Empties: November 2012

At my peak, I had about 8 different cleansers open and now it is down to 2! YAY! A friend commented that it's a mystery how I manage to go through so many products a month. Its simple, really- they are mostly half-used products which I "saved" because I liked, or cast aside because they were mediocre. Which explains why sometimes you'll see 3 cleansers, or 2 moisturizers in my Empties post.. they weren't actually opened in the same month!

I am proud to announce I currently only have ONE unopened full-sized cleanser (I count makeup removers separately) left in my stash and the rest are trial/sample sizes! However I am going through a bit of mixed feelings at the moment; whilst I am excited that my Cleanser Inventory is low, a part of me is going that's all that's left?!?? Should I get one more just for backup?? Silly, I know.

But yes, am really pleased with the progress and after this November Empties post, there will only be one more Empties post for 2012!

*Due to the high volume of products I am going through, reviews will only be written for interesting or outstanding products.

Full sizes: HOLIKAHOLIKA, Dr Young, Jurlique, NutriSkin++, CHANEL, Tegoder, Pod Puraceuticals

1. Dr. Young Pore Eraser Balm, 15g
On the box it states "This soft-textured pore-managing balm is highly effective in filling up rough surface of skin, tightening pores and controlling sebum." This is meant to be used after skincare, before makeup to cover enlarged pores. It does cover up the uneven surfaces on my skin and leaves it smooth and matte but I found it also pills when used over certain moisturizers (I sometimes rotate moisturizers) and same applies when I use a compact foundation instead of liquid. Repurchase? No, took me forever to finish this plus it made my face oil more instead. Though it could just be me, others give glowing reviews for this product.

2. HOLIKA HOLIKA Water March Moisture Full Cream, 120ml
Despite being a moisturizer for dry skin, I bought it anyway as it was on promotion and smelled nice. I told myself if it doesn't work for my face, it would be a body cream. For 120ml it was really a steal, true enough it was way too heavy (and scented) for my face. Not the best body moisturizer but it did leave my skin nicely scented. Repurchase? No.

3. Jurlique Chamomile Soothing Mist, 100ml
Went through a crazy skin mist phase, this was put into my basket after I noted the word Soothing in the product name. My thoughts? Overpriced, and when it accidentally got into my eyes it stung! Not that I am spraying directly into my eye but when I reopen my eyes and the fine mist settles in, it really does sting. No other soothing mist has done this to me. Not Aesop, not sukin, not L'Occitane. Aside from that, the dispenser doesn't mist well, I find myself using more than necessary and this 100ml bottle was finished in less than 3 weeks. Repurchase? NO! Overpriced and doesn't even soothe my skin as well as cheaper alternatives.

4. NutriSkin+ Alpha Brightening Essence, 30ml

5. CHANEL Precision Lait Confort, 150ml
"An ultra-gentle milk cleanser and makeup remover for dry or sensitive skin with the de-polluting power of Tulip Tree Extract and the hydrating properties of Arum Lily Extract. Non-drying formula thoroughly and comfortably cleanses, soothes and tones, with deep moisturizing effects." This is the first milk cleanser I tried and although it is meant for dry skin, it works well for my sensitive/combination skin! This product really surprised me as I didn't expect a quality skincare product from CHANEL. I use it on a dry face at night to remove my makeup and I then follow up with a foaming cleanser. Cleanses well and leaves my skin supple. LOVE! Repurchase? It is a great product but I am also having similar results with another milk cleanser. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking into skincare from this brand.

6. Tegoder Desincrustant Gel Cleanser, 200ml
7. POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox Cleanser, 150ml

Trial sizes: CLARINS, shu uemura, CHANEL, LA MER

8. & 9. CLARINS White Plus HP Pearl-to-Cream Cleanser & Velvet Emulsion SPF20 [trial]
10. shu uemura red:juvenus Toner [trial]
11. CHANEL White Essentiel Lightening Cleansing Foam [trial]
12. & 13. LA MER Moisturizing Cream & Moisturizing Lotion [trial]
Though I did enjoy these two products, I am not sure if I would want to spend so much on a face cream. Granted, it does soothe the skin (I used it on my super sensitive/red/painful face) and it did absorb well if applied correctly. I initially thought my skin would prefer the lighter lotion but it actually feels more comfortable with the cream. Repurchase? Am on the fence with this, maybe when my skin is older.

laura mercier, CLARINS, shu uemura

FACE:
14. laura mercier Mineral powder [trial]
15. & 16. CLARINS UV Plus HP Day Screen SPF40 Tinted & Beige [sample]
A oil-free sunscreen, I have tried all variants of this UV product: Neutral (white, no colour), Tinted (pink) and Beige. I like all 3 but my faves are Neutral and Beige. It absorbs well, and does not cause skin irritation nor clog my pores. Some sunscreen either dry me out or just sit atop my skin, turning my face into a frying pan but this product felt comfortable, and it did not irritate my eyes as well. On good skin days, I can get away with just using the Beige and no foundation/BB cream, the coverage is actually good enough to conceal redness. Repurchase? Definitely!

17. shu uemura UV Underbase mousseSPF30 Pink [trial]
I like the novelty of this product, how often do you get to put a mousse-texture on your face. The texture is light but I had to work fast with it as it dried rather quick. Performance wise, I still prefer the CLARINS UV above, as this actually stings my eyes (like regular sunscreen) even when I don't use it close to my eyes. Yes, my eyes are that sensitive. Repurchase? No.

Etude House, Vaseline, Sisley, KAO Essentiel

BODY, HAIR, SCENTS:
18. Etude House Missing U Hand Cream #3 Panda, 19. Petit Bijou Intensive Care Cream, 20. Petit Bijou Soft Body Wash
21. KAO Essentiel Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Reviewed here.
22. sisley Eau de Sisley #3

Thrown out!

23. HOLIKA HOLIKA Aqua Petit Jelly
Bought back in May, it gives a tingly sensation on the lips and is supposed to plump it up but I didn't notice any difference. Goes on clear and a little waxy. Repurchase? No, doesn't moisturize nor plump up my lips. The other versions (red and coral) are better.

24. Johnson's baby bedtime oil
Despite the relaxing scent, this would not absorb into my skin no matter how I tried rubbing it in; warming up between my hands, pat in, using less.. it still just sat on my skin. Out it goes!

25. THEFACESHOP White Mud Nose Pack

26. CHANEL Maximum Radiance Exfoliating Gel
This has been open for more than 2 years and left untouched for at least 6 months. It is a fine exfoliator which was gentle on my sensitive skin. I can not tolerate rough grains on my face, this is good as it is very fine and non-irritating. It is scented as is all CHANEL products and I found it a bit heavy and disturbing. Repurchase? No, am moving towards more natural face scrubs.

Total products emptied: 22
Total thrown out: 4
Total: 26
Total Feb - November: 133!!!!!

CHANEL Spring 2013 Printemps Precieux Makeup Collection

Printemps Precieux de Chanel for Spring 2013 

Nothing is calling my name really, the highlighting powder above is beauuuutiful and I would love to add it to my dresser but it's more of a want than a need. It is so pretty to look at!

Have decided I am only going home with the polishes- currently leaning towards Emprise and Fracas (limited edition), however if Accessoire turns out to be the perfect ox-blood creme I would pick it up too.

Real pictures from TheBeautyLookBook as well as comparisons to other CHANEL polishes.


P/S: 2013 happens in less than 2 weeks!!!

Best Red Velvet in KL!!

My quest for the best Red Velvet cake in KL is over.

The Red Velvet from Just Heavenly wins hands down.

Perfect ratio of scrumptious cream cheese to cake with a little extra cream cheese to savour at the end.

Delicious!

*All pictures taken on iPhone 4S (am still very much amazed by the image quality of camera-phones these days).

November Purchases & Gifts!

I am developing a liking for a CHANEL blushers! Last month I bought myself two, the Ombre Contraste in Notorious which is a limited edition sculpting powder (from Les Essentiels Fall/Winter 2012) and 73 Star Dust from the Eclats du soir de Chanel Holiday 2012 collection. 

Notorious is perfect for contouring and initially, I sniggered at the morbid colour, wondering who would want to look ashen and dull. But I take it all back!! It is the perfect shade of "shadow" and looks so good on. 

Star Dust was a bit of an impulse buy, I grabbed it without testing it out. It gave off a daytime appropriate glow which I used for friend's morning wedding gatecrash. The fine sparkles gave me a nice subtle glow look when dusted over my cheeks. I really like the quality of these blushers and would love to add a few more colours to my stash.

Rouge, a deep red, from the Byzance collection (pre-Fall 2011) is one that I missed out on and have been eyeing for a piece to pop up on eBay to no avail. When I read that they re-released it in Australia as part of the permanent line, I got a friend to pick it up. So happy!! I will have my Rouge end of this month!! I also picked up the polish in Malice and a CLARINS lippie in Lilac Pink.

I am still on a skincare/bodycare ban- all of the below were either gifted to me or samples from counters.

L'OCCITANE, GUERLAIN, THALGO, MELVITA, CLARINS

Random items from DAISO, the best place for cheap thrills. At MYR5 a pop I picked up Hello Kitty plastic bags, a mouspad, bunny aluminium foil.. and other odd bits.

Haven't bought clothes for the longest time ever! H&M x Maison Martin Margiela belt and leggings, H&M basic dresses for work- so affordable plus good quality too. The last I visited, the MMM collaboration was being sold at 50% off, a little less than 3 weeks after it launched! I only picked up a belt and leggings so I didn't feel the burn. But for those who splurged especially on the leather pants and shoes, OUCH! Sparkly belts from Dorothy Perkins.

A pile of clothes from Kenanga Wholesale City- this place is crazyyyyy, 8 floors of shopping- super affordable and surprisingly good quality for the price, the fabric used are thick and heavy. Items I picked were going for MYR25-35 per piece (around USD8-12). The only downside to the place is that you'd have to buy ALL the colours/sizes to get the low prices. And not all shops are of the same quality so you have to check each piece. But all-in-all, it was a good deal! 

December is here which means 2013 is just around the corner. The older I get, the faster time flies I swear.

Empties: October 2012

This is going to be a long a post- I managed to finish up so many products in October!! Am really happy with the progress, at this rate hopefully I would be able to have a clean slate by middle of next year. Or at least drastically minimize my stash to fit in one drawer. 

Out of everything below, the only products which I opened in September/October were:

• boscia Clear Complexion Set 
• sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
• shu uemura red:juvenus Trial kit
• CLARINS Total Body Lift Trials

Skincare: shu uemura, sukin, CLINIQUE, DARPHIN, GUERLAIN, L'OREAL, CLARINS, KOSMEA, CHANEL  

1. shu uemura red:juvenus Emulsion and Concentrate [Trial]

This was a gift with purchase, the scent for the red:juvenus line reminds me a little of berries (pomegranate extract is one of the ingredients) and I like it much better compared to their hydration line. It is meant to revitalize your skin by boosting energy flow. Unfortunately my face did not take to well to these 2 products and broke out, I suspect its a common ingredient used in their other skincare as well. The texture is great, easily absorbed but it made me break out so I used it on my neck instead. Performance wise, my neck and chest did feel more supple and smooth. Repurchase? No.

2. sukin Hydrating Mist Toner, 125ml 

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Alcohol and paraben-free, plus it comes with a low price tag. Can't ask for more! The scent is a light rose, not the stinky kind and this bottle lasted me 1.5 months used twice a day somedays even more. It soothes, hydrates and calms my skin down. This product has made it to my must-have list. Repurchase? Definitely! Am using another mist this month and it pales in comparison to this.

3. DARPHIN Intral Toner and 4. Serum 

One of the few plant-based brands out in the market, the Intral line smells really nice and comforting and is used mainly to soothe red and sensitive skin. I used cotton pads soaked in this toner as a mask and the serum was given by my sister who didn't use it anymore. The toner does leave my skin less sensitive but that was before I became a hardcore mist-er; the serum was just okay for me though there are many who swear by it (just Google). Repurchase? No, the toner was nice as a mask but I had to use something like 20 pumps to cover my entire face (the cotton pads were already halved), and the serum is too expensive plus it didn't give me great results.

5. CLINIQUE Turnaround Overnight Moisturizer [Sample] 

Supposed to do what the jar says for the face, but I used it on my neck instead. I used CLINIQUE as a teen and it dried my skin out horribly! Never touched any of their products since. I find their products rather harsh so I sued this on my neck instead. Repurchase? No, didnt feel any difference after using it for almost 2 weeks.

6. GUERLAIN Abeille Royale Up-Lifting Eye Care [Sample] 

This eye cream "helps reduce the visible signs of aging and fatigue around the eye area; smoothes out wrinkles and fine lines, firming the eye contour and creating a lifting effect with properties to reduce puffiness and dark circles". Eye care samples usually last me for a little over a month and this is my 2nd sample (first was Sisley) in a row. I really like this! It doesn't irritate my eyes and it made my eye area very supple and smooth. This worked even better than Sisley! Repurchase? I haven't checked out the price but if it is reasonable I would definitely consider it.

7. L'oreal Derma Genesis Serum 

This was an impulse buy whilst visiting Melbourne early this year-  think it was going for AUD10 (MYR30 or something). It has a very strong perfume-y scent and I had qualms using it on my face so it ended up on my neck. Repurchase? No, too perfumed plus didn't feel any difference on my skin.

8. CLARINS White Plus HP Intensive Whitening Smoothing Serum

My mother has been a long time user of this brand and a lot of times she would buy products for my sister and I without asking us- this is one of them. I've used their Whitening serums on-off since they launched and the formula changes every 2 year or so, something to do with constant improvement of ingredients used. There is a pleasant flower-like scent to it and it absorbs well. Repurchase? Am considering phasing out Whitening products, but I would repurchase this the moment my face shows any signs of dullness.

9. KOSMEA Daily Facial Exfoliant

I received this in a GlossyBox, its a exfoliator for all skin types made with rushed rose hips and camomile flowers. The scent is something I really like, quite "natural" and the texture was also comfortable on my skin. The first time I used it, I thought there was oil (from the product) left on my skin after rinsing because when I touched my still-wet face it sorta glided. Upon closer examination and after drying my skin, I realized that my face was supple and the oil was absorbed! My skin didn't feel raw or sensitive from this at all. LOVE! Repurchase? Yes, if it is available where I live.

10. CHANEL Le Blanc Moisturizer & 11. Serum [Sample] 

I have held out opening any full sized moisturizer because I want to test out the Ole Henriksen set (as a whole) next, hence the sample sizes. As with all CHANEL products, these were also scented but it doesn't linger for long. I am surprised that CHANEL skincare doesn't break me out despite the scent (or I could be unconsciously biased), I've used up full sized bottles of their cleansers without any problems. The serum can be used over the eyes and is easily absorbed. The moisturizer is generally okay too but only for day use- it wasn't hydrating enough for night time. Repurchase? I do like it but no, whitening isn't a priority for me at the moment.

Cleansers: shu uemura, Kao, GARNIER

12. shu uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil, 450ml 

One of the better cleansing oils I have used, its supposed to brighten my skin- I use this every night to remove makeup and follow up with a cleanser afterwards. It removes the super-long-lasting Bobbi Brown Gel liner easily and my skin is left clean and supple. I can't vouch for the brightening effect, infact I don't think it really helped. I much prefer the original version. Repurchase? No! Its FOURHUNDREDANDFIFTYFREAKIN MLs!! I've been using the 150ml one previously and figured I could just save and get the bigger bottle but no way am I attempting anything this huge again. Unless I only have ONE makeup remover open.

13. Kao Perfect Whip Foam 

A second bottle passed on from my sister. Reviewed here. Repurchase? No.

14. GARNIER Multi-Action Scrub 

This is an anti-acne and scar cleanser meant to be used everyday, but I use it on-off as a scrub. It gets too drying if I use it too frequently. A good non-abrasive scrub which is very affordable. Repurchase? No, makes my skin a wee bit dry after each wash.

boscia Clear Complexion kit

15. 16. 17. 18. boscia Clear Complexion Tonic, Treatment, Cleanser & Moisturizer kit

Made in Japan and touted as one of the more effective and gentler acne-fighting products made with plants, I had to give this a go. I used the complete set together and they lasted me for a month. This is the first range that I've used that didnt dry my skin out or cause any sensitivity. I like how gentle it is and effective too. I liked everything except the moisturizer which balls up, so I could only use that at night. Repurchase? After clearing out my existing products and if I still have troubled skin, I would definitely get the gel treatment and cleanser.

Body: Rosette x Hello Kitty, Etude House, L'OCCITANE, Kao Essential

19. Rosette x Hello Kitty Apple Gommage 

A face peel but I used it on my body instead. Previously reviewed here. Repurchase? No.

20. Etude House Petit Bijou Soft Body Wash, 200ml 

A gentle, dermatologist tested body wash which smells like baby powder to me. I stocked up on quite a few of these when Etude House was having a promotion. Repurchase? No, I have 2 more bottles and you'll be seeing this again in November's Empties.

21. L'OCCITANE Cherry Blossom hand cream, 75ml 

I had this on my work desk, the scent is nice and not overpowering. Absorbs well and fast, keeps my hands and arms well moisturized. I like it that its a twist-lock tube, very convenient. Repurchase? No, I have quite a few hand lotions to get through. Maybe in the future. 

22. Kao Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Hair Mask 

My absolute favourite drugstore hair mask. Last reviewed here in May, one tub usually lasts me about 2 months but I was using up samples and other trial conditioner inbetween the months. Repurchase? Yes, unless I can find a product just as good locally. I currently puchase this via SaSa.com or on overseas trips.

Misc: CHANEL empty Vitalumiere pan, CLARINS

23. CHANEL Vitalumiere Compact Powder (removed from case) 

A compact powder which I have repurchased since 2010, I LOVE this compact powder and would recommend it to anyone who's looking to try a foundation from CHANEL. Repurchase? Not at the moment, I've been using more BB creams these days and I use a dusting powder to set my face. Plus I would like to try MAC's Studio FIx compact, I received a sample and it looked so good on!

24, 25, 26. CLARINS Total Body Lift [Trials] 

A body contouring gel which smells refreshing and tingles as you rub it in. Left my legs smooth and toned like seriously! I used this nightly for a whole month using the technique advised and I could definitely see and feel a difference. I have quite a few of these lying around (some are from the old formula), they were GWPs from previous purchases. Repurchase? Most probably, after I finish up the other trials I have.

Thrown Out: Avene, HolikaHolika

27. Avene Cleanance K moisturizer

This is my 3rd bottle of this moisturizer, it's meant to help eliminate blackheads and blemishes and it worked very well for me until they reformulated the product. The previous was more creamy and didn't sting as much as this when I applied it. I'm not sure if this is actually meant to sting a little or not but I assumed it did. Threw it out cause I'm now totally against anything that stings/is abrasive. Repurchase? No.

28. HolikaHolika 3 Seconds Starter, Collagen 
This is meant to be used after cleansing, before the toner as it "preps" the skin for the other products to follow. I was previously using the Hyaluronic Acid version and this pink one is a Collagen version. They both feel the same, however the scent is different. I threw this out because i don't think it did much for my skin plus it was an additional step in my regime. Repurchase? No.

Random Picture:

Reformulated over the years.. the latest is the High Definition Body Lift

Phew!

Total products emptied: 26
Total thrown out: 2
Total: 28
Total Feb - October: 107!!!!!

October Purchase

I've been so good! Just ONE purchase for the whole month..

I passed on CHANEL Frisson months ago because I felt it was too sheer- I am usually a 2 coats kinda girl. Anything more and I get impatient waiting for my nails to dry. I didn't even bother swatching it when the collection came out. However, I had a change of heart when I came upon pictures of this polish applied in 3 coats. 

It's a peachy light pink with shimmer in it, delicate and princessy. Sweet! 

This product was a gift at work, so it's a bonus for me this month.. I somehow end up with beauty products even when I am on a ban. 

Funny how things work out for me eventually.. people really do attract what they keep thinking about so keep those thoughts genuinely positive!

Red Velvet from scratch!

Finally, a non-beauty related post! Aside from makeup, I also enjoy cooking and baking very much. One of my favourite cakes to eat is the Red Velvet- a moist buttermilk cake with a hint of cocoa and a cream cheese frosting. YUMS!

Having tried many Red Velvets from the usual raved-about spots in KL, I still have yet to find one which I like. My issues with the cakes: too dry, not enough cream cheese, too much cocoa powder, bland.. and the list goes on.

I'm not very picky with my cakes (most of the time a Secret Recipe cheesecake satisfies my cravings) but even I found it rather disappointing that there was not ONE which I wanted a second piece of. None of them tasted like the ones I've had in Melbourne! Little Cupcakes, how I miss you so!! And it's not just the taste, it's also the texture which didn't cut it for me. That said, if anyone in KL or PJ knows of a good Red Velvet bakery, please do share.

So I took matters in my own hand.. imported ingredients are aplenty at B.I.G so I always shop there whenever I want to cook/bake. 

Cake batter

Baked cake, set overnight and filled middle with cream cheese

Attempted to decorate it, looks small but its a 9" cake

Time to eat! Speckled bits are from the vanilla pod I used.

Wonky insides

The Red Velvet I made was a success, I loved it and so did everyone in the family. Even my sister who's a Red Velvet cake aficionado. 

It's relatively easy to make this, I am actually craving for a slice as I look at the pictures. I tweaked the recipes found online and used most of the things I had on hand. The cake was moist but not oily or chewy, the frosting was delicious- vanilla pods all the way; its more expensive compared to vanilla essence but so worth it. And the ratio of cake to frosting was perfect, I was worried initially there might be too much frosting but it worked out.

It's sorta obnoxious to say that I enjoy my own cooking/baking.. but I really do. However, I am still up to trying out Red Velvets sold in restaurants; having to wait a day before I can dig in is a bit tormenting. I like to have my cake and eat it (pronto!). So, any suggestions?

Empties: September 2012

I've been writing way too much about beauty products, but bear with me as I try to clear backdated posts!

In the past week I actually made an inventory of what I had, both opened and unopened to know EXACTLY what the current situation was. You might be interested to know that I have approximately 35 opened skincare products and another 35+  brand new. This does not include makeup, bases, and body care.

The only things I am allowed to even consider buying are lipbalm and neck cream. In like, 3 months. I've finished up quite a few products this month, so I am quite happy and am looking forward to emptying even more before the month ends.

Here's what I finished up in September:

CAUDALIE. L'OCCITANE. CHANEL. CAROLE FRANCK. CLARINS.

First up, solely French beauty products (total coincidence, I promise..)!

1. CAUDALIE Grape Water Mist
A soothing, moisturising face mist for sensitive skin. This was a skin-saviour for me! It really calmed my irritated, red skin down and the nozzle also dispenses the perfect mist, neither too light nor too heavy. I used it after cleansing, after moisturising, any time my face felt the slightest bit of irritation. I found it to be better than the Beauty Elixir which I emptied rather quickly. Repurchase? Most definitely! However, most SaSa outlets I have been to are sold out and no one seems to know when they would be coming back in. That aside, I have stocked up on quite a few mists so hopefully by the time I am done, they'd reappear on shelves.

2. L'OCCITANE Rose Hydrating Face Mist
This was gifted by my sister, I've had it for a while but only recently finished it up (my face was in constant need of misting). The scent is lovely- if sweet roses are your thing, thought it dissipates after a while. Performance wise, I think it hydrated my skin more than the Caudalie above but it didn't really calm or reduce the redness. Repurchase? No, I do like rose scented mists but am quite particular- the Sukin one is my current favourite.

3. CHANEL Eau Douceur Cleansing Water, Balance + Anti-Pollution [Sample]
A cleansing water for the face and eyes which rids the skin of pollutants, impurities and light makeup. I used this sample on my flights to remove concealer and light eyeliner. It worked very well, did not irritate nor dry my skin out and my face was left smooth. It might not work as well on a full face of makeup though. I found it similar to Darphin's Azahar Cleansing Water. Repurchase? I do like it, but currently there is no need for this in my regime, plus the full-size would be too big to bring on travels. As much as I like this, I have to say No.

4. CAROLE FRANCK Purifying Aromatique Oil
This brand is not found in departmental stores (though they did have a *brief* stint in Isetan years ago), my mother got me this from her usual facial salon but I never got round to finishing it. I remember using it on spots but not loving it completely because I felt it made my skin greasy. However! Once I found the right way to use facial oils- my skin loved it (warm in palms and "press" into skin). I am a big fan of essential oils as I find the scent very therapeutic. Not to mention my skin condition DID improve. Repurchase? No, because I've found a new favourite face oil which gave me even better results- CLARINS Lotus Facial Oil!!

5. CLARINS Chamomile Toning Lotion
I used to think CLARINS was a "old" and "mild" brand which didn't work as well as others such as Clinique, Biotherm, Estee.. but in the past few months I have come to really like it. I mentioned moving into more "natural" skincare and this brand fits the bill. Those non-plant based skincare I was using was actually damaging my skin in the long run and while it showed almost immediate effects, was really harsh on my skin. This toner is great as it is alcohol-free and my face feels soothed using it. Repurchase? Yes, after I finish the others I have on hand.

L'OREAL. BATISTE. VASELINE

6. L'OREAL Everstrong Reconstruct Shampoo
On my search for a affordable yet effective "natural" shampoo, I stumbled upon this. Sulfate-free and made with rosemary and juniper.. I really like it! It cleans my hair well, doesn't make it limp/flat/oily and the scent is nice too. My current favourite shampoo!  Repurchase? Already did.

7. BATISTE Dry Shampoo in Diva [Travel Size]
My absolute favourite dry shampoo, I really hope that it would be available in KL. I've raved about this here and this is the 6th can I've gone through in a year. Repurchase? If only they were available here!

8. VASELINE Healthy White Body Lotion  
Am trying to lighten my darker arms and legs, not sure if it works well but the scent is nice and it absorbs quickly. Repurchase? No, results weren't obvious (if any).

ETUDE HOUSE. MARC JACOBS. JAP LIPBALM. SHEERCOVER. ETTUSAIS
(thrown out)

9. ETUDE HOUSE Nail Polish Base 
The BESTTTT nail base I have used (sorry CHANEL!), it dries really quickly and doesn't bubble either. It's really cheap and the formula is amazing, even my sister who previously used Sally Hansen, OPI, and Seche Vite thinks it's the best of the lot. Repurchase? 2 bottles sitting in my stash. Would repurchase even if it was expensive!

10. MARC JACOBS Lip Gloss, 11. JAP BRAND Peach Lipbalm  
A sheer gloss which came with the Marc Jacobs perfume I bought and a peach shaped Japanese brand lipbalm, both have been sitting for way too long in the lippie box- time to get rid of it. Repurchase? No.

12. SHEERCOVER Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF15 [Trial size]  
Received this in my Sheercover mineral foundation purchase years back, only recently got round to using it. It is supposed to be oil-free but I found it not easily absorbed and it always left my skin feeling tacky. It also has a heavy sunscreen scent. Repurchase? No, made my oil-prone skin oilier.

13. ETTUSAIS Patta Patta Compact Powder 
A limited edition touch up compact. The powder is quite finely milled and I used it mainly to set my BB cream. It's a pity its not part of the regular line. Repurchase? No, because I have other compacts to finish up and I prefer to set with loose powder.


Total products emptied: 8
Total thrown out: 5
Total: 12
Total Feb - September: 79

Happy 22nd, Kittypops!

Melbourne: September 2012

Not the best picture of us, but you are the best sister anyone could ask for.

♥ HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY ♥

xoxoxx

September purchases..

   

L'Oreal Reconstruct Shampoo, Etude House Skin Malgeum Smoother/Toner, Nivea Whitening Body Cream & Milk, Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Stick

Jurlique Chamomile Soothing Mist, Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol, Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, Sukin Facial Scrub, Foaming Facial Cleanser, Facial Moisturiser , 2x Hydrating Mist Toner, Face of Australia Anti-Aging Stick Foundation

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, MOR Lychee Flower Body Lotion, Marshmallow Perfume Oil, Lychee Flower Body Cream, L'Oreal Elnett Satin Mini Hairspray, Batiste XXL volume Dry Shampoo (this product is AWESOME! I want to kick myself for not buying more!!)

CHANEL Le Vernis in Vertigo, Suspicious, Frenzy and Beige

CHANEL Le Vernis in Infidele, Provocation, Delicatesse, Rouge Allure Velvet in L'Infidele

CLARINS Aqua Essence Morning Energy, Lotus Face Treatment Oil, Whitening Starter Set

Boscia Clear Complexion kit *Google images*

Ole Henriksen 7 Skincare Sensations kit *Google images*

From 2 mists to 6 in a month..

Was that a lot? This month I've crossed out 4 items on the Makeup-Materialist and ended up with more than I expected. I've started on the Boscia set and a few other products but the majority of it has not been opened yet- am trying very hard to finish existing/older unopened products first!

My skin was not happy with the weather change when I got back from my first trip and my face turned very sensitive, red and was pain to the touch. I even broke out in tiny bumps near my ankles and on random spots on my body (later identified as mild eczema). Face mists really helped calm my face and I was using the Caudalie Grape Face Mist (review coming up in September empties) which really soothed the irritation. Since then, I have been on a rampage, getting my hands on mists from various "plant-based/natural" skincare brands. 

Am currently using the Boscia, which came in the Clear Complexion set pictured above, as well as the Sukin Hydrating Mist. Among the mists above, the Sukin one is the cheapest, I got mine for AUD9.95 at Priceline and so far so good. 

CHANEL polishes are one of my weaknesses as well, and it doesn't help that they have had so many beautiful colours in the past few collections.. but 7 in a month? I've really got to calm down. Everyone has a weakness right? Right?! Mine just happens to be face mists and Chanel polishes... 

... at the moment.