Review: MAC lipstick in Russian Red

If I think of RED LIPSTICK, the first that jump into my mind is definitely MAC Russian Red.

Truly a classic red, favourite of Gwen Stefani, the Queen of Red Lipstick, this lipstick is a universal red and I believe all skintone can pull it off.

the perfect red lip all year round. in the sun or even in the winter

In the picture above I was pretty much wearing Russian Red on my lips on top MAC Lipliner in Redd, no fancy eye shadow or blusher. Just bit of contouring and highlight and brow gel to set my brows.

I usually wear MAC lipliner in Redd or Brick Red.

MAC description:

Russian Red - Intense bluish-red [Matte] 

Personal experience:

I truly love this! and I have tried many type of reds from a number of brands. Despite having one lips and lots of lipsticks, if this ever runs out or went missing, I will definitely repurchase.

Texture and finish: 

Applied smoothly and matte, but not dry and chalky.

I admit it's not one of those modern formula that felt light as air, but this is a classic and feel like one.

I personally prefer this more than MAC lipstick in Rubywoo. 

Colour: 

MAC Russian Red is more neutral red, I would not necessary says it's warm, I think it depends on wearer skintone. On me the warm in my skin resonate and appear warm and I seen pictures of other people and looks more blue red. So it has that balance between blue and yellow undertone.

Comparing side by side with Revlon Really Red and Topshop Hazard, MAC Russian Red is definitely more neutral or appear 'bluer'. But next to Ruby Woo, Russian Red is warmer.

Texture and colour are the reason I chose Russian Red instead of Rubywoo. 

How it wears all day: 

This wear so good and last really long without making my lips dry. 

Seriously. Even on applying, I really like how it felt like I am painting my lips in a good way. No feathering and no flaking. Before this I thought Revlon Really Red is good enough, but MAC lipstick is definitely on another level. Not only it last long, if it is ever going to fade, at the end of the day or if I am having a meal, it leaves off a good stain, a true red stain not pink which usually happen with blue red. Oil from food would not erase this lipstick straight away.

So overall rating is 4.9/5.0

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

MAC lipliner Redd

Review: High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream

Finally a beauty review. I finally finished this cream a few months ago and just finally got to type out the reviews. I am on a process to empty out my extra creams here and there, and try to limit stuff I really like. Now that I am quite serious about some korean skincare *I'll get to this in the future, pray for it* I felt I need to be more determined about what I like to achieve from my skincare. 

High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream

So High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream, such a mouthful name like most products nowadays is technically a night cream that claim to treat as well. This is the oil-free version, which I thought would be great as I can layer under my usual moisturizer. 

Origins claim: 

Put dullness to rest. Wake up radiant & refreshed. Now nature's famed night cream is newly fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers plus Vitamins C, E & H, minerals & moisture-rich replenishers. Helps the appearance of dullness. 98% of those who tested & used it regularly, agreed, skin was renewed and refreshed in the AM. Helps the slumber deprived wake up on the bright side of the bed. So why face dull skin. Sleep it off tonight.

This come out years ago, I think just before night cream resurfacers starting to become popular, you know those that claims 'Wake up to a more brighter, smooth complexion'. Being Asian with tan and acne scars, how can I not this ...

ingredients: 

water\aqua\eau; methyl trimethicone; butylene glycol; glycerin; jojoba esters; citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) flower oil*, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil*, ferula galbaniflua (galbanum) resin oil*, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, vanilla planifolia fruit extract, valeriana officinalis rhizome/root extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) juice, linalool, limonene, citral; rubus idaeus (raspberry) leaf wax; foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed extract; castanea sativa (chestnut) seed extract; rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract; coleus barbatus extract; triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract; hordeum vulgare (barley) extract\extrait d'orge; panthenol; biotin; folic acid; pantethine; butyrospermum parkii (shea butter); simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) butter; cholesterol; salicylic acid; lecithin; dicaprylyl carbonate; aloe barbadensis leaf juice; dimethicone; tocopheryl acetate; trehalose; arginine; sodium pca; caprylyl glycol; linoleic acid; tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate; polysilicone-11; squalane; sodium hyaluronate; phospholipids; ethylhexylglycerin; tromethamine; hexylene glycol; ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer; carbomer; calcium carbonate; phenoxyethanol 

I am not gonna dabble too much about the ingredients, what I can simplify is I like that it claims to renews and resurface and brightens. It got vitamin C that suppose to do that with all bits of orange in it. Some may claim how Vit C is easily 'broken down' without a proper formulation,  hence questions how it still work? but hey ho... again not enough knowledge to share much, as I try to speak in laymen's term with positive consumer mindset. 

This also got salicylic acid to my surprise, but disappointingly quite down the ingredient list which mean that there isn't much? (assuming they list ingredient base on high concentration to low). But it is understandable since when this came out, the idea of daily AHA and  BHA is something very 'prescription'... you do that if you have issues and see dermatologist for it.

Another one that I would like to highlight is that this got shea butter in it despite being an oil free version. That is not right, if this is a normal version I don't mind. I personally don't react crazily to shea butter if it's quite down the list and if I use it sparingly, but usually acne-prone skin would like to avoid this. 

Personal Experience

Texture:    Gel-cream, light.
Colour:      Whitish-clear
Smell:         Quite fruity, not that citrusy, surprisingly despite all bits of orange in it.
Price:           £35.00 for 50ml (amber plastic tub with white cap, no spatula)

I usually wear this a few times a week at nights especially when I have acne flares and some acnes popped, so this could help skin recovery. I layer this after serum stage (as if this is my 2nd serum stage) and layer my moisturizer on top (with/without Benzoyl Peroxide in between).

I don't think this is moisturizing enough unless you are normal to oily without any dehydration which I don't think a lot of us are. Given the age of urbanization plus pollution and general increased stress, people are normally dehydrated, *lol at my generalization*.

This cream is not bad, but it is not groundbreaking. Despite claiming to 'resurface' the skin, I have not seen any significant result. ie. scrubbing/exfoliating give me better results. 

Those might be interested to try (given no allergies to the ingredients)
- Oily skin who wants a night cream with benefits but NOT into elaborate skincare regimen.
Best for those who want to keep it simple. I say this because I think this cream could pill on your skin when layered with lots of products. 

This does not cause me breakouts (true acne) though I notice 1-2 very small whitehead, which is not really a big deal to me personally, since I do get that whenever I wear too much product then layered with other product. It was fine if I control the amount.

So overall score: 2.8/5 (for the price, I don't think I can score it at least 3)

OOTDs #9 and updates

Here we are in March 2016, as you may know I'm currently in my final year and we did our Finals in February. Funny enough the last day of my exam was my 26th birthday, what a wonderful way to remember how I turned 26 (I am now closer to be 30 '-.-) ... being quarantine for about 3 hours knowing about 85% of the class is celebrating... Result is out next week, or so I heard... hopefully it's good. I don't even know, things sort of went smoothly for now, I even secured a job... so I am anxious, if my result would be a problem..

As per usual, finally a blog post. I've been wanting to post this for a while, these are definitely old pictures I just felt kind of a waste to just throw it. 

Hoodie: New Look

Plaid top : H & M

Jeans : BDG Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Keds

I think this was when I was trying out the mini tripod

I was using a timer... I guess my phone not smart enough to focus in timer mode

Jacket: Urban Outfitter

Bottom: Asos

Shoes: Vans

Denim top: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: Urban Outfitter

Excuse the awkward facial expression

Top: Asos

Bottom: Asos

Shoes: Toms desert boots

Despite the 'sarung kusyen' look, i still love this embroidery.

Put in an outdoor picture, and I finally wore that maxi... don't know when else I am going to wear them!

Maxi: Fashion Union

Bag: Clarks

Cardigan: Urban Outfitter

Top: Asos

Bottom: Topshop Jamie jeans

Shoes: Clarks

Okay say what you will about this top...generally Malays would thought this top like 'makcik-makcik',  ( auntie style or very granny). especially if you wear headscarf, if you don't and wear this like a dress, it does have that bohemian effortless vibe going on. I wear headscarf and definitely need a bottom, at some point it does look very the 'makcik'  but I just love it.. it's oversized and airy, with dolman LONG sleeves and the pattern is unique. 

Don't know if I pulled it off, but I know it's tricky to style. I think a more masculine approach would be suitable such as;

• Washed blue jeans instead of solid blue or worst black....Washed blue still match in colour, so not too much colour clashing. I felt that solid blue would make it too formal.
• Lace leather shoes instead strappy sandals or worst heels... socks is optional, again that masculine approach. 

I love paisley pattern.

See the slight brown  and orange  in the pattern.

• So I choose brown headscarf and a orange lipstick like MAC Alibi (not too bright though), I think MAC Paramount, Yash and Taupe  might work too.

See, how airy and loose is that.

How can you not love how loose it is... If I could buy this exact top in all different colour and patterns.

I am gearing up to post some beauty bits soon. Glad that I'm off tomorrow for St, Patrick's Day, so I could try to finish up some pending posts.

I am into Muhan Dojeon ( Infinity Challenge ) and why you should too!

When I finally get the chance to watch MuDo, I know I am one of those audience that is meant for MuDo, lols. As much as I love Running Man, for some time now, MuDo has become my favourite 'would be crazy if I miss an episode' kind of show. Now I don't even mind if I miss Running Man episode as long as I got to watch MuDo.

MuDo or Muhan Dojeon a.k.a Infinity Challenge is one of the most long-running entertainment shows from MBC. Now I say 'long-running' it doesn't mean it is always the best rated. Most of the time, I understand it got knocked down by it's time slot rival, Star King from SBS and 2 Days and 1 Night from KBS.  While its popularity does not suppress the popularity of Running Man, still being a Yoo Jae Suk's weekend show, it is a very very good show. While Running Man reached its 5th year anniversary MuDo has actually reached its 10th anniversary, can you believe this has been around for 10 years, with 448 episodes. Given that, MuDo does have its own group of followers.

Why did I decide to suddenly post about MuDo? 
I just thought that it is about time. Given now that MuDo finally has regular subbing I finally can recommend this show strongly. Another reason is that I see that even after how many 'crisis' and scandal MuDo went through lately and finally getting stable again I want to share how much I love this show.

If I remember correctly the first ever episode of MuDo I watched would be episode 248 (back in 2011) for no other reason than just to watch G-Dragon featured in. I totally fall for the all the regular cast/member... and Oh my God! They're freaking funny!! I thought I should watch older episodes but I realized they don't have regular subbing, even the DDDsub group was still in the process of subbing older episodes. At one point I gave up... because it was just so hard to find other episodes (the only subtittled was those featured people like Big Bang etc). But that is now old story, I think MuDo now finally found its place among international audience.

WARNING: This post will be picture heavy and I am big fan of GD, I mentioned GD a lot of time.

Muhan Dojean is a real-variety show that has its regular member/cast to take on challenges using DDD as their moto ' DIRTY, DANGEROUS, DIFFICULT'. As time goes by being 'Infinity Challenge' you will be surprise by the things they come up with. There's no simple way to describe MuDo as it is very narrative and depend on type of project. Even the episodes are not usually broadcasted chronologically, for example longterm project would usually broadcasted in parts and even postponed toward the actual end of the project (after a few months for example) so sometimes they have 'filler' episodes which feature a simple in-studio broadcast or 1 day race/game.

Now if you go to its Wikipedia page  you can find out details of its origins and main cast etc. When I started watching it the main cast were Yoo Jae Suk, Park Myungsoo, Haha, Jung Junha, Jung Hyungdon, Noh Hong Chul and Gil. When Haha enlisted for the army, Jun Jin Shinhwa was cast to replace Haha and that last for about 1 year and half. Then Gil from LeeSsang (yeah the one with Gary Running Man) become a permanent cast. After Haha discharged from the army, he was still casted making MuDo as 7 members show. But around late 2014, 2 of the member left (Gil and Noh Hong Chul) after got arrested for drunk-driving. It was heartbreaking for me, because thinking that they are finally getting bigger, now this happen.
Last April, Hwang Kwanghee from ZE:A joined through an audition project they ran as "Sixth Man" , yes... they parodied the movie 'Kingsman', you'll be surprise how much effort they put into making the parody... lols.

THE MEMBERS AND THEIR FRIENDSHIP

PD Kim TaeHo as SnowWhite, and Members as the dwarves from left; Gil, Jun Ha, Haha, Jaesuk, Myungsoo, Hong Chul and Hyung Don. Note that there is Haha's mom top left side of Gil's head, Jang Yoon Ju with the apple basket, Jun Jin as the Prince.

The main reason I watch the show is really because the dynamic of the relationship between the casts and images they put up in the show which at some point interface with their actual personality. Apparently given how usually 'sudden' the filmings were the cast wouldn't even bother to play up their character anymore, eg. camera showing up at home, cameras during brainstorming meeting. Even Kim Jong Kook as guest said that he had to control his 'temper' since MuDo doesn't really edit things out. I remember at some point Noh Hong Chul accidently pull down his pants... together with his underwear... o.O... of course they put a mosaic on, it still a family show. 
They don't mind making fun of each other at all on everything... From Junha 'Opposed Marriage', Myungsoo's 'No-kissing' marriage policy, Haha's and Hong Chul's actual breakup, Hyung Don 'Leaking house' to even Jaesuk's 'Lower Nipple' ... OH MY GOD!! after all that, Running Man making fun of Suk Jin's Big Nose is nothing... seriously...

 

Good example of trolling each other: making name for character on WM7 special ep 213

Haha mocking Hyung Don house

Hyungdon heard it

Noh Hong Chul's nickname, note: he had I think anal fistula, which the others make fun of.

this was before Junha was married...

Haha was referring to Jae Suk

Talk about relationship dynamic, funny how JaeSuk and Haha supposedly arguing like kids in RM like it's a thing, while in MuDo, Haha actually worshipped JaeSuk, like literally... he even said 'Jae Suk religion' and show all kind of natural 'kiddie' 'aegyo',haha!

 

Jaesuk baby-ing Haha... I ROFL watching this

 And to that, Jae Suk actually practice 'favouritism' with the other member as he always gives preferential treatment toward Haha... I can't even describe how hilarious when these situations comes up especially during brainstorming when other members ideas are ignored and rejected except for Haha... there is one occassion HyungDon's idea was rejected but when Haha said it, Jae Suk accept it! One among the many things I also enjoy seeing them doing parody and cross-dress... hahahahah!

 

Haha : *Merong*

CHARMING PROJECTS / Challenges
I also respect how the show has its own 'grace' and charms in terms of making project like for example after Gil and Noh Hong Chul got DUI, they actually did an episode 'testing' or prank the member to drink the night before scheduled filming.. like for real.. (ep 408 The Giant of Seduction)
From simple conversation and random comments, they actually led to crazy projects.. now this might be scripted but seriously, who cares if it was executed sooooo welllll!!!
Another thing is I am just genuinely impressed, at times speechless at just how random and wide ranged the projects are...like Haha's guerilla concert the day before he is actually went to the army, going to Alaska just to find someone with the name 'Kim Sang Duk' afterJae Suk mention this name 'jokingly' and then random sports like racing car and bobsled and even deliver foods around the world, Myungsoo actually almost
reach to South Pole, but he only manage as far as Puntas Arenas, Chile and only 'post' the item.... AMMMAAAZZZIIINGGG! I just thought, "you know these guys are no jokes.."Their PD Kim Taeho is such a genius to have this show.

Fun GUESTS
Lastly.... the guests!!! Amazed that they actually has Paris Hilton on the shows once...Thierry Henry... MC Hammer ... and Haha even went to Jamaica with Hong Chul, Hyungdon, and Skull (Haha's singing partner), to meet Usain Bolt. Not just that, I also really like how fun and variety is MuDo's network, from singer like G-Dragon (AHHHHH!! yes GD loves MuDo), actors like So Ji Sub, Jo Insung, Cha Seungwon (OMG again!!) model Jang Yoon Ju (I just love her), Hong Jin Kyung and of course lots and lots of comedians Kim Yeong Chul, Kim Jae Dong, Defconn and many more...They love to treat guest like regular members so obviously these guests does not get away from the constant 'mocking' and 'skull bomb icon' for trolls they get by MuDo.

Making fun of Yoon Ju

Jang Kiha and The Faces

GD Big Bang

Park Jisun (KBS Gag Concert)

Daesung Big Bang

Add caption

Baro B1A4

Jung Il Woo

Zion T (parody King of Masked Singer for 2015 Music Festival)

Oh Hyuk of Hyukoh

In Conclusion
I realize given the show's style, it can be difficult to follow, and it's not a show you fall for after 1 episode. A lot of mistake people do is actually watching their 1 day filler episodes, which usually quite lacking as they like to include conversations and jokes from daily lives which might not be relatable unless you're a MuDo fan.

I recommend that if you really new, have no idea at all about MuDo, start off with episode 400 and catch up to recent episode. While episode 400 did not features any 'fancy project' it reflect on the cast relationship and you got to see the casts reflect on how much they changed since starting on MuDo. From there you can continue to watch how they come up and organize ideas and execute them, and that was also around recent members changes.

You can start with the recent episode 449 as well, as it is again a 'project-planning' episode but I thought you might want to watch more materials to judge the show.
If you ambitious try to follow from when the show become big which was MuDo's 2013 Music festival which had GD and Boa (episode 346, 349, 351 to 354)... I think from there MuDo was subtittled regularly...

Then if you really fall for the show you can be like me scavenging for old episodes...

My Favourites:
I truly can't really shortlist my favourites, because it's too many, here is my top 5 in random order with some screen cap and I will also list some other worth to watch episodes.

Sixthman project: Parody on Kingsman to do audition for a new member since Noh Hong Chul left. Candidates are actually suggested from twitter post by fan and other than Kim Yeong Cheol, even  Siwon Suju also tweet to suggest himself as candidate, lols!! From finding the candidates to the actual challenge, you can't help but ROFL at how eager the candidates were (episode 419-424).

Kingsman "Manner makes a  man"

If only he was not on 2 days and 1 night, I did believe Defconn could make a great MuDo member

I never thought of Kwanghee before because he never been a guest on MuDo, but I do like him personally and with his 'very' frank remark and imperfectness, he fits just right with the other members.

WM7 : Wrestling special. Amazing how far they went to deliver a spectacular shows and actually do these crazy stunts... they actually practice for at least a year. Haha even join in halfway when he got discharged from army duties. (episode 205-211, 213-215). 

The Finale!

Calendar Model (2010):Parody on 'Next Top Model' for the annual MuDo's Calendar. This is how Haha and JaeSuk got closed to the model Jang Yoon Ju if you remember Running man ep. 47 and 259). Jang Yoon Ju is a charming 'variety'-like model and it was hilarious to see how 'serious' members tries to model. (ep 202-203, 218-219, 224-226)

One of the challenge including imitate actual painting

LOL!

Theme: Tough man

can you believe this was actually Noh Hong Chul

"If We Got Married" :supposedly parody of 'we got married' follows  as members matchmake Noh Hong Chul and Jang Yoon Ju (when she was still single of course!) and Gil with Song Euni and Kim Sook. Obviously my favourite was Jang Yoon Ju!(ep 363-365) 



Highway Music Festivals (every 2 years): this started out as a challenge to the members to come up with a song and do guerilla concert. After doing about 5 concert I think, now it has become the biggest music festivals to look forward to every two years with some big names and even new names that actually rose to popularity after casted in MuDo's Highway Music Festival. The latest 2015 one was in August held in Pyeonchang, where people actually camp out 3 days before official announcement of the venue was made, remember it was supposed to be a guerilla concert... talk about information leaks. G-Dragon of Big Bang was featured in the last three concerts and my favourite was the 2013 Free Highway Music Festival which he partnered with Hyung Don and they redefine "Bromance" on a new level and even won MBC's Best Couple award... like seriously...the award that usually won by male-female lead of a drama or from We Got Married... LOL! GD was obviously enjoying this given how much of his pink gum exposed when being with Hyung Don.

GD's laughing gum

Defconn was the best!

 

From the beginning, they embark on this weird bromance which even include game push and pull.

LOL

Other episodes worth to watch:

Infinite Company with G-Dragon (Underwear Challenge) ep 297-298 

My Ugly Buddy Festival ep 304-306

My Lonely Buddy Festival ep 360-362

Jamaica Special ep 369-371

Oh! My Tent Special - Where in the World is Kim Sang-duk (Alaska) ep  195-197

Saturday Saturday I am a Singer (TOTOGA) - it's a parody of one music show and they feature 90's singer including Kim Jong Kook's Turbo, Jinusean and Uhm Jung Hwa ep 409-411

Other  moments I thought I share as I was printscreening through some of the videos, 

*I thought why not*:

2013 Music Festival

At YG, Haha brought Jang Kiha and the faces to eat at YG cafeteria.
This time was when the rumours of how goodYG cafeteria exploded.

Haha forever GD's fan

 My Lonely Buddy Festival

Kim Jaedong parodied Top's Doom Dada

Ep 371 - Protect the Earth. Mixed of Startrek and Junha wearing Lee Hyori's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang look

 Episode 390 - Midnight in Seoul. They just basically call a few people to hangout and since it was hot summer night they want to scare the guests so they feel a bit cooler. hahah!

This was when I know and start to love Lee Gukjoo

Haha trying to scare Joon Park GOD

But Joony was unfazed instead he greet Haha happily ( I think this was his recent comeback)

Joon Park

 More Cross-dressing... this time as classic princess

Muhan (infinite) Company with G-Dragon

Interview session

First day at work

yes... that is GD and he design that underwear... lols

Election 2014 Episode 378 - This parody of Secret Affair by Jae Suk and Kim Yeong Cheol as part of his campaign,

So I am sorry for the very heavy post, especially with the pictures I might have included some spoilers... but I thought a picture or 'pictures' I guess say a thousand word.

note: Most pictures are printscreen from videos uploaded by others, not mine, thanks to a number of site (logos on the picture, some of the site has shut down) that provided me with this entertainment. You guys can watch MuDo at kshowonline or download from AvistaZ (new site of asiatorrent).