Hey there!
It's been hectic the past month (actually, when is it never hectic for me?) and I finally found some time and motivation to continue this post, which was drafted since early December. Opsy! The delay in my November Favorites post is mainly because I wanted to use my new camera to capture shots for this post, but I took a little longer than expected to learn it. In addition, I was contemplating whether to do a video version instead of an actual blog post because I just can't seem to find the inspiration to type. But filming a video is hard, because I can't find proper background, lighting, and an environment quiet enough to not affect the filming. Too many people at home, it's so hard to find personal space in here. When I was in hostel, I plead for companion and voices, but when I'm back at home, I wish everyone will give me some time and space. Sigh..
Alright, excuses aside, I'm now determined to finish this post in one seating! There will not be much product pictures this time because I was still trying to figure out my new camera when I took shots for this post. Which means that I ended up with many blurry shots which cannot be used (sulks). Nonetheless, I don't really think it will affect this post much, so let's begin!
1. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
I've heard tons of raves about this curler since my internship at the modelling agency, but I never got about buying it mainly because I didn't believe there would be a difference in a high end brand's curler and those you can get at Daiso for $2. Mine was starting to lose its tension and getting a little dirty, and when I heard my Aunt was going to HK for vacation, I asked her to help me purchase the Shu Uemura Curler because apparently SU is cheaper in HK. Now I'm a SU curler converter because my gosh, IT REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE! My lashes are pretty long and dense naturally, which means that I have eyelashes nearer to the inner corners which are quite long and obvious. My old curlers were not able to reach into the inner corners and curl those lashes up, and I will end up with 3/4 of my lashes curled, and the lashes in the inner corners uncurled. This always make me so frustrated, but with the SU curler, for some reason, the shape fits my eyes so nicely, i get to curl all my lashes with one application!! I have no idea what made the SU Curler so much more awesome, but it works, and that's all that matters.
2. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro in Pink Shock
I bought this when I was out on a date with OBC girls, and I admit it was quite an impulsive purchase. I was really stressed out at that time, and every time I'm nervous or stressed I tend to peel my lips (I'm doing that right now because I am worried about some school matters). My lips were feeling really crappy that night, so when i saw the baby lips collection in Watsons, I was instantly reminded of all the raves about it on Youtube, and immediately grabbed the pink one and rush to the cashier. My impulsive purchase is justified once again, because I've gotten myself an awesome product. For starters, this lip balm is SERIOUSLY PIGMENTED. On days when I head off to school looking like a zombie (too shag and tired to be bothered with any makeup), I will always end up scaring myself when I look into the mirror. Trust me, it's a depressing sight. But thanks to this baby, I feel alive again. 1 swipe is all that's needed for the color to pop on the lips, and in addition it is somewhat glossy and hides the chapped lips very well. There are many lip balms that are pigmented but not moisturizing/comfortable on the lips, but this baby is not one of them. It is lightweight and feels really moisturizing. Right now I'm planning to grab the Berry Bomb, Strike a Rose, and Oh Orange to throw into each of my bags in case I need some lip rescue.
3. Essence Cookies & Cream Shimmer Pearls in #01 One Sweet Day
It's been hectic the past month (actually, when is it never hectic for me?) and I finally found some time and motivation to continue this post, which was drafted since early December. Opsy! The delay in my November Favorites post is mainly because I wanted to use my new camera to capture shots for this post, but I took a little longer than expected to learn it. In addition, I was contemplating whether to do a video version instead of an actual blog post because I just can't seem to find the inspiration to type. But filming a video is hard, because I can't find proper background, lighting, and an environment quiet enough to not affect the filming. Too many people at home, it's so hard to find personal space in here. When I was in hostel, I plead for companion and voices, but when I'm back at home, I wish everyone will give me some time and space. Sigh..
Alright, excuses aside, I'm now determined to finish this post in one seating! There will not be much product pictures this time because I was still trying to figure out my new camera when I took shots for this post. Which means that I ended up with many blurry shots which cannot be used (sulks). Nonetheless, I don't really think it will affect this post much, so let's begin!
1. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
I've heard tons of raves about this curler since my internship at the modelling agency, but I never got about buying it mainly because I didn't believe there would be a difference in a high end brand's curler and those you can get at Daiso for $2. Mine was starting to lose its tension and getting a little dirty, and when I heard my Aunt was going to HK for vacation, I asked her to help me purchase the Shu Uemura Curler because apparently SU is cheaper in HK. Now I'm a SU curler converter because my gosh, IT REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE! My lashes are pretty long and dense naturally, which means that I have eyelashes nearer to the inner corners which are quite long and obvious. My old curlers were not able to reach into the inner corners and curl those lashes up, and I will end up with 3/4 of my lashes curled, and the lashes in the inner corners uncurled. This always make me so frustrated, but with the SU curler, for some reason, the shape fits my eyes so nicely, i get to curl all my lashes with one application!! I have no idea what made the SU Curler so much more awesome, but it works, and that's all that matters.
2. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro in Pink Shock
I bought this when I was out on a date with OBC girls, and I admit it was quite an impulsive purchase. I was really stressed out at that time, and every time I'm nervous or stressed I tend to peel my lips (I'm doing that right now because I am worried about some school matters). My lips were feeling really crappy that night, so when i saw the baby lips collection in Watsons, I was instantly reminded of all the raves about it on Youtube, and immediately grabbed the pink one and rush to the cashier. My impulsive purchase is justified once again, because I've gotten myself an awesome product. For starters, this lip balm is SERIOUSLY PIGMENTED. On days when I head off to school looking like a zombie (too shag and tired to be bothered with any makeup), I will always end up scaring myself when I look into the mirror. Trust me, it's a depressing sight. But thanks to this baby, I feel alive again. 1 swipe is all that's needed for the color to pop on the lips, and in addition it is somewhat glossy and hides the chapped lips very well. There are many lip balms that are pigmented but not moisturizing/comfortable on the lips, but this baby is not one of them. It is lightweight and feels really moisturizing. Right now I'm planning to grab the Berry Bomb, Strike a Rose, and Oh Orange to throw into each of my bags in case I need some lip rescue.
3. Essence Cookies & Cream Shimmer Pearls in #01 One Sweet Day
I should really steer clear of Watsons, I'm losing all my money in this greenish store. This highlighter is yet another impulsive purchase, but I love how it's really subtle and natural. Singapore's weather is really hot and humid, so my skin tend to get oily if I spend too much time under the sun. Wearing a really strong highlighter will make me look like a disco ball, and that's disgusting (go ahead if it's your cup of tea!). I will be honest, what really captured my heart initially i how beautiful this pot of shimmer pearls is. Plus, it looks somewhat like the Guerlain meteorites, at more than a 90% discount!! Such a steal!! However, there is 1 thing I don't really like about this highlighter - the scent. It smells like diabetes. I think Essence thought it would be sweet (no pun intended) to inject some candy scent into these shimmer pearls, but the scent is too strong and too artificial it's a little overwhelming. Thankfully the scent does not linger on the skin, so fret not.
4. Bourjois Flower Perfection Transparent Smoothing Primer
I usually prefer liquid primers because they are more blendable, so when I got this as a gift from my internship company, I let it stay in my makeup drawer for more than a year. I finally got about using it because my Catrice primer ran out, and was instantly wowed by how smooth it made my skin feel. The primer blurs out most of my pores, which the Catrice primer did not manage to do, and it is extremely blendable, contrary to my beliefs. It works very well at keep my foundation and makeup in place, and I also use it on my eyelids to prevent eyeshadows from straying. Although it does a good job at holding on to the eyeshadows, I don't actually think it works at making them more vibrant. This primer has not broken me out so far (I've already started to hit pan), but if I'm not wrong it contains silicone ingredient (don't quote me on this, I'm not too sure), so if products containing silicone ingredients tend to clog your pores, I will suggest you steer clear of this primer! If not, do give it a try!!
5. 3 Concept Eyes Matte #705 Sugary Cake
4. Bourjois Flower Perfection Transparent Smoothing Primer
I usually prefer liquid primers because they are more blendable, so when I got this as a gift from my internship company, I let it stay in my makeup drawer for more than a year. I finally got about using it because my Catrice primer ran out, and was instantly wowed by how smooth it made my skin feel. The primer blurs out most of my pores, which the Catrice primer did not manage to do, and it is extremely blendable, contrary to my beliefs. It works very well at keep my foundation and makeup in place, and I also use it on my eyelids to prevent eyeshadows from straying. Although it does a good job at holding on to the eyeshadows, I don't actually think it works at making them more vibrant. This primer has not broken me out so far (I've already started to hit pan), but if I'm not wrong it contains silicone ingredient (don't quote me on this, I'm not too sure), so if products containing silicone ingredients tend to clog your pores, I will suggest you steer clear of this primer! If not, do give it a try!!
5. 3 Concept Eyes Matte #705 Sugary Cake
Can we take a minute to appreciate the beauty of Park Sora. I have been looking for a perfect nude lipstick recently for days where I want to go with the "no makeup" makeup look, and when I chanced upon this picture of Park Sora, I went crazy trying to find out the shade she's wearing on her lips. It turned out to be #706 Sugary Cake, and I immediately bought it from Freyja, the shop which i purchase most of my korean cosmetics from. I was not aware that #705 is a matte shade, but i didn't mind, because it had a natural matte finish, and not those super drying, flat matte texture. I would not say that this lipstick is moisturizing. Generally, most 3CE lipsticks (besides the 3CE Creamy Lip Color series) are not moisturizing at all. In fact, despite wearing lip balm below, most 3CE lipsticks tend to chap my lips after 2 to 3 hours of wear. I wonder how Park Sora lips still look so healthy after modelling for so many shades at a go. But I really like the shade, and thankfully it does not settle into fine lines, so I am willing to close one eyes and embrace this lipstick (hehe). Swatch is available below!
6. NYX Butter Lipstick in BLS09 Candy Buttons
I first saw the Youtuber Jenn Im wearing this lipstick, and I knew I had to get my hands on this because I love Jenn Im and I love the shade! Lucky for me, Sephora opening in Tampines and they widen their NYX collection with the Butter Lipsticks! By the way, is it just me, or does anyone feel like the price for NYX has increased tremendously over the years? In the past, NYX was somewhat cheaper than drugstore cosmetic prices, but right not I find that it can get even more expensive than drugstore products. Nonetheless, this lipstick is worth every cent because it's so creamy and pretty! The only downside is that it does not last very long on the lips, which is expected for such a creamy lipstick.
I first saw the Youtuber Jenn Im wearing this lipstick, and I knew I had to get my hands on this because I love Jenn Im and I love the shade! Lucky for me, Sephora opening in Tampines and they widen their NYX collection with the Butter Lipsticks! By the way, is it just me, or does anyone feel like the price for NYX has increased tremendously over the years? In the past, NYX was somewhat cheaper than drugstore cosmetic prices, but right not I find that it can get even more expensive than drugstore products. Nonetheless, this lipstick is worth every cent because it's so creamy and pretty! The only downside is that it does not last very long on the lips, which is expected for such a creamy lipstick.
7. Etude House Color Pop Shine Tint in P12 (Baby size)
I was shopping at the largest Etude House store in SG one weekend, and I saw this super cute display of the whole range of Color Pop Shine Tint. Like I've mentioned before, the Color Pop Shine Tint is probably my fave product from Etude House, so it was a no brainer that I had to get my hands on more shades. P12 caught my eyes because I was on a lookout for a deep burgundy shade for Christmas. On the packaging, the shade looks super dark and a little reddish-brown, but on the lips, it is not as dark and looks a little more reddish-purple. Love how long it lasts on my lips, and it's really pigmented too! |
8. Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara
Well, the name of this product says it all. It keeps my eyebrows in place, but does not give them a hardened look/feel! I haven't tried it on my lashes, and I'm not sure if its waterproof. I hate it when clear brow mascara gets all dirty and brownish inside the tube, but because this item is so cheap, I guess I can just junk it when it gets all disgusting and buy myself a new one!
9. Secret Key Secret Kiss Twinkle Gel Pencil Liner in Burgundy
Well, the name of this product says it all. It keeps my eyebrows in place, but does not give them a hardened look/feel! I haven't tried it on my lashes, and I'm not sure if its waterproof. I hate it when clear brow mascara gets all dirty and brownish inside the tube, but because this item is so cheap, I guess I can just junk it when it gets all disgusting and buy myself a new one!
9. Secret Key Secret Kiss Twinkle Gel Pencil Liner in Burgundy
I've always always always wanted a burgundy eyeliner, but I don't know why I never got about getting myself one. Probably because I'm too afraid that I cannot pull off the shade, and will end up with teary bloodshot eyes. I got this on a 1+1+1+1 sales on Qoo10. Yes, i'm a sucker for 1+1s!! I got the shades Choco Brown, Beige Shine, Burgundy and Deep Black. They were all very creamy, and they do not smudge or transfer! They are waterproof too! Burgundy was not too red, which made it more wearable!
On days where I'm in a rush, I just draw the eyeliner thickly on my last finger, and smudge the color on my eyelids, below the double eyelid line. Using a blending brush, I'll blend the color upwards, fading into the crease, and then using the same color, I line my upper and lower waterline. This creates a layering effect that can be applied boldly for a smoky look, or played down by reducing the intensity of the shade. Saves me a whole load of time! |
That's it for my November Favourites! I really finished it in one seating, woohoo!
Moving on to some updates on my life...
Holidays have started and I'm starting to feel time speeding up. Time always past faster when you are enjoying, yeah? I spent most of my holidays catching up with friends and watch dramas. I've been super hooked on We Got Married thanks to the 2 couples - Yura & Jonghyun + Jaerim & So Eun. THEY ARE ALL SO GOOD LOOKING AND TOO DAMN CUTE TOGETHER, I FEEL LIKE IN LOVE WHEN I WATCH THEM! I have a crazy crush on Jonghyun right now, I actually went to watch most of the dramas he's in. I admit he's acting is kind of stiff sometimes, but that charming face of his is irresistible! Besides these, I've been spending good quality time with the family as well as with the boyfriend. :) Here are some pictures of us on a picnic x kite flying date at marina barrage, which ended in a tangly mess & the first fall of my a5000 (cough)!
All photos unedited and straight out of my new baby, Sony A5000 !
Holidays have started and I'm starting to feel time speeding up. Time always past faster when you are enjoying, yeah? I spent most of my holidays catching up with friends and watch dramas. I've been super hooked on We Got Married thanks to the 2 couples - Yura & Jonghyun + Jaerim & So Eun. THEY ARE ALL SO GOOD LOOKING AND TOO DAMN CUTE TOGETHER, I FEEL LIKE IN LOVE WHEN I WATCH THEM! I have a crazy crush on Jonghyun right now, I actually went to watch most of the dramas he's in. I admit he's acting is kind of stiff sometimes, but that charming face of his is irresistible! Besides these, I've been spending good quality time with the family as well as with the boyfriend. :) Here are some pictures of us on a picnic x kite flying date at marina barrage, which ended in a tangly mess & the first fall of my a5000 (cough)!
All photos unedited and straight out of my new baby, Sony A5000 !
Hello, my new baby!!
I've been forcing myself to shoot at aperture priority mode, and as a beginner I tend to forget to change the aperture from time to time, which is why some of the photos are darker than the rest. I've been reading up on some photography knowledge, and finally terms like the f-stop, iso and shutter speed makes sense to me. I've been wanting to get myself a camera for a really long time, and the urge intensified during exam period because I was so stressed out I just wanted to splurge SO BADLY!! Plus I found a good deal for the A5000!
The Sony A5000 had everything i wanted in a camera -
1. Interchangeable lens (idk when I will start changing lens but it feels good to know you have so many options out there) 2. Flip LCD screen (girls got to do their selfies you know?)
3. Full manual control
4. Large sensor (BACKGROUND BLUR!!)
5. White
6. Light
7. Within budget
8. Full HD video
9. Built-in flash (I have a feeling I will definitely lose an external flash)
10. Wifi & NFC (INSTANT TRANSFER TO PHONE = INSTANT SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE!)
The A5000 was such a perfect match, I was in awe. I bring him in my new mini backpack everywhere I go now, in case I find myself any photo-worthy moment. The pictures I take are definitely far from professional (it was never my intention), but I'm learning step by step, and finding my type of photography style. Right now, I'm just snapping away as and when i like, getting all excited everytime i hear the shutter button. But like how I respond to all professional cameras, I'm not exactly comfortable/confident when I let someone else capture me with such cameras. I just have the feeling that the camera is so sharp it will capture all my flaws which is a little scary. Oh well, come to think of it, it's my camera anyway, I can just delete any ugly pictures! HAHAHA.
That's it for now!
XOXO,
Iris
The Sony A5000 had everything i wanted in a camera -
1. Interchangeable lens (idk when I will start changing lens but it feels good to know you have so many options out there) 2. Flip LCD screen (girls got to do their selfies you know?)
3. Full manual control
4. Large sensor (BACKGROUND BLUR!!)
5. White
6. Light
7. Within budget
8. Full HD video
9. Built-in flash (I have a feeling I will definitely lose an external flash)
10. Wifi & NFC (INSTANT TRANSFER TO PHONE = INSTANT SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE!)
The A5000 was such a perfect match, I was in awe. I bring him in my new mini backpack everywhere I go now, in case I find myself any photo-worthy moment. The pictures I take are definitely far from professional (it was never my intention), but I'm learning step by step, and finding my type of photography style. Right now, I'm just snapping away as and when i like, getting all excited everytime i hear the shutter button. But like how I respond to all professional cameras, I'm not exactly comfortable/confident when I let someone else capture me with such cameras. I just have the feeling that the camera is so sharp it will capture all my flaws which is a little scary. Oh well, come to think of it, it's my camera anyway, I can just delete any ugly pictures! HAHAHA.
That's it for now!
XOXO,
Iris