REVIEW: SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream

Ageing is becoming very real to me as I passed the 25-year old mark. My once-greasy cheeks are now drying up faster than you can say 'desert'. When I smile, my skin literally crinkles. Needless to say, deeper lines are forming around my eyes because here, the skin is at its thinnest. Also, with all the work and daily happenings, I average about 5 hours of sleep everyday. Eeps! :\ And that is why I was so thankful when Rachel from Devries sent over SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream.

The 3 critical points around the eye where ageing rears its wrinkly head are the eyelid, the under-eye area and the outer eye corner. SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream contains the following ingredients to reveal eyes that look more youthful:

• Stempower Trio Active: A coocktail of concentrated Pitera, Stem Acanax and Artichoke Extract to improve skin's plumpness and boost radical firmness and inner resilience.
• PAL-VB Complex: Specially formulated ingredient promotes production of skin's structural protein that is important for its elasticity and wrinkle resilience.
• Lupine-Alfalfa Extract: Aids in preventing the sagging of eye bags.

To apply, I dip my ring finger lightly into the jar and pat the cream under and above my eyes. Since it is a cream, its consistency is pretty thick. But with the appropriate amount (You really just need a teeny weeny bit!), it sinks into the skin quite quickly. For the past 2 months, I have been waking up to well-hydrated skin around my eyes and my triple eyelids appear all the time (Usually, the ones on my right disappear when I'm tired and the skin around my eyes get dry.). I haven't experienced any irritations or new milia seeds. (:

SK-II's Stempower Eye Cream (15g) is available at all SK-II counters at $144.

P.S.: Psst! Now that you know a little more about how ageing affects our eye areas, SK-II invites you to participate in a short interactive online poll here! This poll will bust some myths on ageing and unveil the exciting discovery behind SK-II's journey in fixing the signs of ageing. :D

REVIEW: Olay's Total Effects 7-in-one Pore Minimizing CC Cream

This July, Olay launched its first C.C. cream in Singapore. Combining 7 benefits in one, the Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream is a multi-tasker that gives us a seemingly airbrushed complexion. Our skin becomes smoother, tone made even and pores appear smaller... All in one simple step!

Here are 4 facts that you should know about Olay's Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream:

1. The Science - Instant results with the Smart Color + 3D Pore Coverage technology: Reduces glare and diffuses light, reflecting off the skin to immediately minimize the appearance of pores and reveal skin's natural luminosity and radiance. Niacinamide firms and exfoliate the skin around pores, reducing their appearance and smoothing skin's texture at the same time.
2. The Formula: Lightweight and oil-free, it won't clog pores or magnify the appearance of pores and uneven texture, giving an airbrushed finish.
3. Usage Direction: Used alone or as a primer, apply liberally and blend evenly across skin for natural and even coverage.
4. Results: Proven to instantly reduce the look of pores and uneven pigmentation, and improve skin radiance.

Though the drop of Olay's Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream looks quite thick in the earlier photo, it actually spreads out into a thin and watery layer. Thus, coverage is pretty light but it does a great job in concealing redness and uneven skin tone. However, blemishes and dark circles will need some help from the concealer (In the above photos, I used Estée Lauder's Brush-On Glow B.B Highlighter.). I won't say that the finish is airbrushed, but my complexion looks clear, radiant and smooth.

As the C.C. cream is lightweight and oil-free, it sits very comfortably on the skin. It starts wearing out mid-day and my T-zone gets oily, BUT the formula is quite hydrating; my usually parched cheeks feel less thirsty. :D This would be ideal for ladies who are looking for something simple and hydrating that they can use everyday.

The Olay Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream (50g) is available in 2 shades, (1) Light and (2) Medium, and can be found in most leading department stores and pharmacies where Olay products are sold at $32.50.

REVIEW: Bioré's Micellar Cleansing Water

This June, Bioré introduced the Micellar Cleansing Water. It is a lightweight makeup remover that cleans off more makeup in one gentle swipe. With fewer wipes and less tugging, we exert less stress and damage on our skin. And so, reduce the chances of developing premature fine lines and wrinkles.

This makeup remover is formulated with the Watery Micellar Technology. Micellar Water consists of tiny micellar particles that are able to draw out all makeup, sebum and impurities from our skin. It deep cleanses, removes all makeup and no double cleansing is needed. Our skin is left feeling comfortably clean and refreshingly cool, without any of the sticky, oily after-feeling.

Other key ingredients include:

• Natural Mineral Water from the Northern Japanese Alps: This provides a non-comedogenic and alcohol-free base for a gentle and soothing formula that's suitable for sensitive skin.
• Anti-bacterial Formula: This helps prevent breakouts, while minimizing pores for a clearer and more refined complexion.
• Enriched with skin-loving ingredients: Enriched Collagen and White Tea Extract are also included for a brighter, softer and more supple skin.

featuring Olay's Total Effects 7-in-one CC Cream and Maybelline New York's Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner.

My daily makeup comprises of a B.B. cream, loose powder and blusher, and this remover cleans off everything. All I do is wet 3 pieces of cotton pads and just swipe them across my face. On days when I have mascara on, it takes a little while longer but it still gets the job done (Just rest the damp cotton pad on your eyelids for a while and then, swipe downwards gently!).

The effects of the anti-bacterial formula, enriched collagen and White Tea extract are a little difficult to spot because I mean, your other skin care products play a part too. But after cleansing, my skin feels soft, refreshed and isn't the least bit dry. (: Also, there wasn't any stinging experienced at my eye areas. (:

I have used several Bioré products and really, there wasn't any that I didn't like. And this is no exception. (: It is efficient and ideal for those who wear light makeup and are looking for makeup removers that are simple and fuss-free.

The Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water retails at $18.90 and can be found at all pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets.

REVIEW: #GetSassooned at Home with Vidal Sassoon‏

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to try out the new Vidal Sassoon Premium Base Care and Premium Color Care range. This range includes everything you need to look as if you've just stepped out of a salon - constantly. It makes maintaining the Sassoon style incredibly simple - just prep it, work it, treat it and perfect it!

Vidal Sassoon has been used and loved by my Gran for as long as I can remember, so I was very thrilled to receive it. But what got me really excited was the 13mm Mini Ceramic Straightener and 25mm Mini Ceramic Curling Iron that came with the package! Thanks so much for this, Wendy! :D

Both hair tools use the ceramic technology which delivers fast, efficient and superior styling results. When heated, ceramic produces far-infrared heat which allows hair to absorb heat easily. Each hair follicle is dried from the inside out, minimizing damage and stress. It also helps to reduce the hair's static electricity so that it becomes smooth, with less frizz and flyaways.

Here are some of their features:

• 13mm Mini Ceramic Straightener
  1. 200°C high heat setting delivers salon results.
  2. Multi-voltage (120-240VAC) for worldwide usage.
  3. 30-second instant heat-up.
  4. 2-in-1 storage pouch and mat for compact storage.

• 25mm Mini Ceramic Curling Iron
  1. 150°C heat setting delivers salon results.
  2. Multi-voltage (120-240VAC) for worldwide usage.
  3. Fast heat-up.
  4. 2-in-1 storage pouch and mat for compact storage.

Dad gave me hair that's wavy, coarse and super thick. Basically, a 'lion's mane' as Dad calls it (It's from you, Dad. Haha. I love you.). So I get it straightened once a year (It used to be twice. :\). The last time I did that was in March, so my hair's actually en route to being au naturel again.

(Last year, I let my hair just grow out to see how it would actually look like and boy, was it curly! I actually like the curls but they don't do so well in our hot and humid climate. Think: frizz. Also, my fringe has been looking weird since 103428248394 years ago. :\)

Here's how my hair looks like after straightening with the Vidal Sassoon 13mm Mini Ceramic Straightener. The straightener's really small, making it great for travels and touch-ups but not so efficient as an everyday tool, especially if your tresses are thick and long (The again, it wasn't meant for this purpose!). The above took probably about 15 minutes, but I didn't do the whole 'sectioning and straightening every strand' business. I just straightened randomly. Haha. But hey! It looked alright... Right? Heh.

The straightener heats up really quickly so there isn't much waiting to do. There's only one heat setting - it gets hot but not too hot, allowing it to get the job done without damaging your hair.

I tried the 25mm Mini Ceramic Curling Iron but ummm... I'm still learning how to use it! Haha! Anyway, here's a comparison between the looks that you can achieve with the 2 hair tools. I like things to be neat (Except for my room. HAHAHA.), so I prefer straight hair (Haiyahhh. Isn't it always the case that girls have natural curly hair want straight hair? And vice versa?). What about you? :D

P.S.: I really appreciate the heat mats that come with the hair tools! Not only do they give you a place to rest the tools when heated up, they also come with pockets so that you can keep them and the wires neatly. (:
P.P.S: Leaving you with a video of Vidal Sassoon's first Singaporean ambassador, Joanne Peh, getting Sassoon-ed! Happy Saturday! :D

REVIEW: Benefit's Chachatint and Chachabalm

When Lennard decided to make a trip back to Singapore a couple of months back, I got him to get me Benefit's latest babies from the States; Benebalm, Posiebalm, Chachabalm and Lollibalm. Yes, all 4 - something which he couldn't comprehend.

"Why do you need 4 lip balms and they are so expensive la?!?"
"Because I'm a girl?" *gives him the duh face*

Haha. Anyway, I wanted to see how orange would look on my Asian skin tone the other day so I pulled out my mini Chachatint (Bought from Singapore Best Buy World.), Chachabalm and to create an entire Benefit look, the World's Famous Neutrals kit (Bought from Daily Vanity.) as well, and proceeded to take a million and one photos (Yes, I took many product shots that day. The sun was kind and the lighting was perf.).

The Chachatint is described as a mango-tint that bathes your lips and cheeks with a beautiful tropical coral hue. And of course, the Chachabalm is the accompaniment for it, except that it's just meant for the lips. The latter is formulated with mango butter and sodium hyaluronate to give you the softest and juiciest lips.

I drew 3 tiny strokes of Chachatint on each of my cheeks and blended them in with my fingers. And because I was using a liquid foundation beneath, my cheeks did not feel dry. For my lips, I used only Chachabalm. It was rather sheer but it did lend some colour to my lips. It was definitely hydrating and I like that it was a tad glossy without being the least bit sticky.

Ending off with a peek at the eyeshadows from the World's Famous Neutrals kit. (:

REVIEW: Star Lash's Liquid Perfect Tough Eyeliner WP in Rich Black

I hardly ever stray from my favourite K-Palette and Maybelline New York liquid eyeliners because they are so black, so smudge-proof and so easy to draw with. But I finished them a while back and was looking through my beauty stash when I found Star Lash's Liquid Perfect Tough Eyeliner WP in Rich Black, which I received quite a while back (Heh.). The 0.7ml eyeliner is said to give you the 'perfect sleek liquid black to line your eyes with'. With the pointed tip, it helps you draw precise lines that are long-lasting and smudge-proof.

The brush of the Star Lash Liquid Perfect Tough Eyeliner is a little thicker than my usual aforementioned liners, but the same thin lines can still be achieved depending on how you angle it. The brush is firm and just the right amount of liquid is dispensed, making drawing very easy (Beginners, this liner is for you!). I wear this throughout the day and experience no smudging at all. Right before I shower, I clean this off with Bioré's Micellar Cleansing Water (Review coming up soon!) and everything comes right off, leaving no stain. (:

Mmhmm... New favourite eyeliner? :D

REVIEW: Innisfree's Eco Nail Range (Blue)

This is so unbecoming of a beauty blogger but I really have no idea which shades these Innisfree nail polishes are. BUT I have a good reason. It's because the shade numbers are printed on a label that sticks across the entire nail polish bottle. And in order to use the nail polish, I have to peel it off and I throw it away without taking note in my eagerness to dress my nails. Tsk. I know. Judge me. I'll definitely update this space when I visit the store this Sunday (Maybe? Heh.).

As usual, I applied Innisfree's Eco Base Coat first to protect my nails and also, to create a smooth bed for the nail polish to coat. Then, came the nail polishes and I finish my DIY manicure with Innisfree's Eco Quick Dry Multicoat (Which is still my favourite because it's so darn cheap and good. Dries so fast!). The formulae for the above nail polishes are consistent with the previous that I used (Click here to read.); very smooth and not the least bit streaky. The above photo was taken about a week later or so, and very little chipping happened. (:

When I removed the nail polishes with Crabtree & Evelyn's Nail Polish Remover Wipes (Click here to read my review!), my nails were not stained with a yellowish tint - something which I noticed with my O.P.I and China Glaze nail polishes (Does this happen for you?). So yes, I'm very pleased and will continue hauling and parading Innisfree on my blog like a proud mother. :D

SPOTTED: SK-II-ing My Way to Look Korean

So my Korean obsession has kinda waned off a little because #life. Also, reality set in because where in the world am I going to find a Korean alien who will fall in love with me? Nevertheless, I was a little quite very happy when this quiz told me that Do Min-joon is the man for me. HEH. YOUR TURN TO DO THE QUIZ. Never mind that we are adults who should be way past the whole fangirl-ing business, because we are talking about Korean male drama leads (Not disillusioned. Yet. Haha.) who have the whole package - Intelligent, protective, loves the girl to death and super adorable when they get 'jealous'. Completely justified.

Even though I'm not watching any dramas now, I'm still on my quest to 'achieve the Korean look' because well, beauty fanatic here. Heh. Anyway, while makeup can give us doe eyes, more defined noses and glowing skin, it cannot give us the crystal clear skin that all Korean celebrities seemingly have. Therefore, it is important that we take care of our skin with the right products. One brand which I really like and has worked for me is SK-II. It helps you achieve crystal clear skin by tackling the 5 key dimensions that characterize it - texture refinement, firmness power, wrinkle resilience, spot control and radiance enhancement.

Here are some of my favourite products from the brand:

FRAGRANCE: Estée Lauder's Modern Muse

This September, Estée Lauder unveils her latest fragrance. Named the Modern Muse, it is inspired by today's woman who is strong, independent and confident, and follows her own rules. All these traits are reflected in the fragrance's innovative 'dual-impression' structure that alternates between the strength and softness of the following aspects:

• Sleek Woods Accord: 2 Patchouli essences are wrapped in the creaminess of Madagascar Vanilla, rich Amber Wood and soft Musk to create an undeniably sensual finish.
• Sparkling Jasmine Accord: The youthfulness and magnetic femininity of the Modern Muse is captured by the scents of the Exotic Mandarin, Honeysuckle Nectar, Dewy Petals, Jasmine Sambac China Absolute, Tuberose Fleur and Fresh Lily.

The fragrance has a woody scent, which I absolutely adore because it is feminine but not girly. It is elegant and is something that I will wear for work, dinners and formal events. Also, I really like how the bottle has meaning too. The navy bow is actually inspired by Estée Lauder's Youth Dew which was launched all the way back in 1953. A symbol of style and sophistication, it conveys the perfection of the Modern Muse. Splendid present for your girlfriend, isn't it? (:

The goodness of Estée Lauder's Modern Muse comes in 30ml ($88), 50ml ($130) and 100ml ($192). It is also available as a body lotion ($80) and shower gel ($80).

REVIEW: Cezanne's Ultra Cover UV Foundation II

I bought the Cezanne Ultra Cover Foundation II 2 years back, forgot about it, found it and started using it earlier this year because it was about to expire. Lol. Back then, it was available in selected Guardian stores but I don't think you can find it anymore. ): I really enjoyed using this foundation though so if you're heading to Japan, do check this out!

(And also, get one for me maybe? Heh.)

Cezanne Ultra Cover Foundation II has 4 main aspects to it:

1. Complete Coverage: There's a 20% improvement in the coverage, as compared with other Cezanne foundations. It is formulated with the shade-off powder, which catches light and diffuses the reflection for a brightened complexion, and the double-block powder, which protects skin against UV-A and B.
2. Long-lasting: Sebum-clear powder and sebum-fixing powder blocks unwanted sebum that is produced over time so that foundation lasts longer.
3. Keep skin moisturized: It contains twice the amount of moisturizing ingredients like Squalane, Chitosan, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa and Hibiscus extract.
4. Natural finish: Foundation comes in minute particles that provide thorough but natural-looking coverage.

There are 8 different shades and I'm using No. 2 Light Ochre. It comes in a sturdy ballet-pink casing that can be a little bulky, but I like that there's a separate slot for the sponge which I use for touch-ups. For application, I use my Real Techniques Buffing Brush.

The foundation has medium coverage. It conceals all redness and large pores. However, dark circles and blemishes may need some help from the concealer. My skin tone is evened out instantly and because the powder is so fine, my complexion looks almost flawless. My dry areas and bumps aren't the least bit accentuated at all. The foundation is very lightweight, so it feels very comfortable. My T-zone gets oily towards the end of the day, but there is no caking at all. Awesome much, huh?

There's really nothing much that I dislike about this foundation, except for the fact that mine's about to expire and I can't get it in Singapore anymore. :\ I do hope Guardian brings Cezanne back, though it seems to be gearing more towards the Western brands now. :\ Watsons has a Japanese corner so umm... Are you reading this? Heh.

MAIL: Crabtree & Evelyn's Handy Tips for Happy Hands

Last month, Crabtree & Evelyn launched their very own nail lacquer collection in Singapore. It comprises of 12 rich colours bathed in elegance and they are all formulated without toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

I was sent my very own Crabtree & Evelyn nail kit which contained:

• Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy in Caribbean Island Wild Flowers
• Nail Lacquer in Snow Drop
• Nail Polish Remover Wipes

I tried out the Nail Polish Remover Wipes immediately. These wipes replace highly damaging hydrocarbon solvents with a gentler soy-based formula. They come in pretty large square mesh pieces and they clean all 10 fingers very thoroughly. As they contain nourishing oils as well, your nails and cuticles are left well-conditioned.

And here's the Nail Lacquer in Snow Drop! Described as a true white, this works perfect for a French manicure and as a stand-alone (Gold accessories will go incredibly well with it!). I used two coats to get a solid white and it wasn't the least bit streaky. (:

Each Crabtree & Evelyn nail lacquer is retailing for $13 and is available at all Crabtree & Evelyn stores.