LOTD: Hello October!

October is here already. Today, I felt like the absolute worst! Perhaps it's the weather or perhaps its my busy schedule lately that took me down. Nevertheless, I went ahead and got ready even though I wasn't stepping out of the house.
I haven't been using eyeshadows lately. I'm always running late these days, that I don't even bother. So I decided to play around with my Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette that I bought a while ago. I have to say, the brow-bone colours/highlighting shadows in this palette seems to be a bit chalky....I ended up using colours from my Naked 1 palette instead. However, the rest of the shadows seem to go on fine, but I wouldn't say they are amazing shadows.
Since it's October, I thought I would do a look that resembles the fall using a green-gold shadow from the romantic eye palette in Honeymoon and a dark copper brown in Ever After, applying this at the outer eye in a horizontal V motion and blending this a lot with Honeymoon.
I evened out my lids with double-eye lid tape. These aren't the best tape in the world because I know you can get ones that are almost invisible, whereas the ones I am using just now, you could see the tape.
I've also fixed my brows (I'm ALWAYS trying to perfect my brows) by following the brow-bone that frames my face.
Lips I've been falling back in love with Revlon's lip butters and today I picked out my all-time favourite: Tutti Frutti. On the face and cheeks, I've use Revlon's Colourstay foundation, Vivo bronzer in Baked Bronze and Sleek blush in from their contour and blush palette in Light.

Now all that would make me feel even better is a bar of Twirl chocolate...sadly there's isn't any near me. 

If you haven't HYPE'd already on my Lookbook.nu.......

Favourite Product of the Week: Refresh!

FPOW!

This week's favourite is Shu Uemura's Depsea Rose mist. I've had this for a while now, but neglected it until recently. I started using it again because lately my skin is acting up again and is looking rather dull due to too many late nights which has caused me to be even more lazy with my skin care routine. 

I use this with and without make-up on and it basically helps re-moist my skin and it gives a refreshing feeling after (probably because of it's lovely scent).
.Now, if I am honest, I wouldn't say this product is totally amazing or it has made a huge difference to my skin, but I feel that it's very handy to have when you are on the go and you need a refresher and re-moist. What is also good is that you could use it for your hair and body too. 

Shu Uemura offers other scents too, for example: mint, lavender, chamomile... and one that is unscented for those who do not like anything scented or are sensitive. 

Botanical!

At the beginning of this summer, I visited the Botanic Gardens in my hometown Edinburgh (of course). The purpose wasn't to look at pretty plants, but I was helping a friend with his photography course, obviously I was asked to be his model for the day. Because he was working with black and white film, I was requested to wear something with pattern and texture so that it comes off better. 

Luckily, the weather god was being good to us and it was sunny with warm temperatures (I sound like a forecaster haha). 

I haven't visited the Botanic Gardens probably since I was still in junior school! It was refreshing to go again, and it made me feel really relaxed again, especially this was at the time I had just finished and handed in all my assignments. 

So what did I wear on the day? 

Blazer from River Island

Romper from River Island

Shoes from H&M

Hat from H&M

Sunglasses from H&M

I always feel that, no matter what, I need to feel comfortable in my clothing wherever I am, so I went for a floral romper- easy, one piece, no fuss. Then a blazer in case it got chilly (living in Scotland, you never know, next thing you know it could be torrential rain - luckily that didn't happen).

I'm also so in love with the strap heels. These are very "on-trend" this summer after seeing them appear on a lot of fashion blogs. 

I do cringe at how I had a wee bump in this photo-haha! >< But whatever, I wasn't naturally model-made, just merely helping a friend. 

Ps. It's funny, because I will be at the Botanic Gardens for a wedding just as this post is schedule to go live. Looking forward to being the bride's MUA of the day. 

DISCLAIMER: All images were taken by Matthew Chan (but edited by myself). Permission was permitted to use these images on this blog =]

Favourite Product of the Week: Tutti Frutti

FPOW!
So my favourite product of the week is a lip product and since it's summer, I like to opt for a more coral lip colour. My favourite this week is Revlon's Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti 015. Now these have been out in the shops for a while now (must've been at least a year or two now) so you can still grab them at most Revlon counters or drugstores and I've probably had this one for about a year(?)...

I'm just so in love with the colour and its versatility to go with most of the eye looks I go for. It's also wearable on a daily basis because even though it's corally-red, it isn't overwhelmingly bright which is great because I could also wear this to work and it just gives me a pop of colour. The application comes off semi-sheer but build-able. Of course, because it is a lip butter, it is also super moisturising which is just what I need lately.

New Year, New Products, Better me

First things firsts- a very Happy (belated) New Year to you all and I believe I owe this blog so much more than an average of 15 posts per year-haha.
So looking back at my 2012, I felt that I've become a even stronger-minded person stepping into 2013. In other words really, there isn't very much left that would bring me down to the point I would hide again (I could be wrong though). Of course, I'm still me. I still have poo days (like today), but then nowadays, I have really happy -if not, content- days.
I don't remember much about the first few months of 2012, I was probably in the uni halls, avoiding any parties because I know I would be too distracted (and spend too much money). The highlights I that was most memorable to me was: going to Spain, Marbella for one of my good friend's hen-do (which although a little bit stressing, it was still a good experience to go on holiday with the girls), then attended her wedding. I hung out a few times with a few folks during the festival period, which is always good banter, however, I wish I had went to see some shows than just purely going out to drink and eat crepes & angus burgers.
Oh! I went to Big Bang's Alive concert in London! I've never been to a concert before so, although I was all worked up about expenses, by the time the show started I was all hyped up!

During the year, somehow a part of my life became spontaneous, but it made me realise something: trust fate. I wish I could detail what it is, but sadly, I could only tell you, my heart beats faster, I laugh louder, I smile longer, though sometimes, I cry in pain. I guess the other thing about trusting fate, is just let things be. Sometimes, owning something doesn't mean everything. To me, to be able to just share with someone is also a form of happiness.

2013 is now. Chasing dreams is mostly what I see. The better me will continue to focus on building my career. I will also continue to support some of my creative friends. I see some natural talent in them and I'm happy to see some already an upcoming success.

This is just the start (ha), I look forward to more spontaneity- good or bad.

Well, I am obviously not ending it just there. Over Christmas, I bought new skincare products because my normal routine did no justice to my growing acne problem- although I have to admit, I did have a series long of lazy period with skin care.
Having realise that my skin changed from normal to oily condition meant, I was looking for products that would hydrate my skin, because even though my skin is oily, is doesn't mean I should dry it out. Moreover, hydration meant less breakouts, so long as the products are oil free.
So my new daily skin care routine goes a little like this:

Dr Jart+ Pore Refine Bubble Foam facial wash

So continuing the subject of "spontaneity", I came across Dr Jart at Boots with the offer "3for2" on its aisles and randomly decided to begin the new routine with Dr Jart products. This Pore Refine series was made for oily-combination skin.
I really like the lather made from the foaming in the face wash. You can feel that it is gentle to the skin when washing and afterwards it leaves a cleanse feeling. Skin will also feel a little tighter, and I've been using it for at least a good month now, and one of the biggest difference is that my skin looks brighter with more radiance.

Shu Uemura Deepsea Hydrabillity Toning Lotion

I've always like Shu Uemura's lotions, this one is no exception. Generally I would pour some onto my cotton pad and swipe over my face a couple of times. Sometimes, I would rub a drop or two of it into the palms of my hands and then gently pat it into my skin for extra hydration. The patting motion also helps to open pores from the warmth of your palms and the lotion is soaked in better.

Dr Jart+ Pore Refining Up-Tightening Serum

 I haven't tried a great amount of serums apart from L'oreal and YSL. First of all, this one is a different texture from the other two I've tried. I generally don't have much thought about this serum but I know, it's not a product I would rave about. Perhaps I need to use this longer to see a better difference. But the plus side is that it comes in a pump, so I don't need to worry about spillage since I am hella clumsy.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel

I've used this product in the past, and loved it. The gel consistence seems perfect for my oily skin because after it settles into my skin, it becomes matte, doesn't leave much shine. I guess the bargain of this product is that it has helped my base make-up last longer from away from shine. Is it still moisturising? I believe it is. Although, for night time, I always feel that it a little more...

Dr Jart+ Pore Refine Recover Primer

The consistency of this primer can look and may feel a bit doubtful because it does make you think its oily, but its actually a gel base. Once it settles, it isn't oily at all. It does hold my base make-up rather well. Long story short- my make-up stayed even after walking through a snow blizzard (of course credit also goes to how good the foundation was itself).

Consistency swatches of products from Left: Primer, Moisturising Gel, Serum

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack (mask)

This sleeping mask was given as a Christmas gift (Thanks Holz) because my friend knew I was getting lazy with my skin care -how thoughtful! In my honest opinion, I really like this product (and not saying because it was a gift). It's convenient for lazy people like me who can't be bothered to get up again to wash it off after the mask is applied and just want to dive into bed. When I wake up, you could see your face is instantly brighter again. This mask has helped my overwhelming blemishes on my forehead a lot. It has reduced their size and has toned down the spot marks. And just the other day, my boss complimented how much smoother my skin looks -win. haha This tub also comes with a mini spatula which is wonderful when you want to keep hygiene top notch.

So that is it really. I still use some products I previously used like Skin Food's Aloe Vera mask (to reduce redness) and Vichy Normaderm pore tightening lotion/toner for acne prone skin. 

Have you embarked on a new skin care routine or a product too? If so let me know below what you have tried and what was a hit and miss for you.

Oh heck, this is probably my longest post yet! In this case, thanks for reading! 

Poo day?

Of course! I shall sign off with a poser photo. Standard. ;)  

Review: Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation

First of all, I was told by a few people said that this was good for oily skin. What a lie. But to be fair, I wouldn't know for sure if I hadn't tried it for myself.

I've been using this foundation for a week now and have been wearing through different sort of occasions depending what was happening during the week of course! Some days I wear it with a finishing powder some days just pressed powder.

The first thing I noticed about this foundation is that it gives a rather dewy complexion to the skin. I immediately thought "this is so not for oily skin!" because as much as how nice the dewy effect looks, if you have oily skin, your face will just become more and more shiny quicker. Nevertheless, I still wanted to see how long it will last until my face gets really shiny.

FACE BEFORE FOUNDATION WAS APPLIED 

So to start with, I had a few blemishes around my face (the most obvious one being on top of my lip) and redness around the nose area and the bit between my brows (the daylight meant the camera couldn't capture the redness but its there).

FACE AFTER FOUNDATION IS APPLIED

The coverage for this foundation is light - medium, but I felt that it was build-able. In fact, I found that since I normally use my fingers to apply, I decided to switch to using a flat-top brush and that gave more coverage with fewer layers.

On a hot day, the shine comes through quicker, maybe 4hours? and then I would feel I need to use oil blotting papers. On cold dry days, it lasts longer, perhaps a maximum of 8hours for me personally. I have mix feelings about this foundation partly because I do love the shade, it does feel hydrating, it's not heavy, has SPF25 and oil-free (this was probably the bit that was misleading some people) but I was rather gutted to notice instantly that my face wasn't going to stay matte. 

However, I will still keep using this foundation because I discovered that by using a finishing powder or blotting powder the foundation will stay longer so its the end of the world with this product -just invest in a really good finishing powder instead (and because its £24.50 non-refundable.....I am forced to keep it anyway).

My shade is Champagne which when blended, matches my skin very well

Also just to note: the liquid comes out more on the watery/thinner side than I thought, which is why it gives only light-medium coverage.

Also the only reason I'm looking for a foundation/base for oily skin is because all of a sudden my skin decided to lean more to the oily side, I'm not sure if its because of the change in weather or the act of my hormones. 

Next I am going to try Maybelline's SuperStay 24hr foundation. If you have any review/make-up look requests then feel free to leave a comment below OR you can follow me on my Twitter account @SoapyC and I will reply you there. =]

FOTD: Sweet Pink

This is actually the make-up I had on yesterday, but it's pretty similar to my every-day look anyway. I am currently totally in love with the Kate Moss spring collection lipsticks for Rimmel in the shade no.16! It's a sweet rosey pink and normally I would be more a coral or nude person, this one made it to my everyday-go-to lipstick list! My eyes are then, to keep the look soft, I used brown shades from the Naked Palette. My cheeks I used a new favourite of mines from MAC's mineral blushes collection.

LIPS

Rimmel Kate Moss Spring Collection Lipstick in no.16

EYES

Crease: Naked Palette - Sidecar

Outer crease bring towards middle and up: Naked Palette- Buck

Brow bone: Naked Palette- Virgin

Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Black

Top liner: L'oreal's Super Liner Carbon Gloss in Black

Bottom Liner: Maybelline's Gel Liner in Black and runned over with HD Brows shadow in Carbon

Brows: HD Brows Vamp Palette in Rich Brown

FACE & CHEEKS

Face: Rimmel's Wake Me Up Foundation in 103 True Ivory,

Maybelline's Mineral Concealer in 02 Natural (I heard this line is discontinued?), 

MAC's Studio Fix Pressed Powder in NW20

Blusher: MAC's Mineralize Blush in Dainty

No Filter and under natural lighting

That's it! It's boiling in my room just now so I'm going to go cool down for a bit (like stick my head in the fridge!).