Monday, August 2, 2010

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I adored HABA Squa Facial Soap for almost 2 years but I've changed my heart to Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser!

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser cleanse, moisturise and is gentle on skin. This cleanser will not strip the natural protective oils or emollient and disturb the natural PH's balance. I love the pleasantly tight (surprisingly cleanser that leave slight tight feeling is considered as good) after a wash with Cetaphil. I also like the fact that Cetaphil Cleanser can be used with and without water. Which means, I can massage my skin with adequate amount of Cetaphil cleanser and wipe it off with tissue or a piece of cloth. No rinse needed.

Although, it's a cleanser and according to their website, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser can be acting as mild makeup remover. Seriously, I doubt so. I've seen plenty of reviews on it's makeup removing ability. So far, nothing fantastic came out. I have my DOVE Cleansing Foam, which I bought from Japan months ago hence I do not use Cetaphil to cleans up any makeup. Unless I have only sunscreen without a single trace of makeup.
I bought my first Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser at Jusco few months ago at RM48.00 (473ml) of something like that. I went back for 2nd bottle but couldn't get any after searched for 2 different Jusco malls. Out of resorts, I ran to Guardian and got myself a new bottle at RM47.90 for 473ml too. Today, I went to the small pharmacy next to my office and they actually carrying CETAPHIL ! They have plenty of stocks and only selling RM72.00 for 2 bottles of 473ml Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ! Arghghhhhhhh... Stupid me! I've been searching high and low over the product yet it's actually available right in front of me and yes! it is much much much more cheaper! To think, RM72.00 for 2 bottles and it's only RM36.00 for each 473ml ! I've paid RM18.00 more for each bottle but at least I know where to get my Cetaphil in future...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Loving Minerals Hauls 2: Eyeshadows

Apart from brushes, I'd bought 5 eyeshadows sample from Loving Minerals. A set of 5 eyeshadows sample kit selling at RM35.00. While you can also purchase a set of 10 eyeshadows sample kit at RM65.00. I'd purchased a set of 10 eyeshadows sample kit last year and quite liking it thus I made my repurchased and here's the haul's review:




Seduction:
According to Loving Minerals website, Seduction is a soft light tan with slight metallic copper sheen. To me, Seduction looks like dirty soil. Hahahaha... Have not tried the color yet, not even a swatch. Personally, I think Seduction will look good on any skin tone and if you like 'down to earth' style. This should be the right color for you. RM24.00, approximately USD7.40 for full size of 1 gram powder in 5 gram sifter jar.

Midnight:
Dark and mysterious navy blue with black undertones. I have no idea why am I still buying blue eyeshadow when I don't use them but I guess it's really hard for anyone to keep this beautiful dark blue away from their makeup trash. Hahahaha... Tried this yesterday, I will suggest to use it as eyeliner. I do find it quite difficult to blend it out, it creates a dirty and messy smokey eyes. The color is a bit similar (or Midnight is tad darker) to my Bloom 'Marine' but 'Marine' color payoff is so much silkier, smoother and blend-able. Until today, 'Marine' is still my favourite blue eyeshadow. With the price tag of only RM29.00, approximately USD9.00 for 2 grams powder in 10 grams sifter jar. I guess I can't complain much. Hehehe...

Green Glimer:
According to Loving Minerals website, Green Glimmer is a medium green with glimmery green flecks. I'm using green glimer as a base color this morning and accidentally dropped it and spilled the powder all over the basin! There's no way I can rescued the eyeshadow powder as my basin was wet after brushing teeth. My first and last use, I'm so sad! In fact, I've found Green Glimer is similar to my Beaute De KOSE Precious Jade palette, if you still remember but lighter and shimmery. RM29.00, approximately USD9.00 for 2 grams powder in 10 grams sifter jar.
Envy:
According to their website, Envy is a light green with subtle yellow / light gold tones. To me, you can easily recreate this color using any yellow or gold together with green eyeshadow. It looks darker in real but the powder is fine milled. I would prefer to apply Envy near to the inner corner of my eye. Envy is a matte finish. So if you are looking for a nice matter green eyeshadow, this might be a good choice. RM24.00, approximately USD7.40 for 1 gram powder in 5 grams sifter jar.
Emerald:
Rich and vibrant emerald green. Gorgeous green eyeliner. RM29.00, approximately USD9.00 for 2 grams powder in 10 grams sifter jar.
Denim:
Light blue with medium sheen. I used it as an eyeliner yesterday and the light sky blue really pop and beautiful. I wouldn't dare to use Denim anywhere larger than a thin line near to lashes, unless I can master the techniques of applying makeup. Hahaha... RM29.00, approximately USD9.00 for 2 grams in 10 grams sifter jar.

Cat's Eye:
Deep sage green with yellow sparks. Similar green with Green Glimer but tad darker. Hence, Cat's Eye also means similar to green color in Beaute De Kose Precious Jade palatte. RM29.00, approximately USD9.00 for 2 grams in 10 grams sifter jar.
Cafe Latte:
Creamy light tan with a hint of sparkles. Initially I thought Cafe Latte will be a nice highlighter but it turns out to be a 'not so good'. I suggest is the large and coarse sparkles creates uneven surface during application. Unlike MAC pigments, even with sparkles MAC pigments still smooth on skin. I'd held the highest expectation on Cafe Latte among recent haul but it seriously let me down. I've tried twice and both didn't turned up well. RM29.00, approximately USD9.00 for 2 grams powder in 10 grams sifter jar.

Colors above are purchased in sample size of 1/4 teaspoon but not full size. I always prefer to try on sample before digs into buying full size. Most of the colors are beautiful in pans but not on skin. I've learnt my lesson not to buy in full price for something I can't try or before tested on skin. Loving Minerals offering attractive sample kits and that's really a great start for those whom wishes to try but don't know which one to choose from. My best friend, who only makeup occasionally also joining my fun and got herself a Loving Minerals Sample Kit.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Loving Minerals Hauls

I'm a happy girl because I've received my Loving Minerals package last week. Woo Hoo!!!

Loving Minerals Duo Fiber Blush Brush (RM38.00, approximately USD11.70).


I have bad experience with Etude House Duo Fiber Brush but when I see this pink handle brush available in Loving Minerals, I can't help but to have it.

To my surprise, Loving Minerals Duo Fiber Blush Brush or Whisper Blush Brush as printed on the brush is smaller and not consolidated. Loose bristles wouldn't pick up too much powder and Loving Minerals Duo Fiber Blush Brush really does a good job. It allows me to build up a decent amount of cheek color without over doing it. Not to afraid of picking up too much powder. Overall length of this brush is 4 1/2 inches, quite handy. I found that my pink handle has cracked in many lines. No idea why it cracked but I guess it won't affected the performance so I never return it.

Ditto 'O' Powder Blush (RM43.00, approximately USD13.30).

I bought a sample pack last year together with my 'Loving Sample Kit' and love it very much. Thus, I can't stop myself from ordering a Ditto 'O' in full size, 4g. It's very pigmented and looks great on any skin tone. I've received a lot of compliments from applying Ditto 'O'. Peach and pink with light golden shimmer really gives me a healthy glow. Although in Loving Minerals website stated, Ditto 'O' is similar to NARS Orgasm but I never tried NARS Orgasm hence I can't provide any comparison on this. You might need some techniques in order to apply powder blush as I always having problem in even it out.

Lumiere Angled Blush Brush (RM37.00, approximately USD11.40). Yes, I love blushes! That's the reason why I have more blusher brush than powder brush. Hahahaha...

Lumiere angled brush is more dense than Loving Minerals Duo Fiber Brush. The black handle looks chic with soft bristles. To my opinion, this brush is more suitable for compact blush rather than powder as it will pick up too much powder at one time. Unless you are really light handed and skillful or professional makeup artist.

Fresh Roses Powder Blush (RM43.00 for 4g full size but I only got myself a quarter teaspoon sample jar at RM7.50, approximately USD2.30)



At a glance, Fresh Roses powder blush is very similar to Ditto 'O' but Fresh Roses is more on pink with the peachy and shimmers. I suggest this is suitable for any skin tone or anyone who prefer matte blush. If you are looking for a sweet baby doll pink, NO, this is not the pink blush that you are looking for. Fresh Roses is more to the professional 'Office Lady' rather than girlish.

I'll update my Loving Minerals eyeshadow haul in next post. Drop me a message if you have any interesting skincare or makeup tips or items. Have a nice day, ladies!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Dove Cleansing Foam, My Favourite Makeup Remover for Now!

Hello Ladies!!!! Long time no see !!!!!! I know I've been absent for so long because I'm so lazy... Hehehehe...

I just got back from Japan last week, things are expensive thus I can hardly lay my hands on them. Still, I've bought my longtime lemming cleansing foam from Japan !

Ta Da !!!!!! Dove Cleansing Foam !
Since the very first time I saw it in Taiwanese Beauty Show 'Queen', I'm deeply in love with this product. Weird enough, I'd heard Singapore drugstore did brought in this product but I just couldn't seems to find it anywhere. Without much thoughts, I grabbed 1 bottle with 150ml of product (980 Yen approximately RM34.30 with that particular day conversion rate) with 3 refill packs, I can't remember how many ml is in the refill but certainly is lesser than a bottle (580 Yen each, if not mistaken).

There is also a blue bottle available with the same picture but I can't read Japanese words, so I have no idea what was it all about.

Can anyone tells me why is the liquid becomes bubble foam after pumped? Is because of the pump that creates foams or some kind of chemical reacts? If I pour the refill pack into another bottle, will I spoiled the liquid and fails to create foams?

Enough questions and here are my thoughts of DOVE CLEANSING FOAM...

Advantages:
1) The foams are smooth and light, which easy to spread out.
2) It seems cleanse better than regular DHC and Shu Uemura my cleansing oil.
3) Way cheaper than DHC and Shu Uemura, it's only RM35.00 for 155ml while DHC is slightover RM100 for 200ml and Shu Uemura is RM260 for 450ml.
4) The product comes out as bubble foams thus it won't leaks between fingers or drips and cause wasting.
5) No oily, sticky or tight feeling leaves on skin
6) Easy to rinse off with no residues.
7) No fragrance or smell, at least I don't noticed any. Hehehehe...

Disadvantages:
1) Not available locally. This is what I hate most!
2) The products stings if it comes near to eyes. For this reason, I won't recommend to use this to removes eye makeup.
3) It dries fast hence if you wish to massage your face while cleansing is almost impossible.

Basically, I prefer DOVE Cleansing Foam better than any cleansing oil I had used before.