Sunday, 5 February 2017
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate review
I bought this product during my Japan trip way back in October last year. At the same time as buying and being sold the Synchro skin cushion, I bought the above in the biggest size they have, which is 75 ml.
shiseido ultimune power infusing concentrate claims a number of things. What sold it to me is the fact it helps with anti-aging, smooth out your blemish and enhance your skin complexion.
Price: £130 approx, the yen rate against GBP was pretty poor.
Consistency: White slightly lotion like.
How it feels on my face: I have a combination oily skin and with the all traveling I was doing, my skin was pretty tired, fines started appearing.
After using the concentrate for a few days, I can see my skin looked less tired, more smooth and less blemishes visible. I use it every morning and evening after cleansing my face.
After I applied this concentrate, my skin felt very soft and smooth. You need to put moisturiser after this concntrate, as it does not moisturise the skin.
Conclusion: I love this product. It helps with my aging face. I wish I have photos before and after.
Score out of 5: 4.5 (the .5 because I wish it also provides some moisture)
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact review
I went to Japan October 2016 for a 3 weeks holiday. Me and my hubby went to Tokyo, Sapporo, other parts in Hokkaido and Osaka. With the last stop in a big city, I could not leave Japan without going shopping for beauty products and makeup.
I went to the department store called Hankyo. this Shiseido counter was launching a new product, this is the Shiseido Synchro skin range. I believe the foundation was release some time before.
I have been using this cushion for a while now, so going to make some reviews on this product
The product sites claims the following:
Revives skin’s luminosity
Taking advantage of light technology, it gives skin a polished glow with transparent collecting polymer and Super Hyaluronic Acid.
Protects skin
Specially selected natural ingredients provide skin-supporting powers. Mother of Thyme Extract helps prevent skin damage caused by oxidation*, and Hypericum Perforatum Extract helps prevent skin roughness.*
Responds to your skin
Formulated with Advanced Sensing Technology, it creates dynamic synchronization with your skin, optimizing light, oil and moisture to maintain skin’s beautiful look as skin conditions change throughout the day.
*In vitro tests
My Skin: I have combination oily skin especially on the T zone. Cheeks can become dry in the winter.
First Impressions:
The packaging is pretty neat and chic, its very Shiseido style, the cushion itself has a simple feminine design. Plastic case with a cushion puff that is placed in the upper layer above the foundation itself.
Price: I remember it was around £33. The exchange rate for yen against pound sterling (GBP) was pretty low.
Foundation: thin and light, light to medium coverage. SPF 23
Feel on the face: Using tap motion with the cushion puff, it feels very light, non greasy, nor cakey and feels breathable.
Lasts: by the end of a 10 hour day, its all worn off. I think it only lasts for like 6 hours before a top up.
My score: for winter, my skin needs a bit more coverage, so I use more concealer. so that's 3 out of 5
For summer, I wont tend to use concealer as I do not want to look too heavy with makeup. 4 out of 5.
My verdict: I think its definitely a lovely cushion for the summer rather than winter.
I went to the department store called Hankyo. this Shiseido counter was launching a new product, this is the Shiseido Synchro skin range. I believe the foundation was release some time before.
I have been using this cushion for a while now, so going to make some reviews on this product
The product sites claims the following:
Revives skin’s luminosity
Taking advantage of light technology, it gives skin a polished glow with transparent collecting polymer and Super Hyaluronic Acid.
Protects skin
Specially selected natural ingredients provide skin-supporting powers. Mother of Thyme Extract helps prevent skin damage caused by oxidation*, and Hypericum Perforatum Extract helps prevent skin roughness.*
Responds to your skin
Formulated with Advanced Sensing Technology, it creates dynamic synchronization with your skin, optimizing light, oil and moisture to maintain skin’s beautiful look as skin conditions change throughout the day.
*In vitro tests
My Skin: I have combination oily skin especially on the T zone. Cheeks can become dry in the winter.
First Impressions:
The packaging is pretty neat and chic, its very Shiseido style, the cushion itself has a simple feminine design. Plastic case with a cushion puff that is placed in the upper layer above the foundation itself.
Price: I remember it was around £33. The exchange rate for yen against pound sterling (GBP) was pretty low.
Foundation: thin and light, light to medium coverage. SPF 23
Feel on the face: Using tap motion with the cushion puff, it feels very light, non greasy, nor cakey and feels breathable.
Lasts: by the end of a 10 hour day, its all worn off. I think it only lasts for like 6 hours before a top up.
My score: for winter, my skin needs a bit more coverage, so I use more concealer. so that's 3 out of 5
For summer, I wont tend to use concealer as I do not want to look too heavy with makeup. 4 out of 5.
My verdict: I think its definitely a lovely cushion for the summer rather than winter.
London Marathon 2016 - My First Marathon
This is a very late blog post, I don't know why I didnt write about this earlier, it has been almost a year now.
My first marathon, the full 26.2 miles was in London. I got a ballot place from the Virgin Money London Marathon way back in October 2015. I was very shocked because I hear lots of people who enter the ballot and year after year, they receive the 'Sorry' magazine. I was expecting the same as the year because, I got that same magazine through the post. Anyway, I was very nervous and surprised when I got the 'You're in' magazine!
I went with a training plan online, this was the Bupa beginners marathon training plan. I didn't have high expectations because the only thing I was worried about was that I couldn't make the distance.
I did follow the plan as much as I could, I say I did around 70% of us. It was rough and some days, I just felt like giving up and just having a lie in on Sundays.
From the diet point of view, I did eat more protein and carbs. After most long runs, I would have a hot chocolate. Every day I would have my daily vitamins which was the Alive from Natural Health for Women's Energy. I would say it helped with my push myself onto the scheduled runs.
For after care, post running, most of time, I would have a hot bath with Epsom salts and muscle soak. My calves use to feel so tired and in agony with ache, I used Biofreeze to cool and soothe them. Also I bought myself a handheld massage roller, so whilst resting on the sofa, I would massage my thighs and calves.
Many people use raising money for charity as a motivator for training for a full marathon, I was the same. My company was kind enough to double what I was raise and that helped me a lot and colleagues encouraged me not to give up! It was a local charity, Emily Ash Trust which helps family and kids who suffer through cancer and other illness.
Anyway, I did it, as my photo above show. I didn't worry about my time. 5 hours 56 mins, for the record. I had to stop twice to see friends and family and once for a stretch. It was tough but afterwards I couldn't stop smiling. It was one the best feeling in the world!
I hope this blog post is of some use to anyone thinking of running a marathon.
Happy running!
My first marathon, the full 26.2 miles was in London. I got a ballot place from the Virgin Money London Marathon way back in October 2015. I was very shocked because I hear lots of people who enter the ballot and year after year, they receive the 'Sorry' magazine. I was expecting the same as the year because, I got that same magazine through the post. Anyway, I was very nervous and surprised when I got the 'You're in' magazine!
I went with a training plan online, this was the Bupa beginners marathon training plan. I didn't have high expectations because the only thing I was worried about was that I couldn't make the distance.
I did follow the plan as much as I could, I say I did around 70% of us. It was rough and some days, I just felt like giving up and just having a lie in on Sundays.
From the diet point of view, I did eat more protein and carbs. After most long runs, I would have a hot chocolate. Every day I would have my daily vitamins which was the Alive from Natural Health for Women's Energy. I would say it helped with my push myself onto the scheduled runs.
For after care, post running, most of time, I would have a hot bath with Epsom salts and muscle soak. My calves use to feel so tired and in agony with ache, I used Biofreeze to cool and soothe them. Also I bought myself a handheld massage roller, so whilst resting on the sofa, I would massage my thighs and calves.
Many people use raising money for charity as a motivator for training for a full marathon, I was the same. My company was kind enough to double what I was raise and that helped me a lot and colleagues encouraged me not to give up! It was a local charity, Emily Ash Trust which helps family and kids who suffer through cancer and other illness.
Anyway, I did it, as my photo above show. I didn't worry about my time. 5 hours 56 mins, for the record. I had to stop twice to see friends and family and once for a stretch. It was tough but afterwards I couldn't stop smiling. It was one the best feeling in the world!
I hope this blog post is of some use to anyone thinking of running a marathon.
Happy running!
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
GNR - special race!
Just wanted to share that I am so excited to be running at The Great North Run 2015. I have been running for a few years now and although this is not my first race, I am excited because:
- I got a balloted place for one of most popular races in the UK.
- First time running in a different town away from home.
- I will be running on my birthday!!!
My Scheming Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask Set
Wow, it's been a while since I have written anything for my blog. Time has flown and so many things has happened. Anyway I am back on this and will try and blog more. I promise to blog more on different things from events in my life to beauty products which I like and deserve reviews.
Recently I came across this product whilst stumbling on you tube. I always had a blackhead problem and like many women, you tend to try different products to see what works best. Anyway this is the product which I am surprised and thought 'this is THE ONE' for removing my blackheads.
I believe this is a Taiwanese product, and it boasts that it can remove or pluck out blackheads and whiteheads from the roots (my translation from the product box!). It is a 3 step system so the contents is 3 different products. Following these steps and do not miss any out!
I got this product from eBay at around 10 pounds. I have a feeling its popular in Asian countries, but I have only heard about this product recently. I recommend this product 100%! Thumbs up!
Recently I came across this product whilst stumbling on you tube. I always had a blackhead problem and like many women, you tend to try different products to see what works best. Anyway this is the product which I am surprised and thought 'this is THE ONE' for removing my blackheads.
I believe this is a Taiwanese product, and it boasts that it can remove or pluck out blackheads and whiteheads from the roots (my translation from the product box!). It is a 3 step system so the contents is 3 different products. Following these steps and do not miss any out!
- Deep Pore Sebum Softener. This is a small white bottle of slightly sticky clear liquid. You use this first and put it on the areas where you want to soften the black/white heads. For me, it was on the whole nose and underneath the lip. Wait for 5 mins, then wash it off and leave the areas wet.
- Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask. This is a quite a big tube of black thick carbon mask. Once you did step 1 above, you put a generous amount all over the areas where you want to removal mask to work. For me, it was the whole nose and underneath the lip. Leave it to dry for at least 20 mins. Once dry, peel it from the bottom upwards. You should be able to see all the white and black heads on the dried mask, See pic below

TMI lol...my used carbon mask peeled with lots of whiteheads on! - Skin Clarifying Pore Treatment Essence. This is a small white bottle of essence to tighten, moisturise and hydration your pores. Once all the carbon mask has been peeled or cleaned off (there might be some residue which you might want to get a flannel to get off), put a good amount all over the peeled off areas, i.e. whole nose and under lip. Once this is dried, you should feel it being very smooth and soft.
I got this product from eBay at around 10 pounds. I have a feeling its popular in Asian countries, but I have only heard about this product recently. I recommend this product 100%! Thumbs up!
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Eason's LIFE Concert at O2 London
I had the opportunity to attend Eason's LIFE concert at the O2 in London. My hubby worked as one of the press and obtained a limited press pass.
Eason's Review in Inside Shock
The concert was so good! Please visit my review and put a like. The photos were taken by my hubby, Andrew Chang.
Eason's Review in Inside Shock
The concert was so good! Please visit my review and put a like. The photos were taken by my hubby, Andrew Chang.
Monday, 24 February 2014
FINE Hyaluron & Collagen Review
I just came back holidaying in Thailand and Singapore and had an amazing time. Time spent with my other half is always fun and enjoyable. However this holiday is slightly different, I got to meet some of my friends from around the world. More on that later!
One of my good friends Mich, recommended me to try the FINE Hyaluron & Collagen powder to improve my skin. She has already blogged about it, so I will not go into details on the ingredients and packaging etc. Please read her review http://anonymousmich.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/fine-hyaluron-collagen.html.
Here is the link to more information about this product. http://www.tokyoninki.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=88
I bought my tin of FINE from Singapore Sasa, though you can buy it from Sasa online too. Every morning I have cereal and I put a teaspoon of this powder and mix it with milk before adding cereal.
Taste wise, mixed with milk, its a bit creamy, I think it milk smells rather sweet but it does not taste sweet.
When I got back from my trip, I had several spots on my face and with coming back to UK weather, my skin soon developed lots of dry patches.
I have taken this for 6 days now, I can honestly say all my spots have deflated and look really faint. I have freckles which are not changed in any way but the rest of the skin on my face seems to be clearer as well as brighter. I do still have some dryness but I don't think without moisturising, my skin will get any hydration. When I feel my face, its more elasticated and soft. All in all, I notice a big difference on my face. This is because when I usually get spots on my face, it takes a long time for them to disappear, but this time, its less than one week!
I will continue with this tin until I finish it! So far so good though! Thumbs up!
One of my good friends Mich, recommended me to try the FINE Hyaluron & Collagen powder to improve my skin. She has already blogged about it, so I will not go into details on the ingredients and packaging etc. Please read her review http://anonymousmich.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/fine-hyaluron-collagen.html.
Here is the link to more information about this product. http://www.tokyoninki.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=88
I bought my tin of FINE from Singapore Sasa, though you can buy it from Sasa online too. Every morning I have cereal and I put a teaspoon of this powder and mix it with milk before adding cereal.
Taste wise, mixed with milk, its a bit creamy, I think it milk smells rather sweet but it does not taste sweet.
When I got back from my trip, I had several spots on my face and with coming back to UK weather, my skin soon developed lots of dry patches.
I have taken this for 6 days now, I can honestly say all my spots have deflated and look really faint. I have freckles which are not changed in any way but the rest of the skin on my face seems to be clearer as well as brighter. I do still have some dryness but I don't think without moisturising, my skin will get any hydration. When I feel my face, its more elasticated and soft. All in all, I notice a big difference on my face. This is because when I usually get spots on my face, it takes a long time for them to disappear, but this time, its less than one week!
I will continue with this tin until I finish it! So far so good though! Thumbs up!
Friday, 10 January 2014
Moroccan Fish Tagine recipe
Recently my colleague sent me this recipe, after chatting about wanting to eat more fish this year!
This dish is low in fat as well as easy to make, it tastes fantastic, especially on a winter's evening. Have it with either cous cous, rice, warm bread or whatever you fancy!
Nutritional info:
413 calories
8g fat
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, de-seeded and cut into strips
3 garlic cloves, quartered
2 tbsp paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 can of tomatoes
1 can of chickpeas, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
500g of skinless white fish (like cod or haddock) cut into 1.5cm wide chunks
Zest of 1 lemon
Large handful of fresh coriander, chopped
Method:
There’s a video of the recipe as well
Enjoy!
This dish is low in fat as well as easy to make, it tastes fantastic, especially on a winter's evening. Have it with either cous cous, rice, warm bread or whatever you fancy!
Nutritional info:
413 calories
8g fat
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, de-seeded and cut into strips
3 garlic cloves, quartered
2 tbsp paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 can of tomatoes
1 can of chickpeas, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
500g of skinless white fish (like cod or haddock) cut into 1.5cm wide chunks
Zest of 1 lemon
Large handful of fresh coriander, chopped
Method:
1.
Heat the oven to 180C.
2.
Heat
the oil in a casserole dish and fry the onion and pepper until softened
and then add the garlic. Then add the spices and cook until their aroma
is released.
3.
Stir in the tomatoes, bring up to the bubble, then turn down to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4.
Add the chickpeas and bring to a simmer and season.
5.
Put the fish on top and bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes with the lid on.
The details come from the following link from a Lorraine TV show
Enjoy!
Monday, 6 January 2014
Happy New Year 2014!
Another year, another year older and wiser, time are flying by!
I haven't blogged for a while and feel that I need to make more of an effort with a lot of things. Here is a list of my resolutions:
Happy New Year!
I haven't blogged for a while and feel that I need to make more of an effort with a lot of things. Here is a list of my resolutions:
- Participate and complete 1 half marathon. I am so torn between the Nike Run To The Beat and Royal Parks.
- Stay fit and health.
- Lose weight, personally aim for losing at least 5kg.
- Spend more time when possible with parents. When you know that one day they will leave you and they are getting old, you will learn to appreciate what they done for you and want to spend more quality time with them.
- Take parents on 1 summers holiday. I already have an idea in mind.
- Try and spend this years Christmas or New Years somewhere else, maybe abroad.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Homemade Focaccia Recipe
Since coming back from our holiday in Italy, I have been in love with Italian food, mainly the fresh breads, seafood and fresh pasta sauce. After shopping for focaccia at M&S a few times, I realised I am spending too much money on something which is quite cheap to make. So I decided to sign up for a one off bread making course for my hubby and I.
The bread making course was a Groupon deal. Held at Open Kitchen in Hoxton. Open Kitchen is a local college which provides cooking course and qualifications for trainee chefs.All proceeds go back to Open Kitchen and their services. This place is open for lunch as well. I have never been to this restaurant but whilst waiting for the course to commence, we sat at the dining area and the decor was very bright, colourful and contemporary. It is worth checking this place out!
Below is the recipe I followed.
350g of Strong White Bread Flour
1 teaspoon of salt
10g of yeast
250ml or tepid water
3 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
some sea salt for the top along with some herbs like rosemary or oregano and cherry tomatoes.
1. Mix yeast in some tepid water and use your fingers to dissolve it.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, olive oil and the yeast together.
3. Slowly a bit at a time, pour in the tepid water and mix till you get a flaky dough.
4. Use a bit of flour so the dough doesnt stick, start kneading until the dough stretchy.
5. Put into a bowl, cover with cling film. Leave to prove for 30 minutes.
6. When the dough is twice the size, knead the dough a little more.
7. Using your fingers to stretch out the dough flat.
8. Once it is in desired shape and size, brush with olive oil and decorate with sea salt, rosemary and herbs.
9. Preheat oven to 200C and oven bake for 15-25 mins till golden brown or desired coating.
You need to eat the focaccia within 2 days!
Happy baking! Yum!
The bread making course was a Groupon deal. Held at Open Kitchen in Hoxton. Open Kitchen is a local college which provides cooking course and qualifications for trainee chefs.All proceeds go back to Open Kitchen and their services. This place is open for lunch as well. I have never been to this restaurant but whilst waiting for the course to commence, we sat at the dining area and the decor was very bright, colourful and contemporary. It is worth checking this place out!
Below is the recipe I followed.
350g of Strong White Bread Flour
1 teaspoon of salt
10g of yeast
250ml or tepid water
3 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
some sea salt for the top along with some herbs like rosemary or oregano and cherry tomatoes.
1. Mix yeast in some tepid water and use your fingers to dissolve it.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, olive oil and the yeast together.
3. Slowly a bit at a time, pour in the tepid water and mix till you get a flaky dough.
4. Use a bit of flour so the dough doesnt stick, start kneading until the dough stretchy.
5. Put into a bowl, cover with cling film. Leave to prove for 30 minutes.
6. When the dough is twice the size, knead the dough a little more.
7. Using your fingers to stretch out the dough flat.
8. Once it is in desired shape and size, brush with olive oil and decorate with sea salt, rosemary and herbs.
9. Preheat oven to 200C and oven bake for 15-25 mins till golden brown or desired coating.
You need to eat the focaccia within 2 days!
Happy baking! Yum!
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cleansing Oil review
I have used quite a few different cleansers in the past and some have been alright whilst others had been a bit oversold and I felt pretty much robbed of my money.
I want to talk about Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cleansing Oil by JuJu cosmetics. This is one of my favourite cleansing oils for makeup removal.
The website of the product says the following
"JUJU Cosmetics AQUAMOIST Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cleansing Oil goes deep into skin and melts dirt and make-up in a flash. For mascara and eye make-up that is hard to remove, it also removes thoroughly. It can be used even if your hands are wet. It retains skin moisture after cleansing and leaves skin sleek and luminous."
I have used this product for sometime now and it is one of the best cleansers I have come across. It comes in a pump top plastic bottle and contains a full bottle of the oily product. Most of the packaging is in Japanese since it is a Japanese product, however I bought mine from Sasa.com.
After a day of wearing full face of makeup consisting of liqiud foundation, waterproof mascara, eye liner and concealer, I just want to remove all of it without feeling that I have damaged my skin afterwards. I use 2 pumps of product onto my dry hands and spread it all over my face. Using gentle fingertips to massage my eyes and over my eye lashes. I find mascara is the most difficult to remove since I tend to use waterproof mascara like Maybleine Falsies Waterproof.
The product works with my massages and melts the makeup off. I then use cotton pads to remove the melted residue off my face. Finally I rinse my face with warm water.
The oil smells very inviting with a combination of lemon and grapefruit scent. The oil feels light and easy to massage. It is also very easy to rinse off from the face.
After using this product, my face did not feel dry or tight. However I still use toner and moisturiser after.
Overall great product and will buy it again.
I want to talk about Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cleansing Oil by JuJu cosmetics. This is one of my favourite cleansing oils for makeup removal.
The website of the product says the following
"JUJU Cosmetics AQUAMOIST Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cleansing Oil goes deep into skin and melts dirt and make-up in a flash. For mascara and eye make-up that is hard to remove, it also removes thoroughly. It can be used even if your hands are wet. It retains skin moisture after cleansing and leaves skin sleek and luminous."
I have used this product for sometime now and it is one of the best cleansers I have come across. It comes in a pump top plastic bottle and contains a full bottle of the oily product. Most of the packaging is in Japanese since it is a Japanese product, however I bought mine from Sasa.com.
After a day of wearing full face of makeup consisting of liqiud foundation, waterproof mascara, eye liner and concealer, I just want to remove all of it without feeling that I have damaged my skin afterwards. I use 2 pumps of product onto my dry hands and spread it all over my face. Using gentle fingertips to massage my eyes and over my eye lashes. I find mascara is the most difficult to remove since I tend to use waterproof mascara like Maybleine Falsies Waterproof.
The product works with my massages and melts the makeup off. I then use cotton pads to remove the melted residue off my face. Finally I rinse my face with warm water.
The oil smells very inviting with a combination of lemon and grapefruit scent. The oil feels light and easy to massage. It is also very easy to rinse off from the face.
After using this product, my face did not feel dry or tight. However I still use toner and moisturiser after.
Overall great product and will buy it again.
Thursday, 4 April 2013
First MAC haul and red lipstick
Recently I went on a MAC Technique Masterclass. After the 2.5 hours of fun with applying makeup, we had time afterwards to have a look around the products and make any purchases.
I have never wore a red lipstick before and during our class, I asked for advise from the MAC artist about which kind of red shade which suit me. Apparently I have a warm undertone and would suit reds which do not have a blue undertone. I was more suited to an orange undertone. This is the lipstick I ended up buying.
I also buying a blush powder which has a more peachy tone.
I heard about the paint pot eye creme colours and hear about how good the pigmentation is, so during my class, I tried a very different paint colour. The paint pot is called Let Me Pop. It is a orange and peach tone which will go very well with brown eyes.
Finally this is the what it how it looks on me, though my eye shadow is difficult to see because of my glasses. I am going to try and take a photo of my eye shadow one day.
I felt that the lipstick is too intense red for me, so I lightened it with a tissue. I think the lipstick is more suited for the evening.
I have never wore a red lipstick before and during our class, I asked for advise from the MAC artist about which kind of red shade which suit me. Apparently I have a warm undertone and would suit reds which do not have a blue undertone. I was more suited to an orange undertone. This is the lipstick I ended up buying.
I also buying a blush powder which has a more peachy tone.
I heard about the paint pot eye creme colours and hear about how good the pigmentation is, so during my class, I tried a very different paint colour. The paint pot is called Let Me Pop. It is a orange and peach tone which will go very well with brown eyes.
Finally this is the what it how it looks on me, though my eye shadow is difficult to see because of my glasses. I am going to try and take a photo of my eye shadow one day.
I felt that the lipstick is too intense red for me, so I lightened it with a tissue. I think the lipstick is more suited for the evening.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Clinique Lower Lash Mascara review
Recently, my colleague introduced me to this product, it is the Clinque Lower Lash mascara. I have really short lower lashes and most of the time, I do not put mascara on them because I find the mascara brushes I have are really big and it cannot reach the lashes. I usually just line my lower lashes to try to make them look like I had lashes.
This product is a small pretty patterned tube, around half the size of a normal size mascara. It has a small short brush. The mascara is waterproof and it was intense black. I found is really easy to apply onto my lower lashes and it can coat my lower lashes pretty well.
I like this mascara because after you have applied it, you don't really need to line your lower eyes as it looks rather full. I wore it throughout the whole day and it did not move or smudge at all.
There are cons about this product though. I wished the brush was a bit longer because it was difficult to reach the inner and outer corners of my eyes. When removing this from my lashes using a waterproof eye remover, it took a while. It flaked off it bits but it did eventually all come off and it still did not smudge off in the process which is interesting.
Overall, this is not a bad product. To those who have short lower lashes, it is a good item to have and you will feel that you have lashes on your lower eye for a change and not look like you over-lined your eyes. I wished I have a pic of me with eyeliner and just using this product!
MAC Technique Masterclass experience
It's been a while since I last blogged and I feel like I would be blogging a lot more because I have quite a few different topics which I want to write about. I have been busy with work lately and stressed out. I hope blogging on different things other than thinking about work will help me relax.
Recently, friends invited me to a MAC Technique Masterclass. This is some company offer from my friend and the cost of it is £50. That's a lot, you might think however £50 is in the form of a gift card which you can spend on MAC products, so really it is not bad! I don't really know how much the class is if you were to book it individually though. I have seen similar offers on the discount group sites, e.g. Groupon, so it is worth checking those offers out.
The MAC makeup classes are held weekday evenings, twice a month. They last for approximately 2.5 hours and then 30 mins to chat or look around the store and purchasing any items.
Three of us joined the class which was based at Spitalfields, London. The store was pretty big and as soon as we walked it, there were a lot of MAC staff roaming around and helping people. We were shown to our seats and told to chill and enjoy. They served us drinks and snacks throughout the evening.
The masterclass were split into 3 sessions, however before the class started, we were introduced to the MAC artist who looked after us and helped us pick out our foundation shades. We were asked what we wanted in a foundation. I wanted a medium coverage, not too dewy and blended well with my natural skin colour. We were all give a small sample pot of foundation and concealer which matched our own skin tone. These sample pots were needed for the makeup sessions we were about to do.
There were two models and two different makeup artists at the front of the class doing the demonstrations. One model had fair light skin tone and the other had dark skin. The sessions were grouped into base makeup, eyes and then contouring and blush.
We were talked through how to apply the base, by introducing to us some primers, foundations and concealer. They talked about technique on how to apply the base coat on the face. We were given time in between the session demos to apply the same on our own faces.
Here is a pic of my makeup station.
During our hands-on sessions, we were able to consult with our MAC artist on ideas, thoughts and questions. They were very friendly and helpful. If there were products which we did not have infront of us, they will go and find one which we can use and try out.
The atmosphere was fun and friendly and I think some enjoyed it more than others. There were around 10 of us in this class and roughly the same number of MAC artists. They all were very friendly and helpful. We did not feel any pressure with buying their MAC products at all during the evening.
Here is the list of makeup products I used in the my class.
Mineralise Charged Water - this is to prep and moisturise the face, it felt so refreshing.
Studio Fix NW18 liquid foundation
Prolong wear concealer NW20
Eye brow self sharpening crayon in Spiked.
Paint Pot in Let Me Pop - lovely peachy creamy eye shadow.
Eye shadow in Honesty
Fluidline in black track
Extended Play in Gigablack mascara - nice small brush
Blush in Gingerly
Lustre Lipstick in Cockney
What I learnt that evening?! I think most of things that were said, I have heard before either from YouTube MUA videos or read it somewhere. However I have never had much experience with MAC makeup before so it was an eye opener seeing their products and how they vary. I really enjoyed the evening and time just flew by so quickly. I did buy a few products that evening, which I feel that I am no longer a MAC virgin!
Recently, friends invited me to a MAC Technique Masterclass. This is some company offer from my friend and the cost of it is £50. That's a lot, you might think however £50 is in the form of a gift card which you can spend on MAC products, so really it is not bad! I don't really know how much the class is if you were to book it individually though. I have seen similar offers on the discount group sites, e.g. Groupon, so it is worth checking those offers out.
The MAC makeup classes are held weekday evenings, twice a month. They last for approximately 2.5 hours and then 30 mins to chat or look around the store and purchasing any items.
Three of us joined the class which was based at Spitalfields, London. The store was pretty big and as soon as we walked it, there were a lot of MAC staff roaming around and helping people. We were shown to our seats and told to chill and enjoy. They served us drinks and snacks throughout the evening.
The masterclass were split into 3 sessions, however before the class started, we were introduced to the MAC artist who looked after us and helped us pick out our foundation shades. We were asked what we wanted in a foundation. I wanted a medium coverage, not too dewy and blended well with my natural skin colour. We were all give a small sample pot of foundation and concealer which matched our own skin tone. These sample pots were needed for the makeup sessions we were about to do.
There were two models and two different makeup artists at the front of the class doing the demonstrations. One model had fair light skin tone and the other had dark skin. The sessions were grouped into base makeup, eyes and then contouring and blush.
We were talked through how to apply the base, by introducing to us some primers, foundations and concealer. They talked about technique on how to apply the base coat on the face. We were given time in between the session demos to apply the same on our own faces.
Here is a pic of my makeup station.
During our hands-on sessions, we were able to consult with our MAC artist on ideas, thoughts and questions. They were very friendly and helpful. If there were products which we did not have infront of us, they will go and find one which we can use and try out.
The atmosphere was fun and friendly and I think some enjoyed it more than others. There were around 10 of us in this class and roughly the same number of MAC artists. They all were very friendly and helpful. We did not feel any pressure with buying their MAC products at all during the evening.
Here is the list of makeup products I used in the my class.
Mineralise Charged Water - this is to prep and moisturise the face, it felt so refreshing.
Studio Fix NW18 liquid foundation
Prolong wear concealer NW20
Eye brow self sharpening crayon in Spiked.
Paint Pot in Let Me Pop - lovely peachy creamy eye shadow.
Eye shadow in Honesty
Fluidline in black track
Extended Play in Gigablack mascara - nice small brush
Blush in Gingerly
Lustre Lipstick in Cockney
What I learnt that evening?! I think most of things that were said, I have heard before either from YouTube MUA videos or read it somewhere. However I have never had much experience with MAC makeup before so it was an eye opener seeing their products and how they vary. I really enjoyed the evening and time just flew by so quickly. I did buy a few products that evening, which I feel that I am no longer a MAC virgin!
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Hair Dye Experience and Liese Foam Hair Color review
I had always had my hair dyed at a hair salon, never ever done a home kit hair dye before. Anyway I knew I wasn't going to want to go to a hair salon in UK to dye my hair. I had an awful experience where the colour hardly showed and the stylist insisted it was great! I was like, OK, whatever, I am not doing that again!
Anyway I decided to look for a home kit and properly a good Japanese hair dye kit to help me have my colour till I went back to see my cousin again.
I came across Liese Foam Hair Dye through YouTube. Reading about it, its claims to be very easy to use and have a range of colour which is very suitable for those wanting a Korean or Japanese girly look. The range of browns they have are really nice. I decided to give it a go by buying a kit. I went for the Milk Tea Brown.
I was very nervous and excited to use this kit. Opening the kit it came with everything you need:
- Instructions in Chinese, Japanese and English.
- A bottle of oil solition
- A little bottle of dye
- A foam pout for the oil solution
- A packet of hair treatment
- A pair of gloves.
This is what I did. I put on a towel around my shoulder, brushed through my hair and then put on the gloves. Next I opened the oil solution and dipped my finger in and put it on my hair line and around the ears. Then I tie up half of my hair horizontally. I then poured the contents of the dye bottle into the oil solution. The instructions states that you should not shake the bottle. After putting on the bottle top onto the oil solution, I gently tipped this bottle upside down 6 times. Then starting with my bottom half of my hair, I squeezed the contents out. It came out as a foam and there was a strong dye smell. I advise that you open a window or have some ventilation fan on. I did split my hair into two sections and made sure the foam covered the whole lot. It did take a while to build up the foam on the whole of my head. I used the whole bottle and the top of my head was totally white and covered.
One tip which my cousin taught me which is use cling film to wrapped around your head so the heat of your scalp helps the dye work even better. Anyway I ended up using a disposable shower cap which I had from my holidays and I took from hotels. I put this on my head and then used the towel clean my hairline.
The wait was around 30 minutes. Then I rinsed out the foam till the water became clear. Then using my usual colourant shampoo, I lathered my hair like normal and rinsed thoroughly. Then I opened the packet of treatment which was very hard looking cream, a bit like vaseline. Made sure that my hair had the treatment all rubbed through before another rinse. Then towel dry and blow dry. This is the results
Before... After...
The colour is fantastic, it was not too light or dark, as you can see, my roots are well dyed and the texture after I blowed dyed my hair felt soft, moisturise and smooth. I am so happy at the results! Love this hair colour, it looks definitely like milk tea! Nice one! I think I will buy more and may venture into other tones.
Friday, 18 January 2013
My first 10K race
So for my new year resolution, I am want to run more and not only that, I have signed up for the British London 10K Run. This event will be taking held on Sunday 14th July 2013.
I have already began training for this since I have never ran such a long distance before. I did the 5K run a few years ago but this distance is a challenge to me.
The weather is cold at the moment but I have already started outdoor running. I was very chuffed with myself as I did run over 7.5k so far in one training session. However I heard that you do not have to do the 10k in your training. What is more important is train yourself on endurance and stamina.
My hubby is already cheering me on by buying the Nike Fuel band as well as an ipad mini! Cool! :X
I have not signed up to raise money for a charity as I am still deciding which charity to sign up for. Any suggestions I appreciate! Wish me luck!
I have already began training for this since I have never ran such a long distance before. I did the 5K run a few years ago but this distance is a challenge to me.
The weather is cold at the moment but I have already started outdoor running. I was very chuffed with myself as I did run over 7.5k so far in one training session. However I heard that you do not have to do the 10k in your training. What is more important is train yourself on endurance and stamina.
My hubby is already cheering me on by buying the Nike Fuel band as well as an ipad mini! Cool! :X
I have not signed up to raise money for a charity as I am still deciding which charity to sign up for. Any suggestions I appreciate! Wish me luck!
Labels:
British 10K London Run,
exercise.,
Nike Fuel Band,
running
Dolly Wink Black Eye Liner review
I have been into eyeliners for some time and generally only use gel liners. One of my favourites was ELF eye liner. It came in a small pot with a brush and after much practice lining my eyes, I felt ready to try and use pen eye liners.
Many people on YouTube have rated the Dolly Wink eye liners and when I went to Japan in Nov, I ensured that I went makeup shopping and this eye liner was top of my list.
The packaging is very girly and pink. It definitely appeals to the more girly audiences. I read that the Dolly Wink brand was started by some Japanese model and it probably the girl on the packaging, I am not entirely sure. You can buy these liquid liners in other colours, I believe in brown also. So I bought both one in each other.
Having never tried using a pen style eyeliner, I was nervous about using this as the point of the liner is very fine. However I found the pen very easy and comfortable to hold. You can get really close to your lash line with the fine tip.
These eye liners are waterproof and smudge proof. I have very watery eyes because I wear contact lenses but this eye liner did not smudge or move at all. One test I did before I actually wore it outside, was just draw a line on my hand and then immediately rub it to see if it needed time to dry. No, it did not, it set straightaway and it was pretty fixed that line. This definitely helped me lining my eyes, because I usually blink a lot and with liners, its strained top of my eye lids by then.
Removing this liner is fairly simple. I use just gentle eye makeup remover and that usually removes all my eye shadow and mascara. Then I use warm water on cotton pads and wipe over my lids and lashes. It is the water that helps remove the liner totally. Amazing! Great buy! Love it!
Many people on YouTube have rated the Dolly Wink eye liners and when I went to Japan in Nov, I ensured that I went makeup shopping and this eye liner was top of my list.
The packaging is very girly and pink. It definitely appeals to the more girly audiences. I read that the Dolly Wink brand was started by some Japanese model and it probably the girl on the packaging, I am not entirely sure. You can buy these liquid liners in other colours, I believe in brown also. So I bought both one in each other.
Having never tried using a pen style eyeliner, I was nervous about using this as the point of the liner is very fine. However I found the pen very easy and comfortable to hold. You can get really close to your lash line with the fine tip.
These eye liners are waterproof and smudge proof. I have very watery eyes because I wear contact lenses but this eye liner did not smudge or move at all. One test I did before I actually wore it outside, was just draw a line on my hand and then immediately rub it to see if it needed time to dry. No, it did not, it set straightaway and it was pretty fixed that line. This definitely helped me lining my eyes, because I usually blink a lot and with liners, its strained top of my eye lids by then.
Removing this liner is fairly simple. I use just gentle eye makeup remover and that usually removes all my eye shadow and mascara. Then I use warm water on cotton pads and wipe over my lids and lashes. It is the water that helps remove the liner totally. Amazing! Great buy! Love it!
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Sana Pore Putty Smooth BB Cream review
I have heard so much about this BB cream through people's blogs and online reviews. On my recent visit to Japan, I deliberately went in search of this BB cream and as a top seller BB cream in Japan, it was not difficult to find.
Many drugstores in Japan sell this BB cream, I came across Sundrug, Cosmos and Matsumoto Kiyoshi. I bought mine from Matsumoto Kiyoshi. I paid 1098 yen and I think it was on special offer. I think this BB cream came in different types, from smooth to concealing and sensitive. I bought this blue one which is smooth and help smooth out your pores.
This BB cream states the following:
The texture of this BB cream is very shiny, smooth and not too runny, however it is not as thick as some of the other BB creams out there, for example, the Garnier Miracle BB cream. The Putty Smooth BB cream is very easy to spread across the face. It is very sheer and the the coverage is not bad. I have some freckles and it seems to cover them well. However it does not fully hide away spot, but I feel it does a fair job.
Overall I think this is the best BB cream I have used so far. I love it so much that I have bought a couple of these. Brilliant stuff!
Many drugstores in Japan sell this BB cream, I came across Sundrug, Cosmos and Matsumoto Kiyoshi. I bought mine from Matsumoto Kiyoshi. I paid 1098 yen and I think it was on special offer. I think this BB cream came in different types, from smooth to concealing and sensitive. I bought this blue one which is smooth and help smooth out your pores.
This BB cream states the following:
- Smooths out visible pores
- Shine- free finish
- SPF15
- Long lasting
- Stretch gel texture to blend with your face shape and skin.
The texture of this BB cream is very shiny, smooth and not too runny, however it is not as thick as some of the other BB creams out there, for example, the Garnier Miracle BB cream. The Putty Smooth BB cream is very easy to spread across the face. It is very sheer and the the coverage is not bad. I have some freckles and it seems to cover them well. However it does not fully hide away spot, but I feel it does a fair job.
Overall I think this is the best BB cream I have used so far. I love it so much that I have bought a couple of these. Brilliant stuff!
Friday, 14 December 2012
Our Wedding song - At The Beginning
I have a friend who is currently planning her wedding and was talking to her about her plans. She mentioned about playing her wedding music and the number of songs she has. This made me think back to my wedding.
I think most weddings now have the music Canon D, OMG, it's been played too much and I feel bored of hearing it really, hehe! :P Apart from that piece, me and hubby also picked a very non conventional song to play during our vows exchange and signing of the registry. The song is called At The Beginning and sung by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis, aka Anastasia theme song too. We love the lyrics as it reflects our relationship and love for each other! :)
Here is the lyrics to this song.
We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start
And...
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
We were strangers
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming
How our dreams would come true
(BOTH)
Now here we stand
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
And...
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
And...
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
(BOTH)
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(BOTH)
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on....
Starting out on a journey
(BOTH)
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
I think most weddings now have the music Canon D, OMG, it's been played too much and I feel bored of hearing it really, hehe! :P Apart from that piece, me and hubby also picked a very non conventional song to play during our vows exchange and signing of the registry. The song is called At The Beginning and sung by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis, aka Anastasia theme song too. We love the lyrics as it reflects our relationship and love for each other! :)
Here is the lyrics to this song.
We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start
And...
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
We were strangers
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming
How our dreams would come true
(BOTH)
Now here we stand
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
And...
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
And...
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
(BOTH)
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(BOTH)
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on....
Starting out on a journey
(BOTH)
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
My Christmas nails
This evening, I got the whole house to myself as hubby is off to his company party and will not be home till the next day. He hates the smell of nail varnish. I usually have to paint my nails in the kitchen or conservatory.
Anyway here are my Christmas nails! I got the dotting kit from Japan, so I was trying it out. The kit is called Dot Artist by Beauty World. I bought it from Matsumoto Kiyoshi. This drugstore is everywhere, almost outside every subway or train station in Tokyo. I cannot remember how much it was but it was probably not that much! The kit comes with 3 nail varnish colours, purple, glitter green and gold. The consistency of the varnish is not thick but required a few coats. The dotting tool was very easy to use, it has a large ball tip and a smaller dot tip on either ends. Definitely worth playing around.
Anyway here are my Christmas nails! I got the dotting kit from Japan, so I was trying it out. The kit is called Dot Artist by Beauty World. I bought it from Matsumoto Kiyoshi. This drugstore is everywhere, almost outside every subway or train station in Tokyo. I cannot remember how much it was but it was probably not that much! The kit comes with 3 nail varnish colours, purple, glitter green and gold. The consistency of the varnish is not thick but required a few coats. The dotting tool was very easy to use, it has a large ball tip and a smaller dot tip on either ends. Definitely worth playing around.
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