2014 F/W Lookbook

From now on till the end of December I will be updating this post with face charts! So, if you love it do come back ya!

Makeup Look for Fall 2014

Etude House Collagen Moistful First Essence

I have finally finished using this moisturizing essence and I feel the need to review about it to let my readers know of it's goodness!

With a glass bottle containing 100ml at RM 70-80, this is amazing! It really moisturises the skin so well that I could see a difference. It helps my skin with an extra glow and radiance which makes me look a lot healthier and using it before makeup application helps in a nice satin glow finish.

I have super duper oily skin and this did not makes it any worst, so no worries! With only 2-3 drops pat onto your face with warm hands and you are good to go.

And the price is really reasonable considering the size of the bottle as if you buy any other brand of the same size it will cost you so much more. Besides, EH has BUY 1 FREE 1 throughout the weekends of August, so it is a great excuse for you to get them!

For the cons, its a pretty heavy bottle so it is not travel friendly.

Proven Ways To Reduce Bacnes

I have been suffering from Bacnes ever since I was in my Secondary School years and  the problem has made more depressed than ever. I could not wear sleeveless or any clothes that bares my back. After so many years and trying out products after products I am happy and proud to say that I have eliminate the problem. Till this date I do not have a single acne on my back (except during monthly blues or a change in daily routine)!!

I have tried acne sprays and acne body wash from brands such as T3, Etude House, Himalayas Neem Wash and so many others until I found these:

Papulex Body Lotion

Papulex Body Lotion

For 125 ml that costs RM 90 it is on the pricey side but it is worth it. Only sold at Caring Pharmacy or your regular dermatologists. This has proven its efficacy. It is non photosensitizing, fragrance free and best of all paraben free.

Konjac Sponge

Konjac Sponge

 This Konjac sponge beauty regime originates from the Japanese to cleanse your body and face. It is made from the root of the konjac plant and it is effective in removing sebum, dirt and blackheads. This is highly recommended for those with Acne and Sensitive skin as the texture is so soft (you can even use it on babies) so you do not need to worry it aggravating your skin.

Ever since I started using this in my shower there is no longer the need to scrub my body as this konjac sponge exfoliates my skin so effectively and gently I could feel the cleanliness after shower. I use this everday in my shower! This sponge is easily found at any Korean Beauty Stores and Sasa Stores.

Supplements

Zinc

 

 Of course by taking care externally you will also need some TLC internally. Zinc helps to repair the skin and reduces bacterial inflammation and growth. You will need to consume this on the longer term for the incremental effect. Another supplements would be Neem which could be found at any pharmacy and Himalayas store. I used to consume Neem on a regular basis and it worked well, also, I recommended Neem to an acquaintance who suffered from bad Acnes and it help clear it out.

Oral Medication

If all else fails, you can go to your dermatologists to get a prescription on oral medication such as Accutane. I have tried those before and in 3 months time I could see that my skin had all cleared up even scars are gone. My scalp are no longer oily and my skin just glows with radiance without a trace of unwanted sebum and blemishes. That was the time when I was confident enough on not wearing any makeup.

However, there are side effects beside to the expensive costs (I used to pay RM 180 a month). My skin got dry and my lips are so dry it chapped. There are also other detrimental side effects from headache to birth deformity which neither of this happened to me, so, it is highly recommended to know what you are getting yourself into.

Masks

Secret Girl Wing Patch

 I have just got this today from Watsons at only RM 6.20 so I have yet to try this out. This is the coolest thing ever! A mask sheet for your back! Korean beauty products are just so versatile and unique.

This mask is for bacnes and sunburn. It claims to be an effective product for bacnes and/or sunburn, containing aloe and cucumber extract which effectively soothe your bacne and sunburn helping to promote skin recovery.

What I like about this is that it is FREE from Triclosan, Mineral Oil, Minerals, Coloring, Flavoring (I think they meant Fragrance) and Paraben Benzophenone.


So, that is all! I hope this will be useful for you and FYI: despite free of bacnes, I do still have scars.

Top 4 'Sad Ending' Asian Dramas

I am a drama addict, no matter whether it is a Korean, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, China dramas I watch them all. Throughout the night if possible! Recently, I've just finished a 16 episode drama in one day. That sense of fulfillment and accomplishment after watching the last scene of a happy ending episode. I am not really a fan of 'sad endings', however there are a few dramas which are so good that it compensates the 'sad endings'.

This is a huge spoiler as you would know how the ending goes. Oh well, at least it prepares yout heart and mind for the worst so that you do not get your hopes up. Here are my top 4:

Lan Ling Wang

Lan Ling Wang

This is a China-Taiwanese collaboration starred by William Feng and Ariel Lin. I used to dislike Ariel Lin's dramas as it just do not appeal to me. However, this 46 episode drama is just SO GOOD, converting me into one of her fans!

This drama is based on the historical characters during the Northern Qi Dynasty which surrounds the life of a high ranking general named Gao Changgong or also known as the Prince of Lan Ling. He is said to be so beautiful that he is frequently mistaken for a woman, thus needed to wear a terrifying mask during battles. The then emperor who was his cousin was so afraid of his influence, had sent for a poisonous wine to end his life.

Knowing this historical fact, it is just not that right to cast William Feng as he does not look feminine at all (He is extremely HOT!). But, the plot line and casts did so well which allows me to forsake this aspect. 

Rating: 10/10


Tree Of Heaven

Tree Of Heaven

A South Korean-Japanese collaboration drama starring Park Shin Hye and Lee Wan with only 10 episodes are sure to hook you onto the screen with a box of tissues by your side.

When Hana's mother decides to marry a Korean man, she tries her best to reach out to her odd, introverted stepbrother-to-be Yoon Seo, who likes to walk barefoot in the snow. He rebuffs her initial efforts, but her cheer eventually wins him over. With their parents on honeymoon, together Hana and Yoon Seo stand up to Hana's spiteful aunt and cousin, and the two develop an increasingly close relationship over time. Yoon Seo is forward in his love for Hana, but despite feeling the same way, she is unwilling to break the taboo of a romance between step-siblings. After graduating high school, she leaves for Tokyo with her admirer Asahi Uchida, and loses contact with Yoon Seo. Years later, Hana, Yoon Seo, and Maya meet again. Time has led them down very different roads, but the love and the rivalry remain the same. - Wikipedia

This drama portrays young unconditional love which transcends through time. This is definitely a must watch and the OST is really good too!

Ratings: 9/10


Jang Ok Jung

Jang Ok Jung

Another historical Korean drama portraying the life of Jang Hui Bin, a royal concubine during the Joseon Dynasty who became infamous for her hunger for power and ruthless plotting before she was sentenced to death.

What I loved about this drama is that it was 'realistic' in which humans are easily swayed by power and influences especially with a poor background. I loved the female lead character which comes out strong against those who bullied her and the love towards the emperor. This is not your usual 'good-weak-natured-woman-character'.

Ratings: 10/10



Empress Ki

Empress Ki

 I've just realised on how much love I have for historical period dramas (LOL). Again, this drama surrounds the life of Ki Seung Nyang, a Goryeo woman who was married to a Yuan Emperor. Using her power and influence, she tried every means and ways to assist the Koryeo King to ascend the throne and gain independence from Yuan's tyranny.

This romance drama portrays a woman's wit and sacrifices for the love of her home country and her people. I adore female lead characters who are strong, independent and has wisdom. This is twist to Lan Ling Wang except that the character is an Empress.

Rating: 10/10

Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner Reviews

Another EH products reviews on pore targeting products that is said to provide total pore solution by:

1. Deep cleanse pores
2. Maintain ph 4.5 +/- 1
3. Control a large amount of sebum
4. Minimize appearance of pores
5. Refine skin tones
6. Keep the elasticity of pores 
7. Moisturize inside and outside of skin 

 This has been my second purchase. The first time I used this it does work in reducing my blackheads. However, after frequent usage it does not work any longer but at the same time my skin did not worsens so I supposed it only managed to keep blackhead at bay at certain level.

It costs RM 79.90 for 500 ml sized bottle which pretty economical and its bottle works like a pump nail polish remover makes it so convenient to use.

Now, on whether it works as how it is stated to be:

1. I am not really sure about its pore cleansing power as my cotton pad looks clean after every usage and I am sure that my skin is not that clean even after cleansing (which normally dead skin cells and/or makeup residue will appear).
2. On maintaining the ph value - we really would not know, can we?
3. It does minimize the appearance of pores slightly.
4. My skin tone appear brighter
5. Keeping the elasticity of pores is on pore size so, see no.3
6. I find this non drying like some other acne prone product and it is moisturizing. 

Also, another pointer that I like about this product is that it is fragrance free.

I am not sure about how everyone else uses it, but I find it really effective using it as a mask. I would soak my cotton pads (each cotton pads with 3-4 pumps) and place it all over my face. This really helps with any redness, inflammation, brightens up my complexion and moisturizes my skin well.

Kiss Me Heavy Rotation Gel Eyeliner Reviews

Kiss Me is a popular mid-range Japanese make up line and having its fans raving about it. So, here's my take on its Gel Eyeliner:

Pros
This eyeliner lasts a long time on your eyelids and it is highly waterproof.
It is also highly pigmented – blackest black and comes along with an eyeliner brush.
It dries fast on your lids upon application.

Cons
Despite the long lasting aspect of the eyeliner and its proclamation to be smudge proof, I with oily eyelids did not find this to be entirely true. Hours after application, I can see smudging to my upper eyelids (I guess monolids will not have this problem) and my lower lash line giving me that panda effect!
It is pretty pricey as compared to other drugstore brands which costs RM 54.90.
Also, the given eyeliner brush is lousy. It makes it hard to draw a thin and even eye line. 

Conclusion
Smudge proof aspect is my main priority when it comes to eyeliner, so I will not repurchase this. However, those with non-oily skin condition, this eyeliner will do good for you.   

Mascara Swatches - Elite Paris Mascara vs Maybelline Mascara

2 mascaras are up for reviews today which are the Elite Paris Slim Mascara and Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Mascara.

LEFT: Elite Paris Slim Mascara; RIGHT: Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Mascara.

Elite Paris Slim Mascara  proclaims to endlessly stretched lashes, contain ultra-lengthening fibers and a shaped length brush. For me, it is reasonably priced with less than RM 30. It also lasts all day long with a very natural, lightweight and clump free.

However, its ultra lengthening fibers tend to fall out during the day on my upper cheek area making me wary about it and always on the look out. It is also not waterproof and tend to smudge slightly and does not hold curls very well.

This is not for those who want a false lashes effect. Thus, I am not repurchasing it.

Maybelline The Magnum Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara proclaims to give volume and cat eyes look due to its new cat eyes brush. It is extremely waterproof and high staying power, smudge proof, voluminous and strong curling power (provided eyelashes are curled prior to application). It is also reasonable for about RM 28. I loved the curved mascara wand which gives an ease application.

However, once opened, the mascara will tend to get thicker and more clumpy by the day. I would need to wipe my mascara wand with a tissue prior to application. This disadvantage is the greatest BOO-HOO I have encountered.

Despite that, this mascara is really worth the try and have been loving it!