Review: Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain

So I actually snagged these new Revlon Moisture Stains when I saw it at ONE Duane Reade. Went round looking for it when I finally spotted it. 

These come in 12 shades and I picked up only two since they are so new. I picked up 010 (LA Exclusive) and 025 (Cannes Crush)

Packaging

The cubish packaging is really cute and if all lipsticks come in fixed cubes like these, storing would be so much easier. The colors are displayed on the outside itself so it's pretty easy to pick out the colors you want. It has a bent doe-foot applicator which makes applying really easy as well. 

Product

This supposedly 'drench lips in wet color', contains Vitamin E and Aloe and is not sticky. I would agree with the shine. This leaves a very even shine throughout and it doesn't dry out my lips. However, I am not exactly sure of long wear. It doesn't really last..at all. And it does stain a little but not as much as say, Revlon Balm stain. As for opacity, it is rather buildable and coverage is pretty high after 2 coats. 

Swatches

Aren't the colors quite pretty? Quite sad I didn't pick up the rest of the colors. Not that I needed them...but. 

Application

As you can see, the gloss settles into fine lines and my lips have been so dry since coming back from the states. So be sure to load on the lip balm before applying, but I noticed that once you give it a little time, the stain kinda fills the lines nicely and you don't see them at all. I'm not sure if my lips were sensitive or because I prepped them with a medicated lip balm beforehand but they left a weird, tingly sensation on my lips.

Comparison

The first comparison I thought of was Maybelline Color Elixer. I tried that out as well and honestly, I prefer this for its brighter summer-y colors and cuter packaging. I personally feel that the color opacity is higher and I like the feel of it more on my lips. Comparing it to Revlon Balm Stain, Revlon works better as a stain and the former works really well as a pretty lipstick/gloss. I think the both would really go well together 

Verdict

I think these are cute and pretty for summer. They are easy to apply and have great color-payoff. They deserve a try if you're looking for some bright colors this summer!

Quick Summary

The Awesome:

- Great color payoff

- Cute packaging

- Non-drying

- Wide range of fun colors 

The Average

- Not as long wearing as it claims

- Not much of a stain

Let us know if you tried it and if you love it!

Love,

Pea

Review: Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

hi guys! Sorry I have been missing for a while. 

I'm here for a rally quick review.

I picked up this mascara at the drugstore recently and this is my first time trying it out. 

Packaging: 

I love the packaging cause it's PIIIIINK. 

The mascara brush is love. I'm not sure if you can see it here but it's bristles are not the usual ones you get. The bristles are...sharper and thinner. This separates my lashes and gave it length and my lashes are super fluttery! The odd shape of the brush is to supposedly provide allow more product to be pumped on to the brush and allow more volume (I'm not quite sure) but I honestly love the bristles.

Comparison: 

If I were to compare this with my other Maybelline mascara - The Falsies Volum' Express, the main difference would be the brush shape. The Falsies has a curved brush which is great for getting all the lashes at the root. The Falsies brush also allow more product to be dispensed on the lash to give more volume, I am expecting awesome results if I used the Falsies at my roots and then the Colossal for my middle to end section to give me the fluttery lashes I want.

Verdict: 

This is two coats of the mascara and I honestly love it. It holds my curls and gives me very pretty lashes!

Quick summary:

The Awesome: 

- sharper bristles for fluttery lashes 

- no clumping (but I only use two coats so I won't know what it will look like with more)

- holds my curls 

- the awesome length 

The Average 

- would like more volume 

Ok being back here is awesome. I love this mascara and I hope you would too if you try! 

Love,

Pea 

Flo's May Favourites 2014!

Hello! Here to share my favourites for the month of May :) This month, I've been spending more time researching and testing out skincare products more than make up. I have also been frequently reaching back to a few make-up gems that I've loved for a long time. Here goes:

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1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

This is a brand that I've been wanting to try for a few months already! Actually I didn't really know which product to start with and I was at Sephora one day and decided to just yolo pick this up cuz it was pretty cheap (S$19 for 2.0 oz). It written that I can use this from head to toe, so I thought why not? 

That period, I was still battling with leftover dry patch from my breakout and this proved itself to be super moisturising and useful to tackle that problem! My skin is not dry anymore. One more thing that I really like is the texture. It's not too watery or too sticky, yet your skin feels moisturised. Two thumbs up for that! I also use this as a hand cream when my palms feel dry :)

I'm totally going back to Sephora to see if I can try other products from this brand. Might wanna try the facial cleanser and the oatmeal mask ^.^

2. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins

This is another product that I've been researching on. Because of my whole forehead issue, I haven't used a proper moisturiser in my skincare routine since last Dec! That's been like 6 months? And I thought because my skin is super oily anyway, I don't need to compensate with a moisturiser. 

Boyyyyy I was so wrong! My skin is super dry on the surface and it was driving me nuts! So I slowly injected moisturiser back into my regime, starting with the FAB Ultra Repair Cream day and night. When I felt that my skin was ready, I added this into my night routine and I've really been enjoying this product :)

The smell is kinda funny.. Like a little orange-y smell. The texture is superrrr thick and creamy. That's why it is meant to be used only at night I guess. But I had my own reservations cuz the reviews online were pretty mixed. I'm glad that my skin didn't have any bad reactions to this and actually, when I wake up in the morning my skin feels very moisturised instead of just a layer of my own oil. 

3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation in Classic Ivory

I admit I've been neglecting this foundation since Pea got it for me from the States last year. Haha. This was another product that I've been dying to get my hands on since the youtubers raved about it eons ago. One thing about this foundation is that... It is not transfer resistant. That's why I am always kinda hesitant to use it cause it comes off very easily. 

However, the good thing is that, it smells so so so good. It is also very light on the skin and pretty moisturising. I mix this with my Estee Lauder DW foundation sometimes when I feel that it alone is too dry for my skin. The colour of this foundation is a little more to the pink side, so it evens out my skin tone when I mix it with my DW foundation since that one is a little too yellow for my liking.

4. L'oreal Infallible Shadows in Amber Rush, Hourglass Beige, Sahara Treasure

If I had to choose one favourite single shadow on the market.. This would definitely be one of the top 3!!!! I love love love the L'oreal Infallible Shadows. I wish they have all the colours in the world for this. I already own 9... A very alarming number and the most I have for single shadows. It is super shimmery, super buttery, super easy to put on the eyelids.. I can use a single colour and it is enough because it is just. that. awesome. So convenient. I like glitters and sparkles and shimmers, so this is right up my alley. Definitely not made for those who are afraid of shimmers hahaha.

This month, I've been reaching out very frequently to these 3 colours:

1. Sahara Treasure was a very old colour and one of the first few that was available in Singapore. I was dying to get my hands on these babies maybe close to 3 years ago and I searched for it in every Watsons/Guardian/everywhere that carried L'oreal products! Managed to find 3 colours and this stays as one of my favourite colours till date. 

2. Hourglass Beige came in later with the rest of the colours that are still available now. It is hands down my favourite highlight colour. Super pretty on the inner corner of the eyelids. I might be a little too obsessed with this colour, haha. 

3. Amber Rush was one of the colours I was praying for L'oreal to bring in to Singapore... But to no avail. Lol. So, I ordered it off Drugstore.com and really, no regrets!!! Such a pretty coral colour....... Brings tears to my eyes.

5. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul, Milan

Another oldie but a goodie :) I've loved this Soft Matte Lip Cream since I got my hands on them very very long time ago. Hahaha. I don't even think there was Sephora then! I got these from a local distributor a few years back and recently, I've been over-using the colour Istanbul cause it's the lip colour that can match any make-up I'm using. A true MLBB! 

I also really like the effect these lip cream give. It is matte but not drying, the colour lasts throughout the day, and the colour just suits my skin tone. Every time I want to get more, I will still pick out these two colours -_- So I always end up not getting any!!!! I might wanna get a deep red/berry colour if I chance upon it though :)

6. Innisfree Eco Nail Color Pro

This is a new addition to my nail polish collection. Never used Innisfree nail polishes before but they are so cheap ($4 per bottle), I picked up 5 colours and these 3 were the Pro versions. Another 2 were normal nail polishes I guess cuz the brush that came with those are... not as good as these! The brushes of the these taller bottles are wide and super easy to control. I also love the colour range of the polishes.. I had a hard time picking the colours!!! I get an opaque colour with two layers :) They dry very quickly as well. Hehe, really loving them.

That's all for my favourites for the month of May! Hope you've discovered as much new and old gems as I did. Have you tried any of the products above? Let us know what you think :)

♡,

Flo

Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Hi everyone! I’ll be doing a little review about the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. 

If you are into make-up, I’m sure you’ve heard about this foundation. With the crazy weather in Singapore and my ultra oily skin, I’m always on the search for a long-lasting foundation that can last me the whole day (at least 12 hours). I’ve been waiting for the right moment to get this foundation after hearing so much about it on youtube and I finally got it :D

Got myself swatched and the lady swatched me the colour 1W1 Bone. 

Packaging

It comes in a matte bottle which I really appreciate. I love the combination of gold in it, but it doesn’t come with any pumps. I know it’s kinda unhygienic and intolerable to some, but to me, it’s okay as long as the product works. I usually just pour out a small amount on the back of my hands before applying it on my face. If you really want a pump, I heard some MAC pumps are suitable for this.

Swatches

The lighting in the Estee Lauder cosmetics boutique is like bright white fluorescent colour I could see all my pores and blemishes, so it should be a good colour for me. True enough, I love the colour match! Initially I was quite hesitant cause I find that it’s really quite difficult to swatch me since my colour is neither here nor there. Like, I might look like the lightest but sometimes I’m not? Yet sometimes even the lightest colour is too dark for me… -_-'' And Sephora’s lighting is totally nonsensical. 

Application

Fingers: I always use my fingers the first time for any product cause I feel that it’s the best way I can work with the foundation as the warmth of my fingers will help maximize the coverage and the wear. It looks very nice on the skin, coverage is medium-full, but I quickly noticed that it accentuates my dry patches. Once it was set, it literally didn’t budge. It dries very quickly too so it’s best to work one area at a time. Throughout the day it was pretty much okay, and lasted well till night.

Brush: I’ve been using a brush ever since then to sheer out the coverage as I felt that with fingers the coverage was a little too full for everyday wear. I use a really small amount of foundation, maybe around a 10cent coin and I dot it around the area before blending it in with the brush. Remember to work with the foundation quickly as it dries fast.

Beauty Blender: I recently purchased this and it has been a dream to work with! I make sure it is damp with water cause apparently that's the best state it will work in. I just dab a little of the product and work area by area with bouncing movement to make sure that it's well blended. I really think the dampness of the beauty blender actually helps a lot with the blending cause on its own, the foundation dries super quickly!!

However I feel that since it dries so quickly and is non-transferable, it accentuates dry patches and it might not be suitable for people with dry skin. I thought of using a heavy moisturiser before applying the foundation but it turned out even.. more cakey with the moisturiser underneath. I felt so gross the whole day. I’ve heard other people saying a heavy moisturiser works for them but it definitely did not work for my skin!

Comparison

I went out the whole day.. with a visit to the zoo (imagine the buckets of sweat), a shower (not touching my face haha), and a short afternoon nap. It was still pretty okay at the end of the day, even though I could tell that some came off with all the blotting, my face was still pretty evenly covered.

Verdict

Overall, I really like this foundation! I’d definitely be repurchasing this cause any foundation that can last in Singapore weather for a full 10 hours is really a worthy HG foundation. I also feel that the price is very justifiable and not too expensive. I’ve tried more expensive foundations that did not even do half of what this foundation did for me.

Quick Summary

The great:

• Works very well with oily-combination skin
• Doesn't oxidise throughout the day
• Doesn't give off white cast with flash photography
• Covers flawlessly with medium-full build-able coverage
• A pretty wide range of colours available
• Transfer resistant and lasts for at least 10 hours of wear

The not-so-great:

• Accentuates dry patches and dry spots
• Sets and dries way too quickly - within the first minute of applying
• Not suitable for dry skin

The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation retails at S$56 at Sephora and Estee Lauder counters for 1 Fl.Oz worth of product.

Have you tried this foundation? Let us know how you feel!

xx,
Flo

Review: Intensive Acne Medic Treatment @ GLOMAX Aesthetics

[Treatment is kindly sponsored by GLOMAX Aesthetics but review is 100% my own opinion! Will not share it if I don't like it or don't see results ^.^]

Hi everyone! :)

Last month, I was kindly invited by Hazel for a little trial session to the highly raved skin treatment at GLOMAX Aesthetics. My skin was quite problematic then after my change of skincare products, and I was more than happy to jump on the opportunity for a treatment with GLOMAX~~~!!

I'm not an avid fan of going for facials. I signed a package before with a pretty reputable beauty salon, and I didn't have good experience with them. Forget about the super pushy staff, my skin didn't improve and I was always, always left with super red marks after each session! I hated the red marks and the worst part is the aftermath of the facial - some extraction sites will turn into small pimples since they are aggravated and infected AND I have to deal with it... And the leftover scars are just.....

NOOOOOOO

So back to the point, upon reaching GLOMAX Aesthetics, I was quickly ushered by the friendly staff for a quick consultation regarding my skin before they can recommend a suitable facial treatment targeted for my problems.

As expected, my friendly consultant San, said that I have oily skin, and that my problem area is the T-zone area. She proceeded to explain to me that if all goes well after the consultation, I should be going for an Intensive Acne Medic Treatment. This treatment targets - of course - acne prone skin and my skin happens to be very acne and blemish prone, hahaha. (Do you know this treatment won the Simply Her Best Anti Acne Facial Award in 2014?)

San also explained to me in detail about what I was in for:

(Image courtesy of www.brownskin.net)

This is how pimples are usually formed. 

All skin produce sebum, and the accumulation of sebum usually turns into comedone which either: 1) Come out on their own/are removed or 2) Stuck under the skin and turn into pimples! Eeks. Those that come out on the surface are not even as bad as those stuck way underneath the skin and San told me that this is where the usage of IPL comes in to help make these bad stuff come out of their hiding place so that they are able to rise to the surface and be zapped away permanently!

She checked with me my current skincare routine just to make sure that I wasn't using anything wrong. San said that my skin is surprisingly dry on the outside, probably due to too much pimple cream/treatments. TIP: Pimple cream should stay as spot treatments. Be cautious of spreading it on an area!! If not you'll end up with dry patches like me :(

I went on the 8th of May and this was my skin beforehand:

My skin was very calm and nice on around this time, but I tried the Mario Badescu drying lotion and it somehow gave me very mild chemical burn or maybe it was just way too drying so it erupted into a mess of redness the night before the facial!

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 

Here goes: (I didn't take any pictures as I didn't want to disturb her)

First up, she helped me remove my make up with a milk cleanser, I had on my face tinted sunscreen and some blusher. Afterwards, she continued with another cleanser for double cleansing to make sure that my skin is completely clean from any dirt. I really liked it because it didn't feel too drying that it is stripping off my skin's natural moisture. 

After that, she did sonic cleansing on my face with a sonic cleansing device. This is done so as to remove the dead skin, small blackheads and other impurities on the surface of the skin. Moving on to extractions where she manually remove more deeply embedded clogged pores and pimples. It was pretty painful but bearable! She also mentioned that I have quite a bit of clogged pores that are underneath the skin and she can't force it out.

After the extractions are done, she moved on to using an anti-bacterial/antiseptic device to roll on areas that she previously extracted from. It was a little prickly with a metal smell. Then she moved on to do IPL on my skin. This is a first time for me as I've never done anything IPL before! The strong wave of the IPL light will help regulate the sebum level and with continuous use, it will help to balance out skin and thus improving acne prone skin.

Lastly, she put on a layer on very soothing and cooling treatment mask and I was able to rest for a little bit. Then she removed the mask and a layer of moisturiser and sunblock was applied. 

This was my face right after! 

Despite the redness, my skin was pretty smooth and clear of bumps, which I was very glad about! Cause I really, really, really HATE bumps. Hahaha. Furthermore, you can tell that the redness is very minimal and not the angry red/bleeding patches :D

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 

Cause I know how facials work, I was ready to give it a few days downtime. The consultant also warned me that the redness might last a few days.

This is my skin the next day with a layer of tinted moisturiser! I took it under a light and there was really minimal bumps, which I'm very happy about.

A close up of my forehead on the 15th May, a week after the facial. I purposely tilt the lenses flat so that I can see if there are any bumps. Still pretty clear for my standard. Happy, happy!

If you have clogged pores, or acne/blemish prone skin, I'd definitely recommend this treatment for you :) You can quote "twovainpots" to enjoy the full Intensive Acne Medic Treatment at only $88* U.P. $150, *by appointment and for first timers only.

GLOMAX Aesthetics - The Face Artistry 

12 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central, Soho 2.

#06-168 Singapore 059819 

http://www.glomaxaesthetics.com

(65) 6225-5193

By Car: Carpark at The Central

By MRT: Clarke Quay, exit Eu Tong Sen

By Cab: Swissotel Merchant Court

♡,

Flo.

Pea's April Favourites 2014

Hi loves! Cannot believe its another month closer till I am back in Make-up land!

So my favourites these months are not as many but I find myself reaching for them daily.

Benefit Big Easy // Biore Aqua BB

These two have been pretty new and review for each of them individually can be found here and here
I love each of them on its own but mixing the two together is totally BOMBDIGGIDITY.

Benefit BB Easy is a very matte finish and Biore Aqua BB has tiny micro glitters in it. I love the Benefit BB for its oil control. I can honestly say I have never met a base that can provide such nice coverage, lightweight and last ALL DAY. like this shit last 12 hours and more. With the added Biore Aqua BB, it gives me a nice 3D glow and still able to last an entire day!

This photo is taken under direct sunlight and I love the natural glow it gives me without looking overly dewy or oily.

Benefit Lollitint 

I swatched this when I first got it and you can see it here and I honestly love it. I love how long it lasts and how beautifully pigmented it is. It takes alot of wipes to remove it though haha but I am so looking forward to getting the other full sized tints from Benefit. I use an ELF stippling brush to apply because it picks up the right amount without making me look like I slathered blush all over myself 

Catrice Made-to-Stay Highlighter Pen

I think this pen was made for the inner corners of the eye but it is such a pretty peach color that I love using it on my cheekbones. It complements Lollitint really well and it cost only $7.90 if i remember it correctly! It blends really easily and gives a soft glow to the cheeks. There are two more variations of this pen but I love this particular shade.

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

I actually bought this on a wimp when I was looking for a base without SPF for photos, and since I got the NYX HD foundation, I decided to get the concealer as well. I actually chucked it aside for a super long time and just picked it up again. I have not been able to put it down for two whole weeks since.

This concealer is really liquidy but at the same time, its not drying. It doesn't set into fine lines and feels really light. I use that amount shown in the picture to cover my undereyes and a little goes a looooong way. It is highly pigmented as well! Because it is so liquidy, I use my ring fingers and pat it in really easily. I think this would act as a nice highlight color because of how light it is. This shade is in 02 Fair/Clair. I use use a little powder to set it in after and this allows it to last an entire day. 

Ok, this wasn't as long-winded as before. Haha hope everyone had an awesooome April! :D what else would you like to see? Let us know! 

Love,

Pea

Flo's April 2014 Favourites!

Whaaaattt??!? Another month passed by again?? I'm so sick of having the same starter line every month but I am seriously unaware of how fast time is passing! :O

Here are a few of my favourite things in the month of April 2014:

♥♥♥♥♥

1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery BB with SPF 50 PA +++

But of course, the Biore aqua BB!! I have been enjoying this a little too much - check the full review up here. Even on days I'm planning to use other heavier face products, I'll still put a layer of this on :) I super love the brightening effect it gives. Just subtle one enough to make my skin tone more even!

2. Laneige BB Cushion

Same goes for the Laneige BB Cushion. I have no regrets purchasing this at all. It amazes me how can something of such light coverage gives off such a nice overall look on my skin? I mean, my scars aren't in their most horrible state. In fact most of them have faded away a lot, but I still have them and this makes them less hideous even though it doesn't cover at all? It's really strange!! I used to live by this "go big or go home" reasoning and I'd only use heavy coverage base products cuz what's the point of using light ones? Hahah. This totally changed my mind. Super duper love it. And the smell... THE SMELL IS SUPER LOVE LA!!!

3. Base Routine Tools: 

Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Detailer Brush, Beauty Blender

These three have been my go to tools for any base products!! I'd use the buffing brush for Biore Aqua BB and any drier products. The Beauty Blender for any creamier base like my BB creams. The detailer brush is a game changer!! I've always hated cream concealers but this brush made it so easy for me to apply all my cream concealers!! I pair this up with my MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC 15 on my hyper pigmentation scars and also sometimes to brighten my under eye areas ^^

4. Maybelline HyperCurl Volum' Express Mascara

I've also been enjoying this mascara! I'm very greedy and most of the time I want the best of everything - that's why I'd use a lenghtening mascara AND volumizing one after to achieve the best set of lashes. This month though, I went for a much toned down look cause I got lazy and this is my go to mascara cause it gives my a lot of volume and I also look like I have eyeliner on since it's so black haha. Killing two birds with one stone.

5. Topshop Powder Blush in Good Girl

This is my first Topshop make-up product! I don't know why but somehow I always forget that Topshop has a make-up line. Bought this cause I was with Pea and she's been wanting to get this colour. I got it too in the end. I love how it gives a very sheer pink glow on my cheeks and I really like it for an everyday look. This can be like an overall cheek colour while you go in with a more intense pink on the apples on the cheeks.

6. Real Techniques Blush Brush

As you can tell, I'm pretty obsessed with Real Techniques brushes. I prefer synthetic brushes to natural hair cause it's stiffer and I feel like I can control it better. My Sigma brush is always shedding :( Anyway, initially I thought this will be too big for cheeks but actually it's not! I guess I have big cheeks, haha. I've stuck to angled blush brush since forever and this rounded one is something refreshing. Picks up products well and very easy to use :)

♥♥♥♥♥

That's all for my favourites in April! Hope you've enjoyed reading this post. What are your favourites for April? Let us know!

xx,

Flo.