Max Factor Japan Eye Gradation Colors Pure Purple, Chic Monotone Review, Swatches, EOTD

(Source: maxfactor.jp/)

Max Factor usually releases exclusive products for the Japanese market. These items are more intricately designed plus the price point is also much higher! The Eye Gradation Colors palettes is a good example of a Japan only release.

(Source: maxfactor.jp/)

Packaging: Practical and sturdy compact. In other words, plain and nothing special about it hahaha~~ The casing is a fingerprint magnet AND it attracts scratches like bees to honey.

Colour: There are eight quads available in this range, they have more if you include the limited edition quads released for fall 2009 and spring 2010. The two quads that I own are Pure Purple and Chic Monotone.

Pure Purple has purple, lavender, pale pink and sparkly greyish violet shades (clockwise from bottom left).

Natural light

Muted flash

Name: Max Factor マックス ファクター Eye Gradation Colors アイグラデーションカラーズ Pure Purple
Price: ¥ 4,725 for 7.2 g
@cosme rating: 4.6 ★
Release date: 21.1.2009

Swatches~

Natural light

Natural light

Muted flash

Chic Monotone has grey, lilac grey, white and sparkly black shades (clockwise from bottom left).

Natural light

Muted flash

Name: Max Factor マックス ファクター Eye Gradation Colors アイグラデーションカラーズ Chic Monotone
Price: ¥ 4,725 for 7.2 g
@cosme rating: 4.6 ★
Release date: 21.1.2009

Swatches~

Natural light

Natural light

Muted flash

I loooove the multidimensional shimmers in these quads~ Do enlarge the flash swatches for a closer view =]

Texture: I’m baffled by Pure Purple’s chalky and sheer texture when Chic Monotone is smooth and has fabulous colour payoff. Thankfully the shadows in Pure Purple show up when layered on top of a cream base. They are both easy to blend and pretty long lasting, my only caveat is they crease slightly → this might be caused by the cream base though

Purples and greys are one of my absolute favourite combos, thus throwing them together is the best way to utilize them!

Other products used:

• NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil Lavender
• Kate Super Sharp Liner BK-1
• L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara Black
• Taiwanese Princess cross 5 lashes (公主假睫毛交叉5)

I’m fairly attracted to Max Factor Japan’s fall 2010 quads, how can I resist them when they are named Cherry Chocolate and Caramel Chocolate?!! but I’m worried that the texture will be subpar *sniff*

(Source: maxfactor.jp/)

Thank you Miss Melissa, the best swap buddy in the whole world! for gifting me with these Max Factor Japan quads ♥

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b.liv by cellnique Review: Shield Me, Submerge Me

Physical sunscreens reflect, scatter and absorb UV rays while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays. To me, the formula doesn’t matter as long as it broad spectrum and thus offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays make our skin tan and decrease elastin production which results in wrinkling, whereas UVB rays cause sunburn and are the primary cause of skin cancer.

I’m reviewing a physical sunscreen in this entry, Shield Me!

Shield Me is a moisturising sunblock from b.liv by cellnique’s blue lineup. This blue range is targeted towards the demographic with drier skins.

Name: b.liv by cellnique Shield Me SPF25
Price: RM 89.90 for 45 ml

Description: This light-weight moisturizing sunblock protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays and repairs the exposed or damaged areas on your face. Easy to use, absolutely non-greasy, fast absorption and effective! (Source: blivskin.com/)

Packaging: Semi-opaque plastic pump bottle.

Scent: All sunblocks should smell like this! It has a light inoffensive scent that is very different from typical physical sunscreens. This scent doesn’t bother me at all.

Texture: This white sunblock has a smooth light texture.

Thoughts: I use 4-5 pumps and this may sound like a lot, but it isn’t (we should be generous or it will not provide adequate protection). It absorbs fairly quickly and it leaves my face smooth to the touch.

I noticed that my T-zone starts to show some shine after the 3 hour mark. This is commendable as my T-zone performs similarly when a mattifying sunblock is used instead.

I do have a couple of issues with Shield Me; the price could be lower and the SPF higher. SPF25 doesn't quite cut it for me, I prefer a sunscreen with at least SPF40.

Ingredients: From the table compiled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide sufficient broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Purified Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Propylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Silica, Zinc Oxide, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Stearate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Talc, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Dimethicone, Paraffinum Liquidum, Diazolidinyl Urea, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Methicone, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Propylparaben.

Shield Me was sent to me by the lovely Selina for review. Thank you! She also included Submerge Me, a moisturising booster.

Name: b.liv by cellnique Submerge Me
Price: RM 139 for 45 ml

Description: Thirsty? With the new “SKIN BIO-MIMIC” technology, Submerge Me offers deep moisture penetration to serve intensive and instant relief to parched skin as well as brightens dull complexions and calms skin irritations. Take our advice, it’s best to take the plunge with Submerge Me’s faithful mate – the ever popular Leach Me. (Source: blivskin.com/)

Packaging: Semi-opaque plastic pump bottle.

Scent: Light pleasant fragrance.

Texture: Smooth silky texture plus it’s not too thick or too thin.

Thoughts: I’ve been using this serum twice a day for two months plus. My skin drinks this white serum up in no time at all. My face feels so smooth once every last drop is absorbed. It keeps my face well hydrated and bump free ^^ 2 pumps are sufficient for my entire face.

Before (July 31st) and after (September 18th) pictures of my forehead and cheek since everyone loves these ghastly pictures ;D

Much lesser clogged pores! =D

The price is fair for what it does, I’d get another bottle once it finishes.

Ingredients: Plenty of good ingredients here, Ceramide III, Ceramide 6 II and Ceramide 1 to provide moisturization, while Grapefruit and Baikal Skullcap Root Extracts are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

Purified Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Isononanoate, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Trehalose, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Ceramide III, Ceramide 6 II, Dimethicone, Ceramide 1, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga sarmentosa) Extract, Grape (Vitis vinifera) Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Methylparaben, White Mulberry (Morus bombycis) Root Extract, Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Root Extract, Propylparaben.

Hope you guys found these reviews informative!

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Nestlé Kit Kats: Yaki Imo, Ichigo, Maple, Custard Pudding

My review on these particular flavours is finally up! I received them 2 months ago *fail* Regrettably most of them anymore have been discontinued, don’t worry though, I’ve seen Nestlé repromoting older flavours, so keep your eyes peeled if you like them!

Yaki Imo/ Roasted Sweet Potato

(Source: p.nestle.co.jp/)

Name: Nestlé Kit Kat Yaki Imo
Price: ¥ 315
Contents: 12.3 g x 8
Release date: 12.10.2009

This bright yellow bar is flavoured with the perfect amount of fragrant sweet potato in both the white chocolate and the creme between the wafers. This flavour tastes genuinely like the real thing – if you can imagine sweet potato combined with chocolate, this would be it :]

Ichigo/ Strawberry

(Source: d.nestle.jp/)

Name: Nestlé Kit Kat Ichigo
Price: ¥ 525
Contents: 12.3 g x 14
Release date: 7.12.2009

I adore both milk chocolate and strawberries, so I was positive that I will enjoy this Kit Kat. It is indeed nice; it has a strong but artificial strawberry scent and taste to it although it lacked sourness that typical strawberry flavoured confections usually have.

Maple

(Source: d.nestle.jp/)

Name: Nestlé Kit Kat Maple
Price: ¥ 525
Contents: 12.3 g x 13
Release date: 25.1.2010

The package indicates that this flavour in honour of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and it has 1.7% of maple syrup from Quebec. Even with such a minute amount, it does indeed taste like the real thing =] I loove how the maple syrup flavour blends so nicely with the white chocolate bars, yummm!

Custard Pudding

(Source: d.nestle.jp/)

Name: Nestlé Kit Kat Custard Pudding
Price: ¥ 315
Contents: 12.3 g x 9
Release date: 1.3.2010

I took my first foray into the world of Japanese Kit Kats with this particular flavour a year ago. I’m delighted that I get to revisit it!

Crème caramel is known as purin (プリン) or custard pudding in Japan. This flavour tastes exactly like its namesake with a hint of vanilla thrown in. It was a little too sweet however the tastiness more than make up for it!

Thank you for reading and have a fabulous weekend lovelies!!

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Model 21 Eyelashes

My obsession with falsies have escalated to insane heights, I eat breathe sleep lashes! I decided to try Model 21 lashes since lots of people seem to like them ^^

Model 21 lashes are made in Vietnam. They are 100% handmade from sterilized human hair or hair-like fiber. These lashes are pretty light – they don’t weigh my lids down at all.

I’m new to using falsies and sometimes I stick them too near to the inner corner of my eyes. To prevent poking and unnecessary discomfort, I trim them beforehand; I’m not going though the hassle of painstakingly sticking them on again haha!

x.7.55 gives a cute dolly look, I absolutely LOVE it ♥ It is super eye catching and I’d imagine this style being a favourite amongst Japanese girls.

Name: Model 21 False Eyelashes No.x.7.55
Price: US$ 7.95 for 10 pairs

Other products used:

• Lunasol Nature Color Eyes Nature Summer Beige
• Kate Super Sharp Liner BK-1
• L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara Black

x-21 is striking yet subtle enough for a daytime look. I can totally see myself sporting this style often plus I love that it is denser in the middle.

Name: Model 21 False Eyelashes No.x-21
Price: US$ 6.95 for 10 pairs

Other products used:

• Lavshuca Melting Eyes BR-1
• Kose Addiction Eye Shadow 029ME Arabian Ruby
• L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara Black

The lashbone is flexible enough to feel comfortable on and it is slightly thicker than the bands for Taiwanese lashes (they feel like floppy thread) which makes Model 21 lashes to be perfect for beginners. They are also reusable as they retain their original shape even after some not so gentle usage. However, I noticed that they tend to shed, so you can use a pair up to 5 times if you're very careful with it.

They work out to be US$ 0.70 - US$ 0.80 per pair, which is pretty amazing!!! You can purchase Model 21 lashes from model21eyelashes.com. They ship internationally and I like knowing that I’m getting the real deal (lots of fakes floating around in eBay).

They have just restocked with new styles; I’m getting these next~

(Source: model21eyelashes.com/)

My fixation with lashes is going from strength to strength! I just received these in the mail:

Taiwanese lashes galore!

Do you like false lashes? ^^

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b.liv by cellnique Review: Shrink and Tighten, Glow And Shine

B.liv by cellnique has a couple of different coloured lines, and each of them target a specific skin problem. The range that I'm reviewing in this entry combats large pores and it is in purple.

This line has three products, Shrink and Tighten+, Shrink and Tighten and Glow and Shine. I own two; one of them being Shrink and Tighten, a pore reducing serum.

Name: b.liv by cellnique Shrink and Tighten
Price: RM 139 for 30 ml

Description: Unsightly facial pores will be a thing of the past. Filled with collagen, antioxidants, and skin cells repairing properties, these mighty ingredients help seal the pores, prevent future problems and calm down skin irritation. (Source: blivskin.com/)

Packaging: Semi-opaque plastic bottle. It’s very convenient, I can monitor the amount left easily.

Scent: I couldn’t really detect any scent from this product.

Texture: This pale yellow liquid has a thick yet silky texture.

Thoughts: I apply a less than pump’s worth of product on my cheeks and nose → I have orange peel pores on these areas. It absorbs super quickly after some light massaging.

The before and after pictures were taken on July 28th and September 1st. I was hoping that my pores would have shrunk but they are still the same...

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the effect will be noticeable after more usage. It is very reasonably priced if it does what it is advertised to do. I guess it works in keeping my pores in the same condition - they don't need to grow any larger LOL

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Oleanolic Acid, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Extract, Zinc PCA, Meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria) Extract, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Silica, Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) Extract, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Isododecane, Polysorbate 60, Arginine, Phenoxythanol, Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), BHA (Salicylic Acid), Allantoin, Zinc Phenolsulfonate, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate), Fragrance.

The second product is Glow and Shine, a skin smoothening mask.

Name: b.liv by cellnique Glow and Shine
Price: RM 69.90 for 50 g

Description: Reveal your smooth and flawless complexion with this scrub mask. Glow and Shine deep cleanses, polishes and moisturizes your skin. It also lightens and brightens the dull and uneven toned face, and brings out the inner glow and shine. Scrub away flaws and imperfections! (Source: blivskin.com/)

Packaging: Squeeze tube.

Scent: Sweet pineapple chewies scent.

Texture: Creamy grainy texture – this light gray coloured mask contains micro beads.

Thoughts: This mask doubles as an exfoliator, I get to exfoliate my face whilst rinsing. I use it once a week because I have other exfoliators on hand – my beloved LUSH Angels on Bare Skin and some other random ones.

I like the cooling sensation that it gives. Glow and Shine just feels like any other wash off mask/scrub – I did not notice any brightening effect after a month, although my face feels soft and smooth to the touch after my masking sessions. Perhaps I don’t use it often enough to see results, or probably I am overtly enthusiastic in using the other exfoliators in my arsenal.

The pictures below were taken on the same day, 'before' is in the morning with natural light, 'after' is at night, right after a session with Glow and Shine with white light.

My nose is uber disgusting!

It brings all the comedones in my nose to the surface. Using a pore pack or strip in conjunction with this mask helps to keep my pores clean and clear!

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Zinc Oxide, Glycerin, Koalin, Hexyldecanol, Silica, Polysorbate 20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Stearic Acid, Bentonite, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Menthyl Lactate, Methylparaben, Papaya Enzyme (Papain), Fragrance, Propylparaben.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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