Review: Bourjois Metallise Eyeliner in Vert Eclatant 87

I've gotten this from a friend who has no use for it and since i was into makeup and skincare, it went to me.

Presenting Bourjois Metallise Eyeliner in Vert Eclatant 87......

The colour of the eyeliner is true to the colour of the pencil itself, a nice emerald-grass green. Application itself is an easy task, it glides on effortlessly and it is possible to increase the intensity of the colour by simply layering over it. The swatch above is merely a single swipe, which goes to show the intensity of the pigment itself-a nice green with very subtle shimmer in it.

The staying power of the eyeliner is strong and it doesn't smudge easily once it settled on the skin comfortably (which is a mere 20 secs or so?), so a word of caution, do whatever smudging you want fast. Removal of the eyeliner is no easy feat nor it is a arduous task, one just need to be armed with a bottle of cleansing oil, ordinary cleansing milk is not capable of the task here.

I was never a eyeliner kind of gal and have never owned a green coloured eyeliner until this and by the way it swatch, it shouldn't be something that is unwearable (to work?maybe not. For play? yeah, why not). I would say, a nice and interesting piece to add to my makeup collection (i am starting small at the moment).

Nice product at an affordable price (especially if there is a sale going on in the drugstore).

This may prompt me to explore the world of eyeliners.... who knows what i have been missing out?

Priced at S$12.90 for 1.2g or 0.02oz (available at major drugstores).

Review: Dior Addict Lip Glow SPF 10 vs Nivea Soft Rose Lip Balm

There are days when i just want to get out of the house without any makeup on me yet i do want those naturally soft looking lips with a subtle hint of healthy pink.

Well, what's a gal gonna do?

I got to know about Dior Addict Lip Glow (lipbalm) when i was accompanying my close GF on her quest for the perfect liquid foundation and as she found her HG foundation, i found mine too......

Weeks later, when i was almost 1/2 way through the tube of Lip Glow and pondering if i should purchase a backup, i found Nivea's Soft Rose lipbalm which also gives a tinge of pink and moisturiser your lips at the same time.

I did a comparison between the 2 of them, sort of a high-end vs drugstore match.

Here we go......

Nivea Soft Rose Lipbalm.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Awakening Lipbalm SPF 10.

Nett weight: 4.8 g

Nett weight: 3.5 g

Nivea Soft Rose Lipbalm.

Dior Addict Lip Glow.

T-B: Dior Addict Lip Glow, Nivea Soft Rose.

L-R: Dior Addict Lip Glow, Nivea Soft Rose.

L-R on paper: Dior Addict Lip Glow, Nivea Soft Rose.

Packaging:

Dior's Lip Glow definitely has my vote in this area, the transparent light pink cover and the silver knot looks pretty on the dresser, in the bag and just anywhere else compared to Nivea's utilitarian look which serves its very basic purpose (the pink rose motifs printed added points in this area).

Scent:

Dior's Lip Glow has a subtle sweet and slightly minty smell, whereas Nivea's Soft Rose possesses a bubblegum-like or candy-like sweet scent. Personally, i lean more towards Dior's Lip Glow where scent is concerned.

Application:

Although the 2 are supposed to give my lips a healthy pinkish look, i would say they are so alike (function-wise) and yet so difference (performance-wise).

Upon application, Dior's Lip Glow gives my lips a flush of pink with a hint of red in it, as well as a shiny sheen that is quite similar to lipstick with very sheer coverage. On the otherhand, Nivea's Soft Rose gave a barely there hint of pink which is not noticeable unless you are under close scrutiny.

The difference between the 2 might not appear obvious in the pictures above, but in real life on the lips one can see the difference instantly. On the paper, one can notice that the tone of pink is different, Dior's being the warmer pink and Nivea's is cooler.

I have to cast my vote to Dior's Lip Glow as i have gotten many compliments from friends and colleagues, sadly none when i am wearing Nivea's Soft Rose. Apart from the differences above, Nivea's Soft Rose does not contain any sun protection (Dior's Lip Glow has SPF 10).

Price: Dior's Lip Glow contains 3.5g or 0.12oz of the product for S$40.00 vs Nivea's Soft Rose which contains 4.8g or 0.16oz of product for S$3.50 which works out to:

Dior's Lip Glow: S$40.00/3.5g=S$11.40 per gram

Nivea's Soft Rose: S$3.50/4.8= S$0.73 per gram

which makes Dior approximately 15 times more expensive than Nivea.

Now for the million $ question, who won and will i repurchase it when i am done with the tube i have currently?

Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Awakening Lipbalm wins hands down with only one downfall which is its hefty price tag (which comes no surprise to anyone as we are talking about Christian Dior here), lesser product and that it doesn't take long to finish a tube (about 2 to 3 months with daily usage).

Like it enough to repurchase?

Yes, when i am feeling rich or when i felt like pampering myself (that happens alot : ))

Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Awakening Lipbalm SPF 10

Main Ingredient (active): Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 7.5%

Other Ingredients: C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Dissostearyl Malate, Bis-diglyeryl Polyacyladipate-2, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl lauroyl Glutamate, Synthetic Beewax, Dimer Dilinoleyldimer, Dilinoleate, Octyldodecanol, Ozokerite, Ethylhexyl palmitate.

Priced at S$40.00 for 3.5g or 0.12oz (available at all leading Departmental Stores).

Nivea Soft Rose Lipbalm

Main Ingredients: Apologies, i threw the packaging away before i remember. : (

Priced at S$3.50 for 4.8g or 0.16oz (available at major drugstores and supermarkets).

Fragrance of the Moment: L'eau d'Issey Issey Miyake for Woman

How exactly does Spring water smells like?

It is said that L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake is what Spring water is supposed to smell like (if it does possess any scent at all).

Created by Jacques Cavallier in 1992, this aquatic floral is a fragrance that defines the whole generation of people seeking a "clean" scent and having reached young adulthood myself in that era, i was one of those who was captivated by the squeaky clean fresh and sharp scent at first whiff. Being a poor student back then, i was never able to afford the fragrance (having to juggle and budget between school expenditure and living cost).

It has been quite a while (many fragrances pass and go), i came across a good deal for this fragrance via a close friend and decided to revive memories of my young adulthood, and so i purchase a bottle.

The bottle retains its iconic cone-shaped with metal cap, it smells slightly different to me (if my memory of the fragrance is correct) which i can't place a finger to, it has become something less natural (than i remember) and more chemical-like.

The fragrance started off with a strong fresh floral smell, i still smell the melon as well as the lily of the valley somewhere in between, a hint of rose and something woody hours after which the fragrance wears off.

But something has changed and i can't really tell if its good or bad, just that it is not the same thing that captivated me years ago. Though i am not saying i detest it (i have been wearing it for about 2 weeks), i am quite alright with it, just like having met a crush you have during your schooling days years later, he/she is still as charming or beautiful but something has changed (maybe its the mindset).

Although L'eau d'Issey Miyake for woman is supposed to be a light fragrance, it is actually a rather strong one and sharp too i would say. My friends are divided into 2 groups so far as this fragrance is concerned, one group adores it and the other simply flee when they detect molecules of this scent whiffing into their nasal cavity.

I still like this fragrance as it evokes past memories, i will still wear it every now and then and keeping it is more of like of a keepsake of memories past.

Like it enough to repurchase?

If you like lean towards clean, fresh and sharp scent, and if you have fond memories linked to it like i do.

Top Notes: Cyclamen, Rose Water, Melon, Freesia, Lotus and Rose.

Middle Notes: Lily, Lily of the Valley, Carnation and Water Peony.

Base Notes: Amber, Cedar, Musk, Exotic Woods, Tuberose, Sandalwood and Osmanthus.

Sources from http://www.fragrantica.com/

Haul and review: Paul and Joe Body Masks, Blusher and Pearl Powder

Pardon the overdue posts and everything, all thanks to my company doctor's mis-diagnosis who mistaken my Bronchitics for merely a common cough that everybody seems to be getting nowadays... I have been suffering from intensive coughing and shortness of breathe for 2 weeks...and i am still trying to recover from it after seeking a second opinion from my family doctor. Sigh.....

This year isn't going to be a good year for me.....

Well, until i chanced upon a on-going sale which is held at Takashimaya Square B2, did some hauling and thus some therapy done to make me feel better.....

I am not too sure why, it seems to me that Paul and Joe is having sale more frequently than ever, i am not complaining here just a little curious (perhaps to clear discontinued and seasonal items).

Here we go......


I managed to haul some body care products and 2 makeup items at approximately 50% off the retail price.

My Paul and Joe mini Haul.

As i have quite a fair bit of body care mask to use up, i will do the review of the body mask at a later date. According to the description of the body mask, it is supposed do deep cleansing of the skin, thereby evening the skin tone and to keep the skin nicely moisturised. I have yet to try it out personally, so i shall save my opinions for later, what i do not deny is that i am deeply attracted by the subtle orange flower smell that the body mask has, so much so that i bought 2. : )

The 2 makeup items that i snagged.

My first Paul and Joe Blusher.

The pretty packaging that i can never resist.

Blusher colour 10: A sweet pink with highlighter.

Ingredients of the Blusher.

I would say i am rather lucky to snag this last piece of blusher, i wasn't drawn to it initially as i figure the sweet pink might look a like 2 awkward OTT clown like patches on my face (and the tester look rather muddy to me), however when the friendly SA manning the counter showed me the correct way of application (after cleaning the top layer of the tester to reveal the true colour of the blusher), i was sold immediately.

The blusher when the sweet pink side was applied gave a natural pinkish look and when swirl together with the lighter side, the finished look is a subtle sweet glow.. I think this might lead to the starting of a Paul and Joe blusher collection for me. : )

Paul and Joe Pearl Powder 01.

The pretty flower motifs on the plastic jar.

A subtle light champagne gold.

A close look at the gold sheen.

Ingredients of the Pearl Powder.

The Pearl powder is something that is not what i have planned on purchasing as i am not a pigment or pearl powder person and i am terribly terrified of tipping over the entire jar when i am in a rush (i am klutz at times) as well as using too much. The SA who attended to me demonstrated how versatile this colour is which can be used both as a eyeshadow highlight, blusher highlight as well as the decolletage.

The amount of pearl powder is rather generous a 5g which i gather will last me for a long time to come, which is a good deal considering that MAC's pigment is 4.5g which cost US$19.50 approximately S$30+. I would love to try MAC's pigment when i am skillful enough,until then i will continue to practice.

All in all, its a good deal. The prices are slightly more expensive by a few dollars than the sales that Prestige held at their warehouse (if you are willing to brave the battle with other ladies, otherwise i would find the Takashimaya Square environment more relaxing).

If you are interested in checking out the items and according to the SA they will be topping up new stuffs, the sale ends on 2oth February.

Sightings of other Paul and Joe stuffs: several single eyeshadows, 2 or 3 eyeshadow palettes, some lip colours from Spring Collection 2010, cream foundation compact refills, body cream, bath gels, 1 nail colour and some accessories like nail boards and sponges.

Fragrance of the Moment: YSL Parisienne EDP 2009

Parisienne was launched in 2009 and was done by the same perfumer who did the iconic Paris.

According to the official website, it consist of Damascus Rose, Violet, Peony, Cranberry, Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk and Sandalwood.

I am no expert in fragrances or perfumes, i am unable to detect things like... oh... that's the vetiver and yes that's the Damascus Rose.

What i can talk about is how i felt about the fragrance and whether it appeals to me (as we all know, fragrance choice is always a very personal choice).

First of all, I love the hefty and pretty crystal cut bottle, the gold magnetic cap at the top completed the look.

The pinkish violet fragrance sent the message that this is going to be a sweet feminine fragrance.

In terms of packaging, there is nothing to pick on, nothing that says "i am cutting cost here"(i guess no fragrance company would actually do that but if the quality of the fragrance is compromised because of the budget for packaging, i say- give me a uglier bottle)

Scent-wise, the first whiff of Parisienne is so fruity (the cranberry maybe) and yes it smells of rose . The combination of fruits and roses does not put me off as its not too overwhelming as i thought it would be (most rose fragrances doesn't sit too well with me).

Parisienne reminded me of Lóccitane's Eau des 4 Reines, except that Parisienne is more fruity (which could be due to the violet and rose in both, Parisienne has Peony and Cranberry whereas Eau des 4 Reines has Heliotrope and Cedar which makes it more woody perhaps).

Lasting power- This is an EDP so i would except its lasting power to be fairly strong but it is closer to that of a EDT.

I would think Parisienne would suit someone in her early to near mid 20s, someone who is girly, very in touch with her feminine side but not entirely grown up yet.

It is pleasant enough for day wear but not there yet for a YSL fragrance (i have Cinema and Elle too).

Like it enough to wear it now, but not forever...

Now, please excuse me, while i go revive my days as a teen......

Haul: Promod Accessories Haul just before CNY

A little accessories haul just before the Chinese New Year.....

: )

Sweet looking dove necklace with flower and pink coloured stone.


Simple yet versatile to match with clothes in my wardrobe.

An interesting necklace composition.

Like the sweet look of it, especially the turquoise at the bottom lends a nice touch to it.

Lace Bracelet with charms.

Long chain plus beads necklace with flower brooch.

Love the fact that the flower is detachable from the necklace.

Another of my favourite.

The ribbon detailing.

The antique-like flower.

I have been hauling too much from Promod, but i just can't help it if most of the things are just right for me.....

Looking forward to the next haul... : )


Happy Chinese New Year!

Review: ZA True White Day Protector

While i was continuing my quest for the ideal sunscreen or sunblock, i happened to stumble upon the ZA True White Day Protector when i was browsing through the racks in Watsons (drugstore).

Most of my friends thought that i am a skincare snob as i don't really purchase my skincare products from drugstores, that i would say is not entirely true and in some sense is a unfair statement about me.

It just happens that what suits me at times are products that were bought over departmental store counters and trust me, departmental stores in Singapore do have more sales than the local drugstores, plus after factoring all the discounts etc....what i paid for a certain product in the departmental store is very near what i would have paid for another similar product in the same category from a drugstore (of course, this is for some products only).

Now, what i look for in a product:

1. What i need- the product's function

2. List of ingredients- i try to select those that contains more plant-based ingredients (well, to look out for what i maybe allergic to).

3. Price of the product- that's for sure.

3. Reputation of the brand and Country of Origin- it matters to me especially since beauty industry is such a lucrative business, you never know what you are going to find in the jar of face cream that you are using (though a product made in Frxxxe might not necessarily mean it is way superior than another made in Chxxa, but its a peace of mind that i am paying extra for).

See? I am not entirely a skincare snob : )

Coming back to the Day Protector, since Watsons is having its 20% sale (on selected brands), i took this chance to try it, its super attractive to me as after discount it is only about S$10 for 35g. The Day Protector was made in Taiwan (which is my first skincare product made in Taiwan) but considering that ZA is under Japanese cosmetic giant Shiseido, i am quite alright with it.

ZA True White Day Protector SPF 26 PA++ UVA/UVB.

The toothpaste-like packaging of the sunscreen.

A close look at the dispenser.

In terms of packaging, i think the toothpaste-like with a narrow end dispenser is quite common for sunscreens in general, so i don't really have anything to dislike it (i mean its a personal preference), its quite sleek and it doesn't take up much space anywhere in my bag or my drawer. With the narrow end dispenser, its a breeze dispensing the appropriate amount each time i reach out for it every morning, the control to dispense is there for sure.

The lotion-like consistency of the Day Protector.

When i was using the Day Protector, i do not find any weird chemical smell that puts off people, nor do i detect a strong alcohol scent, so far so good. The consistency of the day protector resembles that of a lotion with thin to medium thickness which enables smooth and hassle free application of the product, it absorbs fairly well too. One thing to note is that, i do find the "bit by bit" application method doesn't work well for me here, i end up with white streaks or uneven whitish tones on my face. However, i do find that the "spread over palms and apply like moisturiser" method works well on me, ensuring a even application.

After application, my face is fairer temporarily which is mainly due to the whitening effect of the Day Protector (my face retains its original tone after washing off at the end of the day), there is no signs of stickiness or oiliness and there is a subtle pearly sheen (it might come in handy for people who wanted that extra something or a glow with/without makeup). I would think it suits gals with fairer skin better, largely because of the whitish tone that it leaves.

Although, the sunscreen has moisturising properties (as stated in the description below), i do feel that there is a need to do proper moisturising on my part as well (but a lighter version than usual).

After the application.

Product description (functions of the product).

Directions on the usage of the product.

I have been using the Day Protector for approximately 2 weeks, so far so good i am quite happy with it, there is no breakouts, no clogging of pores, even though i do not see any visible whitening effect (reduction of the appearance of visible melanin buildup) and the temporarily whitening effect is largely just comestic.

Will i buy another tube after this tube is gone?

If i am looking for something that will satisfy my basic needs of sunscreen (both UVA and UVB), with perks of it being a moisturiser and giving my face a subtle glow, and most importantly easy on the pocket, then perhaps yes.

On the otherhand, if i am seeking something that is more high-level fuction capabilities such as clinical proven skin whitening, higher protection and anti-aging, then my quest has not ended just as yet.

Ultimately, it boils down to each individual's needs.

Priced at S$13.50 for 35g or 1.2oz, available at major drugstores (Watsons). There is a ongoing 20% discount on selected brands till 9th February 2011.

List of Ingredients: