1st Impression - Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation, The Face Shop INTEVIA Active Original Emulsion & Toner, Tony Moly Dr. Tony Ac Control Emulsion & Toner

I should be revising like crazy for exams, but I just can't help it, knowing that I haven't post these past. These are last bits of the free samples I got from my Seoul trip as well another sample foundation from Chanel that kind of tingling my 'Chanel-addict sensation'.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation - in #64 Beige Ambre

I really wish Chanel didn't discontinued Mat Lumiere, I thought this might be same as that, but it's not actually. Perfection Lumiere is actually more matte flat compare to Mat Lumiere.
Nevertheless, I think this foundation is decent, the colour range is wide compare to their previous line. Although I was quite torned between #64 and #60. I tried the Mat Lumiere is #60 and I had Lift Lumiere in #60. Both are slightly too light for my complexion but not really a bit deal for me since I always like brighter foundation. There was nothing darker than that unlike Perfection Lumiere, there are more shades after #60.

Without Flash

Without Flash - after blend - the 'orangey' patch '-.-

With Flash

With Flash- after blend

Unfortunately, they ran out of #60 when I got there, so I can't really compare to the other #60 in different formula. So I tried #64, but it was a bit too orangey yellow to my liking. Yellow tone foundation at the right shade can give a brighthening effect on like MAC Studio Sculpt NC42 on me, but this is just mehhh! '-.-
If I wear this alone I look a bit orange *some might think that's ok, but not for me* and my complexion kind off dull and sallow. So I was quite annoy with the shades, how #60 can look a bit too light and #64 is a bit too dark/orangey. If they had something in between, that would be great.
Enough about the shades and now about the texture, it's light and quite runny. It sets into matte finish and they had claim that. Coverage is up to medium buildable  To be honest I can't really slap this on because of the 'orangey' effect it gives to my complexion.
In conclusion, since I am fan of Chanel, if I got the chance I'm going to visit the counter at Debenhams and trying it again and to get the a decent amount of sample *perhaps #60 and #64*, I only got 2 sachets from counter in Boots. *booo* . For those who like matte finish foundation and wants to go for a bit luxury, try this foundation but if you have quite dry and flaky skin, might opt for something else.

The Face Shop INTEVIA Active Original Emulsion & Toner

I got these free samples from Incheon Airport from my last trip and it also include their cream and comment on it here.

I enjoyed the richness of their cream and the same goes their toner and emulsion.
The toner is a milky fluid and thicker than the usual clear watery toner. As I would have expected the toner is very rich on the skin, smell nice and it does not have those 'milk' smell that is the usual for product like these. The emulsion is a light cream and my face feel very moisturized after I put on both of toner followed by this emulsion. I used these at night usually, together with the cream and continue on even when the cream is finished. As far as I notice these has not flared out my skin or cause a breakout. It feels just nice especially in the colder weather. Overall I think the INTEVIA range from The Face Shop is really good, the idea of stem cells is amazing and the products itself will very much attract those late 20's and early 30's group. Those with dehydrated skin will benefit a lot from this.

Tony Moly Dr. Tony Ac Control Emulsion & Toner
I just got to say Tony Moly really did well for this Ac Control range. It's very unexpected since typical affordable skincare would choose 'drying' 'matting' and oil-busting as the objective for their acne-control range.

It really get on my good side that this has non of those tea trea oil or those sulphuric sh*ts in it. Both the toner and the emulsion has a clean fresh smell and there's no medicated smell as well.
When I look it on the internet, apparently this range is botanical base and does not contain the typical acne-fighting ingredient, or even if they got it, it's not the active or main ingredient. They contain the Sciadopitys Verticillata Root extract or the Japanese Umbrella-pine which I don't know much about. It claims to soothes skin problems and tighten the pores. More on Japanese Umbrella-pine, it is said to be antimicrobial as well, so that makes sense for it to be in acne-fighting skincare.
The toner is a typical clear water-like liquid and the emulsion is just a white light cream. I used both of these in the days where some spots coming out and it does wonder. It work well with my Benzoyl Peroxide gel and it doesn't cause any drying or flakiness on face as I would expect from an acne-fighting skincare. This feature alone is very attractive to me. Those with dry but acne-prone skin would really like this. I believe my spots come down faster with these in combination of my Benzoyl Peroxide gel. If these are easily obtained I wouldn't mind having it for those very bad skin days. *I wish I got a larger sample*

Favourites #2 Biker and Army Jacket, Lips in Beguiled, Boss Nuit

It's been a while since I come up with a favourite post. I had my list long ago, but it's been a long while ago that I don't feel like raving about it anymore. Then, now I am in my holiday, I realize I don't have much current favourites, I don't wear much makeup lately so that's not helping, I don't even dress up much as well. But I still try to dig out some of the stuff that I've been loving lately. Despite the difficulty I had to try to find something I like, I had actually shopped a lot and I don't think I ever want or even manage to do a full haul post on it.

So I've been crazy on Topshop for the past few months and had purchased some stuff there including the makeups but later for that. I just want to keep this post short and simple.

Topshop Tall Biker Jacket GBP 50.00+

This is all thanks to one of my friend that's been obsessing over her biker jacket, and those fashionista youtubers who always feature a biker jacket. Actually, I was never into this kind of jacket. It's a fitted style, so it's the opposite of me who always goes for oversize for my torso. 

But after a few visit to the store and trying out the jacket I decided to try and I actually was about to purchase the real leather one which is GBP 165.00 *oh my god! I know*, but my sanity hold me back and ask me to try the pleather (PU) one first and if I really like the style then go for the real leather next time.

SO how is it? I totally fall for this style, I wish I had the real leather one. The one I bought is for tall, so it's a bit longer for me, but I still like it and I really think this was a very very successful experiment!It's just PU,  but it doesn't look cheap at all, so I like that. The one I bought actually had a fur collar with it, but I hate that and took it off. I can't wait to find the chance to buy a real leather one. 

I just love to layer it with cardigans, or hoodies and even over thick knitwear, totally cozy! It definitely give out that 'cool' factor to your outfit and better yet, it's good for all year round in Belfast.

Topshop Plain Khaki Army Jacket GBP 40.00

Another jacket, great for layering, the army jacket! Another good one from Topshop. I thought of trying out the camouflage print one, but it's just seems hmmmmm tooo trendy? hahaa! So I thought just a plain green khaki would be more subtle to jump into the army loose jacket trend.

Same as the above jacket, it's really great for layering and give off that cool laidback plus androgynous look, I love that! This is definitely an alternative to my thick knit outerwear which I wear usually during fall/spring, and when it's get colder I add up another layer under it.

Topshop Lips in Beguilded GBP 8.00

This is one of those impulse purchase *not surprising at all, I always buy a new lipstick '-.- * when I look at the colour, it just scream me! It's dark plum and actually I was kinda pissed off at myself because the colour is almost the same as Diva from MAC, and I hardly use much of Diva. So this actually can be a dupe for MAC Diva except that Beguiled is slightly more purplish compare to Diva more reddish. One thing I don't like at first is the fine light reflective particles that give off a 'sheeny' creamy look, but then when I wear it and pat it with tissue, I totally love the finish. It quickly gives off that matte 'stained' look, like you just had a lot of ribena *or wine for those who drinks*.  So I just keep on reaching for this one especially when the colour really suits the fall winter palette. Wear it bare with just mascara or darker with soft smokey eye or even with black flicked cat-eye, it will look lovely! Plus, for darker girl like me, I never felt it's overpowering.

Hugo Boss - Boss Nuit Pour Femme 75ml 

(GBP50.00+ I can't remember the exact price, I got it at duty free)

I got this fragrance at Heathrow duty-free when I was on my way back to Belfast. The sales assistant actually had a hard time trying to find fragrance that I like, I was asking for some heavy strong scent but florally. She let me tested some of the popular floral scent including the Marc Jacobs one with the ladybug packaging. But I wasn't really hooked and the idea of many people having it kinda put me off. Then she show me this one, one of the latest one. It's quite pricey, but if I bought the 75ml bottle I got a free black clutch bag. The clutch is actually very decent, so I really think it was worth it. 

Boss Nuit is just fresh, florally, quite strong but not too overpowering which I find really suits for class. It also last long which I expect from an EDP formula. At the end of the day it left me smell fresh and decent, not so 'sexy' or seducing *which is the usual case for strong fragrance*, so that's why I feel it's suits for class and work, a very professional smell.  It has aldehydes and peach for top note, heart notes of white flowers, jasmine and sensual violet. The base notes consists of crystalline moss and creamy sandalwood. The packaging is nice in a tall black bottle with crystal top, simple and classy.

So that's all for now, I'll be paying more attention to my favourites from now on. Since it's holiday, I definitely will develop other posts for my blog and keep it active, so look out for more! Have a great winter holiday!

Empties #1 Origins, The Bodyshop

I can believe the semester almost over *another week then holiday!* I'm looking forward for the holiday especially since next Saturday, I'm going to see Big Bang Alive concert wooooooo!!!! Although the exam January does make me scared ~~ *seriously*, it mostly because I failed before ... erggggghh *last year literally break my spirits when it come to exams* continue on... I know it's been quite busy, so I didn't get to finish up my post so hopefully, I'm extra active in blogging during the holidays.

My first post on empties aka products I used up. This basically telling the products I used until I finish it, give kind of testimonials or comments and finally weather I would repurchase it or not.

 The Bodyshop 3-in-1 Scrub Mask

This does take a while for me to finish it. I just did a review on it, here. 

Not much to say about it, *even in the review*, just that it just not really to my liking.

I don't really feel comfortable using this and I will not repurchase it. note: I finish this as a body scrub in the end.

Origins Plantscription Anti-ageing Serum

This was my first bottle and I bought it after trying out the sample. I really enjoy this, and it is quite expensive but this was part of my 'Origins skin revolution' *lol* which has lead my skin to a very improved condition.

It just said that it's an anti-ageing serum and nothing too fancy and not filled with skincare science jargon. Nevermind how it work with lines but I definitely feel for it effect on skin texture and for some reason I think I breakout less if I had this. I definitely going to REPURCHASE this, *and I already did*

Origins Brighter By Nature Skin tone correcting Serum

This is supposedly to substitute the Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector that I don't really like since it was silicone-rich and have not much effect though make your skin feel smoother *it's the silicone*. So since I am using Origins I thought why don't I give this a try and it does contain ingredients which brightens the skin, vitamin C. Now I can't remember what else. I think this serum is not that much of a miracle compare to Plantscription. It may have effects but probably quite subtle. It is an 'ok' serum. Now this has been continued I think since Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Bright Skin Tone Correcting Serum, it's not exactly the same but I think since it's another skin-tone correcting serum why produce two. Probably some market decision done that *it's Estee Lauder, so no surprise '-.- * Nevertheless, I had tried the Dr. Weil's one and it's not the same but I think better and much much more expensive.

The Bodyshop Morrocon Rose EDT

This is definitely one of my favorite fragrance I ever had. The rose is soooo rich, very ultra floral, can be quite heavy for most people but I really love it. I really like those heavy floral *that can come-across as mature/ageing* fragrance, it suits me, my personality and it last long. I was about to repurchase it but then suddenly I realize my sister has it also.... erghhhh... '-.- I know it's her right have it, but I remember she's hating it in the first place. I shouldn't have problem to buy it again but I just not really into wearing the same perfume as my close ones *friends and family* even though I'm practically miles away from her for most of the year. Nevertheless, this is a very good one from The Bodyshop, it smell luxurious even the name also gave a luxury sound and if they come in an EDP form it would have been very perfect. 

The rose note from this fragrance last very long and I think because they had the rose for both top note as well as in base note, so you're not only getting a 'shock' from the rose at the seconds you spray it, but it also develop and you feel enveloped with rose smell after hours. I believe from the smell *from what I could remember at least * it smells a bit spicy so that's why some people or young lady might find this a bit too heavy or offensive. But again I love this perfume and if my sister ever get tired of it and it still available I might go get it. On the side note I just realized how much I love rose because of this so I got myself this fragrance in body milk form as well as in hand cream, so I believe those going to make a great layering with my other lovely fragrance. I should do a post on fragrance if I had chance. I'm starting to get into it and would love to share with you guys what fragrances I'm into.  

The Bodyshop Lash and Brow Gel
When I started wearing makeup, I'm not into black mascara *yet* and this clear gel is my MUST HAVE. Back in Malaysia, I don't find any of the drugstore brand sells clear mascara *definitely no brow gel as well* so it's like the only clear lash/brow gel I could find that I could afford, probably there's more but it is expensive eg. MAC. I can't remember how many time I purchase this. Now I used this before I wear my black mascara, sometime after black mascara to like 'thin' it out and it's great for taming my brow. Now since I'm at UK there's definitely more variety so I thought I would try others but then I accidently repurchase another one *in my stock* lol.



More Origins empties- now I don't know why I keep this, I just love them that I can't throw them away just like that... so it's good beauty bloggers/vloggers come out with this empties idea.

From Left:

Origins A Perfect World Age Defense Treatment Lotion with White Tea 

This is my favourite toner and I always make sure I have this on my vanity. It's moisturizing and my cream goes on much better after I put this on with a cotton pad. Probably since I used this for a while I should come up with a review.

Origins A Perfect World Anti-oxidant Moisturizer with White Tea

This was my first higher-end 'expensive' cream and I use this before first with Simple Soothing Facial toner and it was fine. Although it's definitely much better when I team up with the toner in this range. Both the cream and toner has change my skin a lot and I don't think I can shift from these yet. I had wear this for more than a year and again, I don't know why I still haven't get myself to do a full review on this. This cream is perfect for me all year round, though is warmer season or climate ie. back in Malaysia I wouldn't put on as much as in colder season.

Origins Make A Different Night Skin Rejuvenating gel cream
This is like a veryyyyyy old bottle... I don't know it's relevant to put this on this blog but what the heck. This gel cream really suit those who thinks their skin are oily but still got dry patches. Last year summer, I had a problem with major skin flaking *like dandruff* which I think it was stress induced and I team this with my A Perfect World and it really help to calm to outbreak and definitely reduce those flakiness and dry lines. I had done a review on this and sadly I believe they have discontinued it. It's such a waste because it was really good and it's different to the Make A Different cream they had originally. Origins has come up with Make A Different Plus+, I'm not sure about this as a 'new product' or just a  'marketing thing' they doing, but I had a sample of that and will make a post on it.