Again, while scrolling through my blog feed, I chanced across Temptalia's Over/Underrated section and this time the topic was about makeup removers.

While I am not here to share what I think is over and underrated (because there is only 'I like' and 'I don't quite like' in my books), I wanted to share my makeup removal routine.

I don't think I have properly shared that on here before and maybe I threw it in a skincare routine way back but either ways, here is what I use to remove all that makeup at the end of the day.

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I always use 2 different items to remove my makeup with -
1) an eye makeup remover
2) a general face makeup remover.

Eye makeup remover

Right now I am using one of my favorites ever, Lancôme's Bi-facil. I am quite surprised to learn that many regard this as over-rated on Temptalia's post. It may very well be overpriced for what it does, but it still stands as one of my favorite eye makeup removers.

While it is my favorite, I agree it is pricey to continuously stock up on so at times, I turn to my second love - the Neutrogena Eye & Lip Makeup Remover. This feels a little oilier than the Lancome's Bi-facil and doesn't have that soft rosey scent, but at 14.90 (I think?) as opposed to 50 bucks or 33 at DFS, it sure is good enough!

Face / General Makeup Remover

After removing my eye makeup, I like to give my face a once-over with something like a cleansing oil. In the past I would use cleansing liquids like the Mandom Cleansing Express. I liked that one for a good while but after having turned to Cleansing Oils, I have not gone back.

Right now I am using and love Shu Uemura's Fresh Cleansing Oil. Prior to this, I was using their White Recovery EX one (which is currently replaced by the Whitefficient range). I haven't tried a whole bunch of Cleansing Oils in the market but I certainly like and recommend the Shu Uemura ones.

When I am feeling lazy and wearing rather light everyday makeup (read: no waterproof mascara), I may even skip the dedicated eye makeup remover and use this to wash off my makeup. Eyeliner included.

As far as tried-and-tested drugstore Cleansing Oils go, I love the DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil (pink bottle). I love it mainly for its scent and it does remove foundation / face makeup well but I do not recommend that near the eyes!

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Those 2 steps would sum up the initial of my makeup cleansing routine.

Just to be sure I have removed every bit of makeup from my face, I would follow this with a facial cleanser while in the shower. I realized that after adopting the double-cleansing method, my skin feels less prone to the occasional breakout and it seems more ready for skincare post-shower.

Right now I am using the Skin79 O2 BB Cleanser (review/thoughts), though a part of me still likes the Etude House Baking Soda BB Cleanser (review) for that true post-makeup-removal cleansing sensation.

And that, is my rundown!

So, do share, what do you use to remove your makeup?

Thanks for reading!

This is probably one of my favorite items from the DHC Colored Makeup collection hence the Moisture Care Liquid Lipcolors (S$34.50) get their own special post.

Truth is I took these lip swatches a little later compared to everything else so it's posted here on its own but there is some truth in my earlier statement. I do like these liquid lip colors, more so then the lipsticks in the collection as these seem to provide more shine and color.

DHC Moisture Care Liquid Lipcolor in OR06

DHC Moisture Care Liquid Lipcolor in PK05

DHC Moisture Care Liquid Lipcolor in RD07

In a way, similar to the lipsticks these glosses don't carry crazy pigmentation but I believe it's something most are used to when it comes to asian cosmetics. The glosses are focussed on being, well, glossy with flecks of shimmer and glitter particles.

Comparing these swatch photos to the lipstick swatches, I'd say the glosses appeal a little more to me.

In the earlier post I highlighted the unique applicator that comes with these glosses and I have to say it does help make it easier to literally paint on the lipgloss. The fine tip of it also allows you to get to evenly get gloss near the crevices of the lips.

With this DHC lip colors (lipstick & lipglosses) it's a little surprising to me but I so happen to really like the RD shades. They aren't too dark or bold a red but yet they show up well and add a nice touch to a neutral look.

Such as in this case where I wore a neutral look with my frames and used the Liquid Lipcolor in RD07 to, as they say, put the look together.

Thanks for reading!

p.s. I am suppose to put up pictures of my new haircut (yes I got a haircut!) but I haven't even taken shots of it yet since my hair is up in a ponytail these days due to the hot weather. But just letting you know, new haircut up soon!

Disclaimer:
Products featured were provided by Watsons & DHC.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Here's a look I had done incorporating the DHC RD05 Eyeshadow Palette, featured here in my post about DHC's Colored Makeup collection.

Though I guess I cheated a little and the whole look did not only compromise of that palette. I wanted to create a look with stronger pink-ish tones and while these DHC palettes are great for a more everyday-styled look, when you want stronger tones you'll have to layer on some cream base products to bring out the colors.

Products Used:

BROW
K-Palette Brow Liner in 02
Canmake Brow Powder in 01
Maquillage Brow Gel in 77

FACE
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
Anna Sui Protective Loose Powder (to set)

EYES
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Magical Tannsu Gel Liner in Rose Jelly (find here)
DHC Eyeshadow Palette in RD05
Lumiere Eye Pigment in Flambe (swatch here)
28 Color Palette
K-Palette Liquid Liner in Black
MAC Powerpoint Liner in Engraved
L'oreal Curl Impact Collagene Mascara
Canmake False Lashes in 06

CHEEKS
MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Redhead

LIPS
Revlon Renewist Lipcolor in Perfect Pastel

Highlighted products were provided by companies/distributors, I was not obliged to use/feature them in LOTDs.

Using the gel liner as a cream-colored base before applying the shadows really helped to intensify the pinkish tones in the DHC eyeshadow. Otherwise, from earlier swatches the DHC shadows itself carry a slightly more neutral tone with a wash of pink, for a more subtle look.

1. Gel liner as a cream-colored base all over the lid
2. highlight color
3. Inner-half of the lid
4. Outer-half of the lid
5. To intensify the outer corner
6. Blending from the crease to the brow bone

Digressing a little from DHC a little, I tried on the L'oreal Curl Impact Collagene Mascara (the one that claims to curl your lashes without even using a curler) and I would say I was a little disappointed. Though this is coming from someone who never really took a liking to L'oreal mascaras.

My verdict:
Comparing this to my HG Majolica Majorca mascaras, these were a little on the natural side and didn't actually hold my curls as well. I suppose if I were going somewhere nearby or throwing on a quick look I would use it for the ease of washing it off later, but otherwise I'm not entirely impressed with it and it hasn't converted me to a L'oreal mascara user.

Though mascaras are very personal depending on what you're looking for and how your lashes are like. I might give this a couple more tries as some mascaras are known to get better as the formula 'dries up' a little.

To amp up the look, I decided to try on my Canmake falsies in 06. These are half-strips, not full length and primarily for you to place on the outercorner.

They blend in quite naturally but if you really look you can tell they are there at the outer-corner.

I was initially going to post the DHC Lipgloss lip swatches here but I think this entry is running a little long so that will be in a separate post of its own.

On a side-note, this will be the last LOTD post (in awhile) of me with my long hair!
Thanks for reading!

DHC, a brand most known for their skincare products and interesting supplement drinks, have now put out a makeup collection that comprises of base makeup, eyeshadow, lipsticks and lipglosses.

In this post I will first highlight the 'fun' and colorful bit by showcasing the eyeshadows, lipglosses and lipsticks that have been launched at most Watsons stores since the 1st of May.

This makeup range is fragrance-free and paraben-free, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or are iffy about using products with paraben.

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The DHC Eyeshadow palettes (S$31.90) are specially infused with ingredients like Olive Virgin Oil, Squalane and Ceramide. These help to hydrate and protect the eye area from dryness since the skin there though sensitive and thin is exposed to a variety of makeup products (eyeshadow, base, liner etc).

The eyeshadow quads are available in 3 different tones that are generally subtle enough for everyday wear. The eyeshadow shades all carry shimmer (as you will see in the swatches) to provide some dimension for the illusion of bigger eyes, a popular thing with most asian-brand eyeshadows.

DHC Eyeshadow Palette in BE03

DHC Eyeshadow Palette in PU06

DHC Eyeshadow Palette in RD05

Quick thoughts:
The eyeshadow shades were all pigmented and as mentioned, shimmery, though I did notice that RD05 and BE03 (the reddish and brownish quad) seemed to be a bit more pigmented. For PU06 (the purple quad) I had to go over the darkest purple once more to get the purple tones to really pull through. Though packed with shimmer, I didn't experience any shimmery fall out while using BE03 for work. The packaging itself is rather sturdy and compact too. The shades are a little run of the mill, but I guess that is their concept for the color selection - a more wearable approach.

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Next up, the DHC Moisture Care Lipstick (S$34.50) which is available in 5 shades.

I would say my first impression of this would be that it's a little pricey going for S$34.50 though DHC supports that with a multitude of super hydrating ingredients infused into this lipstick - Super Hyaluronic Acid, Marne Collagen, Olive Virgin Oil, Squalane and Amino-based emollients.

Out of the 5 shades I received the following 3

DHC Lipstick in BE07

DHC Lipstick in PK04

DHC Lipstick in RD08

Quick thoughts:
The lipsticks are more of a glaze, providing a hint of color coupled with a mildly glossy finish. They are also infused with some flecks of glitter for that reflective dimensional look, though the texture of these seem to be a little 'thin'. I noticed that they tend to initially settle into the fine lines (as seen in PK04's swatch) before the lipstick's hydrating properties are put to work and help 'plump' the lips. In comparison, these remind me of Maquillage's Glossy Perfect Rouge though Maquillage's is glossier, creamier, and pricier too. Though I do like how with the DHC Lipstick my lips still feel hydrated after these have worn off be it over time or after eating.

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Next up, the DHC Moisture Care Liquid Lip Color (S$34.50) which is available in 5 shades as well.

The lipgloss is also infused with the same hydrating ingredients found in the lipstick. Additionally, it is also enriched with Oat Kernel Extract which helps lift wrinkles on the lips. It is said that with continuous usage one's lips might be firmer and smoother. Perhaps I should just stick with using this gloss everyday and see if that works out!

DHC Moisture Care Lip Color in RD07, PK05 and OR06

I have not done lip swatches for these glosses just yet but will post some up in an upcoming LOTD that I had done using the DHC eyeshadow Palette in RD05. In the meantime, here's a look at the unique applicator of the glosses which are shaped in such a way that allows you to paint on lipgloss like you would with a brush.

The full range of DHC's Colored Makeup Range can be found at Watsons stores in Bugis Junction, Compass Point, ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and Raffles City amongst others if you are interested to drop by and check these products out in person.

Thanks again for reading!

Disclaimer:
Products featured were provided by Watsons & DHC.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A quick mention on some events that have happened and I haven't blogged about.

Some might have noticed from the Watsons Facebook page, 10 bloggers (me included) have been selected to be Watsons Ambassadors. Some familiar names that are within the ambassador list would be Mag (Makeupstash), Kas (cocomotion), Sarah (Facesbysarah) and a couple others.

Watsons is fast becoming a wonderous place for cosmetic (and skincare) lovers so it's pretty exciting to be part of something like this. I find it fascinating when bigger groups open up to social media and decide on using a different platform to connect to their consumers. That aside, part of this 'ambassadorship' would be to attend certain workshops where we will be introduced to various products that Watsons carries and we will have a chance to try these select items out.

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During the first workshop and get-together session, we were introduced to DHC and Pure Beauty (a local brand).

During this session we were given a bottle of DHC's Collagen Drink to try out.

it was mentioned an ingredient in this is fish collagen. While I had an inkling it could be marine collagen or something of that sort, I decided to give it a shot anyway. Taste-wise, it vaguely reminded me of a sweet white grape-flavored drink but the after-taste is different. It's nothing scary or herbal but if you cannot take marine collagen (have eczema etc), stay away from this.

I had some itch patches the next day as I can't take marine collagen. Thankfully it wasn't severe since I only had one bottle but at least now I know (and you do too).

We were provided with a goodie bag that contained an entire skincare range (courtesy of Pure Beauty) amongst other things. I will be giving this skincare range a try starting this weekend.

I have been using and loving the Vichy Normaderm range for the past 4 months or so, thus no harm in switching it up a little. I do like the scent in the Pure Beauty Black Pearl range (featured above) and I will feedback on this skincare line after trying it out for an adequate amount of time. One thing I do like about this Pure Beauty line is that though the products contain premium ingredients, they are affordably priced too.

I took a quick snap shot of the Pure Beauty Black Pearl display at Watsons.

Will report back on that along with a couple other interesting items included within the goodie bag. This first workshop was rather skincare-centric and while it is still interesting, hopefully the next ones contain more makeup!

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Before I let you guys go, I want to inform you of a fun activity Watsons is having on their Facebook page.

Watsons is celebrating their 23rd anniversary with a Spin the Wheel and Win game!

It's really simple, all you have to do is drop by their Facebook page, like it, and start playing. It's pretty straightforward and you stand to win a year's supply of health and beauty products or S$23 worth of watsons giftcards!

You can spin daily and as many times as you would like. There will be 5 winners of the S$23 Gift card daily and 4 chances in total to with the Grand Prize of a year's worth of products. It doesn't require much effort and is something you could do in the background if you are at work or in school. No harm in that!

So have fun and remember:

• Like the Watsons facebook page
• Follow this link to play the game!

I have to yet to win anything just yet but good luck everyone! And thanks for reading (:

Disclaimer:
Products mentioned were provided by Watsons Singapore.
All opinions expressed are my own.