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

Flo's July Favourites 2014

Hello!! Here are some of my favourite products for the month of July :)

1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

This is seriously, hands down, one of the best foundations I've tried! I love how it has a thin formula yet it covers super well. It doesn't get cakey and you can layer at specific areas for extra coverage without it looking too thick. I also love to pair it with my damp beauty blender as I feel that it gives the best coverage BUT you need to exfoliate properly before using this as it tends to settle in dry patches! This is definitely my top pick foundation for any event cause it also photographs beautifully :) 

You can read my full review here.

2. Beauty Blender

I'm not even exaggerating when I say that my life will never be the same without the beauty blender!!! I don't know what else can blend ANY of my foundations out like a dream and in such a short amount of time. I don't need to go back and forth blending and swirling my brush in circular motions. All I need is to literally dab dab dab and it blends anything out super evenly. I haven't touched or used any of my face brushes ever since I have this. I do have my days where I wanna use my brushes but I immediately regret and hope that I've used my beauty blender instead. 

You can read my full review here.

3. Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD BB

The other day I went for a Stila liner workshop with Lex at Sephora and the make-up artist was telling us about the Stila BB that Beckham likes to use. So obviously we checked it out and the texture was super smooth! We both got it cause it was on sale haha. Truthfully, I felt like this was just an impulse buy and I didn't expect it to work so well on me. I use this like a primer, and I've used a lot of primers before but never felt that any of them did anything to my foundation. This, though, helps it stay matte and it fills up my pores nicely. The only downside is really that the colour is a tad dark for me :(

4. NUXE Lip Moisutrising Stick

A new lip balm that I've been enjoying to death. I got this at an event that we were kindly invited by our friend Eileen! I love how it's moisturising yet not tacky or sticky. I am a huge fan of using vaseline on my lips before I sleep but I hate how sticky it is and it will smear all over my pillows -_- BUT this one does not leave any of that sort of nonsense and yet still moisturising enough. I love the honey smell to it! 

5. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

This was gifted to us after our liner workshop with Stila. I have the oiliest skin ever and of course my lids are also oily. That is why I always stay away from using anything on my lower lids cause I don't want to end up looking like a panda at the end of the day! But this has been working well for me under my lids and I'm very impressed by it. It is super smooth and easy to use as well! A little tip from the make-up artist was that this should be used on bare lids without any primer as it is meant to work the best on bare skin :)

6. Too Faced A Few Of My Favourite Things Palette

YESS!! I found it!!! I'm no stranger to Too Faced products and I've always loved them for their super nice packaging but yet very pigmented shadows and overall good quality products. This set comes with a Lip Injection Balm and a sample size of the Better Than Sex mascara which I love and I've reviewed here. The shadows in this palette are extremely pretty and super easy to work with. The bronzer and blushes are also big big love for me :) I initially wanted to do a full review, but since this is a limited edition set, it's pretty difficult to get it anywhere! So I'll just share the swatches here with you:

AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS!!! 

My favourites are: Moon On Their Wings, Buche De Noel, Tinsel, Bluff and Party Time.

That's all of my favourites in July. I've been trying out a few bunch of new products lately and I hope I can have more goodies to share with ya'll next month! Till then.

xx,

Flo ♡

Review: Talika Lipocils & Black

Hi loves!
Today I will be reviewing a product that I have been trying out for 28 days.
Why so specific? Well, because this product promises results in 28 days!
I was gifted this product from my brother's girlf and you can read her blog here!
So I was honestly curious about this kinda claims as I have been using Foltene eyelash and eyebrow treatment for years. So lets see!

Packaging

So I was greeted with a very sleek packaging and as mine is the duo, it comes with the star product which is the lipocils and the mascara. Very futuristic look huh? Although if you ask me, pink and purple metallic packaging would make me drool more haha but that's just me.

It is duo sided and the lipocil side is a doe-foot applicator and the other side is just a normal mascara. 

Product

Here comes all the crazy science talk. I'll try my best to simplify it according to my understanding.

So this product contains:

 Nettle : Stimulates the eyelash growth

 Horse chestnut extract : Strengthens lashes & stimulates blood circulation
 Allantoïn : Hydrates lashes
 Soy lecithin : Carry active ingredients into the lashes
 Witch hazel : Calming and soothing
 St John's wort : Calming and soothing
 Apple extract : Softens, calms, heals & refreshes

[taken from website]

Basically, it is suppose to enhance growth of your eyelash by 2.5mm and volume by 91%.

You get 2x2.5ml/0.08Fl.oz of product for 

Application

So I use the doe-foot applicator and apply it to the root of my eyelashes and then just apply it all over my lashes twice a day. Its small so application is not that tough. The liquid doesn't sting my eyes when applied near the roots and dries up quickly so theres no downtime at all. It does not affect my curling of lashes nor application of mascara after. 

Comparison
Of course, after using Foltene for quite so long, I naturally used it as a comparison. I am blessed with long lashes so I used Foltene as a conditioner and primer to protect my lashes as I use mascara on a daily basis. Foltene promises to strengthen weak and fragile lashes and when I used it initially, I did notice improvements in length and slightly in volume. But I guess my lashes started getting 'used' to the formula and before I tried Talika, I was noticing an increased fall-out in my lashes, especially when I was removing my mascara nightly.

Talika talks specific [+2.5mm in 28 days] // Foltene promises fuller and longer lashes
Talika comes with a doe-foot applicator // Foltene comes with a mascara wand applicator
Talika costs $69.90 for 2x2.5ml of product // Foltene costs $38 for 10ml of product

Verdict
I took Before and Afters to better demonstrate but I did not measure my eyelashes so I can't tell you if the +2.5mm is true. But let the pictures do the talking!I dated everything and I'm sorry if I look horrible. Mondays are my off-days so they are my masking days as well. haha I apologize!

7th July was one week after I started using the product diligently day and night. 

I definitely think that my lashes seemed blacker and more voluminous. 

14th July: 14 days after I start using and ok, honestly, when I apply the product directly to my lashline, I seemed to feel that my roots seemed blacker and my eyelash seemed longer. But they are not appearing as so on pictures. I guess I cannot expect long hair-like camel lashes

After 28 full days! The first picture was just the day I started on Talika and every Monday I took a picture to show the comparison! 

Quick Summary

The Awesome:

• It does seemed to thickens lashes 
• Protects lashes from everyday harmful factors
• Easy to use
• Product does not sting - so great for sensitive eyes

The Average

• OMFG THE PRICE for the amount is insane
• Not widely available in Singapore [last I heard, Metro Paragon and Sephora has it but Im not sure]
• Too little amount :(

Ok, I am not too sure about repurchasing this because the price makes my heart ache. Have you tried this before? What do you think? You be my judge! 

Love,

Pea

Review: Too Faced A La Mode Palette

Hello! :)

Finally got my hands on this palette recently ^^ I've been looking for a palette to get and most of the shadows I saw and are attracted to are neutrals and more neutrals (e.g. the Chocolate Bar Palette), and I have A LOT of neutrals, so I decided to get this when I saw it in store :)

It's the Too Faced A La Mode Palette!

Packaging

I love the packaging! It comes in a super colourful metal casing. Looks very heavy duty and that it will protect my shadows. But I'm quite anal about it because I'm scared I will scratch it, or dent it if I throw it around. Not that I will, but if I did, I'm quite scared it will be dented HAHA.

Product

I'm pretty familiar with Too Faced shadows because I have a few palettes from them and I'm always very satisfied with the colour payoff of the shadows, so this is not an exception! I love how they have summery coral and orange based colours (Cannes, Jardin) which I'm really into right now, I also love how they have the extra colours (Monaco, De La Mer) for a pop of colour if you're bored of the normal neutrals. However, De La Mer comes off a little patchy and difficult to blend on me!

Swatches

DAY:

St. Tropez - Beige based with gold flecks/glitter

Cannes - Orange with silver micro glitter

Soleil - Burgundy brown

CLASSIC:

Riviera - Champagne metallic 

Jardin - A mixture of coral and pink 

Cote D Azur - Deep chocolate brown

FASHION:

La Croisette - Metallic Silver

Monaco - Hot pink with micro blue glitter

De La Mer - Navy blue with micro blue glitter

My favourites are: Riviera, St. Tropez, Jardin, Soleil.

Application

All looks are primed with Urban Decay Primer Potion and finished with Dollywink Liquid Liner in Black and Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara :)

  

My favourite combination!

Using Riviera all over the eyelids, Soleil on the outer lids and Jardin on the center of the lids. Lined the outer half of my lower lids and smudged it our with Cote D Azur.

  

Using La Croisette all over the eyelids, smudging De La Mer from the outer lids towards the end of the first 1/3 of the lids, added Cote D Azur to deepen the outer lids further. Mixed Monaco and De La Mer to create a bright purple colour and smudged it on my lower lids.

  

Using St. Tropez all over the eyelids, and then lightly smudging Cote D Azur on the outer corners of the upper lids, ending with Soleil on the outer half of the lower eyelids.

Verdict

I've really been enjoying this palette! It's easy and convenient to bring around. It has enough neutral colours for everyday look, yet the orange and coral based shadows really bring out something different as compared to my usual neutrals :) The shadows are of superb quality for the exception of one (De La Mer), it is buttery to me. However, it is pretty difficult to blend out because of the nature of it's navy blue colour :(

Quick Summary

The great:

• Superb quality
• A mixture of finishes
• Wide colour selection

The not-so-great:

• De La Mer might be a tad difficult to work with

The Too Faced A La Mode Palette is available in Sephora at $49 each.

Anyone of you have tried this as well? What do you think about it? Let us know!

♡♡,
Flo.