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28 August 2010

Etsy Find: Ring

It's been a while since my last post of Etsy Find. I really think Etsy is a great place to find amazing stuffs. So, today I'm going to share some rings that I like on Etsy. Here they are:








I really love the connector rings, they look really versatile. What about you? Which one do you like?
 

24 August 2010

What's in My Bag & Makeup Bag

I was tagged by Saline of LittleMookaa and Pinky of Sunnipinky to show what's in my bag since like 5 months ago! OMG, I'm really terrible to finally do it this late, I'm so sorry ladies! I don't have any reason for this except my laziness, sigh... Anyhow, here's what's in my bag if you're interested:

I love this bag from Topshop, it's very roomy!

First row: Vintage wallet & makeup pouch.
Second row: iPod, mobile phone, Clorets mints (my fave!), notebook.
Sometimes I carry a book that I'm reading at the moment in my bag too :D

In my makeup pouch:
- Hair brush from The Body Shop
- Little mirror with my Chinese name engraved on it <3
- Biore cleansing oil-in-cotton wipes
- My Beauty Diary blotting sheets
- Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
- Canmake Lip Essence in 01
- Revlon Colorbust in Blush (my fave lipstick for touching up!)


I was also tagged by Rachel of Radiant Make Up to show what's in my makeup bag. The makeup bag I'm showing here is the one that I usually carry for a short trip. I'll carry more stuffs for a longer trip.
I love my Gussy makeup bag!

- Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream SPF20 PA+
- Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover SPF20+ PA+
- Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution Clearing Concealer
- NYX Mosaic Powder in Spice
- Canmake Cream Cheek in 01 Peach Dream
- The Body Shop Retractable Blusher Brush
- Canmake Nudy Glow in 04 Sugar Milk Tea
- BeautyMaker Lip Essence SPF 11
- MAC Viva Glam V
- Carmex Lip Balm
- Cover Girl LashBlast Volume Blasting Waterproof Mascara (Fave mascara!)
- Diorshow Mascara (Mini)
- Revlon ColorStay 02 Coffee Bean (Fave neutral palette!)
- Urban Decay Primer Potion (Mini)
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero & Bourbon
- Koji Eyelash Curler No.71

Yes, I only take one neutral palette with me when I'm on a trip cause  I think it goes well with every outfit and I don't want to take too much palettes with me. That's it, I want to see what's in your bag and makeup bag too! I tag:
(Basically everyone who commented on my previous post, to RicAdeMus: you can also do this tag if you want to! :D)

21 August 2010

Swatch: MAC Hipness Blush

I know it's super late to post about this Hipness blush, and you probably have seen lots of swatches for this blush, but I can't help to do a post for this blush cause it's too pretty to be not posted about :D.
I've never been so lucky to be able to get LE new release beauty products as soon as they're released cause it's impossible to do that from where I live. All I can do is just to admire those of you who have gotten them. But last month, I'm lucky enough to win this Hipness blush from a giveaway that was hosted by Janice of Swtest2Lips, thank you Janice!

I love how she packed everything, even the card is so pretty :)

I love the starfish print on the packaging!


It's a really pretty coral pink shade, and on the picture with flash you can notice that it has a hint of golden sheen.

Swatches.
Left: light-handed, Right: slightly heavy-handed

I was really surprised by the pigmentation! I applied too heavy-handed on my cheeks the first time I tried it and I somehow looked like a clown, LOL. But with light handed, it gives a subtle glowy look on my cheeks. I really love it! It has become one of my favorite blush :)


On another note, I got a love package from Zoe of 13 December. Thank you Zoe, I can't wait to try the Lollipop Blusher :).


Till next time!

19 August 2010

Short Visit to Singapore

I've been away from net connection for a few days since last Sunday (my previous post was scheduled, by the way) as I had a short visit to Singapore to settle some stuffs. I really hate being away from net connection, but I could only get online in Singapore by using public wireless connection with my phone. That doesn't help though, cause by the time I'm at outside, I'll be busy doing stuffs or shopping :D and there won't be enough time to use the connection. Okay, enough rambling, as you might guess, I include some food pics in this post :D. Here are the food that I had for the past few days:

Bibimbap

Laksa

Baked meatballs

Curry chicken baked rice

Lasagna

Dimsum


I've been good for not spending so much on beauty stuffs like I used to, but I did manage to get some stuffs that I've been wanting in Singapore, all of them are eye related products.

Mandom Cleansing Express Eye Makeup Remover
My current eye makeup remover is almost finished so I get this eye makeup remover to try after reading the review from Rouge Deluxe. I haven't tried it yet, will update once I do.

KissMe Heroine Make Mascara Remover
Yes, another remover :D. I get this one because of Yumeko's review, It sounds great for hard-to-remove mascara. Haven't tried it yet though.

Shiseido Mascara Base
I've been wanting this since forever! I can't wait to try it to see how it works on my short and straight lashes :).

Till next time!

16 August 2010

Review: Cellnique Paramedical Part 2

Check the Part 1 here

Advanced Bio Renewal Serum
Price:  US$ 51

Description (from Cellnique):
A unique BioCELL eL formulation which helps reveals a fresh, radiant and healthy looking skin. It promotes cell desquamation which accelerates cell renewal; dissolves pore clogging debris to keep skin clean and clear. It is also effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefit (from Cellnique):
- Promotes cell renewal
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces signs of aging
- Antioxidants

Ingredients List (from Cellnique):
Purified Water (Aqua), PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sour Milk (Lactic Acid), AHA (Glycolic Acid), Idebenone (Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Grape (Vitis vinifera) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, OMC (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate), Saccharide Isomerate, Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), BHA (Salicylic Acid), Dimethicone, Lecithin, Beta-sitosterol, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea.

My Thought:
It has yellowish cream texture and a very strong chemical scent that i don't like. It doesn't absorb well to my skin and it also leaves a sticky feeling on it, I have to pat it onto my skin for a while. Although it was suggested that this serum could be used in the morning, I don't cause my skin will be oilier with this on. But I do find that my pores size has reduced even though it's not that visible.

Pros:
- Hygienic bottle
- Reduce pore size

Cons:
- Leave a sticky feeling
- Strong chemical scent
- Pricey

Rating: 2/5
Repurchase: No.

Intensive Hydrating Oasis Gel
Price:  US$ 41

 Description (from Cellnique):
A highly concentrated Aloe Vera gel-based skin soothing and calming formulation designed for all skin types. This soothing gel is further enhanced with the infusion of Witch Hazel, Horse Chestnut, and Marine Collagen to deliver an ultra effective moisturizing function.

Benefit (from Cellnique):
-  Anti-inflammatory
- Soothing and hydrating
- Promotes wound healing
- Anti-irritant and astringent

Ingredients List (from Cellnique):
Purified Water (Aqua), Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), Marine Collagen, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Extract, Horse Chesnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) Extract, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben.

My Thought:
This is the lightest moisturizer I've ever tried. It has clear and very watery gel like texture, I don't find any scent from it. It's absorbed really well to the skin and leave my skin smooth and hydrated. But the packaging is not the easiest to work with, it's hard to control the amount of the product from the pump and sometimes it doesn't even pump out any product at all. I'm not sure about the wound healing that it claims cause when I had fresh acne scar on my skin, this moisturizer doesn't do much to it.

Pros:
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
- Hygienic bottle
- Very light, not sticky

Cons:
- The packaging
- Pricey

Rating: 4/5
Repurchase: Probably yes.

Advanced Bio Renewal Masque
Price:  US$ 51

Description (from Cellnique):
This unparalleled scrub masque is formulated with bio-captured fresh fruit enzymes and acids complex. It works effectively in exfoliating dead cells, optimizing cellular renewal performance and deep pore cleansing, thus revealing a softer, fresher and healthier skin.

Benefit (from Cellnique):
- Exfoliates dead skin cells and deep pore cleansing
- Optimizes cell renewal performance
- Slows down aging process
-  Instant lightening, brightening and whitening effects

Ingredients List (from Cellnique):
Purified Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Kaolin, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Papaya (Carica papaya) Enzyme (Papain), Phenoxyethanol, Trithanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Pomelo (Citrus grandis) Peel Extract, Pineapple (Ananas sativus) Fruit Extract, Acrylate / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Potassium Sorbate.

My Thought:
This is my most fave product out of the 6 products that I've tried. The texture is clay type with very fine bits in it. It has a fruity scent which reminds me of Pineapple Tart (Kue Nastar) and I really love it. It makes my skin feel really smooth after I rinse it and I feel like I can't stop touching my face :D. I believe that this mask has also made my skin look brighter and fairer as I find that my current foundation looks a bit dark on me now. It's definitely a new love for me :).

Pros:
-Brightening
- Whitening
- Smoothing
- Pleasant scent (for me)
- Mask & exfoliator in one

Cons:
- Can be very messy
- Pricey

Rating: 4.5/5
Repurchase: Yes!


Free Samples!
Cellnique also offers free samples of Advanced Bio Renewal Masque to my readers. First 50 readers that register on their website and enter the following will be entitle to receive the sample:
1. Complete the registration form.
2. Where do you hear about us?: xyyan.blogspot.com
3. Company: your blog's url (if any - and you might stand a chance to do a product review)

T&C: Valid ends 1 week after this post is published and sample delivery within 4 - 6 weeks. Substitutions of sample will be made if sample is out-of-stock.


Disclaimer: The product was sent to me for review purposes. I am not affiliated with the company. This is my honest opinion, product that works on me doesn't mean it works on you and vice versa.

14 August 2010

Review: Cellnique Paramedical Part 1

I was contacted by Cellnique to try and review their products. I told them about my skin conditions, which are oily skin, enlarged pores, black/whiteheads and acne scars. I was surprised that they actually sent a set of all full size products to me.

Here's the guideline for the daily routine:
*click to enlarge*


Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Price:  US$ 35 

Description (from Cellnique):
A gentle yet highly effective foaming cleanser consists of Lactic Acid and Quinine Bark Extract that is formulated for all skin types to remove dead skin cells, all trace of pores clogging debris or impurities and excessive sebum.

Benefit (from Cellnique):
-Gentle exfoliation
-Anti-inflammatory
-Aids in skin moisturizing and softening

Ingredients List (from Cellnique):
Purified Water ( Aqua), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Quinine (Cinchona officinalis) Bark Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sour Milk ( Lactic Acid), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross Polymer, PEG-20, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Triethanolamine, Hydrolyzed Algin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Ethylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Butylparaben, Potassium Sorbate.

My Thought:
When I tried this cleanser for the first time, I struggled with the packaging when I tried to squeeze out the product. It was really hard to press but after I figured it out, it's been so much easier and I love the hygienic bottle. Although it says foaming cleanser, it doesn't really foam. It has a gel like texture and has a very pleasant scent which reminds me of mango. It claims to reduce excessive sebum, but I don't find it do much on my oily skin. My skin is still as oily as before.

Pros:
- Pleasant scent
- Hygienic bottle

Cons:
- No oil control
- Doesn't foam
- Hard to squeeze out

Rating: 2.5/5
Repurchase: No, I'll opt for a better and cheaper cleanser.



Soothing & Hydrating Lotion
Price:  US$ 25

Description (from Cellnique):
This unique complex lotion consist 14 types of plant extracts to calm sensitive prone skin. It helps to refresh tired skin and replenish skin moisture - spray anytime you wish to. This is a hypoallergenic formulation excellent for all skin types.

Benefit (from Cellnique):
-Prevents skin dryness
-Soothing and calming
-Evens skin tone

Ingredients List (from Cellnique):
Purified Water ( Aqua), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Quinine (Cinchona officinalis) Bark Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sour Milk ( Lactic Acid), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross Polymer, PEG-20, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Triethanolamine, Hydrolyzed Algin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Ethylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Butylparaben, Potassium Sorbate.

My Thought:
I love the spray bottle, it's more hygienic and it saves the use of cotton pads. But it also requires more time for it to absorb to the skin. It has ginger scent which I don't like and I have to hold my breath everytime I spray it to my face. But I do think that it's hydrating and it also makes my skin feel smoother although I don't think it evens out my skin tone like what it claims.

Pros:
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
- Hygienic bottle

Cons:
- Unpleasant scent (for me)
- Doesn't even skin tone

Rating: 3.5/5
Repurchase: Probably yes if it's not ginger scent.


Skin Action Sebum Gel
 Price:  US$ 51

Description (from Cellnique):
This is a phyto bio-engineering formulation gel for all skin types to reduce both blackheads and whiteheads on affected skin area without painful extraction. This daily maintenance gel also reduces sebum secretion, leaving the skin clear and producing smooth visible results within 10 days of application.

Benefit (from Cellnique):
-Controls excessive sebum
-Reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads
-Reduces skin inflammatory
-Controls and prevents breakouts
-Increases skin moistures and improves skin elasticity
-Anti-irritation

Ingredients List (from Cellnique):
Purified Water (Aqua), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana ) Extract, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, Poly(Oxy-1,2-Ethanediyl),α-(Donyl Phenyl)-ω-Hydroxy, Sodium Hydroxide, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil, Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Leaf Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea.

My Thought:
This is probably the most raved product from Cellnique and I was really excited to try this and had really high expectation. It has clear gel texture and smells minty. When I applied it on my skin, it feels really cool and fresh, I don't have any stinging sensation. I do feel that it controls my excessive sebum but not much, it just keeps my oily skin at bay for a longer time than the usual. My most concern problems are blackheads on my nose and whiteheads on chin area. I don't see any difference on my nose, my blackheads are still as much as before which really disappoints me. But on my chin area, I do notice that the whiteheads are lesser, you can see from the pics below.

Left: Before, Right: After.

Pros:
- Reduces whiteheads
- Good oil control
 - Cooling & refreshing
- Hygienic bottle

Cons:
- Doesn't reduce blackheads
- Pricey

Rating: 4/5
Repurchase: Most likely yes, I still hope it will reduce my blackheads.


Stay tune for the part 2! :)


Disclaimer: The product was sent to me for review purposes. I am not affiliated with the company. This is my honest opinion, product that works on me doesn't mean it works on you and vice versa.

10 August 2010

I've Been Tagged!

Okay, I confess that it's another long overdue tag post (I'm a lazy bum!). But better be late than never, right? :D.

First, a 12 Questions tag from Kasia (Thanks!). Check her blog if you haven't :).

1. What shoe size are you?
EU 38-39
US 7,5-8
UK 5-6
(I have big feet, LOL)

2. Where do you work?
Currently helping my dad.

3. Favorite piece of clothing you own:
My cardigan I think. I wear it the most.

4. Your favorite blog?
All the blogs that I follow! :D

5. Do you have any pets?
I've never had my own pets, but we do have family pets, we have quite a lot of dogs and puppies at house, like almost ten of them.

6. How many siblings do you have?
Two sisters and one brother :)

7. If you could live anywhere were would it be?
It would be my hometown, I just love it the way it is.

8. What were you doing before this?
Doing skincare routine ;)

9. Your favorite food?
I love most of the food! And I can't decide which is more of my fave between Chinese food and Japanese food. I love them equally.

10. Do you have a middle name?
Yap, Esty. (read: Es-tee, yeah weird spelling)

11. Your favorite websites?
Blogger, Youtube and Twitter!

12. Who do you tag?
All of you! :)

Next, 'Would You Rather' tag from Karen (Allure of CF Beauty). She has a very inspiring blog about cruelty free, please pay a visit to her blog!
Rules:
1. Copy this picture & put it into your own post
2. Answer all questions
3. Tag as many people as you like
4. Tell them that you've tagged them
5. See what they answered!


Be extremely beautiful or extremely intelligent?
Extremely intelligent.

Go without brushing your teeth for a year or go without washing your hair for a year?
None, I can't imagine if I have to do one of them.

Be rich or famous?
Rich. So I can buy whatever I want :D

Have an amazing shoe collection or an amazing makeup collection?
  Shoe collection! They don't have expiry date :p.

Be able to sing or be able to dance?
Sing i think. I do want to be able to dance too, but I'm too awkward.

Be stranded on a Desert Island or in the Desert?
Desert island. It sounds better than Desert.

Have a computer or a TV?
Computer of course! I'll be bored to death with just a TV, LOL.

Wear spots or stripes for the rest of your life?
Hmm.. Spots i think..

Drink out of a teacup or a mug?
Definitely mug. It's easier to hold.

Receive a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates?
Chocolates!

Have a hug or a kiss from someone you love?
Hug, I love to be hugged :D

Wear Converse or Stilettos?
Converse, I prefer comfort :)

Meet Johnny Depp or Robert Pattinson?
Johnny Depp cause I don't like Robert Pattinson.

Be a fairy or a mermaid?
Fairy! Like Karen, I want the magical wand too :D.

Coffee or a cup of Tea?
 Coffee, I like both but I do like coffee better.

Pink nails or Blue nails?
Pink! I have more pink than blue.

Live somewhere sunny or somewhere cold?
 Cold. It's too humid here..

Have an amazing house or an amazing car?
Amazing house. Feel more spacey.

Be kind or funny?
Kind.

Eat sweets or cakes?
Cakes! I'm not too fond of sweets.

Hold a Tarantula or a Snake?
Snake. Although I prefer none.

Wear a necklace or a ring?
necklace.

Laugh or smile?
Laugh. It feels more genuine.

Be hated or be a hater?
Be hater. LOL.

Pearls or beads?
Pearls.

If you had to choose, lose your sight or hearing?
hearing. I still want to be able to have my sight.

Have lots of money or lots of friends?
Lots of friends. Money can't buy friends.

Love or be loved?
Loved. It's good to feel loved :).

 Thanks for the tag, Karen!


Last but not least, 'You're Going Place, Baby' tag from London's Boutique and Dizzy, Thank you!
Rules:  
1) Get the award icon
2) Share with us where you see yourself in 10 years
3) Pass on the award

In 10 years, I probably will be married and have kids. Also have a job that I love and have travelled to places that I want to visit :D.

I pass the award to all of you!!!



By the way, I've just got my camera back!
It was a graduation gift for myself but I found a fault on the lens and had it fixed last month. But they replaced it to a new one for me instead! Yay! :D

Thanks for reading, till next time!

04 August 2010

Finished Products in July 2010


It's my first post on finished products, that's because I'm really slow in finishing beauty stuffs. But in the month of July, I've finally finished some products and I'm proud of myself for that :D. Hopefully from now on I'll be able to finish at least one or two products in a month!

Korres Body Butter in Fig
I got this body butter since last year from Nic. I only used it when I travel since the size isn't that big. It's really moisturizing and it does reduce the dry patches on my skin. But I'm not too fond of the scent, it reminds me of some kind of herbs.

BeautyMaker Anti-Shine Deep Cleansing Foaming Gel
I've done a review about this product here and I still stand by the review, it doesn't have any oil control on my skin. I'm glad I could finish it though..

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturizer
I've also reviewed this here. This moisturizer was finished on time and I'm trying a new skincare which I'll review soon.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream
I got this night cream in sample size. I didn't use it on my face though cause I'm afraid that it's too rich for my oily skin so I used it on my neck instead. And I find it's pretty great cause I notice that my necklines are less visible now :D.

Till next time!


01 August 2010

A Piece of Me... in August 2010

A game hosted by Shirley of Notes from the Toothfairy

This month....
I like: I can't think of anything! Sigh, it's getting more and more boring each and everyday...

I don't like: being alone at home! And I'll be all alone for these two days :(.

I want you to know: You can ask me anything here on formspring! I'll try my best to answer your questions :)

I've planned: to fly to Jakarta to be with my bf, even just for a few days! *edit: I'm in Bintan while my bf is in Jakarta, yup, we're long-distance :)*

I want to say to someone special: I really want to celebrate the anniversary with you <3!

NOTD
Second attempt for french manicure tips! And this time I used O.P.I. in Rosy Mistletoe-Sies. I love how it turned out, definitely better than my failed first attempt. But of course I still need a lot of practices :D.

Till next time!