July Collective HAUL!

Soho Traincase 

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in No. 27 -Honey Beige 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Wallet from Aldo

Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre in Gold

Hello Kitty Key chain - In her adorable pink tutu <3

Physicians Formula Eye brighter

Bath & Body works candles - Both of these smell soooooooo delicious and summery!!! :) :)

Naked 2 Palette - Finally :)

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - A repurchase (favourite powder everrrrrr)

L'oreal True Match Lumi Foundation - Sand Beige

Cool Pump

Panoxyl 8% Benzoyl Peroxide face wash

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation - Natural Beige

Soap & Glory Body Scrub

Haha, after reading that how can you NOT buy it :)

July GoodByes ):

So as the title suggests, my monthly goodbyes are going to feature products that I've used up that month, how I like it and whether or not I plan on repurchasing it.

So for the month of July, here's the list of all the products I went through:

*******************************************************************
-------- = STAY AWAY
-------- = LOVE
-------- = LIKE IT
-------- = Neither like it nor dislike it

1. ELF eyelid primer - LOVE this stuff! I scraped every little bit out of that tube, will go and purchase it as soon as I get the chance!

2. CVS Cleansing and Makeup removing towelettes (blue one) - Have repurchased this several times in the past and will continue to do so :)

3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail colour in Flashy Fuchsia - The first nail polish I bought. A very vibrant hot pink, its a summer must-have. 

4. Maybelline Eye Studio gel liner in Blackest Black - Super black! <3 Though I wont repurchase it until I go through my collection of gel liners.

5. Covergirl Lashblast Volume (purple) - did not like it at all. It did absolutely nothing for my lashes =/ stick to the regular lash blast in the orange packaging.

6. Garnier BB cream sample - love the way it smells and how my skin looks with it on, but I'm totally loving my new Missha BB cream so I'll skip on this one. 

7. Two Faced lash injection mascara - Good stuff, but will not repurchase since I have a lot of drugstore favourites :) 

8. Duac Topical Gel (prescription product) - YES YES YESSSSSSSSSS<3 i love this stuff

9. Sodium Sulfacetamide face wash (prescription product) - Saved my skin<3 Absolutely love this product, repurchased a new one couple of weeks ago. They seemed to have changed the packaging and the cleanser is less creamy, but lets see how it works. 

10. Bath and Body Works shower gel in Black Amethyst - smells okay: musky and manly to be precise, but since Bath and Body Works keep coming out with different scents so often, chances are I will not repurchase it. 


11. Loreal Carbon Black Telescopic liquid liner (waterproof) - Yuck, didn't like this liquid liner at all. Super runny, applicator is horrible and it gets crusty throughout the day =/ I prefer the regular one.


12. NYC Smooch Proof Lipstain in Persistent Pink - Great for summer time since they're long wearing, colour is really pretty too. However, I love trying out other products so chances are I will not be repurchasing it.

13. Colgate Total Advanced whitening toothpaste - <3 it. This stuff really does whiten your teeth =D Will continue to purchase it (as long as it keeps going on sale haha ;) )


14. Clinique Dramatically Different moisturiser for combination/oily skin - have bought it several times before and will continue to do so. It softens the skin while still feeling really light.

15. L'oreal Magic Lumi primer - Used up the sample that I received a while ago, like it, but it didn't really blow my mind. The L'oreal studio secrets anti dull skin primer that I have gives me the same results. 

16. Bio Oil - I like the way it smells, I bought it mainly for stretch marks but I don't think I've used it long enough to see results (minimum of 3 months). I have another full sized product that my mom gave to me from a Burn conference so depending on the results I get after finishing that up, I will decide whether or not I will repurchase it. 


17. Bath and Body Works Scented Candle in Midnight Pomegranate - not too crazy about it, used it as a bathroom candle for a while but I will not repurchase it cause I'd like to try out a new scent. 


18. Smashbox Photofinish primer - Unlike the Smashbox photofinish LIGHT, this primer did NOT break me out so thats cool. As much as I like it, I probably won't be purchasing it. At least not anytime soon since I have the Tarte Clean-slate poreless primer on my list that I really really wanna try :D

*************************************************************

Evening/Party Makeup: Green and Purple gradient eye make up

Oh, if you don't like the colours used here, you can always substitute it for other shadows :)

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Create the perfect canvas by applying a primer all over the eyelid up to the brow bone. Here I used ELF's eyelid primer.

2. Next I took this beautiful cranberry colour (2) from the Revlon CustomEyes palette in Rich Temptations on a fluffy brush and applied it in the crease, and blended it upwards. If you applied too much like I did, then just pick some baby pink shadow from the same palette and use it to fade the edges of the cranberry shadow.

3. Contour your eyes by using the dark plum colour (5) in the crease of the eye and blend it in with the lighter cranberry shadow we applied in Step 2.

4. Then take a little bit of black shadow and dip your brush back and forth into the black and the deep purple eye shadow used earlier to create depth. Keep blending it as you go along. It's a lot easier to apply more product when needed than to remove excess product once its applied, creates a huge mess D: 

5.  I like the lid colour to really stand out which is why I prefer applying it last because it has a tendency to fade a little in the blending process when applied earlier. So here I took a Milani cream shadow stick in Green Safari and applied it all over the lid.

6. Next I packed on the green shadow (4) from the same palette all over the lid concentrating more of the colour on the outer and inner corners. I wanted to create sort of a gradient where you have a darker green on the extreme opposites and then a more shimmery, lighter green in the center. I didn't realise I had a super dark forest green eye shadow so for this look I just mixed the green with some black shadow to darken it up. 

7. To make your eyes pop, take a creamy gel or liquid liner in black and trace it along your upper lashline and also in your waterline.

8. Apply some of deep purple shadow on the outer third of your bottom lashline, and the lighter cranberry shade in the center of your lashline and blend it.

9. Use a shimmery white or champagne shadow and apply it underneath the brow bone and inner corners to add instant radiance. 

10. Finally, define your eyes in a flash with two coats of your favourite volumising mascara on your top and bottom lashes. Here I Used Lorac's 3D lashes mascara in black.

Dramatic look featuring Urban Decay Products

Products you'll need to re-create this look:

- matte black eye shadow
- matte brown eye shadow (one close to your skin tone, and one 2-3 shades darker) - The brown shadows will help fade the harsh black that we'll be applying into the crease. 
- your favourite gold eye shadow
- white/champagne shadow for highlight
- a super dark black liner
- mascara (TONS)

1. As always, be sure to prime your lids with an eye primer to prevent your shadows from fading or creasing. Here I used Urban Decay Primer Potion (original).

2. Next, I took 'Naked' from the Urban Decay 'NAKED' palette and gently blended it into my crease using a fluffy eye shadow brush, fading it up to the brow bone.

3. I then took a darker matte brown eye shadow 'BUCK' from the NAKED palette as well and using windshield wiper motions, I deposited the colour into my crease.

4. Pack some matte black eye shadow (Serious from the Nude'tude palette) onto your brush  and apply it onto the inner third of your lid and the outer V of your lid. Then using a clean blending brush, soften the edges of the black shadow.

5. Using the same eye shadow brush in Step 4, take a little more of the matte black and use it to deepen the colour in the inner corner and the outer V. This will create almost a cut-crease look and since we have our black shadow already blended out, it won't look overpowering.


6. Here comes the fun part: the pop of gold. I first took a small eye shadow brush and picked up some concealer (I used, Cover Girl stick concealer in Fair) and patted it into the center of the lid to prep it for the gold shadow I'll be applying. Its important to use either a white base or in this case, a skin toned base to help the gold pop amongst all the black and brown shadows we've applied.

7. Taking this Urban Decay 'Baked' shadow from the Urban Decay Book of Shadows (4th edition), I applied it with a flat eye shadow brush onto the center of my lids and blended it with the black. You can apply gold glitter over it if you want, but I didn't have any so I left it as it is.

8. For the brow bone highlight, I used 'Skimp' from the Book of Shadows palette.

9. Finally, line your eyes with your favourite liquid/gel liner and apply two to three coats of mascara and your good to go! :)

Summer tips: Meltproof makeup!

Here's a few customized tips on keeping your makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the sweltering weather is working against you.

OD-Cleansing 

 Due to the heat and humidity we're exposed to throughout the day, oil and sweat builds up so its natural to want to keep splashing your face with cold water every now and then. However, doing so can strip your skin of moisture and will result in an overproduction of oil to compensate for the dryness. The result: An even oilier complexion.


Opt for oil-absorbing sheets instead. They suck up excess oil from the skin and keep it matte throughout the day. For a cheaper alternative, use facial tissues as a blotting sheet. I bought these adorable blotting papers from a store in China town and its a lot cheaper ($4 for 120 sheets) than the Clean and Clear ones ($7-$8 for 50 sheets).

(left) Before     (right) After

Load up on SPF!

There should be no excuse for skipping sunscreen. There are multiple brands out there coming out with several types of sunscreen, some tinted, some moisturising, some cooling, mattifying - the options are infinite. You'll be thanking them once you reach your 50s.

Prime

The key to long-lasting make up during the summer time is using an oil-free primer over your moisturiser and sunscreen but underneath your foundation. A primer puts a layer between your skin and your makeup, which prevents make up from getting absorbed into your skin and clogging your pores. It feels super light-weight on the skin, allows your make up to glide right on, and helps it last a lot longer in the heat. What's not to love? :) 


TIP: Prime the area underneath your eyes as well as your laugh lines with a silicone base primer to fill in the crevices where foundation/concealer tend to accumulate.


Less is more
Instead of using heavy duty foundations, go for a thin layer of BB cream or a tinted moisturiser which will keep your make up looking fresh and not cakey. Go bare even! just apply concealer to any boo boos and/or dark circles and then set it with a face powder. You will look polished without feeling like your entire face is covered up :)

TIP: Don't have a tinted moisturiser?   Just mix your regular foundation with any moisturiser!

Tint them!

For the summer, a cheek stain or a cream blush with a gel-like formula will offer you the flush of colour you desire without feeling too heavy on the skin.

Revlon Photoready Blush

If you prefer a powder blush, go for something that works hard to keep your oiliness at bay while also keeping your colour in check like this Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy.  It comes in a variety of colours and finishes (some shimmery, some matte).  

Lip last lipstick
Lipsticks and lip glosses can feel a bit icky during the summer time so it's best to stick to a lip stain. The colour bonds to your lips while keeping your mouth nourished and your breath super fresh! :) 
Try: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains


Full review here: CLICK ME

Budge-proof eyeshadow

These cream shadows by Maybelline look fresh even hours after application <3 Guaranteed!
They come in a variety of shades, from brights to neutrals.


FULL REVIEW HERE: CLICK ME AGAIN

That's all for today! Hope these summer beauty tips work just as well for you as they have for me. 

Olay ProX Cleansing System - Its a treat for your skin!

This cheap little miracle from Olay is about to turn your world upside down! Now you won't have to spend money getting a facial done or on expensive treatments because for $30, you can have your very own facial treatment in the comfort of your own hot shower. 

The Olay Cleansing kit comes with the brush tool that has a rotating head, two speed settings, a pair of duracell batteries as well as a mini exfoliating cleanser. Its portable, fairly light-weight and also water resistant so you could use it in the shower without worrying about it dying out.

Took me forever to get the bottom compartment to open for the batteries but the brush is super soft and not scratchy so it will also suit those who have sensitive skin. The way the brush rotates is very gentle also which makes it perfect for everyday use. I know some people prefer a super duper abrasive tool for exfoliation, and if your skin handles that better, that's fine. But for others like myself who prefer a gentle but deep cleansing treatment, this is a great option without having to break the bank. 

I have large pores, combination skin (more towards the oily side) and acne prone skin. I've been using this thing for two months now: once a day, everyday, and always at night because that's when your skin repairs itself. There are some days where I use it in the day time but for the most part, I save my facials for night time and I already see such a huge difference in my skin. Why on Earth was I walking around with all that dead gunky skin for so long?? Prior to using it, I had clear skin but it was very dull and lifeless and my pores were nasty. Now, after using it every single day my skin looks more radiant, bright and even. The clogs on my cheeks are noticeably smaller and cleaner. And it feels sooooooooooooo super soft, its hard to stopping touching your face after that =X My makeup also goes on incredibly smooth ever since I started using it, and my skin even looks visibly smoother to me.

I first tested out this product by washing my face (with my foundation still on) with just Cetaphil (using my hands) and then after that I used the Olay ProX cleansing brush and the exfoliating cleanser that came with it. After years of washing away my makeup with a cleanser, I was blown away to see the amount of makeup that piled up on the bristles of the brush. While using it, it doesn't feel like its doing much cause its so gentle, but take my word for it, it works! After cleansing my face, I went on and applied my Estee Lauder advanced night repair serum (had a sample of it) and the serum just MELTED into my skin. Even my moisturiser after that just sank right in, leaving behind no oily residue as it would otherwise. And I woke up the next day to delicious glowy skin.


The true test came when I had to apply my toner with a cotton ball after cleansing: there was absolutely NO smears of grime or traces of make up on it like there usually is.This gadget has become a staple in my skincare routine.

The cleanser that comes with it is quite nice too. The micro beads are small enough to polish the skin lightly without irritating it. Of course you don't have to use that cleanser every single time you use the ProX tool. I use it probably twice a week. The other days I just use the brush with my regular cleansers: Neutrogena Acne stress control power clear scrub/my prescription face wash or my Aveeno brightening cleanser (depending on what I feel my skin needs at the time)

To get the full benefit, I would suggest cleansing your face for ONE MINUTE. After using it routinely, the process may seem a bit time consuming, but the results are so worth it. Oh and be careful when using the tool around your nose because the cleanser has a tendency to fly up in your eyes, so yeah, keep your eyes closed when using it there. Also, you don't need to apply too much pressure on your skin when you cleanse, just let the tool do the work.

All in all, great product. Worth the hype. The only negative I see is the stupid battery compartment D: i was literally fighting a war with it for a good 20 minutes cause I couldn't get it to open D: but then that's probably to keep out the water from ruining the batteries, I dunno =O Some people may not be happy due to the fact that it is battery powered, but I'm personally not bothered by it. I just wish there was a cover for the brush for when it isn't being used but eh, whatever.

I honestly cant say if its as good as its higher-end counterpart (the clarisonic) because i've never tried the clarisonic before and don't see myself purchasing it until maybe I get a job (which could take 5-6 years, who knows O_O) but in my opinion, it is a good and cheaper alternative.Try it out, if you don't like it and think you'd prefer something more abrasive like the clarisonic, return that and get the clarisonic mia instead! I'm honestly tempted to try it out also and see how it compares, but still...$200 bucks? ._. Its either this or a Michael Kors watch I've been dying to get my hands on D:< 

decisions, decisions 


If my opinions about this tool changes with the next 6 months or so, I'll inform you