Friday 27 April 2012

What's in my bag~

I remember doing a post like this 2 years ago on my tumblr and I think they are really fun! What's in someone's bag can show a lot about the person and what they are like... Or it can just show how much junk you carry around with you of course. I think I'm the latter situation!

I got my bag from a shop in Japan! It is actually made of a soft navy blue material. At the time I was looking for a medium sized bag that wasn't too showy, so I really loved this one. My host mother bought it for me for about $30 as a gift! Attached to it is an alpaca and Totoro keychain :3


My wallet is a Cath Kidston inspired wallet that I bought in Singapore for about $5! For the most part it is full of receipts and cards, but I've shown my most used ones which are my ID (I'm too lazy to get my license and Victorian practicing hours and rules are so stupid), my Priceline club card and my myki (Victoria's super annoying card system that doesn't work half the time!).


Next up is my makeup bag that fits my basics that I use most of the time! The pouch came for free with Seventeen magazine Japan and is by the J-brand Dazzlin'! I usually keep my Garnier BB Cream, Etude House Lip Tint, Revlon Lip Butter and some mascara in it :)


Last is the random stuff I keep at the bottom of my bag... Not including rubbish and bobby pins... There is my notebook which has one of my favourite groups Beast on it, a cute pen, my crappy mobile phone which I'm surprised hasn't broken yet, my glasses by Tommy Hilfiger (2 for 1 at specsavers yay!), a softlips vanilla lip balm and my iPod touch which isn't in the picture because I was using it to take these bad quality pictures...

Thanks for reading everyone! Do you have some interesting stuff in your bag?? :)

Wednesday 25 April 2012

ummm, question!


I got tagged by my friend Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty to answer these questions, which I thought should be a bit of fun :3

1. What's the most important beauty product to you?
Mascara! It really makes a difference! My eyes aren't that large, so it helps make my blue eyes pop out! 

2. What is your favourite "go-to" brand?
I don't have one that I use the most, I sort of go for what looks nice/inexpensive and has great reviews.

3. What's your favourite thing about blogging?
Reading and getting other peoples opinions! Also finding out about things I didn't even know existed.

4. If you could review one dream product, what would it be?
Anything by Etude House... it is my guilty pleasure makeup brand!

5. If you had $1000 to spend on beauty products, what would you buy?
All the lipstick and nailpolish in the world! Muhahaha~ colour colour :D

6. Where is your favourite place to buy cosmetics?
Priceline is the easiest... I can spend hours in that store. But I really enjoy looking on Gmarket or SaSa for a lot of Asian brands that I can't find here.

7. What's your least favourite thing about blogging?
Thinking of things to post about and trying to make my blog different and me. I am not that interesting T_T

8. Where is your dream destination to travel?
South Korea or Hong Kong :D

9. If you could look like any celebrity, who would it be?





would kill to look like Lena Fuji! But I love the unusual looks of Hyo Sung from Korean grou
Secret~
10. If you could get a life time supply of one beauty product, what would it be?

The Etude House 2NE1 Follow Me Lip Tint/Gloss. The first tint I ever used and my favourite EVER! 

11. Name 5 products (if that) in your handbag?
Ipod Touch, Mobile Phone, Softlips Vanilla Lip Balm, Wallet and ummm... some bobby pins! There is also a bag of makeup I carry around with me~



I nominate:
Jane from Lilac Dreams
Sophia from Tatooed Tealady
Halley from BelleAmour
Chelsea from Super Purdy
Emma from Lipsticked Louise

Answer these questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What is your favourite Beauty Brand?
3. Do you follow fashion trends?
4. If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
5. You see lipstick smudged on a strangers teeth... Do you tell them or ignore it??
6. Where would you like to visit most in the world?
7. Do you prefer lipgloss or lipstick?
8. What do you like most about blogging??
9. What is a beauty phase you regret?
10. What is your favourite place to buy cosmetics?
11. What is your favourite product of all time??


Thanks for reading guys! My next post will be about what's in my bag :D





Tuesday 24 April 2012

Is it BB?

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream. I know I know, there have been a lot of reviews but I thought I'd give my point of view to those deciding whether or not to buy it.

For those of you who haven't heard of it, this is one of the first BB Creams created by the Western Beauty Market. BB Stands for Blemish Balm and in the Asian market is targeted as a moisturiser, sunscreen, primer and foundation all in one. It is targeted more at the East Asian market, only being available in quite light shades.


Garnier has tried to incorporate these ideas into their product while appealing to a Western audience. The package reads 'Save time with this daily all in one moisturiser: in just one application, moisturise, unify and brighten your skin!' while providing your skin 'hydration, comfort, UV protection, correction of signs of fatigue, dullness, imperfections and sun spots'.. and for me, it does just what it says. 

However, in terms of appearance on the skin it acts more like a tinted moisturiser rather than a BB cream and I find this the only set back. Those who are familiar with Korean BB Creams may be disappointed when trying this, as the colour is much darker, the product is a bit more oily and it leaves the skin with a bit more of a dewy finish.

Pros:
Evens our skintone
Lasts around 10 hours
Doesn't give a cakey look like some foundations or Korean BB creams
Adds moisture
Inexpensive (The most I've seen it for is $14)
SPF 15
Covers and reduces skin imperfections
Natural look

Cons:
Some may not like the smell (I personally do!)
May be too oily on skin for those with naturally oily skin
Not many choices in shades, however this is very similar to Asian brands that have only 2-3 very light colours. This may not be good for very light skin (however I had no troubles) or those with dark skin.
Ugly packaging, products dries on lid sometimes.


Altogether, this is really something you should try before buying. I have read many mixed reviews, those who love it, those who hate it and those who don't mind it at all. I think it really just comes to a few factors, such as your skin type and what type of coverage your prefer.

Personally, I love it for everyday use and when I am looking for just enough coverage to hide my redness. It's easy to apply and sinks right into my skin and feels very natural when worn! 
I once didn't wear makeup for about a week (I had no social life obviously) and I found that when I didn't wear anything my skin broke out, but when I wear this product it really controls my skin and has actually improved it since using it since my skin is quite dry it balances it out really well! And the price isn't bad on the bank account :)

Have you tried this BB cream or any other? What did you think and what brand is your favourite?? Let me know! 

ALSO! An update on my nails... this is after one week! I haven't bitten them, yay!! I can scratch things now and clean under them like a normal person! They look shorter in the picture though....


Also, sorry about the long rambling post... I feel very strongly about BB Creams obviously! There is also a lot going on with this product and the Asian counterparts, hence there is heaps to talk about! THANK YOU FOR READING!!!!!


Friday 20 April 2012

Airbrushing

Two reviews in the span of a few hours! Yay! 

I'm sure you have all seen the ads for the Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup. You know, the ones where Emma Stone looks absolutely stunning? Yeah, I gave in. I actually bought it without reading any reviews... which I don't usually do. It just seemed so... pretty! I sort of regret it though, since I paid around $35 for it (DAMMIT AUSTRALIA!)


The container is nice and simple, and I am hoping a good size! I'm not actually sure how much comes out because it comes out in mousse form... 


This is what it looks like. I find it best to apply the mousse on my wrist and use a sponge to apply to my face.

I'm happy I chose a nice colour, at first it seemed to go on too dark, but the more you blend the more it adjusts to my skin colour. Also, I'm not sure if you can see but it has a shimmer to it, which I actually really like surprisingly.

I have mixed feelings for this foundation actually, more so than a lot of foundations I have tried, so I will actually be making a pros and cons list for the first time!

Pros: 
Adjusted well to my skin tone
Easy to blend
Nice consistancy 
Not to oily and not to dry
Shimmery (I liked it, others may not)
Doesn't accentuate pores
Nice coverage

Cons:
Difficult to choose the right shade (I went a shade lighter than usual)
Expensive
Difficult to control the pump and amount released
Can sit on dry patches on face (if you moisturise it should be fine though)
Slightly unpleasant smell
Shimmery (not advertised, some may not like)


But my biggest peeve is this:


This is actually pretty unavoidable for packaging like this, but I still feel it could have been designed better so that the product doesn't smear all over the container! Add a nozzle or something >< 

All in all, you can see I'm on the fence. I personally wouldn't buy this again, as I paid more than I would usually (the most I would spend $35 on is a Korean BB Cream), but I find it isn't a completely useless product or waste of money. Most of the reviews I've read now have been very mixed...


Have you guys tried this product?? What do you think?



Wink wink!

Hey guys!

Today I'm going to talk about one of my favourite pieces of makeup that I own!
Have you heard of Tsubasa Masuwaka?


She is a Gyaru (Japanese Gal Style) Model, singer and Beauty enthusiast. She owns a line of Makeup called 'Candy Doll' as well as a line that focuses on lashes called 'Dolly Wink by Koji'. I love everything about her! Her style, the fact that she is a mother~

For those of you who don't know, Gyaru fashion is probably my favourite. however, I just can't seem to pull it off, so I sort of just admire it! The amount of Japanese magazines I own is crazy ><

The product I will be reviewing today is Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner.


The first thing that captures everyones attention is the cute packaging! I'm a sucker for anything cute, so I knew I had to have it.


This is the tip of the eyeliner. It is slightly flexibly at the tip, enough so that it can be applied smoothly. 


Using the liner you can control the thickness, because the fine tip allows for precision!  I find that it goes on very easily, and once you get used to controlling it, application is a breeze! It is waterproof so it stays on almost all day. Also, it dries very fast, which is good if you have hooded eyelids, since there is no smudging!


This picture was taken a few minutes after, and you can see it barely came off even after I rubbed it so hard. You can see maybe that it is actually slightly red on my skin because of the rubbing!

There is only one negative I have about this product: The price! In Japan the Eyeliner retails for about 1,300 yen, which is around $15, but when you take into account shipping to Australia the price can really add up.. so I suggest looking around to buy online. If you don't mind paying more though, many small shops in China Town sell these all around Australia.

So when I was in Japan last year I made the most of buying some of the products! I bought some eyeliners, mascaras and fake eyelashes!



Have you guys ever heard of Dolly Wink??? What do you think so far from this review?







Wednesday 18 April 2012

Awards!

This is just a quick post to say thank you to my fellow bloggers who have nominated me for Blog awards, including Blog of Beauty, Versatile Blogger Award and One Lovely Blog!

So thank you to Chelsea YJasmine and Chelsea G!

My computer is really bad lately, so I can't do it properly otherwise it will shut down, but check out their blogs to find out about the awards and rules! They are all so sweet and have really nice blogs!

For the most part you say some facts about yourself, so here goes! :D

Here is a new picture of me for you all! right there in the middle! Wooo~


1. I haven't studied like most people my age because I want to travel. Last year I went to Japan and Singapore. This year I am hoping to go to Korea!

2 K-pop is a HUGE part of my life, it's my number one interest. Last year I went to Singapore just to see my favourite group Big Bang perform for 1 hour. Lot's of people say it's a phase but so far I have liked it for over 6 years.

3. My boyfriend is a French International Student? Not so interesting haha.

4. I was once on Korean television for 2 seconds! Hehehe

Me covering half my face and wearing glasses... still counts!


4. I enjoy psychological/mind twisting movies... and then Romantic Movies. The two don't really go well together.

5. I was obsessed with Sticker Photos/Purikura! I have taken them over 60 times!

6. I love love love animals. I have a dog who is almost 12 years old who I love with all my heart, as well as a kitten, rabbit and bird!

7. I always sneeze two times in a row or more.


I nominate all my readers for all these awards! Because I'm lazy (and like I said, my computer is mean!!) It actually shut down 3 times while I was typing this.. poo.


My New Challange

Recently I have taken upon myself to learn self control... Well, not for spending or anything since I have no money. I'm talking about the biggest problem I have faced since being a child! Something unhygienic and just plain ugly... Biting my nails. I've been doing it since I can remember, I have tried to stop many times and I have tried that nasty tasting polish. I used to get used to the bad taste, or I would grow them for about 2 weeks and then give up...

I'm now almost 20 and I really hope I can do it. I hear about those people who give it up when they get older, so I'm hoping that's the case for me! I'll just learn to break the habit.

Below is a picture of my nails now. I find that if I keep them nicely painted I don't have the urge to gnaw on them.

If people are interested I will make a small post every week or so to show my progress, and you can scold me if I don't succeed!

Do you have any good tips to help
Me?? Please wish my luck! :)

This was also posted from my iPod so sorry for the ugliness hahaha

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Wishlist #2

The wish actually never ends... but I will blog about a few things that I have had my eyes on!

* A plug for my phone!
They have a few different names... plugy, headphone plug shield or ear cap... I'm not actually sure what they are officially called, but it is the new trend for accessorising your phone! Because a lot of the popular phones these days don't have a hole for a mobile strap people have created a plug to put into your headphone jack that comes in many different designs~



They really make me want to get a new phone so that I can make it cute :(


* Jill Stuart Cosmetics
I swear any product by Jill Stuart has the cutest and most beautiful packaging ever that it breaks my heart everytime I see it because of the price tag!! In Japan, a blush is around $50, lipgloss is $30 and nailpolish is aroun $18.... a bit tough for a girl on a budget!


If you type 'Jill Stuart Beauty' into google and it just makes you want to drool!


Since this brand is primarily based in Asia, to buy here in Australia is not only difficult to get but expensive! 


I read peoples blogs everyday and it just adds to the list of things I want... Who else has this trouble??? Let me know what you currently wish for! 








Sunday 15 April 2012

Butter Lips

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter is finally out in Australia!... with the excessive price tag of $21.95!
Luckily enough Priceline is having a 2 for 1 sale on all Revlon lip and nail products, so I jumped at the opportunity to grab myself the lip butter I wanted, as well as a nail polish I had been eyeing for ages~

cringing at my nails... STOP BITING EMILY!

I think a lot of people are instantly drawn to the cute packaging and the adorable names that each colour shares. 


I ended up choosing Strawberry Shortcake (YUM) as I absolutely loved the colour... it took me ages to choose, and I kept changing my mind!
I've read many reviews and people have been saying that some are very much like lipsticks, but with more moisturising properties to them. Different colours vary in terms of pigmentation and creaminess. 
I found that this colour is more on the creamy and does not add as much colour as I was hoping for, but more shine and glitter. In fact, I found it very similar to the L'Oreal Colour Riche Nutrishine.

Revlon on the left; L'Oreal on the right!

The Lip Butter is obviously has a pinker colour to it, but looks a lot more similar when applied to lips. However, Revlon does stay true to its claims that it will will hydrate lips, which I feel this colour does effortlessly. My lips feel a lot smoother and softer when wearing it! It stays on for ages as well! 

I ever so slightly regret not getting a brighter colour from the range because I realise I do need to start being more adventurous with colours! Altogether though, I really enjoy this product! The colour is very wearable and it feels amazing on my lips. I really can't wait to try more... I just need some money now :(

Do you think Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter lives up to the hype?? Let me know what you think! 

Free Beauty Bag!

I recently got an email from Priceline about a special offer avaliable in store! It is an amazing deal where if you spend $60 or more on selected brands you receive a beauty bag filled with different products worth $220!
Not one to pass up such a good offer, I headed into the city and spent just over $60 on some products I really wanted (I will do a post on them soon) and then grabbed myself a bag!

Extra large image for you all~

I got a bit excited when I received it, so I opened them straight away! The bag includes:

*Eco Tools Bath Sponge
 I rarely use Sponges, but Eco Tools is supposed to be amazing so I'm looking forward to using it!
*Priceline Exfoliating 3 in 1 facial wipes.
Never tried the Priceline Wipes, but so far so good!
*Models Prefer Multi Purpose Sponge
I usually use disposable sponges, so this isn't something I'd usually buy. 
*Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator
Love it Love it!! I have been meaning to get a good illuminator and this one is amazing!
*MaxFactor Xperience Volumising Mascara in Black/brown
Not something I would think of buying. Hoping it lives up to it's name!
*Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Blush in Poser
I wouldn't have gone for this, as I find it hard to work with darker coloured blushes.
*Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish in Disco Ball
My last one of this exploded when I took it to Japan so I'm really happy to get another! I love any glitter nail polish!
*Innoxa Lovely Lips Lipstick in English Rose
I absolutely adore the colour, I have to review this one for sure! Probably my favourite piece in the bag!
*Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Really Red
Not a fan of really red lipsticks.. I find them hard to wear. But it's free so I'll give it a go!
*Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Glitzy Gold
Very pretty! Got to find a way to make the gold work though...
*Press & Go Press on Manicure
I have absolutely no nails... so this would be great if I liked the design... but I don't :(
*1000Hours Nail Foils in Pink Swirl
No nails to put them on... I should really stop biting. Also, design isn't my cup of tea.
*Manicure Soft Touch Grip Tweezers
Not pictured! I was too busy using them. One of the best pair of tweezers I have ever owned.
*Natio Mineral Pressed Powder in Soft Tan
I'm hoping this isn't too dark on my super white skin...
*Models Prefer Kohl Pencil in Matte Black
This glides on so easily! Much better than other kohl liners I have~


Overall I was extremely impressed with this bag! Not the bag itself though.. WAY too out there for my taste with the snake print. The products seemed to be all of good quality.. some are quite expensive while others I wouldn't have thought to try.. but that's the point right? Maybe I'll fall in love with something I never thought I would try!

Has anyone else gotten this bag? I heard the products vary slightly in each also! Let me know what you think !



Thursday 12 April 2012

Things that annoy me

Those living in Australia probably feel the same way as me when it comes to makeup over here, and this probably happens in a lot of countries, but it still hits me...


I had to add this, it makes me laugh so much. Kokoro is Japanese for Heart.


1. Increase in prices.
This one is the hardest. You see something on a website that you MUST have, then you go into the store to check it out. Then the dread kicks in. Some items can be double the price you see online, especially when they are products earlier released in other countries.
A lot of the time it's easiest to go into the store to sample it and then buy it online... but it is a hassle to have to wait for it to arrive just to save some money. most of the time if I really want it I just fork out the extra money to have it in my hands straight away.

2. Waiting for products.
A product comes out in a different country, you hear great reviews about it, you can't find it over here... you wait and wait... and soon a few months have passed! We are a bit behind when it comes to certain products, but knowing the demand to bring them here, they still make us wait. 

3. Different products altogether!
You see a product, it's here... but it is somehow different. One of my biggest peeves is the Maybelline Baby Lips! I have found that when I was in Asia, they have the same as us... but America and other countries ones are different. The Baby Lips here are just regular scented lip balms, but the other ones are tinted. I am not sure why they market them as the same product with the name, but choose to make them different. 

4. Never getting them.
Now I know we cant have every single brand and product avaliable, there would just be too many! But it is a really big hassle when you have to order online for some brands that are really populkar, and you just think 'why not bring it here?? Everyone likes it!'. Sadly, this is the same as clothing brands over here... since we are opposite seasons to the rest of the fashion world, most brands are apprehensive to bring their stores here.

Do you guys struggle with these problems?? I'm sure it happens in many other countries, and nothing  is perfect, but it still annoys the hell out of me! 

 

Puff de Cheek~


Ahh, Japanese cosmetics... always such cute packaging! These are adorable little blushes called Puff de Cheek by Majolica Majorca by Shiseido. It comes in 4 different colours, Pink Macaron, Apricot Macaron, Strawberry Macaron and Vanilla Macaron! They all sound so sweet right??

While I was in Japan last year I came across them and decided to buy the Vanilla Macaron colour, seeing as I wasn't experimental with blush back then I chose the lightest shade. So I will be doing a review on this wonderful product!


The packaging is what really drew me to the product... which I have to say is how I pick a lot of my products! It is in a small round shaped tin.


And inside the tin is a puffy little applicator! The bow~ 


The lighting doesn't do the product much justice, so I am going to have to explain the colouring more.
Now, I am a light skinned person... very fair... and this blush actually does not show any colour on my skin. It isn't a pink or red or orange like most blushes are, it is more of an ivory colour with a shine/sparkle within it.

I personally do not use this as a blush but more as a highlighter or just to add a glow to my face. Since the colour is very sheer, only the sparkles show on my face. 
I am not sure if this would work well on a more darker skin colour, since it is such a light colour it may not blend as well.

The feeling is soft on your skin and lasts me usually around 5 hours. I love this product to bits but don't think it works as a proper blush. If you are looking for an item to brighten your complexion and that is great for going out on special occasions than this is what your looking for.

I bought this in Japan at a Department store for around $15 (1,300 yen) 

Do you have any blushes that you live by??






Wednesday 11 April 2012

Dove Therapy

Who here has ridiculously damaged hair??? I am raising my hand really high right now. I am cursed with hair that is naturally a little bit wavey... but not the good kind. The kind where hair is going in different directions and just not sitting right. This evil hair has led me to use a straightener to either straighten out the waves or lead them in the right direction. Along with dying my hair a few times a year it has caused pretty bad damaged ends and breakage!

I've tried  using treatment serums and always find they just control frizz and don't actually treat the hair, or they are too oily and weigh my hair down. Also sometimes way too expensive!

Until I found Dove Therapy Nutritive Nourishing Oil Care Treatment Serum


All you have to do is apply 2-4 pumps depending on your hair length to the tips of your hair.


I use 2 to 3 pumps every day on either damp hair or after styling using heat. The pump bottle is easy to manage the amount you think is suitable for your hair length.


The product is then absorbed into the hair without leaving any oily residue behind, just soft and smooth hair!
After using this for about a week I have noticed the ends of my hair are a lot less tangled and my split ends are almost all gone. I love it!


Dove Therapy Nutritive Nourishing Oil Care Treatment Serum comes in a 40ml bottle and usually around $10. 






Tuesday 10 April 2012

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Nutrishine

About a month ago a friend and I went to the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Powder Room. It was a free event in Docklands where you pretty much walk in and the staff pampers you by either doing your lips, skincare, nails or hair! After getting my lips done, I walk out and get a free bag of L'Oreal Paris products! Who doesn't love free stuff?? They pretty much paid me with gifts to put makeup on me!

The bag contained a few things such as samples, hair spray and nail polish. However, what really stood out to me was the Color Riche Nutrishine lipstick in 01 Nudy Pink. My friend got a different colour than me and I'm sure there were different colours in other bags, but I was so glad with this one.


The packaging is adorable! You can use it like a mirror to apply the lipstick~


The colour looks a little bit more brighter than above^


What I love about this lipstick is that it doesn't come out looking like one! I find that lip glosses can sometimes be too sticky so I rarely use them, but this lipstick gives the appearance of shiney lip gloss with a hint of colour! 

On the lips it looks amazingly cute and sweet :)

When applied it feels like a balm as there is Shea butter in it that keeps the lips nice and smooth, however after a while it starts to feel a bit chalky like other lip sticks, but I find it doesn't dry out your lips and is excellent quality.

This lip stick has a R.R.P of around $22, and I suggest next time you have the opportunity to try their products give this one a try! 

Have you tried this lipstick or have a favourite L'Oreal product? Comment and share your thoughts!