3CE 2015 Lip Color Palette Actress Pink

I have been scrutinising Kim Tae-hee's photographs and every time she steps into the limelight, she is in a satin lip. Maybe this is how Actress Pink came about?

(Source: tv.tvreport.co.kr/)

Name: 3 Concept Eyes 쓰리컨셉아이즈 Lip Color Palette 립 컬러 팔레트 #Actress Pink
Price: ₩ 32,000
Made in: Korea

The compact feels sleek, and perhaps it is something makeup artists would carry? It definitely looks more grown up than the other road shop brands out there – my only gripe is that the palette lacks an applicator; are we supposed to dip our fingers in or do we bring our own lip brush and risk losing it in the cavernous depths of our makeup pouches?

The range of shades in the palette are really appealing even if they may not suit all skin tones. If you are in the market for a selection of hot pinks, then this could be for you. Shades from left to right: Glass Hotpink, Fuchsia, Pink Jam and Bella.

✤ Glass Hotpink: pale baby pink
✤ Fuchsia: Hollywood cerise
✤ Pink Jam: Mexican pink
✤ Bella: carmine

Usually multi-purpose lip and cheek products are too fiddly to work as blushes so I was really relieved that 3CE found the right balance. On the lips, the satin finish maintains a delicate sheen and on the cheeks, it looks juicy. That said, I would highly recommend slicking on a balm underneath, just to bring up comfort levels!

Glass Hotpink does not show up on my lips, which is why I decided to be fair *coughs* and not show how the rest look like on. I mean, which would you prefer? My unprofessional, awkward lip swatches versus the ones provided by the brand... there is no contest, right? Haha!

(Source: en.stylenanda.com/)

The Lip Color Palette is US$ 36 on en.stylenanda.com and comes in two other options: Gossip Red and Pink Trophy.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Nature Republic Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream

Do you follow SNSD's Hyoyeon's or Taeyeon's Instagram accounts? If you do, you would have seen them endorsing the Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream right? I knew I had to own it, and thanks to BNTNews, it is now lounging on my vanity!

Name: Nature Republic 네이처리퍼블릭 Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream 진생 로얄 실크 워터리 크림
Price: ₩ 66,000 for 60 ml
Made in: Korea

I looove the presentation. The box, the jar, the spatula and even the little gold flakes or should I say, especially the little gold flakes? I suppose it is all part and parcel of the ₩ 66,000 price tag... speaking of, isn't this awfully pricey by Nature Republic's usual standards? Next thing you know, we will be seeing something in the 6 figure region!

Anyways, back to the cream. It has Goryeo Red Ginseng, Royal Jelly, Silk Amino Acids and 99% pure gold to brighten, moisturise and balance natural oil production. It is also certified by the Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences for increasing moisture retention, easing wrinkles and improving elasticity.

This cream (it may have the appearance of a gel but trust me, it is a true-blue cream) has heapings of slip added in, leaving the skin ever so slightly glowy. I have no problems whatsoever with the cream in spite of the silicone laden formula. There were no bumps under the skin - for me, this is how sensitivities usually rear up.

For a refresher course, the cream promises to intensely nourish and moisturise the skin (it is written on the box somewhere). The funny thing is that it is not the richest or most moisturising cream in the world. Why? The film formed by the silicones feel like a great tacky barrier (or should I say an anti-slip veil?) instead of an ocean of moisture.

In spite of all that complaints, I still find myself liking this cream (oooh, the irony!). Ever since it joined the ranks of products sitting on my dressing table, my skin is looking good - plumptious, smooth and the works! It can be used both day and night and if you are somewhere where it is summer all year long, or if your skin leans to the normal-combination side, then this cream is tailor made for you.

The full ingredient list for Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream:
Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Royal Jelly Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Sodium Chloride, Trehalose, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-7 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Arginine, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Citrate, Silk Amino Acids, Atractylodes Chinensis Rhizome Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Gold (CI 77480).

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Celebrate The Wings Of Change With SK-II

A great gift does not necessarily have to be shiny and new but should display the unspoken intimacy between two parties. Bringing new meaning to the 2015 season of giving is SK-II's campaign to celebrate the heartfelt words and intentions behind each gift.

SK-II #changedestiny World Festive Edition in Mid Valley Megamall on October 8th kicked off with the arrival of Malaysia's top personalities: singer Soo Wincci, pianist Cathryn Lee and violinist Josh Kua.

Soo, P&G Country CEO Malaysia & Singapore Nicolas de La Giroday, General Manager of Mid Valley Megamall Rennie Lee, AEON Managing Director Nur Qamarina Chew, Lee and Kua

Personifying each unique quality - Soo for Boldness, Lee for Perseverance, and Kua for Encouragement - the celebrities unveiled their #changedestiny stories and treated us to a series of musical performances!

Soo performing her latest hit single

Lee wowed with her piano playing skills

Kua entertaining with Titanium

The event also saw the unveiling of the stunning new looks given to the iconic SK-II Facial Treatment Essence beauty essence. Created to embody qualities that reflect SK-II's #changedestiny ideals, these artistic 'Wings of Change' bottles are adorned with butterflies and hummingbirds to symbolise the beauty in transformation and the possibilities of soaring beyond your potential.

These limited edition Facial Treatment Essences (230 ml) are available as part of four SK-II festive sets for a limited time:

◆ SK-II Iconic Set RM 620
◆ SK-II Flawless Beauty Set RM 1,410
◆ SK-II Beauty Blossom Set RM 852
◆ SK-II Age Protect Set RM 1,181

Also available for a limited time while stocks last are three other festive sets:

◆ SK-II Pitera Red Butterfly Essential Set RM 229
◆ SK-II Skin Indulgence Set RM 2,277
◆ SK-II MEN Smart Set RM 579

My favourite, the SK-II Age Protect Set!

Whether as a gift for someone special or yourself, these Festive edition sets are meaningful gifts based on the giver or recipient's personal stories in their quest to #changedestiny.

Have you visited the SK-II counter near you yet?

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Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

The average person spends at least 2 to 4 hours a day on their feet, taking between 8,000 and 10,000 steps. Hard skin and calluses formed from pressure and friction can be useful up to a point, at least in terms of cushioning our feet from daily wear and tear, but they are unsightly and can often cause discomfort.

Want to cure this problem? Well, the Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi may just be what the doctor ordered!

Switch on the device and apply light to moderate pressure along the foot for a couple of seconds or until the gnarly bits smooths out. It functions without sharp blades and is furnished with a safety stop that halts the filing as soon as too much pressure is exerted on the skin.

The motor is operated by 4 AA batteries to spin a replaceable Micralumina™ roller head with microgranulates. Its ergonomic and cordless design makes for a user-friendly product. If you wish to, you can even bring it along with you in your luggage to places where sandal season is in!

When do I use it? During the necessary evil called commercials, haha! After I am done sawing, I wash my baby smooth feet, throw myself on the settee, pat in some lotion and wait for my show to resume. That is how quick the whole process takes!

Before

After

The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi in pink (limited edition!) is sold at Guardian stores for RM 135.20. The roller head refill packs, which contain 2 replacement roller heads, are sold separately at the retail price of RM 52.30. Each roller head can be used for up to 12 treatments on both feet.

For every pink foot file sold from October 1st to November 15th, Scholl will donate RM 10 to Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia!

Caring for your feet could be the last thing in your mind, but trust me, it is worth that extra mile~ Leave thick leathery soles to the Hobbits! We, from the race of Men, like 'em soft and supple!

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Mamonde First Energy Essence

The First Energy Essence is made up of vinegar obtained from the fermentation of the Honeysuckle flower over one year via a technology known as Floral Biotics™. Along with fermented Lactic Acid, these antioxidants will keep the skin healthy, firm and supple.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 First Energy Essence 퍼스트 에너지 에센스
Price: ₩ 28,000 for 150 ml
Made in: Korea

Mamonde has a diagram that says one can either use the First Energy Essence or the First Energy Serum interchangeably, which judging by their names, puts them right after the cleansing step. It falls right into line with all the other boosting products put forth by brands such as Laneige (Clear C Advanced Effector) and IOPE (Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning).

Now that I have gotten its placement in my routine out of the way, I can move on to the serious business (as serious as a blog about beauty can be hurhurhur) and that is the consistency, ease of use, specific skin changes and so on! But before I begin, let me reiterate how practical the plastic bottle is: butterfingers + plastic = an unbreakable combination!

This beautifully put together essence is a great choice if you are looking for a boosting product that is light in texture and easy on the wallet. The watery lotion absorbs almost instantaneously into the skin yet feels really nourishing. My face feels firmer, the texture looks better and there is even a blooming tinge of clarity to it!

Unlike most of Mamonde's products, the First Energy Essence doesn't smell insanely nice. The vinegar scent (albeit with a flowery trace) takes some getting used to but at least it doesn't bear traces of being overtly fragranced like some of their products can be. I know, I know, I am a hard customer to please, haha!

So, what are your thoughts on this boosting product? Want it? I bought mine at global.gmarket.co.kr with a 20% off coupon!

The full ingredient list for First Energy Essence:
금은화추출물, 부틸렌글라이콜, 글리세린, 에탄올, 나이아신아마이드, 락토바실러스발효물, 아데노신, 글리세레스-26, 비스-피이지-18메칠에텔디메칠실란, 시트릭애씨드, 피이지-60하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일, 잔탄검, 소듐시트레이트, 에칠헥실글리세린, 디소듐이디티에이, 페녹시에탄올, 향료.

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Hanskin Super Snail BB Cream SPF30 PA++

I fell for Super Snail BB Cream at first sight: the hefty white bottle, the frosted cap, and the gold dispenser are simply swoon worthy. Why wasn't I acquainted with Hanskin sooner?!

Name: Hanskin 한스킨 Super Snail BB Cream 수퍼 달팽이 비비크림 SPF30 PA++
Price: ₩ 32,000 for 50 g
Made in: Korea

The Super Snail BB Cream is made up of 300,000 ppm snail mucus extract and botanical ingredients known as Angel Food to provide intensive hydration and minimise external irritation.

This BB Cream conforms to the old school band of BB creams with its creamy yet fluid consistency. It provides just the right amount of coverage (medium) to even out my skin and correct bits of redness, so that if I want to, I can forgo dabbing concealer (because the natural look is in and my dark circles are so raccoon-like that nothing will ever cover it).

Without

With

It wears well but it creases along the nasolabial folds (I yap non-stop) - I always slip off to the washroom after lunch so I usually take my time there to smooth everything out with a sponge wedge. Using this also made my T-zone oil up faster than usual (people clutch their wallets; I am armed with my blotter). I can hold these problems in check with a powder but aren't BB creams supposed to shorten my routine?

Anyways, the shade is another part where it goes wrong for me. It is just too pale and too grey! For others, it might be fine but for me it spells disaster. I have long given up and came to terms with the fact that BBs and I shall never get along... perhaps I have been looking in the wrong place the whole time? Are western BBs the way to go?

The full ingredient list for Super Snail BB Cream SPF30 PA++:
Snail Secretion Filtrate, Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Arbutin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Talc, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Calcium Stearate, Ozokerite, Hexyl Laurate, Beeswax, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Silica, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Adenosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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