The Guerlain SA at Tangs Orchard messaged me to inform that they will be having a promotion from 7-13 May. For purchases of S$500, there will be a 10% discount while for purchases of S$1000, there will be a 20% discount. Not sure if the summer makeup collection will be out by then though. You can see more pics of the collection on Urcosme.com.
Changi Airport dutyfree currently has the Asian Seasons limited edition of Meteorites Miniatures (S$99), which contains the mini sizes of the three regular shades (Beige Chic, Mystic and Fresh). While the packaging is pretty, the number of balls inside each pot is quite paltry (around 15).
Hopped across the pond for a short work trip to Malaysia earlier today. At Changi Airport dutyfree, I wasn't planning on buying anything initially but couldn't resist getting the Elizabeth Arden Face Powder Brush with Folding Mini Face Brush as the set was going for only S$29 (usual price: S$41) with any purchase at Nuance-Watsons. Several beauty bloggers had raved about how soft the synthetic Face Powder Brush is, and indeed it felt really dreamy and softer than even the Body Shop's synthetic kabuki brushes.
I also got the Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant (S$10) and Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF15 in 02 Blush (S$28.90). Also got the Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation (S$45; usual price is S$58) for Mag of Makeupstash.com. You can read her review of the foundation here.
If you are interested in Arden's Prevage skincare line, Changi Airport dutyfree has very attractive discounts on the line. The 50ml version of the new Advanced Anti-aging Serum costs only S$221, compared to S$331 at the department stores in town. There was also a travel-exclusive set comprising the Serum (30ml) and Day Ultra-Protection Anti-aging Moisturiser SPF30 (30ml) for S$177.
The RMK website has been updated with the new Summer 2010 makeup collection and revamped line of nail polishes. Nail Color EX comes in 30 shades and is priced at 1575yen for 12ml. The royal jelly-infused quick drying nail polishes are available in three finishes: glossy "Pearl", "Shiny" (with rainbow/metallic shimmer) and translucent glass-like "Clear".
You can also view movie clips of two makeup tutorials for the "Gorgeous Rich" and "Cool Gorgeous" looks on the website. The collection should be available at Isetan Scotts on 7 May.
A reader asked for a post on the current contents of my makeup case so here it is :-) I am currently using a Paul & Joe makeup case that I purchased at the DFS in Honolulu. As you can see, it's a tad small for me and already overflowing! At some point, I'll probably return to using my Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura traincase which is roomier.
My daily makeup routine usually takes about 15 minutes. I start with prepping my skin first with a serum or makeup base, then eyeshadow primer, followed by eyeshadow and then foundation and concealer. I always do foundation after eyeshadow in case there is any fall out on my cheeks that I need to clean up. Then I curl my lashes and apply eyeliner followed by mascara. Next, I do my brows and blush before finishing off with loose powder or highlighter.
This is the basic set of brushes that I use every day. Unless you are a professional makeup artist, you really do not need to invest in a dazzling array of makeup brushes. The basics are really just an eyeliner brush, a couple of eyeshadow blending brushes, blush brush and face powder brush.
Below are the mascaras that I currently have in rotation, plus Dior Skinflash and a Chanel Glossimer. Dior Skinflash is like YSL Touche Eclat, namely to illuminate the under eye area. It does not provide full coverage of under eye circles though.
Samples of Lancome Blank Expert Anti-Dark Circles Eye Serum, Diorsnow Sublissime Whitening Liquid Foundation, Capture Totale Refining Base.
Various base and colour makeup items.
Paul & Joe eyebrow pencil duo and Urban Decay and MAC eyeliner pencils.
I also keep a small LeSportsac pouch in my bag with a Cath Kidston mirror (from the recent Spring 2010 mook), lip products and fragrance vials for touch-ups on the go.
I have been using Stila Jewel Lipglaze in Amethyst almost exclusively over the past few days. As the name suggests, this is intensely sparkly and glossy. It does tend to bleed and is a tad drying but the colour is just too pretty either on its own or layered over a lipstick.
I purchased it as part of a trio of Jewel lipglazes from the Escentials boutique in Tangs Orchard. The set retails for S$75, which is quite a steal considering that Stila lipglazes usually retail for around S$38 individually. When the SA told me she had only one set left, I said without hesitation that I would take it! It's a real pity that Stila is not promoted more in Singapore and new products are just launched quietly at the counter without any publicity.
Spotted the new Canmake Glossy Holic Lip line of lipglosses at Watsons in Ngee Ann City last weekend. These are currently on sale at a promotional price of around S$10.20 (usual price is S$12+).
The four shades are #1 Cinnamon Sugar, #2 Lollipop Pink, #3 Sweet Apricot and #4 Strawberry Pink. I didn't bother to swatch these.
A reader asked me to share my current skincare routine. My routine is very basic: cleanse, tone and moisturise, with a 'treatment' twice a week. My skin type is oily and acne-prone. Skincare products are very subjective so do bear in mind that your mileage may vary and what works for me may not necessarily work for you.
Cleanse: I remove my eye makeup first with Urban Decay Clean & Sober (gently wipe with a cotton pad) followed by Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (massage on dry skin then emulsify by adding water). The Shu cleansing oil can also remove eye makeup but I'm trying to use up the two bottles of UD Clean & Sober that I received as GWPs, so I decided to use them to remove eye makeup as the first step. Also, this reduces the amount of massaging of the delicate eye area that I have to do when using the Shu cleansing oil. L'Oreal's Gentle Eye Makeup Remover was an old staple of mine for many years.
The Shu cleansing oil takes off everything, including waterproof mascara. It is expensive at S$138 for a 450ml bottle, but if you compare with Fancl (S$33 for 120ml), the per unit cost is not that much more than Fancl. I then follow up with Avene Cleanance Soap-Free Gel Cleanser which cleanses effectively without stripping. About twice a week, I use Lush Herbalism instead of Avene, as Herbalism also acts as a scrub. However, I prefer Angels on Bare Skin to Herbalism as Angels is gentler. I use Shiseido Brightening Cleansing Foam in the mornings. It does help to brighten up my skin but tends to leave it dry so I do not use it more than once a day.
Tone: I am currently using Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener which helps the moisturiser/serum to absorb more easily. But when I am having a breakout, I use DDF 10% Glycolic Toner which helps to exfoliate the skin. Previously, I was also using Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion to help combat breakouts.
Moisturise: I am currently using Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum. My skin gets incredibly oily if I layer on more than two skincare products at a time, which is why if I use a serum, I always skip the moisturiser and vice versa. The other moisturisers that I have in rotation are L'Occitane Red Rice Ultra-Matte Face Fluid and Kenzoki Melts on Contact Face Gel (not pictured). I am currently also using Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Anti-aging Moisturising Treatment.
Treat: I do a mask twice a week. To combat acne breakouts, I use either DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask or Kate Somerville Clearing Mask. To combat skin dullness, I use My Beauty Diary sheet masks. Once a week, I also use Biore Pore Strips on my T-zone area and my cheeks to remove pore clogs (much better way of removing them than squeezing which can just worsen the inflammation).
Stand a chance to win a Shu Uemura puRENovate skincare hamper worth S$272 by simply playing a game on their website! It's simple yet somewhat addictive... I had to stop before my eyesight got worse! There's no limit to the number of times that you can play the game and improve on your score.
After you play the game, you can also sign up for an SMS alert that allows you to get samples of the puRENovate skincare line at any Shu Uemura counter in Singapore. I already collected my samples, which included the puRENovate Clarifying Refreshing Lotion 3ml, Clarifying Balancing Moisturizer 1ml and Intense Pore Perfecting Solution 1ml.
The Summer 2010 Gem Glam makeup collection is also already available at the Isetan Scotts counter. The Flawless Glow Powder Radiance (S$95) is quite disappointing though. Guerlain's Meteorites give a more beautiful glowy finish and are actually slightly cheaper. The four glitter Pressed Eyeshadow N are incredibly sparkly and bling but the Cream Eye Shadows feel very dry and blah.
Stopped by BHG in Bugis Junction to check out the sale. It turns out that all the prestige beauty brands (e.g. Chanel, Shiseido, SKII, Givenchy, Paul & Joe, Kanebo/Coffret D'Or, Anna Sui, Dior, Shu Uemura, Sonia Rykiel etc) are eligible for 10% rebate vouchers. There is 20% direct discount for Bourjois, Pupa, Revlon and Fasio.
Kose is having a series of special buys.
There is also a new Esprique Precious Double Shine Face Powder. Can't remember if this was S$45 or $54.
The new Les Pop-Up de Chanel collection is also out.
Paul & Joe has a new furry blanket GWP, but the SA was busy so I didn't get to ask about the purchase amount required.
Managed to finish another slew of products recently so I'll review them quickly before sending the containers for recycling.
1. Steam Cream: I finished my first Steam Cream that I purchased in Tokyo! At just 75ml, this can did not last very long as I was using it as a body moisturiser. The skin on my legs have become much dryer as I get into my 30s. The Steam Cream absorbs easily and keeps my skin well hydrated without stickiness. While the texture was divine perfection in the dry and cold climate of Tokyo back in early April, but in Singapore's hot and humid weather, the Steam Cream does leave a discernible layer on my skin. It's not as heavy as Body Shop Body Butter but it is definitely more emollient than Body Shop Body Puree.
2. Sala Shiny Arrange Wax: Both my mother and I loved this as it helps to keep our hair neat without any crackly stiffness. The light wax is very easy to work with when mixed with a bit of water. Sala is a drugstore haircare brand by Kanebo. The Sala hair wax line has been revamped since I purchased this so this version is no longer available but you can probably find a very similar product to this in the current line-up.
3. Sala Repair Hair Pack: I brought this along on my Hawaii & Tokyo trip to use as a daily conditioner. It helped to keep my hair soft and manageable without any buildup. This has also been revamped since I purchased it.
4. Jill Stuart Sugar Body Scrub: I purchased this as part of the Bath & Body Collection from last November. I find that the sugar melts too fast so you get less than a minute of really good and thorough scrubbing action. The 60g pot lasted only about six uses for me. The floral scent was a tad too sweet and tweeny for my liking.
5. Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion: This helps to dry out blemishes effectively so I use this when I get breakouts, especially on my forehead and cheeks. It is too astringent to use twice a day, so I only use this when I need to treat acne.
6. Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Shampoo: This is formulated with olive fruit oil, avocado oil and lemon extract to restore shine and softness to dry, damaged hair. It cleansed quite effectively and rinsed off easily without stripping or leaving my hair in a tangled mess although I still need to follow up with a conditioner.
7. City Girl Nail Polish Remover: Just a cheapo $2 nail polish remover. It worked alright but wasn't particularly outstanding. I can't even remember where I bought this!
8. Body Shop Spa Wisdom Polynesia Lotus & Frangipani Flower Body Puree: This is perfect for Singapore's humid climate as it absorbs quickly into the skin without any greasiness at all. The scent is quite light and not too sweet, generic or cloying.
9. Body Shop Spa Wisdom Polynesia Lime & Coconut Shower Gel: This contains small scrubby bits to help exfoliate the skin. It cleanses well and doesn't strip my skin. I can't really smell the lime note in this though.
10. Shu Uemura White Recover EX+ Brightening Cleansing Oil: Very effective at removing makeup including waterproof mascara but I did not notice any significant whitening or brightening effect.
11. I Nuovi Purify Skin Cleansing Gel: The clear gel has an almost jelly-like texture. This cleanses well and gently without stripping the skin.
