Beauty: Benefit Watt's Up

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter is a delicate 'champagne' sheer highlighter. It has cream to powder finish... Just glide on cheek & brow bones, then use the blender (sponge) for the perfect glow. 

I was going to buy Benefit High Beam but I found it too 'white' for my complexion (yellow based). I tried the Sun Beam but it just sinked... So the beauty advisor advised me on trying Watt's Up... It more easier to apply and control because Watt's Up is in stick form whilst High Beam is in liquid form. Slightly pricier than High Beam... Watt's Up is £24.50 (9.4g). It came in beautiful & cool package and has a sponge at the other end for blending...

Swatches...

Overall;

Price: 3.5/5 - it's a bit expensive for a small volume of make-up...

Colour: 4.5/5

Application: 4/5

Reliability: 4.5/5

Overall experience: 4.5/5

Benefit The POREfessional Pro Balm

Benefit claimed the primer/balm can minimise the appearance of pores. It oil-free, lightweight, translucent and silky. 

It can be use before make-up as primer and touch-up. I was surprised how efficient this product can be! Not only, the primer/balm sinked into the skin, the balm colour also 'disappeared' into my skin colour. I'm happy that this primer/balm did not contradict with my foundation colour. My skin became smooth and silky. Applying the foundation became easier. Seriously, I am so impress with this product. I tried to use this balm as touch-up, I just pat on lightly over my make-up, and my face looked fresh afterwards.

I bought the special set (available in airport outlet) came with It's Potent eye cream (3g) and "That Gal" brightening face primer (7.5mL).

High street price: £24.50
Airport price: £20.80

Overall;

Price: 3.5/5 - expensive for 22mL primer

Colour: 5/5

Application: 5/5 - really easy, no brainer... 

Reliability: 5/5

Overall experience: 4.5/5

December Beauty Haul - Benefit

Suddenly, I becoming obsessed with Benefit... This month I bought three Benefit products...

The POREfessional - Primer / Pore Reducer Balm (22mL) set. 

With It's Potent eye cream (3g) and "That Gal" brightening face primer (7.5mL)

High street price: £24.50

Airport price: £20.80

Watt's up! Soft focus highlighter for face (9.4g)

High street price: £24.50 

Bought: £22.05 (I bought it from John Lewis with 10% discount)

Hydra Smooth Lip Color in Fling Thing (3g)

High street price: £15

ASOS price: £11.25 (with 25% discount during Christmas shopping promotion)

So far, I am really happy and satisfied with the quality of each product. They got a lot of positive reviews from beauty bloggers... But a little concern on the prices. Even though Benefit has really cool packaging and naming, is quite expensive if you calculated based on the volume. Benefit sells less volume compared to other brand.

Well, definitely, these are not going to the last...

To fellow students, subscribe to UNIDAYS and get 10% on Benefit... 

L'Occitane Hair Care - Repairing Oil and Control Mist

My history...

When I was in Paris, I saw a lot of L'Occitane shop around city. I had a chance on trying some of their products a few years ago but the high price tag hindered me from being their customer. After hours of waiting for my train at Paris Gare Du Nord, I took a lap at their shops (there is no tax-free shop in here). I went into the L'Occitane shop. I tried their repairing oil and OMG!!! I totally hooked...

Let me me share my experience with you...

Transform your hair from dry and damaged to strong and shiny. The formula captures all the effectiveness of sweet almond oil, rich vitamins and Omega 9, as well as five essential oil with regenerating properties. Just a few drops of this treatment applied to the tips of hair before styling or blow drying - L'Occitane

I can't remember how much I paid for this hair oil in Euro but you can get it in UK outlet for £15 (100mL). Still a permissible amount for travelling. I have been using this for 4 months plus now. From summer to autumn. I found this oil is amazing.  It's now 'heavy' for summer and its adequate for autumn. Apart from the divine smell, it totally work! I just need one pump for my whole hair. If I'm planning for an up-do, I used a little bit more.  

My hair feel so much softer afterwards and smell tremendously great, like wearing a perfume on your hair. I'm not exaggerating, giggles... The texture improved after a few weeks of usage. And again, my hair is well moisturised without being oily and weighting down. 

The repairing oil pump

One doesn't enough isn't? So, I bought another product under the same range; Control Mist for dry & damaged hair (£14.50 for 100mL). I use this hair mist in between washes as the repairing oil would be too 'heavy' for me. The mist is more watery and light in texture, perfect for everyday. It's also perfect to remove unpleasant odours (cigarette and cooking odours). 

The Control Mist spray

p/s - my other half loves it too (the first ever product that I bought that he totally get, LOL!). If an alpha male with a rocker hair loves it, why don't you? :)

Anecdote 2017: Sadly this product is not available in Malaysia

Autumn / Winter Beauty Haul and Favourite!

Living in four seasons country is quite tricky. You have to change your lifestyle every 3-4 months and keep on changing or finding a suitable body care or skincare to suit your need... It's getting cold and the air is getting dryer. Not to mention that your skin will getting dryer indoor due to heater...

Now I'm changing my beauty regime to extra moisturising type and creamy texture skincare. Without further a due, I present to you my Autumn-Winter favourite!

From top left clockwise: Lancome Teint Miracle (04), Lancome Advanced Genefique, Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser, L'occitane Repairing Oil & Mist and Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream.

July Beauty Haul - Body Shop Nutriganics

Nutriganics™ - developed for women typically aged 30-40 years to help improve the appearance of the skin and smooth the first signs of ageing. The benefits of the Nutriganics™ organic skincare range will undoubtedly appeal to those who are looking for alternative anti-ageing products. Combining community trade Babassu oil with 14 other organic ingredients; 99% of ingredients are of natural origin – The Body Shop

Nutriganics™ Smoothing Day Cream 50mL (£13)

Nutriganics™ Smoothing Eye Cream 15mL (£14)

Nutriganics™ Smoothing Serum 30mL (£16)

From my research, the Babassu oil is used as the coconut oil alternative and has become very popular in the beauty industry because it possesses a number of fatty acids that are beneficial to the skin’s overall health. 50% of the Babassu Oil’s composition is made up of lauric acid while the remaining 50% is made from a combination of Stearic, Myristic, Palmitic and Oleic acids. It is also rich in Vitamin E and Phytosterols which act as the oil’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents.

My experience:

I started using this range as an alternative to my Dermalogica beauty regime. I have to confess that I can’t maintain those budgets to buy Dermalogica anymore. It is still one of the best, but I must face the hard reality of budget-friendly options… Well, enough with that…

I first bought the smoothing serum after a high recommendation by a fellow beauty blogger and high rated recommendations at the BS website. The price is acceptable and if you have Love Your Body Membership card, you’re entitle for 10% discount. 

So far, I totally love the range, except for the cleanser in which I felt not really cleansing my face - especially after wearing make-up. The cleanser was too 'light' for my liking. The rest? Love it! I can see the smoothness and the suppleness of my skin after one week of using it :) It quickly absorb into my skin and my face was not 'wet' after layers of cream; eye cream, drop of youth, serum, day moisturiser. You don't need to use much, just a pump is enough. I use this range all year round (winter, spring and summer so far), the range sits well with the change of climate :) plus point!

The smell... Hurm, I'm not really comfortable with the strong sharp (maybe pungent?) smell at first but after a while, I got used to it... I must tell you that it might be a turn off for some people... 

Again, I strongly suggest that you ask for a sample before you try the buying the set. Or you can buy the travel size set (around £10).

Review: Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream

I was hoping to opt 'natural look' aka less make-up this summer so I bought this Body Shop BB Cream in 02 Medium Skin Tone. It costed me £12 for 25mL tube. BS claimed that this BB cream can adapt to your skin tone, even finishing, 24 hours hydration and non-clogging. BS also claimed that this BB cream has light to medium coverage. 

I'm not sure why in the first place I bought this instead of others, but I guess I just trust The Body Shop brand. At the store, I sampled the creams from 01-03 colours and I was shocked with the shade/colour. When I squeezed it, it was white! As I focused on the cream, I realised there was a pigment of colour in it. When I rubbed it, the pigment mixed with the white cream hence giving the colour. 

To tell you the truth, I'm not really 100% satisfied. First, is the colour (pigment) itself; not really match the skin tone kind of misleading. It has 'orange-y' effects instead of subtly correcting your skin tone. When I wiped it using make-up remover, it stained 'orange' rather than 'brown' shade. Sometimes I looked darker- depending on the light :(

I think this BB cream is more suitable for pink undertone or pale- simply because of the 'tan' orange-y effects. On coverage, let me tell you, this cream coverage is VERY minimal. There is no much change before and after use. I have to use concealer at some spots. I'm not sure because of summer time, but my face kind of oily. I have to use face powder for more matte finishing. 

I give this BB cream 5/10. Expensive BB cream with moderate results. I guess it is a make-up option for people on 'relaxed' condition; just hanging in the house (who still want to look nice) or running an errand at the supermarket. I think it is better for you to ask for a sample from the SA before making the £12 purchase. Thank God I didn't suffer any breakouts.

I'm still continuing using the BB cream (£12 purchase; just to get my investment back) but definitely not going to buy the second tube. I don't really bother about the shade any more, as long as my skin is breakout-free... 

Maybe I just stick to the Korean brand that I used to wear... More satisfying results... 

More on that. 

;)

May Beauty Haul

Lancome Blush Subtil Highlighter (001 Highlighting Rose)

Lancome Ombre Absolue - Radiant Smoothing Eye Shadow (A50 Deep Burgundy - 410)

Lancome Ombre Absolue Duo - Radiant Smoothing Eye Shadow Duo (D002 Paris Blossom)

Yves Saint Laurent Water Resistant Eye Shadow (Blue 19)

♥♥♥

♥♥♥

♥♥♥

Review: Clarins Daily Energizer Cream

Effective, serious treatments, ensuring maximum results with the highest quality ingredients. 

Jacques Courtin Clarins

This month's beauty purchase...

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream (30 mL, RRP £21). For hydration, freshness and healthy glow. Daily Energizer Cream maintain ideal skin moisture all day long. A non-oily cream that is also an excellent make-up base. The unique combination of vitamin C, alchemilla and turmeric help reduce minor imperfections for flawless looking skin. By stimulating circulation, gingko biloba extract revives a healthy looking complexion.

This range target younger users (20's). It smells nice (zesty, peachy scent) and good as make-up base. It glides smoothly, absorb quickly and not greasy.

Hello beautiful skin!!! ♥♥♥

Review: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm is a lip treatment with sheer colour that relieves dry, cracked lips and provides immediate moisturisation. The unique pencil-style applicator provides easy to apply sheer soft lip colour and rolls up for ease of use - Clinique

Oh my! Where should I begin? It took me 3 months before I finally gave in and bought this product. Not that I don't trust the product or the brand but simply because of the price; £16. Furthermore, I was with my trusted lip balm Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Balm (Cherry) for 10 years. So, obviously it was difficult to change. But sadly (or actually a 'greenlight' to buy), this type of Nivea lip balm is not available in the UK...

People keep comparing the Chubby Stick with Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, but it is totally different things. Chubby Stick is more buttery in texture and moisturising.  It stayed (surprisingly) for a long time. It glides smoothly on the lip. This balm is highly rated by the fashion magazine and I once saw Nicole Scherzinger wear this balm in Peony Pink.

This chubby stick comes in 16 colours.  It weight 3 g - pretty decent amount of product. From my experience, it could last up to 3 months of usage (I used it 5-6 days per week). I'm not sure about other colours but from the swatch test at the counter, the colours are all sheer, not as strong as stated - again, it's not a lipstick. So, it will not have full coverage. I chose 07 Super Strawberry because I really into red lip. I can wear it alone or over-layer it with another lipstick for dramatic effect. I used this balm throughout winter and my lips did not get chapped even once!

The only con about this balm is the colour. I personally, strongly advise to not to buy it from on-line without testing it first. The colour / swatch is nothing like the shade shown in the picture. Totally different! I also read a lot of people got frustrated due to the colours’ effects on them. I strongly suggest you to drop by the counter and test it before you buy. After that, you can go ahead buying it on-line or just buy it from the counter.

I would like to recommend this product to you although I'm still not really satisfied with the price tag, yet I'm now using my second stick... I know Clinique is a luxury brand but for a lip balm? Hurm... Well, I just imagine that I am buying a Clinique's skin care. Nevertheless, it depends on you. For me, it serves its purpose; that is the most important thing. No wonder people preceded me are willing to pay £16 for a lip balm...

My verdict:

Price: 2/5

Colour: 4/5

Application: 4/5

Reliability: 5/5

Overall experience: 4/5

Muah!!!

Beauty: Yves Saint Laurent Blusher

I bought this blusher at Loreal Group Outlet at Livingston Designer Outlet (next to Ted Baker outlet). I was looking for natural shade and the closest shade that I could find is this one by Yves Saint Laurent (YSL). Powder Blush in Radiant Blush (number 7). I forgot how much this blusher cost but I reckon it was around 15-18 pound (outlet price not the RRP). At the outlet, because of the nature of the product, you cannot return the purchased item. So, make sure that you really, really, really sure with your choice of color :)

Yves Saint Laurent Powder Blush in Radiant Blush

As the brand suggested, the product itself is full of luxury. I came in small golden case with mirror along with velvet pouch and a small brush. I did try using the brush but I prefer using my blusher brush as the brush is bigger and more accurately blending the color. But I guess if you're going out and need touch-ups, I guess the wee brush might come handy.

This blusher only came with 2 colors; white and pink. But YSL arranged it as four quarter with diagonal setting. So you can get a good mixture of colors. Color-wise, it is not that natural although the color seemed to be a little bit pale - white+light pink! It is because blusher has glitter. I didn't realize it during the swatch test but when I opened it at home, I just noticed the shimmering effects. What?! But after carefully applying it on my face, the shimmering effect was not that loud... And instantly I fall in love with this blusher. I did try taking pictures just checking the how strong the color was, and the color excelled in flying colors! Yeay!!! So, I can wear this blusher during day time... The pearly white shade is also great for highlighting your nose and eyes. But don't apply to much as your face will shine as if you're having an oily face...

I'm not really recommended this product. Just so and so. You guys can get the same effects from another brand with cheaper option. I bough this simply because of the price slashed. Nevertheless, it is a fairly good blusher. 

My verdict:

Price : 3/5

Colour: 4/5

Application: 4/5

Reliability: 4.5/5

Overall experience: 3.5/5
*this verdict was based on the price of the outlet, not the RRP.

Beauty: Lancome Le Crayon Kohl

It was a period when I was the die hard fan of Lancome. Every skincare, makeup and perfume must be Lancome. The smell of freshly new opened Lancome products made every single cent worth. Crazy eh? 

But I faith kind of shaken in 2012 with their eyeliner especially with Lancome Le Crayon Kohl. My first kohl was 028 Brun (Brown). I was impressed with the smoothness and the intensity of the colour during swatch test. The salesgirl was so persuasive and attentive and it was high recommended product in the beauty magazine. So I bought it.

It melted for real!!! And I end up with a panda eyes by the end of the day. I was curious. I tried applying it in various ways; the Arabian look; only on my eyelid; used a smudging technique and I even mix it with another eye liner but it still melted. During summer, the panda look emerged as early as 11 am... Hardly 3 hours after I applied it... I abandoned the kohl after that. 

A few months after that, I found the colour Bloody Black Cherry. It was a limited edition for autumn/winter 2012 season. Well, I bought it, thinking that, maybe this will be different... How I was wrong... It still melted. It even worst, with the deep red shade, my face looked like I'm on Halloween make up!. Well, it was not that bad, but I felt frustrated with the melting... I'm not sure whether this eye liner is for 'panda look' in the first place, but certainly I'm not going to wear this type of eye liner again. Frustrating!!! A few months ago, I found one customer review in a major shopping website saying this eye liner melt and gave 2/5 stars...

Well, enough said...