New In: February 2017

Sakura season is looming, and many beauty brands are pushing out sakura themed products- either in terms of packaging or using the actual flower as an ingredient.

Such a pretty lot from last month's purchases. It's a coincidence that everything I picked up is pink.

Lux Luminique Sakura Dream is a limited edition only sold during this season, I enjoy using the Luminique range and the scent is quite nice so I bought it.
Canmake Transparent Finish Powder TL a lavender powder which I will be using to set my makeup during Part 1 of #MrMrsKomai (yes that's the hashtag we will be using!) and yes, I will be doing my own makeup too.
Cow brand Additive Free Cleansing Oil, I'm down to 1 unopened cleansing oil in my stash so I figured a backup is needed. Not really fussed with my cleansing oils, as long as they do the job well, affordable and is ok for sensitive skin, I'm happy to try it out.
DUP x Rola Eyelashes Fixer EX, as mentioned above I will be doing my own makeup so I picked up a bottle of eyelash glue. This has the "Cosme Award" sticker so it should be good. Pretty packaging! *buys them all*

The month of March will be a no-buy, except for masks which I use on a daily basis for #100daysofmasks. Check out my Instagram(xxenn) to see what what masks I've been using daily leading to my big day.

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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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!

Shop Here!

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!

Shop Here!

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!

Shop Here!

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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Wonect Beauty Review: maNara Hot Cleansing Gel

Cleansers are a must in my daily skincare, I might skip on lotions or eye cream when I'm lazy but never my cleansing step! I have to cleanse twice a day, once in the morning with a light gel or foam, and once more at night to remove the day's makeup and buildup.

I've always favoured cleansing oils to remove my makeup as I find the slip of the oils as I massage away the grime to be enjoyable and gentle on my skin. A perk for me is dislodging little oil seeds or bits of dust as I massage away (regardless of brand used). 

maNara Hot Cleansing Gel isn't new to the market but I was wary of picking it up despite the raves as I was concerned the heat produced would irritate my sensitive skin. But guess what, again I am proven wrong! I don't usually type in caps but I LOVE THIS!!! I REALLY DO!!

Wonect sent over a trial pack of 6 sachets, but because I am on a cosmetics & beauty ban (I have enough cleansers to last me another year) I can't even buy it!! I really love this product so I'm saving the last 2 packs for when my skin needs a little TLC.

This gem here is formulated with 91.4% of serum-like hydrating ingredients- Collagen, Ceramide, Royal jelly extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Honey and Grapefruit extract amongst other things. There is zero Paraben, Mineral Oil, Petroleum derived agents, Ethanol, Synthetic colour or scent. 

Many high-end brands boast nutrient rich ingredients but I've never really felt any of them to live up to the claims not even La Mer's Cleansing Oil. So I don't buy into expensive cleansing oils anymore and instead started trying out more drugstore brands as they all did the job. But this, this is LOVE! I definitely felt the ingredients nourish my skin and it felt so soft after!

The orange gel which gets it's colour from carrot extract squeezes out thick and has a orange scent to me but apparently it's 100% grapefruit. As I massaged it on my face it turned into a oil-like texture which spread easily. It also got hotter but never to an uncomfortable stage. I was initially worried I would end up with a red face because of the heat but I didn't experience any redness nor irritation. It removed my makeup perfectly and it felt like I had a mini-facial. I couldn't stop stroking my soft face after! Read more about how this gel works here.

I never thought a makeup remover or cleanser could be SO GOOD! Love the scent, the texture, the deep cleansing from the heat and the softness I experienced after is like no other. I highly recommend this product!

I've really discovered many new Japanese products through Wonect, thank you to the lovely team for the carefully curated and prettily wrapped packages!

Interested in the maNara Hot Cleansing Gel? Check out the link below!

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Wonect Beauty Review: Sweets Sweets Cushion Tint Cheek (Cassis Tea)

If you've only time to put on 3 makeup items on your face before rushing out, which would you pick? I used to think it was foundation/BB cream, eyeliner and a lip colour but I still look unpolished and somewhat pale. After much trial, my 3 picks for rushed or casual days are- BB cream, eyebrow powder and blusher. I find myself looking much more presentable this way, if my lips are pale I can just purse them a few times to get some redness or if my eyes are puffy I just put on sunnies or glasses. Looking radiant is more important to me and a good blusher plays an important role.

The Sweets Sweets Cushion Tint Cheek sent over by Wonect in October's box is as it says, a cheek tint which dispenses from the tube and just like a BB cushion, you pat pat pat it on your cheeks. I received the colour Cassis Tea which is a neutral red. The formula contains beautifying ingredients which include Hyaluronic Acid and fruit extracts to moisturize the cheeks.

The cushion cover is detachable and can be washed, just remember to let it dry completely before snapping it back on. 

Texture-wise, it reminds me of a jelly (I squeezed some out with the cushion cover removed) and upon application, it feels watery but dries off well.

Reds are perfect for creating a flushed or rosy look, but you have to go light-handed else it just ends up being too dramatic. I love how natural this looks on me! First and second picture below I only have it on the left cheek.

The colour blends well into my skin and isn't matte but has a very slight dewy look. It is definitely buildable, just squeeze some more and continue patting the cushion on your cheeks.

Complete look on both cheeks! Love how natural it is.

This Cushion Tint Cheek is great for beginners as it is easy to control the application plus the formula is blendable, buildable and you can always layer on more easily without suddenly turning into a clown. The formula is quite resistant once dry and doesn't transfer nor smudge and is long-wearing. 

Removal was easy, I had no problems using my usual oil cleanser. However, if travelling with this do take note not pack it too tightly or place any pressure on the tube whilst in transit. It wouldn't spill out but you might end up with a heavily soaked cushion. Other than this, it's pretty much perfect to create a naturally flushed look.

Interested in the Sweets Sweets Cushion Tint Cheek? Check out the link below!

Shop Here!

Wonect Beauty Review: Love Liner x Sanrio Liquid Eyeliner

I may be a full-grown adult but my heart still flutters a little when I come across character merchandise. Sanrio, Disney, LINE, The Little Prince.. I could go on! Today's focus is on the latest limited release by MSH Love Liner x Sanrio Characters.

These liquid eyeliners are from Love Liner's permanent line but the packaging is limited edition. They have 5 cute characters in this collaboration, from the much-loved Hello Kitty to the lazy but adorable Gudetama! I received the Little Twin Stars character which is Rich Black, perfect for me as I only use black liners. 

All the liners come in their character specific boxes which is made from a sturdy material and opens up into a card with the pen stored in the middle. So cute I couldn't bear to throw it out!! 

What sets Love Liners apart from other liquid liners is that it's formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as Apple Cell Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Pearl Protein and Hydrolized Silk to help treat the delicate eye area. The 0.1mm brush is also one of the best I've tried- really fine and firm but soft. This is so important for liquid eyeliners- too soft and you can't draw a straight line, too hard and it hurts the eyelid. It also claims to be waterproof (it is), dramatic, dries easily and removes speedily too.

I feel that this liner would be great for beginners as the pen has a good weight to it and the brush is easy to draw with. I was able to create both thick and thin lines easily with the Love Liner. It doesn't take forever to dry and once set, is completely waterproof. I am very particular with my black liners- it has to dry off to a matte jet black, no wishy-washy, no gloss, no shine, no wet look for me. The opacity of the colour can be built with this liner, I got the black black I liked with 2 strokes.

The formula is gentle and has a light fruity scent (only if you sniff the pen) and did not irritate my sensitive eyes at all. It's definitely waterproof and performed really well on my oily lids. The eyeliner lasted for a good 8 hours and even through a hot, greasy, yakiniku dinner before it started to flake and fade a little, which is an awesome feat as most eye liners smudge and fade easily on me.

I especially like the fine 0.1mm tip, because I can draw lower "eyelashes" on and have it look so natural. My lower eyelashes are a little sparse and have empty spots, in all the pictures above I actually filled in the left eye with little strokes. Could you tell? On a separate note, I am using the Canmake Your Lip Only Balm and I love the colour which develops on my lips!

Overall, I like this liquid eyeliner and it does live up to it's claims. Removal was fast, I didn't try it with warm water but it came off easily with my eye makeup remover. It is recommended to store this liquid pen horizontally and to wipe it with a tissue after use to maintain the brush. Before use, just shake 3 times to get the liner flowing.

Interested in purchasing the Love Liner x Sanrio Liquid Eyeliner? Check out the link below!

Shop Here!