Friday, October 31, 2008

Get To Know Stephanie/Yukaeshi

Here goes. Stole it from Plue :P

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.

10 Years Ago (1998):
1. I was 12 and sat for my UPSR.
2. I went on a holiday back here to K.L.
3. I had long, thick, shoulder-length hair, which I cut short end of the year because I didn't like it (It was neither curly nor straight nor wavy and I constantly got teased for it- "beehive" was the nickname and I detested it. Looking back I wouldn't mind a beehive wahaha :P)
4. I was always top 3 in class.
5. My primary school headmaster retired.

5 Things On Today’s "To Do" List:
1. Get started on the group report for Philosophy.
2. Do a bit of educational reading.
3. Nap/Catch up on my sleep debt/beauty sleep.
4. Wash my hair (I wash it once every 2 days.)
5. Window shop if possible. Or shop online :P

5 Things That I Would Do If I Were A Millionaire:
1. Travel around the world.
2. Save and invest the money of course.
3. Shop without worrying too much about my bank balance- but within reason!
4. Buy presents for family and loved ones.
5. Indulge a little- spas/facials :P

5 Places I Have Lived:
1. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
2. Labuan F.T. (Where I basically grew up.)
3. Section 14, Petaling Jaya (During the holidays back to K.L. before moving back.)
4. Kepong, Kuala Lumpur (Where I stayed when I moved back here and was waiting for my current residence to be renovated.)
5. Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya (Current residence.)

5 Jobs I Have Had:
1. Student (Still am) :P
2. Office intern.
3. Administrative assistant to Dad's company (Still am when I do go back to Labuan.)
4. Part-time model.
5. Assistant Taekwondo coach.

Tagging anyone interested o.O

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Crunch Time

Going to be on semi-hiatus for a while to concentrate on assignments and reports for University- I have two rather complicated (It is Philosophy after all) reports due on 14th November 2008 and they're my priority for now :P

In the mean time, I've gotten Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H and am loving it so far. I will review it in due time, perhaps after I've gotten those two pesky assignments out of the way.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Of Majolica Majorca And Primers

I am currently looking for a good makeup primer- I'm having my eye on Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie and Shiseido The Makeup Pre-Makeup Cream, but Majolica Majorca is obviously more affordable. However, I am still not a very big fan of liquid/cream primers as I'm worried that it will make my foundation "melt" on me, as liquid foundations and/or BB creams do so :( That's why I prefer powder primers- but at the same time they have a risk of making my skin look excessively powdery :|

Any recommendations for a good primer? My skin tends to get a bit shiny later in the day without one, but at the same time I don't want one that looks/makes my skin look dry and flaky and look pale and pallid if I apply it. Preferably something matte-looking and mainly to conceal pores and control shine I guess :P

I'm also tempted to get and try Majolica Majorca Pressed Fantasia 24H powder... if only Majolica Majorca was available at Watson's nearer to my place! :( I've read reviews on Makeup Alley and that it's pretty good as a finishing powder (Who knows, maybe I could even use it as a primer?), plus it would be handier to carry around than my Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder when I travel :D

Saturday, October 25, 2008

QVS Rubicell Foundation Sponge

This was actually an impulsive buy, but I'm glad I bought it and I'm loving it!



As the name on its packaging mentions, it's called QVS Rubicell Foundation Sponge, and well, it's a foundation sponge. I picked it up from Watson's at 1 Utama and I am currently using it with my Shiseido The Makeup Supplist Poreless Foundation. It costs RM 14- I'm not sure if that constitutes as expensive or cheap for foundation sponge standards, but for me I find it a bit on the pricey side.



The back of the packaging- due to the lighting some of the words may be un-read-able or difficult to read, so I'll type them out:
  • Micro-cell texture.
  • For oil or water based makeup.
  • Low absorption sponge.
  • The is nothing better!
When it comes to applying makeup, the right tools make an enormous difference for ease of application, maximum control and flawless finish.
"What is Rubicell? The latest Japanese technology, it is an ultra fine textured sponge that gives the most flawless finish to your makeup.
Oil resistant so it will not shred or swell, it can be used for applying liquid, cream/powder and stick foundation and also to blend concealer. Can be used damp for a lighter application.
To care for your sponge- It is important to keep your sponge clean. Regularly wash in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Gently squeeze out any excess water and allow to air dry.
"



A close-up shot of the Rubicell sponge, or at least a sad attempt at a close-up. It has a nice soft texture, not latex-y or stretchy like normal foundation sponges, nor it is very soft in a squishy way either. As you can probably see the "pores" of the sponge look smaller too. My initial impression of this sponge is that it is of quite good/high quality material and it impressed me.



It's also very thin as pictured, but like it's description, it doesn't shred or at least does not threaten to shred! With the sponge that my foundation came with I feel that my fingernails are "digging" into the sponge and I worry that one of these days I might damage it (Or shred it @_@), but this problem does not exist for this sponge. The Rubicell sponge is also extremely pliable and flexible, probably due to its thin-ness.

Usage-wise, it feels very nice, gentle and smooth on the skin. It picks up just the right amount of powder and applying it is actually far more easier compared to the Shiseido The Makeup sponge and doesn't seem to "tug" on my skin- a problem I do encounter when using the Shiseido The Makeup sponge that makes application not smooth and the end result of applying foundation uneven and maybe even blotchy. The pliability of the Rubicell sponge also makes it very easy to apply foundation to areas like the sides of my nose and around my eyes. Overall foundation application seems so much more smoother and even and the finishing result is just natural and flawless!

It does live up to its description and I am happy, and it's also right- using the right tools in applying makeup does make a significant difference ;) I'm currently also on the hunt for a good sheer powder brush... any suggestions?



My only gripe with the Rubicell sponge would be that it can't fit into my compact as it's a bit too big- hence it being kept in its original packaging (Which also scored points for being reusable, sturdy and handy too!) :( But I'm definitely going to use it in favour of my old foundation sponge from now on :D A keeper!

P.S. I am so obsessed with flare jeans now! I've always loved bootcut and flare jeans since they flatter my petite silhouette, and flare jeans are "back" in season so I want them! :( I've ordered flare jeans from Victoria's Secret and American Eagle Outfitters, and here's to me crossing my fingers that they will fit :x And in the meantime I want to get a pair of kick-flare cut jeans from Topshop, but I can only do so on Tuesday. I hope they'll still have my size and cut (W27, L30) by then though >_<

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Adieu Mineral Makeup

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.

Monday, October 13, 2008

De Fennel Beaute & Skin Care

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.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I Feel Lost

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

Friday, October 10, 2008

Girl From Ipanema



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

Monday, October 6, 2008

Mini Makeup/Skincare Haul

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:

Friday, October 3, 2008

Total Beauty Total Cure

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!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Pink For October!

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! ;)