I've been reading Tine's post about Falling Out Of Love With Mineral Makeup when I, too, realised that I share the same sentiments as her in regards to mineral makeup.
In terms of foundation, I only have two "real" foundations, that is, foundations that are my Holy Grail and which I consistently and constantly use. They are The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 and Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation. Yeah, it's a paltry amount of foundations to own, but apparently I have sensitive skin and I do not want to risk it- I've had a severe acne breakout when I was younger resulting in bi-weekly extractions and facials and medication to control my hormones and the acne, so yeah, I do not want a repeat of that if possible. It was quite damaging to my self-esteem :( And even in choosing foundations I stick to "safe" brands, e.g. Shiseido since it's an Asian brand (Not trying to be racist here, but I believe they were formulated for Asian skin since its creation, so yeah), The Body Shop for it's natural ingredients and mineral makeup for it's purity.
I've been using The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 ever since it launched in August (I wrote about it here), and I noticed that I occasionally break out here and there and have whiteheads (Mainly around my T-zone and cheeks). Sometimes there are acne-like welts that do occasionally itch (They even do look like Tine in her post), but most of the time I'd just brush it off as being my hormones acting up since it wasn't very serious. Ah women, how we delude ourselves sometimes :P
Since mineral makeup is in general, loose powder form, and requires a brush to apply which equals to more time consumed, one day when I was rushing I decided to slap on my Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation (I've also reviewed it generally here)- and found that my complexion seemed to look better! I tried again the next day and the results were the same- my complexion did clear up using Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation compared to The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25. I then switched back to using The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 and there came again the breakouts and the welts.
I've experimented around- normally my makeup routine now would be Silk Naturals Oil Control Primer- Untinted, foundation and finished with Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder and a spritz of Eau Thermala Avene, and yes, the breakouts and welts were caused by the usage of The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25.
I'm quite disappointed actually- I really look forward to mineral makeup especially with my skin condition and how natural and raved it is, but it just turns out that it's not for me. I was really sure it would work for me, but it did not :( Maybe it's certain ingredients in The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation SPF25 that I could be sensitive to? I can't be sure- I'm not going to spend money on trying other mineral makeup since I'm saving up for Chinese New Year shopping though, so I guess it's back to using Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation for me. I might as well finish using it anyway :P
The other sad news would be that my old Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation shade, I20 Natural Light Ivory, now looks too light on me! And it was only 1/3 used T.T I blame University for making me constantly walk under the sun everyday. Now I'm using O40 Natural Fair Ochre since they did not have a shade darker than I20 Natural Light Ivory o.O There's not much difference though- I20 Natural Light Ivory has pinkish tones while O40 Natural Fair Ochre has more neutral tones, and my skintone seems to be neither pinkish/neutral/warm anyway.
I've also stocked up on my Dermalogica skincare products and gotten more free samples and a bath towel (Which I have to sweetheart) XD
So yeah... I guess I'll say goodbye to mineral makeup for now as well.
So I went for my facial last Tuesday since I moved back here to West Malaysia (I haven't had a facial since, which is 2 years!), and I came out of it feeling very pleased and refreshed. Now my review might sound a little bit biased because the owners are my cousins (They're sisters working together) :P I also apologise for having no photos because my appointment was at 11 am and I was still feeling sleepy when I arrived there so I completely forgot to take photos- so you'll have to make do with photos of brochures I got from there >_<
It's going to be a rather long post too, so yeah.
The last time I went there (Before I got into the whole makeup and skincare thing and actually went for facials) their salon was only half a shoplot, but they've extended to a full shoplot now. I have to say that my first impression of the interior design is very comfortable, simplistic and welcoming- much like most facial salons. Their treatments rooms are also private as far as I know (Although I think they have "pair rooms" for those girlfriend bonding sessions)- dimly lit and have piped in soothing music. They also seem to have their own air-conditioning, which can get very cold, but once you get settled in they have a rather thick blanket to cover you! It's a first for me- I've experienced towels or cloths, but an actual blanket? XD
Their treatment prices range from *Gasp* RM 38 for a 45-minute Student Acne Facial to RM 200+ for more specialised treatments (Anti-aging or something along those lines if I'm not mistaken), but no more than RM 250, unless of course you add on services (e.g. eye treatments) and/or buy their products and such. The pricelist is displayed rather prominently beside their door, and I have to say that I find the prices quite affordable (I expected a basic facial to be around RM 50+ at the very least) compared to places such as Leonard Drake, but then they use Dermalogica so to each their own I guess.
I was attended by Yean Cheng, the elder sister who has been in the beauty and skincare line for more than 12 years. She used to work for Dermalogica for 9 years before opening this Cellnique salon of her own now. She analysed my skin and told me that I have inborn, very sensitive and dehydrated skin- very prone to redness and pimple-like bumps and aggravated by stress, heat, pollution and things like diet as well. The she asked me questions like what is my basic skincare regime now, so I told her:
She told me that I am using the correct regime and I should keep it up- and gave me advice such as applying a light layer of Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream before bed if I sleep in an air-conditioned room to keep my skin hydrated, and that pore refining is out of the question for me at the moment because my skin is sensitive and pore refining products usually contains ingredients which may irritate it further, so it's best to deal with and tend to the sensitivity and dehydration issue first.
After the analysis she proceeded to manually extract any vagrant whiteheads and blackheads that have taken residence on my skin during the years and then I was shown those little buggers. For some reason I liked seeing that :P There wasn't much to extract though, even after 2 years, which is kind of surprising since my whole face used to be prodded all over but now it's just mainly the T-zone!
I was given an intensive soothing and hydrating aromatherapy facial treatment (2 masks, one of which smelt like pineapples and a scrub) with facial oils from Eve Taylor (Which smells of, well, lavender). I'm not sure if it's a package of their or it's customised for me (They can and do customise packages based on customer's needs and wants) as I was enjoying the pampering and massaging (My neck, shoulder and a bit of my back was massaged) too much to ask (And I actually fell asleep for a while) :x It cost me RM 105 after discount (Family member :P), which is quite worth it- as a similar treatment (For sensitive, dehydrated skin) at Leonard Drake would set me back by RM 210+.
All the while she did not even ask me to switch to using Cellnique products or push any package or services (Even though I am a family memver), although she did recommend a supplementary product for me so that I can deal with my sensitive skin problem:
Cellnique Intensive Soothing Factor- actually a salon exclusive product. The retail price (I'm not exactly sure if it's even for retail, but professional recommendation is definitely, err, recommended) is RM 210 and only 2-3 drops are needed, twice daily. According to Yean Cheng, it can last for about 7 months so it's very well worth the price. I haven't really tried it out yet as I just got it (They had to restock), so a proper review is in order (Along with many other reviews backlogged) T.T It's to be used after toning (Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray) and before moisturising (Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream or Dermalogica Barrier Repair). In a way I guess it's almost similar to Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster, but this is much more lighter on the wallet for me.
Here is their address and contact details:
De Fennel Beaute & Skin Care
No 14, Jln 9/125D,
Desa Petaling,
57100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-9057 1198
Yes, it is pretty far from where I am staying but I am very satisfied as a customer, although I can't say much since I am related to them. But one thing's for sure I'm definitely trying to make facials with them a once-a-month thing!
They are closed on Thursdays, although I highly suggest calling in to make an appointment before hand even though they have stated working hours (Which I am guilty of forgetting also) as they can be fully booked especially on the weekends and they mainly run on return customers now ;)
If you've tried them, let me know ;) Tell them Stephanie their cousin sent you along.
Am I the only beauty blogger (Not even sure if I constitute as one in the first place anyway) who doesn't really like pink as a colour, as a whole? :(
Or maybe I just haven't found something pink that works for me... yet.
That, and referring to the title I also feel lost in the sea of better beauty bloggers. Don't get me wrong, I extremely love reading other beauty blogs and I'm passionate about writing about makeup/skincare/beauty stuff, but I do have other priorities in life. And I have a backlog of reviews to do, but I just need the time T.T
After lusting for so long and waiting for sports shops to stock up on my size, the wait has paid off and I am now an owner of a pair of Gisele Bundchen For Ipanema sandals! Believe me, it wasn't very fun attacking every Royal Sporting House, Studio R and Stadium for the past month for these sandals in my size :P Most of the time they have them in sizes way too small (Think kids' sizes), and I'm normally a size 5!
I got them from Royal Sporting House in 1 Utama earlier for RM 69.90, which is actually considerably cheap for sandals these pretty and these comfy! When I first heard of them I was expecting it to be 3 digits, but the maximum was RM 69.90 and some (If I'm not mistaken) are RM 49.90 depending on design. And as far as I know, RM 3 of the proceeds go to some funds to save the Amazon forest, so you're doing a good deed as well ;)
A closeup shot of the front part of the sandals with the pretty rhinestones. Haven't really worn them out yet, but they really are comfortable from when I've tried them on. The soles are thin and very flexible, and are thus ergonomic. There's been news going around that flip flops/sandals (Normal ones at least) are actually bad for the feet, but flip-flops/sandals that conform to the shape of your feet are good. Mother has a pair of the Gisele Bundchen For Ipanema sandals as well, the thong kind with beadings and she loves it a lot too for a picky shoe lover with arthritis and knee problems!
Anyway, a preliminary video of the video shot my sweetheart and me did sometime in September as part of our University internship project is up on YouTube! Click here to watch it- it's about money and family matters though. My sweetheart and me acted as the children >_> I was actually forced to act since they couldn't find an actress for the role of the daughter... so yeah. My make-up and hair (And sweetheart and everyone else's too) was done by Shegar, a semi-retired make-up artist (Now interior designer) who has previously done make-up for VJs of MTV Asia.
I will review my facial experience at my cousin's salon sometime next week- as I will be going back there to pick up a product on Monday, so I will be taking photos and getting a pricelist of the services they offer :P
I've been doing a fair bit of shopping lately... it's not as much as usual since it's mainly restocking of my HGs or Holy Grails.
I finally managed to get Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder in #12 Translucent Natural from the Make Up For Ever kiosk at Suria KLCC. The Make Up For Ever counter at 1 Utama is either always out of stock for the loose powder or for the colour, so since that day my sweetheart planned on bringing me to Suria KLCC I managed to book one the day before and pick it up :D I've been using #10 Translucent White all the while, but I prefer #12 Translucent Natural as it's tinted. A full review will come soon! And in the meantime, I'm trying to sell off my half-used #10 Translucent White here :P
Went to Parkson at 1 Utama today set on restocking my Origins A Perfect World For Eyes eye cream and getting the Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer after reading about it on My Makeup Reviews and researching on it on Makeup Alley.
The promoter at the Origins counter there was a very nice lady (I'm so sorry I didn't get her name though), and she introduced me to the the Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief. She just said that Origins also emphasises on relaxation and taught me how to administer the product on myself properly- that was all. She then went to write up the confirmation of my purchase for the my Origins A Perfect World For Eyes eye cream. There was no pressure to buy, no rude pushy further explanations, nothing at all. I was quite impressed. She didn't even ask if I wanted it until I asked her how much it was, and even when she replied she didn't do it in a "Buy it!" tone. Very professional in my opinion. It was when she confirmed my purchase for the Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief that I realised that it was part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotion and gave me a pink ribbon and leaflet. So for the whole month of October Origins is doing a promotion for their Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief!
I didn't know it because the promoter didn't push it in my face obviously. And I liked it. I liked how, despite the promotion for such a cause, she didn't push for it directly, but with more subtlety and professionalism. If only more promoters can be like this! Most that I encounter are pretty pushy and scares me away x.X Even my sweetheart was impressed.
A close-up of what I've bought- Origins Sensory Therapy Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief, Origins A Perfect World For Eyes and Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer. They will also of course be reviewed in due time... just be patient and bear with me T.T
I'm going to have a facial done tomorrow by my cousin- a beautician. I'm so excited XD It will be my first since I moved back here and goodness knows how much I need it D:
In conjunction again with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I feel that I'll need to point you to Skin Deco (In conjunction with Total Beauty's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign) for its Paint It Pink! campaign! I'm personally contributing to her Fund-Raising Cosmetic Sale (From my selling blog here) and donating half the money to the Breast Cancer Research Fund- so do support it!
Meanwhile do bear with my updates :x I haven't been out in a few days and I'm currently working on part 2 of the eye makeup review- in which I need the prices for my eyeliners :P
Edit @ 11.54 p.m.: I've been reading My Makeup Reviews and got hit with her idea of HG (Holy Grail)- that one makeup/cosmetic/skincare item that is so important and/or essential to you. It gave me an idea to update on my HGs, but my cousin has borrowed my camera. We'll see how it goes!
Apparently October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with all the major (At least to me :P) beauty sites such as Beetrice's Reviews, My Women Stuff and Beautyholics Anonymous supporting the cause, I've decided to jump in on the bandwagon too! :P Not to say that I'm not a supporter of the cause anyway though >_>
I'm not going to be changing my website to pink (Honestly, I dislike the colour pink in general), but my little sidebar will have an icon supporting Pink For October. I find it very important in general to raise awareness amongst people about the various forms of debilitating diseases our society faces, not just breast cancer, so yeah.
Updates won't come so soon, as I'm going to be busy churning out my first article for the Just Money Asia e-magazine, and if you've also been reading my personal blog, you'll find out that I just got engaged too. Stay tuned though! ;)
