Another liquid matte lip colour

I just snooped around on the Maybelline Japan site and found out they're releasing a new liquid matte lip colour. I can't call it a lipstick because it's not!

Maybelline claims it is a velvety liquid lip colour that turns matte. HOWEVER, lots of review said it doesn't turn completely matte. It doesn't set like other products, so technically speaking it doesn't feel as dry. Downside to that is it's not a long wearing formula (which might be a upside to someone else with drier lips).

Liquid matte lip products have had its 15 minutes of fame after so many other brands released something like that in the previous year (NYX, Colourpop, Kylie, Anastasia beverly hill, Milani, just a few I pulled off my head). It feels like Maybelline is a little late on this train that's already leaving the station (or is liquid matte lips here to stay?).

The VIVID MATTE LIQUID was released in the USA at the end of 2015.

It has been repackaged for Asian release. I haven't visited any drugstore in a long time so I don't know if it's actually in Singapore yet or not. It might have came and gone for all I know, but I can't find any information on its official site, so I'll assume it haven't hit the shelves yet. For some reason I feel kinda deja vu when I saw it on the Japanese site. I might have seen it when I passed by Watson's a while ago!? (Brain starts to question reality)

Retails at 1500YEN, or SGD$21.90

Anyway, you can see the packaging is reminiscent of the Lip Polish. The applicator is also different from the US release - this is more angled and flatter. Should do a good job getting the product into the corners of the lips without messing it up.

click to enlarge!

The US version has 21 colours to choose from. We have a grand total of 7! (There's only 6 on the Official Maybelline Japanese site though) With that said, the selection of colours should be well loved by the majority, since they carry the shades you can wear on a daily basis.

Asia haven't caught on the nude lips trend yet, so I'm surprised to see they have included one nudish shade!

click to enlarge!

As they are numbered differently from the US version, I can't match the Asian colour code to their respective US colour codes.

If you want an affordable liquid matte lipstick that sets and stays (for at least 3 hours), you can check out the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet. My friend gifted me one and IT'S AMAZING.

A little late on the news!

Happy lunar new year! I spent the last weekend at my grandmother's place, which explains the lack of post last week.

Kate's new products were released on 1 February in Japan, so I'm actually late to the party. I just found out today so I quickly did this entry up. I remember lamenting the little sadness last time when there were no news of new Spring products from Kate. It's wasted feelings because Kate did have something planned!

It's a small collection, but I'm always excited to see what's new!

METAL GLAMOUR EYES | 1700 YEN

Kate's new eyeshadow is here to give you the ability to create glamourous eyes and control just how much shine you want.



The eyeshadow quad consist of 3 main shades that creates the perfect gradient effect for a naturally pleasing look, and an additional 2 shades as the finishing touch. The metallic/pearlescent shade contrasts the darker colours to create dimensions, allowing you to create more refined features.

That the official fluff anyway. The eye shadow quad reminds me of their older eyeshadow palette, the COLORCIOUS DIAMOND. Except the new one have only 1 glittery/mirror finish shade as opposed to the 2 glittery shades in colourcious diamond. The additional of a metallic medium (they call it their dark metallic) colour is new.

CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Available in 6 shades.

Over on their official site they went one step further to show you how to achieve certain effects with the metallic and glitter shades. Funny they used a caucasian eye shape to showcase it because most of its target consumers probably do not have that specific eye shape. Then again, it's just for illustration purpose, so I understand :) Also, I'm not one to complain about having more reference photo to take a look at their finish. It appears the metallic shade isn't THAT metallic.

SUPER SHARP LINER EX | 1100 YEN

The new Super Sharp Liner EX promises to be easy to use, bleed proof, sweat/water/sebum resistant, yet easily removeable. The jet black eyeliner has a glossy finish, brand new faceted packaging, and ultra fine pen tip (that's developed together with pentel, then pen maker).

The new product packaging is supposed to help with application. By holding it on its grooves, you can pivot the eye liner properly to easily fill in the gaps between your lashes (NOT the water line). The result is bigger eyes and fuller looking lashes.

I've owned one of their eyeliner from the super sharp series before, and I won't say it's my favourite eyeliner. I'm not sure if this would be the same formula as before. Regardless, the new packaging is BEAUTIFUL.

GLAMOUROUS LASH | 1400 YEN

The new volumizing mascara comes with a primer (fiber volume base), and a black mascara. This film type mascara can be washed off by warm water.

COLOUR ENAMEL GLOSS | 450 YEN

The sheer lip gloss has high shine like glossy enamel, adding more definition to your pout. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil, it keep your baby lips kissable at all times (do wipe away that gloss before kissing though).

CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Available in 6 shades.

Ending thought:
After owing so much makeup, I'm really more of a spectator than a player on the field now.
Seeing what they have to offer is like entertainment to me. Kate rehash their eyeshadows every few season because how else are you going to keep people entertained if you don't release old products in new packages?
I think the beauty sphere is pretty much saturated by now, so new and innovative products will be far and little.
But I do have to give it to Kate for having awesome packaging.
The faceted stuff always gets to me! URGH!

The year of the rooster is bringing about a few new products to look out for.

Etude House is welcoming the new year with a small Lunar New Year themed collection! Just a bunch of eye shadows and a few liquid lipstick/lip tint hybrid thingy.

The colours are supposed to be the trending colour of  2017 spring/summer. Well, that's the the official site says. Hahaha what do I know about trends and colours? Nothing!



Have a look!

GIVE ME LUCK COLOR IN LIQUID LIPS JUICY | 9500 WON

A water-based moisturizing lip tint with vivid colours that can be layered up for a more intense effect.

Available in 5 shades.

GIVE ME LUCK EYES | 4000 WON

Formulated with ceramide to hydrate your delicate eyelids, the eye shadow has a lightweight and matte texture that will hug your skin closely. Comes in a whopping 10 shades.

Click to enlarge!

Most shades are matte (denoted with CAFE in the swatches), with the exception of 4 shades that have a slight pearlescent sheen.

I just came across information that they are available in Singapore from 6 January. The liquid lips will be $17.90 each, while the eye shadows are $11.90 each. I didn't see them on the global site, so probably it's not available online yet.

From 2 of my favourite Japanese drugstore brands.

Happy 2017 everyone! Hope you all had a good start to the year?

I gave myself a little break from blogging :D Felt like it was necessary because ideas need space and new inspiration to grow, and the best way to do that is to break away from the usual routine and expose myself to something new or different.

Anyway, here are new products from Canmake and Visee that will be released in the upcoming months. Nothing new under the sun really, but as always, it's nice to see something different, yea?

It looks like my favourite brand Kate has nothing new up their sleeves this spring. In fact, there isn't too much new stuff among drugstore brands. Which is why this entry only contains stuff from Canmake and Visee.

CANMAKE | GLOW FLEUR CHEEK (08) | 800 YEN

This limited edition bluish pink/fushia shade sits close to your skin like a cream blush, while the glow powder on the upper left imparts a sheer and glossy finish to places you'd like to high light.

CANMAKE | GEL LINE ARTIST (B02) | 550 YEN

With its silky smooth texture, it glides over your skin easily. Formulated to be waterproof, this eyeliner is budge proof and long wearing!

B02 is a gentle brown.

Release date: February 2017

CANMAKE | CREAM CHEEK (15) | 580 YEN

A cream blush that changes texture according to the type of foundation/base product used. If a dewy foundation is used, the blush will take on a glowy finish. If a matte foundation is used, the blush will take on a powdery soft finish.

15 is an elegant pink.

Release date: February 2017

CANMAKE | STAY ON BALM ROUGE (T01 T02 T03) | 580 YEN

A lip tint that stains your lips, it is hydrating and comfortable while being long lasting.

Release date: April 2017

VISEE | JEMMY RICH EYES | 1200 YEN

With the radiance of diamonds, this eyeshadow quad inspires to add sparkles onto your eyes like crushed jewels.

Available in 5 colours.

Note: Name could be gemmy instead of jemmy. Not sure which is the exact one at the moment.

Release date: February 2017

VISEE | GLOSSY RICH EYES (PU-11) | 1200 YEN

Comes with a creamy and glossy eye base on the upper left, this monochromatic quad and has a wet, glossy look to it.

PU-11 is a modern purple, and bear some semblance to their Winter 2014 limited edition eyeshadow (PU-10).

Release date: February 2017

VISEE | SOFT AND SLIM EYEBROW PENCIL (GY001 BR305)| 800 YEN

Naturally defines the tail of your eyebrow with its 1.7mm soft and ultra fine core. Comes with a spoolie to soften the look.

GY001 is a soft gray, BR305 a dark brown.

Release date: February 2017

VISEE | LASH LONG MANIA (BK001)| 1400 YEN

A film type mascara that can be washed off with warm water, it is formulated with 3 types of fibre for the perfect balance, giving you long and separated lashes. Possibly clump free!

Release date: February 2017

Photo credit: Biteki

The last part - base makeup.

Today is the last day of 2016, and also the last part to the @cosme 2016 ranking series.

Part 4 consist of the best base makeup products, some are long time favourites, some are newer products. As always, the ranking are meant to serve as a guide - a starting point if you may - to aid you in your own exploration of the myriad of beauty products.

Without further ado.

BEST PRIMER

1ST | PAUL AND JOE BEAUTY | MOISTURIZIN FOUNDATION PRIMER S

Keeps your skin bright and moisturized, perfect for achieving the dewy skin look.

2ND | CANMAKE | LASTING MULTI BASE WP

3RD | MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC SKIN SENSOR BASE UV

BEST POWDER FOUNDATION

1ST | MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC POWDERY UV

A light weight foundation that leaves your skin looking like bare skin, only without any flaws.

2ND | LUNASOL | SKIN MODELING POWDER FOUNDATION

3RD | ESPRIQUE | BEAUTIFUL STAY PACT UV

BEST LIQUID FOUNDATION

1ST | ADDICTION | SKIN CARE FOUNDATION

Easy to use even without a primer or powder. Creates a high shine finish.

2ND | NARS | VELVET MATTE SKIN TINT SPF30 PA+++

3RD | IPSA | LIQUID FOUNDATION

BEST CUSHION FOUNDATION

1ST | LANCOME | BLANC EXPERT CUSHION COMPACT 50

Covers any signs of blemishes completely with a ultra-thin finish, still retaining the look of bare skin.

2ND | YSL BEAUTY | LE CUSHION ENCRE DE PEAU

3RD | CLINIQUE | SUPER STAY BLOCK BB CUSHION COMPACT 50

BEST CREAM FOUNDATION

1ST | RMK | CREAMY FOUNDATION N

A perfect blend of dewy, translucency, and coverage to create the perfect canvas.

2ND | ETVOS | MINERAL HIGHLIGHT CREAM

3RD | ALBION | SMART SKIN VERY RARE

BEST FINISHING POWDER

1ST | COSME DECORTE | AQ MW FACE POWDER

The soft and ultra fine powder adds the perfect finishing touch to your makeup.

2ND | CANMAKE | MARSHMALLOW FINISH POWDER

3RD | CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE | LUMINIZING FACE ENHANCER

BEST CONCEALER

1ST | NARS | RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

Moisturizing formula that can stay crease free and tidy.

2ND | SUHADA KINENBI | FAKE NUDE CONCEALER

3RD | CHANEL | LE BLANC LIGHT CREATOR WHITENING CONCEALER

BEST BB CREAM

1ST | DIOR | DIORSKIN NUDE BB

Freshens up your skin with a delicate luster that only adds to what you already have.

2ND | ESPRIQUE | ECLAT LIQUID BB UV

3RD | TWANY | LIPID WEAR BB

BEST CC CREAM

1ST | SK II | AURA ACTIVATOR CC CREAM

Adjusts skin texture and brightens and evens out the skin tone that approaches smooth flawless looking skin.

2ND | SEKKISEI | WHITE CC CREAM

3RD | JILL STUART | AIRY TINT WATERY CC CREAM

To see more of the rankings (there are more!!!), visit their global website here.

Ending note:
Thank you for visiting my little blog, reading what I have to share. 

It's not been an easy year for me, but I believe it's equally difficult for everyone else. I hope everyone remembers to stay strong because life isn't a bed of roses! There are happy moments, and unhappy ones. Yet we need the unhappy moments just as much as the happy ones, because it's the darkness that brings out the brightness of light.

I'm just hoping that in 2017, I can be healthy enough to get back to sharing personal reviews of products, instead of merely sharing information that's already out there. I can't wait to have healthy skin again so I can be my own guinea pig, sharing honest opinions and thoughts, information and knowledge. Because that's the kind of value I want to offer you.

It's silly to wish for an easy time, because it just won't happen. Moreover, an easy time benefits no one. Instead, I wish for everyone to be able to face challenges with the right mindset - that difficult times are merely gym sessions for your mind to make it stronger. With a stronger mind, no challenge will faze you. With the right mindset, you can take anything in your stride. And that makes you impervious to any storms ahead.

xoxo
Karman.

All the eye, cheek, and lip products!

After posting about the hall of fame, and best skin care products, I accidentally skipped foundation products and went head on into the land of colour makeup - namely eyes, cheek and lip makeup.

You won't mind the slip up, do you? Ah I hear you! Thanks for understanding :D Part 3 will be about point makeup products then! The next part will be about foundation stuff!

EYE MAKEUP

BEST EYE SHADOW

1ST | ADDICTION | THE EYE SHADOW

Carefully curated colours are vibrant and shimmery, can be used on its own, or to create gradations.

2ND | EXCEL | SKINNY RICH SHADOW

3RD | ESPRIQUE | SELECT EYE COLOR

BEST EYE LINER

1ST | HEROINE MAKE | SMOOTH LIQUID EYE LINER SUPER KEEP

Comes off easily with warm water, but is strongly resistant to sweat and water! Even beginners can get good lines with its super fine tip!

2ND | D-UP | SILKY LIQUID EYE LINER WP

3RD | KATE | DOUBLE LINE FAKER

BEST EYEBROW PRODUCT

1ST | IPSA | EYEBROW CREATIVE PALETTE

The powder quintet allows you to shape, contour, and even colour your eyebrows to your hearts' content!

2ND | KATE | EYEBROW COLOR N

3RD | ETTUSAIS | CHIFFON EYEBROW

BEST MASCARA

1ST | MAJOLICA MAJORCA | LASH EXPANDER EDGE MEISTER

Special one-by-one lenghtening effect makes your lashes look long, luxurious, and fluttery.

2ND | HELENA RUBENSTEIN | LASH QUEEN COBRA BLACK WP

3RD | DIOR | MASCARA DIORSHOW DESIGNER

BEST LASH BASE/TOP COAT

1ST | KATE | LASH MAXIMISER

A popular choice, it comes in two types (black or white).

2ND | ETTUSAIS | LASH VERSION UP

3RD | DIOR | DIORSHOW MAXIMISER 3D

LIPS, CHEEK, NAIL

BEST LIPSTICK

1ST | YSL BEAUTY | ROUGE VOLUPTE SHINE

Highly pigmented, it is also infused with hydrating ingredients and imparts a sheer glossiness that make your pout look ultra plump.

2ND | COSME DECORTE | AQ MW ROUGE GLOW

3RD | MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC ROUGE

BEST LIPGLOSS

1ST | RMK | LIP JELLY GLOSS

A thick gel with sheer colours, it visibly plumps your lips.

2ND | DIOR | DIOR ADDICT GLOSS

3RD | YSL BEAUTY | VOLUPTE TINT IN OIL

BEST BLUSHER

1ST | MAC | MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH

A sheer glow that exudes glamour, it adds dimension to faces.

2ND | NARS | BLUSH

3RD | CHANEL | JOUES CONTRASTE

BEST NAIL POLISH

1ST | ADDICTION | NAIL POLISH

Smooth, glossy, and vivid colours, but that's not all! It applies evenly, which makes a world of a difference!

2ND | NAILHOLIC | NAILHOLIC

3RD | INTEGRATE | NAIL COLOR

If you'd like to look at the rest of the rankings (there are so many!), you can visit their global site. It's in english!

Here we go again~

It's the time of the year again! @cosme has recently released the winners of the Best Cosmetics Award of 2016.

It just seems as though the categories breed new ones after every year. In part 1, I'm sharing the Grand Prize category, Hall of Fame category, and the Best New Buy category.

Case in point, for a product to be eligible in the Best New Buy category, it must be released between May 2016 and end October 2016.

GRAND PRIZE

1ST: ADDICTION | THE EYESHADOW

With more than 90 shades to choose from, you can exercise your creativity. With its strong pigment and long wearing formula, you'll fall in love with it.

2ND: YSL | ROUGE VOLUPE SHINE

3RD: COSME DECORTE | AQ MW FACE POWDER

HALL OF FAME

FANCL | MILD CLEANSING OIL

No more rubbing required! It removes your make up while leaving your skin moisturized.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2014 and 2015 Best Cleanser category.

CUREL | INTENSIVE MOISTURE CREAM

Deeply moisturizing but not sticky!

Past winner (1st place) of the 2015 and 2015 Best Cream category.

HABA | SQUALANE

With a impressive following for the past 3 decades, this oil is a perfect match for your skin as it absorbs very quickly.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2012 Oil/Balm category, and 2015 Best Oil category.

EXCEL | POWDER AND PENCIL EYEBROW EX

Anyone can get their brows on fleek (fuller, beautiful, and perfect) brows with this 3 in 1 pencil.

LANCOME | VIRTUOSE DOLL EYE

Delicate and natural looking lashes that maintains its length and curl.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2012 an 2013 Best Mascara category.

DAISO | SILICON MOISTURIZING FACE MASK

Something you won't regret buying, not only does it work, but also because it only cost a dollar after all!

MTG | REFA CARAT

Relax and tone your body (and face) with this deep massage.

Past winner (1st place) of the Best Beauty Appliance category.

LAURIER | SHIAWASE SUHADA F

Better absorbance and gentle on your skin, it can take away the discomfort during your shark week!

Past winner (1st place) of the 2014 Best Sanitary Napkin category, and 2015 Best Sanitary Product category.

BEST NEW BUY

MAKE UP

MAQUILLAGE | ESSENCE GEL ROUGE

How to get a pillowy pout? With this lip gel that is infused with moisturizing ingredients and essence of course!

BASE MAKEUP/FOUNDATION

ALBION | SMART SKIN VERY RARE

With a souffle texture, this foundation gives you a natural and airy finish.

SKIN CARE

NIVEA | RICH CARE AND COLOR LIP

Moisturizes your lips with a translucent pop of colour and a sheer gloss.

HAIR CARE

LOREAL PARIS | EXTRADORDINARY OIL LA CREME LAVANTE CLEANSING CREAM (MOISTURIZING)

A one step cleansing and conditioning product that leaves your hair and scalp clean and conditioned.

BODY CARE

ATRIX | HAND MILK

Apply to your wet hands and wash it off, it'll leave your hands supple and soft.

FRAGRANCE

DIOR | MISS DIOR ABSOLUTELY BLOOMING

A blend of bright and fresh floral scents.

SOFLAN | QUEEN'S SILK BRILLIANT ROSE AROMA SOFTENER

This turns your clothes and fabrics into a rose scented silky veil.

If you're impatient and wants to look at the entire list of rankings, you can visit their global site for the ranking here!