Pop Of Pink

I can't even begin to count the number of pink items I picked up since the beginning of 2014. This wallet is one of the many. It is girly, practical and you can spot the pop of pink in the midst of crap from a mile away. I can even slot my huge mobile in there!

◆ Silver coloured hardware
◆ Holds up to 8 cards, 4 on either side
◆ H10.5×W19.5×D2.4cm

Really pleased with my random buy, haha!

Oxy Anti-Blackhead Wash

Comedones is one of the common skin problems encountered by people from all ages. Anti-Blackhead Wash promises to rid this issue so it is only natural I am gutted seeing that it does not live up to expectations.

Name: Oxy Anti-Blackhead Wash
Price: RM 13.90 for 100 g
Made in: China

This cleanser harnesses the powers of Volcanic Clay, Avocado Pear Extract, Evermat and Nano Glacier Water to thoroughly cleanse the pores and lock in moisture, leaving skin fresh and supple.

For me, it sashayed right into the stripping spectrum (far from being moisturising as the blurb would suggest). Its cousin Deep Cleansing Wash is better in this aspect... and I came to this conclusion after comparing them side by side. Despite the fact that the side with Deep Cleansing Wash made a squeaky clean sound (every physical sensation must be noted haha), it actually feels softer!

Lather created with my cleansing device

I have been using Anti-Blackhead Wash consistently for two weeks now, and my comedones have not lessened one bit (not that I expected it to). In fact, I have been noticing more clogged pores!

Anti-Blackhead Wash may not be the one for me, but who is to say you will face the same fate? If you fancy giving it a spin, you can find it amply stocked at leading pharmacies and major supermarket outlets nationwide.

The full ingredient list for Anti-Blackhead Wash:
Water, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate/Water, PEG-2 Stearate SE, Lauric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Stearate/PEG-100 Stearate, Polyquaternium-63/Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Decaoleate, Alcohol, Menthol, Kaolin, Fragrance, Zinc PCA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Methylisothiazolinone/Water, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin/Butylene Glycol/Water/Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Butyl Avocadate, Butylene Glycol/Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract/Oleanolic Acid, Rhodochrosite Extract, Lecithin/Alcohol/Water, Water/Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Stearic Acid/Disteardimonium Hectorite.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Etude House Precious Mineral Magic Any Cushion SPF34 PA++ Magic Peach

Have you watched the CF for Magic Any Cushion? All of the boys lads from SHINee along with f(x)'s Krystal and Sulli star in it!

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Precious Mineral Magic Any Cushion 진주알 맑은 매직 애니쿠션 SPF34 PA++ Magic Peach 매직 피치
Price: ₩ 18,000 for 15 g
Made in: Korea

Magic Any Cushion provides its own unique spin to the cushion craze in Korea. Instead of BB, CC, or any of the other alliterative bases, a makeup base is soaked into the sponge. I own Magic Peach and I believe that its colour correcting properties is the most universal of all the shades offered:

Magic Pink 매직 핑크 Smooths pale skin into healthy and vibrant skin

Magic Peach 매직 피치 Brightens dull skin into natural, toned up skin

Magic Mint 매직 민트 Minimises redness into toned up smooth skin

You pat it in all over with the inclusive air cushion puff and top up where and when necessary.

Naturally, it imparts zero coverage, since it is a makeup base and all. You need to follow up with a foundation, concealer, and the works if your skin is less than flawless. Otherwise, dab a bit of concealer and you are ready to go!

Without

With

This silicone base melts onto the skin, lending the complexion a soft and bright glow. I detect the presence of shimmers when swatched but they seem to vanish become less obvious once they go on my face.

The rest of my makeup held up well when I wore Magic Peach. There was no breaking down or disappearing halfway through the day. However, much to my chagrin, the formula does not counteract shine. Magic Any Cushion is a spring release, and normally (or at least from my experience with Japanese brands) there would be an emphasis on alleviating sebum secretion.

There is no going back now that I have ventured into the world of cushion compacts. In fact, I already have my eyes on a select few i.e. Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control and Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion.

What are your thoughts regarding cushion compacts? Will you give Magic Any Cushion a whirl?

The full ingredient list for Precious Mineral Magic Any Cushion Magic Peach:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Arbutin, Zinc Oxide (CI 77497), Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trisiloxane, Sodium Chloride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Adenosine, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Glycerin, Mother of Pearl, Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Fragrance.

(Source: Promotional images are from blog.naver.com/etudeblog/)

Disclosure: Pink Bird sample.

Etude House Sugar Powder Nail #192, #193 & #194

(Source: etude.co.kr/)

Clockwise from bottom: #192 Peach Bubble Gum 봄바람난 피치풍선껌 (골드 펄), #193 Sweet Apricot Tart 달콤끈적 살구타르트 (골드 펄), #194 Mint Macaron 아껴먹는 민트마카롱

#192 - #193 - #194

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Sugar Powder Nail 슈가파우더네일
Price: ₩ 3,000 for 8 ml
Made in: Korea

It is so easy to get lost on etudehouse.com with their cuter than a button products and convincing descriptions. And all the merrier if they are spot on trend!

These polishes come in a creme formula. #194 is the only one amongst the three without gold shimmer particles. They don't possess as much of a wow factor as glitter textured polishes but nonetheless, they are still gorgeous (if it was not clear, I consider shimmers and glitters to be different). If you have never felt textured nail polishes, just imagine your nails submerged under a layer sand. It is gritty, unique and addictive to the touch - I find myself stroking my nails at all times.

The formula is consistent across the board. All three are patchy and streaky to apply and at least three coats are needed for complete opacity. The wear time leaves much to be desired as well for I had tip wear after two short days. The only saving grace (besides the beautiful pastel colours) is the quick dry time. All in all, I would rather go for Etude House's regular formula. Now those are awesome!

Are you into texture or do you prefer a smooth, slick finish?

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

Collistar Review: Intensive All-Spots Eraser, Ultra-Whitening And Brightening Mask

Italian brand Collistar recently released its first whitening line of seven skincare and two bodycare products, Special Essential White® - which utilises the exclusive Essential White Complex® along with a special mix of four plant extracts (Orange, Cucumber, Olive Leaf and Black Grape) - guarantees clear, radiant and smooth skin without blemishes and imperfections.

I have reviewed Brightening Bust and Decollete Firming Gel from the bodycare line, so now it is the skincare's turn to shine!

ღ Intensive All-Spots Eraser

Name: Collistar Intensive All-Spots Eraser
Price: RM 135 for 30 ml
Made in: Italy

A huge moderately sized angry, red, bumpy spot was threating to wreck havoc and after two nights, it calmed down tremendously. I was not prepared for shrinking to happen so quickly, so I am am afraid there is no before or during pictures, only after.

old (bottom) vs new (top)

It still lacks hyperpigmentation wise... I am three weeks in and there isn't anything remotely noteworthy happening yet. That said, my spots may have lightened slightly without me knowing, for it it said stuff like 5% reduction in melanin within four weeks (and 5% is practically impossible to detect with the naked eye).

You want to apply it with care because it will pill upon immediate application of a facial oil (for reference, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate was the product behind this incident). Allow a minute or two for it to sink in completely first before you follow up with an oil. It does not pill with a water based moisturiser, but you might as well extend the courtesy.

The full ingredient list for Intensive All-Spots Eraser:
Aqua, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), 1-Methylhydantoin-2-imide, Cetyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Arachidyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Titanium Dioxide, Xanthan Gum, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Bioflavonoids, Propylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Alumina, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde.

ღ Ultra-Whitening and Brightening Mask

Name: Collistar Ultra-Whitening and Brightening Mask
Price: RM 155 for 1 box
Contents: 50 ml ×4
Made in: Italy

The mask itself is infused with the beneficial ingredients and produced from a cutting-edge bio-material.

Besides the ingredients mentioned in the blurb, Ultra-Whitening and Brightening Mask is enhanced by Lactic Acid to stimulate the cell renewal process. I guess that explains the slight tingling sensation on my upper lip area? I don't suppose I need to reiterate how important it is to slather sunscreen when you apply (or in this case, slap on) products containing AHA.

My face looked brighter and felt refreshed the moment I peeled the mask off. Lovely results, however, it was nothing outstanding. I believe that conventional wood pulp sheet masks are able to pull a similar reaction from my skin.

The full ingredient list for Ultra-Whitening and Brightening Mask:
Aqua, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-imide, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethanolamine, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Parfum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde.

Much as I like using all three products, Brightening Bust and Decollete Firming Gel has got to be my favourite. I am really enjoying it haha. You can locate Collistar at SaSa stores nationwide.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Eau De Parfum

The latest addition to Dolce & Gabbana's line-up of fragrances materialises in the form of Dolce. This rich white floral scent is fronted by model Kate King and immortalised in print form by Domenico Dolce himself at a stately Sicilian home, sticking to the brand's Italian DNA.

Name: Dolce & Gabbana 돌체 & 가바나 Dolce 돌체 Eau de Parfum 오데퍼퓸
Price: RM 331 for 50 ml
Made in: UK

ღ The Fragrance
The scent is smooth, fresh and crisp. It is not over-the-top and so easy to wear during the day, but still makes its presence felt with that special touch of feminine charm.

There is something about it - unassuming as it may be during the first spritz - for it is just as interesting when I wake up as it is when I hit the hay. It has positive effects on my mood as I start the day on a blissful note when I rise to a soft cloud of Dolce cocooning me!

◆ Top notes: Neroli Leaves, Papaya Flower
◆ Heart notes: White Amaryllis, White Daffodil, White Water Lily
◆ Base notes: Cashmeran, Musky notes, Sandalwood

It is an Eau de Parfum, so the staying power is really good. And for those who are in a bind for a Mother's Day gift, don't you think it will tickle your mother's fancy?

ღ The Flacon
The graduating flower stopper portrays the marzipan sculptures seen in traditional Sicilian confectioners. It provides a contrast to the sparkling green liquid and the thin black grosgrain bow at the neck.

ღ The Collection
Dolce is available in all major department stores and perfumeries:-
◆ Dolce EdP 30 ml RM 244
◆ Dolce EdP 50 ml RM 331
◆ Dolce EdP 75 ml RM 439
◆ Perfumed Body Lotion 200 ml RM 160
◆ Moisturizing Perfumed Shower Gel 200 ml RM 148

ღ The Composition
The full ingredient list for Dolce:-
Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, BHT, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2).

Have I found the one? Yes! For now. I will come back to you when another fragrance lands in my drawer. We all know how fickle I can be...

Disclosure: Press sample.

Collistar Brightening Bust And Decollete Firming Gel

Collistar began in 1983 as the cosmetics division of a leading Italian pharmaceutical company. Since the very beginning, the brand distinguished itself by combining technology and nature at a competitive price. Today, it is present in over 40 countries.

Special Essential White® HP is the result of Collistar's in depth research into the requirements of Asian skin and caters for both the face and the body. It has never crossed my mind to protect the delicate neck and chest area but I am hooked now that I have Brightening Bust and Decollete Firming Gel.

Name: Collistar Brightening Bust and Decollete Firming Gel
Price: RM 185 for 150 ml
Made in: Italy

This gel utilises cyclodextrins and plant extracts to brighten, lift and firm from the first use. The scent is very pleasant and most should not have a problem with it.

I have been fairly diligent in using it, at least once a day, and sometimes, even twice (I would have loved it if the instruction was more specific about the frequency of usage). It has been more than a week since I started and I have already made some headway! The area where I have been applying the gel feels firm and also baby smooth.

Continuous usage is recommended for the effect to last. Use a blob each time (I say use more because you want the slip), and massage the product in until it sinks in completely, which takes a minute or two at most. The quick absorbing texture allows me to dress immediately afterwards. I experience a slight cooling sensation when I smear it on since it is water based and all.

Ladies looking to inhibit changes in skin structure (sagging to be more precise) caused by hormonal changes, weight loss, gravity and the like might want to head down to SaSa for a tube. It could be THE one!

Note that breastfeeding mothers are advised to keep away from this product.

The full ingredient list for Brightening Bust and Decollete Firming Gel:
Aqua, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Trideceth-6, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-imide, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Lactate, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Bioflavonoids, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Cysteine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Chitosan, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrochloric Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde.

Disclosure: Press sample.