Wonect Beauty Review: DHC x Disney Marie Essence in Eyeshadow GD-01

DHC's latest release features Marie in a range of makeup- lipstick, cheek cream and also liquid eyeshadows. DHC is primarily a skincare brand but I'm all for makeup which incorporates skincare or some form of benefit so I was quite eager to test this out.

I received the Essence in Eyeshadow in the colour GD-01 which is a soft rose gold, and the sturdy little bottle came housed in a cute box with matching illustrations. How cute is Marie??

The applicator is a doe foot which is great for precise application of the product, and the texture of the eyeshadow is sort of a gel-cream and isn't runny at all.

From their website, it states that the eyeshadow is formulated with 7 types of beauty moisturizing ingredients which help with skin elasticity and wrinkles. These include virgin olive oil and super hyaluronic acid to increase moisture and firmness on the eyelids. In addition, a colour active pearl is also added which gives off a luminous look to the eyes. It is also fragrance and paraben-free!

The official colour is listed as "Orange Gold" but I didn't find it to be very orange-y, just maybe a little bronze and a warm gold which applied very smoothly.

I applied the eyeshadow as shared on DHC's site, 2 dots and blended out with my ring finger by tapping to spread. The formula doesn't dry immediately so there was time to move it around and sheer it out, or you could also build opacity with it. 

Here's both eyes blended out. The colour is actually very flattering and suitable for both day and night use. On my eyes it looks soft and luminous instead of being glittery and shimmery. No discoballs here! Just a nice sheen on the eyelids.

Eyeliner: Clarins Kohl Pencil

Blusher: tarte Sweet 

Lips: Colourpop Aquarius Lippiestix

I added on eyeliner and nude lips for a casual day look, but you could totally glam it up with red lips or even a deep berry colour. The eyeshadow wore very well, I had it on the whole day without any issues. I did touch it intentionally with my finger just to see if it would flake or smudge, but it only transferred the very slightest bit. I have sensitive eyes but did not experience any irritation with the formula. An easy to use product, even for beginners!

Interested in the DHC x Disney Marie Essence in Eyeshadow? From now until end Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

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Christmas Eve 2016

How fast has the year gone by?! Christmas is now here and soon the New Year!! Y*'s boss gifted him with a cake and we took it back to his parent's home on Christmas Eve to share. It was by Uchi Cafe and so yummy! Soft fluffy cake with fresh cream on the inside.

After dinner and cake, Y*'s mother mentioned that there was a small illumination going on at the Herb Garden nearby and we went to check it out.

My phone is an iPhone 5S, rather outdated and it wasn't picking up the lights very well but it looked so magical!

Our first of many Christmases to come! 

Y*'s mother also surprised us all with gifts! I remember a week before she asked me what I usually did with my family. We usually had a roast dinner, and drew lots a week or two before with the name of the person to buy a gift for (but we always end up getting gifts for everyone in the family). I was totally surprised when she handed Y* and I our gifts! Quite touched that she tried to make me feel as warm as it was back home. 

The cutest pair of bunny slippers and warmest, softest cashmere gloves!

My dearest fiance also surprised me with a gift. We weren't doing an exchange this year but he surprised me all the same. The postman came early in the morning and when I asked who was at the door, he calmly said "NHK man". I had an inkling it wasn't but I let him have his fun before he presented me with the box. Ah! Not to forget, Y*'s sister also got a thoughtful gift but it isn't pictured. 

This is my first Christmas away from my family and although we aren't big on the holiday, I do miss putting up the tree (as tedious as it is to take it down) with my sister and forcing Choko to pose next to it. Little sister was right when she insisted we put up the tree last year as she felt it might be our last together. How time flies.

Hoping that Y* and I will be able to spend Christmas in Kuala Lumpur at least once in the future.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Wonect Beauty Review: Pure Smile Delicious Lip Cream (Corn Potage)

Lipbalms are essentials in my day-to-day life, I started using one when I was about 12 and never stopped buying (or hoarding) them since. Chapped and split lips are super painful, not to mention unsightly, so I make it a point to apply some sort of lip protection whenever I can. 

Included in this month's beauty box to combat the cold winter is Pure Smile's Delicious Lip Cream in a Corn Potage scent. I have tried Pure Smile's masks before and they're quite nice to use but didn't know they did lipbalms too. 

A quick Google search shows that this series of lip cream come in a variety of scents- Pancakes, Sweet Potatoes, Bread, Apple Pie and many more. How interesting! The lip cream is housed in a tube and has a cap which snap closes tightly.

Ingredients used to create the lip cream include beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil and macadamia nut oil. As I pulled off the cap, a sweet scent of corn potage wafted around. It really does smell like the real thing! 

Whilst it smells strongly of a rich corn potage, I could not detect a taste, and it also applied clear. The formula was so soft and smooth, almost like butter and just glided on my lips without any tugging. It left my lips looking moist but not glossy nor greasy. It felt quite moisturizing and I did not experience any irritation with this product. Some lipbalms actually leave my throat feeling scratchy, but no problems with this!

If you like the scent of sweet corn, you should definitely pick this up. If not, they have plenty of other scents too. If you love the scent, the more likely you are to want to apply and enjoy applying the cream, right?

Interested in the Pure Smile Delicious Lip Cream? From now until end Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

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Wonect Beauty Review: Majolica Majorca Twinkle Body Jelly

Christmas is around the corner and many beauty brands usually release limited or repackaged items for the season which I look forward to. Sparkly, gold, glittery things everywhere we look! One of the items sent over this month was the Majolica Majorca Twinkle Body Jelly which is a limited edition body and hair moisturizer. They had a similar Body Jelly last year which sold out very quickly in a different scent and packaging.

This looks so pretty! I'm a magpie and love reflective shiny things. Gold and dark blue, very Christmassy and festive. Though the product comes sealed, the scent is quite strong and I could catch a whiff of the violet flowery scent even before opening it.

The lid if a flip-top so you can easily control and squeeze out how much you want to use. There's gold bits suspended in the jelly moisturizer, but it isn't scratchy or hard at all, just very soft and dissolves quickly once rubbed in.

Once blended out, the gold bits melt into the skin and leave no trace of glitter nor shine. No discoballs here! Although I liked the scent, which is a floral with a violet base (to me) it was a little strong for my liking. I generally prefer my lotions to fade away but if you like perfumed lotions, this is a great one which really lasts!

Once dried, it leaves no residue nor sparkly bits- just soft, moisturized skin. The difference between the moisturized spot and dry areas are so obvious! I also tried it on the ends of my hair, it dries quickly and left my hair fragranced.

A nice multi-use product to have, but it's only available for a limited time so grab yours at Wonect whilst you still can!

From now until end Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

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Empties: November 2016

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Gel Creme

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Serum

CLARINS Extra-Firming Eye Concentrate

CHANEL Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde Clair

KOSE Softymo Honey Whip Cleansing

I have finished full sizes of both the CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Serum and Gel Creme and whilst I did like them, I didn't think they were awesome for the price tag. Love the scent, but having tried less expensive hydration products which perform just as well, I would not repurchase. However, if you are interested in the brand, do give their hydration products a go.

I've finished travel sizes and also full sizes of this CLARINS Extra-Firming Eye Concentrate, and it's my favourite eye cream. This 3ml size lasts me for more than a month with daily use and you only need a grain size each time. No oil seeds nor irritation and it keeps my eyes smooth. Okay my first favourite is actually the Super Restorative Eye but it is significantly more expensive (and not intended for my age range, its targeted at women in their 50s). Will keep repurchasing.

This CHANEL Eyebrow Pencil has been in my makeup case forever, glad it's finally finished because I sort of forgot about it. I really liked it but kept "saving" it, as I do with many of my brow products. I used to hoard brow products (and then open them to test it out) so I don't have to worry when one of them finishes. The eyebrow pencil was a good match for when my hair was very light and even now in a darker shade, Blonde Clair still matched it. Easy to use, but I prefer brow powders now so I would not be repurchasing.

KOSE Softymo Honey Cleansing Whip was sent over by Wonect (full review here) and I used it as my morning cleanse and also at night if I have minimal or no makeup on. This lasted me for a good 4 months, a nice gentle cleanser which foams up when pumped out and removes all traces of light makeup. Still have many morning cleansers in the testing queue but I wouldn't rule out repurchasing this.

Wonect Beauty Review: CanDo Liqueur Nail Polish

The last item in Wonect's November Box are these clear colour polishes from CanDo. They come in transparent little bottles so you can see the colours and are 6.5ml each.

I received 3 colours, from left to right a coral (TMLN1603), a purple (TMLN1604) and a raspberry (TMLN1601). I am no stranger to painting my own nails, I actually enjoy doing and find it rather relaxing.

These polishes are quite runny, so you don't need much to coat your nails. I experimented with a few bases and looks, 1) the one above was with a base coat, shimmery pearl colour and topped with the CanDo polishes. I find that the base colour still shines through which creates another pretty colour.

Here, I have the same 3 stripes but with different bases- 1) as above with a shimmer pearl base, 2) a nude colour, 3) a lilac colour and 4) on bare nails. The colours look different when used over different bases. They can also be layer over each other to create a unique colour. The brush is easy to use, has a smooth application and a longer handle means it has an easy grip. The polish also dries off quite fast so you don't have to wait long between application if using 2 coats.

Again, from left to right- bare nail, lilac polish, nude polish, and shimmery pearl polish. I've seen some pictures where a gradient look using one single colour can be created with these polishes. Can't wait to test it out with other colours!

There are so many more nail ideas which can be created with these CanDo nail polishes, have a look here.

Interested in these CanDo Liqueur Nail Polishes? Check out the link below!

From now until Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

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Wonect Beauty Review: Visee Glossy Rich Eyes in PU-04

Wonect's Box this month included a Visee eyeshadow palette, which I have seen in drugstores. Visee is a popular Japanese makeup brand and their packaging reminds me a little of Anna Sui's cosmetics- dark, lacey and glamorous.

I actually don't use eyeshadow on a daily basis and usually reserve them for special events like.. wedding functions, special dinner dates or celebrations. However, lately I've been trying to get more use out of my palettes and I am so happy to receive this quad as I don't have anything remotely similar in my stash. Yes, I barely use eyeshadows but I do have a number of them. #makeuphoarder

The quad is housed in a reflective case which comes with a little applicator and let's take a moment to appreciate the lace detail of the powders. Pretty! The texture of these eyeshadows aren't powdery but more on the soft, creamy side- almost like a cream powder. 

On the back of the packaging is an illustration of how you can use the colours, this look utilizes all the eyeshadows in the quad. I suppose you could also use the colours on it's own- which is what I do for day looks, I usually just stick to 2 instead of using all 4.

The colours are true to pan, and I really like how the colours aren't too strong. I usually avoid keywords in eyeshadow descriptions like "glossy", "sparkle", "shimmer" because they rarely look good on my hooded lids, but these complemented each other well. The glossy colour wasn't overly reflective but instead added a soft glow to my lids. 

Incomplete look without eyeliner, but here I used all the colours as per suggested on the back of the packaging. I've always admired those who can get away with just eyeshadows and still manage to look polished. Me? I always look half-asleep if I don't finish off with a thick layer of black liner.

My complete look! A berry lip to match the purple lids, and I have a look which is great for day and night. I never would have picked purple and brown to share a quad but it works! It took me less than 10 minutes to do up both eyes. I highly recommend this quad as it blends easily without any fallout and I did not experience any irritation at all.

Interested in the Visee Glossy Rich Eyes (PU-04)? Check out the link below!

From now until Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

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Snow!

Woke up this morning to discover that it had snowed the whole night and everything was covered in a blanket of white.

Something about fresh snow that makes everything look calm, clean and pure to me. 

Y mentioned that it's been over 50 years since Japan has had any snow fall in November. It usually only starts snowing in mid or late December. 

Lucky me?

Of Earthquakes in Japan

Early this morning an earthquake with a 7.3 magnitude hit close to Fukushima, and although Yamanashi is about 300km away, we too felt fairly strong tremors in our home. 

As a traveller, I never once felt tremors, not when I was in Tokyo, Osaka, not even Fukuoka. When I started living here, I became more aware of the earthquakes in Japan. No one can tell when it happens, and in Yamanashi weeks can go by without a single tremor but then you also get days where tremors occur on a daily basis.

My previous experiences were fairly short and small, lasting only about 5 to a maximum 10 seconds. Though short, even in slumber, the slightest quake wakes me and I always wait it out before dozing back to sleep. Y usually just sleeps through it, I imagine he must be used to it. However this morning's quake was strong enough to wake us both from the start. We lay in bed for a few seconds waiting to see if it would slow down or become weaker but it didn't. Y rushed me into the "safe room" the smallest space in our home which was the toilet to wait it out.

I felt so relieved as the tremors became smaller and soon stopped. We went back to bed but spent the rest of the morning watching earthquake videos in YouTube before Y had to get ready for work. Y let me listen to the "Earthquake Emergency Announcement" so I would know how it sounds like. Our street has a speaker which announces certain times of the day and is also used for emergency alerts, apparently they are all over Japan (I never noticed).

Y also told me the Tohoku earthquake in 2011 was the scariest he had experienced. I hope never to experience such a disaster but Y has told me to just be prepared, although Yamanashi hasn't had any major quakes, no one knows where the next one would hit. In contrast to my home country, Japan is relatively safe (in relation to theft and crime) but at high risk for earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons. Wherelse in KL, snatch thieves are rampant and heartless but Malaysians are safe from such natural disasters. Hmm.. 

Might be a little over-cautious, but I'm going to pack an emergency bag and leave it near the door of our home.

Going to be Googling more about earthquakes today.

Wonect Beauty Review: Lion Leg & Foot Relief Cooling Gel Patch

First item out of Wonect's November Beauty Box, these Lion Leg & Foot Relief Cooling Gel Patches are a must-have for ladies who love their high heels or spend hours walking (shopping). These patches are really popular and I used to pick boxes up for friends whenever I travelled to Japan. 

A box contains 3 individually sealed packs, each with 6 patches inside. I usually keep a few lying around for when I spend a really long day walking or being on my feet. Although they are marketed as relief for legs, I have also used them on my neck and shoulder and they are really a treat for sore shoulders!

The patches are fairly large, and though they are of a gel texture, these don't drip and have no essence nor liquid on them. I very much enjoy the scent which is an aromatic herbal mix of lavender, sage, rosemary, lemon and orange; soothing yet fresh and not overpowering. 

To use, just remove the plastic backing and adhere the patch onto whichever body part is sore. The cooling sensation can be felt immediately, and I had mine on for over 2 hours and the patch still felt cool. It doesn't say how long to leave the patch on from the back of the box but just as long as there's still a cooling effect, you can keep it on. The patch is really comfortable to wear, it doesn't hurt or tug on the skin but stays on well so you can move about. Removal was also easy and gentle on the skin.

These are not reusable, but you can cut them smaller for a better fit. All in all, a handy product to have and keep around the home.

Interested in the LION Leg & Foot Relief Cooling Gel Patch? Check out the link below!

Also, from now until Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

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Wedding Venue!

Checked out our wedding venue today and had lunch there to sample the food (again). We have had dinner here before and the food was excellent but since we were having a lunch wedding reception, we both felt we should at least try their lunch fare out. Any excuse to fine dine.

As we expected, both the food and service were top notch. I really fell in love with the decor and ambiance the first time I visited and I still felt the same today. Simple and classic but tasteful, lots of natural light and wood. LOVE!

We aren't going to decorate the place because I really like how it looks already and it saves us a fair bit too. Don't want too much going on which detracts from the beauty of the place. The restaurant also over looks a vineyard but unfortunately it would be bare when we have our reception in October.

Nevertheless, still a beautiful place and I hope our guests would think so too!

We also checked out the hotels along Lake Kawaguchi and a few restaurants in the area for casual dining. The colours of autumn are really so beautiful.

A very productive day out with my love!

Wonect Beauty Review: Yunos Wrap Film & Moisture Mask

In the past year or so, I've started to use masks diligently- at least 3 times a week. I find that my skin does look better and is more hydrated, not to mention it helps my makeup go on better too. I really like ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Snail and Aloe as I find they don't irritate my sensitive skin.

One of the items in Wonect's October Beauty Package was the Yunos Wrap Film & Moisture Mask. There are 3 individual packs and these masks can be used hot or cold- leave them in the bathtub/bowl of warm water or in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. 

This 2-layer sheet mask with beauty essence and wrap-film prevents the evaporation of essence and is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Royal Jelly Extract which provide deep moisturization to the skin. Read more about how this mask works here.

I tried mine out after popping it into the fridge and when opened, I found the sheet mask to be well soaked in the beauty essence. Unfolding it was simple, just follow the illustration above to pull at the "tabs" and it would unfold. After about 20 minutes, I took it off and patted the remaining essence into my skin, followed by my usual skincare routine.

This was how the mask looked after, it was still wet and I could have had it on for at least 30 minutes without it drying out. My face felt highly moisturized and supple, and I did not experience any irritation with this. 

Interested in the Yunos Wrap Mask? Check out the link below!

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