Oils are just like teenagers: misunderstood.

Now that the climate is a little dryer (assuming you're in a temperate region), it's time to whip out the extra nourishing stuff to pamper your skin. Well, if you sleep in an air conditioned environment, this applies to you too.

Oils are truly versatile, and probably the most misunderstood product thanks to misleading marketing in the past (where they blamed external use of oils for oily skin). You can use oils to remove makeup, massage, nourish your hair and body, and as the last step of your skin care routine to seal in all the moisture.

Not only are they a gift to people with dry skin, they might be able to help you rebalance your oily and dry skin too! Since overly oily skin is sometimes caused by dehydrated skin. I'd say it's the one product that EVERYONE can use.

Here are 5 products that are pretty popular in Japan (according to my little birdies over at @cosme), and an similar alternative (that cost less) to it because not all products are readily available worldwide.

Disclaimer: some of the links are affiliated links! 

HABA | SQUALANE | 30 ML | USD28.5

Derived from shark liver oil. Squalane is naturally present in our skin, but due to all sorts of internal and external factors, one might need a little outside help to boost it's concentration in our skin. It's absorbed quickly into the skin to restore soft skin.

VERSUS

LIFE FLOW HEALTH | PURE OLIVE SQUALANE OIL | 60 ML | USD 15.84

Derived from olive oil. Technically speaking both compounds are similar on a chemical level. If you're vegan, this plant based squalane oil might be a better option for you!

MUJI | JOJOBA OIL | 100 ML | USD 27

This purified jojoba seed oil is colourless. Since Jojoba oil is very similar to our own lipids in our skin, it penetrates our skin well and leave it hydrated and nourished.

VERSUS

NOW FOODS | ORGANIC JOJOBA OIL | 118 ML | USD 9.93

Organic jojoba seed oil. I actually tried this before! It smells a little nutty, and is somewhat thicker than sweet almond oil. My skin drinks it up and it stays supple for quite some time! Takes about 10 minutes for it to sink in, similar to almost all the other oils I've tried.

MELVITA | ARGAN OIL | 50 ML | 3500 YEN (about USD 35)

Every oil has it's time to shine, and argan oil had its 15 minutes of fame a while back when the Moroccan hair oil was hyped. But just like any other oil, it can be used on evey other part of your body. Supposedly rich in vitamin E - a good antioxidant that can lighten scars and reduce appearance of lines, if it doesn't actually lighten up your scars, you will be at least guaranteed with skin that is more elastic and soft.

p.s. I can't find any American websites selling it, so I can't get an official price. Loosely converted the currency to arrive at USD35.

VERSUS

ACURE ORGANICS | MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL | 30 ML | USD 11.05

This is also organic, but it's actually available worldwide thanks to iHerb :D And I've done the math: the per 50ML price (only USD 18+ for 50ML) is lower than Melvita's.

TRILOGY | ROSEHIP OIL | 45 ML | USD 39.90

Packed with natural vitamin A, the rosehip seed oil has been found to decrease the appearance of scars and fine lines over time. Something to do with the faster cell turn over perhaps?

VERSUS

LIFE FLO HEALTH | PURE ROSEHIP SEED OIL | 30 ML | USD 5.76

If you don't wanna spend a bomb for basically the same thing, then the one from Life Flo gives you the best bang for buck. I'm on my second bottle now. Don't think I'll ever go without it. I can't say anything about reduction of scars or pigmentation, nor fine lines since I don't have them yet. But I can vouch for its lightness (using 3-4 drops for the face and neck) and how supple my skin the nexft morning. Also, I like its slight nutty aroma.

KNEIPP | BIO OIL | 100 ML | USD 19.25

Formulated with a blend of safflower oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil, it is fragranced with the refreshing grapefruit essential oil. Meant to be used as a massage oil, it can also be used to treat extra dry skin, as well as preventing stretch marks.

VERSUS

WELEDA | WILD ROSE BODY OIL | 100 ML | USD 19.97

This rose scented oil blend consists of jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, and rosehip seed oil. I picked this out of the other massage oils I've seen because of the nourishing blend of oils. Definitely "better" than safflower and sunflower seed oil, but that's just personal preference! Also, who can resist a luxurious rose scent?

Ending thoughts:
I'm a huge lover of oils. Maybe because I have dry skin to begin with, venturing into the realm of oils is a natural progression for me that isn't filled with the fear some of you might have. Most people fear oils making their skin more oily, or making them grow milia seeds on their faces. As far as I know, milia seeds grow because of some metabolic issues pertaining to the individual, which may or may not be exacerbated by the content of the oils they use. With that said, the fear is real since milia seeds can be a pain to get rid of.

Anyway, I am not the type who gets milia seeds, so there's really no stopping me in swimming in a pod of oil if I can because my skin loves it that much! They do a good enough job to moisturize my eczema patches without irritating it, so that's the peace of mind I get when using natural oils. The lesser ingredients the better!

If you've never used oils on your skin before, fall/winter is a good time to give it a try because the dryer climate will make things less messy for you. Since most oils can be used everywhere, you can experiment on your body before using them on your face.

Just remember to give your skin some time to absorb stuff before laying in bed. Some where around 10-15 minutes is a good estimate I'd say! I don't know about you but I don't like the idea of smearing oils over my bed and blanket.

Image credit: @cosme, iHerb.

Spoiler alert: no pumpkin spice in this entry.

Fall has officially begun! Not that it really makes that much of a difference in Singapore since the temperature is still high, but if you're in a temperate region where the humidity falls, you might find this entry useful.

I was looking through the list of new foundations about to be released in Japan, and I picked out a few that stood out because of their hydrating capability. Perfect for the dryer weather, right?

IF the price is listed in USD, that means it's available in the US as well (according to what I found on google!).

GIVENCHY | TEINT COUTURE CUSHION PORTABLE FLUID FOUNDATION | USD 50

A fluid foundation with medium coverage, it can be built up if more coverage is needed. The end result is a hydrated and lightweight finish, perfect for the dryer fall weather.

Different from all the other cushion compacts, the metal plate keeps the foundation from being exposed to air.

Japan release date: 2 September 2016

IOPE | AIR CUSHION NATURAL GLOW | USD 42

Formulated with electrolytes for instant hydration. You can reapply this throughout the day without it caking up. The new honey comb sponge increases the bounciness of the sponge, making application convenient and easy for everyone.

Japan release date: 9 September 2016

LOREAL | LUCENT MAGIQUE CUSHION PORCELAIN | 3200 YEN

This new cushion has a "double net technology" that refines the texture of the foundation, giving rise to an airy finish that prevents caking. Compare to the older cushion compact, this has a higher coverage.

Japan release date: 21 October 2016

GIORGIO ARMANI | DESIGNER SHAPING CREAM FOUNDATION | USD 65

Silky, smooth, transparent and supple skin. A cream foundation that fits like second skin. Long gone are the days when cream formulas are slick and thick!

This appears to be a reformulation (as the packaging looks different from the past). The release date is for Japan. I can't find it on the Sephora website so I have no idea when it'll be available in the US.

Japan release date: 14 September 2016

BOBBI BROWN | SKIN NOURISHING GLOW FOUNDATION | 8400 YEN

Formulated with marine extract to deliver a bursh of hydration and luminous finish for the glowy look. Even though it's rich and moisturizing, it's lightweight and doesn't burden the skin.

This appears to be available in Asian markets only! Oops!

Japan release date: 2 September 2016 

Mickey up girls!

I don't usually follow makeup releases by The Face Shop, because there are simply too many Korean brands to look out for. A lot of them simply don't register on my limited radar. But my antennas picked up the cute mickey packaging this time round!

This is quite the full collection - face, eyes and lips! There are two skin care items which I conveniently left out of this entry.

1. CC LASTING CUSHION SPF 50 PA+++| 15G | 20000 WON

Sheer, mildly hydrating and dewy. Covers up pores and long wear.

Available in 3 shades.

2. CC COOLING CUSHION SPF 50 PA+++ | 20000 WON

Very hydrating, less sticky but still dewy looking, sheer coverage. Cools down skin.

Colour selection same as above.

3. BB POWER PERFECTION CUSHION SPF 50 PA+++ | 20000 WON

Full coverage, hydrating and dewy.

Colour selection same as above.

4. SUN CUSHION SPF 34 PA++ | 19000 WON

Sun block in cushion form!

Say what????? Yea, I don't get it either.

This might be more useful for reapplication after you got your full face of makeup done?

Available in Mickey and Minnie packaging.

5. INK GEL STICK | 13000 WON

Buttery smooth, the saturated colours wears well on the lips providing long lasting hydration and colour.

6. WATERY TINT (6 SHADES)| 4500 WON

Available in 6 shades.

7. TINTED LIP BALM | 7000 WON

A hydrating lip balm that gives you a slight tint, great for creating the healthy natural look.

Available in 2 shades

8. MONO POP SHADOW PALETTE | 18000 WON

You can easily create dimensions on your eyes with the selection of neutral brown eyeshadows in this palette. Finish the look with any of the 3 lip colour, all chosen for its versatility in every day life.

Whether you like orange or pink tones, you are pampered with 8 eye shadows in each of the palette. The colours are carefully paired with earth tones to make it easy to wear.

9. COLORING STICK SHADOW | 6000 WON

You can now achieve flattering eye looks with their simple to use eyeshadow stick. Just draw it on and blend!

10. ALL-PROOF AUTO LINER | 7000 WON

Sebum, sweat and water resistant! Now you don't have to worry about having panda eyes at the end of the day!

11. ALL-PROOF MASCARA | 11000 WON / 14000 WON

01 (Super Proof, 11000 won) and 03 (Mega Proof, 14000 won) are both waterproof, but 03 is an all rounder - it has lengthening, volumizing and curling effects, while 01 was designed for maximum curls only.

02 (Daily Proof, 14000 won) is a film type mascara. You can remove it easily with lukewarm water, but it still has sufficient resistance against water and sebum.

12. ALL-PROOF EYE KIT | 9900 WON

Each set comes with a Mega Proof mascara (black only) and an Auto Liner, which comes in two colour variations, black or brown.

13. ALL-PROOF EYE KIT TIN CASE | 19000 WON

Same offering as above, except for the beautiful tin case. 

Ending thoughts:
So, what do you think? I thought the Mickey ears on the mascara tube is really cute! Korean brands are crazy over collaborations with other brands now, and I can't say I dislike them!

Also, the eyeshadow palette has a beautiful combination of colours. I didn't see any official swatches, so I have no idea how pigmented they are, nor what kind of texture they have. It would be a steal IF the colour payoff is amazing! But one can only expect so much from Korean brands because their formulation is different from the Western counterpart.

If you're interested in getting them, you might be able to find them online. 

Image credit: THE FACE SHOP

Another beautiful collection!

Etude House has launched their new PINK SKULL collection this September! Wanna look lovely and cute? Or do you prefer a cool and funky look? Now you can achieve both looks easily with this collection.



This is a small collection consisting of products for eyes (eyeshadow, mascara), face (blush), lips (lipstick), body (perfume), and nails (nail polish). Quite comprehensive, I'd say!

From now till 29 September 2016, you can get 10% off all products from this series! I've linked them up to the etude house website for you already! Prices listed here in this entry is BEFORE discount.

PINK SKULL COLOR EYES | USD 22.80

Available in two variations, each set comes with 9 eyeshadows with finishes ranging from matte to shimmery.

01 is more yellowish and lighter in colour, while 02 is more pinkish and darker in colour.

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PINK SKULL CURL FIX MASCARA | USD14.40

This water and sebum resistant formula will make sure your lashes stay curled the entire day!

Available in two shades.

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PINK SKULL CURL FIX MASCARA LONG LASH | USD14.40

The mascara wand is designed to deposit the mascara in such a way that it lengthens your lashes, while holding its curl for 24 hours. Also water and sebum resistant.

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PINK SKULL CREAM BLUSHER | USD 11.10

Achieve a natural and healthy looking face with their moisturizing cream blusher, available in two shades.

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PINK SKULL TWIN SHOT LIPS TINT | USD 14.40

Spice up the tinted mousse with a pearly shot colour! Avalable in two shades.

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PINK SKULL COLORFUL SCENT EAU DE PERFUME | USD 27.60

This scent is going to be cute and alluring at the same time. It's top note consist of raspberry, grape and pear, giving off a refreshing scent before mellowing into its rose, muguet and freesia middle notes. It's vanilla, sandalwood and musk base notes adds warmth to the scent. 

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PINK SKULL PLAY NAIL | USD 3.90

Get pretty and cute nails with this 5 new shades of nail polish!

Two of them are glittery (#1 and #2). #3 and #4 appears to have micro-glitter, and #5 has a cream finish.

Ending thoughts:

I really love the colour combination of the eyeshadow palette this time round (especially 02). They look really pretty in the pan, but I do not know if the colour translates as well when put on skin. They look kinda meh in the swatches don't you think? The reddish and deeper tones chosen for this palette makes me wanna huddle up on my imaginary reading chair, left hand holding a glass of red wine while my right hand is trying to flip the pages of my imaginary book next to a dimly lit table lamp.

Everything seems better in my imagination :P

That aside, the black glittery nail polish IS TO DIE FOR!!! Its name translates to "universe-like black", which seems appropriate! If only glitter polish isn't such a PITA to remove.. Also, knowing what the perfume is made of seriously makes me want to give it a whiff. It does sound like something I'll like! Fruity, sweet and invading, before dying down to something inviting. 

As in, "please come near me and sniff me" kind of inviting. *smirk*