Dupe/Review: Australis AC Contour

Can anyone tell the difference between the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit and the Australis AC Contour? Except for the packaging, I honestly cannot spot a difference without swatching it 

Let's take a look at the swatches!

HIGHLIGHTS

Australis did a good job duping the highlight shades for the ABH's contour kit. The quality is really great and the pigmentation is just as good 

The 3 highlight shades were almost perfect dupes. No.3 (Australis) is slightly beige-r than Sand (ABH) but other than that, nth is different.

Almost every contour shade was duped for except shade 1 (Australis). The shade is slightly warmer and ABH Java is slightly more reddish-grey. Most use the second shade (No. 2 / Fawn) to contour anyway because it is grey-er. 

The Australis Kit is priced at SGD$24.90 and the ABH Contour Kit is USD$40 so it's kinda a no-brainer  which one you should try out!

Review/Comparison: NYX Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner

I am doing a quick review on the NYX Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner vs Marc Jacobs Highliner in Blacquer. For the longest time, the MJ one has been my go to for tightening and I went thru two of it. But the price of it at USD$25 is really crazy and I have been looking for an alternative for super long and I think I found it!!

I had quite a long day ahead and decided to put the two liners to test! Its crazy hot/humid in Singapore and I have oily lids so this was a good day to test it out.

Both liners were going strong in the afternoon and I was playing with my nieces and nephews and was having a crazy SWEATY day!

 Not much difference going on...

 Now, both sides of the liners are still visible but the MJ one has started to flake off.

 I took a short nap and when I woke up, the MJ one has completely flaked off. The NYX Tres Jolie is still going V V V STRONG!

Before I took a hot shower and wash everything off, the NYX one is still highly visible while my MJ one has completely rubbed/flaked off!

Well, the pictures did all the talking. The NYX one is really more worth it, right? Both weigh in at 0.5g but the MJ one costs USD$25 but the NYX one costs USD$12?!?!

Ok, hope this post helped u with the tightlining!

Love,

Pea

Review: NuMe Silhouette 100% Ceramic Tourmaline Infused Flat Iron

This post is not sponsored and all opinions are entirely our own! 
(There's a really good coupon site revealed below!)

I have a love-hate r/s with my hair most of the time.
My hair is naturally thick, coarse and frizzy/wavy, especially back in Singapore where the humidity level is off the charts. I am always on the search for anti-frizz hair serums, tools etc.
Trust me. I have ALOT of tools. I own about 4 hair straighteners ranging from Conair to Babyliss and about twice as many curling tongs. I also own the Babyliss Big Hair tool. I am always on the search for a good hair tool that can maintain my tresses.




I really liked the Babyliss Big Hair on most days but the blowdrying makes it extremely frizzy, even with serum, oil, creme whatnot. My Conair flatiron works ok but it makes my hair dull! I like curling my hair but because of my length now, I cant do much curling.

So imagine my immense awe when I tried this that makes my hair go from the Before to After

I dont know about you but I was duly impressed. LOOK AT THAT SHINE. LOOK AT THAT BOUNCE. LOOK AT THAT STRAIGHTENING.

Product

Introducing the NuMe Silhouette Flat Iron! Ok let's talk specs and then I will go into details

Temperature control ranging from 140°F (60°C) to 410°F (210°C)\]

1.25 inch with rounded ceramic floating plates

Negative ion technology

Swivel power cord

Temperature control is always goooood so you can decide how much heat you want to apply to your hair. The ceramic plates allows you to do less pass-throughs so you get less heat applied to your hair. Also, because the ends are rounded, you can round the ends of your hair without looking like its dead straight. The negative ion means it seals in natural moisture and makes it less frizzy! And swivel cord means less weird twisting hand positions.

Packaging
This comes in a rounded case with all the details printed and it also comes with a manual although I think it is pretty straightforward. The temperature control and on/off switch in located between the iron plates so the outside is pretty sleek.

It has a velvety matte finish (think Nars packaging) and it comes in 5 really stunning colors - Turquoise, Pink, Purple, Black and Cobalt. I got the pink one!

Verdict
Half my head done! My right side (your left) is how my hair normally looks after wash and dried naturally. I am normally too lazy to blowdry so I apply some oil and let it air dry. However, you can still see some flyaways and frizz.
The left side is after I straightened it. I really love this product. No joke.

Traveling overseas means I want a multi-functioning product that can do everything I want and not add weight to my luggage. The rounded plates means you can curl your hair without the kink, unlike when you curl your hair with a normal flat iron. Curl and straighten my hair with ONE tool? UH, YES PLS.

Can I let you in on one secret?
This product is crazy expensive (to me) at USD$139 and I really would not pay that price. HOWEVER, retailmenot is the best coupon website ever.  I have to share the good stuff.
Yes, I have officially turned into crazy-coupon lady. What? They save me tons! Guess how much I got this for.
.
.
.
USD$23.

YES, $23!
well, I had to pay USD$12 for shipping but really, you cannot apply multiple coupon codes so unless you want to apply for free shipping and pay over $100 for the flat iron....I guess you can. Haha I decided I would rather pay for shipping. So overall I only had to pay around USD$35 for this product.

I straightened my hair and curled the ends yesterday afternoon (3pm-ish) and I didnt apply any mist/spray and just left it. Today, (2pm-ish) when I woke up, my hair was still fabulous! It had a nice bounce to it and it looks amazing. I love it. Normally I wake up with crazy bed hair and I have to wash it.

Quick Summary

The Awesome:

• Controllable temperature
• Rounded ceramic plates
• Negative ion technology
• Swivel cord
• Managed to snag this at an awesome price
• Gives my hair shine and bounce
• Multi-functioning - straighten and curl
• Comes in 5 awesome colors

The Average

• Expensive unless you get a code (which is almost available anytime)

Alright, hope this gives you all many fab hair days!

Love, Pea

(P/S: I own the NuMe Magic Wand (Titanium curling wand 25mm) in Purple. I will wait till my hair is longer before trying that out for real and then put up a review!)

Review: Dior Nude Air Serum

Product

The highly-raved Dior Nude Air Serum.
According to the Sephora's website, this product is claimed to be weightless and filled with skin-happy stuff. I was nearly on the verge of getting the Armani Maestro, which is also a liquid pigment foundation but the price of it was just too much. And then this came by. 
This has SPF 25 and it has 1oz of product. However, I must say the fragrance is very overpowering as is the smell of alcohol.

Packaging

The bottle comes with a dropper which I think is highly useful, considering how liquid-y this product is. It is VERY runny. Its in glass bottle so thats really classy and nice, as is most of Dior's products.

Swatches

My shade is in Light Beige 020 and its the second fairest shade. Sephora carries a total of 8 shades which I think is a good range. Light Beige has a slightly pinker undertone compared to the next fairest shade (Ivory). 

Application
I use my fingers to dot the product over my face and buffed it out with Real Techniques buffing brush. I tried using my fingers, but it felt as though the products were just being smeared around. The buffing gave me this really flawless look and I swear I saw my skin transform infront of me. It sets to a very satin finish which results in this really nice glow.

Verdict

A little goes a long way. A very very long way. The liquid pigments ensured that there is coverage and at the same time, completely weightless. Can I add that this product does not contain talc? I love.
But I must say it emphasizes dry areas alot. For some odd reason my nose is peeling, and this just emphasizes the dry flaky areas. However, all in all, this is my HG for now.

This was my make up freshly applied. I don't have a picture closeup but when I checked, I'd like the setting after half an hour. I think it made everything even more natural.

And this is around 7 hours later. I can still see my blush, highlight and contour quite well! It stayed amazing. I really really enjoyed this foundation. It kept me generally oil free as well and strong fragrance didn't bother me, just fyi. All in all, I'm highly impressed with this foundation. 

Quick Summary

The Awesome:

• SPF 25
• Filled with Oxygen Activ™ technology
• Weightless (just like it claims)
• A little goes a long way
• Long-lasting power

The Average

• Strong/overpowering fragrance 
• Cling onto dry spots
• High-end price ($USD53 / $SGD88)

Review: L'oreal Infallible Pro-matte foundation

Hi guys! Sorry for the long hiatus!
I am back for a review of the L'oreal Infallible Pro-matte foundation and powder. When this product hit the youtube world, I had such a hard time looking for it. I was literally walking from Walgreens to CVS-es in the freezing cold [blizzard in Boston right now] to find it.

[P/S: im really into shooting flat lays these days. heh]

Product
So I present to you this highly-raved foundation and powder. I really like L'oreal foundations so I was expecting quite abit especially after hearing so many good reviews!

Packaging
How awesome is this packaging. I love that the foundation comes in a tube which means you can get all the product out and also, control how much product you want. Plus points for staying hygenic!

The powder opens up two ways - top and bottom. The top is simply the compact powder while the bottom keeps a sponge and a mirror. I really like this because 1. I dont use the sponge and 2. It's cleaner even if you use the sponge. I hate it when there isnt any separator for the sponge and the product!

Plus both products allow you to see the color you're getting so that's awesome.

Swatches

102 Shell Beige. The product comes out clean and nice without being too runny or liquidy. It blends easily as well and the shade has a pink undertone. [Apparently this shade and 101 is quite popular cause I managed to grab the very last one!]

200 Natural Beige. Ok side story, I was quite hesitant to grab this shade at first cause it looked scarily orange in the case. Shade 100 was OOS and I didn't dare go for 300. So I really just took a risk and bought it. And it works fine! I swatched it twice on the same spot and my wrist area is really fair and pink like my face so it seemed to go pretty well with my color! [you wouldnt have spotted it if I didnt circle the spot right] I think shade 100 is pink undertone while 200 [which looks mighty scary orangey in the case] is more of a yellow undertone. Since the foundation I got was pink UT, I thought the powder with a yellow UT was great since it will cancel out redness in my face

Application
I applied half of my face with a brush and half with my fingers. It blends really well but really quick. I actually prefer the side I blend with my fingers. Maybe the heat from my finger tips allow it to blend easier.

Verdict
This is how flawless my face looks with ONE layer only. I love how it cancels out, well, almost everything. I dust a super thin layer of powder over. BUT it does cling and emphasize dry spots so I would advise on exfoliating and moisturising. I misted my face after and it did helped a little.

I did my make up at 2pm and went out and came home at around 8pm. Its really cold and dry here so I wasn't anywhere humid or hot. It lasted really well and when I got home, my blush and contour was still intact. I love the look of it and how it set.

Quick Summary

The Awesome:

• Both price for USD$13.99 at my local CVS 
• Foundation lasted really well and looked really good. 

The Average

• Cling onto dry spots

ok, Im gonna end here! 

Love,

Pea

DIY Spa Manicure

A little Monday manicure to kick the blues away! 

So I'm a nail fanatic. I've tried press-ons, acrylic nails, gel, normal, acrylic paint... You name it, I've probably tried it. My nails aren't in the best condition and it takes me forever to grow them out. Plus years of painting have totally stained them like crazy. 

This is my nails in 'slightly better' condition a few months back. Stained but the length is still there. Recently, they have gotten incredibly weak. Splitting and cracking and it made me so fed up. 

Last night, I decided to give myself a DIY spa manicure and in 4 simple steps, look at my nails this morning! 

I feel so happy looking at them. Most of the ingredients can be found easily in a kitchen'

#1

Rid your nails of any leftover polish, trim/file them down to a desired length.

My nail beds were gross from splitted nails so I buff the surface to make it slightly smoother. Don't buff too often cause it thins down the nail bed.

#2 

Soak nails in warm water for about 5 mins and then using the orange stick, gently push back cuticles

#3

Baking soda is awesome. I swear by baking soda. 

So mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Mix it so you get a paste. Make sure it's not too wet. You don't want it to drip. Cover your nail beds and around the cuticle area with the paste and leave it on for 10 mins. After that, just scrub it off gently. You can use a nail brush, old toothbrush or even just circular motions with your other hand. 

This will exfoliate your cuticle area and whiten your nail bed.

#4

Mix a capful of olive oil with juice from a slice of lemon (not too much because lemon is drying) and add in whatever essential oils you desire! I only have tee trea oil and Argan oil so I added in about 2 drops each. Then I slather it all over my nails and hands and then go to bed! Make sure you wear gloves or just long socks. I make more of this step and then keep it in a container. I am going to use it every night cause my nails are very weak at this point! This will save you some time and you just need to slather this on and then go to bed. So much more benefits than a hand lotion! 

Hope this DIY makes your nails healthier! 

Love, 

Pea 

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Pen v.s Hourglass Mechanical Gel Liner

Sorry type the hiatus but I'm back with a review/comparison I've been meaning to do for a long while! 

Packaging / Product

MJ Highliner Gel Pen in 42 Blacquer

• Sleek, metallic finish
• Comes in 15 Shades
• Twist pen style with a built-in sharpener at the end
• Shade is indicated by the colour panel around the pen
• 0.01oz
• USD$25

Hourglass Mechanical Gel Liner in Obsidian

• Very thin and small
• Only one shade in Obsidian
• 1.5mm tip
• Twist pen style 
• 0.002oz
• USD$16

Swatches / Application

The first swatch on top is by MJ and the thinner one at the bottom is by Hourglass.

As you can see, both are ultra black and the only difference is that MJ is slightly thicker. Both applies SOOOO SMOOTHLY OMFG. I apply pen liner to my tightline and I did not have to tug or pull. They go on like a dream. 

Let's talk lasting power. I have tried out a gazillion liners, believe it or not. I have extremely oily eye area and pencil liners never last on me. When I got the Highliner, it became my holy grail. I am onto my third one. I never go out without it because it just makes such a huge difference. So yesterday, I put on the MJ Highliner on my left eye and the Hourglass one on my right. I applied it at around 12 noon and came home around 10pm. I was amazed at how well both held up. The Hourglass one performed just as well as the MJ one! [I am sorry for the lack of pictures but the lighting in my apartment now is very crappy so taking pictures is quite tough]

Verdict

I love both the liners. I actually bought the Hourglass one on impulse and it was really of standard. If you are on a budget, then I would suggest the MJ one because it is more value for money and you would get a lot more product. However, if you are looking for a thin gel pen, then the Hourglass one would be better.

Hope this post helps!

Love,

Pea

AHA v.s BHA

Hi loves! Haven't been here in a while because I actually haven't bought any makeup recently.
I can hear the gasps very faintly if I keep very quiet. haha

Anyway, I have been researching on skincare recently and have also been spicing my skincare products up. I know I recently just talked about Uriage products and I am still religiously using it but I added something new!

Image taken from Paula's Choice 

So I was introduced to Paula's Choice beautypedia when I was in the States and I became quite obsessed with her products plus reviews. It was very very factual! haha and I finally got my hands on the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant.

My previously raved product is this...

Image taken from Uriage

So this product contains 18% AHA-BHA complex.

Here comes the big question: AHA or BHA?

AHA

• Water-soluble
• Are acids that are derived from fruits 
• More suited for sun-damaged / dry skin
• Exfoliates surface of skin and promote turnover of cells
• Aids in retaining moisture
• Rejuvenate ageing skin

BHA

• Lipid (oil)-soluble
• Is (basically) Salicylic acid
• Able to penetrate pores with sebum and therefore, exfoliate beneath the surface
• Has anti-bacterial/inflammation properties to kick those acne-bacterias' asses
• More suited for oily, acne-prone skin

So there you go. I hope its simple enough!

Nowadays, I use Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel on my t-zone to further keep those blackheads at bay and then I use Uriage K18 on my cheeks area where breakouts are lesser and where I tend to feel drier. 

One thing about these two products is that everyone emphasises about sunblock protection because these 2 properties basically exfoliates your skin, leaving them exposed. BUT, PLS. no matter if you use these products, SUNBLOCK IS A MUST. i am very naggy when it comes to sunblock and I will nag your ears deaf if I find out you don't use sunblock. Prevention is always better then cure so to prevent sun-damaged skin in the first place, make sure you use a sunblock SPF of at least 50, especially in our very sun-lit Singapore! 

Ok, this is just a skincare update post! Hope everyone is awesomeballz!

Love,

Pea

Review: Uriage Skincare Range

This post is not sponsored and all opinions are entirely our own! 

I have recently been obsessed with skincare and for the longest amount of time, I stuck to DrX. I went through a very bad patch of skin sensitivities due to a BB cream that I happened to be allergic to and it broke me out so bad, I felt like I could not go out and face the world.I After that, my skin is really thin and sensitive and I always look out for harsh ingredients on skincare products before trying.

When DrX products worked for me, I stuck to it and I loved how it stabilized my skin condition. I broke out only before the time of the month and it would be those small zits that I really don't mind. However, like all skincare, the skin gets used to it after daily use and the effects just seemed to diminish over time. So as I can see that the products are not working as significantly anymore, I went on a hunt for new babies to use. I came across the brand Uriage by accident when I was reading tippytap's review and it seemed to be targeted for sensitive skin! I immediately did a quick research online and then set out to buy my new products. 

• Eau Thermale D'Uriage Spray [I own multiple of these]
• Uriage Hysec K18
• Uriage Hysec Fluide SPF50+
• Uriage Isoliss Creme
• Uriage Isoliss Eye Contour

This is gonna be one heck of a long post.

The Uriage Thermal Water is a fine-mist spray and contains water that is enriched with trace elements and mineral salts. I heard many compare this with the Avene spray and claimed that the Avene one seemed to be more moisturizing or stays longer on the skin. However, this is due to the fact that Uriage thermal water is isotonic which means that it will be absorbed into your skin by itself without patting or rubbing it in. I have been using this more than I drink water. It keeps my skin so soft and hydrated [my office is air-conditioned] and I use it before I apply any skincare and to set my make up. Throughout the day, I use it as and when and it keeps my makeup looking so fresh. Because of its fine mist, it does not ruin your makeup at all! I keep the 50ml in my bag and I have the bigger bottle at home as well.

50ml: $15.90
150ml: $20.90
300ml: $27.90

I have very bad clog pores, especially on my nose and chin. I can literally feel the plugs on my skin if I don't extract once a week. *shudders

After indepth research, I came to understand that I will need salicylic acid to exfoliate the surface and clean deep into the pores to prevent the return of the black/whiteheads. However, a tricky issue is that the product has to be of the right p.H. and if it is off by just 1, the product will cease to perform at its best.

Uriage Hysec K18 contains both AHA and BHA. What's even more eyebrow-raising is it contains EIGHTEEN [18] % of AHA. OK BYE BLACKHEADS. I am honestly not sure about p.H for this product but I immediately bought it before you can blink. After using it for two weeks, I am majorly impressed. As it contains the thermal water, it keeps my skin smooth and moisturized. With Licorice extracts, it also keeps my skin matte. LOVE IT. This is my holy grail. Ok, now be prepared to be shocked.

$39.90

After about 5 days of use 

How to not love? And the best thing is that it last. I don't feel the need to extract anymore because my pores are not clogged! My skin area is smooth and soft to the touch. BYE BYE EXTRACTIONS!

I am hitting the big 2-5 soon and I am worried. I constantly squint and frown and do funny faces so wrinkles are my worst fears. My family women don't seemed to age well so I decided to start. START YOUNG [despite what my boyfriend insists]!

So the Isoliss range is targeted for young active woman who wants a headstart on anti-aging products. I got the Isoliss Creme from this range! Isoliss Creme is targeted for dry skin while Isoliss Fluide is for normal/combination skin. I got the creme because I will be in the States for the next three months and its gonna be autumn-winter there which means my skin will be dry dry dry! Idk whats in this magical tube but I swear that my cheeks are looking so radiant and bright when I apply it. I use this around my laugh lines, cheeks and forehead area. 

$70.90

I am also using the Isoliss Eye Contour Care and the packaging is simple with a metal ball to massage the product into the eye area. I find that it tugs at your skin when I apply it directly so I apply it with my ring finger and then use the cooling metal part to soothe the eye area. I like how this product is non-greasy and super absorbable so it doesn't leave my eye area oily. Plus it is does not cause milia seeds because it is so light! I am starting to see VERY fine lines under my eyes so this is just a preventive part on my end.

$49.90

I have been using DrX Non-tinted sunscreen with a SPF30+ but as the bottle is almost used up, I went ahead and grabbed the Hysec Fluide Sunscreen with a higher SPF 50+. I liked that this is non-comodegenic because a lot of drugstore sunscreens out there contain alcohol to give the matte effect but this ends up blocking/clogging our pores! This hydrates my skin as it contains Uriage Thermal Water as well but it is on the slightly greasier end. But this is just a small issue to me because with a little primer or loose powder, the shine is gone. 

$42.90

I told you guys this was long. But I hope its informative! haha See you all another time! 

Love,

Pea

Pea's July Favourites 2014

We have officially pass the half mark of 2014!
So this month brings a very light routine because my face have been acting out like craaaaazy because of the travelling and the back-to-work stress and plus, I was on the pill for the time I was travelling cause ain't no one got time for PMS when holidaying!

I am getting quite obsessed with skincare lately and I am planning a detailed one on a range of products that have been fully hooked. So look out for that!

As I mentioned, this month is light, light, light. The humid weather and the air-conditioning in the office is just a NO so I am trying to keep things light so my skin behaves.

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector 

I bought this baby at least three months ago...I think. and honestly, I was NOT impressed when I used it. idk why. I was very satisfied with my Smashbox primer but recently, that has not been working for me so I decided to give this another shot since gossmakeupartist [YT] raved about it so much. and I fell in love with it. Skin changes, so a product that does not seemed to work the first time doesn't mean it is bad.

I'm going all out here to scare you all with my pores. So yes, my pores are pretty much in-your-face. and after applying the primer, don't they all look so much less visible. I hardly use foundation when I go to work, just concealer so I really wanted smth that will cover my pores and not dry my skin out and this works beautifully. Its not exactly a matte finish, more skin-like and it works awesome for my skin right now.

p/s: yes, I am this red all the time.

M.A.C blush (Pink O' Peach)

Next up is this pretty blush from M.A.C that I found in my stash recently. I had it forever but I guess it just got buried under all my newer blushes. Anyway, this blush's name is so apt! It does give off a 'pinched cheeks' /flushed look that is really pretty. 

Mascaras

1. Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal 

2. Too Faced Better than Sex 

3. Catrice Ultimate Lash Multimizer 

Ok, I numbered the mascara in order of application. I am not crazy, I just find that layering different mascaras give me the effect I desire! And I don't do like three coats of each, just one from each mascara to give me the fluttery, hair-like lashes. The Maybelline PumpedUp Colossal is waterproof and holds up my curls. The special brush from Too-Faced separates my lashes and the Catrice one gives me so much volume yet no clumps. HOW MUCH LOVE??? After applications, I like how it gives me the messy effect - something like the Ardell Demi Wispies. 

I should have curled and brush out my lashes properly, instead of leaving it kinked in a weird angle. I am sorry haha]

This is a comparison to show you the difference with the mascaras on!Can you see how black and fluttery my lashes look? 

theBalm Schwing Black Liquid Eyeliner

I got this from my brother's girlfriend and when I tried it initially, it flaked and rubbed off easily. Plus I cannot seemed to control the brush very well. But I was super impressed with the matte finish. It is SO matte and pigmented. Now, I put my Dollywink liner underneath as a guide and then I just put this on top to give me the matte look that I love.

Collection CreamPuff Moisturizing Lip Cream (matte) 

I literally ran out to Watsons to get this lip product after I saw Shaaanxo on YT using it. The color amazes me every time I put it on. It dries to a matte finish that does not dry out my lips. However, I do layer my lip balm underneath and put this over so it does not emphasize too much lines. And this product lasts forever. I drink with it and it does not budge. I love it. Love the color and love the finish. 

Ok,  I have come to an ennnnnnd. Let August be awesome for everyone too!

Love,

Pea