Unboxing Sleek Makeup i-Divince Vintage Romance Palette

I'm sure you heard of Sleek Makeup. If you don't, I strongly recommend you to try out their eyeshadow palette. The quality is phenomenal for its affordable and reasonable pricing; Good colour payoff, and the texture is buttery and not chalky at all. The eyeshadows are also long lasting (on my dry lids, at least) even without a primer. No to mention that the packaging is sleek and travel friendly.

I really love all the warm neutral shades (surprise surprise!) such as Meet in Madrid, Court in Cannes, and Propose in Prague as well as 3 of the gorgeous purples in the bottom left corner. This palette is versatile and you can simply create literally any look with it. The only con I can think of is perhaps that eyeshadow fallout is prone to happen so I'd suggest putting foundation only after you're done with your eye makeup.

This is the first product from Sleek I own and I am impressed! I will definitely try out the other palettes. More are on the way...

Another Milestone

I can finally say this -- I did it! I got out of school!

Well technically, I finished school last July, as I spent my last semester in the internship programme.
The convocation was supposed to be just a ceremony -- I left school half a year ago, I already bid my goodbye before I left for my hometown, it was just a ceremony, I shouldn't be able to feel a thing... But it is not just a ceremony.

It is a turning point, it is an official farewell, it is everything.

The fact that I won't be seeing all those familiar faces everyday anymore still saddens me, especially people that know me better than I know myself, as well as friends that I've grown close to.

We've been though so much together, sometimes we see each other more than 12 hours a day. They've become my second family, and a staple of my life.

Of course we're still friends, and I know they will always be there for me as I will for them. But deep down we know something yet we refuse to say it out loud: Everything's changed, and it will never be the same anymore.

That devastated me.

None of us wanted to acknowledge that. But in the end, on the night we gathered after the ceremony, we hugged and we cried before saying goodbye to each other. 

Someday in the future, when I thought of this day, I'd remember me standing on the stage, marching toward the chancellor; my classmate/partner/friend, presenting her valedictorian speech and how proud I was of her; flowers, cameras...... And most importantly, all those familiar faces that I grew very fond of, and how much our friendships meant to me.

Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Palette

Rose gold is my Kryptonite.
But the price of Urban Decay Naked 3 is too steep, I just couldn't bring myself to purchase it.
Thank God Makeup Revolution came up with the Iconic 3 palette, which is said to be the exact same dupe of Naked 3.
I can't really comment on the dupe since I do not own Naked 3, but judging from the swatches on other beauty blogs, I gotta admit - they're really really similar.
I am really impressed by the quality of the shadows. The pigmentation is really good -- even the matte shades! Matte eyeshadows that you can find in the drugstores always turn out powdery and chalky but this palette is definitely an exception.
Plus, the texture is so buttery and beyond amazing, even though there can be a slight fallout especially for the shimmer shades. The eyeshadows last a long time on my lids too, but if you're worried about the longevity, it can simply be solved with a good eye shadow primer. (My recommendation - UDPP or Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer.)
This palette merely costs RM32, which is obviously so much more affordable than Naked 3. I definitely recommend this baby to anyone who is considering a rose gold to neutral eye shadow palette but is under a tight budget.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in: Exposed & Blissful

Am I the last one to board the Tarte blusher choo choo train? Seems like it, yikes.

Let's start off with Blissful, which looks a little bit like Nars Orgasm -- sans the glitters of course. It has a rosey-pink tone and it looks amazing - a very natural, pinkish glow.
But what really impressed me is Exposed, which has been a cult favourite since like forever, yet I only managed to lay my hands on it recently.
And fortunately it does live up to the hype! I was initially worried and even sceptical -- 'cuz let's be honest here, first off, the colour shown on the pan is meh. Plus the pigmentation doesn't look that great on swatches, and what if the nude-beige tone won't show up on my medium skin tone?
But surprisingly, it somewhat looks flattering on my cheeks; I have never come across a blusher that looks so natural. It gives a sun-kissed, healthy glow and what everyone said about Exposed are true -- It goes along with every kind of makeup. Ever since I purchased it, Exposed has been my absolute favourite and I always throw it off on my cheeks even on work days. It is indeed a subtle, not-over-the-top, no-makeup-makeup blusher.

One thing about Tarte Amazonian Clay blushers is that it shows up crappy on swatches; it's not buttery, it's not pigmented, it's not even powdery -- it's mediocre. And flat.
You'd probably look at the swatches and wonder to yourself, will the pigmentation even show up on my skin with this kind of crappy texture? But let me tell you, a little goes a long way. Don't make a mistake that I did -- I underestimated the pigmentation and I ended up having clown cheeks. I have definitely learnt my lesson. So trust me people, the colour will definitely show up on your cheeks even with a light swirl on the pan, no worries. Light handed is the key!

Oh, I forgot to mention... I kind of impulse-purchased another Tarte blusher in a recent Zalora haul as well. Hee. But until next time! x

My Top 5 Favourite Youtubers - Part 2!

Check out part 1 here.

Yes. I am obsessed with Youtube. I spent most of my times on Youtube. I watch all kind of stuff, from beauty related videos to gaming videos to late night shows. I have a problem, I know. Anyway, let's get started.

1. Pony

I. ADORE. Her.
For those who have no idea who she is, Pony is a Korean MUA and she has a beauty segment on InsiteTV, Pony's Beauty Diary where she has tons of beauty tips and tutorials.
Despite that, she has recently created her own channel and she stated that she will start doing product reviews and more tutorials that her fans demand. Eeeek! *happy squeaks*
So guys, if you're a fan of Pony, make sure you subscribe to her new channel!





She also recently did a collaboration with Memebox to create her own eye shadow palettes and quads. I would seriously purchase them if they provide shipment to Malaysia.


2. easyNeon

Diana is born and raised in Moldova. When I first watched her video, I thought she was a MUA because her blending technique is insane and her winged eyeliners are ON POINT, 24/7. I also love how she films and edits her video - Her soundtracks are amazing (and more to my taste). Another fact that I love about her is that she doesn't put tons of makeups on her face like how the other Youtube beauty "gurus" are doing - Intense contour and highlight, full coverage of foundation and concealers - Nope, that's not Diana do her thang. She understands less is more and I appreciate that.







How can someone be so elegant, classy and timeless?
It's not about the way she looks but rather how she carries hserself.

To put words into simpler terms, I'm in love with her.


3. BEAUTYQQ // Queenie Chan

Queenie Chan is a Hong Kongese. She used to work for TVB and she just got back to the airline industry (her portfolio is very long). She is quirky and humorous and she does makeup tutorials occasionally, but most of the time she acts as a life coach (well at least to me), and that is why I enjoy her videos so much. I always feel better after watching her videos. And again, we share the same taste in music (a bonus!).

Something she said that I will always remember,

"其实快乐真係好简单 唔好成日抱怨上天对你唔公平 路係自己行嘅 唔去努力 只想不劳而获 呢d 係傻仔傻妹先至会讲嘅说话 对于梦想 我们要一不做二不休 用心做到最好 咁样就一定会成功的了."

I've never met someone who love, appreciate and enjoy life as much as she does.
She is my spiritual guidance and I look up to her alot.


4. NikkieTutorials

I have no idea why have I not discovered her earlier. She is a dutch hair and makeup artist (like, a legit and professional one, click here to learn more about her) and she has a very impressive portfolio but wait, she's only 22! How is that even possible? Young and successful, that is definitely Nikkie. (Ya'll seriously need to check out her portfolio, she did lots of fashion editorial shoots and her works are amazing!)







She has amazing skills, nuff said. Besides, she is genuine and honest and her bubbly personality always makes me laugh. I admire her alot.


5. LipglossLeslie

She deserves more subscribers imo, definitely underrated. I recently stumbled upon her channel while searching for a product review and boy am I not disappointed. I can always count on her before purchasing something as Leslie gives the most honest, on point and descriptive review (and/or comparisons) ever.







She also got me into starting my Tarte blush collection. Teehee.


Anyway, I hope you guys will enjoy their videos as much as I do.
Till then. x

Taiwan Photolog #2: Flower Craze

Confession: I have a thing for flowers, and fancy chandeliers.

March Sephora Haul!

You know what? I blame Sephora. They keep shoving us 10% discount vouchers, I feel guilty if I didn't get the chance to use them. So one day I walked into Sephora with a shopping list and a heart full of determination, only to find out that most NYX butter glosses and matte lip creams I wanted were out of stock. What? No!

Well the good news is, Sephora was having a promotion at that time so I ended up getting 15% discount on all purchased items, yay!

First up, I picked up Triple Action Cleansing Water from the Sephora Collection as my friend recommended it to me. I also want to compare it to my HG Bioderma Sensible H2O Micelle Solution as they are actually quite similar except for the price tag. Come on - let's face it, Bioderma is extremely expensive.

I also got a lip product from the Sephora Collection which is their Cream Lip Stain in 04 Endless Purple. It is a wine burgundy red lip cream (sort of like a liquid lipstick) that gives a matte finish and it looks so pretty on my Youtube crush Diana (Easyneon). She used this in one of her tutorials and I know immediately that I had to have this.

Another lippie I picked up is the NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel (BLG08) and I am really loving it so far! It has a lovely peachy-pink tone and it just looks so natural on me. It has definitely become my new favourite MLBB, I'll tell ya that.

Next up, I got my HG Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray as I've used up my travel size one which I got from the previous haul. This setting spray - I kid you not - is the bomb. It not only makes my makeup last whole day but also somehow reduce the cakiness and powdery looking feeling. 

I also picked up a sample size Tarte Maracuja Oil while queueing for payment at the counter. That row of mini/travel size products which is strategically located ithere... It always sucks me in like a black hole 'cuz I want to impulse-buy all of them! 

Anyway, this bottle of wonderfulness comes in 0.5 fl oz while the normal size contains 1.7 fl oz. I have heard so much about this so when I saw this standing beside the aisle with a RM50 price tag, I snatched it immediately. Maracuja oil is actally extracted from passion fruit and it contains a large amount of essential fatty acids and vitamins that will help to recharge and replenish our skin, well, at least according to Tarte.

Every night I put 2 drops of this maracuja oil onto my palms and gently rub them against each other. I then massage them into my cheeks which become rather dry due to the rough weather at Taiwan.  So far it doesn't break me out, it absorbs well and it really moisturises my skin. I highly recommend this to anyone with dry skin!

Lastly I picked up two Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed and Blissful. Call me crazy but this is actually my first step in starting my Tarte blushes collection, hee. Well I couldn't resist, they're so pretty and good quality that I am actually thinking of getting either Natural Beauty or Babydoll next. (...Or maybe both?)

Freebies time! Sephora kindly gave me the samples of Fresh Soy Concentrating Eye Makeup Remover, Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream, Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil, Total Age Defy Cream from their house brand..... and a 3-step sample kit from Biotherm Homme.

I mean, I learnt from a video that the whole skincare for men and women are just a common gendered marketing technique but still, seriously? Come on man. Well that aside, definitely looking forward to trying all the samples out! :D

I also received a black and white bedroom slippers for being a black card member. I was initially feeling happy from getting freebies until my mom started shouting at me for accepting shoes during Chinese New Year. Yikes. (Shoes are pronounced the same way as 'evil' in Mandarin and as a part of Chinese culture, it is considered bad luck to accept shoes as gifts during the new year.)
Sorry mom. But thanks anyway, Sephora. 

Current Favourite: Unix Take Out Mini Multi Iron

I first saw this in one of Shu Ann's Tried and Tested episodes where she visited Seoul. I was immediately attracted by the vibrant colours of these curling tools. These travel-friendly mini irons are only as big as my palm and I was very fortunate to be able to track it down at Watson during my trip to Taiwan. And what's more, I paid NT$399 (~RM47) instead of NT$499 (~RM58) all thanks to some anniversary event Watson was having at that time. I opted for the Multi Iron which can be used to straighten and curl hair and it comes with a pouch and a cord holder.

I usually apply Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion (a heat protectant spray) and Ma Cherie Decoration Keep Spray before and after curling my hair. I only curl the end of my hair as recently I've been loving an airy and simple look over big bouncy curls.

This is how it looks like after some time even after setting my hair with spray. The curls as you can are not very lasting, I must say.

If I'm not wrong, Unix can only be found in Korea and Taiwan at the moment. But you can also get it online either through Ebay, Amazon, Taobao or Qoo10.

Is this absolutely necessary? Honestly, no. You can recreate what I did here using a straightener or a curling iron. But like I said, I was sold when I saw how tiny and cute and colourful they are. But if you're a frequent traveller, why not? But heads up, this might not be suitable for people with long and thick hair as the wand is fairly tiny and it might take ages to style.

FYI: The little black circle at the bottom left corner in the last picture is the eye of my crocodile plush toy I got from Ikea. Yup. I am 20 something (the exact number is a classified information!) and I still own plush toys. Totally normal. *awkward giggles*

Innisfree Long Wear Cushion SPF50+/PA+++

Don't you find it annoying when your foundation melts under the sun? Innisfree Long Wear Cushion debuted last summer to target this exact problem. With Malaysia being hot and humid, I thought I'd test it out and give it a go.

After wearing it for a couple months... I dunno. I have mixed feeling towards it.

Do I like it? Yes.
1. The coverage is good; it has medium but definitely buildable coverage.
2. Light-weighted, feels like nothing on my skin. (FYI, I hate the sticky feeling that heavy foundation usually leaves on my face.)
3. It gives a matte finish.
4. And not to mention that you'd only need roughly 1 to 2 minutes to apply foundation on your entire face.

But why do I feel slightly eh?
1. THE SCENT. The foundation gives off a herbal scent. I usually have high tolerability towards scent but this herbal smell is really really unpleasant.
2. Long wearing? Not quite. It kinds of slide off after 6 to 8 hours so I always have to make sure I apply some powder and a finishing spray to set it.
3. It gradually oxidised so my face always looks kinda dull at the end of the day.
4. Only 3 shades available. I know this is a common problem within Korean cosmetics but still. Come on man.
5. Looks cakey and powdery on my dry cheeks.

You are probably screaming at me after reading #5. "It targets people with oiler skin!" I know I know. But I was sold when it states that it gives a matte finish.
So if you have dry skin or you are looking for a dewy finish, this is probably not the one for you. (You can opt for Water Glow Cushion instead.)

Should you give it a try? Yes.
Do I like it? It has its flaws but I really like it and I can work my ways around it.
But is it a Holy Grail foundation for me? Probably not.
Perhaps I should try Water Glow Cushion next time.

Ah well. The search continues.