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: Origins Make A Difference Night Skin rejuvenating gel-cream

I know I should be in exam mode but I thought I just want to make a quick review on this product... I just realize Origins discontinue it, or at least in the UK.... and I don't really know why?... 

So this review might have no purpose, but I still want to review it.. hahaa!

Now I can't remember when actually I got this, sometime last summer... after the exam I think.

I thought I blog a haul on it but I guess I didn't get to, hmmm.

Well I couldn't get the exact details on this products as Origins has discontinued it (no information from website) and I also lost the box it came with so I can only include my opinions.

I remember I was one of the earliest one to get this (it was new when I got it), since I did not find many reviews on this when I got this. I remember I got this to help with my dry flaky patches around forehead, jaw area during the exam period last spring...  I notice they coming up lately, but not as bad as last year, just around the outer corner of the eyes... *ok try to relax please...*

Origins Make A Difference Night Skin Rejuvenating Gel-creme 

The price should be about GBP 30.00+ which is standard Origins and is included in the Make A Difference range which targeted for dry-dehydrated skin. You see in Origins, in each range they will have a specific ingredient which contained in all of the products in a range. For example, White Tea in the A Perfect World range. However I find it's quite weird that this one product has a different active ingredient in it from other product of the same range. For the other products (toner, serum, cleanser, moisturizer) it would be the Rose of Jericho, but for this particular product it is Evening Primrose ... hmmm....

I specifically chose this product because it's for dry skin and it suppose to get rid of the dry lines.

It's actually an extra treatment which you layer on before your moisturizer... I'm all into layering skincare... hahaaa! What really attracted me is the formula which is actually a gel-creme... now I'm not sure which skincare style, Korea, Japan or Taiwan? But I was attracted to their style of layering multitude of products, which  is to cleanse then apply toner, milky lotion, serums (more than one), gel creme and a rich cream. It's a lot, I know! So since this was a gel-creme I thought I could imitate these skincare style.

So I use at night after serum and Benzoyl Peroxide gel and continue with my A Perfect World Moisturizer. You can go without another moisturizer but that time I was really dried so I had to top my A Perfect World and besides that I had to have my dose of antioxidant at night.

I remember it really clear up the dry flaky problems I had last year, and reduce my dry lines. It does say rejuvenating and I think they did mention that in the description and it makes sense since night creme do usually has rejuvenating/renewal features.

I really like the texture, very light and refreshing even the scent. I tried the other Make A Difference moisturizer at the Origins counter, they had a strong unpleasant herbal smell, where as this night gel-creme has much much nicer scent.  As for moisturizing I got to say I don't feel it much, I mean I don't really feel 'soaked damp' where I expect in a hydrating treatment. It says it can be on it's own without another moisturizer but I don't think it's moisturizing enough.

Overall, it's is a good decent product, if you think your day moisturizer is not enough to be used at night, this is a good addition to night skincare regimen. However, if this is still available I probably still would not repurchase it, I rather try another product because it's really not that great of a product. Nevertheless I still say it's a shame that Origins discontinue it. 

Rating: 3.8/5

(minus 0.2 for being discontinued)

Well since I'm at it, I think I should just list down my night skincare and they are mostly Origins product, hehe.

1. Cleanse with Origins A Perfect World Cleanser (latest change, I started about a month using this product)
2. With cotton pad, apply the A Perfect World Age Defense Lotion (a clear liquid toner)
3. Apply Origins Planscription anti-ageing serum and focus on where I got lines, middle of forehead, crows feet area, mouth area(smile lines) between brows.
4. Apply the Brighter By Nature skintone-correcting serum (which I think recently discontinued as well from Origins since I could not find it in the website and Origins also has also come up with Mega Bright, a new skintone-correcting serum. I will get this after I finish my old serum) 
5. Apply the Ginzing eye treatment around the eyes using ring finger and pat it a bit. 
6. Layer PanOxyl 2.5 Benzoyl Peroxide Aquagel on the whole face very thin layer and gently without rubbing it in. I would avoid area with dry patches if there is any. Apply a bit more on a active spots/acnes.
7. Apply the Make A Difference Night Skin rejuvenating gel-creme.
8. Apply my regular moisturizer, A Perfect World Antioxidant moisturizer with White Tea.

Sometimes if I'm doing exfoliation/mask treatment that night I would forgo my PanOxyl 2.5 % BP, and sometime would exchange the Make A Difference Night gel-creme with Origins High Potency Night A-mins renewal cream which I received a sample from Origins. I would love to explain in more depth but this would be really longg.... But basically the above steps is what I do regularly.

So I'm not sure what's going to change more in my skincare, I would try my best to update as much as possible via blog post and twitter. 

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! :)

Spring Clothes Collective Haul- Gap, Dorothy Perkins, Zara

OK, I definitely had to get back into the games, more than a month of not posting on blogs made me realized how much I left out. So Spring is here! although in Belfast is hard to say as it's still quite cold here, although I don't wear thick outerwear anymore, usually just my oversized heavy knit cardigan. I don't even wear my cape coat as well *wait for me next autum winter*

As usual I like to do my shopping haul in collective, 

since I think doing haul every time I shop would not be practical for me, 

and I usually separate cosmetics from clothes or it would definitely be very very long post.

I would say this year went all out with pants/jeans and you'll know why if you continue on reading.

Not to waste any time,

GAP Dark Blue Always Skinny - GBP 30.00+ ( I can't remember exactly, but it was 30% off)

I really love my old Dorothy Perkins dark blue jeans, but I wear it a lot and it is almost ripped, so before I totally split my pants and embarrass myself I thought of getting another dark blue skinny. I bought from Junction one, but I was not please as it was not skinny enough for me. 

So I went to Gap and the standard Always Skinny and as usual Gap jeans usually fit me well and I'm please. Always skinny is not stretchy so it takes a while for me to 'break' into it, but I'm happy that I finally had another dark blue skinnies, although this is darker than my Dorothy Perkins, oh well, I just have to learn to let it go.

Dunnes store: Thick Knit Jumper GBP 14.00

I never really like thick knit jumper, I always prefer medium-light weight cardigan because I can always wore those in Malaysia, whereas thick knitwear, don't think so... 

However I was really attracted to the colour, and I was in a phase of wearing light pant and dark top,

so I got it. At first I want to get the dark blue and this rusty orange because I thought it was 2 for 1, but when I got to the cashier, it was not. If only I had extra money I would just bought it anyway, but that was crazy for me, so I solemnly chose one and let the other one go. :(

I got this one in 1-2 size larger as I want it to be baggy and loose and I totally love it! over dark pants or light pants, it just work! A good thing that Belfast still a bit cold so I can still wear this, hehe.

Gap - Oatmeal legging jeans GBP 30+

I've been eyeing this pants for a veryyyyy long time.

But I never got the chance to bought it, the first time I tried I thought it might be too tight as it is a 'legging jean'... then 2nd time I tried I didn't really dare to spent on it as it was still really expensive and I didn't really have enough money that time... so I waited. Third time, I almost don't have to think about it and got it right away. I know that's bad, but I just couldn't let this go, I thought I found one at Topshop and it went down to GBP 25.00  but by the time I want to buy it, it's gone! and that catalyst my action getting this pants right away. And I don't regret it at all! I love wearing this with dark loose top.

Dorothy Perkins - Long sleeve top GBP 12.00

I thought of getting another tartan/checkered shirt, but I never really found one I like, then I bump into this and it was on sale racks. I don't have this colour yet and I thought what the heck. I would definelly really love if this is a buttoned-up shirt, but oh well, I guess I can live with that. I got this a bit bigger, and I think it was meant to fit to your body but I prefer a loose fit so I can wear with skinnies. It is a bit off in fitting because it's too far from my real size, but I can work with that, I hope so... 

Finally the PRIZE WINNER!!! 

Zara : Floral print skinny jeans GBP 29.99

OKkk... this is one of latest item I bought about a week ago. I generally not really into Zara, 

 I went into Zara a few times but I can't really find something I like especially with Zara pricing. I bought some top before but I returned it because I had 2nd thought, I almost bought this loose baggy cardigan but I think it was quite pricey at that time... then lately people keep telling me that Zara on sale and I was never really interested since I'm just not into Zara, and the night before I browse into Urban Outfitters and I thought how about a shopping trip first. At the city, as I was browsing Urban Outfitters which is quite expensive I thought I would check expensive store and I thought of Zara. 

Who would have thought the first item I bought form Zara *and keeping it* is a floral printed skinny jeans?? hahah! I always turn off by this trend and never really think I could pull it off. But then I found a size that I might fit (largest on the rack), and I tried it on with the thought "nah, it's not gonna work" but I was wrong!

It fitted really well like my Gap skinnies. It got side zip in golden down at the ankle which made it cooler and I was starting to think I can actually work this pant. The floral print of pink and purple flower and green leaves is very faded and background is almost off-white. Light colour pants is not really flattering on me as well as large print, but I still tempt to get it, and I got it. I definitely forgo some stuff I would like to buy at Urban Outfitters *or I just spent too much, which is bad!* 

I haven't wore it but I am excited to!

Now onto accessories.

River Island - GBP 16.00

I admit that I am influenced by the culture here, I mean it's hotter in Malaysia and I never thought of getting sunnies whereas here, when it's not that sunny, I got one??? hahah! This would be my second one, the first one I got was in black and pink frame which does look cool and I still love it although I would like to find one which is much more easier to work into my outfit. I'm totally dig the tortoise shell like frame and when I found this I just had to get it. The shape of it I can't really describe, it's not really oversized, but it's large since I have a large head/face. And does it look like wayfarer?? I'm not sure actually, but I like how it looks on me.

 I twitted a few weeks ago, how I was going crazy on rings, I just keep buying them for some reason. I tried to buy bangle or bracelets but rings always stood out more. One thing that crushes me when buying rings is definitely when they don't fit. I just... arghhh if only I could find ways to cut a few milimetres off my finger...

So I believe all is less than GBP 4.00, I can't remember all the price.

From left: 

- I got this from Dorothy Perkins, it's in gold colour with pink and white rose attached as well a pearl and crystal-like stone. Very feminine and I definitely wear with something more whimsical and soft.

- From H and M, at first I found one with orange stone, but I wasn't sure, but when I found this grey stone one, I totally love it. I like that it's in gold and the grey and gold contrast each other well, almost like silver gray and gold yellow. I feel I can match it more easily with my outfits whereas if I got the orange stone I feel that I can only pair it with warm-tone outfits and my gold watch. 

- Another contrast, gold and silver as well. If you look carefully, it's actually a couple of birds sitting, so it's like you have a couple of tiny bird sitting on your finger, so cute and cool! It's sold yellow and gold and I just have to get it especially when it's in pack of two, which means more value. I feel I can this one at a time or just make a statement and wear both at a time.

- Last one, from Dorothy Perkins, in three, they have stones attached and make a small sphere, different colour in each ring (brown, yellow, green). I like it as well again because there's three, hehe.

Dorothy Perkins - GBP 2-4.00 (I forgot which cost how much)

Ok, I do feel bad, I had a pendant from Topshop which I haven't worn yet and here I got another two long necklaces... haihhhh.. At first I was attracted to the small bird golden necklace but I think it might be too small, and I found another with large leaf pendant... but the leaf is just too big, as I thought I would love to wear necklace on casual and regular day so I chose the smaller bird. Then my friend show me one with heart locket,  it was decent but I wasn't into it as I think 'heart' is so typical... hehe, but then I found this silver one, again because there's a couple, I was attracted again. I like that it's not so big, and even when it got the drapey effect of two necklaces, it's not too much and I can still wear it casually. What's better is that the shorter necklace is still long enough and it show up when I wore under my headscarf. Nice!

Dorothy Perkins - Animal print wristlet GBP 8.00

I don't use a proper purse, I stuff my money into coin purse and I carry a cardholder with me. I thought of getting a proper purse but instead I got this. Now I stuff both my cardholder and coin purse in this wristlet clutch and it's easier to reach for cash/card in my bag now. If I'm going anywhere which would be easier for me without a bag, I can just bring this only and it's a wristlet which is easier for me hold. I can still fit my Blackberry as well my lipstick which is just perfect. I can totally wear this as a clutch as well. I do love the animal print, although if it was plain colour, it is easier to match to any outfit. But I'm please with this as my 'purse'.

Lastly, ok I bought this shoe online at Schuh, but I still haven't got it, well I got it delivered to the store actually. I can't wait to post this hauls, but I really want to include this shoes. So what the heck... there wouldn't be much depth as I don't have the shoes with me yet, but hopefully it turn out to be what I hope it is.

Schuh: Toms Desert Botas in Black GBP 24.99

I found this online, there the price gone down (I can't remember the original price). I love that it's plain but still look rugged and look more interesting than a simple converse or brogues. I thought of getting this in another colour but there aren't. There's one in black and white aztec but I wasn't sure I'm able to wear that so I chose the black one. I think this would be great with skinnies and provide some edge but still looking layback. I can't wait to pick this up soon!

PS: I definitely need to remind myself to update blog from time to time.. It's just I was too busy with Malaysian event in Belfast and now I'm preparing for annual general meeting, club reports and stuff... I would like to go crazy on  my blog during this holiday but I just can't. I need to get serious serious with revision as well. haiiihhhh... so I don't know what my next post will be about or when is it. But I do some thinking  like I really like to do my OOTD post, but I just have to remind myself be simple about it... I would also tweet them, but of course I wouldn't be able to put in details... I don't think I would do a video like last time * embarrassed*, I think I can bear with selca much better compare to recording myself hehe... Hauls as well need to do that regularly so that I remember that I bought stuff and I would lessen my shopping. This haul and next cosmetics haul post should be my indicator to stop. As I have to save up to buy plane ticket to go back to Malaysia during summer *I already had to ask  my some moneys from my parent which is bad* and I had to be ready for my summer trip South Korea. :)

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage

This would be the only proper makeup primer I ever own or even try.

It's been a while since I started using this.

I remember at first when I got it, I really liked it. 

Then I don't want to finish it too quickly so I use it for special occasion, then suddenly I rarely use it.

Then I was in state of mind thinking that this didn't make much different.

But after a while I make myself to use it in order not to waste it.

It was a re-discovery!

Suddenly I realize my makeup when on much smoother and I really like it. Now I wear almost everyday.

pic from maccosmetics.co.uk

Description from the MAC website:-

An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil, and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder.

So it already states on the website itself, that this contains a lot of silicone. So people with skin that is sensitive or 'allergic' to silicone might want to steer clear from this product. When I put this on it remind me of Clinique Even Better Dark Spots Corrector,

 make my skin feel really smooth *it's because of the silicone*

So the silicone would help provide a smooth canvas to put on foundation smoothly and evenly. 

Appearance wise I would say it's better although not so obvious, 

feel is much much better and that I would guarantee. 

I can feel that it does blot away 'excess' oil, but it doesn't provide matte finish.

So if you're looking for ultra-matte finish, this is not it.

The texture is creamy, mousse-like and very silky and

 it does have a very very little sheen *NOT shimmer*. 

But no worries, it doesn't make your face shiny, it just give a bit of radiance and natural finish. 

Some might say it's shimmery, but I think they're just really like very very matte finish.

It has no strong smell, and it does not break me out. 
Packaging is fine, a black pump bottle. 

Price: GBP 18.50 per 30 ml bottle

In a whole I would say it's a decent primer.

Would I repurchase it? Probably, but I might be interested in trying other MAC primer. *since I am a MAC junkie*

 Rating: 4/5

ps: The Malaysia & You Gala a.k.a Malaysian Night is this weekend. I will post what I'll be wearing for the night but it's going to be after the event itself, since I would be busy, *maybe a tweet on that night*

New Year's Hauls: Topshop online, Urban outfitter, Forever 21, French Connection, Junction 1, Gap

Okay, I admit it's been a while since my last post and I should have post this early-mid February, and what do you know?? it's the March already!

Okay so this would be my New Years Haul most of the them are on sale.

So lets get started.

 Topshop online
They're actually really good and fast.  I just love this new flat I got, very basic yet with a twist. And the dress, totally versatile! I can dress it up or wear it casually!

Black Klover Golden Trim Suede Slippers GBP 15.00

Emma Dress by Goldie  GBP 25.00

Then at late January I went down to Dublin to visit my friends there, one of our friend in Czech came to Ireland so it's been a while. So while waiting for the bus, I check out Cleryl's which was on sale and I finally got my hand on Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. There's a lot of hype going on this product.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream EUR 28.15

I admit that this was an impulse purchase, but I think this is really a good deal since they got the full size Eight Hour cream for less than it's original prize. Individual full size tube of this cost EUR 32.00 if I remember correctly. Other than the red cosmetics bag *which is plain, but very useful*, there's the lipbalm, facial moisturizer, hand lotion as well as body lotion.

Full size (50 ml) Eight Hour Cream

So that is me, spending EUR 30.00 on the first 10 minutes arriving in Dublin.

It doesn't stop there. I was suppose to join my friend from Czech to Galway, but since the trip might take too much time and I got classes the next Monday, I forgo the plan and hang out with the others in Dublin.

My friend who I believe to be my new shopping buddy brought me to Dundrum, as much as I made he spent, he also manage to make me spend.

 Okay, I heard a lot about Urban Outfitter on hauls of other blogger and vlogger, but man I never  knew that they are quite expensize. I was actually looking for a bomber with varsity style jackets as I believe it would look good on hoodies, *I like how Gain and Jo Kwon wear it on We Got Married when they went for English Classes*, and I was so please that it does look great. I am more happy when I know this was EUR100+ I believe and I just pay a fraction. Since I got it, I've been wearing this a lot!

Urban Outfitter Oversized Bomber Jacket EUR 25.00

French Connection EUR 35.00

 Then I got this, a black jumper but not too thick which mean I could wear it all year round! It got the flower details in sequins and I love it. I actually found a dark blue one with a planet details in sequins which was more appealing to me, but too bad there's damaged on it and I can't find a good one. This was EUR 80+ I think.

And finally I went to Forever 21 in the city the next day after lunch date with one of my friend at South Steak, *the pizza there is so nice! other than the steak itself*.

So there's no Forever 21 in Belfast, so I made it as an excuse to get something, so I got this top.

Forever 21 EUR 23.75

It's quite short to my liking, but I like that I can wear this with my skinnies as well my bootcuts. I found it very cool to wear this on my green motor skinny pants, kind of soft mix with harsh.

JUNCTION ONE

After the weekend at Dublin, my friends come up to Belfast the next weekend and we definitely went to Junction One. This time my aim is to get to the Cosmetic Company Outlet. I loved that place it got all the MAC old collection and sold at fraction of price.

MAC Lipliner in Mouth Off

Light coral for my orange-tone nude, since all my lipliners are pink base including MAC Spice.

MAC Eyeshadow  in Brun

I thought this was a dark grey, I was confused with the light. But oh well, it's a cool dark brown, lighter than the Showstopper which I used on my brows.

MAC Venomous Villains Eyeshadow in Vile Violet

I actually want to get MAC Fig 1, but instead I found this, which quite dark purple. Since the price is cheaper than  MAC eyeshadow or refill pan at a counter, I bought this. Plus, I like the packaging.

MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in NW25/NC30

I was back and forth in the store on whether to buy this or not. I really like that it's not white, but I do prefer it in lighter shade. Thank god, I'm not very fair, so I believe this still going to bright my waterline, which I think it's good enough. Now, I don't really used my white pencil, hehe.

Gap Premium Skinny 

I went to GAP for a bit, and suddenly decide to get another pair of GAP Premium Skinny, this time I got in one size smaller since the last time I bought it just doesn't look skinny enough for me. It's medium-dark blue wash, but this is what they call 'sulphur' wash since it does have a bit of yellow tone.

Reebok black trainers

Last but not least a shoe. I was prancing around Junction 1 to kill time then I found this shoes, cost GBP6.00 and I just couldn't say no. Haha! anyway, other than my hi-tops sneakers I don't really have a decent sport shoes... Well this really isn't my style, despite that I'm into sneakers this is not really what I would love... but I guess, nevermind... since it's a cheap Reebok. 

Update: Ok, I turned 22 last Sunday. Yeay! Happy birthday to me! I did some reflection on my life since I turned 21 and it does feel a bit different. But to be honest, I didn't get to reflect much since it's the busy week as Malaysia & You Belfast is coming up... so I'm going to save this for later, I guess.

Origins skincare: "origins revolution"

Finally a post on ORIGINS!

Okay, I have almost converted to Origins skincare, not completely, but most of my stuff are from Origins, like my makeups are mostly MACs, my skincare is mostly Origins.

I can't remember how exactly, but it was last Spring that I started using Origins, and seriously my skin changes dramatically. 

SO here I am compiling some of my old pics... there's not much, but I believe you could spot changes in my skin which getting much much better after using Origins.

Some time after KMB - makeup 

Before flying to Belfast - minimal makeup

First year in Belfast - eyeliner only *probably bit of powder and lipgloss, actually I was testing eyeliner look*

First year in Belfast - no makeup

Okay, the last one I cropped from somewhere, it's the best I could find a picture of me without makeup, before my origins revolution.

Then...

 So with makeup I pretty much tone down the appearance of acnes and scarring. Just to let you know, I don't really wear very thick foundation, not to maximum coverage. I'm just comfortable that way but I know compare to my Malay girl friends I have the thickest makeup on.hehe.

So from minimal makeup and bareface you can see lots of obvious big acne especially on cheeks, then scarring or dark spots, on my chin as well, bits of comedone obviously on my forehead. 

By the time I finish studying at KMB, I seriously fine with my skin like that, I enjoy wearing makeup, I haven't clear my skin, but my breakouts is definitely in control. That time I was using the Simple Age Resisting with antioxidant from green tea.

However after I tried Origins, it's worth it. That time, I was thinking on trying high-end skincare. Before that I'm not really convinced with skincare brands because of gimmicks and the no end to 'which-brand-is-better' debate. But now I realize how I have undermine skincare brands, hehe.

Starting using the 'A Perfect World' Age Treatment Lotion and Antioxidant Moisturizer *you know how I love my dose of antioxidant*, I notice how less my flaky my skin become and how it is more moisturized. That moisturizer was so much different compare to my Simple Age Resisting. Before I knew it, I don't get as much acnes as before.

This was me 1-2 months after using Origins.

after two months of using Origins - no makeup at all

 I'm still shocked *and happy* when I look into this pic, hehe. 

Seriously that time,

 clear forehead, cheeks only with scar and no flakiness.

Suddenly...

During exam period, I did blog about this a bit which about my skin suddenly become super flaky *like scalp with dandruff*, which is very confusing since summer was approaching. I wasn't getting any acnes, none at all, just flakiness. I thought it was the skincare, but it doesn't make any sense since it was too sudden after more than 3 months using Origins. So I am convinced it's not because of Origins that my skin start acting up. And by after the exam as I went to my Summer trip to Europe, it clear out and back to normal. So I believe that it was exam stress. I hope I don't get it this year.

Resolution...

After my the flakiness subsided through the summer, my skin was really doing fine!
And you woulf notice from my blogpost before this which have a picture of me, my skin look fine and  with makeup, better.

Then, from the toner and moisturizer I started to build up my Origins skincare and I LOVE IT!!! 

My Origins Stuff

So maybe after this I would start doing review on Origins stuff especially the ones I already repurchase such as my "A Perfect World" stuff and definitely a full explanation on my skincare regimens, now that should be helpful to you guys out there. 

Confession...

 from then on to now, I can't deny that I still get breakout and cystic acne here and there, but definitely not as bad as before. 

To be honest at times when I'm feeling lazy, I just ignore my skincare, miss my regimen, not removing my makeup... which is bad! but you know, 

life's not perfect... sometime you're too lazy to do all that.

However, the longest I would have this 'lazy' behaviour is 3-4 days... by then, I would be literally begging myself to do some exfoliation and put on moisturizer... especially when my skin was feeling dry and flaky and worse, an acne pop out.

I just have to remind myself again and again

"SLOPPY SKINCARE LEAD TO SLOPPY SKIN"

So to you guys out there, it does take effort in taking care of your skin, 

eating right, healthy lifestyle does help, but not on it's own, 

it's not enough.

to the others who's pretty much has non-problematic skin, good for you! now you can really focus in getting rid of dull skin and achieving that radiant and 'glow'.

Do beware of signs of aging, especially in our current urbanized polluted environment.

you might not getting acnes, but don't be surprised that you suddenly wakeup with crows feets and wrinkles on forehead.

That's all for now. If you guys fan of Origins or interested in Origins do leave a comment or feedbacks, I would be please to reply to them. 

Till next time.