[Review] Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara

Cross-posted to Lifestyle Post [x]

As someone who has really fine lashes combined with tapered double-eyelids, I've always had a hard time finding just the right mascara for me. And when I heard of Holika Holika's Magic Pole mascara, which boasts a unique wand design to "sculpt the perfect lash", I just knew I had to try it out!

Isn't the packaging pretty?

Holika Holika is known to have a slightly dreamy packaging, and I always think that it's a Korean version of Japanese brand Majolica Majorca. Dreamy and occasionally cute packaging, the Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara didn't disappoint in its pretty packaging, coming in a dark purple triangular box with gold and white fonts and lining.

Instruction palette with 3 different lash look to try out!

Inside the box, there are instructions on how to effectively use the wand, completed with pictures so you don't have to understand Korean to learn how to use it.

The pretty packaging! 

How the wand looks like.

The mascara itself has the same color code for the packaging [#03], and the wand comes with a bobbed design at the tip. With a combination of short and long bristles, the wand is suppose to effectively come the lashes and cover them with ample mascara, before one uses the bobbed tip to seperate the lashes and remove any crumps [#04].

How the brush looks like in detail and how it is when swiped!

Claiming to be smudge-proof, water and sebum-proof, strong black and has a magic curling effect, Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara sounds like the miracle product for every lady, and let's find out if it's truly what it says!

With thin lashes, one of the biggest challenge is to find a mascara that helps to hold the curls but wouldn't weigh them down in the process. Sadly, this Magic Pole Mascara isn't the right one for me as it doesn't seem to hold that much of a curl for me as compared to other brands. Despite the design of the wand, it didn't effectively removed the crumps either so I ended up with slightly crumped together lashes - which isn't my prefered lash look but if it's yours, this might just be the one for you. It does, however, lengthen and darkens the lashes for a pretty natural look.

On the side note, it does seem to do a good job being waterproof and smudgeproof, and is easily removed by washing with warm water. I used warm water without any remover and massaged with a cleansing puff, and poof, the mascara was removed effectively!

While I probably wouldn't be purchasing this mascara again, I certainly did enjoy using this product on days when I want to do some light make-up without eyeliner. Anyone who'd like a natural finish and has medium to thick lashes, this would probably be a better fit for you.

What are your thoughts on the Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara?

[Review] Peri Pera Lip Tint Crayon - #01 Fruity Pink

Cross-posted to Lifestyle Post [x]

"This tender tint crayon is smoothly applied to your lips without any irritation. Fruits complex make your lips look vivid and juicy."

Peri Pera Lip Tint Crayon in Fruity Pink - isn't it cute?

When I first got this lip tint crayon, I was immediately bought over by the cute packaging. Coming in a cardboard made into the shape of a pencil, the lip crayon itself is equally as cute. In the design of a crayon, this special tint is a handy auto-type crayon that requires no shaving of any sorts. Just remove the plastic cover and apply - it's really that simple.

Testing the shade on my hand - and zoomed!

What I really love about this is the formula; the lip tint crayon has this amazing texture that applies smoothly onto your lips like the average lip balm, but with a vivid pretty color and a jelly-like glossy finish. As someone who isn't used to strong lip colors, I was a little worried when I tried the shade in #01 Fruity Pink. However, I was pleasantly surprised from the result - despite the vibrant color, I don't have to worry about the tint seeping into the cracks of my dry lips. Just like a lip balm, it applies evenly onto my lips for a smooth finish with no cracks at all! 

Not to mention, the color is build-able and it can give a vibrant touch to your face, especially on days when you've decided to put minimal make-up. Besides, one of the rising trend these days is a Jun Jihyun-inspired make up from You Who Came From The Stars - this means a bare-face natural look with a touch on the lips. And this Peri Pera's lip tint crayon in Fruity Pink will create just that!

Also living up to its name as a 'tint' crayon, this little fella had little problems leaving a nice stain on my lips even after a meal - in which you can just easily retouch on the go. The lasting power was beyond my expectations, having lasted for hours when I first tried it on. For those sensitive to smells, it has a somewhat fruity-yet-waxy scent, but that is negligible after application, so no worries on that.

If I really want to say a negative point...it would be that this lip crayon has the tendency to melt when left under the sun so please take note of where you store them - though you shouldn't be storing any cosmetic products directly under the sun. I would really love it if Peri Pera could come up with more colors, but I'd take what I can at the moment - make a guess what I'd be stocking up on as I head to S.Korea next week? 

[Review] Nature Republic Fly To The Moon Eye Shadow - #03 Pink

Cross-posted to Lifestyle Post [x]

It's been a long while since I last reviewed anything, isn't it?

Trying to start anew in 2014. With the first post none other than Nature Republic's Fly To The Moon Cream Eye Shadow - wow, long name! 

Fly To The Moon Eye Shadow in #03 Pink

My first impression when I opened up the pot, was that it somehow reminded me of Maybelline Color Tattoo's Indigo Pink; one swatch on my hand proved me otherwise, as it was packed with lots of glitter. I was a little skeptical about glitter eye shadows - I've always had the perception that they would either fall out or the colors wouldn't stay. I was wrong, as Nature Republic's Fly To The Moon Eye Shadow (#03 Pink) not only had beautiful sparkles, but they manage to stay on all day with minimal creasing and brighten your eyes instantly!

Look at the amount of glitter!

Like most cream eye shadows I've tried, this pot had a somewhat 'squishy' and bouncy cream shadow - avoid pressing too hard as 'cracks' would appear! - and is best applied by hand, both in terms of capturing pigment and blending. 

If you're looking for an eye-shadow with opaque pigments, then this might not be for you. However, it works well in brightening your eyes, and the best part? It can be layered on top of your other shadows for that added bling, and is completely build-able! Personally, I love to use it at the outer corners as well as the inner corners of my eyes to give my eyes more life and energy.

As written on the box, "this cream-type eye shadow provides a mystique sparkle to your eyes. Your eyelids will look like a night sky sprinkled with jewels." I could not agree more, with its two-tone effects that makes it a fun shadow to play around, on its own or with other colors. 

What are your thoughts on this glittery pot of pink (or any other shades)?

Many thanks to Lifestyle Post for choosing me as a brand advocate to try this out!

*P.S: I tried to capture the sparkles, but it doesn't seem to come out as well as I'd though. Nonetheless I hope you'd be able to see the glitter in #02!

[Review] November Vanity Trove

I bought this as a birthday present to myself, though I have to say that my reaction to this box was a little neutral; I wasn't really disappointed, but my excitement kind of fizzled as I unveil my box.

November's box goes by the theme 'Dream Girl', and I guess that kind of goes for the idea of having a perfect, natural appearance.

Taken from the official site.

These are the items in my box:

All the items in the box

SkinC's Pure Happy Hand Dew. The only full sized item in the box.

Items from BRTC. 5 BB cream samples (Jasmine Water in both
sachet and sample tube) and one moisturiser.

Ichikami shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment samples

Tamarind Facial cleanser

ADORE sanitary pads.

ZA Total Hydration Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel

Uriage Hydration Gel

The total list as below:
- SkinC Pure Happy Hand Dew (full sized at 50ml, priced at SGD$29)
- Tamarind Facial Cleanser with Organic Tamarind and Honey (15ml sample)
- Ichikami Shampoo and Conditioner sample sachet (12ml sample), Ichikami Hair Treatment sample (15g sample)
- BRTC BB cream samples (x 4 different kinds:Whitening & Reparing, Jasmine Water, Gold Caviar, Aqua Rush Water), BRTC Jasmine Water sample in tube (5g) and BRTC vitalizer white gel
- ZA Total Hydration Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel (5g)
- Uriage Hydration Gel (5g)
- SGD$5 voucher at Sasa and 20% Discount off the Tamarind Facial Cleanser

Overall, it seems like there's so many things but they're all in really small sample sizes for 1-2 uses, except the  ones in a tube and the full size hand moisturiser. I'm not exactly thrilled because I am more into make-up than skin care, but hey, Vanity Trove usually has more skin-care and few make-up products so I did expected this.

Other possible items are:
- Ujene Puriste Collagen Eye Gel (full sized, worth SGD$70) [you either get this or the SkinC Hand Dew]
- Neogence Pore-reducing Serum sample
- Laline Body Cream in Vanilla (full sized)
- Vitacreme B12 Sample

I do really like the SkinC hand dew and the Tamarind facial cleanser. I've used the former a few times and the latter, once, and while I'm not sure of the effects thus far I do kind of enjoyed it. The smell~is so pleasant!

But comparing with boxes that have the Ujene Puriste Collagen Eye Gel, I feel that the disparity in the box's actual value is really huge. While I did enjoy the hand dew, the full size product is only worth SGD$29, and the other products did not seem to make up for the value difference.

I'm quite diappointed by the Ichikami samples too -- I'm currently using Daenggi Meori for my routine and it works really well for me that I'm not really hyped out to try Ichikami. Likewise for the BB cream samples because BB cream just never really seem to oxidise well to match my skin tone that I prefer using foundations.

I really do not think I'd go for another Vanity Trove box yet. If only there's more make-up samples than BB cream!

What's in your November box? Which should I review first? :)

[Review] Etude House Mini Me Perfumed Stick - Ms Cutie

L-R: Ms Twinkle, Ms Hot, Ms Cutie, Ms Lonely, Ms Ever

Coming in 5 different fragrances, Etude House's Mini Me Perfumed Stick is a portable-sized, stick perfume with cute packaging and lovely fragrances that would bound to suit your preferences. Using the idea of a 'love coach', the different perfume sticks have a different theme: Ms Cutie (Sparkling Citrus) is a college student waiting to meet her love at first sight; feisty Ms Hot (Tropical Fruity)  is a sexy woman that commands your attention; preppy Ms Lonely (Green Floral) wants to be in love again; feminine and romantic Ms Twinkle (Sweet Fruity Floral) is waiting for her prince to get down on one knee; and  elegant Ms Ever (Floral Bouquet) is looking to write happily ever after in her own fairy tale.

Basically, acquiring all 5 mini me perfume sticks would entitle you a trip from a blooming young lady to reach her very own fairy tale ending. Fantasy, cute and definitely appealing to Etude House's primary audiences: young females looking for affordable cosmetics with adorable packaging!

Official info on Ms Cutie

With the tagline 'Make him fall in love with me at first sight', Ms Cutie has a sweet fruity citrus scent that makes for a light, friendly and girly atmosphere. At the top right, below step 1, Ms Cutie takes on its coaching duties as it shares advice (Attract one with fresh perfume and a bright smile), key point (appeal with a fresh look) and lucky items (apply lip balm with natural make up comeplete with a girlish frill skirt) for a first meeting (much like how the perfume stick actually looks).

Amongst the five scents, I personally preferred this citrus one. I just love the slightly sour scent of lemon! It's so refreshing! I do have to say that the scents don't last long on the body, sadly. I do think that the newer one might actually last longer, so do check it out!

This perfume stick works just like your average lipstick. Screw it up, and go ahead to apply it on desired areas. I personally like to apply it near my collarbones and also on my wrists, but its really up to you. It also comes with a plastic cap for additional protection; you'd need it, because the cap isn't as tight as it seems. When you place it in your bag with the other cosmetics, the cap sometimes falls out, and you don't want your perfume stick to loose a chunk or chip here and here do you? 

I would also add that it's a little pricey for its worth when you buy it at retail stores, since it is a pretty small. It does last for quite a while, but if you really want to smell of the fragrance for long you have to constantly apply it. 

I am reaching the end of this perfume stick soon, which one should I get next?

Anyone else liked the perfumed sticks? 

Pros:

[o] Easy to bring about without worries of spill.

[o] 5 different scents for different tastes

[o] Very cute packaging

Cons:

[x] Scent is not long lasting

[x] Cap becomes loose after awhile

[Review/Swatch] Arezia Crackle Nail Polish Set #17 and #18

"Arezia Crackling Top Nail Polish Set differ from the conventional nail polish--- it has a unique 3-D feeling and it takes a short time to dry. The set contains three bottles of nail polishes which are of various colours and functions.

It helps to create a variety of appearance, apart from decoration on clothes and accessories it also provides some brand new eye-catching nail colors. The colour of the nail polish from Sexy to Blink and Cool style brings a unique personal style, which can brighten up your daily mood and enhance your attractiveness."

Ingredients may contain: Titanium Dioxide, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl, Methylpropional, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene, Carboxaldehyde, Red 6 Lake, Black 2, Blue 1 Lake, MICA, Manganese Violet, Yellow 5 lake, Red 34 Lake, Black Iron Oxide, Red 7 Lake, Violet 2.

The two sets

I haven't been a huge fan of crackle polish. I think it looks a little weird and not to my taste, but my friends have both two mini crackle polish sets as a souvenir from Hong Kong I thought I should just go ahead and try them out. So yes, they are my first ever crackle polishes!

Arezia is a brand from Hong Kong I believe, that sells pretty inexpensive nail polish. They also sell cosmetics, and you'd probably heard the name if you wander around Sasa. (I think it is about SGD$6 - 8 in Singapore?)

The little bottles out of the plastic covers

Size comparison with the 15ml OPI

The nail polishes are 5ml each, really small (but handy) and cute. Each set comes with a base color, crackle top and a top coat. The brushes are small, obviously but I find them easy to work with (pretty much like the canmake polishes), though I would rather if they used a better cap cause the rounded bob isn't great at providing a comfortable grip.

Set #17 is in a glittery silver with white crackle (base color #639, crackle color #07)

The 3 polishes

Final work

Final Work (2), under white light

Personally, I preferred the white one to the pink one, just because I'm more into cool colours. :)

Set #18 is in a orangey-gold base with pink crackle (base color #636 Startling Gold, crackle color #04)

The 3 polishes

Final work

Final Work (2), under white light

I have to say that the base colour gold, is not as sheer as the silver one, with an average of 1-2 coats to leave an orange-gold hue. The silver base though had to be applied rather thickly for a couple of times 2-3 coats to leave an obvious silver coat. I do have to say that the colour takes time to flesh out; when you first apply it, it can look a little too sheer but when it dries the colour turns out to be more solid than expected. The hot pink and white on the other hand, is really pigmented (as expected of crackle polish). The silver polish also has visible glitters (that you can not only see with naked eye but feel it by touch)

Crackle polish might be a little difficult to apply for first timers, because the formula is going to be very different. What you do is to apply thinly with fast swipes. Don't worry about filling the whole nail -- they are going to dry matte, and 'shrink', thus forming patches aka cracking patterns on the nail. Try not to re-apply another coat on top of the first swipe -- the coat will become too thick to crack.

Oh, and I believe that if you apply the crackle by swiping it in different directions, crackle will appear in different patterns too. Large, rectangular, straight patches appear if you swiped it in an upward motion, but it will look a little slanted if applied in diagonal swipes. Anyone that tried it with this Arezia crackle polish could tell me it it works the same way? :)

And for those that tried, what's your favourite colours? Any thoughts? :)

Pros:
[o] Small brush makes it easy to work with.
[o] Small in size, allows it to be finished earlier (and also allows one to try more shades)
[o] Relatively cheap!

Cons:
[x] Chips easily, even with top coat.

[Review] Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

I'm not an expert in the moisturiser field, and as someone with oily-combination (a little prone to the oily side), I am not very keen on buying moisturisers unless I've tried and tested them so that I don't oil up. 

Currently I'm using two moisturisers daily, one for day and the other for night, and they fit quite well into my routine so I've got another excuse not to buy other moisturisers. But this sample has been sitting on my samples pile for months and I thought I'd just use it. Why not, right?

Sample pack

Gel-like cream.

See the moisture? It'd get adsorbed after awhile,

This cream is gel-like and goes on your face smoothly, leaving you a non-sticky and cooling sensation after it's been even out. When I first apply it, the first thought that came to my mind was that this cream reminds me of The Face Shop' Ice Flower Aqua Water Drop Pack -- the difference lies in the the other one is a mask that upon massaging, transform into water droplets that gets absorbed into your skin. Naure Republic's Super Aqua Max instead leaves a velvet like, soothing sensation on your skin that makes you feel that your skin is moisturised and smooth. And I like it! It moisturises just like having water splashed on your face. 

Bare in mind that my review is based on this one small sample pack! However, if I were to buy, I'd probably go for the one with oily skin for my skin type.

Pros:
[o] Not sticky at all
[o] Leaves cooling sensation
[o] There is a slight fragrance, a little like fresh dew but I actually love it. It's a pleasing scent!

Cons:
N / A - no comments