Empties: July 2014

So late with Empties posts, but I will find the time to publish them all! Finished up another bottle of Clarins Lotus Face Oil, I had 2 bottles accidentally open which is why this product appeared last month as well. One bottle lasts me around 2-3 months.

The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil is a new oil cleanser I picked up, I've tried most of the cleansing oils in the market and not all are the same. This has their signature herbal scent which I quite enjoy, and even when used on my eye area, it did not sting or irritate them. I really like this and might consider repurchasing it!

The Clarins Multi-Active Serum has been my staple serum for quite some time now, I am very keen to try the Double Serum (despite it containing mineral oil, ALL my friends and family have had good results with it). However my skin has been very clear and I'm quite hesitant to throw it into breakout mode again. Maybe I will after an upcoming major event (bridesmaid duties!).

I would definitely recommend the REN Clear Calm 3 Replenishing Gel Cream to those who suffer from combination and sensitive acne skin. It is very gentle and soothing to use and I use it under the Chanel La Nuit at night. If I am not mistaken this has replaced the Clear Calm 3 Serum.

Always a fan of rose face mists, the Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol is pricey and nice on the skin but I still prefer the sukin face mist, which is a third of the price and performs just as well. Might clean out the bottle and reuse it as the size is travel-friendly.

My second bottle of Melvita Facial Scrub, I have a thing for lightly herb-scented products.. I find them very relaxing to use. This scrub is one which leaves my skin smooth and soft but isn't harsh at all. You can feel the little bits but it doesn't hurt the skin. 

This diptyque L'Ombre Sans L'Eau Shower Gel smells just like the perfume however, the formula isn't hydrating at all. I find it leaves my body a little taut and the scent doesn't last very long either.

The Lavshuca lip gloss was a gift, it's a pretty colour and I like the heart tip. Throwing it out as it has been open for way too long. The My Melody lip balm was a gift from Japan, and is a colourless but strawberry scented wax formula. Coincidentally both the lip products were gifts from the same friend.

Total January - July: 72

Chanel Polish: Rouge Allure Gloss Collection

Was shown these swatch sticks over the weekend, but even the SA had no idea which collection it will be from.

They haven't had their training done so she wasn't able to share any details, only that this collection will be launched after the Fall Collection États Poétiques. These Chanel nail polishes kinda remind me of previous ones- Cinema, Accessoire and a basic Beige-y tone.

635 Expression

639 Exception  

633 Intention   

They don't look unique from the swatches, might just pass on the whole collection. Anyone has any ideas which collection they may fall under?

edit: These polishes fall under the Rouge Allure Gloss Collection and will be launched in October. Thank you, Sara for tracking down the info!

Empties: June 2014

Finished up another bottle of Clarins Lotus Face Oil, I really love this face oil! I've gone through so many bottles that I've actually lost count. This is one of the best products I have ever used on my (then) acne-prone, congested and sensitive skin. Love love love!

When I was younger I had really bad acne and tried the whole Proactiv range for about a year (saw it on late night tv and signed up after watching all the amazing results and testimonials lol). It was one of the worst things I did for my skin honestly, the formula was too drying for my face. It did clear up the small little yellowheads but it dried my skin out so bad and I was left with a tight face, and cystic acne instead. I received the Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash as a gift and was a little apprehensive at first (I vowed not to use Proactiv ever again) but I'm glad I tried this! I started slow, once a week, then a few days and finally when my night cleanser (REN Clay Cleanser) ran out, I used it nightly. My skin is relatively clear, so I can't tell if it does help with acne, but they have definitely improved the formula as there is no tight feeling and my skin does feel smoother and clean.

I have been using the Clarins Total Cleansing Oil for quite some time now and I quite like it so I will continue to repurchase. It takes off my makeup very well and doesn't clog or irritate my skin.

The Melvita Organic Cornflower Floral Water came in handy for mornings when I get too lazy to properly tone with a cotton pad. It is supposed to be soothing and can be used on the eye area. Nice, but I prefer the Rose Water.

Lastly, is a Sohum Sugar Musk & Grenadine Body Cream which I was very reluctant to finish. There was a period when my room used to be scented the same as I was always burning a candle from the range. Brings back so many sweet memories. Aside from that, the formula is also lovely, like whipped butter but not at all greasy and leaves the skin so soft and supple. Might repurchase when I visit Melbourne!

And that's all for the month of June~

Total January - June: 63

Travels: Singapore 2014

Was in Singapore a few months back, it was a short trip and we mostly ate, strolled along Orchard and spent a day at Universal Studios.

Every restaurant and cafe we ate at was excellent, would love to visit again just to have the same dishes.

KL's street food and local delicacies wins my vote but for cafe style food and breakfasts, Singapore takes the cake.

My 3rd visit to Universal Studios, this time with my sister and Mama...

LUXE//LESS: Gel Eyeliners

Having tried quite a number of luxury and drugstore beauty products, I have come across products which are similar in function but cost much less. I know there's a saying "you get what you pay for" but sometimes a higher price tag doesn't equate to a better product (to me at least).

Was flipping through the magazine today and saw this feature:

Been meaning to write about these 2 products but kept putting it off! I used to be a big fan of Bobbi Brown Gel Liners (my go-to liner for 10 years!) but with their increasing prices over the years, I set out to find a replacement. Not to sound like a broken record, but I have sensitive eyes which tear easily and oily lids- meaning the formula has to be budge proof, pigmented, easy to apply AND gentle. 

Bobbi Brown ticks all the boxes for me however removing it can be tough without my trusty eye makeup remover. Currently using Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover and it removes even the most budge proof eye-makeup easily. 

One little tub lasts a long time, and I've never had it dry up on me though I've had friends who complain of this. You have to buy a separate brush and if I'm not mistaken it costs just as much as the liner.

The Maybelline Gel Liner was a random grab from the drugstore; I never expected it to perform so well! The black is a solid black, glides smoothly and does everything Bobbi Brown does, at a lower price. It even comes with a good quality brush which I have been using for months, even after multiple washes it is still soft yet firm.

I can't vouch for the "36-hour" claim, but it does stay put throughout the day and doesn't irritate my eyes.

My thoughts: I love them both as they are very similar- in terms of formula and packaging, but if I had to choose one.. I'd go with the Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner. It comes with a brush, is a true black and is so affordable!

Hope you found my first LUXE//LESS post informative and I look forward to sharing more products under this tag.