[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] 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

[Review] Etude House Collagen Moistfull Smoothing Ampule Primer

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Smoothing Ampule Primer is a hydrating moisturizing primer that lifts and tightens complexion to promote a radiant glow prior to foundation makeup application.

The Collagen Moistfull series has been around for quite some time, and this Smoothing Ampule Primer has been my first ever face primer. It comes in a tube, and the full size is 30ml -- which is pretty lasting because you don't need a whole lot each time. Despite being in a tube, it's rather easy to control the amount you want with a light squeeze. I do recommend putting it in a upright position as shown below as it is easier to squeeze the primer out this way without splattering everywhere due to the air pressure (if you lay it flat parralel to the table).

Full size at 30ml!

Pink blob with little shimmers!

As you can see, the primer is pink with little shimmers in it. This helps you to achieve a dewy finish with 'ampule' shine. Basically you apply it before putting on your BB cream or foundation to allow smoother application. It blends really well and settles nicely into any skin shade, with minimal shimmers visible.

Comparison under natural, sunlight

Close-up of shimmer

Comparison under white light

As you can see, the shimmers are only visible under the white light (as compared to being under the sunlight), and since you will be adding either foundation or BB cream on top, you don't have to worry about the shimmers -- they are definitely not over-bearing!

Comparison: with and without primer

As you can see (even though the 'after' picture is a little blur) that the shimmers are minimal, gives a pink-toned glow and also cover some of my wide pores. The coverage is light and cover some of my scars and tiny hairs and it does make foundation application smoother, easier but it does not truly fill in the wide pores. It brightens up complexion as well!

The only thing I have against it is the oil-control. I recommend giving it some time to let it set on the face before applying the foundation for better oil-control. Still, my face (especially nose) starts to shine after 3-4 hours in the humid weather. 

Pros:
[o] Brightens complexion
[o] Dewy finish with no over-bearing shimmers
[o] Formula is not too sticky and glides on the skin easily, allowing it to blend into different skin shades.
[o] Hydrating formula, but recommended for people with dry-combination skin
[o] Creates a smoother canvas for foundation

Cons:
[x] Oil control could be improved. Oils up in 3-4 hours.
[x] Doesn't really even out skin tone, especially in red areas around my nose, or the dark eye circles beneath my eyes.
[x] Coverage is so-so, minimizes pores but doesn't actually fill them or totally cover them

Will I buy it again? Probably not. It's not really suited for my skin type, and there are some other brands I'm looking to try (Banila Co., anyone?) so I'd skip out on this one the next time. :)

[Review] China Glaze The Hunger Game Series in Stone Cold

China Glaze Hunger Game Series is a collection of 12 different nail polishes that aims to represent the 12 different districts. This time I picked up the matte shade Stone Cold, a shade that gives a graphite-like, grainy finish, truly representative of District 2.

I do like the shade, both in matte and glossy (with top coat). It's really different, and gives a pretty solid, dark grey base with light shimmers for that cold-toned stone finish. 

I actually thought that it's a fun colour to play with. In matte, it turns out to be a grey tone, but with a top coat the colour looks closer to black, and the grains looked a little shimmers under the light, and is a totally different shade altogether (it looks more like lead than graphite with a normal top coat). I usually go with the glossy, top coat for that extra shimmer. 

I know it's not a popular shade in the series, but I do love it. I also have to say, for some reason, I liked it better on my feet than on my hands. It's a little tricky when applying though, especially for beginners (like me!): apply with a thick layer, and be quick for a smooth finish. It takes one coat on the average, about two for the thumbs, and like any other matte polishes it dries really quickly. 

Pros:
[o] One-two coats is all it takes
[o] Two different shades when in matte and glossy
[o] Dries fast (due to matte formula)

Cons:
[x] Matte formula makes it difficult (and even messy) to work with, especially for beginners.

Anyone else liked this shade? :)

[Review] Etude House Precious Mineral All Day Strong BB Cream #02

I've tried this BB cream for a couple of days (don't underestimate the power of this sample pack, since you only need a little BB cream for each use) and here's my final review of this.

My really tattered sample.
I forgot to take a photo before using! >///<

Using this much~

Ta daa~
Comparison; under natural, sunlight

Comparison, away from direct sun light

As you can see from the above picture, the side with the BB looks more dewy and slightly whiter than the one on the left. Coverage is not too bad, it kinda covered the colour of my veins; the cream looks darker than it actually is on my skin.

Even though #02 is suppose to be a natural-beige kind of colour, which is my usual shade range, especially in summer (and the first few months following it) it actually brightens up my face when I apply it, and sadly doesn't seem to oxidise well because I look a little too white at the end of the day. The formula feels a little sticky, but spreads out well when applied, and allows for a little layering (but not too much, I feel that it actually cakes up a little when too much is applied).

Comparing it under the sun and in a room, this BB actually don't look that bad when faced away from direct sunlight. It blends into my skin pretty well, not being a tad too bright, while still giving it that little shine, dewy kind of finish.

Pros:
[o] All day long is as suggested, pretty much long lasting. BUT! it does makes my face looks alittle too ash-white at the end of the day.
[o] A little bit goes a long way.
[o] Pretty much waterproof unless wiped under running water (unless you wipe your face with a towel under pouring rain, it probably won't come off)
[o] It gives a dewy kind of finish.

Cons:
[x] Does not oxidise well on my face -- I look really white at the end of the day under the sun!
[x] Oil control is so-so: Oils up about 3-4 hours.
[x] Could cake up a little/feel heavy if too much is used

Will I purchase again:
No. The formula isn't something I'm looking for, especially the oiling up part. I'm not too fond of looking too white either, sadly. I'd probably be looking into their newer BB cream formulas, which I hope had made adjustments to suit combi-oily skin like mine.

[Review] Nature Republic Red Clay Konjac Sponge

About: Nature Republic Vegetable Konjac -- Red Clay Cleansing Puff
            Konjac 90% & Red Clay 10%
            Korean Red Clay helps with sebum absorption, and oil control, maintain balance               of oil and water (pH levels, basically)
     1. Red Clay Control Sebum O.K.
               Excellent sebum control helps skin balance water and oil.
     2. All skin type O.K.
              Vegetable product can be applied for all skn types.
    3. After washing face, moisture retaining O.K.
              Cleans contaminant and helps to keep skin moisturized for a long time.

Nature Republic Red Clay Konjac Sponge

This is not my first konjac sponge; I previously used one from a Taiwan brand, which I bought at Watsons, but I thought I'd try this red clay one from Nature Republic (through GMarket) since oil control is one of my biggest problems.

I would say that it is definitely a good cleansing tool for the face because of its shape. These konjac sponges are half a sphere in shape, where the round side is good for the cheeks and the flatter side for the areas around the eyes and the sides of the face, and is gentle on the face.

I think Nature Republic's konjac sponge was slightly better than the one from Taiwan because of its high moisture content. This one locks water content better to allow better foaming of the soap for cleansing, and while I'm a little sceptical about the oil control part, I'd say that it does exfoliate lightly, and my face feels smoother after using this. And moisturised too! Definitely going to be part of my cleansing routine. :)

Pros: 

[o] Great cleansing tool -- especially when cleaning areas around the eyes due to its special shape.

[o] Gently exfoliate skin for a smooth finish

[o] A little oil control

Cons:

[x] You'd have to change this every 3-4 months

[Review] Canmake Colorful Nails: no. 53 Peppermint Cream

I just went to Watsons the other day, and I found that Canmake Colorful Nails series are having a sale at 2 for S$12.90 (Otherwise, it'd be S$17.80 for 2), and recently being infatuated with nail polish, decided to snoop them into my basket. The two colours I picked are no. 53 Peppermint Cream (this review!) and no. 52 in Sandy Brown. The Canmake official descriptions are given below:

These are my very first Canmake nail polish, and I was pretty excited to grab them. Canmake has a pretty good reputation amongst the Japanese drugstore brands, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Took me about 2-3 layers to get the following effect:

No. 53 Peppermint Cream is a pretty pastel emerald colour. While the official site used a rather pastel sky blue icon, the colour's as you can see in my picture above, has a greenish undertone. Under sunlight, and to some people, the colour actually does seems to be closer to a shade of pastel blue than a paster green, but with comparison, it is pretty clear that the green undertone stands out.

Pros:

[o] Jelly like texture provides not just extra shine, but also ease of layering.

[o] The brush cap might be a little small, but the brush is just nice for me. Not too hard, not too soft, and picks up a good amount of polish.

[o] Small, easy to keep with it's square design.

[o] Once completely dry, not prone to chipping.

Cons:

[x] Rather expensive for a small bottle if it's bought at usual price (S$8.90). I can easily top up to get a much bigger O.P.I or China Glaze.

[x] Take note: the more layers you have, the longer it takes for it to be completely dried and fixed; if you're not careful, the layers could slide if you press too hard on it, and you'd have to start over again.

[x] I heard that the bottle dries up pretty quickly? I'm not sure since it's my first purchase, but you might want to keep that in mind.

Overall:

As a relative beginner, I think this nail polish is pretty good, for the brush makes it easy not to go out of the boundaries (or rather, not too much anyway). And I love this pastel colour! If you're fond of easy to layer kind of nail polish, or just want to try a certain colour, you can consider this nail polish for it's small size and easy to glide on liquid formula. :)