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!

Rather random topic but as I sit here waiting for my hair color to develop I decided to post up a quick entry! (yes I have chosen a color and no mixing involved... I'm so fuss-free/lazy like that :p)

In truth, I have no clear idea of what a Cleansing Milk is really for and where it stands in the skincare/cleansing routine. I remember using a sample way way back and figured 'heck this doesn't clean off all my foundation' and reverted back to using Cleansing oils.

So for the longest time ever, my makeup routine is - eye makeup remover on eye area, Cleansing oil for the entire face, done!

But recently I decided to use a Cleansing Milk I had sitting around, just to use it up, no particular reason. And in fact the above pictured is the only bottle of Cleansing Milk I own.

So right now my cleansing routine is - eye makeup remover on eye area, cleansing oil for the entire face, cleansing milk to rinse it all out.

I'm not even certain if that's the recommended method of usage but I have noticed my skin being in a better condition after adopting this cleansing method. I'm not focussing on the product at hand but I would like to believe that since I double cleanse now, I am thoroughly removing all forms of makeup, dirt & oil from my face.

While this takes an extra step and isn't something I would do if I were going abroad, it's a habit I wish to start cultivating and including into my skincare routine so.....

Do you use Cleansing Milks and how do you incorporate them in your routine?
What cleansing milk do you use & would recommend?

This whole new Cleansing Milk realm is quite exciting (to me). It's like undiscovered (dangerous) grounds...

p.s. I'm in the midst of finally drafting up my Bangkok trip entries on a seperate site and will link it up once I'm done, hence apologies if I neglect this space for the next few days!

It's been awhile since my last 'discussion' post but this topic randomly came to mind because I attended one of these 'trial' sessions yesterday.

First off, by trial I don't mean a blogger engagement deal but the really old school kind where consultants come up to you or where you receive vouchers for a free session etc.

I've always had my reservations about them because with my past experiences they tend to hard-sell their products to you as much as they can during your experience, making it generally uncomfortable and unpleasant.

But yesterday I dropped by Refresh Spa with the boyfriend to use some vouchers for a facial (mine) and body massage (boyfriend's) and was surprised that I did not experience any hardsell. There was the usual of educating you a little about their products but nothing uncomfortable and it was all good because it is something they will have to do.

After our sessions were over I expected a sit-down to talk about signing sessions but none of that too. A simple feedback form and cup of tea later, we were good to go! So I'm not sure if it's a change of times (not like I'm super old or anything) or certain brand's take on these free trials but I'm glad it was a pleasant trip overall.

Frankly it makes you think more positively about the brand after as well.

So, has anyone tried out these trial facials/body massage or anything else? What did you think about it?

Share your experiences! :D

I haven't done a 'Your Say' or 'Poll' entry in such a long time! I thought I should revive that sort of posts by asking you all your opinions about face masks!

I am not very routinal when it comes to face masks. I don't use one as often as I should (I think you're recommended to use it once a week or something)... I usually put it off and end up only using face masks once a month, sometimes even longer! Due to that I haven't tried out a whole lot of masks and would love to hear some of your recommendations!

From my experience with a small range of face masks, my favorite so far is definitely the Za True White Essence Mask. I love it so much I stocked up during the Watson store discounts.

A little mini review of it: Since I don't use it so often I'm not sure about the whitening benefits this has. At the time of purchase (I was rather active on Cozycot), I had heard some Cotters (cozycot forum members) mention that this helped give them a 'lighter' complexion, I don't seem to notice it on myself though. What I love about this is how it makes my face feel fresh, hydrated and soft after. There are some masks that make you feel that way after using but the next day the effect is almost gone. WIth this I find that I still feel fresh and hydrated for the next couple of days. I think this retails for S$31.90 per pack and there are 5 mask pieces in each pack.

Since this is with regards to masks as well I thought I might throw in my brother's favorite face masks to use, the Nivea ones.

He doesn't have a favorite 'type', he just uses whichever. I had bought these awhile ago, tried using them and I personally didn't like them though my brother thinks otherwise. I find they didn't do anything for me (I tried the Refreshing Moisture Mask).

So, after this rambly entry, tell me.....

• How often do you use a face mask?
• What's your favorite brand/type of face mask?
• Any special benefits you look for (whitening, tightening etc)?
• Recommendations or Honorable mentions!

Of course you don't have to answer all the questions, those are just some random titbits I am interested to know (:

Okay I should really be doing my homework but somehow for no rhyme or reason I cruised over to the Lush UK website and this immediately caught my eye!

Out of curiosity I clicked on it and found out that this is a foundation/tinted product that Lush calls their Color Supplment. You can mix this into your moisturizer to produce a tinted moisturizer or use it alone as a spot concealer or foundation - that's what I gather from reviews and the description.

(click to enlarge)

It comes in 4 different shades, 2 that cater to people with undertones and another 2 for people with yellow undertones. I am not entirely sure if this functions more as a foundation or a tinted moisturizer. If in the case of the latter, the shades would not be that significant since most tinted moisturizers are sheer and you can get away with shades lighter or darker then your actual skintone.

I have tried googling around but there are very little sources reporting on this product.
It must be very new?

Even if there are mentions on it, there aren't any swatches just yet and we all know product shots on websites are only that reliable.
If you are interested, Musings of A Muse did a mention on this though she is currently waiting to get her hands on her order, so no swatches, just a mention.

If you head over to the Lush Color Supplement product page, you are able to read reviews left by the users and it seems most of them are quite positive. Each shade provides a new page of reviews.

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I have to admit I am actually very intrigued by this product and am this close to hitting the check out button. But I shan't, only cause I do wish to wait for more reviews to surface and also swatches and shade comparisons. Judging from photos I think I'm probably a Dark Yellow? Only because the Light Yellow really does look very light...

What do you think? Interested in this product, waiting for reviews or just giving it a pass?

And of course Lush did not ask me to write about this (:
Thanks for reading!

Hello everyone! I find a salutation seems quite appropriate when I haven't blogged for awhile.
I do have so many entries planned, in the sense that I had been shooting photos for entries on my blog. I haven't had time to type it all out yet, but I will!
I'll probably spread some of them out since I can foresee that the next couple weeks will be even more of a drought season here on my blog.

But back to the nail feature...
Which in my terms is probably a little unnecessary since I'm not featuring a nail polish at all!

Here is what my nails look like right now:

Yes I have gone completely naked with them. I used to not like it when my nails are bare and unpainted, but it seems that I have been liking them this way. I find that with the appropriate length and shape, sometimes bare nails are quite pretty. That might just be me though, I can envision nail polish enthusiasts cringing at this photo and telling me to slap some polish on (Only kidding!), but like makeup, I'm letting my nails 'breathe'.

What I have realized is even with base coats, nail polishes still do make my nails a little yellow upon removal. When I leave my nails to breathe for a couple of days, the yellowness seems to go away, so that's what I'm doing right now.
Coupled with the 4-step buffing routine, I can't get over how smooth my nails feel now.

Another thing I wanted to talk about would be hand moisturizers.
As you can see through some photos, I have quite pronounced lines on my hand and according to people I know, they say I don't have very smooth hands. They aren't sandpaper rough, I actually think they are fine. Compared to my friends though, my hands are definitely not baby smooth.

I've never used a specific hand moisturizer, instead I use my body lotion as a hand moisturizer. I've tried piling them on and I religously moisturize my hands, but it seems like it's not making a difference. I don't do strenous activities or much housework, so I don't believe that is the cause.

My hands have just always been this way, I've received comments like this way back from when my age was a single digit, so I guess it's genetic? If having genetically 'un-smooth' hands was a sound logic that is... I think so, right? If so, would using lotions actually help or am I fated to live with what I have and stop trying.

But regardless if my case can be helped or not, I would love if you guys could leave me your recommendations for hand moisturizers! Whether you use one, don't bother using one, or like me, use your body lotion as a hand moisturizer.

Thanks for reading!

Okay I shall officially define the Your Say section as anything from beauty disucussions to times when I need your opinions on stuff.
This is just a quick issue/question that I would like all your opinions on.

I am aware that there are probably 912398 reviews that have been requested that I haven't gone through.

One reason for this delay is because I tend to do a blog review only when there is a video review accompanying it, I'm guessing you have noticed that (aside from my Benefit Mini-Review since that's a sample review). So because of that and the mix of other videos I am posting up as well, reviews don't come very often.

I also tend to 'schedule' my videos to ensure that I always film a couple ahead of time. Which means what I film today will only be up the week after or even longer because I have 2 videos ahead of it.. if that makes sense. Plus we all know blogging is just that much faster then making and uploading a video.

What I am getting at here is:
Should I start typing out blog reviews first and then proceed to filming their video reviews after?
When I find the time to film, edit and put on the list of videos to upload. Since I am guessing that half of you guys that read the blog review don't bother checking out the video review that accompanies it... Yes? (I know I for one am one... I'd rather read it if available then watch it *guilty*)

So what I am suggesting is that I'll do blog reviews first and in this way I can go through requests a bit faster, and I'll film a video and post it when I find time down the road.

I'm just a little iffy about having two 'entries' about the same thing going up at rather different timings, but I am assuming this method would be more beneficial to most of you guys. I'll still do video reviews about the items I blog-review for those who do not follow my blog. So in a way if you have seen the blog review and don't wish to watch the video review, it's absolutely fine (: Though sometimes content may vary such as I might have new findings during the time I make the video. :D Not a ploy to make you read and watch!

Well I'm just proposing this (in a very rambly fashion).
Jeez, do I tend to type a lot or what... I need to find out how to cut my word count down.

So anyway, let me know what you prefer!

Video and Blog entry simultaneously
OR
blog entry first and video can wait.

I am aware most people prefer reviews in the form of blog entries.
I will still be posting some reviews on both platforms simultaneously.

And just cause I'm curious will anyone still watch the video review even after you have read the blog review? :D

Thanks for reading and let me know.

So a bit of background knowledge before I start on a probable accusation.

The Pre-Makeup moisturizer I am using right now is by Kawaii Tokyo and it's their Brighten-Up Gel product. I had bought this a long while back and was actually using this before I had been given a sample of Elizabeth Arden's Prevage during their workshop to test out. I am alternating the Kawaii Tokyo with my Prevage Day sample. We were given the full-sized product of Prevage as well, but that I gave to my mom because long story short I noticed some (good) effects of Prevage for the first couple of weeks, but is it possible for effects to just... stop showing up? I don't know. I figured my mom might benefit from it better so I gave that to her.

But back to this!
So here's the moisturizer in question:

And this comes in two types I believe, the one I have is the Herbal Forest one.
I think the other is something Citrus... or Citrus something.

I've been using this and loving it because it just feels great on. Has a slight peculiar scent (read: not horrid or bad, just peculiar) which is said to be camphor, something that helps rejuvenate the body and skin. Not sure about that, but after using it a of couple times the scent doesn't bother me. In short, I really liked this product as it's said to help combat the following inevitable skin damages.

(taken from a manual enclosed with the product - click to enlarge if you want to read!)

So the revolutionary (and sad) discovery I just made is that this product contains Marine Collagen.

WHY?! ):

This could explain why I have been breaking out for a pretty long period and regardless of what I do it just wouldn't go away. I cannot say that it is 100% caused by this, but I am suspecting that it is? All past experiences of mine with Marine Collagen or Fish Oil have not been very good. From BB Creams (that I had discussed recently) to ingested vitamins, my skin just hasn't reacted very well to it and I suspect it might be the case here as well.

A little fyi: though not applicable for all cases, it's said that people with eczema are more prone to reacting badly to Marine Collagen; like shellfish it's something we should not have too much of.

So I intend to switch moisturizers for awhile (say a month or so) and see if this product is truly the cause for the mess on my skin right now.

Meanwhile, I do wish to know if anyone has good pre-makeup moisturizer recommendations?
I know pre-makeup moisturizers can be anything from Hazeline Snow to La Mer, as long as it works! I thought it'll be interesting to share as I've realized when it comes to moisturizers and skincare, I haven't tried many or don't know of many good ones and haven't found a HG one either.

I am eyeing some Etude House items (see Kas! Your influence on me is sooo deep, haha) but we'll see. I am still keeping my fingers crossed that the Kawaii Tokyo product isn't the one that is causing this.

So share the pre-makeup moisturizer or even night moisturizer that you use!
My night moisturizer is running out too and I'm thinking of trying something else out.