Review: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

I literally forgot I have not taken a single picture of it and had to crop it from my pics of skincare routine

I got this through Amazon, shipped from Japan ... so it fully Japanese, so information I got was from numerous reviews online and also Ratzillacosme which was really really helpful.
From Ratzillacosme:-

The ingredients here is pretty basic and that's what I love it for!

I heard of this product wayyy before but just never got interested until Hyaluronic acid become 'trendy'... lols... so since a lot of skincare brand started to emphasize how their formulation is so rich with Hyaluronic acid, I just went for this after reading numerous the great reviews.

10 years ago when it came out in TV ads while I was still in secondary school back home in Malaysia I never really think this product relevant to me because I was the acne-prone teenager who knows nothing other than killing acne with benzoyl peroxide and that hydration ? that ain't doing anything to my skin... so I thought. but now I've learnt. 

I found that this the most basic hyaluronic acid product, and basic is good. I would not say this is the best and maybe as a single product something else can be better but it is one of the best you can start with especially those who is new to  serious skincare. Especially for the price for the amount it just make sense!

Application:
It just slightly more viscous than water but and can felt a little sticky which do not last. It's clear and oh so easy to apply. No smell. You can just drop it to palm and swipe across face and neck, and pat it. I usually use it after putting on my vitamin C or my retinol in light thin watery formula, then followed by thicker serum.
It is perfect for layering, best use by adding more toners afterward or mist and finish off with a more occlusive products. You don't need to of course,  it perfectly fine to just leave it on and yes it's great for those DIY lotion mask.

Packaging:
Simple plastic bottle, quite squeez-y, non-leaking top in 170ml.

Performance:
It gives a kick to your complexion and plump it, great under makeup. Feel well hydrated all day. I have no reaction to it and not causing me break outs.
I have to say that if you are 'very' dehydrated and the weather soooo dry ie. low humidity you do find this is not enough. This is probably not the only solution. You need something richer or go into layering.
But if you live in Malaysia or more humid climate or has oily skin this should great and actually enough.

Price:
I got it for about 11 to 12 quids something on Amazon for 170ml with free delivery which is very affordable given it deliver direct from Japan. I do know this is cheaper in Malaysia and probably so in Japan.

Overall:
4.95/5.00

I have finish my last bottle and has no plan to repurchase is as I dabble the premium version which is really good and kinda plan to stick with that one. That's where I took off the 0.05, lols.

Current Skincare 'the 10 steps Basic Routine'... updates.

Thought I give a bit of update. It's back in uni... and I finally get up to update my blog again. To be honest, many things happen the past few months, both unexpectedly good and then the unexpectedly bad... although to be honest, I am not so sure if the the good thing can last which means I should be putting in more effort to keep it up. The bad news was that I lost someone, it happened too fast and unexpected. The worst was I wasn't there at the time. I guess that is what death is, we never know... never a second late or early, it will come when it's time. Generally I am okay now, I always agree on the idea that human pass death of another and eventually moved on *after proper bereavement*, although I always believe it's still a human tragedy to move on and eventually forget, it's sad. I even caught myself a few times and I know all I can do is pray. Now enough with the sad story and continue on the actual topic.

So I went to Seoul again last summer and from my last visit you know how I go on about how big South Korea beauty industry is and how there's a butt-load of products that actually worked great and at a very affordable price. So as I trying and adding some stuff into my skincare, I thought I update about my skincare a bit. Now logically, if I am trying on new products obviously there will be a variety of things I use from time to time. *I think a lot of people are like this, not just beauty blogger or editor* 

Now don't get me started on those who thinks it's a waste to buy a lot of skincare product, I know you got a point because we each have only one face but if you're into skincare why not? Some people invest in their outfit with designer label bags and shoes and even gadgets... I like how one of my favourite blogger Caroline Hirons encourage us to have a 'skincare wardrobe' and seriously, reading her blog and seeing her on Youtube just open your eyes about beauty etc. Seriously check her out.
So my skincare 'routine' pretty much follow a principle I learn here and there, although mostly inspired by her, Dr. Schultz and maybe some K-beauty, hehe. I will try to focus on laying out my BASIC skincare routine without commenting too much, I save that for other posts in the future. I also include links to the product so you can check it out.

Phase 1: Cleanse (Step 1 only at night and step 2)
Morning cleanser: only with gentle, non-foaming, gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 2: Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser .

Night cleanser: Double cleanse with oil cleanser preferably to remove makeup and sunblock and then follow by a clarifying gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 1 :MAC Cleanse off Oil Tranquil
Step 2: Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cleanser

There is also time I use micellar cleansing water. Sometime I use that instead of the oil, sometimes I use in combination. No real rules to be honest, but it is also handy if I make makeup mistake or when I play around with makeup. NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals


Phase 2 :'Tone' (Step 3 and 4)
This is getting tricky as this is the time I start to rotate between products. Generally I use two type of toner, a sort of exfoliating toner with glycolic acid and followed by a balancing/hydrating toner or essence which I look for those typically pack with antioxidant and good stuff that claim to 'rejuvenate' or 'repair'. lols

Step 3. First Toner - Exfoliating toner or 'acid' tone like how Caroline says it:
REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. I use this most of the time as it is very gentle.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner. If not REN I would use this but usually at night or in facial. This is slightly more stinging.

Step 4 Second 'Toner' - Since I just bought some new essences from Seoul and particularly those 'first essence' or fermented essence. I am trying those out one by one with a period of 5-7 days just because I think my skin kind of wreak havoc a bit in the summer with travel stress, summer weather careless skincare and the random use of samples I got, gosh Seoul is so generous with samples. I think it was too much for my skin. So to reduce the risk of more damage, I am trying products by changing one at a time while my skin calm down.Thank goodness I don't think it's the actual product causing damage. So I have not decided on one I would used more often for my BASIC skincare. lol.
Before this I use Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Facial Toner and then mid July while travelling I use Caudalie Beauty Elixir.


Phase 3: Treatment and Phase 4: Moisturize (Step 5, 6,7, maybe 8 and then 9- *lol, I know right, quite ridiculous*)
Before anything I go for eyecare and lipcare first.
Step 5. Eyecare and lipcare
Just a good eye cream or treatment that fight ageing sign, preferably both darkness and lines.
MISSHA Misa Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream (link lead to a US site but I got it when I was in Seoul. From the UK, online supplier is only option I think) and lipcare that keep my lips moisturize.
Eau Thermale Avene Lip Cream with Cold Cream


This is getting more complicated, even at times, I find myself baffled not sure of what to put on. I should have include the second toner in this actually because it is as complicated.
So this is where I always use the principle of LIGHT TO HEAVY in terms of texture. And after second 'toner', only stick to maximum 3 product, and plus 1, if I am using acne treatment such as Benzoyl Peroxide gel.

Step 6 and 7: Usually it's 2 serum, one for brightening and one for anti-ageing or antioxidant.

Step 8. Then acne treatment if I use one like Benzoyl Peroxide gel

Step 9. Finally follow by 1 good moisturizer, again pack with antioxidants and things that claim 'repair, rejuvenate, anti-ageing'. 

But currently I use:-
Step 6. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.(This probably a compulsory for me everday, twice, day and night)
Step 7. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream (I just want to finish this).
No Step 8, I'm not using any acne treatment at the moment.
Step 9. Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair Day Cream: Camellia and Geranium Blossom (the main moisturizer I used now, but I actually started using this when I travel to Seoul which was mid July. Together with the 2nd toner, it was quite a bad idea because that was the time my skin went wreak and I could not confirm 100% if it is good)

Seeing how much I repeat antioxidants and repair, you kind of getting the gist of what I am looking for in skincare. And sometimes usually at night or in facial (masks) I would change up the 2nd serum with oil or different cream like I do currently. Since I started trying 'first essence', it can be a bit complicated on which goes first so that is why it's good to use "LIGHT TO HEAVY" or thin to thick texture as rule of thumb. For example 'watery like toner to flowy fluid like some essence or serum to emulsion to oil and lastly thick cream.


Phase 5: Protect from the Sun (Step 10 only for the DAY)
I am one of those asian that hate the sun and always wear sunblock everyday, but just on my face, to be honest. Maybe because I wear hijab and covered up, that is an advantage. In the day I apply SPF 30 on my face and it must be a PA+++ *asian thing*. Even recently I just upgraded my lipbalm from SPF15 to SPF30 just to be consistent.
Step 10. Laura Mercier Foudation Primer Protect SPF30 PA+++ Wear this like sunblock with a sunblock amount, even if they advice you don't need much. You may not need much for priming before foundation but I need 2-3 peas size to cover my face from the sun.
Nivea SUN Protect Lip SPF30  In this case don't wear too thick, if you don't want white cast.


Miscellaneous  
In term of skin type, I am usually a bit more oily than most people and prone to acne but not as bad as 2 years ago. I still use creams and oils but not everyday and less than the amount recommended as it will be too heavy. Since I layer a number of products, I am careful of the amount and how I put on. I always put on little at my tips of my fingers, spread on both hands (just the fingers) and carefully smooth on. Not rub.

I don't do crazy extensive facial massage because it irritate my skin to breakout even though I know how good it could be. But when I smooth on facial oil, I do press on lightly and use this Facial Massager tool from The Bodyshop which is good enough because it still stimulate, but does not irritate my skin.

So that's pretty much the an outline of basic skincare routine and I will talk a bit more on each and do a post for at home facial etc.

Review: NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pad

It has been a while... as usual.. but yeah, since last summer things happen. I had to resit a paper, 'again' *the horror* in the summer and since it's like a deal-breaker for me, I pretty much just focused on study and staying calm and positive. Whenever I thought about doing a Blog Post I always felt a smack in my head asking me to revise for exam instead. So yeah... Thank God, things work out, I proceed to next level in my study but unfortunately this year is so much different, more demanding with classes and expected self-directed learning, so I kind of struggling at this moment. However, I always believe that "fanajplease" is one of my 'self-care' method so it never crossed my mind yet to stop doing this.

Since I started following Dr. Schultz on DermTV at Youtube, I have learned the benefits of Glycolic acid as the gold standard exfoliator. But since I have not much knowledge on what brands out there are based on glycolic product, I was quite lost and it doesn't help that Dr Schultz don't really promote any brand of skincare, but it was cool. So I just went to Debenhams because that time I only purchase skincare from there, *Origins* and I just search for 'glycolic'.
There was'nt many products and this was one of it and it was the cheapest I believe. Retail at GBP 12.95

NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pad

At first, I'm not really into exfoliating pad, just because I think I'll finish it faster like how I felt when I use facial wipes. Nonetheless, because I really wanted to get my hands on actual glycolic exfoliation I just thought what the heck! anyway it's not that expensive anyway.

For its price I think it's a good deal because despite the small size and thin pad you get, using one for the whole face is more than enough. The active ingredients in it: 2.8% Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and blue daisy. So this really got a good combination of mild exfoliation from the glycolic, hydration from the hyaluronic and soothing from the blue daisy. 
Using it for the first time I don't have any bad reaction and no irritation, it smells and feels so fresh and it just the perfect thing to have on skin after a long day. This remind of another point, I was told that this can be worn once daily... and I think it should be fine as long as you don't pile on other exfoliating stuff with it. I personally wear this twice or thrice weekly and sometimes followed with Benzoyl Peroxide as according to Dr. Schultz, this is like a gold standard combination to combat acne. And let me tell you, it work! I feel my facial skin rejuvenates and de-congested and the spots and acne just heal waaaayyyy faster than usual. Definite obvious improvement in smoothness even after 1st use, more so after a few use. As I usually follow with a mask after exfoliator, I don't do the same for this, since for me mask can be exfoliating as well and this pad is just good enough. I did send question to Dr Schultz and I was told that I don't need hydrating mask after glycolic treatment. Just follow with your serum and moisturizer. I love using this especially when I just don't need to bother to do the whole 'spa' like treatment with scrubs, mask, etc...  Very convenient!

Currently I am discovering more glycolic-base product since supposedly patent expiry, glycolic stuffs become more readily available than before. But again, from a consumer point of view, be careful of the current market as companies know women are into glycolic these days, they just slap on 'glycolic' on just about anything... Now foundation containing 'glycolic' wouldn't sound right, right?

Overall rating: 4.0 / 5.0 (especially because of the price and how wet the pad is)

Hauls #17 - Collective Beauty Hauls - Illamasqua, Avene, Eucerin

Continuing the collection haul from last post. 

These what I got from Boots. I think I bought this in 3 for two deal, so the Eucerin cleanser is free.

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser 200ml GBP 9.18

I tried this product years ago when I was still in school but it was too expensive for me that time. I like that it's anti-bacterial, but also quite gentle in gel form, I never felt tight with this cleanser as far as I can remember. I'm thinking of converting from Origins A Perfect World Cleanser just because I want to get rid of foaming cleanser which can be quite drying. I'm still afraid if Eucerin Dermo Purifyer is drying but if that the case I probably try their gentle cleanser and keep this for emergency when I suddenly have breakouts.

Avene Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask 50ml GBP 15.00

When I'm trying new brands, mask is usually the first choice. Mask needs less commitment because you usually wear it once to 3 times a week, compare to a cream which usually once or twice daily. I thought Avene would have decent mask and I found this. There's two version, one Soothing Rich and the one I bought which is Soothing Repair. I chose the repair because I just love something repairing or rejuvenating *same as my love for Origins Planscription* and this probably because of my acne scars. 

  

Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Makeup Remover 200ml GBP 12.50
Ok I'll be lying if I said I was never tempted to get Bioderma, although I did never get to it. Micellar has been a 'big bomb' in beauty world for its art of removing makeup and I don't how I was drawn to Avene's one. What I really like about the idea of micellar, is that it's a liquid remover without oil and it can be for the whole face. So I think instead of getting wipes to be used when I'm too lazy to wash my face and just want to remove makeup. It doesn't need rinsing and it's technically a cleanser as well, so wipe it with the cotton pad and spritz Thermal Spring Water *which I also use occasionally* and done! Definitely great for travelling!

I got to thank the Pixiwoo Sam for introducing Illamasqua for me. She has made this brand to be more approachable to me because before this I think Illamasqua counter can be very dramatic and I can't get myself to the counter but finally I went for it.

Illamasqua Highlighter Brush GBP 24.00

I got this brush when I bought the foundation... on impulse. The sales assistant apply on me the Skin Base Foundation with this brush and I'm totally hooked. Now I'm fully understand why people love using those small dome dense brush for foundation like MAC 109, it just buff the foundation into the skin like a second layer. But this one is better for liquid since it's synthetic, so the brush is not easily ruin. I'm sure I'll be using less of my Real Technique Stippling Brush.

Illamasqua Blending Brush 1 GBP22.00

Alright I think I got this online and I have no idea why exactly I chose this. I was thinking of investing in a premium eyeshadow blending brush and I was aiming for MAC 224 after I got the MAC 217. But I thought of trying other brand and Illamasqua stood out especially when this brush has a reviewer state "a superior dupe of MAC 224" so I got it, lol. This is synthetic as well.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation #12 30ml GBP 27.00
The reason of how I got into Illamasqua in the first place. I has heard great reviews on this product and especially professional makeup artist reviewer all love it very much. There was an article from Beautylish which I tweeted before and praise this product. This is claimed as BB cream, and I totally understand it. It is but it's just not label as BB cream and it's been around even before BB cream got crazy in western beauty world. Now that's cool compare to most brand that just re-brand their average even shitty tinted moisturizer as the highly acclaimed BB cream. So I got matched at the counter and I could never be more satisfied with their service as they listen to me in what I want, which is a foundation that brightens up my face instead of just matching my skin tone flat. It is light but it can give full coverage finish.

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Electrum GBP 10.00 (original price price: GBP 17.50)
I got this in the sale because of the price drop. There was another darker brown colour which look nice as well, but for some reason I was afraid of the red shimmer in it when actually my skintone can pull it off actually. Nevertheless I was drawn to this yellow kind of tarnished antique gold and I'm always drawn to shimmery gold tone eye colour. Definitely prefer this colour than MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque. Great for simple eye lid colour.

Seoul Trip Haul

I finally got the time to post this, this time it's not the writing take slows me but transferring of pictures... I was just lazy to get the wire and transferring the picture, bluetooth all 400+ pics from the trip.... haihhhh lagilah. 

And it's Ramadhan, so I wasn't really blogging actively as well there's some stuff that need my attention.

So apologies to my blog!haha!

So again I want to keep this simple, I got some other post to publish but I thought I started with this.

The Seoul Trip I had in July was really really a BLASTT!! IT was eleven of us, 12 days in  Seoul, total chaos, hahaha! It feel a bit unfortunate that I don't get to go to other places in S. Korea like Jeju but seriously nevermind that. Not visiting other places might mean  I would visit South Korea again. There were a lot of adventure and I surely want to share it here though I really want to finish previous summer trip post, but it will happen. 

That's kind of like an intro of the trip and here's the haul!

Seoul HAUL!! - 

So other than albums I definitely aims to spree on skincare and cosmetics. The thing is, I'm kind of a 'generous' traveler, I'm definitely not too thrifty for pocket money when travelling. I would spent on food; meals and snacks, I definitely not the type who eat just bread for dinner to save money. This result that my shopping budget is not as much.
I do admit that there's some of thing I would like to buy but didn't get to, like YG Family latest Concert DVD, but I got 2NE1 Nolza Concert DVD. Other albums I got BIG BANG Still Alive (Big Bang version) *ergghhhh I should have gotten the TOP's version* and 2PM Hands Up *they didn't have the concert '-.-* and at the last minute I just pickup Big Bang Alive as well, first it's the packaging, which is really damnnnn! And I thought of getting TOP's version and they sold out? '-.- since the price is not that pressing I just pick up GD's version, hahaha! some part of me do think of getting other albums, but I still end up paying for that! I was also looking for Brown Eyed Girls but they don't have it... haihhhh... the sad story of buying albums...'-.- continue on

Note: I don't include some stuffs that I bought for other people

As you might know skincare market are BIG in Korea. In every area I went to I will see these stores; Tony Moly, Etude House, Missha, Nature's Republic *some of the popular stores, kind of high street* and many more. Even in the subways station!! And they close at 9 or 10 pm or even later, oh my god! Shopping paradise! You know I have been staying in the UK which stores close by 6pm, so shopping later at night did make me feel refreshed. And when we got there it's the summer sale, and at airports we got goodies bag that contain free generous sample of skincare even a premium line *dying of happiness* not to forget that when I shopped for cosmetics not only they were discounted but they also give out free stuff... these what they call "SERVICES" or "EVENT", cool!

The free samples I got including a 5 sheets of facemask (the green one) - Nature's Republic, Tony Moly

I have used some of free samples and I might come up with a post on like short review or first impression.

For skincare I was looking for something uniquely Korean *something of a big hype* and premium.

My eyes caught the PREMIUM SNAIL Intense Care from Tony Moly,

Yes,  it's snails! Before this, I had read about snail's secretion (mucin) skincare goodness, it's good for rejuvenation and it has healing properties, very good for acne prone or post acne prone *like me*. In Korea snail skincare was the hype a while back. Most brands have their own snail skincare range, but I decide to get this because it's discounted. 

So from the Tony Moly Intense Care Snail I got the:-

• Snail Cream (45ml) which include a sample of the Snail Eye Cream (15ml) in the box
• Snail Essence (35ml)  which include sample of the Snail Skin (20ml) which a toner and Snail Lotion (20ml) in the box. 
• Snail Foam Cleanser - FREE full size package. OH MY GOD!

 I love them! Like I said before these are premium skincare, so it's quite pricey. I thought getting the mask but it's sold together with the ampule which are too pricey for my budget.

• 

  Picture below, from left: *Tony Moly Intense Care Snail* Foam Cleanser (free), ** Essence ( 38,000 won),
  **Cream (35,000+ won? can't really remember),  Tony Moly Floria Berry Anti-Wrinkle Sleeping Pack (15,000 won? Can't remember as well)

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• Tony Moly Floria Berry Anti-wrinkle Sleeping Pack. 

Sleeping pack/mask, again, very popular in Korea. This is suppose to be put on after all your night skincare, you sleep with it and wake up with healthy great skin. For this range, there's another one for whitening which I want to get first but this had more discount, hahah! Not that expensive and the discount reduced it's price a lot. It contains blueberry flower, and no I don't recall this ingredient before, but I trust Koreans, hahah! 

I haven't use these stuff yet, will do soon probably when I'm back in Belfast. 

Next skincare products that are popular there are face mask in sheets, ok they have these around the world but not as many and as popular as in South Korea that even guys regularly use them. They have many affordable and cheaper version, but they are still very good.

Now, I just realize that I only bought snail related mask, I'm not sure what was I thinking, but I just didn't get to buy other type of mask.

• Nature Republic Snail Therapy 1000 Hydrogel mask sheets 5s
• Nature Republic Snaytox Anti-Wrinkle Hydrogel mask 5s
• Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination watery mask 5s (FREE)

 Snail Therapy and Snaytox mask are the most expensive mask sheet I found there with price at almost 5,000 won per sheets, so these mask almost cost 50,000 won.

• Tony Moly Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask in Snail  10s, price at 10,000 *I should have gotten other type too... oh man*

From Left: Nature Republic Snail Therapy 1000 Hydrogel Mask sheet, Nature's Republic Snaytox Anti-Wrinkle Hydrogel Mask, Tony Moly Nature Pulp Essence Sheet Mask Snail.

From the skincare shopping experience I had in Seoul, I just had to say that most of the staff does not speak English, but usually they do have one or two staffs that speaks English especially in popular area like Myeongdong. Some of them are really good and explain well and convincing, some are good enough to be helpful. Now with that, foreigners definitely have no problems getting explanation on the products and some product have English explanation but you might get a bit iritated due to the ridiculous error *ko-nglish*. I wonder how would it be shopping at French pharmacy...

Ok now on makeup. As you can see, I don't buy much. I think because uniquely Korean makeup style is not really my style and I'm not really into looking like typical Korean stars which they usually go for natural simple look and lot of eyeliner.Only a few Korean celebrities manage to amaze me, usually singer like Lee Hyori since singer they experiment with look. Korean actress? Drama and film? Not really. So again, I look for something popular among Koreans and suit my style as well and I got these three items.

From Left: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.23 Natural  Beige (25,000+ won), Tony Moly Crystal Light Pink Beam (less than 10,000 won), Tony Moly Tony Tint Red Apple (less than 10,000 won)

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.23 Natural  Beige 

BB creams are the mother of base makeup in of the Koreans. There, believe me even each brand can carry up to 10  type of BB cream and then we got varieties of brands, so IT IS A LOT of variety to choose from. However, thank god that I am dark tanned not many will actually suit me. I don't think there's any that matches me exactly and I had my experience with BB cream which I decide it's not really my style, but since this is popular in Korea I had to get one no matter what.

• Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in No.23

It is one of the most popular BB cream *internationally*, there's tons of reviews on the internet, and what make's it really really popular is that it's coverage is really good and that it matches darker skintone better. This was the first BB cream I always wanted to try, but I just didn't get the chance. After a while I just didn't bother.

I already used this and it's actually quite good, and the coverage is interesting. It's not about how much it covering, but how the covering feels *does that make sense?*. I would simply said it covers unlike how full coverage foundation  do, which is better... I'll explain more in a deeper review in the future. Other than that, I also like that it is not only SPF 42 but also PA+++.

Left: Tony Moly Crystal Light Pink Beam, Tony Moly Tony Tint in Red Apple.

 Another staple in Koreans makeup that suite my style is liquid HIGHLIGHTER or they call it "pearl". Koreans usually go for that overall glow by mixing into their base*BB creams usually* and add more of this on high points of the face. I never had liquid highlighter before but I tried cream type like MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl. 

•  Tony Moly Crystal Light Pink Beam

At first I bought this for my sister because I don't like the colour being pink, I prefer it in champagne or gold tones *warmer tone* but they don't have that. But since I'm quit an avid highlighter user, I end up putting it on. And it's actually look decent. It definitely does not show up as pink, and it applied almost sheer. At first I thought it's quite shimmery and glittery but it does not seem that way when I put on, it give a nice sheen 'glowy' effect. I'm impressed with it for now. At one look, it's actually a dupe for Benefits High Beam. It is I think, but I think it might be better than Benefit. I tried swatching on Benefits Sun Beam before, and it's surprisingly very shimmery unlike what I see in review by vlog, so I reckon High Beam might be same... hmmm.

• Tony Moly Tony Tint in RED APPLE

When I beginning to wear makeup I do like the stained or tinted look, natural pink/red lips but not so anymore since now I'm so into deep and bright lip colour. However, my friends on the trip was making a fuss on lip tint and I thought I check it out.  Again, there are  a lot of varieties and definitely very popular and I would say uniquely Koreans. There's shiny type, pale pink, bright pink even orange... If you think Korean celebrities are baring their lips naked and got a healthy pink colour, think again. They are 98% probably wearing lip tint. 
What actually make me purchase this, is the shade, Red Apple. I swatched it on, and it's really a decent colour that really suit my style. It can be deep red, not pink *though you can stained it to light* and it's matte. It stained lips so it should stay on longer. However, it is quite a mess to get it stained my lips and for now, I think it's just an ok product. It's totally fine since it's cheap

As I was visiting places and others I always notice they sell compact mirror. There's lot of beautiful and elegant  design and by the end of trip I decide buy one. I got mine from Insadong and it's 10,000 won I think. I like it that it's white with slight iridescent  and design is pretty, got a bit of hangul, definitely a sweet token from Korea. Plus I want to touch-up my lipstick, I don't have to take out my compact powder which is convenient

Non-cosmetics/fashion Items : Mirror, slingbag, necklace, bracelets

In the trip, I do want to get a bag, but I don't know, probably I didn't set up a budget so I was not sure what bag to get and I already set my eyes for a certain bag of certain brand and by then I have spent most of my money for skincare. 

However, I manage to get this one very  lovely and very inexpensive bag. I first saw one in green at Myeondong and thought I will get it when I go to Myeondung for serious shopping. But when I went there again, the green is gone!! argghhh... So there were only black and orange and I choose orange so it is more interesting. Anyway, since it's cheap I would experiment with bolder colour.

Orange Slingbag - 10,000 won

Although it's cheap and well, synthetic materials *you know how much I like my leather*, to me it looks expensive. It's simple, no brand attached, I hate those imitation brand stamp... The design is nice and the leopard print definitely interest me and it's quite boxy, long strap/handle and bright coloured, totally Korean style. hahah!

Necklace 9,000 won, blue beads bracelet 3,000 won, leather band bracelet 8,000 won

I bought old gold necklace and blue orange bracelet at Hongdae.
It's actually intresting to shop at Hongdae as well, the small boutiques and standup stall. Probably because that Hongdae is the place for artist etc, there are actually a lot of cool interesting design in for fashion items, though it's not always cheap. I like the necklace being old gold, the wing is of decent size and there's a 'touch' of leather and makes it a bit interesting and it's actually look simple.
Now the bead bracelet! I totally love it! I've been wearing it a lot a lot since I got it, the colour is really nice the patches of blue and orange in beads makes it's stood out on my wrist. I should have got more, arghhhh... but that time it was quite early in the trip so I was a bit careful when purchasing stuff.

Then I got thin leather bracelet at Dongdaemun, it's quite pricey, but the cheaper alternatives didn't look as good as this one. I actually wanted to try to the spiky one, you see them quite popular these days but after a lot of thinking, I forgo it. I thought if I want to get spiky bracelet, it's popular now, so I can get it elsewhere. So I end up buying this since again it looks elegant, simple, I definitely will wear it piled on *if I want to style up to the max* . I like the golden clip and I did have a hard time choosing the colour but I guess you can never go wrong with tanned leather.

I just realize that I didn't take individual pictures of the scarf I got there as well, it was from Insadong, 4,000 won per piece, which is quite cheap. I bought two *again, should have gotten another one*, one with large blue floral print, and one with small red flowers, you can see it on the first picture above.  And probably in the future I put up OOTDs with the scarf.

So I hope you guys enjoy this haul and hopefully this post give a peek into what you guys getting while shopping in Seoul, South Korea.

May 2012 Roundup/Favourites

So this would be my first *hopefully not my last* favourites/roundup post, it's basically some picks of stuffs I like/wear/reach for most during the month. Hopefully this post make me pay more attention for stuff I use too often or stuff I don't reach for or unsuitable for me.

I was suppose to post this on 31st May but for some reason I had quite a hard picking out stuff that I like/wear/reach for most during the month. At first I would want to make it only beauty items, then I was thinking like why not just add fashion/clothing items... 

ok, ok enough about explaining this post.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush for Foundation application

I have given up standard paddle flat synthetic brush in exchange to Stippling Brush for foundation application ever since I got it. Alright, I admit I jump onto different dual fibre/stippling brush foundation application quite too late... Most people would say the MAC 187 or stippling brush is sooooo oudated... now many is more interested in using flat top kabuki brush or buffering brush, or even MAC 109 instead of MAC 187. 

I hardly see stippling brush used for applying foundation and when I look for latest youtubers who used Real Techniques Stippling Brush, most of them don't use these for foundation. Actually I got this as the 3rd free items in Boots for their 3 for 2 offers and I actually plan to get the Buffer Brush in the set but I got this one first and thought about giving it a try. Despite the fact I'm new to applying foundation with stippling brush but I'm not new to the brush itself. I actually have another one from Etude House which I use for my blusher. So I give this a try with my liquid foundation and I really love how Real Techniques Stippling Brush work. The bristles is quite sturdy and not too 'floppy' which can really work my foundation into my skin. For my liquid foundation, first I would stipple and swirl the foundation and get a light even application all over my face, blending it making sure there's not streaks or whatever. Then I would stipple some more onto areas that need a bit more coverage. This tend to be my cheeks and chin. I love how little of foundation I used with this brush and it does not absorb too much product like a standard flat paddle brush do. I especially love to use it with my MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation which is much of thicker formula.  I'm not sure whether I will keep using this since plan to try Buffer Brush or Expert Face Brush or even splurge on MAC 109 but for now I'm loving this.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

I admit I just want to feel luxurious when I got the infamous Eight Hour cream, and what's great was that I got this in a set which I got the full size tube with others products (creams, hand body lotion, lipbalm) for price less than the standard price for just the full size tube. I kept this by my bed side and always reach for it to be put on my lips and as well as some dry patches on my face. My lips has never been this soft and I felt great putting on lipstick or even leave with just this balm on. It also reduces the appearance of the dry patches ad flakiness around my eyebrow, mouth and nose area. This was definitely not a waste of my money especially when I got this at a very reduced price. 

For clothing items I found myself loving wearing this light blue chambray or denim shirt that I got from Primark in men's section and this light beige *oatmeal* legging jeans I got from Gap. 

Primark Men's *Primark hauls coming soon!*

Sorry you'll be able to see the wrinkled since I wore it too much
and it was in the laundry basket hehe.

I just cannot stop wearing these since I got them until I put them in the laundry. Sometime I pair these together which I love too, or I pair the light shirt with dark skinnys and the beige skinny with dark or black tops for my usual light+dark combo. 

I love how the men's shirt actually give this loose fit look and the material is really light and not to rigid so it doesn't really look like I wore a man's shirt. The colour is so basic and layback look. 

The beige legging jeans is really really comfortable! I think I almost live in these during May until of course I had to put it into laundry. It fit snugly in my waist with enough stretch-ability for my comfort and I love that it's not a low rise  *almost come up to my belly button* so I can stick my love handles in, hehe. Again this is just a basic since it's plain and I've been dying to get this skinny in this colour, finally I manage to have a proper one.

That's all for my May Roundup or favourites, till next time!

Spring 2012 Beauty hauls - mostly makeups!

Alright just finish my exam. It's just one module that I sit for the 3rd time so hopefully 3rd time is a charm, and I scored this finally... haihhhh...


So continue on... first post after exam, beauty hauls.


This season for some reason I was into brushes. Just thank goodness, I was not sucked into MAC brushes crazyness, I was spending more drugstore brands *cheaper*. and I would thank the Boots's 3 for 2 offer for this.

so I'm not sure where to start but since I talked about brushes, so let's start with that, again these are all in random order because there's is no way I can remember when I got all these stuff. This seems a lot *and expensive* but you see I'll just put up the retail price here but most of the stuff I got for free or discounted from store offers or my beauty card club claim *rebate* and note that all price in GBP.

So as you know I am a big fan of Pixiwoo channel on Youtube, I really like that Samantha Chapman has comeup with a brush collection "Real Techniques" and it's all synthethic brush and affordable.
The face brush might cost a bit more than 10 quids, then there's brush set for a bit more 20 quids and in set they got about 4 brushes, making this collection really affordable.
Real Techniques

Top: The packaging,
 Bottom: Brushes in panaromic view style  brush  pouch,
 from left: pixel point eyeliner, accent brush, brow brush, base shadow brush, deluxe crease brush

Starter set (eyes): 20.99
I admit I got this because of the rave on the 'Deluxe Crease Brush' that is an amazing brush for putting on concealer. The other brush included in this are the base shadow brush, accent brush, pixel-point eyeliner brush and brow brush. Then there is a nice brush pouch which is really great for travelling especially.

Stippling brush : 10.99
I was just really tempt for some reason. After watching a few videos using stippling brush with foundation and I was more convinced.This one is all synthetic bristles and supposedly 'stippling and swirl' method can be used with this brush instead of the traditional dual fibre stippling brush method which is just to stipple.

Eco tools brush is also one of those recommended by Pixiwoo and love it because it's affordable.

Recycled Retractable Kabuki 12.99
I got this for touch up purpose and I don't really like the sponge that come with powder compact. I used to bring my Bodyshop Kabuki brush because it has pouch but it's just too much effort that I had to get it out from the pouch so I have to get those retractable one. This is a good option because it's a good quality and cheap.

Touch Up Set 14.99
I think I got this in the Boots offer 3 for 2, and instead getting something cheap for free, I make sure all the stuff I bought is of about the same price so I save more than 10.00 pounds. Great! The reason I snatched this set because I was attracted that it has lip brush and lash brow groomer because I don't have proper one. Other brush included is the Finishing Brush and Eye Shading Brush which is great for under eye sockets and it come with an extra pouch.

MAC Brush Cleanser 8.50
Did you know how long does my brush take to dry itself after cleasing?? Days!! Which I found so inconvenient so I got this brush cleanser. It's alcohol base so it disinfect, clean and condition, plus with faster drying. What's greater is that it's good for cleansing between use since it's fast drying as explained by MAC sale assistant when I was at the counter.

As you all know I am quite a MAC junkie so these what I got.

MAC

From Left upper:  MAC Lipliner in Dervish, Prep+Prime Eyes #Medium Dark, Lipstick  # Taupe, #Diva

Lipstick in Diva  13.50
A great deep red burgundy matte colour, with enough red pigment since I don't really like 'too much purple' like Rebel. Finally a decent lipstick for the wine lipstained effect.

Lipstick in Taupe  13.50
I got to thank ThePersianbabe for introducing me to this lipstick on Youtube. I'm buying this so it could be a great day to day lipstick since it's not so 'full on' and also it's a matte which I always prefer. It actually look quite nude but a bit darker on me but it's great! I would love to explain more but maybe on another post.


Prep+Prime Eye in Medium Dark 12.50
I thought of getting the MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre because it's a better match for my skin but I hate the idea of getting another paint pot for the same purpose because then what I would do with my Painterly Paint Pot?? So I decided to try this one. For days I'm doing simple wash of colour or simple eyeliner when I feel Painterly Paint Pot is just too much but I still can't forgo eye base, this is great. It's quite sheer and the sales assistant explain to me to use it very sparingly and before my concealer or even under paint pot.


Lipliner in Dervish 10.50
I can remember exactly why I got this, I think I was trying to get a lighter brown nude lipliner *lighter than Spice* but the sales assistant match me to this which is pink one but I kinda like it and got it which mean I end up not buying what I originally want to... haihh...*I wasn't on top of my game that day* But, I'm not really into wasting stuff as well as  returning so I still use it. It's lighter than Whirl  and has a bit of sheen.

From Left: MAC Eyeshadom (Refill Pan) # Cork, #Print

Eyeshadow in Cork 10.00
Eyeshadow in Print 10.00
So since I got the Z-pallete *large one* I was only thinking of getting eyeshadow or blush in pans so it's more cheaper. So I got MAC Pro Pallete  Refill Pan in Print to add a dark grey into my collection and it has some shimmer but not glittery. Another one in Cork which is a matte medium yellow toned beige, great for subtle contouring since my Brun is a bit too dark.

Packed To Go: 3 Assorted Black Eyeliner 27.50
I bought this just because it's a great bargain. Three full size MAC eyeliner for less than 30.00 pounds??? Woww! It would be really perfect if it got brown in it... haiihhh. So this include the Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack, Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved and Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline.

Mineralized Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle 21.50
Definitely the latest purchase,  a bit of retail therapy during exam mode. I always wanted to get MAC skinfinish and when MAC In Extra Dimension come up with 'to die for' golden tone Whisper of Gilt, I really want to get it, but UNFORTUNATELY they ran out. I missed it. There's some stock of Glorify which is more bronzy but I don't want that. So to make myself feel better I got the Mineralized one, Soft and Gentle. I might make another post on highlighters.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse #39 23.50
I got to say I had to get an injection of luxury at times and Chanel does it for me, that's is all.
This is a matte to satin finish, very light and airy and the colour is just a divine deep red and very much 'me'! The luxury effect definitely obvious with the amazing packaging with 'click on' and 'Chanel' engraved.

Origins A Perfect World Anti-oxidant Cleanser with White Tea 17.00
I used Neutrogena before and I love the Refreshing Cleanser *blue bottle* but it ran out when I was back in Malaysia last summer and I asked my sis to get it since I want to stay at home that day, but she got the Deep Cleansing (orange liquid) instead which is very drying for me. After a while, I just had to change it. It takes me to use it up 3/4 of the bottle that I finally decided to throw it, haha! So instead of looking for the right Neutrogena cleanser I thought of getting Origins instead since I'm using their skincare.

These definitely I bought because of the offers in Boots. Nevertheless a little comment why I reach for these.

From Left: Revlon Photoready Makeup #Vanilla, Revlon Bronzer #Sunkissed, Barry M Dazzle Dust #Old Gold

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup in Vanilla #002 12.99

I thought of getting a lighter foundation to be mixed with my very dark Clinique Superbalanced makeup so that it matches my face better.

Revlon Bronzer in Sunkissed #02 7.99
I was attracted to it's finish, I thought it would be a great subtle highlighter.


Barry M Dazzle Dust in Old Gold #24  4.59
I was attracted as a cheaper pigment, and Old Gold seems like an easy colour to pull of.

Okay I got to admit this post is quite compact... I don't put much comment so that this post is not too long...
Though most I would include ins certain near future post.


So it's summer holiday for me now, I have about a month in Belfast before I go back to Malaysia and then I have my trip to Seoul Korea in July so can't wait for that. That reminds me that I haven't finish my post on my Europe trip last summer... I'm lame at this... '-.-

Review: Eco Tools Blusher Brush

ok, I'm such a liar.... 3 post before the Easter holiday end???  erghh..
I was going for an exam mode and I should be now... but I just couldn't get my head 100% on revision..
I just thought probably after one blog post I might calm down, so hopefully this help.

first review on makeup brush and hopefully I will do more on my other brush... or even any other stuff to be reviewed '-.-

The Eco Tools Blusher Brush

Nice design

Why did I got this brush again?... ok, I remember I got to know this brand from Sam Chapman Pixiwoo channel, and I thought Eco Tools is like expensive stuff but I was wrong when I saw this in Boots with other drugstore brush... but I would say this brands is more on the expensive spectrum of drugstore brands price GBP 7.99.

This is not my first Eco Tools brush, I bought the liquid foundation and concealer brush as well,
but I would focus on this first.

From the packaging:-
- Highly sustainable bamboo handle, synthetic taklon bristles 100% cruelty-free, sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminium. 

I bought this actually to replace my Elianto face brush which after a while I realize it's actually quite scratchy, but oklah, since it was a cheap brush. But instead of getting the Eco Tools face brush, I actually got the blusher brush thinking that it's just smaller version of face brush and it's tiny bit cheaper.
This brush is really soft, even though it's actually a synthetic bristles. It's soft like natural hair... well I don't have natural bristles brush, but my mum do, so I know how it feels.
The bristles is actually quite domed, but not too much and quite dense. The shape is definitely suitable for blusher or even decent contouring (not the best but good enough) since it packed enough colour to put on your face.

Closer look at the bristles, quite domed-shape

But again, I use this brush with my face powder to set my foundation. Here's when the problem start.
I started to follow this advice by some makeup artists that is
to set your foundation, you PAT the powder on.
This really make sense as this motion will not move your base especially the concealers underneath
So instead of my old ways, which is to swirl the powder, I started to use the brush in patting motion. Swirling motion might move my base a bit but not too much, but patting will not make your base budge at all.
Subsequently due to a bit of 'dome-ness' of the brush I found it to be a bit pricky...
I try to ignore but I just can't since I feel like it's no different with my Elianto brush.
However if the brush used in a swirling motion it really feel so smooth which is really good as I know it's not a 'good-for-nothing' brush :) .
I really like the PAT over the swirl idea of setting my base so after a while I stopped using this brush to set my foundation. So the brush just sat there for a while, then I even washed, put into its pouch and keep it in the drawers...
 until recently... I rediscover it,
and found it brilliant to be used with my powder highlighter.
The good point is that it's actually dense and and quite dome, it picks enough pigment/sheen from my powder highlighter and transfer well on my cheek bones. Then the shape and size of the bristles is perfect for me to blend the powder highlighter well into my skin and as I mention before the brush feels super soft when used in a swirling motion which is the great method I used to blend the powder highlighter. I want to explain more but it would just be lengthy so probably I just make a new post on powder highlighter. But basically I really discover a really amazing way to wear my powder highlighter... and  this is reason that I suddenly want to blog a review on this brush.

I swirled MAC iridescent powder on with the brush, great sheen highlight effect but still soft

In conclusion, I find this brush great to be used in a swirling motion, great for my powder highlighter. It should be great for blusher as well but I use other brush for that, but I bet it does great job for blusher as it did with my powder highlighter.
Price is great, packaging is good, the design and the handle of the brush is good as well, and it's eco-friendly, so the verdict: 
Rating: 4.5/5
Since I can't use it for the original purpose of purchasing it in the first place because it is a bit pricky, I took 0.5 off.

Alright I should be able to focus now, hahaa! *hopefully*
please do leave comments! :)