HONG KONG BEAUTY HAUL

Not a lot, but not that little stuff too.

it's amazing how quickly time flies when you're so lost in the current moment,
it's good to be back in hong kong,
to be honest i can't really recall much because i try my best to be enjoying my time here instead of actively trying to remember what i do.
it's better to enjoy it then and there, than to enjoy it when i'm recalling.
I THINK.
but then again, we as humans love to replay our memories in our heads,
i guess i need to strike a balance somewhere.

i'm going off tangent here! let's come back to the beauty stuff i bought in the past few weeks :)
just doing a quick entry because i'm about to head out to sai kung soon!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE



PRODUCT DETAILS//

all prices are in hong kong dollars, unless otherwise stated



from left to right:

DOLLY WINK | LIQUID EYELINER II | BLACK

$60 | DRAGON CENTRE

(got this in one of the tiny shops within the mall, i don't recommend buying there since i suspect mine is a fake)

DOLLY WINK | LIQUID EYELINER III | DEEP BLACK

$99 | SASA

DOLLY WINK | LIQUID EYELINER III | DEEP BROWN

$99 | SASA

(got these 2 eyeliners with a 20% discount, so each rounds off to about $79)

DOLLY WINK LONG MASCARA 

$95 | SASA

from left to right:

HEROINE MAKE | SMOOTH LIQUID LINER (OLD PACKAGING)

$60 | DRAGON CENTER

HEROINE MAKE | SMOOTH LIQUID LINER (NEW PACKAGING)

$75 | SASA

MAYBELLINE | MASTERLINER | BK-1

$59 | MANNING

MAYBELLINE | MASTERLINER | BR-1

$59 | MANNING

(manning was having a 20% discount on all maybelline eyeliners, so i paid $48 each instead)

from left to right:

KATE | LASH MAXIMIZER EYELASH PLUS | EX-1

$90 | SASA

KATE | DESIGNING EYEBROW N | EX-4

$76 | SASA

INNISFREE | ECO EYEBROW PENCIL | 01 GREY

$38 | INNISFREE

INNISFREE | ECO EYEBROW PENCIL | 02 BLACK

$38 | INNISFREE

from left to right:

MAKEUP REVOLUTION | REDEMPTION PALETTE ICONIC 3

$68 | HAKME BEAUTY STORE

(this shop isn't easy to find, but the address is stated on their instagram, which i've linked above)

KATE | BROWN SHADE EYES | BR-6

GIFTED TO ME BY MY AUNT

CANMAKE | MATTE FLEUR CHEEKS | 04

GIFTED TO ME BY MY AUNT

DHC | LIP CREAM

GIFTED TO ME BY HAZEL

REVLON | COLORSTAY ULTIMATE SUEDE | 035 BACKSTAGE

GIFTED TO ME BY HAZEL

REVLON | COLORSTAY ULTIMATE SUEDE | 095 FINALE

GIFTED TO ME BY HAZEL

REVLON | COLORSTAY MOISTURE STAIN | 035 MIAMI FEVER

GIFTED TO ME BY HAZEL

LUCAS PAPAW OINTMENT

GIFTED TO ME BY HAZEL

MENTHOLATUM | LIP PURE | ORIGINAL

$30.5 | BONJOUR

VISEE | CREAMY LIPSTICK | PK 805

GIFTED TO ME BY MY GF

VISEE | COLOR POLISH LIPSTICK | RD 420

GIFTED TO ME BY MY GF

L'OREAL | MOIST MATTE | PR511 SPRING ROSETTE

$73.5 | MANNING

(also discounted, i can't recall the original price :P)

from left to right:

REVLON | COLORSTAY GEL ENVY | 600 QUEEN OF HEARTS

$68 | WATSONS

(totally forgot to mention this in the video, it's the shade i'm wearing on my nails :P)

VERSACE | EROS | 5ML

$40.5 | BONJOUR

VERSACE | BRIGHT CRYSTAL | 5ML

$40.5 | BONJOUR

(i found that bonjour is the place to get the best price on perfume samples because they give an additional 10% off. $40.5 is the final price i pay!)

as i'm typing the list of things i got, i just remember i forgot to mention the bifesta cleansing express lotion because i already packed it into my luggage! oh well.

TIME FOR ME TO RUN!
hope you enjoyed the video!

REVLON Moisture Stain (005 Parisian Passion) Review and Swatch

My thoughts after using it for more than 2 months.

i've already done a first impression for this product, in this entry i'll just add a little more details shots and swatches.


the shade i got is 005 parisian passion.

i've been eyeing this shade ever since it was released in the U.S. because it's hard to come across such a gorgeous deep purple shade in the usual drugstore brands. after praying hard that revlon singapore will bring in this shade, my prayer is answered!!!


the paddle applicator has a tapered top, giving you more control and precision when maneuvering around the delicate corners/cupid's bow.

NUDE LIPS | ONE THIN COAT | 2 LAYERS OF PRODUCT

COLOUR:
i've colour corrected the photos so as to show a more true to life colour. i've mentioned in my first impression that this is a purplish wine-burgundy shade, that description still holds true. it's reminds me of black berry juice perhaps - a dark purplish shade.



PACKAGING:
the colour on the packaging is a good depiction of the product's colour. if you can't test this out in your local drugstore, it's useful to place the tube over your lips to imagine how this colour will look with your skin tone.

WEAR AND TEXTURE:
the product is slightly viscous and can go on a little too thick and cushiony initially, hence it's best to apply many thin layers instead of one thick layer or product. after several hours however, it will thin out and by the time i blot my lips with a piece of tissue, there is little emollient that transfers to the tissue. most of it either absorbed into my lips or evaporated away.

my lips continue to feel hydrated and moisturized for up to 3-4 hours, however do not be surprised when you realize your lips feel a little rough and hard at the end of the day unless you keep reapplying it. the long hours of no touch up definitely speeds up my lips' renewal process.

once the stain gets onto our lips, the colour of the product will change. i noticed that if i were to wipe off the products off my lips initially, the product looks just like it did from the tube (as in dark purplish). hours later, when i blot my lips the lip stick stain i get is a clear blackish shade. i have no idea what transpired, but it's probably the loss of water soluble stain that got stuck onto my lips.

despite the glossy/balmy texture, i'm happy to report the product DOES NOT feather.

STAIN:
the wonderful thing about this product is its staining power. i'm left with a berry-bitten lips after wiping it off after several hours. i'm not exactly sure how long it'll take to stain your lips, but the longer you leave it in, the deeper the stain. common sense right?



VERDICT:
i absolutely adore its texture and how it feels on my lips. it's hydrating, the colour payoff is amazing, and that stain is so lovely.

however, this might be the kind of product which will require the user to learn how to work with it. it's not idiot proof and one must be patient when applying - many thin layers instead of one thick layer. also, make full use of the paddle applicator by pressing it hard against your lips for the best application possible. just speaking from personal experience.

i mean, this is a very kissable product because you can use it as a lip stain. no transfers to your lover's cheeks or lips!

DIGITAL FASHION WEEK // VLOG_#001

Have you been to a fashion show before? Me neither!

i was invited by stylehaul to attend the DIGITAL FASHION WEEK 2015,
happening over the last week of october 2015 at capitol theatre.

WATCH IT HERE




it's my first show and i do not know what to expect, at all.
i was actually kinda worried i'm over dressed because i was decked out in clothes i don't usually wear (my cousin gifted me a skirt that i wouldn't have bought if i saw it on my own), but once i'm there i feel a lot more at ease because there are others who're wearing more outrageous outfits than me.

there are times when i find the show to be extremely funny,
especially when the female models drifted across me like a ghost.
(oops, sorry!)

if i were to talk about 3 highlights of the show that weekend, it'd be this three:

1) the awesome acoustic band that played music during the first show
2) getting to meet awesome ladies who were also invited by stylehaul
3) the hot and cute male models in the CYC show.

i am kind enough to share the uncut video of the CYC show :) it brings a smile to my face whenever that clip plays as i'm double checking the entire video. hehehe!

to be honest, i was too busy enjoying the moment than to capture more footage on camera.
what happens at the DFW, stays at DFW :P

ALLURE KOREA: BEST IN BEAUTY 2015 (PART 2)

Here come's the hoard of skin care products I've never heard of before

last week i posted part 1 of the 2015 allure korea best in beauty awards, which focuses on cosmetics and makeup products. click here if you want to see the best in beauty awards for year 2014!

this week is all about skin care, and given korea's impressive range of beauty brands, don't be surprised to see unfamiliar brands. i had a hard time translating some of them because.. KOREAN!

images via allure korea

1. CLEANSING OIL

AWARD WINNER

VDL | NAKED CLEANSING OIL CREAM STRONG

EDITOR'S PICK

SHU UEMURA | BLANC:CHROMA CLEANSING TONE-UP OIL

2.CLEANSING FOAM AND GEL

AWARD WINNER

VICHY | PURETE THERMALE FRESH CLEANSING GEL

EDITOR'S PICK

AROMATICA | GERANIUM CASTILE SOAP

3. CLEANSING WATER

AWARD WINNER

ETUDE HOUSE | REAL ART NO WASH CLEANSING WATER

EDITOR'S PICK

BIODERMA | HYDRABIO H20

4. TONER

AWARD WINNER

VERITE | TIMELESS EFFECT SKIN SOFTENER

EDITOR'S PICK

PHILOSOPHY | RENEWED HOPE IN A JAR HYDRATING AND REFINING LOTION

5. FACIAL OIL

AWARD WINNER

BIOTHERM | BLUE THERAPY SERUM IN OIL

EDITOR'S PICK

SISLEY | BLACK ROSE PRECIOUS FACE OIL

6. BOOSTING ESSENCE

AWARD WINNER

A-TRUE | REAL BLACK TEA TRUE ACTIVE ESSENCE

EDITOR'S PICK

KIEHL'S | IRIS EXTRACT ACTIVATING TREATMENT ESSENCE

7. MOISTURIZING ESSENCE

AWARD WINNER

A'PIEU | ESSENTIAL SOURCE HYALURONIC ACID MOISTURE ESSENCE

EDITOR'S PICK

SU:M 37 | WATER-FUL TIMELESS POWER ESSENCE

8. MOISTURIZING CREAM

AWARD WINNER

L'OCCITANE | SHEA LIGHT COMFORTING CREAM

EDITOR'S PICK

THE REMEDY | ROOT THERAPY 60 CREAM

9. ANTI-AGING ESSENCE

AWARD WINNER

CLARINS | TOTAL V ESSENCE

EDITOR'S PICK

AMORE PACIFIC | CONTOUR LIFT SKIN DEFINING SERUM

10. ANTI-AGING CREAM

AWARD WINNER

ESTEE LAUDER | RE-NUTRIV ULTIMATE DIAMOND TRANSFORMATIVE ENERGY CREAM

EDITOR'S PICK

HERA | SIGNIA CREAM

11. WHITENING ESSENCE

AWARD WINNER

LANCOME | BLANC EXPERT SPOT ERASER

EDITOR'S PICK

SHISEIDO | VITAL PERFCTION WHITE CIRCULATOR SERUM

12. WHITENING CREAM

AWARD WINNER

GIVERNY | WHITE BLOOMING CREAM

EDITOR'S PICK

DARPHIN | MELAPERFECT SKIN TONE BRIGHTENING MOISTURIZER SPF20

13. EYE TREATMENT

AWARD WINNER

CLARINS | EXTRA-FIRMING EYE CREAM

EDITOR'S PICK

SULWHASOO | JINSEOL EYE CREAM

14. FACIAL SCRUB

AWARD WINNER

ALL VIT | SKIN LIGHTNING DEAD CELL CONTROL MASK

EDITOR'S PICK

MIZON | BITTER LEMON SPARKLING PEELING GEL

15. FACIAL MIST

AWARD WINNER

HANYUL | PURE ARTEMISIA FRESH CALMING WATER

EDITOR'S PICK

SIKMOOLNARA | ALOE VERA FINE MIST

16. SLEEPING PACK

AWARD WINNER

DREAM WORKS | SHREK MAGICAL SLEEPING PACK

EDITOR'S PICK

BANILA CO | IT RADIANT BRIGHTENING SLEEPING PACK

ENDING NOTE:

when translating the brand and product name for the facial mist (sikmoolnara), i actually got search result on google: plantnara.com. i clicked in and guess the expression on my face when i see a website dedicated to selling plants!? HAHAHA i broke a sweat and almost tore out my hair. so there goes my little translating adventure. 

GRWM + Q&A // WHERE AM I FROM, MY ENGLISH

I managed to squeeze 21 questions into 13 minutes.

my second GET READY WITH ME video (you can watch the first one here)!

this time i'm getting ready for a dinner date, since the focus was on answering the questions i didn't get to talk much about my makeup, but i tried! if you missed all the product information both IN THE VIDEO and IN THE DESCRIPTION, here is the list of products i've used.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED//


products not numbered in chronological order.

click on the links to see their reviews and swatches.

1. LAVSHUCA melting eyes (BR)
2. KATE mineral foundation powder (OC-B)
3. REVLON colorstay balm stain (050 precious)
4. L'OREAL super lustrous lipstick (P511 touch of amaranth)
5. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
6. MAYBELLINE masterliner (BR-1)
7. HEROINE MAKE smooth liquid eyeliner 
8. DOLLY WINK long mascara

BRUSHES USED//




1. REAL TECHNIQUES deluxe crease brush
2. KATE eyeliner brush cut into an angled brush

you can read my review of the real techniques brushes here.

THE LOOK//


close up of the face.

i kept the face bare because of my skin, so the eyes and lips became my focus. i think the milky pink added a bit of colour without it being too overpowering! as much as i love wearing darker lip colours, but i don't want to scare my date away :P


closer look at the eyes.

the shadows are kept to a minimum as with my recent practices. it was just in amounts just enough to justify its purpose - to add a gentle contouring effect to my eyes after i've flattened it with my powder foundation. anything more will look too much, which doesn't fit with my aim of making it look undetectable. instead, i relied heavily on shimmery light shades to draw light into my eyes, especially the inner corners.


tried my best to keep the eyeliner as thin as i can, and made my lashes look incredibly long for a sweeter effect :P

if you have questions to ask, do comment on the youtube page (it's easier for collation of questions!)!

ALLURE KOREA: BEST IN BEAUTY 2015 (PART 1)

Let's start with make up and cosmetics!

the 2015 allure korea best in beauty award is out! click here if you're interested in seeing the best in beauty awards for 2014.

i've translated the product names into english :)
it's always interesting to look at such beauty awards because there's just too many beauty brands and products out there.
at least we now have some starting points to cut down our chances of ending up with a product that doesn't work well!

all images belong to allure korea.

1. BB CREAM

AWARD WINNER

L'OREAL PARIS | LUCENT MAGIC ESSENCE

EDITOR'S PICK

IOPE | UV SHIELD BB SPF50+/PA+++

2. CC CREAM

AWARD WINNER

TONY MOLY | GOAT MILK PURE CC SPF30/PA++

EDITOR'S PICK

A'PEU | TONE-UP CC CREAM

3. PRIMER

AWARD WINNER

ANNA SUI | CREAMY FOUNDATION PRIMER

EDITOR'S PICK

L'OREAL PARIS | BASE MAGIQUE PRIMER

4. ILLUMINATOR

AWARD WINNER

BURBERRY | FRESH GLOW LUMINOUS FLUID | 01 NUDE RADIANCE

EDITOR'S PICK

DAVI | RADIANT GLOW STARTER

5. LIQUID FOUNDATION

AWARD WINNER

LANCOME | TEINT MIRACLE AURA FOUNDATION

EDITOR'S PICK

ESPOIR | PRO TAILOR LIQUID FOUNDATION

6. BLUSHER

AWARD WINNER

CARGO | BLUSH | THE BIG EASY

EDITOR'S PICK

SHISEIDO MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC MOOD VEIL | RD100

7. COMPACT FOUNDATION

AWARD WINNER

BENEFIT | HELLOW FLAWLESS SPF15

EDITOR'S PICK

GUERLAIN | LINGERIE DE PEAU COMPACT FOUNDATION | 1 PALE BEIGE

8. CONCEALER

AWARD WINNER

VIDI VICI | PERFECT BASE CONCEALER DUO | 1

EDITOR'S PICK

DOCTOR JART | BB MATE CONTOURING KIT NEUTRALIZING

9. CUSHION PACT

AWARD WINNER

LANEIGE | BB CUSHION ANTI AGING SPF50+/PA++++ | 13 TRUE BEIGE

EDITOR'S PICK

IOPE | AIR CUSHION XP INTENSE COVER SPF50+/PA+++ | 21

10. MASCARA

AWARD WINNER

MAYBELLINE | MEGA EYES WATER PROOF

EDITOR'S PICK

LANCOME | GRANDIOSE SMUDGE PROOF | 1

11. PENCIL EYE LINER

AWARD WINNER

SIXTEEN BRAND | 16 PENCIL LINER

EDITOR'S PICK

SHU UEMURA | DRAWING PENCIL | 3 BLUE BLACK

12. LIQUID EYE LINER

AWARD WINNER

PERI PERA | HOLY DEEP LINER MAKER | 1 BLACK

EDITOR'S PICK

LUNA | EXTREME SHARP LIQUID EYELINER

13. EYEBROW MASCARA

AWARD WINNER

MAC | PRO LONG WEAR WATERPROOF BROW SHADE

EDITOR'S PICK

KATE | EYEBROW COLOR N | LIGHT BROWN

14. EYE SHADOW

AWARD WINNER

MAKEUP FOREVER | ARTIST SHADOW | 546

EDITOR'S PICK

BOBBI BROWN | LONG WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK | 23

15. EYE SHADOW PALETTE

AWARD WINNER

DIOR | 5 COULEURS | 646-30 MONTAIGNE

EDITOR'S PICK

VDL | EXPORT COLOR EYE BOOK | 6.4 NO.1 WARM TONE

16. LIP BALM

AWARD WINNER

AVENE | COLD CREAM LIP CREAM

EDITOR'S PICK

BIODERMA | ATODERM LIPSTICK

17. RED LIPSTICK

AWARD WINNER

NARS | AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK | LANA

EDITOR'S PICK

TONY MOLY | KISS LOVER LIP CLICK | RASPBERRY

18. PINK LIPSTICK

AWARD WINNER

BOBBI BROWN | RICH LIP COLOR | 43 IBIZA PINK

EDITOR'S PICK

HERA | ROUGE HOLIC | 147 SUPREME PINK

19. ORANGE LIPSTICK

AWARD WINNER

VIDI VICI | ROUGE EXCELLENCE INTENSE | 126 SERBIA CORAL

EDITOR'S PICK

MAC | LIPSTICK | NEON ORANGE AMPLIFIED

20. RED LIQUID LIP

AWARD WINNER

LAURA MERCIER | SILK LIP PAINT | VERMILLION RED

EDITOR'S PICK

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL | SHAKE GLOSSY BLASTER TINT | 1 CHIC RED

21. PINK LIQUID LIP

AWARD WINNER

TONY MOLY | PERFECT LIPS SHOCKING LIP | 1 PINK SHOCKING

EDITOR'S PICK

THE FACE SHOP | INK LIPQUID | PK04

22. ORANGE LIQUID LIP

AWARD WINNER

CATHYCAT | MATCH LIPQUID | 201

EDITOR'S PICK

PERI PERA | PERI'S TINT INK | 3

23. LIP CRAYON

AWARD WINNER

CODE GLOKOLOR | L. LIP PASTEL | MEDIUM RED

EDITOR'S PICK

IT'S SKIN | IT'S TOP BY ITALY SATION LIP PENCIL | 3 ORANGE RED

ENDING NOTE:

i'm always overwhelmed when translating the allure best in beauty awards because there is always new brands and new products i've never heard before. and i thought i was pretty well exposed to beauty brands. *shake my head*

PART 2 OF THE ALLURE KOREA BEST IN BEAUTY IS OUT!

FALL MAKEUP// 008 SPARKLING WINE

A LOOK FOR DIFFERENT EYE SHAPE, FINALLY.

last year i released two makeup looks for fall, both using burgundy colour - smokey burgundy for asian eyes, and an ulzzang style burgundy eye look. after last week's orange themed fall look, here's yet another burgundy themed look, but this time it's featuring a different set of eyes!

let us welcome my cousin HAZEL! :D

she's in town for the week to visit me, i took this chance to film her as a lot of people share a similar eye shape as her.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED//

i totally forgot to take a photograph of all the products she used, and she happily flew off the next day after filming.

the products are listed in chronological order as shown in the video:

1. VIDI VICI skin illumination
2. VIDI VICI perfect face glow foundation (01 light)
3. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
4. HEAVY ROTATION coloring eyebrow (03 ash brown)
5. INNISFREE mineral powder pact (13 light beige)


6. URBAN DECAY naked smoky

• 1. THIRTEEN
• 2. COMBUST
• 3/6. HIGH
• 5. RADAR

7. ETUDE HOUSE look at my eyes 

• 4. look at my eyes cafe PK004

8. HEROINE MAKE volume and curl mascara super waterproof
9. BENEFIT high beam
10. VISEE blend color cheeks (OR-6)
11. MAC prep + prime lip
12. MAC retro matte (all fired up)

BRUSHES USED//

1. dual sided brush that came with the NAKED SMOKY palette
2. REAL TECHNIQUES accent brush

you can read my review of the real techniques brushes here.

THE LOOK//


close up of the eyes.

doing your eye makeup can be tremendously easy if you have the right product. i finally understand why the naked palette has become a cult favourite by most ladies out there. their blend of matte and shimmer shades make it an extremely versatile palette and you can create almost any look with it.

the matte shades are very useful for blending out and contouring, while the shimmery shades are beautiful to be used as either on the inner corners or even on the lids! it's very different from the japanese eyeshadows i've been using so i'm really amused.


side view of the look.

as the eye look is mostly shimmery and light (even with the inclusion of the darker wine shade), it pairs up nicely with a pair of bold lips. the glowy skin helps to balance things out too!


from the front.

i love how hazel made the eyeshadow work on her. using the wine shade as an accent colour is a great way for people with eye shape like hers.

i've received many questions on how to do makeup for monolids or eyelid folds that aren't very obvious. their concern is usually regarding their eyeliner, and my answer is always to rely on the lashes instead of eyeliner to frame their eyes. instead of using a super thick eyeliner that may make any look instantly over the top, a skinny eyeliner and well curled lashes might do the job better.


hopefully you like hazel's look as much as i do! it's her first time filming, so show her some love!