&Follow SJoin OnSugar

Lip Swatches: Lancôme Rouge in Love - 132M & 365N

By icyabstract · June 3, 2012 · 4 Comments ·

After patiently waiting for word after the US launch of it, Rouge in Love is finally available island-wide on our shores!

Though, as I had mentioned in the introductry entry, our shades are not the same as the US in terms of formulation and color selection.

I would admit, I was initially bummed-at-first-swatch due to the expectation I had of a vividly creamy and opaque color, only to be met with a glossy and slightly translucent swatch.

Though after giving this a chance, my mind has been changed and I am starting to enjoy how these lipsticks look and feel on.

I have 2 shades to share but before I delve into the shades, I first want to showcase the elegant-looking lipstick bullet.

The 'panel' with Rouge in Love inscripted on is meant to mirror a... mirror! The idea is hinting at the romantism of scribbling a note on the mirror for your lover who hasn't risen from slumber.

There are also stocking holstery designs along the side (how sexy) and a very classic looking lipstick base design.

Quickly recapping, Lancôme's Rouge in Love lipsticks aim to capture 3 different moods and times of the day - Morning, Evening and Night.

It was incredibly hard settling for just one or two when you have 27 beautiful shades in front of you but after much swatching, I ended up with one for the morning and one for the night.

In order of time, let's start with 132M, Corail in Love.

Coincidentally, when I was checking out the US Rouge in Love swatches, I zoomed in on their version of Corail in Love (which isn't entirely the same as ours).

The version we get appears to be more coral, less pink (I think?) and with a natural edge due to the translucent glossiness.

This is a perfect perk-me-up lip color without looking too stark despite the inclusion of coral - refreshing yet subtle for the day!

Moving on to the night, this was honestly the hardest as I was choosing between 3 shades. After much deliberation and re-swatching, I settled for 365N, Rose Grenadine.

I don't know how to describe this color but it's not quite a red, has hints of corals from the tube yet seems to pull pink when swatched on me.

On my hands, this swatched a little more coral than my other picks but on my lips, it seems to have morphed into a rosey pink tone.

The pinky tone it took on my lips was unexpected because I made sure to choose the one that swatched least pink amidst my options thus I think these lipsticks are those you really have to try on and see for yourself!

Kas has Rose Grenadine too and check out how it wears on her!

Hand swatches can only do so much and in most cases it doesn't do the lipsticks justice either because they may appear 'blah' and 'similar' that way.


Corail in Love and Rose Grenadine appeared quite close when swatched on my hands yet once applied, they are indeed like night and day.

On my lips, I find these to wear good for about 4 hours without eating. They glide on the lips effortlessly and feel light-weight on, almost reminiscent of my Maquillage Glossy Lip Rouge, except with more color to them.

They did not feel drying on nor do they supplement balm-like hydration but it was good enough for me.

I find that the Night color seems to leave a soft stain on the lips even after it wears (light dabbing after meals) off, leaving a natural altered liptone. Though this can be removed by wiping it off properly.


In all I have grown to love the textures of these lipsticks, especially Corail in Love, and while they may not have been what I expected, it didn't disappoint me either. While I love the jaw-dropping pigmentation of opaque cream lipsticks, I do realize that I tend to reach for glossy lipstick finishes that wear comfortably on - especially so for a day look.

Even if lipsticks aren't your thing, I urge you to give these 27 shades a look, a swatch and maybe a try. If you are a lipstick fiend... well, what are you waiting for, 27 shades are calling out to you!

Lancôme Rouge in Love retails for S$40 and is available at all Lancôme counters.


Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

On My Nails: Butter London's Muggins + A New Chic in Town!

By icyabstract · May 31, 2012 · 2 Comments ·

Hello again everyone! Today is officially the last day of my 'freedom' so to speak, but more of that in another post.

In this one, I want to quickly share pictures and swatches of my first ever Butter London polish!

For the longest time I have been wanting to get my hands on these and sure they are available at Takashimaya but everytime I go by there (which isn't too often), I forget to drop by and check that display out. Though it's not like they have a huge range to choose from anyway.

So... enter ArglyDuckling!

ArglyDuckling is a new online boutique with a pretty quirky definition to themselves. In terms of the name, it's explains the general direction that all of us are just waiting to transform into beautiful swans with the right amount of effort and products!

I also like that apart from some familiar brands, ArglyDuckling aims to source out cutting edge brands that are not very known to us. So, instead of another online boutique carrying what everyone else has, ArglyDuckling has that little more to offer!

I think the easiest way would be for you to check out the website and find out for yourself!

But back to my Butter London.

Putting 1 and 1 together, yes ArglyDuckling does stock Butter London on their website and it's a pretty decent selection of colors at that!

I picked out Muggins for myself as I am still in that whole pastel and light phase but the bright colors are tempting and I may just have end up with Butter London #2 in my stash soon.

Muggins is a greyish-pastel-purple that leans purple in some light but grey in others, making it quite a chore to capture on camera.

The polish feels runny in consistency (compared to what I am generally used to), though it builds up quite okay with 2 coats.

For the swatches below, I applied 3 thin coats to give it that more opaque finish and prevent the nail bed from peeking through at all.

While this was 3 coats, it didn't feel thick on due to the runny nature of the polish, so I guess that worked out in the end. It dries rather fast between coats as well so it doesn't take too long to paint 3 coats on.

In terms of color, I am really liking how soft Muggins is yet it still stands out in terms of the pastel purple. Like Dior's Glacier, I can definitely see myself reaching for this shade if I can't decide what to wear!


Butter London retails for S$23 on ArglyDuckling.com, which is cheaper than what we get at Takashimaya. Plus if you spend over S$50, you qualify for free postage!

Aside from Butter London, ArglyDuckling also carries Deborah Lippmann and Laqa & Co Polish Pens.

Thanks for reading and head on over to start shopping!


Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Skin79's O2 BB Cleanser - Photos & Thoughts

By icyabstract · May 31, 2012 · 0 Comments ·

Apart from welcoming their new brand ambassadors, the Brown Eyed Girls, Skin79 also welcomes a new product to their shelves in Singapore!

Nope, it's not a new BB Cream nor is it a powder pact, it's actually a BB Cleanser!

A small part of me is going, FINALLY!

What are BB Cleansers and how do they differ from makeup cleansers or regular cleansers?

Well, here's what I know from before but I can't vouch it's the actual story or 'history'.

These days we have a more thorough makeup cleansing regime with cleansing oils and such but back when BB Creams first made their debut, many felt it was so much like skincare that normal cleansers would be good enough to remove it. Which then brought about the whole idea of BB Creams having their own special cleansers because it was said that normal cleansers didn't clean BB Creams off well enough.

There are still some mentions that BB Creams are hard to properly get off and all but I think almost nothing can phase oil cleansers, in terms of foundation at least.

That's what I know but if it's total gibberish... I have been deceived!

Either ways, for Skin79, a brand that has so many different types of BB Creams under their wings, it's honestly about time they rolled out a BB Cleanser.

This cleanser comes with a handy pump that they claim is easy to work with. However, I find the oddly large shape something I have to get used to.

Regardless, you press - it dispenses. Simple as that!

This O2 BB Cleanser is a self-bubbling cleanser (that sounds cool) and comes with a whooping 6-in-1 effect.

Though the effects mainly cover things like properly removing BB Cream, lending a brightening effect, clearing up the skin sebum, offering elasticity and moisture, and also being paraben and color free.

So... going back to the cool sounding self-bubbling fact, here's how it works:

The product dispenses like a normal gel and instructions say to spread this over your face and leave it for a minute or two.

You probably don't have to wait for a minute because the self-bubbling does occurs after the gel has sat on the skin for awhile.

Here's the 'bubbling' that was captured. It is essentially more air bubbles forming within the gel.

(click to enlarge!)

While using this on my face I didn't notice the bubbles this obviously, perhaps because this was done on a dry hand? Though you can certainly feel some very minor bubbling occuring when you have this on your face - it's akin to an odd itch.

After all that, I like to rub and foam everything up again before I rinse it off.

Personally I like using this in the shower which is normally after I have removed my makeup for the day. Something about it being a BB Cleanser makes it feel like this could remove leftover makeup residue, if any.

It feels mild on the skin and is certainly moisturizing because my skin doesn't feel dry or stripped after using this. I didn't notice any film or residue on my face after the wash either.

The bubbling novelty is quite interesting too and I normally slap this on and proceed to rinse my hair conditioner out so I do allow some time to let it 'bubble' without just standing around waiting for it. Though I can't imagine waiting around everytime if I had to use this by the sink.

In all it's a cute product to check out if BB Cleansers are your thing or if you are looking into getting one! It's milder, more hydrating and not as invigorating as Etude House's Baking Soda BB Cleanser, which I used and loved from before, so... it really depends on what you are after!

Skin79's O2 BB Cleanser retails for S$24.90 at Watsons, John Little, Sasa & BHG

I was not expecting this simple post to turn into something this lengthy but thank you for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Goodies: Kate Cosmetics Spring Summer 2012

By icyabstract · May 22, 2012 · 1 Comment ·

The makeup entries are slowly making their way back on here! After that shoe side-track and Hello Kitty stint, it's back to liners and eyeshadow with Kate Cosmetics!

In this post, I will be sharing the 3 items I had received from Kate's Spring Summer 2012 Collection.

Come Spring and Summer, Kate is shifting away from dramatic hues and embodying softer and more lustrous shades for the season.

This collection welcomes a couple of new products to the shelves such as the eyeshadow palettes and a fascinating looking mascara which I will share more about later. To compliment their products, they have also relaunched or are promoting a couple of permanent items within this collection.

One example would be this first product that I will touch on, their Super Sharp Liner (S$17).

I was introduced to this item during their very first bloggers gathering and one thing I noted about it was well, the super sharp and fine tip!

I have this in the shade black, tucked away somewhere for use once I am out of my CLIO Professional ones but this time around, I received this in the shade Natural Brown. For reference, this is available in 3 shades, Jet Black, Natural Black and Natural Brown.

The term 'Natural' in the name is honestly a reflection of how natural this liquid brush liner wears.

It swatches as a mid-tone brown, a much lighter brown than other brown liquid brush liners I have in my stash. I am sure this would give my eyes that subtle definition without making it seem like I have an obvious liner on.

It could be an awesome look for some and a look that some wish to acquire. However, for me, I like my liners to really define. Though I could give this super au natural one a shot and see if I like it.

 

Moving on from eyeliners, this next product was one I was extremely excited about. I had heard about it from Iris (Rougedeluxe)'s blog back when word first came about it, I believe that was earlier this year?

I forgot all about it after awhile and was surprised again when I opened the pack and saw Art Dial Mascara (S$27). That was when the whole excitement came back to me again!

While I am often iffy about mascaras and wouldn't normally think to branch out and try new ones unless it is highly raved, the reason I was stoked about this is how interesting it looks.

The mascara dispenses via a dial, similar to Stila's Lipglaze where you twist the bottom for product to come up. Yes it dispenses that way and check out the applicator.

Basically once dispensed, the product will sit between these bristles and you simply 'comb' them on your lashes. The bristles seem to come in a bendy rubber form and remind of those giant rubber mascara wands (material-wise).

This special comb is said to allow for excellent lash seperation and also prevents any possible clumping while coating each and every lash fully. The Art Dial Mascara claims to lengthen, maximise and curl lashes all at once though I doubt I will be testing the curl theory since I still prefer curling my lashes beforehand.

I haven't tested this yet, knowing my worrisome self when it comes to wearing new mascara out so I might test this around the house first and see how it goes. I've heard and read mentions about it giving a rather natural finish instead of ultra length or volume so... we'll see how it goes!

 

Last but not least, in terms of what I have on hand at least, is the new KATE Real Create Eyes palettes (S$27).

Available in 5 different shades ranging from neutrals to blues, greens and pinks, each palette contains 5 pans - 4 of which are powder and 1 is a cream.

The shade I had received is GN-1 and I am glad I got this palette because I am loving the shades in it.

The Real Create Eyes palette is designed specially to create a '3D' effect on the eyes. This is done with the cream product (or Clear Jelly as they call it) giving translucency and lustre to the eyes while the shadows contain light-transmitting pearl powder for a dimensional look.

Essentially this whole palette contains specs of light reflecting shimmer and shine bits along with darker tones for a very dimensional yet still light and pearlescent look.

The Clear Jelly is the upper left pan and texture-wise, it is actually a very soft creamy gel-ish formula. I can't quite describe the texture yet it still feels familiar to that of asian cosmetic products.

Here's how the pan looks after I dabbed my finger into it, to give you an idea of how creamy it is.

Eyeshadow-wise, my experience with KATE is that their shadows are generally on the softer side of the spectrum and contain a lovely dose of light reflecting particles. These shadows are no exception and are soft and smooth to the touch, blending very easily.

While the darker colors are in a smaller pan, they do pack quite a bit of color, enough for the usual dosage of definition so fret not about that!

I particularly love the sheen and glow to the colored shade (middle swatch) and also the Cream Jelly.

Here's a blurry shot with flash to accentuate the sparkles.

Overall, if softer and more natural shades are your thing then you may love Kate's Spring Summer, Real Create Eyes palettes.

The shades blend very well into each other and the recommended method of wear is typically a very sheered and blended out look, focussing more on a dimensional effect.

Here's a shot I had taken from the promotional pamphlet.

Since the green isn't too bold, it isn't that scary to wear it all over the lid. Infact it does lend a nice soft glint to the lid.

I will post LOTDs with this palette soon to show how it looks in action.

In the mean time, here are some other products that are introduced with Kate Cosmetic's Spring Summer Collection.

  • Kate Mineral BB Gel Cream SPF 30 PA++ (S$25.50)
    Serving as a make-up base, foundation, sunscreen and emulsion, all in one the Kate Mineral BB Gel Cream has a light gel-like texture to it coupled with moisturizing effects like a cream.
  • Kate Dual Liner (S$23.50)
    This new liner on Kate's shelves comes with a liquid liner on one end and a brown powder on the other. What is interesting is the liquid liner's felt tip is flat in shape, allowing for either a thick line or a thinner one. This sounds interesting and great for lazy and quick makeup days.
  • Kate Cream Cheek (S$20.50)
    Simply said, a cream cheek product in a pot that is available in 4 different shades.
  • Kate Deep Liquid Liner (S$23.50)
    Kate is pulling out more liquid liners to the market now that it seems these are quite the popular choice these days. This one promises a more intense and dramatic effect while being fade-resistant. Available in black and brown.

 

Currently all of the above Kate's offerings are available at selected BHG, Guardian Pharmacy, OG, John Little, Metro, Sasa Cosmetics and Watsons!

Are you a fan of softer and pearlescent shades?

While I love my pigmented army of colors, soft shades do work well for a quick everyday eye look! Thanks for reading!

 

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Goodies: May Bellabox - Mothers' Day Special

By icyabstract · May 21, 2012 · 1 Comment ·

If I had a choice, I would want May to last forever and ever and ever. I would elaborate in another post but basically I'm taking a short break (that is ending, boo) from the hassles of work right now but that aside, the point of this post is the Bellabox that came within the month of May!

This month's Bellabox came within a drawstring bag (housed within the pink box for posting of course). It was a nice change-up to the usual boxes though I hope they go back to the boxes after! The boxes have been perfect little storage space for jewellery and random bits and pieces around the house.

Though on to the contents of the box!

I didn't swatch anything because I handed the entire satchet to my mom.

May's Bellabox is about pampering yourself and pampering your mom but I think I'll leave that for my mom to do. I think I pamper myself very sufficiently already... heh.


Enavose Cellogist Youth Guard Cream

This product claims to nourish the skin cells from deep within, boost it's natural restorative process and fight the causes of premature aging. I guess I will never know how truly effective this is anytime soon since my mom stocks all sample sized items for travel.


Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules

I doubt I really have to introduce this product since it is already known enough as is in the field of anti-aging. Even my mom (who isn't all that into skincare) went 'oooh~' when she saw this. These potent little capsules deliver an intensive dose of restoring a youthful, ageless skin effect while visibly fading age spots and the look of fine wrinkles.

This is a pretty lux product and I'm glad they included something like this in a Moms' Day box!


Essential Damage Care Nuance Airy Shampoo and Conditioner

My mom is a loyal and die-hard fan to Dove (hence how I got my love for it too) and was iffy about trying out other shampoos because she fears they may make her hair limp but she was happy to report that these felt okay for her colored hair. Though eventually, as always, she went back to Dove and 'saved these for travel'.


Macadamia Natural Oil

Now, this one, I am actually itching to try for myself. Aside from containing Macadamia and Argan oil to nourish and rejuvenate the hair, it also claims to reduce dry time by 40-50%! Now that is actually quite an awesome claim for someone, like me, who prefers to air dry yet faces the situation of always showering super late and having to wait for hair to dry before heading to sleep.


Sally Hansen Hard As Nails

This last item was probably what my mom was most excited about because she was just about to pick this up at Watsons the other day. Though she hesitated and figured she would get it the next time when I am around so I get my member points (aww~).

But essentially this helps to harden the nails and prevent them from cracking, splitting and chipping. It's perfect for my mom who has brittle nails but still love to paint them and make them look pretty.

 

So that is about it for what was in my May Bellabox!

Do drop by Bellabox to find out more about them or if you are interested in taking up a subscription! It costs S$15 monthly and slightly cheaper if you get an annual subscription.

I have also noticed that Bellabox is starting to randomize the content of their boxes so the box contents do vary from person to person. I guess that means more variety but yet I personally (just my opinion) prefer it if everyone received the same thing.

Am I the only one thinking this way?

Thanks for reading!

 

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Goodies: Hello Kitty Diamond Glosses

By icyabstract · May 18, 2012 · 3 Comments ·

The time of the kitty has indeed returned with Mcdonalds officially launching their Hello Kitty plush toys, available with every Extra Value Meal.

The point of my entry isn't to talk about Mcdonalds, though I love Mcdees and hope this kitty craze doesn't make it any harder to get my Mcpsicy / Mcwings fix! Imagine having to mcdelivery each time I crave for Mcdonalds just to avoid the crazy queues if it does come to that.

But all that aside, if plush toys aren't quite your thing, Hello Kitty is now rolling out in little Diamond Glosses!

I received 3 flavors from the 7 that are available.

The flavors are fruit-based and from my encounters with the above 3 at least, it's a gummy sweet take on fruits, as opposed to a natural organic fruit scent. Then again, we are talking about a Hello Kitty gloss so gummy and sweet is fairly ideal to match her.

The flavors I received are Strawberry Fields (red), Lemon Incest (yellow) and Blueberry Nights (blue) and here is a chart of all 7 flavors available:

The glosses are housed within a circular, sleek and sturdy feeling vial. While plastic(ish), it doesn't feel cheap and does have some weight to it.

The gloss 'dispenses' via a roll-on manner which I think is an iffy little factor for some. While I don't mind it so much, I do feel that the roll-on part of it restricts a large amount of gloss from dispensing and if you wish to wear this atop lipstick, it can be a hassle to apply.

Think, rolling on your fingers first then applying.

However if you aren't too particular about using a roll-on then it makes for very quick and easy application on-the-go. While I am a little iffy about the idea of it, I try to apply lip products when my lips are completely clean of anything hence the sanitary factor doesn't bother me too much.

The glosses are slightly tinted but appear loaded with sparkles and very pretty little glimmering bits.

I think of the 3, Blueberry Nights probably has the prettiest shimmer to it.

I believe it's partially due to the roll-on factor but the shimmer bits are dispensed very sparingly with each application. You can see a hint of it if you try but it's hardly a shimmer-fest as you see with the tubes.

As you can tell from the swatches the glosses barely carry any color to them.

The most noticeable would be the tinge of red through Strawberry Fields but in terms of shimmer at least, Blueberry Nights seem to dispense the most (in comparison to the other two). It's hard to capture the shimmer bits but in person you can see the flashes of green and yellow though on the lips, it's mainly just gloss for them all.

I didn't bother swatching all 3 on the lips since it would hardly seem different so here's how Blueberry Nights look:

 

Gloss-wise, these feel a little hydrating on and I would like to think of them as glossy balms. They aren't very balmy such that they can hydrate dry lips but if you are looking to have glossy lips with some hydration, these can do that. They are rather fool-proof to apply on the go too and I have done so a couple of times without needing the aid of a mirror.

They don't feel sticky on, instead they have a slip to them but nothing greasy or balmy. I find they would wear well for about 3 hours and then seem to disappear after even without eating or drinking.

 

From the 3 that I have, I love Blueberry Nights for the shimmer but Strawberry Fields for the scent. It is a generically sweet Strawberry scent but I love it!

Due to that I actually have Strawberry Fields in my makeup pouch if I need to gloss-on while I'm out.

These Hello Kitty Diamond Glosses are sold exclusive at Watsons for S$12.90 if you are looking for a cute kitty gloss!

Thanks for reading and TGIF!

 

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Filed in: goodies
Tagged with: makeup, lips, Lipgloss, hello kitty, diamond gloss

Goodies: Sexylook Hello Kitty & LoveMore Facial Masks

By icyabstract · May 16, 2012 · 6 Comments ·

It's odd how if I received a package like this about a year ago, I probably would have had a different reception to it.

Right now I am all hyped up and happy to receive these pampering sheets but a year ago I would have even gone ahead and said 'no, it's alright'. I don't mean that in any negative manner if it comes off that way but rather a year ago, I didn't see the joy of masking and probably masked once every two months?

As for the 180 degree change, like I said, I really am enjoying how these sheet masks hydrate my face once a week (I try!) and it just feels like a good process to go through with.

I'll keep this fairly brief, because all I'm doing in this post is introducing the masks. I'll start with the Sexylook Hello Kitty Strawberry Perfect Hydrating Mask.

Why can't all masks out there have a shorter name? No, really.

A pack of this comes with 5 packs of kitty sheet masks to use and I'm not certain of the price (will update when I check) but it is available at Watsons outlets.

Here's the ingredients listing for those interested (click to enlarge).

Very much part of the whole kitty selling point but it comes with really adorable graphics of a distraught Hello Kitty who becomes dazzling and sparkly after using the mask.

While I'm not hoping for that effect, this masks claims to provide hydration for a glowy complexion and more! I'll share more within the masking up feature for this particular mask!

Moving on to the next pack, we have here LoveMore's Electric Ore Peptide Firming Duo Lifting Mask.

See what I mean?

I've seen masks like such a while ago and was always intrigued to try yet still iffy about it because I do hate wetting my hair with essence while masking and with this, there's no running from it.

The mask comes with loops that you secure behind the ears and flaps you tuck under the chin so it's pretty much a full coverage sheet mask.

A pack of this costs S$8.90 on secretive.sg and comes with 5 sheet masks. Alternatively you can purchase 1 sheet mask at S$1.80.

Here's the ingredient listing (click to enlarge).

While I was a little intrigued to try this out, my mind changed when I ran through the ingredients.

The second ingredient used is Fish Collagen Peptide and while I can't directly claim it is Marine Collagen, it is a collagen source from a marine creature so.... I believe that is a yes?

I can't ingest Marine Collagen (boo, no collagen drinks) else my eczema will act up and while applying it isn't as severe an issue I stil don't want to take that chance. On my face.

So I want to quickly ask: has anyone with eczema tried using this and were there any adverse effects? Or no effects from it?

 

And this wraps up my quick mask introduction. I was browsing about secretive.sg and chanced across this very fresh sounding one called LoveMore Alps Spring & Phytoncide Moisturizing Mask. Doesn't that just sound refreshing?

The ingredients listing doesn't include marine collagen (yessss~) so I'll probably grab a pack or one to try.

Thanks for reading!

Goodies / On My Nails: Nails Inc Magnetic Polish

By icyabstract · May 15, 2012 · 3 Comments ·

I am still very much a noob when it comes to magnetic polishes but I would like to think that the first experience has taught me well enough and with a little help from Scrangie's 101, I am ready to take on these magnetic wonders again.

I say wonders because if you watch the polish 'transform' when you hold the magnet over it, it's quite adorable to see it all shuffle into place.

I had received 3 Nails Inc Magnetic Nail Polish from Watsons and boy am I glad to have more magnetic fun to play with!

The shades I received are Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Houses of Parliament.

A very lovely choice of shades and all of which I would certainly pick out for myself.

Though of them all, somehow I was drawn towards the simple silver that is Trafalgar Square and just had to swatch it and have it on the minute I was done snapping shots of the bottles.

I'm sure most are rather acquainted to Nails Inc but nonetheless, here are bits of info about the product.

The magnetic portion is a cap above the actual nail polish's 'wand'. Very much like Chanel, Dior or other polishes where you remove the cap first and then work with a separate grip for application.

Somehow, with the metallic finish, I anticipated that the polish would start out sheer so I layered on 1 coat of it first with no hurry to work the magnetic magic.

As I had expected, it's better to lay down 1 thin coat first and leave it as is, sort of like a base.

It's still a gorgeous metallic silver nonetheless, yes?

So with the second coat, I did the whole magnetic frenzy of applying a coat and quickly holding the magnetic cap over.

I like how with the Nails Inc one (in comparison to Golden Rose which I featured before), there is a little 'stub' on the cap which allows you to rest that portion on the finger to comfortably hold the magnet over the nail.

I hope that makes good sense but I'm also certain most of you already know what I am talking about. If not, scroll up and look for the stubby bit on the cap and it would make sense!

So here's 2 coats with the magnetic wavy effect (no topcoat).

Due to the metalic finish of the polish, this turned out to be a royal pain to photograph. Mainly because I was trying to avoid a glare or sheen to better showcase the magnetic waves.

Pictures can't capture the dimension this polish possesses and it's honestly a lot prettier in person. Do check these Nails Inc Magnetic Polishes out at Watsons' My Vanity Box if you haven't already!

I've worn this manicure for a good week now (without a top coat) and only after Day 5 do I notice some tip-wear.

Guess that's sign for me to explore my stash and change my manicure!

Nails Inc is available at Watsons' My Vanity Box (at select stores), retailing at S$21.90 each.

 

Thanks for reading! Are Magnetic Polishes your thing or passing on this nail trend?

 

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Goodies: Too Faced Glamour To Go Pocket Palette (Swatches)

By icyabstract · May 10, 2012 · 7 Comments ·

I feel this post could be a little redundant because this adorably nifty product is probably known enough as is.

Though just for kicks, and to accompany a few LOTDs, let me do a proper introduction for this pocket palette here on my blog. For those who haven't heard much or seen much of it, read on. For those who are familiar with it or own it, please feel free to skip it or if you still wish to read on, of course you may :)

Now, when I saw pictures of this online (before I checked it out in person) I read a lot of mentions about how pocket size it was.

Though due to the fact that it housed 8 eyeshadows, 1 blush, 1 bronzer and 1 lipgloss, I was wondering how small could that be?

In truth, it is small. Very small. But it's a good sort of small for the purpose that they are marketing it for.

Here's a comparison to my iPhone, which looks even bigger than the pocket palette! Though the pocket palette has more height to it compared to my phone.

The priority of this product is how handy and appropriate for travel it is. I have seen a couple of travel palettes and I have to say, from my own little scope of the world, this is probably one of the handiest that I have seen. It's handy in size, looks cute and carries a good mix of shadows and cheek colors.

While I typically don't fancy powders with my creams I can overlook this just a little. I find the only 'concern' I have is being careful not to accidentally dip my blush brush into the gloss. Oh what a mess that would be...

In case you are wondering the blush and lipgloss drawer 'slides' out so you can lay this out fully on the counter while you are doing your makeup and 'compact' it again once you are done.

In terms of the shadow shades I really like the assortment as these will be able to bring you from neutral and simple looks to slightly more dramatic glammed up ones.

The shadows are soft to the touch, easily blended and have a nice pigmentation. They are on the softer scale of things and aren't intense in an overly pigmented way which could be a good thing for some, a mark down for others.


With daylight


With flash

I tried snapping the blush, bronzer and gloss but I had some issues with twisting my hand so the picture turned out.... off. But here it is anyway.

For a person like me, these shades are good enough for travel since I rarely play with colors abroad and doubt I would spend too long on my morning makeup routine so... easy neutrals it is.

While I personally love the mix I can't speak for everyone, especially color lovers. Though if you do your makeup on-the-go fairly often, like the neutral mix of shades and would love a nifty little palette to carry around, this looks pretty ideal!

Price-wise this is rather decent too for all the items you are getting. Granted the quantity of it is smaller to cater to being travel friendly (eyeshadows 0.92g each, blush and bronzer 2.71g each, lipgloss 0.74g), I think this could still last a decent amount of uses and travels!

This retails for S$33 (will confirm again!) at all Sephora outlets.


Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

Goodies: Lush Assorted Goodie Bag

By icyabstract · May 7, 2012 · 8 Comments ·

Continuing with my Lush files, we were each given a little pack with an assortment of Lush products to bring back and have a go at.

This fun pack (fun to me at least!) contained a good mix of items from soap to body care and even hair care.

Except for one, I have never tried the other items before so this was a good time to own and give these products a shot!

I believe everything else isn't 'full-sized', just to let you know!

I'll run through the items briefly along with some information about them for introduction purposes incase you often get overwhelmed (by scents and sights), like I do, in a Lush store.

Of course, first up it's the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner.

After my previous entry, this certainly doesn't require any further introduction. This tub seems good for a couple of uses and I would most likely use it on my legs as they tend to require more hydration.

Next up is the Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon, what an adorable name - bubbleroon.

This bubble bar contains lashings of coconut oil and shea butter to help nourish the skin. With a name like Yuzu and Cocoa this is described to have a citrusy twang with an underlying warm hint of cocoa though sniffing the bar (without crumbling it) the overall scent is rather mild. I think it's one you have to use to experience the scent of.

I don't have a tub (sadly) so I may just half this little ball to pamper and soak my feet with.

Next would be the whacky named Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar. I'm sorry but magic muscles just cracks me up, it's so cute yet peculiar.

I'm one of those that get uncomfortable with irregular holes (trypophobia) and while these aren't holes per se, it's still a little uneasy for me to stare at the image above. Though those red bits are actually aduki beans (or azuki - red bean) 'trapped' within a mix of peppermint and cinnamon oil, shea butter and cocoa butter.

This magic muscles bar helps to ease tired muscles by stimulating it with the aduki beans and soothing it with the oils. Along with skin nourishing effects of the butters of course.

I've tried and owned some massage bars and most of them require a little warming up before it melts on your skin but once unwrapped, magic muscles felt all softened up and ready to go. Maybe it's this particular bar but definitely keep your massage bars in a cool area out of the sun!

Moving to hair, I have here the Ultimate Shine Shampoo Bar.

I've tried Gentle Lentil solid shampoo (which I don't see locally?) before so the idea of using a solid bar as a shampoo isn't too foreign. Though initially I must admit I was wondering how in the world was this logic going to unfold.

Ultimate Shine is a violet-scented solid shampoo that is said to give your locks a glamourous shine. If violet isn't enough to tempt me, the shine factor sure had me reading on. With ylang ylang to make dull hair gleam, elemi oil and violet leaf helps to docongest and tone the scalp. This shampoo bar also comes with golden glitter for an added subtle shimmer. Now, I wonder how that plays out...

The last item included was Miranda Soap which I didn't photograph because I had a cut-up bar lying around and didn't want to open this one yet.

I believe I have described it before but Miranda is a deliciously fruity scented soap that swings a little sweet. It's a nice feel-good bar of soap that I like tossing into the shower when I want to smell all fresh and fruity!

 

Now this ended up a lot longer than I had thought but have you tried anything from this list?

Please recommend me your Lush favorites, even if it's with the protests of my bank.

Thanks for reading!

Share this:

Find me on...




 

Other sites:

BlogTV | Pinterest

bloglovin

Categories

Archive

Archives

May 2013
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 

Tags

Counter

since 02 July '09

 

All images and content is copyrighted by Icyabstract Makeup, unless otherwise-stated. Notify and credit back if any content/image has been used. Please do not reproduce commercially without my consent, thank you.