L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Sorbet Body Cream

Given Description:

Enriched with moisturizing lemon, this splendid body cream softens and awakens skin. Its light and pleasing texture provides a refreshing and cooling sensation, leaving skin feeling smooth and delicately perfumed with the sparkling scent of citrus and verbena.

Smooth onto moist or dry and clean skin.

Quoted from L'Occitane.com.sg website

When i sampled this at the L'Occitane shop, i was quite pleased with the texture of the cream so i bought this. And furthermore, since this is a sorbet and not a heavy cream, it's perfect for Singapore's hot and humid weather.



The refreshing scent of the cream ( i like the verbena range a lot, especially the body wash) also freshens you up.




One thing i really like about this cream is it absorbs really quickly, and is not greasy at all, so i've started putting on body cream after my showers. Normally, i don't do that because most of the body moisturizing creams i have are quite thick and a little bit greasy so i hate to walk around feeling so sticky you know? With those type of heavy creams, i save them for just before bedtime, so that i can tuck into bed with my air conditioner blowing and not feel sticky.








With a protective seal. I like this, because then you don't have to worry so much about keeping the cream unused for some time before finally opening it. (that doesn't mean you should leave the product unused for too long though! Most products have an expiry date)





I also noticed that my hands feel rather sticky with this on. I can't explain it, it feels perfectly fine on the rest of my body but on my hands it feels sticky. Hmm? I tend to wash my hands after using this cream. And the scent smells a bit artificial when applied in large amounts. Again, i can't explain why.



Costs i think $55-$60? Can't remember the price.


Anyway, if you like light, non-greasy creams, then this is for you. Overall, a not-bad cream. If only the sticky hands and artificial smell didn't occur..




Rating: ♥♥♥

Make Up Store Microshadow

From left: Muffin, Butterfly


From left: Eclipse, Deep Blue


What i love about Make Up Store's Microshadows is that they have a wide range of colours. They have more than 100 i think, just for the Microshadow range. The colours are highly pigmented (of course used better over a base) and are very fine, and due to the fine texture they are highly blendable.


You only need a little bit for high intensity, and the colours when applied on skin look the same in the pot.


Here are a few swatches:





(applied over Make Up Store's eyeprimer in clear) From left: Muffin, Butterfly, Eclipse and Deep Blue




Wonderfully vivid. I love Muffin, one of the best highlighting shadows ever. You can use it to highlight your browbone, it has a most delightful champagne satin colour. If you had to buy one eyeshadow, i would recommend Muffin.



Each costs about SGD $26 i think? Cheaper than MAC and just as good. Plus each pot contains a lot that would last you quite some time.



Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ Cheap and good quality

Make Up Store Eyeprimer Clear

Given Description:

A highly concentrated moisturizing cream with sun protectors formulated to conceal and nourish at the same time. Apply around the eye area to reduce dark circles, spider veins and fine lines. Easily absorbed, leaving the skin smooth and soft without any oily feeling. Use it under a Make Up Store eyeshadow for a more intense and longlasting result.

as quoted from back of product

Although they say the primer is clear, the product itself is whiteish in colour, but goes on skin clear.





Heres an example




Squeeze out a very small amount onto your ring finger, and dab onto both eyes. You really only need a small amount to just cover your lid, because too much and your eye will become a little oily. Also, the product will not absorb properly if you apply too much. Wait for a little while for the product to sink in and then, apply your eyeshadow as per normal.



As tested with Make Up Store's Microshadow in Deep Blue

This is an example of the difference it makes to your eyeshadow. The more intense part is the area that has eyeprimer on it while the less intense part is the area without a primer. I applied an even amount of eyeshadow over the whole area.




The eye primer really works to make your eyeshadows a lot more intense and you only need a little bit of eye shadow to bring out the colour. This helps you save on your eyeshadows because now you use less.



The primer also helps to prevent your eyeshadow from creasing. This still happens to me, but i don't blame it on the primer. It is because of the way my lid is folded. Remember though, do NOT apply too much primer on your lids.



I really love how easy it is to bring out the intensity of colours with the use of this primer. It has made my life a lot easier heheh.



You can get this at any Make Up Store. There is one in Paragon and another in Vivocity.



Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ Love this

Make Up Store skin serum

Given description:

A silky, light serum designed to immediately provide softness and vitality to the skin. An exclusive blend of human like skin lipid and botanical extracts: Sage, Gingko Bilboa and Rosemary makes this serum fortify skin against early signs of aging and retain the skin's moisture.


Skin Serum is rich serum that stimulate, moisture and sooths your skin. It suits all skin types and is used daily. You can also use it as a primer for your make up or blend it with Wonder Powder for a stunning foundation.

Key ingredients
Ginkgo Biloba: Moisturize the skin and give better structure
Lavender: Anti – septic and calming
Rosemary: Anti – bacterial

As quoted from Makeup Stores website

This serum is thick, and a little bit is enough to cover a large portion of your face. It doesn't have any particular scent.



when applied, you skin feels super smooth. Give it some time to sink in, because it is not extremely absorbent.


However i realise that when i brush my hand over the areas after i apply the skin serum, some white stuff comes out. I don't know if it's residue or something from the dried up serum. And when i apply my foundation, it tends to streak. Although this skin serum gives an enviable skin texture, it doesn't really do what it's supposed to do. As compared to my other skin primers, like the Benefit one, this pales in comparison.



i cannot remember how much this costs, but i'll definitely not be buying this again.



Rating: ♥♥

Sisley Phyto lip shine

Given description:

Phyto-Lip ShineA formula with skin care benefits,
for plump, luscious lips.

A sensorial texture
The lightweight texture is both nutritive and gentle on the fragile lip area.
It feels irresistibly soft, imperceptible and non-sticky on lips.
So soft, it glides voluptuously over the lips.

A formula with skin care benefits

Lips are perfectly moisturised (+31% in 30 minutes), supple, smooth, soft and protected from external aggressions.
Dry lips are soothed and repaired.
Ultra-luminous, luscious, fruity colours !


The ten shades can be combined to create totally new looks and can be matched with the new Phyto-Lèvres Gloss pencils.
Know more about Phyto-Lip Shine.


Quoted from Sisley website

The elegant silver tube is housed in a black sort of suede material casing. I presume it is to prevent finger print marks and smudges on the silver tube. Anyhow, it looks very regal. I hardly ever see lipstick tubes come with their own cases, so this is the first.






I got my lipsticks in two colours, left would be number 6 Sheer Burgundy and right would be number 4 in Sheer Rosewood. The Sheer Burgundy one is pretty dark, and would probably take me a lot of guts to wear out. I still haven't mastered the art of wearing a red/dark lippie out.




One swipe is all you need for intense colour, but you can definitely layer it on to make it more intense. The lipstick is extremely creamy, and is really a breeze to apply. I don't apply my lipsticks with a lipbrush, because thats too much fuss for me :p. A closer look at it revealed very tiny sparkles which don't show up on your lips, but is noticeable from the lipstick itself. I guess that helps to enhance your lips in a way.




The Sheer Rosewood one is more of a day colour, definitely. It doesn't stray too far away from your natural lip colour, but just enhances it. It isn't translucent though, so don't get the wrong impression. The colours are glossy too, so if you are looking for a lipstick that gives a matte look, this is wrong for you.



The Sheer Burgundy one is really gorgeous. It's a sort of plum colour, but isn't the dark-dark type of plum colour. If you have really fair skin, this would be PERFECT for you. It's a striking colour, no doubt about that.

You can dab some onto your lip from the tube if you want a less intense colour. That's a good way of softening it, or you can of course blot away some.


It lasted me a good 4 hours, but faded a little when i ate my lunch. This isn't one of those non-budge lipsticks and you need to touch up once in a while, especially after meals.

It costs a lot though, SGD $58 for one lipstick so this is definitely a splurge/investment. I would say that it's worth buying, because how long does a lipstick last you? I should say a long time, and it's worth getting a good one to last you all the way.




You can get this at Paragon Metro or Ngee Ann City Takashimaya's Sisley beauty counter.





Rating: ♥♥♥♥ ♥/

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Premium A/O

Given Description:

#1 selling shu uemura Cleansing Oil in the world. A premium, anti-aging and anti-oxidant skin purifier that thoroughly cleanses the skin while protecting it against the internal and external aggressions associated with aging. Features Green Tea Extract, known worldwide for its anti-oxidant properties.

-Leaves skin smooth and protected without stripping it of its natural oils.
-Removes waterproof makeup.
-Two-in-one cleanser and makeup remover
-Strengthens skin against oxidation associated with aging
-Contains Catechin - an element of Green Tea Extract that provides skin with anti-oxidant protection
-Ideal for those with anti-aging concerns; those seeking anti-oxidant benefits
-Suitable for all skin types
-150mL and 450mL

This one-step, mild cleansing oil removes makeup, including waterproof mascara, while gently cleansing, moisturizing and calming the skin.

Step 1. Place 4-6 pumps of cleansing oil onto dry hands.
Step 2. Gently massage oil onto a dry face and neck with dry hands.
Step 3. Dampen hands, and emulsify oil by massaging a small amount of warm water on top of the oil.
Step 4. Rinse well with lukewarm water.



Picture and text taken from Shu uemura website

Lots of people are appalled at the idea of cleansing your face with oil. Afterall, you probably want to remove the oil from your face, not add on to it! This cleanser is an oil cleanser, but it does not leave your face feeling oily like what everybody thinks. You massage it on, and later emulsify it with water. Your skin has no trace of the oil afterthat.



One thing i LOVE about this cleanser is that it really removes waterproof makeup effortlessly and thoroughly. I cannot find a cleanser as good as this for removing my waterproof mascara. All the other cream based products that claim to remove waterproof makeup do not work for me, and often, i have to tug at my eyelashes(something you should NEVER do) with my cream makeup remover before i can actually get the mascara off. Big no-no. This cleanser enables me to take off my makeup easily.



It doesn't have a strong smell either and when washed off your skin is definitely not left dry and parched. Leaves skin comfortably hydrated.




You have to understand that on most Shu Uemura products, they do not come with english descriptions which can be a bit of a bother at times. So it's best that you really know which product is for what and clarify at the counter because you won't be able to find instructions on the bottle, unless you are Japanese. Some of their products can have mis-leading names too, like a toner would be called a lotion so it's easy to get confused.




All the shu Uemura products i've come across have never disappointed me and i think they are specially formulated for Asian skin. They are not too rich and really improve my skin's texture and smoothness.


150ml goes for USD $32 and 450 ml goes for $72. I recommend you get a good sized one if you are hardcore waterproof makeup user.



Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ A must-have for me in my beauty closet

L'Occitane Face Scrub Mud

Given Description:

Brings your complexion out from under the clouds. Blends a bounty of sunny Provençal natural elements--green clay from the Montmorillon in central France, A.O.C. olive oil and exfoliating olive kernel powder, grapeseed oil and fragrant rosemary--to leave the face incredibly soft and smooth to the touch. Ideal for normal skin, and any complexion sullied by pollution, or compromised by fatigue.


From the moment you apply it, feel the perfect olive oil "slip" on skin, and the unmistakable integrity of natural ingredients. Moisten clean skin and apply the mud. Massage to exfoliate and rinse immediately. May be used once a week. Also try: Olive Exfoliating Shower Cream for the body.


Taken from L'Occitane website

I like how this product is specially formulated for oily skin, and has sufficient 'scrubbing agents' so i don't feel that i have to rub too hard to get dead skin off.


The lingering smell after you wash it off is also much nicer than the initial smell you get from the jar. I like that it doesn't dry your skin out either and make it itchy/irritated. My skin also feels very smooth after scrubbing with this scrub.



I scrub about once a week, sometimes twice a week. I don't scrub so often because it isn't good for your skin.



Costs USD $30.


Rating: ♥♥♥ /♥

Pantene leave on hair moisturizer

Given Description:

Pantene Amino Pro-V formula deeply penetrates hair. use anytime, anywhere for great looking hair.

Taken from back of bottle

This was a great find quite some time ago. A hair moisturizer is something like a leave in hair conditioner.


You are supposed to use this after you wash your hair, when it's damp. Obviously, you don't wash it off. You can use this when your hair is dry as well, but i wouldn't recommend it, because i find that it weighs your hair down and makes it slightly greasy (especially in Singapore's humid weather). It's best if you apply it on damp hair, because when your hair dries, it really becomes extremely soft and smooth. It's great if you have dry hair, because it works like an additional moisturizer after your normal conditioner.




I really like how soft this makes my hair, and i use it before i blow dry my hair so that my hair doesn't get fried by the blow drying. Of course, if you blow dry your hair all the time, nothing is going to be stop it from getting fried, not even this moisturizer so it's best you don't subject your hair to unnecessary damage.



You can use a leave-in hair moisturizer before going swimming too, because it protects your hair from absorbing all the chlorine and getting all dried out. What you do is stand under the open shower, rub this moisturizer in, then plunge into the pool. It should work to protect your hair.



This is also cheap, SGD $9.50 and you can get this from a drugstore. I don't know if they are still selling it though, because i got this before Pantene went under a brand name revamp.



Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Benefit 'That Gal' brightening face primer

Given Description:

Go from dull to darling with "that gal." It's a silky pink primer that makes skin appear smoother & brighter. Wear alone for clear complexion radiance or apply before makeup for smooth, effortless application. Re-brighten during the day with "that gal." It's "that gal" perfection for a happy complexion.

Tips and tricks: Twist the base until the primer is distributed on the top. Apply with fingertips onto the face. Blend this silky pink primer in an even, upward motion. Wear alone, or under makeup for smoother makeup application. Gently pat on during the day to re-brighten your complexion.

Quoted from Benefit website

Kudos to Benefit's cute packaging. Their products always look fun and are definitely appealing to the 20-something crowd. This is a makeup base, also known as a primer and you apply it before you foundation, so that your makeup goes on smoother and lasts longer.



The product comes in a medium sized tube, and this is how the top looks..







There are many little holes on top and you twist the bottom so that the product comes out at the top.






Looks a little wormy.



Anyway, I like how this product smells. It has a subtle, fresh smell. The primer is pinkish in colour and after application it absorbs pretty quickly. It doesn't cause your foundation to streak either, which i totally hate and that happens sometimes when you apply moisturizer and then apply your foundation. Because of that, i've stopped using moisturizer under foundation but this is a good alternative to moisturizer, i guess, when you don't want your foundation to streak.





I went out for about 5 hours and surprisingly, my makeup was still pretty intact! I was really amazed by the holding power after applying the primer because normally, my makeup doesn't hold so well after 5 hours. My face looked a little oily though, but what matters is that my makeup was still intact! Im still very surprised. My blusher had not faded away at all.




The primer costs SGD $60, which isn't cheap i guess and you can get it from Tangs Beauty Hall's Benefit counter.





Rating: ♥♥♥♥ Really good primer

Bodyshop Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick

Given Description:

The Body Shop® difference: Blemishes have the unfortunate knack for occurring at the most inopportune times, often right before an important event. Whether you are an adult or teenager, our triple-action Tea Tree range helps to combat, control and prevent blemishes for those skin emergencies that require instant care. Our Tea Tree Oil can be used for direct application to soothe blemishes, while our Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick is a light gel that targets pimples with precision. And our Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick is a portable concealer that hides blemishes as it treats them. No matter when you break out, we have you covered!

This is realy nifty because it's so small and easy to use. Just whip out the lip-gloss-like applicator and dot a small amount of the blemish gel onto your spots wherever you break out. Take not do NOT apply it over your entire face because that will cause severe dryness all over.



When applied, it feels a little bit cooling, yet a little bit zingy (don't know if theres such a word).Ultimately, it's quite comfortable. The gel is clear too, so it won't be obvious that you have applied medicine there. Takes about a minute to absorb into your skin.



As for whether it really works, yes, it helped to reduce the size of my pimples a little bit but it's not rly THAT effective and so good that i would recommend this to everyone.



It's fairly cheap, safe for the teenage pocket. Price is USD $9.



Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

Lush 'Big' shampoo

Given Description:

Sea salt shampoo for shine, softness and volume.
Big is 50% salt. It looks like semolina and smells like a Margarita (what with the lemon, lime and salt) with a handful of vanilla and a smattering of iris thrown in. Whenever you use it, you'll rush up to strangers calling out invitingly, 'Feel my lovely soft hair!' How does it work? It has a softening seaweed infusion, as well as sea salt and coconut oil, so we knew it was going to be good, but we even surprised ourselves when we tested the first batch on ourselves and found how brilliant it was.


As quoted from Lush website www.lush.com

One day, as i was browsing through the Lush store, i saw the description on this shampoo product and decided to get it. Who wouldn't want the luscious shiny hair that this product promised?




The packaging is very good because they are environmentally aware and did you know that if you bring back 5 of those black containers they will give you a free fresh face mask? Good incentive for you to buy Lush products and reduce the amount of waste as Lush does not believe in wasteful packaging. The screw top is good too, because i thought that the cover of this product was just a cap which would be more prone to spillage.



They even have all the ingredients listed out on the cap of the tub (sorry for blur picture)


Scent of this product is undefinable, smells a little like those hair salon shampoo stuff. In the shower, i scooped out a fair bit and tried to lather it on my hair. It isn't very easy because of the coarse texture of the shampoo, and there really are a lot of granules of sea salt, which makes it even more difficult. As i was lathering, little bits of the sea salt kept falling out and hitting the bath tub, so it sounded like it was raining hail stones in there!





Despite the coarseness of the shampoo, i did manage to lather it up though it was weird. The experience is like washing your hair with large pieces of sand mixed up. One thing you have to take note is that you should never try to lather this onto your scalp. I repeat, NEVER lather this on your scalp. To be frank, it hurts like hell.


As i was shampooing my hair, i was wondering. Isn't sea salt supposed to be bad for your hair? They said frequent visits to the sea and frequent exposure to sea water will dry your hair out, so isn't this something similar? I'm still not very clear on this, but do drop me a comment if you know anything about this.




Another thing you have to take note of is that you should lean your head back when washing your hair out. Normally, i tilt my head forward so that i can wash the back of my head clean too but for this, tilt your head back. Okay, when you wash your hair tendency is you will open your mouth to breathe because you don't want any water going into your nose. When this shampoo goes into your mouth, its something like eating dead sea salt. Yes, it's VERY salty. Incredibly salty. If you don't believe me, feel free to go to a Lush store and taste it (though try not to let anyone see you eating their products). So when this shampoo gets into your mouth, it's not a pleasant experience, so lean your head back to minimise contact with your mouth.





The first time i tried this, i felt it left my hair feeling kind of rougher than before. I'm very proud of my hair, because its naturally very smooth and silky and i never ever get bad hair days. After using this shampoo, my hair was a little frizzy at the ends. Now i realised that you have to put on a large amount of conditioner, so currently, my hair isn't frizzy anymore.



This shampoo doesn't make my hair all that shiny like it promises too, but it does leave it feeling sufficiently soft. I got this from a Lush store in Oxford, England for about 10 pounds. That would be about SGD $30? As for whether it is worth it, im not so sure. It's a little bit messy trying to scoop it out and lather it and prevent the salty shampoo from getting into your mouth. Plus, it's not cheap either.




Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap - Lavender

Given Description:

Formulated with a 100% vegetable base and enriched with nourishing Shea Butter. L'Occitane works directly with women's Shea-processing collectives in western Africa, supporting economic recovery--and a heritage of natural harvesting traditions. Non-irritating; suitable for men, women and children.

hea Butter benefits both dry skin that is naturally low in oils, flaky and skin temporarily dehydrated by air conditioning, climate, aggressive products or diuretics. Shea Butter addresses both conditions by supporting the health of the hydrolipidic film that helps skin maintain its natural defenses.



As quoted from L'Occitane website www.loccitane.com.sg

This is a very simple Lavender scented soap that my aunt bought for me one Christmas. I really like the size of the soap, not too small and not too big.




The scent is extremely mild. Either that, or some of it has worn off since it's been in my cupboard for quite some time until i recently opened it to use. I think the best part about this soap is its creaminess. It's a joy to use because the soap is extremely creamy and after it is washed off, doesn't leave your skin feeling dry.



It's doesn't lather much, and doesn't leave your skin smelling very strongly of lavender either. In fact, i don't even smell any Lavender smell afterwards. Well, as i said, it could be due to it having sat in my cupboard for a good amount of time.




You can get this at any L'Occitane branch for about SGD $16 if i remember correctly. I would recommend this to those with sensitive/dry skin and those who do not like strong scents. Overall, a good and creamy soap.




Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/

Garnier Pure Self-heating Sauna Mask

Okay im unable to find the description for this product and im too lazy to type out the description from the back of the product so anyway heres my review.


The sachet is good, because its easy to bring around if you go for holidays and such. The sachet is a little difficult for me to open, because im not one of those strong women out there who can tear open sachet packets. Anyway, i prefer just tearing open a small hole because then you won't squeeze too much of the product out accidently.



The mask smells rather earthy, like those volcanic earth stuff and is minty blue in colour. It is nothing near minty though. The mask when applied turns immediately hot. It's quite a soothing effect for me and i realised the more you rub it the hotter it gets. The hotness dies down pretty fast though as you apply the mask over the rest of your face. There is just the right amount to coat my entire face too, so theres no wastage of the product there. I think i have a big face, so as long as you have a fairly small face and not a mammoth sized one, i think this mask shld be enough. Any bigger and you'll have to use two sachets.




You are supposed to leave it for 3 minutes only and wash it off. The product is supposed to cleanse your pores, i would refer to the product description now but i already threw the sachet packet away :p. I'm going to wash it off right now...



One thing i really like about this is that it washes off very easily. I hate having to struggle with washing off masks, and i have to keep checking for any residue left on my face. The mask leaves my face feeling quite soft and definitely not oily. Im not sure about the results, i guess it does help abit but in terms of using it, i really like it. Fast (3 mins only!) and easy to wash off, and not to mention cheap ( I got it from Watsons for below SGD$5), this is a breeze to use.



Rating: ♥♥♥♥