Last Friday, I was lucky enough to be provided a VIP skin consultation and facial with SK-II. We started off with a consultation utilising SK-II’s Magic Ring – exclusive to SK-II, a camera that quickly takes a snap of my skin and translate results onto the laptop. Then my personal details are entered into the computer to find out how old my “skin” is.

Personally, I find that most girls in Australia have older skin than their actual age due to the obsessions of “getting some tan”, “need some sun light”, sun baking and lack of sun care protection. Typically, all the sun damages would starts to creep out closer to 30s and this is the price we pay for the damage we do to ourselves the last decade or so. For me my skin scored 71%, averages out from texture, firmness, wrinkles resilience, spot control and radiance enhancement.

Overall, I definitely need to work on spot control and texture refinement as both of them are my lowest scores. The good thing is that all my scores were above average for my age.

Results! I am quite happy that my skin scored 23 years old when I am turning 29 this September! 6 years younger!!! All the masks, facials, treatments and diligent skincare routine all those years has certainly paid off.

This picture of me post facial is not retouched and has no foundation/makeup. Combining Fumi’s magic fingers and SK-II’s skincare products, my skin has never glowed and look so radiant before! Best of it all, my cheeks also has some colour from the massage and circulation boost from the facial.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Thanks to SK-II, you now too can enjoy a little piece of SK-II heaven. As you all know how much of a SK-II fan girl I am, I will have five lucky winners to win a prize each. Each prize valued at RRP AUD$80 contains:

1 x 30ml bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

1 x SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

1 x Complimentary Facial Treatment Mask when you visit any SK-II counter to get a free skin consultation with the Magic Ring.

How to win it:

“Follow” my instagram account. @ponikuta

Leave a comment in this post below with your instagram username and tell me which SK-II product you’re most interested in trialling.

Good luck!

Important notes:

• Competition ends 5:00 pm AEDST on 29th May, 2013
• Competition is open to all readers in Australia only
• Winner(s) will be selected by skill and contacted via email, be sure to check your emails to respond with your postal address
• Should the winner(s) does not respond within 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited and another winner(s) will be chosen
• Each user can only send through their entry once, failing to do so – entries won’t be qualified for the competition.

Since we are on the roll with brightening skin care, what’s a better segway to introduce you to the latest brightening facial you can do at the comfort of your own home. La Mer recently introduced their Brightening Collection to Aussie shores, say hello to Blanc de la Mer.

Infused with all the original La Mer goodness, this collection is based off an extensive research with Asian women and their skin. Some of the very interest facts that came out of this research includes how our skin is build differently and apparently Asian skin cells are perfectly aligned and are exceptionally closed together, creating a completely unique surface (NEVER KNEW THAT, that explains why we age slower!).

Building on La Mer’s heritage of healing, the scientists who developed the Blanc de la Mer Brightening Collection to address the look of discoloration, spots and uneven skin tone – all typical concerns of Asian skin tone. The Brightening Collection is a scientifically advanced regimen engineered with potent ingredients that work gently to give skin back a youthful translucence. Music to my ears!

Utilising the mask concept that a time poor person like myself adore, La Mer The Brightening Facial masks comes in a unique delivery system. You get a primer (to apply all over face prior to mask treatment) and then you use the two piece facial cloth mask (one for the top half of the face and another for the lower face).

This ties in with my belief in applying serum + eye cream prior to facial cloth masks to lock in all the goodness of the products. The Infusion Primer step also helps to prepare skin to absorb the goodness from the Brightening Facial. As usual, start with a preferably cleansed dry skin, apply The Infusion Primer all over face and pat to absorb. Then proceed to apply both the mask and smooth all over face. Wait for 10 minutes and remove, simple as that!

Texture wise, the primer is very watery which is great and easy to apply and absorb. The facial cloth mask packaging are luxurious and definitely over the top as it comes with a  plastic container to hold the mask and retain all the creamy lotion-like moisture within the mask and not seeping through the packaging. This makes it easy to remove the mask from the packaging and easy to apply. Definitely brownie points for making the facial cloth mask experience seamless.

As for the fit, this mask fits perfectly to my face in fact it is the BEST fitting mask I have ever tried. The two step mask overlaps hence it fits into the face so well. Texture wise, the mask is quite rich and thick, it has a luxurious cashmere feel to the skin.

Did you know each sheet is infused with the equivalent of over one full bottle of the Brightening Essence? Insane right?

Results: Instantly, my skin looked brighter and well hydrated like it was never hydrated before. Overall, my skin texture looks more even and discoloration less obvious. As always I also track “the morning after” effect of facial cloth mask and my skin remained well balanced and hydrated in the morning.

My make up also stayed put all day with no signs of smudging from over active oil glands. Most importantly, my skin GLOWED all day with radiance. Definitely a must have to use before a big day/event. Also recommend this as a treatment for brides to use leading up to the big day.

The Blanc de la Mer Brightening Facial

RRP AUD$285

Available on La Mer counters nationwide

Kerstin Florian is a popular US skincare brand that is used in all the luxurious spa in USA and internationally that are worth knowing. In Australia, you can find this brand in Aurora Spa & Eforea Spa, Hilton in Melbourne and a few other spas in Surfers Paradise, Brisbane and Queenstown.  To be honest I have only been introduced to this brand late last year and have had the chance to trial more of their products namely the Kerstin Florian Brightening Facial Treatment & Kerstin Florian Serum C+ Infusion recently.

Kerstin Florian Serum C+ Infusion RRP AUD$169

This I use as a serum step, it delivers pure vitamin C to skin, this helps to boost firmness, improve tone and brightens the skin. In a long run, it helps to reduce appearance of fine lines. More importantly, with regular use of Vitamin C, it helps to reduce and suppress the formation of melanin (score!)

Star ingredients: Vitamin C+ Complex, Pentylene Glycol (moisturising), Methylsilanol Hydroxyproline Aspartate (firming of skin), Algae Extracts (soothing), Bitter Orange Oil (anti inflammatory)

Results: With a gel like texture, this serum absorbs into skin effortlessly without leaving skin feeling dry or tight (most brightening products often forget about the moisturising bit but this delivers) and I certainly can’t fault a pump bottle product. It has a strong orangey scent and all you need is two pumps for both face and neck application.

Having said that I haven’t seen drastic changes to my skin or any adverse reaction. To me this is more of an investment product for the future to prevent pigmentation and any sun damages that I am prone to. I did however find that this works particularly well post acne and even for sensitive skin it didn’t flare up or was too strong for my skin.

Kerstin Florian Brightening Facial Treatment RRP AUD$169

This technically is a serum too but I use this on top of my Serum C+ Infusion by layering both serum. THIS delivers instant results to skin – my skin literally glows like never before. Combining a powerful blend of skin illuminating botanicals and Acti-5 Brightening Complex, this serum works overtime to restore skin’s clarity and visibly fade dark spots.

Long term effect from this serum also helps to inhibit melanin production and to rid of dull and uneven skin (addresses my key concerns!), prevent fine lines/wrinkles and reduces brown spots.

Star ingredients: Red Algae (controls pigments), Brassica Napus Extract (active ingredient for lightening), Dermostatyl (lightening peptide), Chinese mushroom (reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation), Black Tea Ferment (skin strengthener) + Vitamin C (boost collagen).

Results: I am impressed and this is a MUST HAVE product for me, call it holy grail if you must. For the longest time I never got the whole “radiance” craze didn’t think my skin was capable of showing me and boy this pretty much showed me what and how radiance skin could look like. Each time using this serum, my skin glows and brightens all over. It has a brightening effect on skin without weighing it down or being too rich.

I also love the scent (refreshingly citrusy) and the water based like texture absorbs into skin rapidly. Since I have started using this combo I could not be happier with my skin results!

Read about my Kerstin Florian facial treatment at Aurora Spa and my review of their Brightening Eye Creme.

For stockist call 02 9477 6900

For years I have bit my tongue when someone ask if I approve of XXX product or if I would recommend XXX product. To many, it is a must have, cult status, swore by product but to me it just simply didn’t work or fail to deliver to suit my needs. This has been bogging me a lot and I thought surely there are people out there who are on the same boat with me and disagree with some products too right?

So here I am sharing the first of many posts of products that didn’t work for me, less about products hating but more about sharing why it didn’t work and that it is okay to not follow the crowd. After all, my philosophy is to find the right product + combination routine for your skin as there are no one product that suits everyone.

Culprit #1  Clarins Beauty Flash Balm 

I am sure everyone is familiar with this cult status product. It probably won every possible award to be won out there internationally. It is known mostly for its ability to deliver radiance and hydration. Some claims this perfect as a make up primer.

My experience: This didn’t deliver anything for me. It just felt like a layer of moisture that didn’t quite absorb into my skin and didn’t go well with make up either. It has a strange technique to pat rather than massage/rub into skin; I tried various technique but can honestly say it didn’t do anything to skin dullness or providing radiance without looking like a grease ball because it wasn’t absorbing into my skin.

Have you tried Clarins Beauty Flash Balm?

What was your experience?

Couple  of years ago (I’d say a good 3-4 years), I woke up one day with a brown spot a few centre meters above my right eyebrow. It was annoying and at that time deep down inside I knew it was a sun spot one that has been building under my skin for years (mostly from my lack of sun protection back in the days) and decided to creep up one day.

To be honest I didn’t think much of it and it became darker and darker to the point where I found it ANNOYING because no amount of foundation or concealer was able to cover it. Needless to say I experimented with countless beauty products that claims to fade spots, reduce pigmentation, whitening, brightening, you name it I’ve tried it.

I was so bothered by it mostly due to the inability to cover it up with make up and having to constantly smudge it off in my pictures ala photoshop style and I even developed a technique to take pictures right below my spot hence effectively cropping out my forehead, yeap you can check my instagram for prove, just look at my DP!

Long story short, I knew it was time to succumb to the wonders of technology. After an initial consultation with Marie from Erase Clinic in Malvern, I decided to give IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment a go on my spots and dots.

With IPL, many are familiar with the capability to remove hair but IPL in a different wave length target various chromophores in the skin works wonder as photorejuvenation. This treatment is mainly recommended for those who want to treat different forms of pigmentations. This ranges from sun damage (freckles, age spots, sun spots), melasma (hormonal) and hyperpigmentation.

I have done a course of IPL some 7 or 8 years ago and loved how effective it was to take out acne scarring and discolouration, so I am no stranger to the treatment. No topical anaesthetic was required, just a quick cleanse and jump straight to the treatment. It is often recommended as a full face treatment but I opted for a spot treatment as I only had 2-3 spots to cover. In less than 10 minutes I was done!

To be honest, it didn’t hurt, it was more of a shock with a zapping hitting the skin much like your zap in IPL hair removal, doesn’t really hurt on skin minus the hair/root burning sensation.

These pictures were not retouched apart from cropping and were taken with no make up on.

Top pic being my brown spot in its full glory, pre treatment.

Middle pic was taken right after the treatment, the spot turned bright red immediately.

Bottom pic was taken the day after when the redness subsided but the spot is in a dark brown shade waiting to be peeled off on its own.

In terms of post care just like any laser/light treatment; be extra diligent with sun protection and to avoid sun exposure prior and after treatment. I could go back to my normal skincare routine immediately without suffering from any down time and could apply make up too. All I had to avoid was scrubbing the spots I had IPL to avoid over scrubbing.

Spot the difference of the cursed brown spot! 

Left: Before – This picture was taken with full face make up + concealer on the spot + good lighting and the spot is still visible! No filter was applied to this picture. 

Right: After – This picture was taken without any foundation or concealer! No filter was applied to this picture.

All in all, it took one week for the dark brown spot to peel off on its on and OH MY GOD, it’s GONE just like that! The annoying spot that has bothered me for years took less than 5 seconds to zap and one week to peel off.

I cannot recommend IPL enough for those who have pigmentation issue and is bothering them. My brown spot is 97% gone and if you were to really nit pick there’s a very faint speck of spot where the brown spot used to be and is not visible to the eye unless you look at it an inch away from the mirror.

RRP AUD$295 full face single treatment

Special package: AUD$649 for 3 x full face treatments

$50 per spot and IPL is also available for body area

Call Erase for consultation 03 9576 2177 

Congratulations to Lynn, AmberB, Sharon W, heartofpearl and nightlace.

I will send an email to all the winners and please be in touch with your best postal address.

Failing to do so, I will repick winners after 48 hours.

V x

As a consumer, I went through phrases with all my beauty obsession. For a long period of time, I swore off perfume, found it too overpowering, too strong, unacceptable to the nose  and next thing you know I am all over it like a rash. As you can guess it, I am currently all over it like a rash. Add to the already obsessed list of fruity, floral, rose, tuberose, apple blossom and now this.

Say hello to Jo Malone’s limited edition Osmanthus Blossom Cologne. What a mouthful but certainly delightful to the nose. This bottle captures the essence of exotic white flower, apricot and leather. There’s also hints of petitgrain, peach, orange flower and cashmere wood.

 Top: Petitgrain

Heart: Osmanthus Blossom

Base: Cashmere Wood

With my Chinese background, I am no stranger to Osmanthus as it is commonly used in tea and Chinese herbal medicine known as 桂花茶 (Gui Hua Cha) that helps to rid body of excess nitric oxide and improve complexion in a long run. To find this ingredient in the heart of this perfume captures my attention and my curiosity.

Scent wise, this reminds me of See by Chloe, not sure if both perfume shares a similar blossom ingredient. See by Chloe is a younger, fruitier version and Jo Malone’s is a grown up adult version with a luxurious woody leave behind scent. Overall, I LOVE this for its rich fruity aroma, first two words that came to mind was crisp and citrusy. Few minutes later I am left with this woody scent I cannot stop myself to sniff. The scent is addictive and definitely long lasting.

Fun fact: I also told le garçon to give this a good sniff and the only word I managed to squeeze out of him was “grapes”!

 30ml RRP AUD$90

100ml RRP AUD$170  

For stockist 1800 661 062

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Heroine Make was founded back in 2005 in Japan. For some reason, Japanese refer “make” as make up hence the name Heroine Make. Heroine being “the girl who is youthful and loves beauty“. Since its launch, Heroine Make won numerous awards including the holy grail award in Japan – Cosme.’

To my entirely honest, I’ve seen these in Asian beauty shops for years but have not made the move to purchase because the anime packaging doesn’t float my boat. I guess in my recent overseas trip, I succumbed, no thanks to my enablers – Tina & Shizuka. I picked up two mascara, a liquid eyeliner (my usual make up staple) and a brow pencil.

Verdict:

- Smooth Liquid Liner: I am beyond obsessed with this. This probably took over my obsession with Dolly Wink liquid liner. It is easy to use, especially great with flicks and it is dark (not as dark as a gel) and never smudges.

- Quick Eyebrow – I didn’t like this twist pen eyebrow liner, it felt too harsh to skin and barely any colour came out despite me trying so hard. This is a no go.

- Volume & Curl Mascara + Long & Curl Mascara – You’ve got to give it to the Japanese to always deliver mascara that are smudge proof, weather proof and impossible to remove. Despite it being difficult to remove, I love this combination as they deliver long lasting curl and volume for my sparse lashes and never causing any issues – EVER even after a long 15 hr day. The formula is wet without being heavy and never leaves my lashes crunchy dry looking once the formula dries.

 Approximately AUD$10 – 15

Available in Sasa or most Asian beauty stores

Our hair is filled with protein. That is what keeps it strong and healthy – the more damage you do to your hair, the more protein you need to fill up the damaged hair shafts. Most shampoo/conditioner/hair mask to a certain degree has protein in it to keep hair manageable and smooth.

L’Oreal Professional has been a long standing haircare brand that I believe in and actually spend my own coins for. I was introduced to this brand since I was 12 by my mom no less and she is a huge fan of it too. Over the years I have picked up her habit of ALWAYS having their hair care products in my bathroom – note keyword is always.

Bit on my hair, it is as damaged as hair could be – heat styling, bleached, battled and coloured as often as Taylor Swift swapping boyfriends. Beyond that, I naturally have oily scalp (the type you HAVE to wash errrday other wise it gets itchy), hair texture is fine and my hair is limp and straight by default. Over the years, I have developed a haircare routine (which includes a wardrobe of products) to cater to different hair needs and I am a firm believer of swapping shampoo + conditioner every 2 – 4 weeks.

While I do not have a scientific explanation to it but I always feel that once I swap my shampoo + conditioner over (to something new or something I haven’t used in a while) my hair just seems to accept the newly introduced prodz into my hair care routine better. In additional, when it comes to hair care products it is one of those things, you just know when it works.
 

Pro Keratin Refill hair care range is designed for dry and weak hair. This range is designed to repair, strengthen and protect weak/dull hair. There’s also an “in salon” treatment that you can request for when you head to your salon that carries L’Oreal Professional hair care products.

I recommend this to those with long hair or split end prone hair as long hair tend to be weaker. I use them when I feel that my hair needs intensive TLC and when I am punishing it with heaps of heat styling. The shampoo lathers effortlessly and the mask is great as an intensive weekly hair treatment and leaves hair baby smooth and manageable.

Highlight of the range for me has to be the Pro Keratin Blow Dry Thermo Cream, this dual action cream protects my hair from the hair dryer but also doubles as a leave in conditioner as well. Love it!

Pro Keratin Correcting Care Shampoo RRP AUD$$26

Pro Keratin Blow Dry Thermo Cream RRP AUD$26

Pro Keratin Correcting Care Masque  RRP AUD$31

 Call 1300 651 141 for stockist

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of lip products particularly lip balms and lipsticks. I love a bit of a fun colour on my lips but I have a bad habit of biting my lips and is prone to dry flaky lips if I don’t keep myself hydrated.

Skinceuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair is designed to restore moisture to lips to prevent dehydration and premature aging lips. Bit like a lip serum for the lips in my opinion. This clever little product combines powerful antioxidant protection and gently exfoliate lips by promoting collagen synthesis.

Star ingredients: Vitamin E, Silymarin, Botanical Emollients

Texture wise, this feels like a skincare product except that it feels very lightweight and doesn’t smell or taste like anything. I start by pumping a small pump onto my finger and massage all over clean and dry lips with my fingers. I usually apply this all over lips especially paying attention with my lip lines and the ring of my lips at the end of the day. Once applied, I pile on a rich lip balm like this one or this one so that all the goodness of the products are sealed and locked into my lips overnight.

Results wise: I didn’t see any immediate transformation or effect on my lips; however, the next morning I woke up to smoothed lips with no signs of dehydration and a dreamy base to work any lipstick on. Due to its gentle exfoliate ingredient, my lips is reborn overnight minus the stubborn dryness and no signs of irritation! I have been using this daily at night especially during the colder months to avoid environmental damage to the lips.

BONUS TIP: For extremely dry lips readers like moi, I occasionally get the swollen, sensitive, painful, peely and flaky lips drama. When this happens, I carefully rid all signs of lipstick/gloss/balm off lips with a cotton pad and gently massage wet lips with a wet toothbrush to get rid of any dead skin without further irritating lips. Once I am satisfied that I have scrub up most if not all of the dead skin cell, I pat my lips dry and apply a thick layer of this and wait for it to absorb into my lips. Then I reapply another layer and top it up with a rich nourishing lip balm to ensure my lips are 100% looked after.

EXTRA BONUS TIP: If you are using Accutane®, you’ll know the side effects is dryness around the lips area. You’ll be happy to hear that this works wonder on those stubborn dryness and doesn’t irritate skin! From what I heard this helps with cold sore prevention too. WIN!

RRP AUD$67.50

Currently 12% off on Adore Beauty as they are holding a Skinceutical Sale at the moment

With this time and age, we are all time poor and is constantly finding ways to find peace, calm and time saving methods. Well, lucky for us Olay has recently launched a serum and moisturiser combo – the latest Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Cream + Serum Duo.

Olay Total Effects was first conceived over 10 years ago when an extensive survey discovered that women across the globe, despite their differing ethnicities and geographies, were concerned about similar signs of ageing.

The NEW Olay Total Effects Moisturiser + Serum Duo fights the seven signs of ageing by:

1. Line Minimisation: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
2. Tone Enhancement: Evens and balances skin tone
3. Age Spots Treatment: Reduces appearance of age spots
4. Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture
5. Nourishing Moisturisation: Soothes dry skin
6. Reduction of Dullness: Gives skin a healthy radiance
7. Pore Refinement: Minimises the appearance of pores

This week, five lucky winners will walk away with the new Olay Total Effects Moisturiser and Serum Duos with SPF 15 each. Each product is valued at RRP AUD$32.49.

How to win it:

Leave a comment below and tell me what is the most important skincare step for you?

Important notes:

• Competition ends 5:00 pm AEDST on 15th May, 2013
• Competition is open to all readers in Australia
• Winner(s) will be selected by skill and contacted via email, be sure to check your emails to respond with your postal address
• Should the winner(s) does not respond within 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited and another winner(s) will be chosen
• Each user can only send through their entry once, failing to do so – entries won’t be qualified for the competition.

Following my previous reviews on muk spa hair products, today I will be reviewing their latest muk Style Stick 230-IR – a new generation straightener.

The style stick is black (also comes in white), glossy and is quite light in weight. The straightener comes with adjustable heat settings 80°C – 210°C, extra long cords, handy sleep mode, tourmaline ceramic plates, 12 month guarantee and dual voltage – meaning you can use this worldwide. 

Top: Infrared plates

Bottom: My preferred choice of heat 

Primed my hair with muk spa Argan Oil Shine Spray (RRP AUD$34.95), always prime hair before all heat styling. I begin with spritzing hair generously and comb through to avoid any kinks. Be sure to test hair with the heat plates from low to high, do keep in mind if you hair is fragile or damaged then go easy on your hair.

Before and after – my hair is usually dead straight so straightening my hair is a foreign concept to me. Having said that, I am still mastering how to achieve the perfect loose curls, still clueless with that though.

With the muk Style Stick, it comes with infrared plates helps to heat hair from within to help styling easier and quicker. The curved plates helps to make curling effortlessly and the finish is surprisingly shiny! When this was demonstrated to me that it puts shine into hair rather than strips it from shine, I was doubtful but having tried it on myself, I am a convert now.

Overall, this is definitely a new generation straightener as compare to my old trusty ghd. Style Stick has more of an advantage in smoother to hair, easier to clamp and style and leaves hair smooth and shiny with no signs of damage. 

RRP AUD$199.95

Available to purchase now

Woah, where did time go? The last time I did a post on top picks was back in December 2012 and now we are almost half way through 2013! Having said that, let’s play some catch up for 2013 top picks – 1st quarter edition.

Make up:

1) Lunasol Cheek Brush N - A blush that picks up colour and blends effortlessly is my type of blush.

2) Jill Stuart Gel Eyeliner in #01 Black Cat - The blackest gel eyeliner one can find, the pretty packaging doesn’t hurt either.

3) Chanel Le Blanc Light Mastering Whitening Compact Foundation SPF 25 -  I haven’t been the biggest fan of powder foundation until I met Chanel. Cheesy but true.

4) Estee Lauder Pure Color Violet Underground Fall 2012 + Q&A with Tom Pecheux-  Another winning palette from Estee Lauder. I find pinks on eyeshadow is a very feminine colour and I love it.

Skin care: 

1) Creme De La Mer The Lip Balm - Soft and baby smooth lips minus the balmy grease. Perfect as a lip base.

2) L’Herboflore Facial Cloth Masks - HG Facial cloth mask!

3) Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum + Willow for Dermalogica - One of the most exciting launch in 2013, a powerful serum that also doesn’t leave skin oily.

4) RMK Cleansing Balm - Love a good cleansing balm and they will always have a soft spot in my heart. Apart from Clinique’s Take the Day off Balm, this is the only other balm that I love.

5) Chanel Masque Déstressant Pureté Purifying Cream Mask - For someone who has congestion prone skin, this was heaven sent and now I faithfully use this on a weekly basis to keep skin clear.

6) Kosmea Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+ - If you find most sunscreen that leaves your skin with a white cast annoying? You’ll never have that problem with this.

Nails: 

1) Sally Hansen Nails Prep - This nail care routine is my current holy grail routine.

2) YSL La Laque Couture in #11 Rose Futuriste & #14 Violine Surrealiste - Purple and hot pink, the universal shades that look good on every girl’s digits.

3) Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in #569 Emprise - A classic beige that doesn’t look washed out on my skin.

4) Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Part 1- Creamy, amazing colour choices to pick from and a smooth chip free finish for up to a week!

Others: 

1) How to Create Your Ultimate Brow Shape At Home by Lien Davies - Finally, an ebook worth spending your pennies on. Lien aka my go-to brow guru aka the person who changed my outlook in make up and brows – definitely a must have if you are not lucky enough to be based in Sydney to visit Lien.

2) Liposonix Review Part 1 – Liposonix 101 - Within 4 weeks, I could see VISIBLE results, can’t wait to share my 12th week results.

3) Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo & Conditioner - Finally a shampoo and conditioner combo great for fine hair and the pick packaging stands out in the shower.

4) Aurora Spa Kerstin Florian Signature Active AHA Results Facial - Despite the mini hick up, I would actually recommend going here for a good old facial.

By quickly assembling these two lip colours, it looks from the packaging that both products seem to share similar colours but the actual products are not quite like each another.

In total, L’Oreal Shine Caresse Lip Colour is available in 8 shades - Lolita 101, Romy 102, Marilyn 103, Princess 200, Juliet 300, Eve 400, Milady 402, Bonnie 501.

The similarities:  

- Packaging wise, both products appear to be quite similar in length and shape. One luxurious, one high street!

- Both application wand is similar.

- Colour range available is quite similar, the pinks, the reds and the violets. Although, YSL do have more colour offering in the market and each season there are also limited edition colours.

- Both appear to have a stain finish and will stain your lips (only applicable for brighter shades with L’Oreal’s)

One swipe for both

The differences: 

- Loreal is affordable and YSL is luxurious; this is also reflected in the look and feel of the packaging.

- Loreal lip colour is sheer, YSL is pigmented especially for the lighter shades. See picture above. Both are similar colour and yet you can tell straight away the intensity is different. I won’t be able to achieve the same result even with multiple layers from Loreal’s to the one layer of YSL’s.

- Both lip colour/gloss are easy to apply but YSL has a creamy finish while Loreal has more of an oily finish.

- Both colours are long lasting (and this is only true for the more pigmented colours), the sheerer ones from Loreal didn’t stand a chance to last past a couple of sips in a mug.

- The main difference that nailed it in for me is that after 8 hour of wear, Loreal’s made my lips dry and pruney, amplifying the fine lines and worst of all, the pigments from Loreal lip colour seeped into the fine lines. As for the YSL, it doesn’t give me the same effect and doesn’t leave my lips dry and peely (this coming from someone who is prone to lip dryness).

End of the day, Loreal is recommended for people who don’t have dry lips and is looking for a sheer finish, preferably one without pigmented lips as the sheer colours won’t show up on darker lips like me. YSL is recommended for those who are prone to dry lips and have pigmented lips because the glossy stain really stain and deliver long lasting finish.

Today, I am sharing with you two of my recent purchase (actually not so recent I got them Dec/Jan?) from Chanel. I have long adored Chanel’s lip prodz, skincare, eyeshadow quads, nail polishes, eyeshadow pots but haven’t tried their liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner; hence I thought I should give it a go since I wear these products every single work day of my life.

Say hello to Chanel Liquid Eyeliner Intensity Definition #10 Noir and Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner #88 Noir Intense. Just to keep things simple I am going to call it liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner, you get the drill!

Soft, never draggy, especially brilliant on the waterline; this is classified as can’t live without product now.

Takes a while to get use to drawing flicks with liquid eye liner like these as it can get tricky at the corners of the eye when the tip of the brush is so fluid. A trick I always do is to try and drain as much liquid off the brush back into the pot as possible. Sometimes when it comes to drawing flicks I try and draw the liner on a tissue to take out additional liquid. Definitely needs some practising with this before mastering the tiny lines and perfect flicks.

Here’s a close up shot of the swatches, both in one clean swipe. As you can see the pencil eyeliner is the blackest you can get and is creamy and smooth to apply. The liquid eyeliner is also the blackest a liquid eyeliner can get. It is also waterproof and doesn’t come off with cleansing oil, yes you read that right, doesn’t come off with cleansing oil but slides right off with warm water. Amazing huh?

Ever since I got these two amazing combo in my paws I have been using them almost on a daily basis. Both are smudge proof and once mastered is super easy to apply. I love it!