Bring on the balloons, party poppers and a huge Happy Birthday banner because Bellabox had just turned 1 in the month of October! While I'm a little late to the party, only mentioning this nearing the end of the month... better late than never? :)

Celebrating this occasion, the October Bellabox seems to have evolved from the soft baby pink to a mature rouge tone. I actually love the shade of this October box.

Being a year old isn't what you would define as grown up in people-terms but in company-terms, it is definitely a maturing milestone!

With October's subscription box, Bellabox invites us all to join them in this party with products from NUXE, Bioderma and Guerlain!

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Let's have a look!

I shall do my usual of giving a quick description of the product but we all know how 'quick' my descriptions always end up being!

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil

This multi-usage oil can be used on the body, face (which I daren't try, just cause), hair and even as a pampering session by adding a couple of drops into a hot bath. The major plus point of this oil is how amazing it smells but beware, there is a very evident jasmine (I think?) floral note to it so if you aren't a Jasmine person, maybe the scent may not appeal as much. I personally cannot explain how much I love the scent of this.

NUXE Body 24hr Moisturizing Lotion

Enriched with sweet almond and sunflower oils, this body moisturizer is made from a natural formula that is absorbed into the skin at a very quick pace, allowing for you to get dressed almost immediately. The sample tube is a little small for me to slather it all over myself and test how it hydrating it really is but I find it works great as a hand cream. It rids the dry and rough skin sensation in my palms without a greasy feeling after as well. I may look into the full size just to try it out on my body and see how it holds up.

NUXE Face and Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel

This soap-free cleansing gel carries a rather musky scent to it and sits great in an unwinding regime. I don't know about ultra-rich but while it is as light-weight as a gel, it doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped or dry after wash. In fact it seems to infuse a little nourishment in the short duration that it is on my skin. I quite like this but the scent may prove a little heavy when I'm not in the mood for it.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Solution

This super cutesy bottle needs no introduction... on here at least! I have already spoken about it here and compared it against the Oily variant here. Though incase you have missed those entries, I love this. Love, major love! A bottle this small may hardly be of substantial use (probably a week at best?) though I can't deny that it is adorable.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EDT

A relatively new fragrance in town, the Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire (which stands for Little Black Dress) had received some attention during its launch. I was intrigued by it, got a quick whiff of it in the departmental stores and subsequently fell in love. I cannot justify another perfume purchase now but this little sample is lovely to have! La Petite Robe Noire is an inclusion of roses, orange blossoms, musk, cherry and apple. I shan't going into a perfume description here but go get a spritz of it if light feminine scents that are mildly floral, mildly 'soapy' are your thing!

All that aside, there was also a special Bellabox inclusion with their Birthday box! Which leaves me to think... is it Bellabox's birthday or mine? ha.

Check out the very statement hot-pink double-sided compact mirror that was included; it is 'normal' on one side and magnified on the other.

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In all, festive birthday celebratory mood aside, I am liking this Bellabox because it brings the whole initial beauty subscription box joy back to me. The whole 'randomly being introduced to something I have never ventured into / tried and liking it in the end' sort of thing.

Case in point, NUXE.

It is a brand I have heard brief mentions about them yet I have no clue what products they actually have. Thus after using what was included within this Bellabox, it's safe to say that I will be checking out more items from NUXE and probably picking up the full-size of the Multi-Usage oil just because I like it that much!

Before I end this post, a biggggg Happy Birthday once more to Bellabox!

Visit Bellabox if you are interested in a month subscription which would cost S$19.90.

Thanks for reading and do you have anything from NUXE to recommend?

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

Maybe I cheated a little and threw the LOTD mention into the header to keep this post semi-beauty relevant.

Either ways, there is a LOTD mention but also a sum up / round up of some stuff going on in life and a funny happening at the simple birthday dinner yesterday.

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So... first a quick 'life mention'. I never broadcasted this but some of my makeup pals might know.

I have moved in with the fiance, moving over to his place with his family that is. For a couple of reasons, one of which, probably to accustom myself first, since I will have to eventually? And another is that it is more convenient for me to get to work and home from his place.

Hence, that would explain all the makeup moving I have talked about and the new backgrounds you see in some of my LOTD posts.

But point being for this mention, I got to head home-home over the start of the weekend and just stay the night, somewhat a little birthday privilege. As simple as that may seem, it was really nice to be home again with my family and all in the environment I spent most of my life at. Thankfully I didn't have to pack much since I didn't move my whole life over to the fiance's place and have everything that I would need at home.

To prepare for dinner, I simply carted over the basic stuff (foundation, brows, mascara I'm loving now) and rummaged through my home-stash for the rest.

Here's what I brought over:

Items:
- Biore Aquarich UV SPF 50 PA+++
- Canmake Pressed Powder (in shade 02)
- 0kuma Undereye Concealer (in shade 01)
- MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer (in NC20)
- Urban Decay Primer Potion, housed in Clinique jar
- Kpalette Lasting 2 Way Eyebrow in 01
- Maquillage Brow Wax in 77
- Black Eyeshadow (to set  liner)
- CLIO Professional Brush Liner in Black, buried below
- Helena Rubinstein Lash Feline Macara Waterproof

I brought along a couple of brushes too but nothing fancy and really simple basic ones.

Brushes:
- 2 x ELF Blending Brushes (looove these and they are so inexpensive)
- 1 ELF Crease Brush
- 1 brandless fluffy blending brush
- 1 artstore brush (to set my liner)

Okay... maybe after listing it down it does seem like a lot but it's a lot in a compact manner. I managed to squeeze and fit all these into my trusted Lancôme makeup pouch.

From home, these are the items that I fished out to use

From home:
- Models Prefer eyepalette (from a pal in Australia)
- LA Girl Platinum Blush in Semi-sweet
- Everyday Minerals Yard Sale blush (used as a highlighter)
- Anna Sui eyelash curler
- Essence of Beauty blush brush (from the duo)

The unseen-unmentioned items would be skincare, body lotion, makeup remover and all that, which I thankfully have at home.

Makeup-wise, I didn't find something to my liking to contour with so I did what I haven't done in awhile - contour with blush!

I must say I really like the effect. So maybe my tan-ish blush shades will get a couple of uses now!

I never mentioned anything about lips but I have on Lancôme's Rouge in Love in 365N, something I dug out from my makeup touch-up bag. So that's technically a cheat sneak but goes to show I have enough lip products dumped in there from neutrals to 'bolds' that I need not fret to bring a lip item along.

Here's a close up at the eyelook, though it's really nothing to shout about. Yet another neutral, yes.

The shades that I used from the palette:

Shots were all taken with my iphone so they aren't super fab but good enough representation shots!

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Speaking of phones.... I have somewhat announced it on my instagram but thanks to my parents, I may be (as my friend calls it) switching over to the 'dark side'.

In truth, I have been eyeing the S3 for a good while now. It doesn't help that my dad and the fiance are both Samsung Note users and trust me, my dad is very good at selling a product so this has been on my mind. I still love Apple but I have gotten a little bored with the iPhone, plus the whole customizable point of the android platform is extremely alluring!

Well, I'm talking this much but still holding on to my iPhone because... having to switch over your whole life from one phone to another is quite a process!

Anyhoo, I'll do it eventually and would be fab if Android users out there recommend apps or little neat tricks to learn! I am a total android noob.

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Last but not least, to end it off in a rather comical happening. I love Japanese food and opted to have simple dinner with both families at Yayoiken, which the boy was constantly raving about.

When it came to cake-cutting, they gave us cute little side-dish plates instead of flat plates and we actually ate cake with chopsticks! They said they didn't have forks... which I kind of doubt but eitherways, it makes for a fun memory - cake with chopsticks...

So that's my loooong post summing up a couple of things from a look to what's going on with my life right now. This weekend sure was fun and I wasted spent a good part of Sunday just slacking and lazing around.

I think it's harder to recover from a fun-filled / slacked out weekend as opposed to a busy and bustling one! Either ways, hope everyone doesn't get the Monday Blues tomorrow!

Thanks for reading and thanks everyone for the birthday wishes via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter! I truly appreciate it all :)

Hello! Being a little narcissistic now by blatantly expressing it is my birthday but hey, it’s not everyday you turn 21!

Point being I want to thank everyone who has wished me, be it twitter, fb, email, text, whichever. Thank you!

A couple of people thought my birthday was on Saturday, 23 July because I did celebrate my birthday on that day in the form of a surprise birthday party.

The party was planned by the boyfriend, parents and besties and they really did go all out with it from the guest list, venue, to the event itself. Somehow the boyfriend sneakily acquired contacts of people I know from various cliques -- such as college and secondary classmates to ex-colleagues and even the beauty bloggers!

I spent a good part of the night still in shock and slightly confused at seeing all the cliques of friends/relatives congregated in one room. It's an odd yet fairly cool feeling? While I didn't have my camera on hand, there were pictures taken so I'm snagging them off facebook. If these photos belong to you, I hope you don't mind!

Everyone sitting around waiting for others (and me!) to arrive. lol.

There were activities through the night and a bestie took over the role of being the emcee. On top of all that they had even put together a video collage where a couple of my relatives and family members actually sat down and filmed birthday wishes (probably a tribute to my youtube-ing days. I kid!). I really couldn't have asked for more!

Here are the lovely blogger pals who made it down to the party!

Left to Right: Amy, Kas, Me, Karen, Pearlin and Sarah!

And of course the girlfriends! Besties since secondary school days and we're still going on strong! A big thank you to them for all the help, planning and effort!

And not forgetting the boyfriend!

Of course my family too!

These pictures alone don't express the atmosphere that night and while I can't share more (I don't know how my relatives are about me posting their pictures on my blog, which is fairly public), it was a great night and definitely a party I will never forget!

While this was how I spent my birthday over the weekend, I had a pretty normal 21st countdown with the above listed besties. By normal I mean what typically comes to mind with 21st celebrations. It was kind of awesome having both spectrums of the celebration and being able to include everyone I know with this.

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Now back to a more beauty blogging platform. I am really touched with something as simple as well wishes on twitter/facebook. The fact that anyone remembered or noticed it was my birthday was satisfying enough but on top of that to receive gifts as well is just... awesome! In no exaggeration, I just feel really lucky and content with everything that I have.

As I've said, I couldn't have asked for more and my 21st was memorable in so many ways.

Again a big thank you again to everyone for the presents and most importantly for your friendship! A friendship forged through common interest (:

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Mag had also included one more Revlon 12 Hour Eyeshadow quad which I forgot to photograph! But I'm excited to own a Big Bounce Eyeshadow as I was out of the MAC loop during that launch and have never even swatched these!

Pearlin & Onenineninety
My very first encounter with Topshop makeup! I've only recently swatched their products so Topshop cosmetics are still really new to me and now I own a bunch of them!

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Kas introducing me to Stila after I mentioned that I've never owned anything Stila. Along with a Estee Lauder liner of a soft pretty grey.

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My very first Chanel polish! Just, super stoked about it and I even swatched it the minute I got it, more about that in a bit.

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I casually mentioned to Sarah that I was eyeing these. She remembered and picked them up for me, whats more she gave me both the shades!

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I believe Kas might have gotten word out that I've never owned Stila or it could be a coincidence! Lol. Either ways, Stila and red Shatter, how fun!

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I've never looked into L'occitane scents so this is a good way to start! I like how different and almost organic/natural this scent is compared to everything else I have. It's so unique in my stash.

Aside from receiving beauty products from blogosphere pals, I have also received some perfume/cosmetics and beauty vouchers from my friends and family.

It seems even friends and relatives are catching on that beauty products is (one of) the way to go when getting a gift for me? ha!

But I love everything I received and I've even managed to check a couple of 'firsts' off my list! Way to make this a whole lot more memorable!

Being 21 isn’t old, and I not saying I am *glances as Kas*, it’s merely a stepping stone into life and adulthood as a whole but thinking about it, boy did time fly!

Putting it in a timeline in context to this blog, I started this site when I was 18, during my diploma year in college. I’ve documented my graduation from diploma, rambled about my final projects during degree followed by my graduation from degree and here I am now! 3 years later, I’ve graduated with a degree and am embarking on my second job after college.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're reading this, thank you for reading about what I have to say, my thoughts and even bothering about it! If you've walked with me through this entire journey, an even bigger thank you to still be sticking with me!

I'm no good with words but I wouldn't be the same 21 year old girl I am now without this blog, without these friends and these experiences.

So mushy and sentimental I can't even stand myself but on a sidenote, party's outfit and look of the day in another post! I need to grab some sleep now!

Thanks for reading (:

My birthday had passed over a week ago, bringing it up now might seem a bit narcissistic but I do want to share a look from that day. I decided to play around with the Original Sleek palette that Cathy (cookieyuri) had been so kind to include in her swap package.

I was safe and warm in the comfort of neutrals for a long long time. However since it was a 'special' day, why not throw on some color. Yes?

I rushed out of the house earlier in the day, so I only managed to squeeze in some LOTD shots once I got home. That might explain if the makeup isn't as pristine, but it still seems pretty decent. Thank goodness for primers and foundations with decent staying power.

Products Used:

FACE/BROWS
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
LUV Carat Loose Powder (to set)
K-Palette Eyebrow Liner in 01
MAC Browset in Show off

EYES
Etude House Proof 10 Primer
Sleek Original Palette
28 Color Palette (highlight & blending)
MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
Majolica Majorca Lash Bone Mascara Primer
L'ancome Fatale Mascara

CHEEKS
MAC Conjure Up Mineralized Blush

LIPS
nothing on when photo was taken!

Highlighted products had been provided to me by companies/distributors.

I used the following 2 circled shades from the Original Sleek palette. The green was used in the inner half and the darker blue shade was used on the outer half of the lid. The blue seems to photograph slightly lighter when in actuality it goes on darker and smokier.

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Since I am on the topic of my birthday, might as well conclude it all in one entry.

For those who are wondering, I had just turned 20 years old on the 28th of July this year. I don't make a deal about birthdays, unless it's a pretty exciting age like 16 or 21. Otherwise a simple dinner and a day to myself and my loved ones is really all I do, totally not a party person here. ha~

I would not call being 20 old but let's just say I can feel myself moving up in terms of generation. Looking around me there are kids who are much younger popping up in my radar, be it in day-to-day life or showbiz celebrities. That just unexplainably makes you think about your age, not in a negative manner, but just in a semi self-reflectiive way... like how had I spent my life and what I am planning to do with it etc. 20 years old is not exactly young either, I feel that at this age I should start doing something and getting on with life now that I am done with school.

I don't want to make this entry too mellow. I have just been thinking a whole lot and apparently dragged my thoughts into this ramble. For me, I try just try to live each day with no regret, then there would be no reason for you wish you could change anything when you look back at what you have done.

That was probably super cheesy.... so let me liven this post up with some gifts I had received from family/loved ones.

This was taken at dinner, at Fish & Co and I opted out of standing on a chair while they did their Birthday rap. It was fun when I was 16, just not right now. That lollipop bouquet is a placement present from the boyfriend. He has been super busy lately and could not find time to shop for a gift so he decided to make a lollipop bouquet, it was so adorable.

My dad, who had just returned from an overseas trip (on my birthday itself), gave me these presents on behalf of him and my mom.

I was kind of excited over this, a wristlet from the Coach Poppy range. The interior of it is so cute.

And I was wondering why my mom had randomly asked me what kind of perfume scents I preferred. I figured it was a question from nowhere and did not give it much thought but lookie, new perfume to play with - Lancome Miracle.

I have never looked into Lancome perfumes before so this was a nice random addition to my collection. Upon first whiff it smells a little mature but yet not working class mid-40's-only kind of a scent. There is a specific scent in it that I can't describe however it makes it smell really appealing, though you have to let it sit on for a little while.

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Birthday gifts are fun to receive but I go by every year thinking not to receive any because my family does not always practice giving gifts during birthdays. It might seem odd to some but to me it's not a big deal since I did draw an allowance from parents and relied on them financially. Them taking care of me is a gift in itself, I don't think parents are required to be responsible for everything a child wants and that children should earn their own worth - even with their parents. Is it odd to be thinking this way?

But here's me rambling again.

So to receive such presents, I was quite thrilled. I am just really glad for all the birthday wishes I had received from loved ones, friends and you guys be it through twitter, facebook, etc. Though it might just be words, it was really really heart-warming to me. I can't believe how cheesy this post turned out but thank you guys for still managing to read through it and know that I do appreciate every single one of you reading this right now, yes you! (:

I had received a belated birthday package from the lovely Clara,
who is a fellow Singaporean residing in Perth.
She offered to pick up some items that were not found in Singapore and said to regard it as a belated birthday gift, so that was really sweet and I do appreciate the gesture!
(Sidenote: Do check out Clara's blog for some really awesome looking home-made pastry. I have honestly never tried a Green Tea cake before.)

This was the package I received, along with a little card from Clara aiding with the address censoring.

Everything came in this cute little pink tote bag.

I am actually exctied to get the tote bag too because I have this strange habit of collecting tote bags. They are super handy when it comes to running about during submission week (in school) to throw all my materials and printed stuff in there.

Before I proceed with my post I just want to mention that I am sharing these because I think it's related and fun and all. I am not showing off or e-bragging as they call it now. If anyone thinks so, you may bring it up and I am sorry you feel this way. It is not my intention to show-off, trust me. It's all in the name of sharing makeup joy, me thinks.

But anyway, I digress, here's all the stuff laid out.

So, here's a breakdown of the stuff that I had gotten.
The first item I pulled out was a sundress, which I was not expecting. I thought it was really cute for her to include this.

I don't own many sundresses so this is really cool.
Definitely good to own (:

And some accessories!

Next up, the make-up goodies!

Prestige My Little Black Book
I am so excited to try out a look with this. The taupe shade (2nd from left, top) looks so pretty!

Here we have a product from Chi Chi, it's an Australian based brand that I haven't heard of before.
This product is basically a multi-use product, which means you can use it on your eyes, lips, cheeks etc
I have swatched it and I feel that the consistency is a little too 'oily' to be used on the eyes. It seems like it would crease almost immediately. However, on the cheeks, it's a gorgeous shade.

And something I noticed,

Love their creativity on that.

Moving on, this was something that got me really excited,

Ecotools foundation brush!
What amazed me even more was the packaging. I know, this is so off topic but as a designer, I think they did an amazing job with the packaging and relating their message.
But back to being a makeup-obsessed person, the brush is amazing.
It was definitely a lot lighter then I had expected but the bristles were soft and full. I can't wait to use it soon!

Last but not least, she threw in a sample of the Clinique Almost Powder Foundation

So that is it!
I am definitely pleased with my goodies and can't wait to try them all out. (:

Thanks for reading!