Chanel Les 4 Ombres 39 Raffinement

The first item I picked up from a Spring Collection in 2013 was the Chanel Les 4 Ombres 39 Raffinement. From the swatches I saw on the beauty blogsphere, I was so sure that I will end up with this palette and it was indeed love at first swatch.

There is no doubt that I love neutral shades. Neutral shades are just so versatile for daily use and I normally prefer to look understated at work. The people in my office are totally under-dressed most of the time so I tend to prefer not to bring too much attention to myself.

Raffinement is a palette with lovely warm neutral shades, 3 of which are shimmery and 1 is matte.

Although I would not say that its texture is the best, application is not difficult (with eyeshadow brush) and I also did not experience any fallouts. The colours came out natural, smooth and blendable. The matte brown shade makes a wonderful wonderful eyeliner colour, I have tried laying it over my HG eyeliner Chanel Stylo Yeux in espresso and it lasts me all day (coupled with Too Faced eyeshadow primer).

For neutral shade lovers, I say this is a must-have. For me, as long as it is neutral and Chanel, I GOT TO HAVE IT. :)

Review: But, Becky Age-Lock & Moisturizing Wild Yam Mask

I do not go for facial but I strongly believe the necessity of weekly exfoliation and facial masking. As such, I am always on a lookout for the next better mask that I can use as part of my facial regime. Today, thanks to secretive.sg, I can once again try another new mask and it is But, Becky Age-Lock & Moisturizing Wild Yam Mask.

The main ingredient is none other than wild yam, which is considered to be a Chinese herb. This is the reason why the mask has a light scent of Chinese herb (in fact, the first thing that came to my mind was ginseng). Do not worry if you dislike herbal scent because it is very light and after 5 mins of putting on the mask, you can hardly smell it.

You might be wondering what are the skin benefits of But, Becky Age-Lock & Moisturizing Wild Yam Mask. With the rich botanical DHEA, vitamin C and E in wild yam, this mask is able to delay the ageing process as well as balancing sebum and yet hydrates the skin with natural minerals. With the presence of elastin fibre and collagen, it can also revitalise and regenerate skin cells for smoother and youthful skin.

This mask is a 3D mask that able to cover your face and neck area. But similar to other 3D masks that I have tried before, the loops on the mask that is supposed to be for me to loop over my ears doesn't work because the mask is too small for my face. Nevertheless, as you can see below, that doesn't stop me from using the mask as the loops does not dangle or hang in an irritating manner. The mask is soaked in ample essence that I can feel but not too much that it drips off the mask so you can still continue to do all you need to do while masking.

After putting on the mask for 15 mins and removing it, you only need to pat in the essence and proceed with applying your moisturiser. I felt a bit sticky if I were to just pat in the essence so I tried using a tissue paper to dap off some of the essence before patting it in. It somehow work better for me as I prefer my skin to feel not so sticky. Nonetheless, I still feel my skin to be well moisturised after masking.

But, Becky Age-Lock & Moisturizing Wild Yam Mask is now available from Watsons so do check it out if you are interested. You may also like to join the following Facebook page to find out more.

Secretive FB: http://www.facebook.com/secretive.sg
But, Becky FB: https://www.facebook.com/ButBecky.sg

Disclosure: The product in this review is sent by the company for my review and consideration. All opinions stated are my own honest views and no compensation is received for this review.

Fancl Online Shop!!

For Fancl lovers out there, especially for their bottled Tense Up, I have to share this wonderful news with you! Fancl now has their own online store and you can purchase online and get them to deliver your purchases right to your door step :)

You can still continue to earn Fancl $-Points from online purchase but it will be credited to your account within 2 working days. Prestigue member and / or birthday bonus $-Points willbe credited and reflected after order confirmation. For redemption, it can however only be made at any stores. Delivery is free for purchases $50 and above and $5 if you did not manage to hit the minimum amount.

There are some good gifts and specials that you can check out here. And below are some specials from 25 Jan 2013 - 21 Feb 2013.

So shop away now at Fancl Online Shop!

Review: Bio-essence Bio Spring Water

This post is another sponsored review post and you guys have to read on, because I fell in love with this product hard and fast. It's none other than Bio-essence Bio Spring Water.

Bio-essence Bio Spring Water is a bottled mist which is uniquely low in mineral content but at the same time rich in trace minerals to ensure 2X cooling, soothing, softening, moisturising and anti-irritating effects. The best part is that it can be used as a multi tasked on face, body, hair and even suitable for babies. As you all know, babies' skin is very very tender so for a product to be able to used on babies show how gentle it is.

Some of the recommended usage of Bio-essence Bio Spring Water is stated behind the bottle and the list is pretty long!

I have used it on my face and body after exercising and and it certainly helps to cool down my face and body. Not only do I not feel sticky and uncomfortable, I actually feel refreshed. On days whereby I have makeup on, spraying Bio-essence Bio Spring Water on my face does makes my makeup last longer and I also noticed that the oil field around my cheeks are not as active. This is due to the moisturising effect of the water.

For readers who are keen to try out Bio-essence Bio Spring Water, you may want to pay attention here, hehe. 1 lucky reader will be gifted with a 25ml travel-sized Bio-essence Bio Spring Water all you need to do is to provide me with your name and email address in the comment box below. The closing date is 3 Feb and I will randomly pick 1 lucky reader.

Do act fast because even Eden love Bio-essence Bio Spring Water so much that she is guarding it day and night! :)

Disclosure: The product in this review is sent by the company for my review and consideration. All opinions stated are my own honest views and no compensation is received for this review.

Cloud Atlas

It has been a while since I last blogged about a movie but this movie is really quite intriguing that until now I cannot stop thinking about the story and it is the much-acclaimed 'Cloud Atlas'. I honestly would not have thought of watching this show if not for Juju and I do not regret watching it.

I do not want to divulge any on the story plot because I am sure anyone would interpret the story different from how I did. But I like the way the show was made. Despite the whole film going back and forth over 6 stories that are over different era, it is not confusing and very clear. The way the director 'connect' the story of one to another (despite different people, different era) is so well-done that it almost feels that it's connected (maybe it is?).

This is definitely a movie that I highly recommended to anyone and am also definitely reading the book. :)

Review: New Biore Skin caring facial foam

Biore is a brand I grew up with. In fact, my very first facial cleanser is from Biore and until now I still remember the refreshing floral scent from Biore cleanser. Over the years with more requirement from information savvy consumers, many companies are required to improve their products and Biore is no exception. Today, I would like to share the NEW Biore Skin caring facial foam.

No one are born with the same skin type and Biore Skin caring facial foam series definitely will have one that suits your skin type. For my combination skin, I am kindly provided with Mild facial foam (blue tube) and the scrub (pink tube) that is suitable for all skin type.

You might be wondering what is the new technology that Biore incorporated into this new range of facial foam and that would be SPT (Skin Purifying Technology) which is:-

1) High Cleansing Efficacy

2) No penetration to skin = No damage to skin

3) Non residue, Non irritating, Vitalize Skin!

With SPT, Biore new facial foam has high cleansing ability that does not irritate the skin. It is able to cleanse the skin thoroughly without stripping off skin's natural moisture.

After trying out mild Biore new facial foam for 2 weeks, I really love how it cleanses well without over stripping my skin natural moisture. I do not experience tightness of my skin after cleansing and the light floral scent is soothing too. The facial foam lather up very easily which makes cleansing a breeze.

Mild Biore new facial foam

For ladies with sensitive skin and have problem trying to find a suitable scrub, you can consider giving Biore scrub a try. The beads are so fine that it is even suitable for sensitive skin. After exfoliating with Biore scrub, my skin feels softer, smoother and brighter.

New Biore Scrub

For you out there who is looking for a good drugstore cleanser, New Biore Skin caring facial foam range is definitely a range you can consider. It's totally value for money! :)

Disclosure: The product in this review is sent by the company for my review and consideration. All opinions stated are my own honest views and no compensation is received for this review.

SUQQU Balancing Cheek 02 Mukuge

In my recent Bangkok trip, I hardly hauled anything because I am not exactly a person who shopped for clothings. Other than a pair of heels and belt that I bought for myself, my major haul will be SUQQU! Yes, I told BC, we NEED to go to Isetan at CentralWorld because I MUST check out this cosmetic brand. Haha.

I only bought 2 items which is Christmas set A (which I will review later) and Balancing Cheeks 02 Mukuge.

Balancing Cheek comes with a blush and highlighter. The sleek black plastic case looks pretty chic and also comes with a small brush which I am very impressed with how soft the bristle is.

I chose 02 Mukuge because it look slightly peachy pink so is the shade that I always use. The texture of both the blush and highlighter is smooth and fine which is absolute heaven.

Honestly, I don't think you can hardly see anything from the swatch above but believe me when I said this is after super heavy swatching to get the colour out. The colour is so natural that it blends in TOO well with the skin tone and just enough to give that subtle shade of colour. The highlighter is a TOTAL MISS for me, because as you can see (or not) above, you can't see anything right??? Yes, that was how frustrated I was when I was trying out the highlighter. The most frustrating part was despite the heavy swatching and yet still seeing nothing, the fall out of the glitter particulars is horrible. The brush that came along with the blush and also my MAC 129 brush just can't seem to pick up the particles.

If I recalled correctly, SUQQU Balancing Cheek is retailing for THB2,950 which is more than SGD100. Despite having a 10% discount at Isetan when I purchased this, it is still not cheap considering Chanel blushes are only in the SGD60+ range. For the price I am paying, this blush is disappointing. I would get Tom Ford blush anytime.

Philosophy hope in a jar oil free gel

I have always preferred a gel-based light moisturiser for my day routine as the hot and humid weather in Singapore never fails to make my skin looking like an oil field. However, I stick by my belief that ALL ladies for all skin type (even oily skin) need a moisturiser, a SUITABLE moisturiser. Without a proper moisturiser to provide the necessary hydration, your skin will just work harder ro produce more sebum to try to hydrate the skin. To me, this is a vicious cycle.

I have raved about my favourite gel-based moisturiser, Clinique Moisture Surge here and to date, I still love it. I don't think I am able to find any moisturiser to replace its HG position and I decide to put Philosophy hope in a jar oil free gel to the test. :)

Philosophy hope in a jar oil free gel is a gel-based moisturiser that is very light in texture and easily absorbed into the skin. It almost feels like rubbing water into your skin. After massaging into your skin, you can hardly feel anything there. I think it is perfect for our humid weather here and specially suitable for ladies for oily skin.

Much as I like the superb light texture of Philosophy hope in a jar oil free gel, it does not give me sufficient hydration for my combination skin. I still feels that my skin surface is tight during a day (which in my definition is that I am not getting sufficient hydration). At the same time, although the moisturiser does not come with scent, it does have a light plastic smell which might be a peeve for some people.

Would I purchase Philosophy hope in a jar oil free gel again? Probably not since Clinique Moisture Surge works much better for me. But I do recommend ladies with oily skin to give it a try, you might like it. :)

MUFE Aqua Rouge #8

As mentioned in my earlier post, I had finally tried red lips. I personally prefer matte red lips because somehow without the gloss, it seems to draw lesser attention to them. Furthermore, with a matte look, it also seems more intense?

Here I am introducing MUFE Aqua Rouge 8, which is a lovely red shade. It doesn't look warm or cool to and I find it real easy to wear. Aqua Rouge gives you the option to go matte by just applying the shade, or to go glossy by applying the gloss on the other end on top of the matte shade. With this, you can already create 2 looks.

 As you can see from the swatch below, colour is very intense. However, with the doe shaped applicator, you can apply the aqua rouge very precisely. For first time red lip users, you can apply with a light hand to create the light red stain look first and then slowly build up the colour intensity when you are more comfortable.

Did I also mention MUFE is super duper long lasting?? You can see that a stain is already present after removing the swatch that was on my arm for only a minute or so. When I first wore it, it lasted a good 7 hours during drinks and a meal, that's how good it is. However, I do note that the shade did start to fade abit at the corner of my mouth which can be resolved by touch up. As it is this long lasting, do use a proper makeup remover to remove all traces of the rouge.

Priced at $39, it is extremely affordable and coupled with the nice shade and long lasting, I say it is a very good buy!

December 2012

It has been a long while since I last blogged because I was busy catching up with my life, haha. December is my favourite month of the year not only because the year is coming to an end and Christmas but also because it's my birthday month. This year, BC gave me a very pleasant birthday surprise because I have completely no idea where he is bringing me for dinner.

Little did I know did he planned for a cozy dinner at Sky on 57 which has an amazing view. I really had to thank God for granting a pleasant cool weather that day because it has been raining on and off in the month of December.

Before dinner, the staff recommended me a cocktail called Moulin Rouge. The presentation is really unique with the cocktail served in a grapefruit skin, seated above sticks of cinnamon. Not only does the cocktail taste fruity, it has a nice cinnamon scent.

As there is an at least smart casual dress code in Sky on 57, BC had to remind me to not wear fitflops and shorts! He knows me well that I might just dress in that as it is just super comfy.

The service of Sky on 57 is fantastic and they are attentive to our every needs. Service is prompt and they made sure that we complete our dishes before they serve the next one. The restaurant has a nice and cozy ambience which makes the date a very memorable one.

We adjourned to the outdoor area for desserts and coffee and the weather is just nice. Sipping our lattes and slowly eating our desserts, coupled with the nice night scenery, we had a good time chatting, which is getting rare lately due to BC's busy work schedule.

And just to end December 2012 on a high note (hahahahaha), I finally tried wearing red lips. It was a totally spontaneous decision whereby I stepped into Sephora with BC and told him I would like to try wearing red lips. He thought it was a great idea since I tend to go out with very light makeup and red lips will certainly brighten up the whole look. I was browsing at MUFE Aqua Rouge as I am looking for a non glossy type of red lips and BC immediately pointed to MUFE Aqua Rouge in #8 which is a gorgeous red. I tried it on and BAM! I am getting it! MUFE Aqua Rouge has an amazing formula and more details will be mentioned in my future posting. :)

I received alot of encouragement over Instagram after posting the above picture and it certainly boost my confidence on wearing red lips. Thank you all!