Loving your skin - Sun Safety Week 2015

How many of us actually do aware that our body is fully covered with skin?

If you do not know yet, our skin is the largest organ in the integumentary system. It protects us against heat and light, injury and infection. Our skin also regulates body temperature and stores water, fat as well as vitamin D.

Since our skin is one of the organs that plays vital roles in our daily lives, now, comes the question - when was the last time you loved your skin? When was the last time you took time and pamper your skin?

I was inspired to write about sun safety by a health insurance company I recently discovered, Oscar. If you do not know yet, Oscar is a health insurance company in New York and New Jersey that is focused on making health care a better fit for your life.

Since it is summer all year round in Malaysia (and to those of you who are entering summer 2015), it is important for us to know what harms the sun could bring.

I am definitely not going to tell all of you to stay indoor for the rest of the summer but with appropriate care, you can still go and have fun in the sun.

I am very much aware that majority of us love the sun but for typical Asians, we kind of try to avoid the sun because we believe that exposure of the sun will cause the skin to become darker. Before I got to know there are ways to avoid effects of exposure to the sun, I pretty much stay indoors most of the times due to the beliefs that the fairer you are, the more attractive you are.

Honestly, here are much more serious matters to worry rather than being too dark and not that attractive.

Through years and via my work experience in cosmetic industry, I have learned that being dark is not the one and only side effect of prolonged exposure to the sun. However, there are several others more SEVERE effects.

1. Sun spots

2. Freckles

3. Premature ageing which includes fine lines and wrinkles

4. Skin cancer

You can read more about the effects of sun damage here.

I know some of the things sound scary but for those of you who loves the sun, fret not because all you have gotta do is just to spend an extra few minutes to protect your skin from darkening and voila, you are safe and about to roam under the sun!

Today, I am going to share a little bit of my skin care routine - hopefully, you would find this helpful.

I am born in the sunny country of Malaysia and being a Chinese, my complexion is neither dark nor fair.

Even though people around me have been telling me, "Angel, you have no dark spots or freckles, why do you have to worry so much about protecting yourself from the sun? You should go out and have more fun in the sun!"

Seriously, I find these people are too narrow-minded. When you do not have it, that is the time that you should prevent it!

I usually start my day with my toothbrush and toothpaste, then, I would move on to washing my face. Nothing really fancy but that is just first step of skin care. After washing and drying, the next step would be toner, followed by serum and moisturizer.

Okay, now comes the most important step that each of us always pays very less attention to - sunblock or sunscreen.

My current favourite is Mary Kay Timewise Dry Solution Sunscreen SPF35.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number you see associated with SPF represents the length of time you can stay out in the sun without burning, multiplied by the corresponding number. So a person, who would normally start to burn in 10 minutes, a UV sunscreen of SPF 15, would allow you to stay out in the sun 15 times longer. That means you could theoretically have 150 minutes of sun protection.

Before you are going to ask me, "Why do I have to apply sunblock or sunscreen even when I am not going outdoor?"

Okay, be glad that you've asked that question.

Even when you are exposed to the lights indoor, chances are, you are still going to be exposed to UVA and UVB hence, wearing sunblock or sunscreen even when you are indoor is very, very important.

What is UVA or UVB?

UV basically means ultraviolet radiation. Both UVA and UVB are classified by their wavelengths once they hit Earth and they are not visible through the eyes.

Since it is not visible to our eyes, most of the times, we tend to just forget about it as effect doesn't come immediately. Prolonged exposure to it will cause skin cancer in the most severe case.

As important as it may seem, I am not asking you to choose a product with the highest SPF ever. In fact, when I was working for a Korean cosmetics company years ago, I was taught by my Korean bosses that higher SPF doesn't necessarily means it is a good product especially for our faces. We keep it mild for our face - SPF15 to SPF50 maximum.

If I am going to meet my friends during the day, I would choose a BB cream or foundation that has SPF in it - extra protection.

My current favourite would be Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream with SPF47 PA+++ as well as the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm.

What is PA and what does the +++ symbolize?

Depending on your needs, PA is to counter UVA and PB is to counter UVB. The +++ symbol denotes + (the least) to +++ (the most).

There is no specific reason why I love them but well, they works for me and they have SPF for extra protection!

As for the body, I usually stay in the range of SPF30 to SPF50 if I am going to be indoor or just staying in the town.

My current favourite is Biore UV Water Gel SPF30 PA+++ just because I love the texture of the sunblock so, so much! It is water based and not greasy at all. The gel leaves a minty and soothing feeling after using.

If I am going to the beach or going to stay outdoor, under the sun for a longer period of time, I would go for any other sunblocks with SPF50 to SPF80.

Remember, higher SPF doesn't mean it is a good sunblock - choose the trustworthy brand because our skin is precious to us!

My last routine before I go to bed is to wash my face during shower to remove all my make-up. Contrary to the belief that sunscreen or sunblock is not cosmetic, hence we do not need make-up remover to remove it is WRONG!

Sunscreen or sunblock is categorized under cosmetic and in order to fully remove it before you go to bed, you need make-up remover!

Please remember to remove the sunscreen or sunblock before heading to the shower to wash your face, alright?

Alright, let's say you've been out to the beach for quite some time and by the time you get home, you feel like your skin is burning - what do you do?

My remedy is this product!

~ courtesy of Walmart ~

Banana Boat After Sun Gel.

This baby soothes my burnt skin and constant application makes my skin feels better after a long day under the scorching sun.

Before I end this entry, these are few tips for you to prevent side effects of prolonged sun exposure.

1. Use a shade - hats, sunglasses, umbrellas - especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
2. Avoid sun-tanning and UV tanning booths.
3. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a water resistant SPF of 30 or higher.
4. Apply sunscreen or sunblock to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

I hope these tips could help all of you out there!

Stay healthy and beautiful!

PS - I do not own majority of the pictures as my phone is not functioning well. Credits goes to Google for letting me find these amazing pictures. Credits to those to produce those wonderful pictures too.

PSS - Remember to pay Oscar a visit to get to know more about them!

Make-up 101

Let's talk a little bit about beauty today.

I get tons of questions at my workplace and among friends what kind of make-up products that I use in order to achieve the most basic made-up look. There were even people who asked me whether I want to conduct make-up class but because I do not possess any basic or experience in the field, I will not conduct any class since most of the look I either learn it from Youtube or blogs.

However, if you want to know what kind of products I use whenever I doll myself up, I could share those products with you.

* I have combination skin.

** please understand that whatever I love may not be what you will love. Our skin differs greatly and certain things that work for me may not work for you. Hence, the best way is for you - trial and error. 

*** the price stated is of approximation. I do not know the real price since there will be price changes yearly or even monthly.

Over the years, I have tried out countless products and of course, I did come across products that I love and products that I regretted buying.

Today, I am going to share with you my everyday make-up basics - from high-end to drugstore.

1. Foundation

I have a lot of foundations and BB creams in my possession but honestly, I do not like BB creams at all because it is so difficult to shade a shade that matches my skin tone. BB creams often come with higher SPF and if I were to take flash photography, I'd always end up with white cast - that's ugly!

As far as foundation goes, I like foundation with lower SPF or without SPF.

My selection of high end foundation - MAC Studio Fix Fluid (RM130).

I am a MAC NC25. Please check out your MAC shade at any MAC counters if you're interested in their foundations or concealers.

This foundation has medium coverage and build-able to full. Please be warned that although this foundation looks great upon application but throughout the day, it oxidizes and turns orangey on me. Still, I love this foundation. I tend to mix it with my NARS Sheer Matte Foundation for best effect.

If you are new to foundation, I do understand that you will somehow hesitate whether you should be spending RM100++ for a foundation. Of course, it is good if you're willing to checkout what our Guardians or Watsons have - L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon and Kate are some of the brands that I'd advise you to check on.

Personally, I do not use those foundation because I've found my HG lower end foundation - Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (520 baht or RM60). I bought this in one of the Watsons in Bangkok last year.

My shade is #53 Beige Clair.

Honestly, I love this foundation more than my MAC's. I get countless comments on how good my skin looks whenever I use it. What is there not to love?

Downside - it's not available in Malaysia but as far as I know, a little bird told me that it'll be available in Malaysia pretty soon.

As far as powder foundation goes, my only selection is Make-Up For Ever Duo Mat Foundation (RM180). My shade is #203 if you want to know.

I am not a powder foundation kinda girl. Although I do realize that application is much easier than using liquid foundation, still, I found out that I don't really reach out of this foundation often although it is quite good - full coverage and it promises a flawless skin!

There is no lower-end powder foundation of my choice because I am quite picky when it comes to foundation so over the years, those powder foundations at drugstore have yet to wow me.

2. Eyeshadows

My only advice - get a palette!

Palette is often cheaper than single eyeshadows, plus, you will get more variety.

As anal as I am towards foundation, I am equally anal about my eyeshadows. So far, Urban Decay is the only brand of high-end eyeshadows that I own. I have given away the rest.

Let's talk about natural colours - browns, whites, silvers and greys.

My pick - Urban Decay Naked Basics (RM98).

Naked has always been my favourite line of eyeshadows from Urban Decay. However, if you are a newbie, you might not want to spend RM190 to get a full Naked Palette. Naked Basics is equally good - pigmented and long lasting!

My pick for lower-end eyeshadow - Wet n' Wild Vanity (RM29.50) from Colours Cosmetics Malaysia.

Wet n' Wild has some pretty good quality of eyeshadows if you'd ask me so if you're considering, please head to the link above to check them out!

3. Blusher

I don't own too many blushers because those that I have are my HGs.

My choice of high-end blusher - Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed (RM120 Sephora, RM109 Colours Cosmetics Malaysia).

Exposed is a beautiful shade that gives that soft natural glow on your cheeks on those days when you do not want to go overboard with your make-up.

My lower-end pick - NYX Powder Blush in Angel (RM25).

Angel... need I say more? Soft pink that makes you look demure!

4. Eyeliner

I am very picky when it comes to eyeliner because I have oily eyelids and most of the eyeliners that I have tried over the years tend to move and smear.

That's the reason why in the end, I resort to liquid eyeliner.

My love is Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner (RM59.90). I would not consider this as high-end or low-end but this is something that I love and it has been my staple for several years now!

If you've just started out with make-up and liquid eyeliner is not your forte, well... in that case, you'd have to get pencil eyeliners. Please make sure the eyeliners are waterproof or else, you're gonna end up looking like a panda.

My pick for high-end pencil eyeliner - Make Up For Ever Aqua Eye Liner (RM75).

MUFE Aqua Eye is like magic - once it sets, it will not move at all. I tried it on my waterline and yes, it didn't smear too for the whole day but because I don't like pencil eyeliners, I usually don't bother to use it.

My pick for lower-end pencil eyeliner - NYX Slide-On Pencil Eyeliner (RM25).

This eyeliner has similar effect to MUFE Aqua Eye but the issue is, it'll stay put maybe for few hours only.

5. Eyebrow pencil

Empro Eyebrow Pencil (RM49.90) all the way and I couldn't be wrong about it. This is my fifth pencil and I'm still loving it!

Available in Watsons and Sasa only temporarily.

6. Mascara

I am not so much of a mascara junkie because I have typically few and sparse Asean lashes. My eyelashes are hardly visible even with mascara. I have problems finding the right mascara due to this. I tried out Max Factor's and no matter how good the BC claimed it to be, it failed to show on my tiny lashes.

However, up to this very day, nothing can compare to my Lancôme Hypnose Waterproof Mascara (RM98). This mascara separates my lashes without cluttering them together and it creates volume to my think lashes. Two thumbs up for this mascara!

On the lower end brand - Maybelline has the best mascaras out there! I tried Maybelline The Rocket (RM32.90) and it works wonder. Although it is a good mascara, due to the big wand, I find it so difficult to apply mascara on my bottom lashes.

7. Lips products

I don't fancy lip glosses so, I will not recommend them.

YSL Rouge Volupté in #2 Sensual Silk (108 baht or approximately RM120) is my choice for high-end lipstick. Although the product doesn't really last that long on my lips, still, the packaging is gorgeous! Downside of it, you can't find it in Malaysia.

If you're going economical with lips product, I'd choose NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm (RM26). They have a variety of shades for you to choose from.

8. Brushes

Going back to the basic - you need brushes to apply make-up but, you don't need to get all! Do your research and get to know what are the basic brushes that you need. 

If you're thinking to splurge, well, MAC Cosmetics have good quality brushes. However, the price is not cheap. MAC #219 Pencil Brush retails for about RM120 about 2 years ago. Perhaps the price has gone up, I'm not sure.

Well, if you're thinking to thrift, maybe you may consider Sigma Brushes. I bought my Sigma E30 Pencil Brush (RM45) from Colours Cosmetics Malaysia. 

Cheaper than Sigma?

Colours Cosmetics Malaysia has their own line of brushes with top notch quality.

I can guarantee you that these brushes from CCM are really on par with those expensive ones out there. Best of all, their prices range from RM30 to RM55 each.

9. Something extra

In the case that you have extra cash, you may consider getting the following items. They are not necessities but well, it doesn't hurt to have them around. They may just come in handy.

Eyelash curlers - well... I do own them but I don't really use them. If I need extra volume or length, usually, I'd go for falsies or maybe I would opt for extension.

To level up my laziness and lousy skills in curling my lashes, this baby would do the trick!

Panasonic Electronic Eyelash Curler (RM49 to RM89). I love this gadget. Basically, you just need to turn on the switch and this curler will complete the eyelashes curling job for you!

I hate to admit it but sometimes, in hot and humid country like Malaysia, our foundation melts off easily. Most of the times, I'd opt for foundation primer.

However, when I first started using make-up, I did not want to spend extra on these primers. My advice is, experiment with foundation first and then, when you're good to go, then, you can spend additionally on primers. Benefit Porefessional (RM120) is recommended for those with enlarged pores and I love this product!

Similarly, if you are on budget, you can opt for Revlon Photo Ready Primer (RM59).

Need a little contouring?

Well, I don't really spend much on bronzers so, the only bronzer that I have is NYX Matte Bronzer (RM45), which I got from Colours Cosmetics Malaysia.

It may not be the best bronzer but for the price, I'd say, it's performing quite alright.

Now, let's move on to setting your make-up.

I don't like setting my liquid foundation with powder foundation. I'd prefer a setting powder. The one that I love and have been my HG for almost a year, Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder (RM130).

I don't think I'd be able to find a cheaper alternative. I've tried out Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder and honestly, no matter how many people out there love it, I don't quite like it.

The finish that the Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder provides is flawless. It's just like you're falling in love with the texture of your skin when you touch it.

Last but not least, if you're gonna attend any function and you wish that your make-up will last even if you sweat, well... spend some extra bucks on setting spray after you've applied all make-up products on your face.

My recommendation - Urban Decay Make-up Setting Spray (RM109) or similarly, you can opt for cheaper alternative - NYX Finishing Spray (RM45).

It doesn't really matter what products you use. At the end of the day, as long as you know that certain product is good, by all means, use it. You don't really need to spend much - get few good quality products and believe me, those are the only products that you'll need.

I hope this entry helps!

OOTD, LOTD and my life in pictures

Happy Monday, everyone!

I'm sorry if my blog lacks of beauty related updates. I haven't have time to go all out on reviews due to other commitments. Work has taken about 80% of my life. The rest of the 20%, usually I try to fully utilize them by spending some time in the gym as well as with the family and friends.

Over the past one month, I stopped frequenting the gym due to my laziness. At the same time, all thanks to CNY's treats, I found out that my stamina has somehow decreased by 30% to 40%. Previously, I could burn more than 350kcal during every workout session but now...

I had to stop once the counter hit 200kcal. Then, I'd pant crazily. Seriously, like seriously, Angel? Looks like I've gotta gear up in order to lose more weight!

This could mean - more cardio sessions and also strength lifting to tone up my flabby arms, tummy and thighs. Ah... life's gonna be so much crazier after this!

On the other hand, as far as beauty related products go, these are the only products that I have been using for the past two months.

Lip products always and forever come in handy wherever you go. Unlike foundation and all, sometimes, you don't even need a mirror to apply your lipsticks. I guess you could say that's one of the reason why I've been sticking to the habit of applying either one of these every now and then.

At the same time, I have been putting more concentration in skin care products since ageing has not done me any grace. I realized on one fine morning that my complexion has gotten worse! Hence, I invested quite a lot in getting better skin care products these days.

If you are wondering - Imma trying out whitening products these days. I wanna even out my uneven skin tone. Of course, the toothpaste will be used on my teeth and not skin! LOLX!

Anyway, I will blog more on these items later on.

Taking care of your eyelash extension

I was staring into the mirror this morning while I did my make-up and suddenly, I realized something...

As much as I don't really like the feeling of having eyelash extension on, now, I am missing the once long and thick eyelashes.

I guess I just couldn't make up my mind whether or not I should go for my eyelash extension again. You can read about my experience here and here. I've been to several good ones and few bad ones. Believe me, you wouldn't wanna go as-cheap-as-possible because the quality sucks to the point the extension would be coming off in less than a week!

Personally, I think eyelash extension for myself is addictive - just because my typical Asian eyelashes can barely be seen and I want them to show. So, if you are considering to get eyelash extension, I can't tell you where to go but I can share with you some do's and don't's and also how to take care of them.

Do your research
Don't just go to that particular salon just because someone tells you that it's good. Go and google the salon if possible.

Materials
You don't get to choose what kinda glue they use but you get to choose the length (S, M, L) and thickness of your eyelashes. If you're going for natural look, go for S and M. If you're thinking about drama, go for M and L.

Itchiness
After the extension has been put on, despite being itchy, do not go and scratch your eyes. Try not to touch the extension too much to avoid no lasting extension. It will take a few days for you to get used to the feeling of having something stuck onto your real eyelashes.

Facial time
This is the toughest part ever! When you're washing your face, please make sure the water does not touch your eyes. It pretty much means, don't use any liquid on the eye areas else the extension will come off sooner than expected. If you must, please use a cotton bud. Usually, I would take around 3 to 5 minutes to wash my face but when I have my extension on, I would need to spend probably 7 to 10 minutes on my face. Beauty does not come easily.

Make-up
I love my eyeliners and mascara. One thing to bear in mind - since you are advised to not to use any liquid product especially on the extension, you have to avoid using eye make-up as well because at the end of the day, you would need to remove your make-up using a make-up remover. Naturally, the oil in the make-up remover will decrease the longevity of the glue. If you must, use cotton buds to remove the make-up and choose a make-up remover that contains a very low level of oil. As for mascara, since your extension is good enough, you can skip this.... Keep your falsies too because you'll ruin your extension once you take off your falsies - don't waste your money and effort.

Sleeping posture
Lemme tell you - I have the worst sleeping posture ever. I love to put a pillow on my face when I sleep and this habit really ruins my extension. The extension is supposed to face upwards but due to the weight I put on my face when I sleep, the extension faced downwards =.=" Please bear in mind not to turn your face around while you are sleeping because any movement against something might change the shape of the extension. Ladies, you've gotta be a lady!

Glasses
If you are wearing glasses, once you have your extension on, you can consider switching to lenses because the extension is going to hit your glasses no matter what. So, get your lenses ready!

Removing eyelash extension
Contrary to the belief that if you soak your extension with oil, it will come off. Believe me, it won't. You'll end up tugging at your real lashes and risk them falling off. If you really want to remove it, please let the professionals do it because any attempt to do it at home unprofessionally will lead to lesser real lashes. Do not pull the extension off even if you notice it start to peel off already. Let it fall naturally once the glue is no longer effective. I know you're gonna look weird but believe me, it's better to look weird than to lose your real lashes.

Well... those are pretty much what I think I know about eyelash extension. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I'll be more than happy to help.

Happy Friday, folks!

My wonderful life

Hi, people! Hopefully all of you are doing real great.

I haven't been doing much updates lately on what I've been doing with my life. I mean, I do update but those are scheduled updates because the internet at my hometown is such a disappointment that it keeps on disconnecting in the mid of surfing.

It gets pretty agitated especially when you have to restart your modem more than 10 times a day. Whatever that is, I'm gonna do a really simple update of what I've been doing lately.

If you don't know what, I have been really active on Instagram and it's crazy. I'm hooked to it and I pretty much took a lot of pictures of almost everything via Instagram.

Anyway, I finally get to do my hair after 3 long years of keeping it untouched.

I am a little anal about the whole hairdressing issue because previously, I went through an unforgettable experience of having the hairstylist cutting my wrongly!

It was really horrible because I had to keep that ugly hair for half year before I could do anything to it. The length was terrible and the haircut was probably the ugliest haircut anyone could ever seen. Initially, I wanted an A-line bob cut and the stupid hairdresser actually went ahead and cut my hair the other way round.

The result was something like this...

Imagine keeping that idiotic looking hair because of the hairdresser's slow brain that cannot fathom what I want! Indeed, it was first world's pain. I had to go back to the salon two days later to have the entire length cut off and stuck with freaking short hair for a year!

After that, I told myself, "No more hair-styling, especially in Ampang!"

LOLX!

Since then, I never styled my hair at any salons at KL or PJ any longer exception for my bangs and fringe that always get in the way.

Anyway, I contemplated whether or not I should chop off my long hair but in the end, I chickened out and told my hair dresser, who happened to be my cousin, not to chop off my mane because I super love the length of my hair. She suggested that I should get rid of my ombre hair because I haven't been dyeing my hair for 3 years as well. Well... I spent like an hour or so trying to get rid of my ombre hair.

I chose a colour that is a little lighter than dark brown because I am not a brunette. LOLX! Here's the end result!

Okay, my hair still looks a little ombre-ish in the picture but believe me, it is not ombre at all in real life.

Enough story about my hair.

The other day when I was ransacking my mum's wardrobe, I found one lipstick that I thought I may like. I ended up loving it instead.

It is something fuchsia. I have never tried any fuchsia lipstick before and guess what, I think I love it now. So, I begged mum to give it to me and she agreed.

I shall do a separate entry on the lipstick later on.

Here's another picture of me with the lipstick on - no filler, no photo-shop or anything.

Grrr... my life has been ever so wonderful lately - waking up at 6am every day for my morning jog and ending my day with another round of jog at 5.30pm daily.

I told my friends Imma gonna die by the time I get back to KL.

Oh, by the way, I plucked these flowers from the backyard of my neighborhood this morning.

Aren't they beautiful?

Sighs... I miss my honey-bear so, so much...

My train-case

I have been procrastinating, as always.

This was supposed to come like four months ago but since I did not check my past entries, I've somehow or rather, forgot about this entry - like totally.

Yeah, I know - bravo is the best word for me.

Okay, I've been contemplating to get a train-case since ages ago because my make-up products are piling up scarily and I kid you not. So... yeah, SO... I bought a black train-case at our local night market for around RM90. Click here for detailed pictures because I am just too lazy to re-upload those pictures.

Basically, those pictures in the provided link above shows an empty train-case because back then, I didn't have time to clean up my collection but now, yeah, clearing and cleaning are done! This is how my train-case looks like.

Just for your information, I don't like to keep lips' products in the train-case, hence, you can only see one lip gloss in the picture above. I have another small bag to place all my lip glosses, lipsticks and lip balms.

The same goes to my eyeliners, eyebrow pencils as well as eyelash curlers, brushes and powder products.

On the first shelves on both right and left sides, these are the things you'll see...'

Yes, right, my colour lenses, pigments, bronzing powders and also blushers. I know, nothing special so... Imma not gonna brag about them.

On the second shelves on both sides, these are the products I've placed...

My Monistat, NYX White Pearl Eyeshadow, MAC Midnight Madness Eyeshadow and also Stage Eyeshadow Primer with one pair of eyelashes from Shins. On the opposite side, you can see my concealers, face primers and the one and only lip gloss in the train-case just because it was new at the time I arranged stuffs in my train-case.

End of story.

Let's move on to the final compartment where I store all my palettes and well... BB creams and foundations.

There goes my NAKED palette, Sleek Original Palette, NYX Nude on Nude Natural Look Kit, Shiseido Palette, Stage Foundations, BB Creams, yada, yada, yada...

Believe me, you can still put more products inside!

Then again, I shall not do so because I am trying to finish up every single product that I own...

Okay, people, have a wonderful week ahead!

Stage Cosmetics Holiday Look

You know what?

Stage Cosmetics should really sponsor me because I am doing this look using like 99% of the products from Stage. Hands down that Stage Cosmetics is one of my favourite makeup brands ever because their products are wonderful and best of all - affordable!

So, for this Christmas this year, this is the look I will be going for - bet I would be able to attract few attention in the church this year. Haha.

These are basically the products I've used.


Yes, I've used majority of the makeup products from Stage Cosmetics.

My plan is to do a neutral not-so-attention-seeking smokey brown eyes because I am planning to go for BOLD red lips. Okay, maybe just red without the bold word. LOLX!

On usual days, I always do my foundation and concealer routine before applying eye makeup unless I am going for all glittery glitters, then, foundation and concealer will come last. These are my HG face routine products.

Stage Picture Perfect Foundation in Doll
Stage Photo Pro Creme Camouflage
Stage Prime Time Eye Perfecting Base

After those liquidy liquid product, I will set the foundation and concealer with my favourite pressed powder from Clinique - well, not shown here.

The next step is to do my ugly and unruly eyebrows using Stage Eyebrow Pencil in Sesame.


After the brows, I will proceed to the eyeshadows. So, from what you can see in the first picture, I am only using 3 different colours.


Canary as the highlight and also to apply this on the inner half of the lids. I love canary. It isn't exactly a white shade but it has this tinge of yellowish finish to it.

The second shade is Bahamas which is a medium taupey shimmery brown.


I apply this shade on the outer lids of my eyes bringing it towards my crease to give an uummph effect.

The final shade is Espresso, which is like 2 to 3 shades darker than Bahamas - matte brown.


Espresso is used to darken the outer V for a more defined and dramatic look. I don't wanna be the center of attention for Christmas, hence, I'll go easy on it.

Then, it's time for eyeliner!


Stage Liquid Eyeliner is one of my all time favourites. The shape of your eyeliner depends on your personal preferences. I like to give the effect of bigger eyes, hence, I always extend the length of my eyes by using a liquid eyeliner.

After that, using an angled liner brush, dip it into Espresso to connect the eyeliner to the bottom lash line for a defined eyes.


Gah... so many steps just for a neutral look? Girls will forever be girls.

Finally, to get the glittery holiday look, I apply this glitter eyeliner on the lower lash line. Is it called lash line? Geez... I can't remember.


However, if you hate glitters - it's optional. I just thought I could add a touch of a more fun look by adding this into the look.

I always hate curling my eyelashes because they are almost invisible, hence, after mascara, I'll apply false lashes.


I couldn't find my more natural looking eyelashes, hence... well... you know, I know. Hahaha.

Second last step - choose your favourite shade of blush - mine is Snapdragon from Stage.


Finally - I have to fix my ugly hair. Bad hair days, they are always around - hahahaha...

So, here's the final look for the holiday season!


Oh, if you're wondering - I did not edit the pictures at all, so... expect an ugly me. LOLX!

Oh, ya... red lips - I love my Chanel lipstick!

Well... no Christmasy feel yet? How about adding another touch to it?


I stole Santa's hat!

I am pretty sure he's upset in the North Pole now, trying to search for his lost hat.

Beauty re-discovered!

Remember this?


Oh, yes... remember me?

LOLX! That should be the lamest and coldest joke ever - of course everyone remembers me ugly pretty and pathetic innocent face, right?

Nah, no worries, I won't be talking about myself neither will I talk about my lousy life. Today... I am gonna talk about this!


I am sure all of you beauty junkies out there know about the infamous 88 colour palette, right? I've gotten in 3 years back and guess what? I've completely forgotten about this until last July, when I went back to my hometown and discovered it hidden among my books!

Now, tell me, which smart arse actually hid this eyeshadow palette among other books?

*it's me*

Aherm...


I am not sure about everyone out there but well... I came to love this palette when I first started with makeup and when I knew zero about eyeshadows and blending. That was before I got to know about brands like NYX, Sleek or Urban Decay.

I purchased this at RM90 inclusive of shipping. I think you can get this palette for around RM50 plus shipping nowadays. So, I experimented a lot with this palette back then and I even used this palette to do makeup for bride's maids. Amazing, there are still a lot of products left!

Thus, I've decided to re-swatch most of the shades just in case you are interested with this palette. No, I am not selling this palette. You can go to LYN and find someone who sells this and well... sadly, LYN is only for Malaysians.

Well, these are the swatches but mind you, I applied my eyeshadow primer before swatching, so the colours you'll be seeing, of course, are INTENSE! Therefore, don't come to me and point out I am a liar because these eyeshadows aren't pigmented enough. They are pigmented but not all.


I bet alongside with the primer, the eyeshadows seemed pigmented from the two pictures above, right?

I discovered something while I was in the mid of swatching - there is actually a gold shade among all the other eyeshadows and hey, how on Earth could I missed it back then? I mean, I was heartbroken when I saw no gold shade inside but only last night, I got to know there is a gold shade available and well... it doesn't look gold on its own.

Anyway, here's my verdict since I said nothing about it 3 years back.

Pros
Affordable price if you're gonna compare this palette to brands like MAC, Shu Uemura, Urban Decay or Bobbi Brown. Hey, it's even cheaper than NYX. Best thing, there are a lot of colours or shades to choose from, especially if you're doing makeup for someone's big day! Shimmer shades are very pigmented. Easily found online or you can try to go to a stall on the 6th floor of Sungai Wang - it retails for RM45 to RM55 only. Cheap plastic packaging that broke as soon as it got to me.

Cons
Matte colours are not pigmented. Blending using these shades isn't easy but it isn't tough too. Not all the colours are suitable for everyday use. Shimmer shadows always result in fall-outs.

Those are my two-cent. I am not gonna promote any blog selling this or whatsoever since you can easily spot one anywhere.

Price - RM45 to RM60
Product - 2.5 out of 5
Packaging - 2 out of 5
Availability - LYN, Sungai Wang
Re-purchase - No

At the end of the day, I still prefer my UD and NYX palettes, so, I guess I won't be going back to pick up more of these. As much as they are suitable for bridal or photography makeup, I figured out I won't be using these colours much, so... well... not gonna repurchase or anything.


Hahahahahahaha... I looked like a mad woman with skin disease in the picture above, don't I? Anyway, before I end... lemme show you my haul of the week!


I finally got a new handbag because the current Guess bag that I am using is at the verge of breaking up with me.

Listen, Parkson Elite Card holders, there's sales going on for branded bags and clothes up to 70% so, if you go there with your card, you might be able to buy selected handbags from Guess at only RM111. Of course, first come first serve. Imagine a normal price for a Guess handbag retails at around RM400 and above and before 11th of November, you can get it for RM111. Hahahaha... How does that sound to you?

I've decided to switch from Guess to Pierre Balmain this time around.


I have been a faithful supporter of Guess because their handbags really tahan lasak, I kid you not! My cousin gave me one 7 years back and up to this day, the bag is still good despite the rough me. During my birthday this year, good ol' brother of mine, together with mumsy bought another Guess bag for me but perhaps, nowadays, the material isn't that good and that new Guess bag is gonna die soon...

Anyway, I got this bag at 70% discount - go and figure out the price on your own at Parkson. I'm too lazy to remember anything.

Last but not least...


You all know how crazy I am towards stuffs with lace so, when I was at a boutique with stupid sister this afternoon, I saw this pair of flats and fell in love with them immediately because they're so cute and at the same time, lacey! So, don't tempt me with lace, people!

Have a great week!

Products finished in October 2011

I can't believe October is coming to an end and starting from tomorrow onwards, it's gonna be November. Then, it's HO-HO-HO, Merry Christmas!

I can't wait for Christmas to come because I can't wait to meet my Santa Joel in Singapore!

Hey, check out my new Christmas countdown widget! Hahahaha.

Okay, let me make it clear. I have been very, very busy the previous months and I have had no time to sit down and properly blog about my life and stuffs like that but starting from today onwards, I'll be free because I'm practically jobless. My job is to write my thesis and hey, I still get paid from writing my thesis, okay?

Well... I did not manage to finish up quite a lot of products because when you're busy, usually you'll be tired and when you're tired, you tend to forget about stuffs and fall straight onto your bed for a goodnight sleep.

That's my life for you.

So... the only two stuffs I've managed to finish throughout October 2011 are as below.

Empro Triangular Eyebrow Pencil

I'm finally done with my second pencil and most probably, I'll be heading out this weekend to get my third pencil. I am hooked to this pencil for life and no doubt about it. Best of all, Empro is smart enough to come up with refillable pack for their new packaging!

Stage Cosmetics Liquid Liner in Woodstock

I'm sorry I forgot to take picture of it so, I curi-ed this picture somewhere in google. Hahaha. Well... after half a year or so, I'm finally done with this one and sad to say, Stage at Pavilion closed down while the one at Midvalley is closed for renovation. However, I am not sure of the outlet at Tropicana City Mall - I've yet to check it out actually but honestly, I wouldn't say their eyeliner is fantastic but still, for a normal day makeup without end up looking heavy, this is the eyeliner I'd normally go for!

Anyway, two products - well, that's ain't bad at all, right? At least I don't end up throwing stuffs away but I guess I'll be putting up a garage sales for those makeup stashes and also beauty related products that I am not using but due to my impulsive nature, I bought them without second thought.

LOLX! Again, that's my life for you!

Anyway, I gotta make a move. Have a happy, happy week ahead!