INGLOT Cosmetics

I recently went to Johor Bahru after a long time of not having the luxury of a car to cross over and boy was I pleasantly surprised and happy to find INGLOT at City Square Mall! And then, what was supposed to be a quick entry and exit turned into a spending trip for me! Oh so horrible!

I first heard about Inglot while trawling the web for makeup tips and technology. Then, recently, on a trip to Sephora, I asked one of the cashiers what brand of makeup she was using as the colours were so vibrant and she said Inglot, but told me that you could only get it in Malaysia since it has yet to come to Singapore (despite rumours that they will be on Singapore soil soon). 

Inglot has been around for 30years and actually originates from Poland. While similiar to brands like MAC and Illamasqua, Inglot's policy of using high quality ingredients and retailing at fair prices as well as the fact that ALL of Inglot's cosmetics are produced within the EU gives them an edge over the other 2 brands. The vibrant colours that they produce, the Freedom System and O2M Breathable Nail Enamel are the few reasons why Inglot is gaining worldwide popularity.

Well enough about that, here is my haul:

Matte Lipstick RM52 (+/-SGD20) 

As you can see, the colours for the Matte Lipstick is actually very vibrant and pigmented. I loved the fact that it wasn't as drying as Illamasqua matte lipsticks. However, in general, I'm going to conclude that 

Matte = Dry.

Slim Gel Lipstick RM56 (+/- SGD21)

Now this is a product which I really really love! The colours are amazing, I got some previously in the vibrant colours and as you can see, I'm going for the Pinkish Nude tones colours. I have been searching for the perfect shade of nude for the longest time and finally I found it!!! I think No.51 will look amazing if layered with MAC Angel Lipstick and Smoky eyes to compliment.

Mineral Eye Shadows

So what is all the hype about Mineral Eye Shadows you ask? Or perhaps even the lack of it.

Recently I have noticed that there has been a lot of those loose powdered mineral eye shadows popping up on the market. Being the curious cat that I am, I decided to give it a shot and try some. One of the stores where I usually get my skincare products were having a promotion on them (A FREAKIN AWESOME STEAL, if I may say so). I mean 3 shimmers of choice for $10?!?! Doesn't get much better than that! So I bought 3 just to try it out and I loved it so much that I went back for more the day after...Yikes! They actually have it in a large fishbowl like thingy and you really need to dig around to find colours that you like. 

Then, once you found colours that you like, you just have to step to the back of the mirror where they display the makeup and try out your colours. **Warning! Because the powders are displayed upside down, make sure you tap before you open or you may just have a colour explosion in front of you.

Now the shimmers actually come with a 8-in-1 ways to use instruction card, I on the other hand prefer to just stick to what its actually used for and use it on the eyes or contouring. Sometimes, especially the fine glitter, for the nails. Here is a copy of the 8-in-1 ways to use the shimmer:

I gave some pots of shimmers to my mum to try and she loves them too! We have problems with oily eye lids but we both feel that when the shimmer is applied with a good eye primer, the colour stayed on without smudging or moving. I usually use Urban Decay Primer Potion but for loose eye shadow, I prefer to use MAC Painterly or even MICABeauty Eye Primer. Again, I prefer the MICABeauty one because I left my MAC Pot unproperly closed once (ONCE!!!) and it started to dry out...bummer! My MICABeauty Primer is still nice and as it should be.

I bought an 9 stack, some shimmer powders and the opened one on right is the Primer, just so you can see that its not cracked and dried up!

The trick to applying mineral eye shadows is to either use a firm brush or to apply it wet (and I mean wet the brush ok! Not the product, unless you mix it into a paste- messy and unnecessary). Because the eye shadow is so densely pigmented, all you really need is just a teeny bit to give you some really gorgeous shades. Being over zealous and picking up too much with your brush could result in you getting it ALL OVER your face/clothes/makeup table/everything! In the end, that one pot of shimmer that u paid $3 for could last you anywhere from 1-2years! 

*Tip: Usually when you open the shimmer, there is a plastic covering on the top of the holes, DO NOT REMOVE THIS! Just poke a hole in 1 (or 3) of the holes and tap upside down before using. 

(L) Plastic removed, (R) Holes poked in plastic (See what I mean!)

Whatever the case, don't knock it till you try it! I know that pressed eye shadows are easier, more user friendly and less messy but honestly, it is nothing a little bit of practice can't fix. Believe me- once you master the art of handling the loose eye shadow, you will never turn back. Go check out the promotion, I believe the salesperson told me that its while stocks last as they are trying to clear the last bit of the old brand before switching to the new brand. Either way, its not a concern for consumers because mineral make up is not supposed to expire because it doesn't contain any junk in it!

After Eve The Skin Studio

B1, Wisma Atria (opposite Holland & Barrett)

Tel: 6737 3309

Cheap and GOOD!

So recently I have been having a bit of breakout on my chin, sporadic (nothing to freak out about) and so I wanted to get something that would ensure a thorough face cleaning. ESPECIALLY under the chin! We eat, the oil transfers, we don't really wipe it for fear of removing makeup and so after a long day out...I want a clean chin!

The solution is a magical, amazing, potion called ESKINOL!

I started using this when I was 14years old. And I've always loved the way my face felt so squeaky clean after using it. Even though it says its a cleanser, I use it as a toner. Wash my face, Eskinol on a cotton pad and once over including my neck (especially since I don't want yucky dirty lines on my neck!), moisturize! This is a regime I am most happy with- quick and simple! Even as my moisturizer changes to accommodate my "aging" skin and different climates, a bottle of Eskinol has always been a constant, be it in my travel kit or on my dresser.

I've tried to use The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil but somehow I am not getting the same effect as when I use Eskinol. I realized that Eskinol keeps my face clear and clean. Even my sister, who has cystic acne and hyper sensitive skin, has now switched over to Eskinol. Apparently Eskinol + Dalacin C is a sworn remedy for acne. I can't say I have tried but my sister's skin seems to be improving so it must work.

The best part is...the price tag! For a mere $3 and a trip to Lucky Plaza, you can walk away with a bottle for yourself. The smaller bottle is $2.50. They have about 8 different types of Eskinol Cleansers but I have always used the Oil Control with Pure Lemon Extract (more than 10years now!!!). My sister uses the Pimple Fighting with Dermaclear Formula. 

**Disclaimer: While this is a sworn remedy for me, as with all products, there will be a minority who will be more sensitive to products than others are. Please also note that the second ingredient in Eskinol is alcohol- so if you are sensitive to alcohol in facial care, consider your options. This was not a sponsored post, this is just a post to share as we should never keep good beauty secrets to ourselves. 

TGIF! And April's Bellabox

TGIF! And what an awesome way to welcome the weekend indeed! Stepped into work to find on my table, the highly anticipated 1st Bellabox! After seeing some posts appear on my Facebook feed, I decided to go to the website and read up a little bit about what Bellabox was all about. My curiosity was piqued. While they are not the only beauty box company in Singapore, I decided to give it a shot despite reading mixed reviews about them. I've always love trying new stuff and sharing my "finds" with friends. Those close to me also probably remember a time when Christmas gifts were "My favourite things of -insert year-". While its been a while since those Christmas boxes, because i haven't found anything to rave about I still like sharing my little discoveries and finds with friends and family. What better way then to get a box of goodies every month, I mean, every girl loves gifts!

So here we go! At $19.95/month, we receive a box of 5-6 goodies depending on the profile of person you are (they make you answer some questions to determine your profile and then stuff gets put in your box)- apparently! My April box was a cute blue and white polka dot box (which I shall use to store stuff after this) with: 

Like most promotional stuff, it came with a brief description of the items, including the RRP (that's Regular Retail Price, for those who don't know) and the sizes it's available in. Oh yeah, you can also purchase it at bellabox.sg.

In full display:

From Left to Right: Fragrance Du Bois Capsules, Activa Well Being Hair, Model Co Fat Lash Mascara, Batiste Dry Shampoo & Jyunka Ultra Defense UV Pro SPF 50

My reviews on the goodies (I shall update this when necessary): 

1) Fragrance Du Bois - These little capsules sure made the either box smell heavenly! It is crafted using Oud oil and other sustainably sourced ingredients. It is also an ethical brand which promises to plant trees for every item sold (now I know why the RRP is so damn expensive at $395 for 50ml...you are paying for the tree!). I like that it smells quite musky and vanilla-ish and can't wait to test it on a day out!

**The fragrance went on nice and smooth and the smell was very natural- it didn't make me sneeze like most scents do. It lasted for about half a working day. Still skeptical about spending so much for a parfum tho.

2) Activa Well Being Hair - These little babies contain 3 main "synergistic activities" for maximum efficiency- Saw Palmetto, Bilberry and anti-oxidants for beautiful hair and a healthier scalp. Seeing as initial treatment requires you to consume 2 capsules/day for 10-20days followed by 1 capsule/day for 1-3months, this blister strip is barely going to make a dent in my hair care. Maybe there is a grow hair quick capsule instead?

**3 days of consumption and one blister strip isn't nearly enough to be able to see a difference. Seeing as I already has my own natural supplements, I probably wont go out and buy more these to add on to the number of "supplements"

3) Model Co. Fat Lash Mascara - I will add photos to compare to my Maybelline Falsies (which I swear by) at a later date and you can decide for yourselves. 

4) Batiste Dry Shampoo - Already using this as a matter of fact! And they sent my favourite scent too (tongue twist much?)! I love smelling like a beach holiday and the coconut/tropical scent of this dry shampoo always makes me want to throw on a bikini and slather on some tanning oil! It also helps me get through the day without feeling overly self conscious that I have greasy hair. Having said that, I haven't quite mastered the art of holding the can 30cm away so sometimes I end up with greyish looking hair...Ooops! No drama, nothing a little fluffing of the hair can't do.

5) Jyunka Ultra Defense UV Pro SPF 50 - Perfect! With age, suddenly I am compelled to use sunblock as part of my regime. Gone are the days of "I'm allergic to sunscreen"! Now, I damn well better find something that works, unless I wanna forgo the good skin that I have been blessed with! I like the fact that the main ingredient is water and that it is made for sensitive skin. Plus points for being slightly tinted but after doing a patch test on my wrist, I felt that it was a little bit too greasy for my liking. Not deterred tho- I shall test run it over the weekend on one of my outings. 

**At first due to the plastic-y smell I was quite put off by it. But after using it for 3 days now, its not that bad. While it goes on sticky, it eventually absorbs well into the skin. Reading up on the brand, several other products have won awards however the sunscreen is not one of them yet. 

So, that's all for now...already looking forward to my next box!

Hello Weekend!

Illamasqua comes to Singapore!

Wow...in line with my current and on going obsession with make up and colours and finding the perfect bright lipstick for myself, it was just unfortunate that I had to walk past the Illamasqua Roadshow that they are having at the center atrium of Wisma Atria!

I actually dismissed it when I first walked past thinking it was just another makeup brand and I had enough makeup considering the haul that I just purchased from Inglot, Malaysia. I have no idea what made me turn back to look and when I saw that it was Illamasqua- that's it, I knew I was in trouble!

My Haul...

I had read/heard/seen reviews about the Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation and had been gagging to try it for the longest time. Well, here was my chance. I manage to get one of the makeup artist named Selina to help me out with choosing a colour that was best suited for my skin tone. The foundation is actually inspired by the Asian BB creams however it is reputed to go on even more flawlessly and effortlessly then other creams on the market. Great! I hate gunky products. True to the promise, the foundation went on very smoothly and all that was require was a tiny amount. One can choose to built up should they require more coverage. I settled for No. 8.5 ($59.50)

Before applying the foundation, she applied something on my skin that made it all tingly and fresh feeling- of course I asked what it was and it turned out to be the Hydra Veil ($58). It is supposed to be a primer which gives you a lifting effect and sets your makeup so you can do away with stuff like makeup setting spray. Hmm, this is something I shall have to try on a full day of work or night out. SO, I got one of these too. One thing I noticed was that the foundation and hydra veil were both made in Thailand, when asked, explanation given was that, when the best foundation manufacturers were sourced, Thailand was it. 

Anyways, having spent more than $80 allowed me to purchase the "Perfect Pout" set for only $80 (worth $152) this comprised of 6 lipsticks, all matte (which I love) and all brights (which I doubly love), so far trying it on my hand, it went on smoothly and was very creamy. I look forward to actually using the colours. I also bought a lipliner to go with my nude lippies. 

These are the colours in the "Perfect Pout" set including a limited edition Isis colour

Anyways, damage done. I walked away with more than I bargained for including a makeup/toiletries kit which they are giving away to people who spent too much. I'll probably add on reviews on the products as I test them out over the weeks. 

Organix Obsession...

The title says it all! 

Need I say more? 

Yes, actually I DO!!! 

Usually I'm ranting but I have to say that this post is going to be full of ravings and praise singing for my new found love.

To say I have an obsession would probably be an understatement but not too far from the truth. My 2 favorite shopping places have always been the supermarket and the pharmacies...all over the world. I love anything that leaves me smelling good and edible (yes, whatever your thinking, it's probably true). My "signature" scents would have to be tropical and beachy- hints of coconut (not coconut oil type more cocoa buttery type), shea butter, vanilla and sometimes mangoes. I want to smell like a holiday!

Long before Moroccan Argan oil was even popular, I used to go all the way to the USA and bring bottles and bottles back even though it costs an arm and a leg. And then this year I went to Israel and brought back the mother load because Moroccan Argan oil is damn cheap there! Recently, I started to see the Organix range in Watson's and I got curious. While the price was a little bit steep ($14.90-$15.90 for 385ml), I figured perhaps its for a worthy cause, what with it being organic and all that. 

One night, as I was crawling to bed, I took a whiff of my bf's hair and it smelled like my Vanilla Shampoo!!! NoOOooOOOooo!!!!! Why? They discontinued it and now I won't have nice smelling hair! I had to get him his own shampoo! So, to Watsons I went and the whole shelf was staring right at me. I started with the Teatree Mint shampoo for him and the Moroccan Argan oil conditioner for me. That night, we both stepped out of the shower with smiles on our face!

The shampoos smell heavenly! The Teatree Mint shampoo leaves your scalp feeling fresh and tingly clean yet there is a sweetness to the minty smell. The Moroccan oil conditioner left my hair feeling soft without the weighed down feeling. The tips of my hair are damaged from bleaching and had lost the natural soft curls, but with the prolonged use of the conditioner, I started to see my curls come back. Joy!

So today, I decided to step into Watsons and purchase a scent for every mood. Call me obsessed but I walked out with 6 bottles! This time I'm going to try the Vanilla Conditioner, the Cherry Blossom shampoo and conditioner and the Awapuhi Ginger Dry Styling Oil. It was just so hard to pick just one! Good news is that Watsons is having a year end promotion- 2 for 20% off (!) on the whole Organix range. So pop in and stock up because it makes showers much more enjoyable!

PS: They also have a body range which I shall be tempted to try pretty soon. Apparently there is also a Teatree for the face range but I have yet to see that on shelves. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

PPS: I was not paid for this post and neither was it endorsed. While it would be nice to receive freebies in the mail for me to rave about, this one was done totally on my own account only because I love it so much and I feel compelled to share my new found love!