Smashbox + VLADA Petal Metal Highlighter in Glided Rose

 

One day I got a notification from the Sephora App on my phone that a new product came in. It was the Smashbox + VLADA Petal Metal Highlighter. And it was limited edition. There were not much reviews online as it was newly released and it was limited edition. But as soon as I saw the packaging, I was instantly sold!

There were two shades available. Glided rose - described as a gold with pink/gold pearl. Rosmantic - described as soft rust with gold pearl. Rosmantic looks so good in the pan and it matches the packaging more but my instinct drew me to Glided Rose.

The price was really steep for a highlighter at RM170 (USD$39 on the Smashbox website). But the impulse kicked in and I placed my order. When I received it, I was as smitten as when I first saw it on the Sephora app. :)

My two cents on the packaging:

Pros

The 3D rose on the compact is absolutely stunning

Magnetic closure

Decent sized mirror

Cons

The packaging looked more rose gold rather than pink on the website, but it is a full on pink

You see silver when the packaging reflects light (refer to first picture above)

The packaging is rather bulky

This highlighter is powder form and the product itself is very nice. I'm glad I chose Glided Rose because it is suitable for Asian skintone. In the pan you see it is fully golden, but the pink tones show up once swatched and blended.

The glitter in the powder is not chunky but rather a sheen, you can definitely see the specks of glitter on your skin when applied. Some people may not like that so take it into considering before purchasing! I however prefer more striking highlighters so this is a plus for me. And it shows up nicely on my skin. :)

Would recommend this if you don't mind the bulkiness of the packaging and the price tag. It is a beautiful ornamental piece to add to your makeup collection!

With all the love,
Kxin

Japan Drugstore Haul 2017

Similar to many ladies whom visited Japan, I went to Japan last September and came home with a bag of things from the local drugstore. :) I should actually name this post "YouTube Made Me Buy It" lol because I did research before going to make sure what I wanted and got are only good items.

The mud cleanser in the green tube is very nice- thoroughly cleanses the skin but doesn't feel dry after. The Sana series (豆乳) facial cleanser and toner I do really enjoy. For people who do not enjoy scented skincare, you'd be pleased to know that these products are not scented and skin always feel great after using the combo!

The Babyish sheet mask pack has 50 individual sheets masks in it! I got the white one which is for whitening while they have a pink one for moisturising. The texture of the sheet mask is relatively rough and dry as compared to your normal individual packed masks. But for a value pack of 50 and for the convenience, no complaints about getting it!

If there are any items I didn't mention but you are interested in and would want more details on, do let me know in the comments. :) Generally I enjoyed almost everything I got but I want to specifically review a few items below.

I needed a compact powder and I got this one from Canmake.

The packaging is the prettiest thing! It is gold and shiny with lace-like embroidery on the rim. The powder is very fine, velvety smooth, and on the skin it is mattifying and gives additional coverage. They have an invisible one too if that's what you prefer! Don't really remember the exact price but for 10g of product, after conversion it was only around RM20+! I checked our local Canmake store and retail price here is RM50+. Really recommend this. :)

I also got their eye shadow primer, Canmake Lasting Multi Eyebase.

My eyelids are naturally very oily and eyeshadow usually doesn't last. I've previously tried the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer but it was not effective on me! This one from Canmake however does make my eyeshadow last, even after my dance performances, and I am very impressed!

Chocola BB Lucent C is a drugstore supplement that is said to combat the melanin production on the skin and lightens dark spots and freckles. I was so intrigued the first time I found out about this! I have dark spots on my face and I was really looking forward to trying this in hopes of it combating my troubled skin! You have to take 2 tablets 3 times a day and I had them religiously. The price is around the ¥3000 (RM100) per bottle.

Verdict: not effective on my. Maybe I have to have to continuously take the pills to see results, but after one bottle, I do not see any improvement on my troubled spots.

DHC Supplements were famous among Japanese supplements as they are relatively inexpensive. This pack of DHC Vitamin C containing 120 capsules was around ¥400 only! These are fuss free and inexpensive way to add Vitamin C to your diet which helps improve the skin.

Meanwhile this was my favourite purchase from my Japan haul- Minon Amino Moist Gel Pack. You use it as last step after completing your usual skincare regimen and it helps to lock all the moisture into your skin. It was around ¥2000 mark (~RM80).

I brought it with me on my Boracay trip to help surge moisture back into my skin after much sun exposure from water activities. I used it every night for the whole trip as a one step night time skincare after cleasing and I always woke up with super soft skin. Really recommend this too!

Japan drugstores are amazing and has loads to offer but do bear in mind you may get overwhelmed by choice! I would recommend doing your research thoroughly before going. :) 

Hope you find my post helpful in making your future Japan drugstore purchases!



With all the love,
Kxin

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream - Discontinued

I am a CC cream kinda gal! On days where full on makeup is not required, I would slab on my CC cream, eye brows and some blusher and I am out the door. I love it for the convenience and light coverage.

And as you can see from the state of the product, this Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream is well-loved! And for a 40ml product it lasted me more than 6 months.

A throwback pic of a haul I had back in 2017 when I got my second tube of the CC Cream.

This product has SPF 30/PA+++ which gives sufficient coverage against sun damage for daily use. CC Creams are supposedly makeup but I love that they have skincare properties as well! It also contains hyaluronic acid, which provides hydrating properties and boosts skin elasticity. Clinique claims that the more you use the better your skin to be.

 The first time I got introduced to this product was when I was in the UK, where the weather is exceptionally dry. Nowadays back in Malaysia, I still wear this everyday to work and on off-duty days when I do not wear foundation.I have oily combination skin and this product works well with my skin.

As CC Creams are part skincare part makeup, I would not go on to say that the light coverage is a down point of this CC Cream. I have sun spots on my skin and the CC Cream does not cover all of the sun spots. I would say this is a light coverage but evens out your skin tome and gives you a 'your skin but better' effect.

One thing I notice though is that this product tend to oxidise, especially after you sweat. So if you get a exact colour match, once you sweat your face will end up slightly darker than your neck LOL.

Very much enjoy this product on me and would highly recommend getting a lighter shade than your skin colour to combat the potential oxidation. :)

I will not be purchasing my third tube after this one because SADLY IT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. :( So this shall be a tribute post to a product well-loved. You will be missed!



With all the love,
Kxin

NARS Audacious Lipsticks: Review & Lip Swatches

NARS Audacious Lipsticks were new releases back in 2014 and for that line, NARS released 40 gorgeous semi-matte shades. I have 12 of them and I'm here to review them for you!

Let's start with the packaging. The NARS Audacious lipsticks' shape is similar to the classic NARS lipsticks in the sense that they are rectangular shaped but the NARS Audacious Lipsticks' casing is made of metal which makes it heavier. When you hold it there is some weight to it and you can feel that it is very well made.

It has a sleek matte black appearance and magnetic closure. The classic NARS lipsticks has the brand printed on the cap in white but the NARS Audacious lipsticks has the brand name printed on the body in shinny black, which adds to the luxurious and sleek appearance.

With the magnetic packaging the lipsticks can be stuck together for easy storage.

Price:

I got my Audacious Lipsticks in the UK and each retails for £24 each for 4.2g of lipstick. In Malaysia, each retails for RM101 which is cheaper than if you buy them in the UK!

See below the swatches of the lipsticks that I have:

My thoughts on the formula is that they are very pigmented with smooth, creamy finish. Easy applicable as one swatch is all you need to get the full colour on your lips. Above are all one swatch and you can see how pigmented they are! These are semi matte hence not as difficult to apply as matte lipsticks and has a slight sheen. Usually mattes are drying on the lips but these aren't at all! 

And let's move on to the lip swatches of the individual lipsticks:

Grace is described as bright pink coral and it is the deepest shade among my three corals. In my opinion corals really compliments Asian skin tones and if you do not particularly like red lipsticks this can be a very nice substitute!

Kelly is described as coral hibiscus and it is a beautiful pink-based red.

Natalie is described as flamingo and it is a beautiful pink coral shade. 

This is the perfect shade for my skin time and perfect for everyday wear. And since this is my first NARS Audacious it will forever be one of my most loved!

Michiyo is described as shocking pink and it is a blue-toned bubble gum pink. It is one of my favourites because it is girly and bright but not too overly dramatic.

Julie is described as a nude pink on the NARS website. 

For fairer skins though this would be the perfect everyday nude lipstick. For people with tan skins, this shade will look super pretty paired with dramatic smokey eyes. I am not particularly fair so this shade is not too flattering on me when worn on it's own or with neutral makeup, but I'm sure I will make a lot of use of it when I go for more dramatic makeup looks.

Carmen is described as geranium and it is a classic true red. To me this is the perfect red lipstick!

Annabella is described as poppy red and it is a red with the slightest tinge of orange. So for people who likes warm toned reds you can go for this one! As compared to Carmen above, Carmen is a more sophisticated red while Annabella is a red suitable for more casual day wear. In my opinion the two are not really distinguishable and you definitely do not need both so it really depends on your needs.

Lana is described as vivid orange red. It is a very wearable red and in my opinion this shade would suit anybody.

Geraldine is described as tangerine and it is the very bright orange shade. It reminds me of the very popular orangey lip colour from MAC Morange.

Liv is described as deep aubergine (aka eggplant/brinjal). It is such a beautiful shade but not for the faint of heart! It is a beautiful deep colour and when you wear it it makes you feel so powerful. Honestly I've not worn this because dark shades like Liv is not my preference. Can't deny that it looks super beautiful on though!

Fanny is my favourite shade out of the 12! It is described as deep berry. It is perfect for fall/winter and is so beautiful to wear. The skin also looks brighter when I have this shade on.

Last but not least, Dominique is described as pink lilac and it is a very pretty light purple shade. Sadly though it has a very blue undertone that does not suit my skin tone at all.

Hope this post has been helpful in helping you choose your NARS Audacious lipsticks!



With all the love,
Kxin

Tarte Holiday 2017 Limited Edition Posh Pout Lip Set

Received the beautiful Tarte Limited Edition Posh Pout Quick Dry & Glossy Lip Set for Christmas and I knew immediately I want to make a review of it.

Before that, let's all take a moment to appreciate how beautiful the packaging is!

This Christmas Tarte came out with their new limited edition packaging of middle-easternesque patterns matched with gold, which is to die for.

This limited edition lip set comes with 8 pieces of mini sized liquid lipsticks (1 ml) further divided into two individual gift boxes - 4 Tarteist Glossy Lip Paints and 4 the Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paints. So you with one lip set, you can gift it as two separate gifts to two very lucky make up lovers! Each mini lipsticks has its own unique print on the cap and the gold lettering makes them look so festive and fancy!

My Secret Santa mixed and match the sets and I received 2 Glossy Lip Paints (Eager, Crown) and 2 Quick Dry Lip Paints (Reign, Valor).

Scroll down to see swatches on my lips!

EAGER

Tartiest Glossy Lip Paint 

Peachy nude

CROWN

Tarteist Glossy Lip Paint

Deep wine red

REIGN

Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint

Deep mauve 

VALOR

Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint

True red

The award for the nicest packaging goes to Crown!

Between the two types I would prefer the Quick Dry formula because the formula is lovely, easy to apply and very comfortable to wear. One swipe is all you need to get the true colour. My favourite shade among the two mattes is Reign because I am usually drawn to mauvy shades and it is a very wearable everyday colour. The shade comparable to MAC's Syrup despite the different finishes.  Valor is very pretty too! A classic red that glams up any makeup look and as it take seconds to dry, you wouldn't have to worry about having red stains on your teeth while wearing it.

Meanwhile the Glossys' are quite a hassle to apply and I do not particularly like to flat applicator. It is definitely shiny though if that's you thing! Eager is just not a shade that suits my skin tone. I am definitely too tan to wear it on its on and I don't see myself reaching for it that much.  As for Crown, if you look at my 2nd lip swatch picture for above (1st picture is one layer), I have applied two layers yet you still can see my lips peeping through. Despite it, I can see myself wearing it because the colour is so sexy!

Since Christmas is over, instead of having to worry about giving gifts to others, time to finally treat yourself to something nice. Each set of 8 retails for RM175 but is now on sale on its website for RM97 only! 

P/s This blog is my 2018 project and its something I've been wanting to do for quite sometime now. Let's see where it takes me. Wish me luck!




With all the love,
Kxin