoms, unicellular microscopic algae. This fine silica powder is a natural exfoliant to eliminate dead cells located in the epidermis or surface layer of the skin.

Shea Butter
SHAY BUH-t’r
Shea Butter is the natural fat obtained from the fruit of the African Karate tree and is widely used in lotions and cleansing products for its hydrating properties. Protects skin from dehydration, restores skin’s suppleness and improves the appearance of dry skin.

Willow Herb (Epilobium Angustifolium)
will-oh errb
Derived from a plant commonly known as fireweed or willow herb. This plant is known to have anti-microbial and soothing properties for skin.

Unrefined skin texture with visible appearance of pores? Well, this Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion (trying say it really really fast) gets rid of them.

After one use, my skin was instantly more radiant, pores were visibly smaller and skin surface was smoother. I’ve always fretted about the appearance of my pores, but one use and my pores were instantly reduced. Oh yes! It was also hard to tear my fingers away from my new velvety skin. My new skin surface was so smooth it looked as though water would slide off it like water off a duck’s back.

The product is gentle on the skin and non-fragranced. Although the price is a little steep (SGD$92 at any Kiehl’s outlet), it’s not just ANY scrub. It’s the Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion and will probably last you an entire year giving you smooth and radiant skin the entire time you use it.

I haven’t used any other DIY micro-dermabrasion products (nor have I actually heard of any. have you?) but in my books, this is a keeper and I promise to use it 2 times a week along side my regular hydration routine. I adore seeing my skin after a good scrub and this product delivers results. Good skin care is sooooo important, wouldn’t you agree?

The Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion is available at any Kiehl’s outlet or good departmental stores.

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