Sorry for being MIA!

My internship started this week which is the major reason for my disappearance from blogspot. I have been doing 9 to 9 everyday and I am just EXHAUSTED! Will try to update at weekends, hope you are all having a good week:-)

Just another contouring product?

Soap and Glory Sit Tight

£14 for 200ml

I picked this up with a friend on BOGOF, the concept seemed very interesting so I was instantly intrigued. This is what 'Soap&Glory' say about their product:-

'WORLD EXCLUSIVE! Fabulous NEW double-action formula works while you simply....Sit Tight™ - sit-activated special lower body firming formula. Just sit down to optimise!

The exclusive sit-released firming system is loaded with caffeine (at a level between 27-33%) which is known for its extended lipolytic, firming and draining actions.

The friction/heat generated by the user during the act of sitting acts as a release mechanism to trigger increased movement of the product to the lower body areas most affected by fatty tissue buildup.

With the addition of DETOXYBOOST, an active shown to help healthy circulation, a daily massaged-on application of Sit Tight helps to stimulate more efficient movement of fluid.'

Starting from tomorrow, I am going to test it out and report back each week on how I am getting on. So stay tuned!

God-sends for itchy dry scalp

For some reasons, I always had dry/itchy scalp with oily hair. I guess that's what you call "combination" hair-type. Until recently, my scalp problem always drove me insane. However I think I finally found my HG hair routine*happydance*

Released not long ago, the Shiseido Tsubaki Head Spa series is designed to treatment hair and scalp at the same time, after all scalp is the basis of beautiful hair:-) Since scalp is a big problem of mine, I rushed out asking a lovely friend to CP it for me. I have been using it for a month, so I now feel fully qualified to give it a big thumb up^^

Shiseido Tsubaki HEAD SPA Extra Cleansing £9 (approximately inc. shipping)

I have always liked the idea of deep-cleansing once a week, so I practically jumped at the idea. I like the fact that it is 280ml, which is bigger than most shampoo bottles plus you only use it once a week! The fragrance is lovely, I cannot put my finger on it, but it is refreshing and light. The texture is liquid-y, like most shampoos. It foams up gently, I am very glad because too much foaming would suggest to me that it uses a lot of SLS, and that is a big no-no in my book. So it does exactly what it says. I am left with squeaky clean hair and scalp is feeling refreshed. The packaging is great too, I really could not fault it.

10/10

Shiseido Tsubaki HEAD SPA Massage Spa Mask £9 (approximately inc. shipping)

Another genius idea from the line, mask for scalp. I am a big fan of masks, but every mask I have tried says "stay away from the scalp" or it's too greasy blah blah blah. This one is actually for scalp only. Since it is inexpensive I thought it couldn't hurt to try. To my surprise, it works a treat. The nozzle packaging is very clever, I section my hair and then put the nozzle to my scalp and squeeze some product out as I go along. The texture is a yellow balm-y cream, just like normal masks. The fragrance is similar to the extra cleansing shampoo. I massage it and then leave it on for about 5 minutes while I wash the rest of my body. I get a nice tingle feeling which is apparently normal. After washing it off, my scalp feel soothed and moisturised. I have noticed that since I started using it, my scalp almost never itched again which is a MIRACLE! The only pet-peeve I have with this product, I get through it very quickly, I think I only have 2 usage left at most. But it could be down to the generous amount I tend to use for all kind of masks..

9.5/10

I am thrilled with the results I have with this two products and I am really keen to try out the shampoo and condition in the range. I might wait for Sasa to stock it though otherwise the shipping is mighty expensive. Hope this post was helpful, I will leave you with a couple of my tips on keeping your hair and scalp in tip-top condition:-

1. Don't over-wash your hair. I wash mine every other day, I know for some people it gets on their nerves if they couldn't wash it daily, well, I use dry shampoos on my second day if I feel I need it. I understand washing habits are personal to everybody though, so if you STILL feel the need to wash it daily, just make sure you use a gentle shampoo that won't strip the moisture out of your hair&scalp.

2. Don't alternate between too many shampoos (I learnt my mistake the hard way!). Treat you hair once a week. Just like facial massage/masks, I think it is good to do the same for your hair.

4. Stay away from too hot water when washing, hot water irritates the scalp. Similarly when blow-trying don't set the temperature too high. I use a T3 hair dryer and set it to the medium heat. Always use a heat-protecting heat, I prefer creams over sprays as a lot of sprays contain alcohol which is drying for the hair.

What's your go-to product for scalp flare-ups? Pls do share your love and tips in the comment box, cheers!

Yinnie's giveaway

My friend, the lovely Yinnie is having a giveaway! Details are to be found Here

I already entered to show my support, good luck to everyone who is about to enter too:-D

Finishing powder--Part 2

Following on from my 1st post, I am going to talk about another four of my loose setting powder:-)

Paul&Joe Finishing Powder－－This is from their Sahara LE collection. I forgot to take a pic of the puff included, it is really gorgeous!

£18 for 10g

YSL Semi-Loose Powder Natural Radiance－－Shade 2. Excellent match for my skintone.

£35 for 17g

Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Powder－－Shade 02 Teint Beige, a mix of yellow, beige, white and rose. This is launched as part of the summer collection, they basically revamped the packaging and colors.

£33 for 30g

VOV Castledew Loose Powder－－Got this on Gmarket for around retail price. The shade is 23, because my face is a lot lighter than my neck it is always better going for a slightly darker shade rather than a lighter shade IMO.

£6 for 30g

Packaging

Paul&Joe always shine in this department. This is just sooo pretty, and the attention to details is incredible! I know cardboard isn't the most practical packaging for pure vanity Paul&Joe easily wins me over:-P YSL has a very clever portable packaging, with a built-in shaving mechanism that when you screw it you can easily control the amount coming out. I love its portability and the fact that you won't lose unnecessary product. I know loose powders isn't for carrying around, still it is good to know that there won't be a big mess when moving it around. I believe many brands have tried to copy it since (talking to you Smashbox Halo). Newly revamped Guerlain has the most decadent packaging, it comes with a sturdy metal-felt case, which is a big plus for the new packaging. VOV is by no means by ugly, but the puff included felt cheap and useless. I guess you get what you paid for, so can't complain!

Paul&Joe > YSL = Guerlain > VOV

Texture and Color

Guerlain has the creamiest texture again and I somehow favour its strong scent(violet I think?). Though I find it too shimmery to be used all over. YSL is perfect for my skintone, finely milled, almost matt. The only problem is that when I layer it on it can be a bit cakey. I have not tried the Paul&Joe on my face yet, from swatching it in-store I know it has shimmers and texture-wise it is a dream. VOV is on the drying side, color match is good.

YSL > Guerlain = Paul&Joe > VOV

Value For Money

As expensive as Guerlain goes, I can see it last me years even with daily use!

VOV > Guerlain > Paul&Joe > YSL

Overall

My favourite is YSL since we are talking about setting powders here, I do heart the Guerlain Meteorites for highlighting purpose.

So I hoped you enjoyed my mini series, do you like this format of comparison reviews? If so what would you like to see reviewed? Just comment and lemme know^^

Mini Haul--Jill Stuart, Harajuku Lovers and BeneFit

I thought I'd share some of the things I hauled this week:-D

Jill Stuart Flower Bouquet Hand Mirror－－I have been lemming this ever since I first saw the promo pics online. I tried to get it from Taiwan(the cheapest place to buy Jill Stuart at the current exchange) but it is in such limited quantities there I give up. So finally I got it at Gooddealer for about £35 inc. shipping, which isn't too far from the RRP in Taiwan anyway.

Isn't it beautiful? In terms of practicality this is not the best, but I still LOVE to just look at it XD

Harajuku Lovers Solid Perfume Set--Got this as 'special purchase' in the Selfridges Sale. I was in my best behaviour that day and resisted many many temptations(thumb up to myself lol).

I have to admit that I already own countless bottles of the original fragrance, and LEs from last Xmas and this summer. IMO, You can never have enough of cuteness, plus I already gave two of these to my darling friends:-P

Then I went to Boots and picked up these. BeneFit's product names really makes me laugh, I think I am actually a concealaholic! I can never leave home without concealers. Because of my hereditary dark circles I am always on the hunt for the perfect concealer(s)--moisturising yet non-heavy texture, doesn't cake or sit in lines, matches my skintone..The list goes on. Anyway the closest I have come to is Hanskin Blemish Cover (amazing how a product designed for blemishes can work so well in the under-eye area) and By Terry Touche Veloutee, I will review them soon.

I will review them in full after trying them out. How has your week been? Mine has been really hectic hence the few posts, I will try to make up for it at the weekend^^

Finishing powder--Part 1

I am not an avid base makeup user, but I have to admit that when I do, finishing powder is a vital step in my routine. For some reason, powders and eyeshadow palettes tend to be the ones with intricate print and gorgeous packaging, so I buy loads of these lol! Confession: I am VERY shallow when it comes to makeup.

In Part 1 I am going to talk about pressed finishing powders only. Along with a couple of newly acquitted pieces, these are my current favourites:-

Suqqu Noble Nuance Face Color－－This is the most expensive of my stash right now(it used to be Guerlain Meteorites Voyage, I sold it after finding the Guerlain alternative below)

£40 for 3g

Paul&Joe Highlighting Powder－－Shade 002, LE, this was from last Christmas.

£21 for 10g

Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Perfecting Pressed Powder－－Shade 10 Nacre Des Mers, this was limited edition from last summer.

£33 for 10g

Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder－－Released not long ago in the UK(much much later than its US release as always, sigh)

£18 for 9g

Packaging

Suqqu comes with a velvet pouch and a lovely sized brush made out of quality goat hair. Paul&Joe has a gorgeous shiny packaging, a nice brush included. On the other hand, Guerlain looks very decadent but the case is plastic and just feel slightly unsturdy. No applicator but I always reach for my trusted Paul&Joe powder brush anyway. Too Faced's trademark cute packaging can never fail to tempt me, though the pink puff included seems to be no use to me.

Paul&Joe > Suqqu > Guerlain = Too Faced

Texture and Color

Guerlain has a big win here, it is the most creamy and fine powder that I have EVER tried! It is shimmery without being OTT, the color is just a bit paler than my own skintone. Too Faced contains pure gold apparently, the shimmer is very fine, unlike Bobbi Brown shimmerbrick, which I find too shimmery to use all-over. Suqqu is the most matt of them all, does exactly what SA said, balancing, brightening and keeps the foundation. I have not tried the Paul&Joe on my face yet. I can say from swatching it is just like their pressed powder in their regular line.

Guerlain > Suqqu > Too Faced = Paul&Joe

Value For Money

Too Faced > Paul&Joe > Guerlain > Suqqu

Overall

I love them all for different reasons! I do reach for Guerlain the most often though XD

Welcome to my blog:-D

Hi, everyone. After making many friends in the blogging atmosphere, I decided that it is finally time to start my own blog, yay! This blog will be pretty much everything beauty-related, though fashion might make an appearance every now and then. I probably won't be updating as often as everyday but hopefully will keep you interested throughout the week.

My first proper post will be posted soon so stay tuned^^ Leaving you with a picture of the cherry blossom? tree downstairs.