Saturday, December 27, 2014

Cuscos Amethyst Snail Lotion

I am currently all aboard the Cuscos bandwagon!


Name: Cuscos 쿠스코스 Amethyst Snail Lotion 아메테스트 스테일 로션
Price: RM 218 for 120 ml
Made in: Korea

Surprise surprise, Amethyst Snail Lotion is not a toner but a moisturiser. What is with the misleading name? Anyways, it has 10% Snail Secretion Filtrate. Considering how high it is located in the ingredient list, I am guessing that this 10% stands for the volume percentage and not the purity percentage (it will be a sad day if the converse was true).


Despite having reservations about the rich, slow to absorb formula, it won me over when I saw how plump my skin looked in the mornings. Since I am regularly exposed to excessive air conditioning while I sleep, I thought it was best for me to leave it for PM use. Plus the demanding stringy cheese like texture (endless pattings, no rubbing) makes AM an inviable option.


I usually flake around my nose (sometimes my chin) which looks tenfold worse by my use of makeup. This cream has really has done the trick in keeping those areas well moisturised. No more looking like something that was dragged through the desert, baby! My appearance still leaves much to be desired but at least I have one less niggle to worry about?


Add in EGF and a bevy of plant-based ingredients to the mix and you get a potent anti-ageing cocktail. Unfortunately, I can't vouch for its effects just yet owing to the fact that I have been using it irregularly. I fell sick and couldn't be bothered to slap on skincare so the longest period of continuous use from mid-November onwards was probably about two weeks...


Considering I only use a pea sized amount each time, I am anticipating this 120 ml bottle to last a good while. Why not give it a whirl when you swing by IsMe Beauty & Café?

The full ingredient list for Amethyst Snail Lotion:
Water, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Betaine, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, PEG-100 Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Human Oligopeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Adenosine, Allantoin, PEG-90M, Carbomer, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Perfume.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Gifts For RM20 Or Less!

There is a goodly number of pretty gift sets that you can get for others (and of course yourself) for under RM 20. I guarantee that these crackers will put a smile on every face!

Mostly pictures because they are worth thousands of words, haha!




Guardian has more variations up their sleeves and they are sold for a reasonable RM 9.90 to RM 19.90.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Escada Joyful Eau De Parfum

The Escada woman is captivated by the beauty in the world around her, helping her to experience #JoyfulMoments and good fortune in return. International supermodel Miranda Kerr, with her confidence and effusive positivity, is truly the perfect ambassador for Joyful and the Escada brand.


"I love what the fragrance stands for – it's about seizing the small opportunities, and finding pleasure and joy in the moments that make up your day. For me, the scent conjures beautiful memories of hand-picking a fresh bouquet of flowers. It is enriched with undertones of earthy sandalwood and delicate pink peony which I absolutely adore, as peonies are one my favourite flowers!"
Miranda Kerr



Name: Escada Joyful Eau de Parfum
Price: RM 275 for 50 ml
Made in: UK

The Fragrance
Just because it is raining more often now does not mean that we can't break out fun and flirty fragrances right? Joyful is exactly that, and methinks it will do well all year long. It is unapologetically feminine and true to its name, joyous! It has fruity notes but all I can make out are the floral components *sheepish smile*

◆ Top notes: Blackcurrant, Mandarin, Melon
◆ Heart notes: Violet Leaves, Pink Peony, Magnolia, Cyclamen, Pink Freesia
◆ Base notes: Florimoss, Sandalwood, Honeycomb


You know how some scents give mature vibes whereas others younger? Well, Joyful falls on the young side for me. This is just me accounting my perception of it though; there is no better way to tell it is to your taste than to march to the department store/perfumery and spritzing it on yourself (liberally).


My only beef is it fades off in an inordinately short time. I fail to catch wisps of the fragrance after two to three hours... yup, not even when I plaster my nose to my wrist. Why do you do this to me?!


The Flacon
Inspired by the skyscrapers in the city, this bottle stands tall (statuesque, if you will). The icing on the cake is the gold finish topped by a pink cylinder. And let's not forget the iconic 'double E' logo embossed on the cap! It sets out to charm and it definitely fulfills its mission.


It is even more lovable when you see it in person; my pictures do it no justice.


The Collection
◆ Joyful EdP 30 ml RM 196
◆ Joyful EdP 50 ml RM 275
◆ Joyful EdP 75 ml RM 355
◆ Joyful Body Lotion 150 ml RM 116
◆ Joyful Shower Gel RM 104

The Composition
The full ingredient list for Joyful Eau de Parfum:-
Alcohol Denat., Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, BHT, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citral, Eugenol, Geraniol, CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).

Disclosure: Press sample.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Dolce & Gabbana The One And The One For Men Collector’s Edition

The One Collector's Edition takes inspiration from the iconic symbols treasured by the Designers. Each flacon bears the imprint of a gold coin, which also featured in the Dolce & Gabbana's fashion collection for 2014, representing a journey of discovery of ancient Sicily and the Greek culture.



The One


Name: Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum
Price: RM 463 for 75 ml
Made in: UK

I was really excited to see The One on my doorstep. Once again, I am a proud owner! Well, you might know that I came by the 2014 bottle a few months back. That one was appropriated by my mum soon after, so dare I say this is a sign that we are meant to be?


The One is a little lot like a Bond girl - it is sexy, alluring and captivating. Sensuality practically oozes from my pores when I spritz a bit of this on. The heaviness and spicy woody undertones feels very appropriate for the season (that is if we have winter).

◆ Top notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Lychee, Peach
◆ Heart notes: Madonna Lily
◆ Base notes: Vanilla, Amber, Musk


The story behind the range, the thought that went into designing the bottle (did you know that the female Greek god on the coin stands for wisdom?) and even the fiery red colour make this perfume extra precious. Whenever I stroke the bottle (oh so lovingly), actually to be honest, gazing at it is enough for me to go all Gollum. I bet that is something you didn't need to know. Yeah, go near the vicinity of my bottle at your own peril!

The full ingredient list for The One:
Alcohol Denat., Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, BHT, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Benzyl Alcohol, Citral, Benzyl Cinnamate, Isoeugenol, Amyl Cinnamal, Eugenol, CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2).

The One for Men


Name: Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men Eau de Toilette
Price: RM 308 for 100 ml
Made in: UK

The One for Men, an Oriental Spicy perfume, is full of surprises. The light and unassuming opening whiff put me in a spin because I expected something bolder! My appreciation leveled up when it developed a (charismatic) character of its own after it settled.

◆ Top notes: Grapefruit, Coriander, Basil
◆ Heart notes: Cardamom, Ginger
◆ Base notes: Tobacco, Amber, Cedarwood


The deep brown flacon evokes a regal richness while the male Greek god found on the coin represents courage and intelligence. All traits that we appreciate require in a man, haha!


Every girl dreams of meeting her Prince Charming (William, I am still holding out for you!). I will smell him before I see him (thanks to this fragrance) and after an intense courtship, off to the sunset we ride together. If only dreams come true! *sighs* Even if they don't, I still have The One for Men by my side.

The full ingredient list for The One for Men:
Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Methylparaben, BHT, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Farnesol, Citral, Citronellol, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 14700 (Red 4), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

The One Collector's Edition could be just the thing you are looking for if you are stuck for Christmas gifts. Such opulence! Seriously, can anyone say no to them??

Disclosure: Press samples.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Boss Bottled Eau De Toilette

December is the month for fragrances at Casa Blair and first up is Boss Bottled. The new ambassador, Gerard Butler, embodies the values of the Man of Today, personifying strength, chivalry, charm and the complexity of modern times. Whether it is studying law, doing charity work, or his successful acting career, Gerard Butler grasps life with confidence, passion and an innate drive to succeed.


"I love what I do and I try to have a lot of fun in my life. I consider myself to be dedicated, and motivated, but at the same time I try to be compassionate with others. The Man of Today is not just about himself, but about how he inspires and invigorates other people."
Gerard Butler


Name: Boss Bottled Eau de Toilette
Price: RM 241 for 50 ml
Made in: UK

The Fragrance
Boss Bottled starts off with Apple, Lemon, Plum, tinged with Geranium, Cinnamon, Clove, and warmed with impressions of Sandalwood, Vetiver, Cedarwood and Vanilla. This versatile combination is as contemporary and relevant today as it was at its launch in 1998 - it has truly stood the test of time, becoming an established part of the Man of Today's daily routine.


It smells strangely feminine at first and then gradually develops a masculine tone. I am guessing that the fruity notes lent a hand in fooling my nose? I usually am able to discern these things in a heartbeat. Nahh, I am kidding, haha! I have never managed to pick up different notes successfully, but even I am usually able to tell apart gender based fragrances.


The Flacon
For a limited time, you can get the special Collector's Edition dressed in a snazzy all-black matte attire. The refined simplicity and the lack of adornment captures one's attention while conforming to the Boss ideal of sophisticated elegance and functional style.


Plastering them side by side

The Collection
◆ Bottled EdT 30 ml RM 178
◆ Bottled EdT 50 ml RM 241
◆ Bottled EdT 100 ml RM 312
◆ Bottled EdT 200 ml RM 431
◆ Bottled Aftershave Lotion RM 233

The Composition
The full ingredient list for Bottled Eau de Toilette:-
Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, BHT, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Cinnamal, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate.

Peeps, get your purses ready because you don't want to miss it!

Disclosure: Press sample.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Take Center Stage With Abeille Royale And Un Soir A L'Opera By Guerlain

In an email to me sometime last week, Guerlain said that they were hosting a workshop - they wanted to impart tips and tricks for me to dazzle in 2015. Naturally I had to get my tush to the venue, the wonderfully accessible Mandarin Oriental Hotel, with bells on!

Guerlain presented the Abeille Royale range as well as their 2014 holiday collection, Un Soir à l'Opéra, during this little get-together.




Abeille Royale


Bee products are some of the world's most effective natural healing substances. Guerlain Research has extracted their active power to create Abeille Royale: a skincare programme with Pure Royal Concentrate that stimulates the key mechanisms in the healing process within the skin* to continuously help to repair wrinkles and loss of tissue firmness.


◆ Preparing Toner
◆ Up-Lifting Eye Care
◆ Face Treatment Oil
◆ Repairing Honey Gel Mask

Wrapping and knuckle massages were some of the techniques taught during the session. You know how much I love skincare products, so naturally I soaked up all those information like a sponge. Out of all that were on display, the stand out product was most definitely the Face Treatment Oil. A watery oil?! Consider me sold.

Un Soir à l'Opéra


Midnight on the steps of the opera... A sumptuous ballet has just come to a close. The subtle shimmer of a black bow, whitened by the snow, catches the eyes. Wrapped around the chignon of a ballerina, whose radiance it beautifully enhances, it has flown away gracefully with a leap and slipped in through the gates of the opera house before coming to rest on the opera steps. According to legend, it offers the secret of grace and eternal seduction to whomever owns it. Make way for this exceptional collection, worn to light up the most festive nights of the year.


◆ Petrouchka Eye & Blush Palette
◆ Perles d'Étoile
◆ Rouge Parade
◆ Coque d'Or

I was particularly taken by Perles d'Étoile. Now I get why people go crazy over Météorites each season! I was even lucky enough to have José Luis Yuve (Guerlain's International Make-up Artist) to draw my cat eye for me. If only I can replicate his magic...

I walked away with a big smile on my face and a whole lot wiser about skincare and makeup application. And thanks to this workshop, my love for makeup has rekindled - I am no longer stuck in a makeup rut where I wear the same look day in, day out.


Please visit a Guerlain counter for more in depth information about the products mentioned in this post. The lovely Beauty Advisors will be more than happy to assist you!

*In vitro test

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Etude House Pink Wish Tree Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

Lend a helping hand by purchasing any Pink Wish Tree item! You will be supporting School Me - an effort dedicated to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children in African countries.


Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Pink Wish Tree Precious Mineral Any Cushion 핑크 위시 트리 진주알 맑은 애니 쿠션 SPF50+ PA+++ W13 Natural Beige 내추럴 베이지
Price: US$ 18 for 15 g
Made in: Korea

My air puff looks as if it has never taken a single shower in its lifetime. Can you please share your secret with me if your puff is 100% clean? Normal soaps are powerless against its foundation, dirt, etc trapping properties, and cleansing oils only fare slightly better.


Before the defiling happened

Oh, I was talking about the Any Cushion...

I don't use much each time. Two light presses of the puff into the moistened pillow and I am good to go. It provides fairly decent coverage - adequately evens out my skintone, however, it is not enough to vanquish dark circles and hyperpigmentation.


Without


With

I thought it could tame my T-zone because sebum control is listed as one of its functions but my hope was in vain. Not to worry, its redeeming quality is that pores are made less obvious. This is something I am very grateful for; my pores are becoming larger by the minute!


W13 Natural Beige is a little too light and too pink (nothing new) for me. I have to prime with a makeup base when I use it to avoid caking around areas with lines. The finish gets more natural as the hours go by, and more importantly, it does not fade away even in this hot and humid weather.


As far as I can tell, the W13 shades for both Precious Mineral Any Cushion and Precious Mineral Proof Any Cushion are identical. Formula wise, they perform pretty much the same too. It all boils down to your preference in the casing design (that is if Precious Mineral Proof Any Cushion is still sold?).


If you are into matte, almost powdery finishes, then this cushion is definitely the right pick for you.

The full ingredient list for Precious Mineral Any Cushion W13 Natural Beige:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Trimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mother of Pearl, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Alcohol, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Fragrance.


Disclosure: Pink Bird sample.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Etude House Play Nail #329, #330 & #331


Clockwise from bottom: #329, #330, #331


#329 - #330 - #331

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Play Nail 플레이 네일
Price: ₩ 2,000 - 3,000 for 8 ml
Made in: Korea

#329 Christmas Carols 메리 캐롤송 and #331 Christmas Tree Star 나무 꼭대기 작은 별 are gorgeous glitters. I can't stop admiring my nails when I have them on. Plus how perfect are they for Christmastime? I can't help but to shudder when I think of the acetone bath my nails have to endure when it is time to remove them though!

#330 Christmas Socks 머리 위 산타 양말 charmed my socks off (please ignore my tragic pun). It looks rather like an oxblood red, right? So sexy, so empowering! Even though it chips rather easily (methinks a top coat will do it a world of good), I still want to get backups. Yes, I like it that much!

Get 'em quick before the festivities come to an end! Buy here etudehouse.com.

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Bite Into Both Beauty And Food At IsMe Beauty & Cafe

These photos are from IsMe Beauty & Café: a beauty parlour and café all thrown into one! It is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is designed for ladies in mind. We can browse Cuscos's products leisurely while sipping on a drink or nibbling on a treat.




Everything and I really mean every single item on the menu is practically guilt free because they are all lesser than 400 calories each. I had the pleasure to sample their hot chocolate and I am yearning for another cuppa as I write type this. 맛있는!




So, I touched upon Cuscos earlier right? It is KFDA certified - yes, a Korean brand in the house (literally too!) - ergo you can be certain of its safety and efficacy. Cuscos only consists of 9 products. It is true that the selection is a little on the small side but no worries seeing that they address a variety of concerns. These 9 products can be broken down into 3 different categories.

✤ Daily care
Aqua 2 Bubble Cleanser RM 198/100 ml
Amethyst Snail Toner RM 188/120 ml
Amethyst Snail Essence RM 388/50 ml
Amethyst Snail Lotion RM 218/120 ml

✤ Special care
*Diamond Syn-Ake Eye Cream RM 588/30 ml
*Sapphire Steam Cream RM 288/50 ml
Topaz Day Defense Cream RM 218/50 ml
Ruby Lifting Pack RM 218/50 ml

✤ Whitening
Opal Whitening Body Cream RM 288/100 ml

The products that are marked with an asterisk are fortified with 2 carats worth of diamonds. If that does not result in luminous skin, I don't know what will! The bottles are also embellished with Swarovski Zirconia but I know that I already had your attention when I mentioned diamonds earlier on. In case I was not clear enough, each bottle (or jar) will contain 2 carats of diamonds!



I have one last eye opener for you. See this before and after picture? Do you want to know which product produced this awesome result? The secret will be let out in an upcoming blog post. Please look forward to it!


Interested in the products or the menu? This cozy establishment sits right behind the heart of Jalan Bukit Bintang. A most convenient location yet it offers sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address:
Lot B-1-1, Block B, 1st Floor,
Bintang Fairlane,
23, Jalan Padang Walter Grenier,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Telephone:
03-2110 6191

Hours:
9 AM - 9 PM

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/IsMeBeautyCafe