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Monday, 26 January 2015

Beauty: Mee Cosmetics Brightly Sharp Eyeliner

I am an eyeliner-hoarder. I love eyeliners, and I love to collect them and try out which one works best one me. Heh. So I was really excited when I go the chance to try out Mee Cosmetics Brightly Sharp Eyeliner from Essential Beauty House which won the Cleo Best Liquid Eyeliner 2014 Award!

Always appreciate a prettily packaged product!

Mee Cosmetics is a brand from Thailand but the Brightly Sharp Eyeliner is made in Korea. Well, we know how great Korean beauty products are, so I had high expectations about this! The product has also been featured in various magazines. Mee Brightly Sharp Eyeliner is a new innovative automatic liquid eyeliner. It has a smudge-proof and waterproof formula, dries quickly, long-lasting for 24 hours and is easy to remove with makeup remover. Currently, the Mee Brightly Sharp Eyeliner is only available in the shade Black.

The Mee Brightly Sharp Eyeliner is a simple pen type liquid eyeliner, just the way I like it. It is very lightweight and perfect for carrying around. One thing I noticed abut the eyeliener is that it has a ball inside which is meant to be shaken before you use the eyeliner.

It comes with a slim brush which is great for slim and sharp lines. The intense black colour can emphasise your eyes to make them stand out. After using, remember to close the cap tightly and keep away from sunlight and heat to avoid the eyeliner from drying out.

I performed a few simple tests on my hand before trying it out on my eyes to see if the eyeliner lives up to its name. As it's a liquid eyeliner, the formula does run a little and settle into the fine lines of my hand. The eyeliner is proven to be waterproof as it doesn't run when in contact with water. But once it has come into contact with water, it smudges more easily, which got me quite disappointed. Lastly, I used my PureViVi Cleansing Lotion and one swipe is enough to remove the eyeliner completely!

Shake the eyeliner slightly before use to get an even application. Apply it along the lash line, wait for it to try and apply more layers if you prefer your eyeliner to be blacker and thicker.

How the eyeliner looks after drawing my usual cat-eye, slightly winged liner. 


I had the eyeliner on for about 10 hours that day, and I cried a little cos we were out watching a movie. Haha. After 10 hours, the eyeliner has faded and isn't as sharp anymore, but considering that it still stayed on after crying, the remaining results is quite impressive!

As I have slightly oily lids, it is difficult to find an eyeliner that won't smudge. Unfortunately, the Mee Brightly Sharp Eyeliner did smudge a little on the edge of my eye after I rubbed it lightly.

Again, removal is a breeze and I only need to wipe once with my makeup remover wipe to get the product right off.

I like that the Mee Brightly Sharp Eyeliner is so light and space-saving so I always carry it out in my makeup pouch nowadays to do light touch-ups.  I always appreciate fine-tip pen liners as I find that it is easier to build up. It's a good eyeliner to use if you're a beginner at makeup. Sadly, it isn't as smudge-proof as it claims to be but I would recommend it for the colour payoff is amazing for just one layer and it is easy to draw and control. This can even be an alternative for my current favourite eyeliner, the Maybelline Hypersharp Liner Laser Precision. The price is also very affordable at less than RM50 as the quality is comparable to higher-end branded eyeliners out there.

You can find the Mee Cosmetics Brightly Sharp Eyeliner at Essential Beauty House Malaysia HERE or at Rakuten for only RM39.90

For more Mee Cosmetics products and other brands, log on to:
Website: http://www.essentialbeautyhouse.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essentialbeautyhouse
Email: essential.beautyhouse@gmail.com
MSN: support.essentialbeauty@live.com.my
Hotline: 010-660 8366

Cheers,
Carinn 


Follow me on my blog and social media sites:

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Disclaimer: Even though the product was sponsored, it does not affect my opinion in any way. The review is based on my honest personal thoughts, experiences and preference after trying out the product. How I use it may not be the best way to use the product and effects may vary depending on various conditions.



Sunday, 25 January 2015

Bath & Body: NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner

Happy Sunday!

So recently, NIVEA has been super generous and sent me a huge box of NIVEA products. NIVEA has always been one of the most well-known and trusted brands in skincare, so you can imagine my surprise when I opened the box! I'm guessing I don't have to buy anymore lotions, shower cream, hand cream, moisturiser or in-shower conditioners anymore this year? Thank you NIVEA, for the generosity!

Sooo many goodies right! <3 I'm thinking of doing a giveaway, what do you think? ;)


The good (or bad) news is, I don't have to review ALL the items given (unless you want me to..). I'm only going to be talking about these NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioners which seems to be the rage lately. Well for this review, we'll be doing things a little bit different as I won't be the one that will test out these In-Shower Skin Conditioners but instead, I got my SISTER to review them for you! Cool, huh?

There are 3 main variants of NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioners - the regular In-Shower Skin Conditioner, In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner and In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner. There is also a newly added In-Shower Smooth Milk Skin Conditioner which I got my sis to try out for fun as well, just to give you a more comprehensive review. 

The NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner is a revolutionary and convenient way to moisturise the skin while in the shower. Nowadays, everyone's lifes are more hectic and we are always looking for solutions that are on-the-go. Both men and women love this product for it is an efficient solution to keeping your skin fully-hydrated and silky smooth. I for one, am lazy to use a body lotion every night, so the NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditoner is my next best bet! No wonder so many stars like Erin Malek, Nadia Heng and Emily Quak can't stop talking about their love for this product!

NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner has been scientifically proven and dermatologically tested to deliver more moisture to the skin than normal shower gels with moisturising benefits. You might be wondering how can this product be effective if you have to wash it off immediately? When you're in the shower, it's the best time to moisturise as the skin is wet so the pores open up, making it the best time for skin to absorb nourishment easily. The unique formula of NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditoner is activated by water to fully moisturise and repair the skin. You will have to rin se off any excess product to avoid unpleasant residues (there will be no harmful effects if left on, but it feels abit sticky). 


NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner (for Normal Skin)
Truth be told, I've been using this regular NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner for awhile now. It promises a silky, soft water-like looking skin everyday. It is specially formulated for normal skin and is enriched with Sea Minerals to help keep the skin hydrated. I really love this as it is convenient and deeply replenishes moisture to my skin, hopefully my sister likes this too!

Price:
RM 16.90 (250ml)
RM 22.90 (400ml)

NIVEA In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner (for Dull Skin)
This particular one is great for people with dull skin who are looking to instantly brighten up their skin. This formula is enriched with 50x more Vitamin C, derived from Camu Camu, which is known for its natural antioxidant and skin lightening properties.

Price:
RM 18.90 (250ml)
RM 24.90 (400ml)

NIVEA In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner (for Dry Skin)
This is a life saviour for people with dry skin. It is enriched with rich nourishing Almond Oil for that extra smooth, silky touch.

Price:
RM 16.90 (250ml)
RM 22.90 (400ml)

NIVEA In-Shower Smooth Milk Skin Conditioner (for Dry Skin)
For irresistably smooth skin, it is advised for people with dry and sensitive skin to try out this new In-Shower Conditioner that is enriched with Shea Butter. Not only does it smell good, the smoothness is undeniable!

Each NIVEA In-Shower Conditioner bottle has the same open-top and squeeze tube. They come in two sizes - 250ml (which is more convenient for travelling IMO) and 400ml.

It looks and feel just like a normal lotion, right? But this whitish cream actually has a unique water-activated formula that is designed to be used and rinsed off in the shower. It has been tested and proven that the NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner significantly increases hydration for more than 24 hours after a single application. 

The results are almost instanteneous - you can feel your skin becoming more moisturised and silky soft right after you wash it off.

To use the NIVEA In-Shower Conditioner, all you have to do is cleanse with shower gel, wash it off, the followed by the In-Shower Conditioner while in the shower. Apply it like you would usually apply shower gel then immediately rinse it off thoroughly. No waiting time is required and you can get dressed immediately after that! It is best to use NIVEA In-Shower Conditioner after your shower gel as it is not a 2-in-1 product and does not contain any cleansing property. 

So here are a few simple questions that I asked my sis regarding her experience using NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner for the past few weeks.

What do you think about NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner?
It's a very easy and fast method of getting one to apply lotion or conditioner on the skin as I tend to forget to do so. Even if I'm in a rush, there is always time to spare to use this skin conditioner as the effects is so fast! Right after rinsing off you can feel that your skin is fully-treated already. NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner is really unique and effective!

How do you feel after using the NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner?
My skin feels softer and smoother after each use. I do not feel any itchiness and my skin feels moisturised all day!

Which variant of NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner did you like the most and why?
My favourite would be the NIVEA In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner. It's more potent compared to the regular and whitening one, and it also smells the best!

Is there anyting you disliked about the NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner?
Sometimes when I don't wash it off properly, it leaves some sticky and greasy residue behind which is quite uncomfortable. I feel the NIVEA In-Shower Smooth Milk Skin Conditioner doesn't suit me as much, as it feels blotchy on the skin after use.

Would you use it daily and recommend the NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner to your friends?
Yes, I have been using it everyday and will continue to do so. If any of my friends ask me, of course I'll introduce it to them!

If you're like us and the millions of other women who love the NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner, join us in the latest "I LOVE NIVEA In-Shower Body Lotion" campaign and invite more Malaysians to be part of this revolution. More people needs to be aware that they can maximise their time and revolutionise showering altogether! Go to this app on NIVEA's Facebook page to declare your love for this breakthrough innovation! Psst.. Register now and get a RM6 voucher for purchase of any 400ml Nivea In-Shower Skin Conditioner!


Instagram: @mynivea

Cheers,
Carinn 


Follow me on my blog and social media sites:

UBER: Key in VD51L to get RM15 off your first ride!
MYSALE: Click to shop!
ZALORA: Get 15% off storewide with no minimum spend with the code ZBAPQGAQ!

Disclaimer: Even though the products were sponsored, it does not affect me or in this case, my sister's opinions in any way. The review is based on my/our honest personal thoughts, experiences and preference after trying out the products. Effects may vary depending on the individual.



Friday, 23 January 2015

Honesty


So I posted this photo on my Askfm the other day and it was about posting a pic when you wake up. Someone commented that I looked "horrid", cos usually I have makeup on. 

Well, I guess I should've known this was coming and I'm used to these comments. But "horrid" is just a new level of harshness for me. I'm not posting this to gain attention, I only posted it for fun and in response to a question. I never said I was pretty, I know my face better than you haha. 

But you should know that no one in this world looks so bad that you can label them as "horrid". Tell me, who really ever wakes up looking flawless like Beyoncé, unless you're Beyoncé herself? Lol. Well, I'm sorry for scaring you because I don't slap my makeup on as soon as I wake up, so what's the problem here? Also, it's not a crime to love makeup. Makeup is meant to boost your confidence, a canvas to showcase your creativity, and that canvas is your face. For me, makeup is just a basic courtesy to not only look good, but feel good about yourself and be presentable to those you're meeting. You don't want people to not take you seriously when you look tired and haggard, right? Of course, don't be so obsessed to the point that you wear makeup to sleep just to wake up looking good. Sleeping with makeup on is bad for your skin. Some say makeup is bad when girls wear too much of it, but when girls don't wear makeup, they get critisized for looking bad/tired/sick. Like, whatchu want huh? 

But it really got me thinking. We are all so caught up with living the glamorous lives and we are so obsessed with sharing only the good and happy things on our social media sites, that we don't really know what's real and what's not anymore, right? When we eat plain bread or plain rice, we don't post those as often as those pretty cafe food. When we're sick, when we're home in our comfy clothes with no make-up, bunned up hair and eating unglamorously while watching embarrassing dramas, it doesn't get as much "insta-worthy" likes. So we don't really post these pics. But why are we so shy about it? It's normal, everyone does that at home.. Right? I know I'm guilty of these "glamorous" social media postings too but it's still a point to ponder. Society is so weird with the norms it dictates, huh? There's just no pleasing everyone - how true.

To me, as a blogger, if he or she doesn't dare to post a pic of their bare face, don't you think it calls for suspicion already? A blogger is supposed to be honest and real when giving reviews and opinions. I could've edited that photo before I posted it. I could've edited any of my photos before I post them on my blog. But, no. I choose to stay honest. I never want to con anyone into buying anything that doesn't work for me or maybe them. 

By the way, if this "horrid" photo gives you an eyesore, you're welcome to close this tab and/or unfollow me. :)


Disclaimer: I'm not trying to sound victimized here. I just need an outlet to rant. You can't criticize how someone looks, it's so disrespectful! You can choose not to read, it is MY blog after all. But I know, whatever I write, someone's gonna comment and shoot me anyway, so might as well~ Btw, if you have something to say, would appreciate it if you could say it to my face and not do it anonymously :) #justsaying



Wednesday, 21 January 2015

Fragrance: Heaven on Earth Sweet Dream Essential Oil Blend

Time for another review from HiShop! Wondering what tiny item the big pink box holds this time?


Inside a pretty mesh pouch was this Heaven on Earth Sweet Dream Essential Oil Blend. This is my first time reviewing an essential oil and also my first time using vapourised essential oil to help me sleep. I've never really had trouble sleeping, but I do sleep late frequently. Sweet Dream Essential Oil Blend is specially formulated to help soothe and destress one from the busy life. It helps to emotionally relax your mind and body after a long day at work or school to promote better sleep.

The essential oil contains 5 different 100% essential oils that works in synergy too soothe your mind. These oils are Lavendar, Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange, Chamomile and Sandalwood. Now, we all know that lavendar and chamomile are well-known for their relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. I have a good feeling about this!

Initially I thought the essential oil came with a dropper but it is actually with a normal bottle with a narrow nozzle so you can control the amount you want to use. 

To use, simply prepare a burner, humidifier or a diffuser. For me, I used a burner and lit a candle to heat it up.
Fyi, the Sweet Dream Essential Oil Blend can also be added as a base oil for massages to relax the body, diluted into a bath or simply added to your everyday shower cream or lotion to help you relax more when showering. 


Add a few drops of the essential oil onto the burner. Only a few tiny drops are needed for a good night's sleep.

The essential oil is a dark yellow in colour.

There are two kinds of people in the world - those who enjoy scented oils, and those who don't. Honestly, I belong to the latter and am not really a fan of using essential oils unless they are already added into my products. The Sweet Dream Essential Oil Blend smells heavily of oranges and very citrusy and sadly, orange is not my favourite fruit. I do admit that I enjoy the sudden whiffs at times because there are notes of lavendar scents. Admittedly, the essential oil helps me to sleep better and relax my mind more easily. The smell is strong and lasting, it will linger in the air even lasts an hour or so after I blow out the candle. Would I use it again? Only if I have insomnia again. :)

You can get the 10 ml Heaven on Earth Sweet Dream Essential Oil Blend here for RM69! Use my coupon code CARINNTAN to get 15% rebate for your purchases!

Find more Heaven on Earth products and other brands on HiShop now!
Instagram: @hishopmy

Cheers,
Carinn 


Follow me on my blog and social media sites:

UBER: Key in VD51L to get RM15 off your first ride!
MYSALE: Click to shop!
ZALORA: Get 15% off storewide with no minimum spend with the code ZBAPQGAQ!

Disclaimer: Even though the product was sponsored, it has not affected my opinion in any way. The review is based on my honest personal thoughts, experiences and preference after trying out the product. Effects may vary depending on individual preference and other factors. How I use it may not be the best way to use the product and effects may vary depending on the individual.




Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Beauty: SKIN&LAB Dr. Pore Tightening Glacial Clay Facial Mask

I received this box of love from Natta Cosme way back in December, before Christmas. Inside was an item for review, a Christmas card and two handmade hairclips that are simply gorgeous! I truly appreciate the effort by the Natta Cosme team and of course, I'd like to share with you about the skincare product that I got!


Tadaa! It's the SKIN&LAB Dr. Pore Tightening Glacial Clay Facial Mask which claims to be "the ultimate pore mask" from Korea. It is proven to solve excess sebum secretion as well as minimise enlarged pores and firms sagging skin. Glacial Clay Facial Mask contains glacial clay, which removes impurities deep within the skin and oatmeal, which eliminates unevenness, and moisturises the skin. These two ingredients combined can not only treat acne skin but provides balanced hydration as well. The results are said to be almost instantaneous and not only does it act as a "cover up" product that doesn't clog the pores, it does not contain silicone which makes it the perfect everyday mask to give your clearer and firmer skin in the long run.

The clay mask is a greenish-grey colour and may look slightly um, off-putting, but thats's where all the goodness are at! You can see there is a little oil on the surface which means that it won't dry out the skin and is suitable for people with sensitive skin like me. The main ingredients are 3000mg of Canadian Glacial Clay (for sebum control, clears acne, skin waste removal, calming), oatmeal (for exfoliating, skin softening, deep hydration), tea tree leaf (for acne prevention and acne resolving), Portulaca Oleracea extract (for hydration and acts as an antioxidant), Allantoin (for sensitivity reduction, controls dead skin cells) and last but not least, Kaolin & Bentonite (for waste removal, pore contraction).

SKIN&LAB's special 3Cs Pore Care System comes into place to Clear, Contract and Care for the skin. With all these powerful acne-fighting and pore-clearing ingredients, your dream of having baby smooth poreless skin is not far off!

3 Step Pore Solution
Step 1: CLEAR - Preparation phase, deep pore-cleasing helps to eliminate dead skin cells, excess sebum and other skin debris.
Step 2: CONTRACT - Recovery phase, pore-tightening caused by open pores contracting and pore walls firm up and returns to its normal healthy structure. 
Step 3: CARE - Rejuvenation phase, skin is nourished and protected as anti-bacterial activators are delivered into the skin to hydrate and provide an effortlessly flawless look.

I especially liked that a spatula was provided for better hygiene and convenient use! The texture of the mask is soft and spreads easily due to the high moisture level. This glacial clay and fine oatmeal mask allows you to enjoy 2-in-1 masks in just one step. How cool is that? Do not that you shouldn't leave the lid open after use as it is a clay mask after all and will dry up easily.

Step 1: After toning your face, apply appropriate amount of the mask on your face. Do avoid contact with eye area. 

I really prefer to use the spatula than my hands as it spreads more evenly! The consistency of the mask is amazingly smooth.

Wait 10 - 15 minutes before rinsing off the mask with warm water. While waiting, take some silly selfies with your 'scary' mask on! :p

Not sure if you can see it but the masks has completely dried up after 15 minutes and feels tighter. The mask feels cooling and smells kind of herbal-ish. Some sharp pain is felt initially but don't worry as it's just the mask activating its pore cleasing effects. The pain should subside gradually.

Tips: 
- Use the mask on targeted areas such as sudden break outs or oily T-zone. The mask is especially useful for reducing newly formed acne spots.
- The mask can also be used on acne-prone areas on the body, such as neck and chest. It is best to use after a warm shower as the pores are open then.
- To experience better contraction and calming results, keep the mask cool in the fridge.

After rinsing off the mask, it's time to lock in the moisture! For best resullts, use SKIN&LAB's Dr. Color Effect Red Serum for more radiance and youthful-looking skin! Natta Cosme was so sweet to provide us a sample of that.

The results after just one use. I love using clay mask as I feel that it deeply cleanses my pores and leaves me with brighter, healthier and cleaner skin. This Glacial Clay Facial Mask does just that and the best part is, it does not dry out my dry, sensitive skin. While the minor pain is quite annoying initially, I do enjoy the soothing, minty effect after applying the mask. You can see that after exfoliation, there are less bumps on my skin, especially the forehead area. I'm going to be hardworking and use the clay mask every week to get acne-free skin!
It is recommended that people with oily skin use this 2 - 3 times a week while people with dry and senstive skin should keep it to a maximum of 1 - 2 times a week.


The mask has also cleared up my blackheads and whiteheads which were initially quite prominent, especially on my nose and chin area. The redness of my pimples has also been reduced. Because oatmeal is so gentle, it does not cause a stinging sensation when you're washing off the mask.

Now my skin feels more hydrated and fresh! The results are immediate and obvious, it's a quick solution for anyone prepping the skin for an important event. Another thing that I realised is that my makeup goes on and stays on better each time after I use the mask.

If you're interested to try out this miraculous mask for yourself, you can find it HERE for only RM71. I've tried other clay and mud masks before, and I honestly think this is one of the most reasonably priced ones. One tub is 100ml and can last you for a long, long time. The mask expires in one year.   Thank you, SKIN&LAB for helping me get one step closer to poreless, acne-free skin! You're definitely a keeper!

For more SKIN&LAB products and other brands, find them from Natta Cosme!
Instagram: @nattacosme


Cheers,
Carinn 


Follow me on my blog and social media sites:

UBER: Key in VD51L to get RM15 off your first ride!
MYSALE: Click to shop!
ZALORA: Get 15% off storewide with no minimum spend with the code ZBAPQGAQ!

Disclaimer: Even though the product was sponsored, it has not affected my opinion in anyway. the review is based on my honest personal thoughts, experiences and preference after trying out the product. Effects may vary depending on the individual.