Checking out Emma Watson's Favourite Lip Stain from The Body Shop

The day after Into The Gloss published Emma Watson's Beauty Routine, I found myself at The Body Shop purchasing all the colours that the Lip & Cheek Stain is available in on our shores. Thankfully there are only 2; Pink Hibiscus 001 and Dark Cherry 018. Neither of which is the one that Emma uses (Red Pomegranate!). But that's okay because it turns out that I didn't like it when I was a teen and I still don't like it as an adult. 😕 Real bummer but I will still continue my googling of celebrities' beauty routines and checking out whatever products that are affordable. Heh. (ؑ‷ᵕؑ̇‷)◞✧

The stains come in 7.2ml tiny bottles that will fit in any makeup pouch or back pockets. They have sponge applicators that are soft yet firm. I dab a little of the stain on the inner corners of my lips and then, use my finger to spread it out for a 'just bitten' look.

And as you can see from the above photo, Pink Hibiscus (Bottom one.) is very watery whereas Dark Cherry (Top one.) is a little gel-like. The former smells flowery and gives a brighter and more youthful look, while the latter has a more chemical smell to it and gives off a pure and innocent vibe. I love both colours but unfortunately, despite the difference in viscosity, both are equally drying and unforgiving on my already-parched lips.

My lips feel drier and tight almost immediately upon application. I have tried applying a lip balm on top of it but then, the colour comes off. And if I applied a lip balm underneath it, then I find that it's difficult to get the colour to stick.

I really wanted to own a little something from Emma's beauty routine (Just because.) but I'm not going to find it in these two. 😕 I'm actually going to bin these two after I publish this entry but anyway, right not, I'm using DHC Pure Colour Lip Creams and we are getting along very fine. :D

Naruko's Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask & Cleanser in 1

O-hai! It has been a while.. Again. 😕 Apologies! Work and life. But I have been trying out quite a number of new products and I can't wait to share them with you!

First up, it's the Naruko Tea Tree Purifying Clay Mask & Cleanser in 1. The above is actually my second tube and again, I'm all kinds of sad that the brand pulled out of Singapore. It's still available at Watsons and on Lazada, but the sales just aren't as good. I read that the US website has pretty good ones but shipping fees! ): It's okay. I'll just wait for my stash to dry up and then, make a massive haul. Or go Taiwan for a holiday. Shipping fees are cheaper. Right.

And... I digress. Back to this mask/ scrub. It gives a deep cleanse by getting rid of dead skin cells and excess oil. Squeeze a pea-sized amount and apply all over dry face that has been cleaned off makeup. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then, gently massage with water, concentrating on your T-zone. Finally, wash it off to reveal your new radiant skin! (ؑ‷ᵕؑ̇‷)◞✧

Naruko Malaysia's website highlighted some of these key ingredients:

• Phytoferulin: A combination of Coptis chinensis Franch (A Chinese herb that is known for its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.) and 10 concentrated plant extracts that enhances the skin's defence against external aggressors and revitalises the skin from inside out.
• p-Refinyl: Concocted from oligose, this helps to control oil secretion, tighten pores and works with collagen to maintain skin's plumpness and firmness.
• Jojoba Soft Microne: 'Beads' that are extracted from Jojoba oil to help smoothen skin gently.
• Kaolin: Absorbs excess oil and gets rid of debris on skin's surface.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil: Treats acne and soothes irritated skin.
• Tremella Extract: This plant extract hydrates and nourishes skin.
• Glycolic Acid: This fruit acid dissolves dead skin for a brighter, clearer and more even complexion.
• Zince PCA Oil Control Factor: Controls oil secretion.
• Tranexamic Acid: Brightens skin.

This 2-in-1 cleanser comes out as a off-white paste, dotted with specks. I was using this every 3 days or so until I realise that my supply was running out. So now it has become a once-a-week treat or whenever I feel like my skin is in a desperate need for a good scrub. But yes, it is that gentle on my sensitive skin. There is zero irritation and redness. After washing it off, my skin is always left feeling ultra smooth and clean, but not to the point of dryness. And the tea tree scent is incredibly invigorating after a long day!

I'll be really sad when this tube ends. ಥ_ಥ Naruko's tea tree range has been quite effective for my skin and I wish I had discovered it sooner! I actually just finished the Naruko Tea Tree Post Blemish Corrector and will share about it the next time (Spoiler alert: Holy grail status.). :D

Catrice's Victorian Poetry Eyeshadow Palette in C01 NostalCHIC

Early in June, I was just chilling at a mall when I came across Catrice's Victorian Poetry collection. I actually didn't think much of the brand before this because I cannot work with the formula of the brand's nail polishes. I know they are two completely different categories but you know, it was just a bad impression. But this collection was so pretty with its frosty-ice-queen theme that I decided to swatch and developed a crush. ꈍ .̮ ꈍ

The eyeshadows are not buttery smooth like Urban Decay's (Well, this is a hell lot more affordable and a whole lot less guilt-inducing. Heh.) but they are of decent pigmentation and actually blend very well. I don't wear my eyeshadows with a primer and my eyelids can get pretty oily but this lasted okay for a dinner and an ice-cream. Some fading away, but still looking pretty fresh. :D

I will definitely by swatching a lot more when I pop by Guardian! ♡