FOTD: Peachy

Now that I'm fun-employed, I rarely use makeup during the weekdays. So on weekends when we go out for dates, I'm trying to make it a point to play with some colours.

I do have a fair bit of eyeshadows but I never seem to touch them. I much prefer textures which work well with fingers as I'm very basic when it comes to eyeshadow application on my monolids. The maximum I would use is 2-3 colours. But most days I just use 1. Today I decided I wanted to go with a peachy look, heres what I used:

Face: Isa Knox x Bambi Cushion Compact

Eyeshadow: 3rd colour from Swisspure x Le Petit Prince Palette

Eyeliner: Maybelline Gel Liner

Eyebrows: Kate 

Blusher: Tarte Sweet

Highlighter: Colourpop Lunch Money

Lips: *forgot to use a product*

Am really happy with my skin lately, the moles on my face were always covered with high coverage foundation in the past but now that my skin is better, I don't need to cover up as much. Even my sister thought I drew my moles on (there's a matching one on the other cheek). Still contemplating sharing my acne journey, looking back at those photos I took at the height of my breakouts still shocks me.

Anyhow! Will post more of these "looks" so I don't forget which colours I used to create them.

Wonect Beauty Review: Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover

This product marks the final review in my Wonect Starlet journey, I would like to say thank you to the Wonect Team for giving me this opportunity. I have discovered many new products in the past few months, and have enjoyed receiving the notes which come with each month's package. It has been a great experience for me. Once again, thank you Roger and Harumi for your support!

So let's get to it! The Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover comes in a 145ml sturdy bottle and has been ranked number 1 in Cosme's Best Cosmetics list in the past.

It's a bi-phase eye makeup remover, which means there's a layer of oil and water which you have to shake before using. I find that bi-phase removers work so much better compared to water-based ones especially if you use waterproof or long-lasting eye makeup. I have been using bi-phase removers for many years as it takes off my eye makeup easier and faster.

After I removed the wrapper, I realized that the water part isn't actually blue but also clear like the oil part, but you can still see where they meet. The 2 layers work together to remove eye makeup quickly without rubbing or tugging- the water-based layer contains skin lotion-derived cleansing ingredients and the oil-based emollient layer sort of binds and slides off waterproof mascara and eyeliner. These ingredients include Vitamin B and E derivatives, Hyaluronic Acid, and are gentle on the eye area and eyelashes, protecting them and keeping the skin moisturized. The formula is also low-irritant, fragrance-free, colorant-free and preservative-free. 

Here's how it looks when shaken- a cloudy mixture which you then pour out onto a cotton pad. The mouth is the perfect size, doesn't dispense too much nor too little when you tilt the bottle. I usually use my eye makeup remover to remove my lipstick as well, so I have included swatches of a normal lipstick as well as a non-transfer matte liquid lipstick below.

Top to bottom- Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner (it is waterproof, smudge-proof and really hard to remove), a matte eyeshadow, a glittery eyeshadow, lipstick and a matte non-transfer liquid lipstick. 

Used one cotton pad with a few drops of the remover, the results above are with just one swipe! Everything came off so easily without any tugging on the skin, which is very important as the eye area is so thin and delicate.

All clean! Except for a little staining left behind by the liquid lipstick which nothing takes off anyway. If you're using it on your lips just remember not to lick them before giving them a wash. I did not detect any scent, and when used on my eyes it did not cloud my vision nor cause any stinging or irritation. I also used it on waterproof mascara and it took that off very easily. For stubborn and reallllly long-lasting makeup, just leave the soaked cotton pad on for about 5-10 seconds before swiping. 

All in, one of the best eye (and lip) makeup removers that I've tried and which performs just as well as my favourite Clarins Eye Makeup Remover! Would highly recommend!

Shop Here!

Wonect Beauty Review: Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Long Long Long

No, that's not a typo on the title.. the name of product number 2 in this month's Wonect Beauty Box is a mascara by Majolica Majorca named Lash Expander Long Long Long Mascara. It also says "Fulfills All Your Wishes" on the packaging, we'll see about that!

Before I get into this review, I have to state that I'm not a mascara user for a few reasons- 1) I have hooded lids so my lashes poke straight down, 2) I draw my eyeliner super thick so it doesn't show even if I use mascara (only visible sideways) might as well skip it, also 3) I have sensitive eyes and many formulas (even high end brands) cause it to sting mildly and tear. I've tried to incorporate mascara into my routine before but it was just too much trouble.

The packaging is also in-line with their other products, and makes me think of a dark, sexy and mysterious woman who uses them. This mascara is said to "contain 5 times of lengthening component, rich with deep black long fibers to achieve an intense, dramatic lash in a single stroke" and "with a liquid extension effect, smoothly elongates the lashes to leave them long, clump-free, glossy, with a long-lasting curl".

It has a unique 2-faced brush, the long and curved side is for lengthening and separating, whilst the shorter side is for retouching. You can see the little fibres poking out. The formula is waterproof and is able to resist sweat, water and sebum. It also contains treatment ingredients to care for lashes. So many claims, let me put them to the test!

Lash details from left to right, 1) uncurled, 2) after eyelash curler, eyes closed 3) eyes open and 4) after using mascara.

I am seriously impressed! My less than ideal lashes were definitely lengthened, so imagine what this could do for those with obvious lashes! The wet fibres brushed on easily and did not flake at all after it dried, not even when I accidentally rubbed my eyes (I forgot I had mascara on). They are weightless, not clumpy and did not smudge at all. Although it is primarily a lengthening mascara, it also held the curl very well- up until I removed it at night. Removal was easy with a eye makeup remover.

The Lash Expander does live up to it's claims and I highly recommend it! A+++

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: 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!

Wonect Review: Canmake Your Lip Only Balm

Today's review is on one of the products sent over by Wonect this month- the latest Canmake Your Lip Only Balm. I love lip balms, I have a huge stash and can't get enough- high end or drugstore, I'm always keen to test out more. Canmake is a popular Japanese cosmetics brand- it was one of the first brands I purchased when I started experimenting with makeup many many years ago. 

I've always been attracted to their packaging, a little OTT but still pretty and cute. Most of their cosmetics have skincare benefits too, something which I value in my makeup.

Your Lip Only Balm works the same way as the Your Lip Only Gloss, reacting with the moisture in our lips to create a unique shade. This new product comes in 2 colours- Clear (for a natural pink) and Purple (for a deeper, blue based pink). I was glad to receive the Purple as I have slightly pigmented lips and anything light would not show up well.

The packaging reminds me of cut glass, I find it ladylike with a touch of glamour and under the cap is a pretty flower motif on the tube.

The texture of this balm is solid but doesn't tug on the lips during application. It glides on well and the small size of the balm makes for a more precise lining of the lips without the use of a mirror. Your Lip Only Balm also offers UV protection of SPF15/PA++ and though the official site states that it contains beautifying emollient oils, I am unable to find what those exact oils are. 

The first shot is of my bare and dry lips. In the middle shot, I first applied the balm on the left half (one layer) to see the difference, and below is after the colour has fully developed on the whole lip (2 layers of the balm). There was a slight difference with one or two layers of the product.

Top- 1 layer, Bottom- 2 layers

The Balm is able to withstand drinks and snacking but reapplication is necessary after a full meal. The colour lasted for more than 4 hours on me (until it was meal time) which is impressive. I really love the unique colours which I get, it's either a flattering natural pink or a deeper blue based pink. Though it is labelled as a Balm, I didn't find it super hydrating but that said, it did smooth out the dry patches on my lips. 

I've been reaching for this Balm many times over the past weeks as it's so easy to use and gives me a very natural look for days when I want a hint of colour. Another lovely product in this month's box, thank you Wonect!

Interested in the Canmake Your Lip Only Balm? Check out the link below!

Shop Here!

I'm a Starlet!

I am so excited to announce that I have been selected as a Wonect Starlet! A while ago, I applied to be part of their Starlet Program. I've always had an interest in Japanese culture and products, so I was thrilled when I found out. As an Ambassador, I will be reviewing Japanese products courtesy of Wonect for the next 6 months. YAY!

A little background on Wonect (World Connect), they are a Kyoto based company which aims to introduce Japan to the world. The founder, Mr Mizuguchi, believes in the quality of Japanese products (as do I) and hopes that the wisdom and philosophy of the Japanese can play a role in the world to improve the lives of others. 

I for one, truly believe in the quality and efficacy of Japanese products; they are almost always the pioneers in technology and beauty fields.

You can read more about Japanese culture, lifestyle and products at Wonect.Life and shop at Wonect (they accept multiple currencies!).

For the month of August, I will be reviewing the 4 beauty products below:

♥ Eyebrow Tint in 01 Chocolat Brown   

♥ RMK Lip Jelly Gloss in 04 Orange Pearl

♥ Saborino Morning Mask

♥ Kose Softymo Honey Whip Cleansing Foam

Really keen to test out all of them! Will be back with my thoughts soon. Looking forward to the next 6 months of Japanese product reviews.