A Petite Shopper: 2013

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Victoria Secret Body Mists

As you probably know, I love fragrances. I have over 20 bottles of perfume and yes, I do agree its excessive, but I use all of them. Different moods, outfits, weather and occasions to pair up with the many scents I own.

I used to match the colour of my perfumes with my outfits. Anna Sui secret wish when my outfit is green, Davidoff cool water when I'm in blue, and Calvin Klein eternity moment when I'm wearing pink. I know right... Like huh?! That was me 5 years ago.

Then I went through a phase of buying a fragrance because it looks pretty on my dressing table. Anna Sui have the prettiest perfume bottles in the market. But I soon realize that their scents are all pretty similar. That's when I decided that I needed to shop for diversity and stop focusing on the packaging.

Fast forward to today, I have since ventured into more grown up territories with perfumes such as Jo Malone and Chanel. I still love my CKs and Anna Suis but once you've experienced the lasting power of an Eau de Parfum, you'll think twice about purchasing an Eau de Toilette.

But perfumes are really costly, and so I decided to look into budget options for scents I personally feel that Victoria Secret makes the most amazing feminine scents. I picked these up during a sale recently and am loving them all! These are body mists that I'll spritz on my wrist and neck instead of my regular perfumes on not so sunny days because they won't last as long if you perspire. I use it as a room spray as well to keep my room smelling awesome all the time!

My absolute favorite of the lot is Pure Seduction. I'll highly recommend this if you want a fruity yet something not overpoweringly sweet like some of their scents can be. It smells so good! I find myself reaching for this the most often.

Sheer love smells floral yet fresh. It has a lighter scent as compared to Pure Seduction which makes it a lighter alternative on days when you want to smell like the sweet girl next door, fresh faced and very girly.

Aqua kiss is something my hubby loves. It doesn't have the 'sweet' scent that makes him cringe but the right amount of musky subtle sexiness combined with floral freshness that exudes a slightly mysterious persona as compared to the other two.

P.s. I'm trying very hard to dissect the scents and I don't think I did a very good job. *hangs head*

41 days till Christmas!! Yay!!

Monday, August 19, 2013

♥ Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Cleanser ♥

I'm in love...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Gel like liquid

Where was this cleanser my whole life?!

I love how spa-like it smells. My facialist massages my face before each session with lavender essential oil, and this cleanser smells strongly of lavender. Aaa-may-zinnnng!
This cleanser removes makeup, dirt and other impurities from your face, but it doesn't strip your skin of the necessary moisture. Omg, like seriously. I love love love this cleanser. 210ml for about S$25, doesn't get any better than that.

I do not usually trust cleansers that claim to remove makeup, so I usually Bioderma my face and follow up with this to give it a final rinse-off. This product is worth a try. My new holygrail. I get super excited when I get to go home and wash my face!!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Products I'm currently loving

I'm always trying out new skincare products and this month, my skincare has somehow taken a turn for the organic route. I'm loving all these products at the moment because they are mostly made from natural ingredients such as fruit or plant extract without any nasties that can harm our delicate skin.

Toner

I adore this Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner. I think it's one of the products to get rid of the bout of acne that popped out of nowhere 3 weeks before my wedding. Could be stress induced as well but this toner was my savior. You'll experience a bit of purging before the pimples clear up, and it'll stay that way, or at least it has for me for the past 3 months. It contains a hint of lavender scent as well. Love love it!

Serum

I discovered the Ilike series when I tried out a facial session at Qi Mantra. I liked the products that were used on my face very much and consulted my therapist thereafter about them. Ilike is a skincare brand from Hungary and their mission is to provide the purest skin care products that bring immediate effects by using whole raw herb, fruit and vegetable pulps and not commercial extracts. The serum that was carefully selected to be used on me was the Ilike Age Defense Bioflavonoid Serum to hydrate my innate dry skin which also aids in anti-aging and improving blood circulation. It smells like blackcurrent and only a pump is needs for the face and neck. The consistency may be thick for some and I was told to add a few drops of water before application.

Moisturizer

I was introduced to the Ilike Sour Cherry Whipped Moisturizer because my therapist found that my skin has been producing excess sebum to overcome the dryness within my skin. This moisturizer helps to tighten pores and treat water deficiency and is suitable for normal to combination skin. I'm not a massive fan of cherries so this scent is not one of my faves but because it smells so strongly of cherries, I'm positive this is the real deal and not some chemically produced goo. After using this for a couple of weeks, my flakiness around my nose is gone and my skin is very much more hydrated and plump and visibly less oily especially when I wake up in the morning. Definitely repurchasing!

Lip Scrub

Most people I know neglect their lips and forgot that exfoliation of your lips is just as important as the rest of your body. My lips get pretty dry and a habit of applying lip balm after living in Australia for 3 years has without a doubt left a lot of product buildup on my lips. A good lipscrub once a week would be awesome at keeping your lips soft and supple. My hubby's sure as hell not complainin' :)

I'm currently loving Lush's Popcorn Lip Scrub which is absolutely delicious tasting. Yes, you can lick it off and actually eat it because the contents are mainly castor sugar and oil. It smells amazing as well. Be sure to get yours quick because its a limited edition flavour!

And a holla to this product which my facialist at RoyalSecrets recommended to me.

This little bottle of genius leaves my skin feeling baby soft just 5 seconds after application. Cell Definition is a serum used to combat pigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines and premature aging. Oh my gosh... I love this little baby. Pricey like hell, costs me $100 for 8 tiny bottles but turns out one bottle can last me for abt 2 1/2 months because I only use it twice a week. Only a few drops is needed for your whole face and neck. My pores appear smaller and my face is less oily throughout the day.

So there you have it! My loves for the past one month! Will look for more products to review! Let me know what you think as well! :)

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Review: Bioderma Makeup Remover

My favorite make up remover currently. So obsessed that I have it in all 3 sizes. Haha!

Bioderma is one of the gentlest yet most effective cleansers available. I have yet to meet anyone who is sensitive or doesn’t like it. It looks and feels just like water, yet it will remove all but the most stubborn of waterproof makeup. I discovered this after realizing that my skin was breaking out due to the prolonged usage of oil cleansers. Bioderma’s Créaline is probably the crème de la crème of micellaires – unperfumed, totally hypoallergenic and most importantly, very good value for money. 500ml for S$39.90 as compared to the Shu oil cleansers going for S$130 for 450ml. I'm glad my face decided to act up.

Application. I soak a cotton pad with the solution and begin removing my makeup. I usually end up using 2-3 pads depending on how much makeup I have to remove. For eye makeup, I usually soak a cotton pad and place it over my eyes for about a minute before gently swiping the makeup away. I can usually get my waterproof mascara completely off with about 3 pads. For the toughest mascara however, I still need my trusty clinique eye make up remover to complete the task.

Overall, I like how the product is extremely gentle on the skin and does not leave it feeling dry like some cleansers do. I follow this process by my usual facial cleanser and everything is as good as new.

You may come across a name difference, with some bottles showing the label as, “Bioderma Sensibio” and others as “Bioderma Crealine”. From what I've learnt, both are essentially the same product. It's just currently marketed under the new name of “Sensibio”.

Have you tried the Bioderma Sensibio H₂O solution and what did you think? :)

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Review: Sampar Skin Quenching Mist

Am not a fan of rosewater although I know the amazing moisturizing properties it contains. I often find the rose scent too overpowering and have on more than one occasion steer clear of products that contain it.

Until this.

This I love. The rose scent is pretty light and I enjoy the mix of geranium in it as well. And the most important point of all, alcohol free. Always proud of products that are. Serves as a quick pick me up mid-day to refresh your makeup and to keep dryness at bay in air-conditioned offices. I find that my skin becomes less oily because it helps to moisturize the skin, tricking it into thinking that it has sufficient moisture hence sebum need not be overly produced to compensate for the dryness. I use it as a toner before my moisturizing routine at night as well.

I got this as a GWP during a X'mas sale at Renaza wellness. It retails for $36 on their website. But feelunique has it for £14 currently with free international delivery.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Infuriating Sales People

I love going to get myself pampered, which woman doesn't? But come on, the incessant sales people have on more than one occasion trampled on my nerves and it has indeed got to come to a halt.

I'm talking about sales people in places that I ALREADY have a package. For god's sake, when is it ever gonna be enough for you people? F off already!

This is especially so for the popular waxing and brow joint in Singapore whose name sounds like a command than something welcoming. Very tongue-in-cheek and apt, but apparently the service staff abides by the same commandeering air as well.
Don't get me wrong, the counter staff are far more polite than the service lady who's actually in charge of your face and your vital bits. It seems like these places are hell-bent on forcing these commissioned based employees to hound you till you succumb. Very subtly I must add, and downright cunning.

I just finished a session at the Raffles City branch and I hereby swear I'm no longer returning. This is the first level one, not the basement one, and don't get me started as to why on earth there are 2 identical branches located at 2 different areas of the same mall. The first time I went to the wrong branch for waxing, likewise today for my brows. The PRC proceeded to very nicely thread my brows, occasionally throwing in a compliment or two about my brow shape and my complexion. *Rolls eyes* Then when she kindly asked if I like to have my brows filled in, of course I was more than happy to let her. That's where the niam-ing session begin.

First was the, "Do you know we do this XXX treatment that allows your brows to look more natural blah blah..." followed by "You need this arch that you lack because it's more feminine looking blah blah..." and lastly, "Look at the difference! You look amazing!" Good grief. All these effects were shown to me without a single whisper of the price. I asked for it and she reluctantly shared the ginamous amount of "It's $2000" with me followed by the mandatory, "Oh but that's before promotion!" I shook my head and told her no thanks, she continued her rambling about how important this will be for my brows and what an amazing promotion they are running. I told her it's too expensive. Then out comes the calculator and the what-nots with my other brow forgotten. I was running out of patience, I told her again, "No thank you, my brow pencil costs only $10 as opposed to your $2000 package." That got her pissed. She hastily finished my brows and told me about the trial price of $450 that she can get for me. Seriously? Are we still on that? I told her again, I'll think about it. She replied in a nasty tone, "So cheap and you still say expensive, not like you cannot afford it. Next time I won't give you this price!" I told her, "It's ok, my loss then." I picked myself up, smiled and thanked her and walked towards the counter.

The counter ladies were their last line of defence, but before they could open their mouths to convince me, I shut them up with a final line of, "My lunch hour is ending in 30 mins, please let me sign whatever I have to and let me be on my way." They told me my balance and let me leave.

Maybe it's just this branch in particular but I don't have this problem at Great World City. They'll occasionally push products which I'll reject but the 2 times I've been to the RC branch, I feel violated. Never again will I put myself through this torture again.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Groupon Vouchers

All that glitters on Groupon may not always be gold...

No, this is not a Groupon flaming post. But I'm sure many of you out there may have more than once surrendered your credit card details all too willingly only to discover that the deals you have signed up for are not on par with your expectations.

I chanced upon this awesome pouch and immediately logged on to Groupon's website to make the purchase. I love this pretty all-in-oner because of its convenience of housing my Ipad, liquid items and other necessities to carry them onboard when I go on trips. Anna Sui no less! The brand whore in me got excited and went online to make the purchase.

Just as I was about to hit to "buy" button, I suddenly had a thought and stopped myself. Where did Groupon get these pouches from? Hence I copied the name of the pouch and pasted it onto google and found out that it was a GWP (gift with purchase) from one of Anna Sui's e-mooks. Uh oh.... freebies eh... Tsktsk Groupon...

The image looks a little warped due to the reflection from the plastic wrapping.

I was determined to find a better alternative to buying the pouch. I delve into research a tad longer and found 1! So I went ahead and decided to get one for myself and one for mumsy. Hence I shaved off $10 from the purchase of these 2 awesome pouches as compared to the Groupon deal and got a free bag as a gift with purchase.

Looks better now! Love the embroidery details!

Deals on Groupon may seem attractive but just to be sure, a quick google may save you even more money. A quick tip for Groupon fans out there!

Now to find a good deal for a getaway to put my new one-sie to good use! :)

Monday, April 22, 2013

Make-up Removers

I was an avid fan of the Shu Uemura cleansing oils. It was my holy grail makeup remover till one day my skin decided that enough was enough. Perhaps it's part of aging or just a change of temperament but my skin started breaking out. I did my usual remedy of prodigal pen and effaclar duo which didn't clear the zits up as fast as they were popping out. I pondered for days as to what could have caused it. Then one day I woke up and decided to switch up my cleansing routine. Bingo.

The new makeup removal process is a tad tedious as compared to just the oil cleanser but my skin appreciates this better hence I'm sticking to it.

I'm trying out famed water based cleansers Avene and Bioderma and love them both! They are gentle on the skin and really effective. For a full face foundation, it usually takes me about 2-3 cotton pads depending on the type of foundation I'm using. (2 for BBs and Aqualumiere and 3 for Dior Forever and Mat Lumiere). But even then I find that there are still remnants of make up left after the last cotton pad. I then bring out my trusty Liz Earle and clarisonic for a final clean. That usually completes the job.

If I were to choose between the Avene Lotion Miscellaire or the Bioderma, I'll lean just a tad towards the Avene because it smells a little better. I know I know... Me and my fragrances ;) I like that Bioderma comes in the handy travel size so that's usually in my travel kit. But overall, really nice gentle cleansers that does the job. Some may not enjoy the strong eucalyptus scent from Liz Earle but it doesn't bother me.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Wedding Day Skincare Prep

I've been harrassed and hounded by SK-II posts on facebook for quite some time because I'm a subscriber to their feeds. Being a bride-to-be, I was particularly drawn to this post that keeps reappearing on my newsfeed.

Like propaganda, bridal beauty and bridal glow are key words that keep appearing in my mind whenever I see this post being re-posted. I then find myself dreaming about dewy flawless and glowing skin come my wedding day. How my makeup will stay effortlessly intact the entire day, with everyone revelling at my awesome bridal beauty. Gone are my unfortunate dark eye circles which were accumulated from months of insufficient sleep from wedding planning and the frown lines from guests who do not RSVP.

14 days eh... 14 days it shall be. I took up the SK-II proclaimed challenge and used only SK-II products from the 1st day of March.

Ok I cheated, there's a single Shiseido item lurking in the collection. That's only because my brand new Cellumination essence was sent over to hubby's place during the Guo Da Li! I'm not cheating with the Lancome genefique yeux pearl either! It's the best eye serum I've ever used till date! Sorry SK-II!

But in all serious-ness, my skin has been the best it's ever been. Maybe it's the my general happy bridal vibe telling my skincells to get their act together for this month, or it could be the SK-II but my skin feels and looks amazingly bright and smooth, less oily and just very glowy.

Pls do not stray from the present condition. I'll nurse you with more SK-II masks I promise! Just 10 more days of perfection...then you can give me a pimple, or not.

For brides getting ready for their big day, now's not the time to stinge on your skincare routine. Go treat yourself to a nice facial or a fancy box of masks!
But do not stray too much from your usual skincare if it has been working for you. Enhance your routine, but don't change it completely. You do not want to piss your skin off. And most importantly, hydrate hydrate hydrate! :)

Happy Prepping!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Orange Luggages

I've a love-hate relationship with orange. The colour, that is. I don't know how to go about wearing it or using it. But the Hermes orange has me weak at the knees. No one does orange better than the mothership. I absolutely swoon when I saw this globetrotting baby. Now that's class.

Just yesterday, I reckon my obsession with the Hermes luggage manifested itself into reality when I saw something I knew I HAD to get my hands on.

Love at first sight!!

My very own Hermes-esque luggages. So gonna put them on display at my new place! Arent they beautiful! Zomggg!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Lancome Génifique Eye Light-Pearl

Eye creams and serums do not really work for me, and I didn't actually believe this one would. But I chanced upon it one fine evening at Isetan and decided to try it out because the salesperson was really convincing. I liked the fact that Lancome went to extra mile to create a surgical steel pea-like applicator as well. So I got it to test its effectiveness and also because the salesperson threw in tons of freebies for me.

And boy am I glad I did. :)

The light-infused serum paired with the innovative Light Pearl applicator is meant to instantly refresh and re-energise eyes, minimize eye bags and fine lines and smoothen your sensitive eye area to give you luminous glowing skin. Your eyes will therefore look bigger, brighter and more youthful. The main components of this serum are caffeine, escone and an extract of micro-algae chlorella vulgaris which work together to correct dark circles, puffiness and shadowed areas.

Lancôme Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activator, $110

Really cute applicator

Here's a video to show the correct way of application.

Loves.

I was extremely intrigued by the Light Pearl applicator. My first thoughts were, "Why so cute, got tear drop metal thing that wiggles!"

The light pearl is in fact a breakthrough combination of pearl created with high-tech precision cutting edge materials. The "tear-drop pearl" form is chiselled by ceramic and procelain polishers, smoothed with diamond powder. The material is surgical steel which hygenic properties, hence making it extremely easy to maintain and clean. All you have to do is wipe the applicator with a tissue and pop it back into the bottle. Easy peasy.

When I placed the pearl to my eye area, the cool steel feels really awesome against my tired eyes. The texture of the serum is milky but light. It is fragrance free and absorbs easily to the skin, and after application, I found that my eye area had a slight glow.

In the mornings, the serum instantly reduced puffiness around my eye area. After a week, my circles were less obvious I found that my eye area did indeed appear brighter.

I thought to myself, okay lets try this for a week and rest for the next. After a week of Génifique Yeux I was in love with how radiant my eyes were. The next one week without it saw my eyes shadowed and tired, back to square one! Gawdd!! So yes, no matter how much this baby costs, I'm gonna repurchase it until Lancome decides to cruelly end its existence.

Definitely in the staple pile for me and worth a try for anyone looking for an eye serum that works.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Best of Beauty and Hair 2012

As many of you know by now, I'm a huge beauty product junkie. I love trying new products and am always hoping to find something better than the last. Figured you all might enjoy knowing what I consider to be the BEST OF 2012!

Masks: