NEW ON COUNTER (FEBRUARY 2016): Maybelline, Revlon, L'Oreal, Benefit, Garnier, LUSH, Rimmel London, Australis & more!

HI ALL!

Can y'all believe?

It's been a month into 2016 already! God! Time flies.... even when you're not having fun, lol. If only time could fly as quick when you're back to school/uni... Eeep.

I have a giveaway coming up! Please stay tuna'ed!

BENEFIT They're Real! Primer ($42)

A tinted mascara primer that tints, defines and primes lashes. Can be worn as a mascara primer to boost length and separation! Water resistant.

MAX FACTOR 

❶ Smokey Eye Drama Kits ($20.95/6 palettes)
Unlike other eyeshadow palettes, besides containing 3 eyeshadows, these also feature a brow powder! A tad expensive though...

❷ Velvet Volume False Lash Effect Mascara ($27.95/1 shade)
A mascara promising length and volume.

❸ Masterpiece High Precision Eyeliner ($23.95/1 shade)
A gel eyeliner that promises the intensity of a liquid eyeliner, along with the precision of a pencil. Intense black, smudge-resistant, dries quickly, glides smoothly and is long-lasting.

MAYBELLINE

Maybelline is coming out with soooooooo many products this month! I''ll just wrap them up, quickly and briefly so I won't bore ya!

THE NEW PRODUCTS

❶ Color Sensational Creamy Mattes ($17.95/8 shades)

❷ Color Show Fashion Collection Nail Colours ($5.95/4 shades)

LIMITED EDITION! Will be off counter after July 2016.

❸ Colorblur Cream Matte Pencil and Smudger ($17.95/8 shades)

Very much a lip pencil with a smudger on the end. Not sure why a smudger would be needed for a "bold matte lip" as claimed. The only way I could think of to use the smudger is when creating a soft Korean-inspired gradient lip. But then again, I could do that with my fingers! ◑.◑ So really, just hoping the formula is good with this one!

❹ Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24H Leather Eyeshadow ($11.95/4 shades)

Described to deliver a rich, matte colour with a "hint of luminosity for a leather look". (????)

❺ Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Black Pearl Mascara ($21.95)

Exciting news for the Lash Sensational's fans! This mascara is supposedly non-clumping, and offers extreme volume and [color] intensity. Not sure if that differs too much from the original formula, eep.

❻ Master Brow Pro Palette ($18.95)

Features a wax, powder, highlighter and a dual-ended angled brush.

❼ Volum' Express Colossal Go Extreme Leather Black Mascara ($19.95)

Offers volumised lashes with an ultra-black "leather" finish. Features Maybelline's biggest brush [to date?].

THE REPACKAGED (or so it seems)

❽ SuperStay 24H Concealer ($14.95/light and medium shades)

Lasts up to 24 hours, offers coverage, and resistant to cracking, creasing and dryness. 

❾ SuperStay 24H Foundation ($24.95/8 shades)

24 hours lasting power, glides on smoothly, water-resistant and now comes with a..................... PUMP!! WOOOO! Very much like a repackaged product to me, not exactly "new". 

❿ SuperStay 24HR Lip Color ($21.95/20 shades)

Again, a repackaged product! Features a colour coat (base coat) and balm (top coat).

⓫ SuperStay Better Skin Powder ($21.95/2 shades)

A matte make-up powder that offers coverage, is long-wearing and claims to improve the skin's conditions. 

MAC 

Year Of The Monkey Collection

❶ Lipsticks ($36/4 shades)

❷ Powder Blush ($41)

❸ Small Eye Shadow ($33/3 shades)

Last, but not least, we have Mariah Carey Lipstick ($36). A bit late, no?

Available online only.

RIMMEL LONDON The Only 1 Lipstick ($15.95/12 shades)
You would've seen these on Rimmel's social media pages if you follow them! You can stop wondering what they are now, hehe. Rimmel's latest lippy range claims to offer all-day comfort, moisture and supreme long-lasting wear.

The packaging looks cute!



REVLON Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer ($34.95/9 shades)
Offers a smooth finish, and all-day coverage. The featured concealer has been matched [for you] to be one shade lighter than the make-up... not sure how I feel about this, since I know some people loveeee their concealer way lighter than their shade.

NATIO Limited Edition Contour Palette ($24.95)

A lil late to jump on the contour-palette bandwagon there, lol. The packaging reminds me a lot of Sleek's Blush By 3. I THINK these are powders.... Mmmm, I'm not sure if you'd usually contour with a lighter-shade powder, haha. *confused* 

L'OREAL PARIS

Another brand launching 23432495234 products for this month, so here we gooo!

❶ SuperLiner SuperStar ($24.95)

A deep black eyeliner, but NOTE: has a shiny finish. 

❷ False Lash SuperStar Mascara ($28.95)

As you can see, a two step mascara, offers volume and length. They used to have something like this, which was alright. It seems like they keep discontinuing it, then launching it again, and the cycle goes on like so, lol. 

❸ Infallible Matte FX Lip Colour ($23.95/6 shades)

Claims to be transfer-proof and non-drying. 

❹ Colour Riche La Palette Nude Eyeshadow ($29.95/2 palettes)

Now THIS is exciting! L'Oreal's own play on nude palettes. Features 10 shades and a dual-ended application tool. Yup, the sponge-tipped tools. 

❺ Nude Magique Cushion Foundation ($29.95)

BB cushions, have been a big thing in Asian countries, especially in Korea. I've heard about it once, sometime ago, but not really sure what it's about (I'm sorry!). I THINK it is basically your BB cream in a cushion-compact, that somehow makes everything magical.

This is probably Australia's first cushion foundation. However, here's hoping that there's actually more to it and wouldn't disappoint us like what western brands did to the concept of "BB creams", lol.

Nude Magique Cushion Foundation is described to... mmh, have a liquid-cream formula, contains SPF25, is blendable and buildable, and offers light to medium coverage. The cushion packaging doesn't seem to offer anything else, except "working to release the perfect amount of foundation". 

BOBBI BROWN The Bobbi Glow Collection 

❶ Longwear Gel Sparkle ($42/5 shades)

❷ Highlighting Powder ($80/2 shades)

❸ Extra Lip Tint ($52)

GARNIER

I really like the next to-be-launched products by Garnier! There are only two, but they're based off our favourite Micellar Cleansing Water! They've formulated it for different skin types & conditions now! Also an eye-makeup remover addition!

❶ Skin Active Micellar Water for Combination to Oily Skin ($13.95)
❷ Skin Active Pure Active Micellar Water ($13.95), ideal for acne-prone skin.
❸ Skin Naturals 2-in-1 Express Eye Makeup Remover ($7.95)

DERMALOGICA Charcoal Rescue Masque ($65)

I don't usually feature Dermalogica in these posts, but this one seemed quite interesting! 

This mask works to "detoxify. brighten and invigorate all skin conditions by drawing out excess oil and impurities". Refines pores, calms redness and improves skin texture. Addresses other skin concerns too, such as: aging; dullness; breakouts; sensitivity. 

LUSH Valentine's Day 

I've just realised that LUSH actually launched some products last month, that I've failed to feature. Haha, I've missed it somehow. However, here are my 5 picks for LUSH's Valentine's Day releases:

❶ Lover Lamp ($6.95) -- NEW

Limited edition bath bomb for V'tines. 

❷ Prince Charming ($19.95/250mL)

Limited edition shower cream. A relaunch from their yearly V'tines range. Contains pom' juice, grapefruit oil, marshmallow root, f/t vanilla pod and f/t organic cocoa butter. 

❸ Roses All The Way ($6.95) -- NEW

Rose-shaped soap (so cute!) that will gently fade to a soft creamy colour as it lathers. Contains rose oil and rose syrup. 

❹ The Kiss Lip Scrub ($9.95)

A relaunched limited edition lip scrub from their yearly V'tines range too. Contains edible red hearts and hundreds and thousands... cool?!

❺ Unicorn Horn ($8.95)

Promises a magical bubble bath with sparkles, colourful candy stars and pink bubbles! 

They've also relaunched some limited edition products for the month of February, I believe.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST!!

AUSTRALIS (!)
I have no info on either products, but from a glance, you could tell what they're about!

❶ Banana Powder 
❷ High Life Highlighting Powder

Cute! I loved the look of the Banana Powder! However, the highlighting powder... not so much. But you might never know! Looks can be deceiving... haha.



Aaaaaaaaaaaaand we're finally finished with this month's launches.


I know, so many products, but hey! If you care, take the poll [below]! (ﾟ∇ﾟ) Would love to see which products you guys are head-over-heels for, for this month!

panel management

My picks: Maybelline Colorblur Cream Matte Pencils, Rimmel London The Only 1 Lipsticks, L'Oreal Infallible Matte FX Lip Colours, Garnier's newly formulated Micellar Cleansing Waters, LUSH's Lava Lamp Bath Bomb and everything by Australis! （*/∇＼*）

SALES (11 NOV 2015): COLES, BIG W, PRICELINE & MORE!

It's that time of the year again!

Yeap! Christmas, is what I'm talking about.

The festive season guarantees lots of sales around the corner, some of which I've spotted in stores and from catalogues. Thought I'd be cute and compile a post to share with y'all! （*/∇＼*）

I won't take responsibility for enabling you though!

********

1. BIG W: 40% OFF all cosmetic brands, except Boe Beauty, Thin Lizzy, Barry M and Christmas gift sets. Ends 2 December.

TIP: If you've missed Priceline's recent 40% cosmetics deal, then this one is one to look out for. Brands like essence, Physician's Formula and such won't be there, but if you need something from the regular brands (such as Maybelline, Revlon, Australis, FOA), then now is the time to snag! If you're thinking of buying lots of back-ups, then perhaps just wait for Chemist Warehouse's 1/2 deal which actually happens more than occasionally. 

2. WOOLWORTHS: 40% OFF L'Oreal Skincare and Maybelline. Ending date unkwn.

3. WOOLWORTHS: 25% OFF MUD Make Up. I know this is a cheap brand, but if you've spotted something from them that you like, then now's the chance, as they rarely do sales. Ending date uknwn.

4. WOOLWORTHS: If you've been eye-ing COVERGIRL's latest Star Wars collection, then I'm pretty sure this $10 deal on the limited edition's products would be cheaper than Big W's 40% off deal. Ending date uknwn.

5. WOOLWORTHS: All NIVEA Suncare 1/2 price. Prepare for this heaaaaaaat! Ending date uknwn..

6. PRICELINE: 1/2 PRICE on selected fragrances -- if you need to do Xmas shopping, do it now! Ends December 1.

7. PRICELINE: 30% off GARNIER. Ends 1 December.

8. PRICELINE: 1/2 PRICE on Simple's wipes -- the value pack of 2 drops to $5.49 each! That's less than $2.80 a pack! (lol, do I sound like an ad?) Ends 1 December.

9. COLES: HALF price on Rimmel London -- already restocked on my fave Wake Me Up Foundation, hehe. Ends 1 December.

10. SEPHORA: Aaaaand I'm just gonna leave this here, with special thanks to Tez on TMUS.

Thank Buddha, I've already done my Christmas shopping, and took advantage of all the deals that's been happening recently.

Big W's 40% sale happens today, and goes for the next 6 days. However, I've already got what I needed from Priceline's 40% sale (which I'll blog about soon!) so... count me out! ヽ(ﾟ∇ﾟ)ﾉ

Which shopaholic will be browsing Big W today? Tell me! 

Let me know!

X

NEW ON COUNTER: Bourjois, essie, Revlon, L'Oreal, Garnier, Nivea, Palmer's [...]

Late launches this month. Reason? I was waiting for the 30th or 31st to procrastinate on this launch post, but it wasn't until one night when I went out that I realised it's Feb, and Feb only has 28 days! /lol

Such a bimbo, I am~ 

{MAKE UP}

BOURJOIS PARIS

Mega Liner Ultra Black ($24)

It's not usual to see an eyeliner as part of a limited edition collection [for the drugstores]. These are described to be "eyeliners with a pigment as black as calligraphy ink". Long-lasting and smudge-proof for up to 24 hours.

Colour Edition 24H Eyeshadows ($20/2 shades)
Limited edition eyeshadow with a long-wearing formula that lasts for up to 24 hours. Available in a golden beige (Flocon d'or) and a dusky brown (Marron givre).

Volume 1 Seconde Ultra Black Mascara ($23)
They've launched a similar product before, with a similar name, except this one is "Ultra Black" with claims to last up to 16 hours. Ultra-volumising, long-lasting and and ultra-black.


NUDE BY NATURE

Pressed Matte Mineral Bronzer ($39.95)
A matte bronzing powder that provides skin a warm, sunkissed glow. Why so expensive?! @_@

Pressed Mattifying Mineral Veil ($29.95)
Light weight, semi-matte pressed finishing powder, suitable for all skin types.

Pressed Natural Mineral Cover ($39.95)
Pressed powder foundation that pvodies medium to full coverage.

REVLON Ultra HD Lipstick ($23.95/20 shades)
Lippies!!!!!!! Yay! These lippies feature high-definition gel technology (wat dat???) to provide intense colour in one coat. Weightless, applies evenly, and has a whipped vanilla and mango scent (sounds yum!).


RIMMEL Apocalips Lip Velvet Matte ($15.95)
No idea how many shades these are in, and I also don't have any information, but I'm sure you have heard much about these!

MAX FACTOR Creme Puff Pressed Powder ($24.95)
A pressed powder which offers a superfine, matte coverage. Claims to stand the test of time. Also described to give a soft, luminous and subtle glow...... Huh?

{NAILS}

ESSIE Fall Collection ($16.95/6 shades)
Yay!!! Essie's fall collection! Limited edition, of course. The range includes inky cobalts, autumnal reds and muted greys. Available from March through to April only.

L'OREAL Colour Riche Le Vernis The Shades of Grey Collection ($7.95/6 shades)
OMGGG. Another nail collection, dedicated to 50 Shades Of Grey (although they don't officially state it, it totally is!). Has anyone watched the movie?? How did it go?!

Don't ask me why there at 7 bottles

{SKINCARE}

GARNIER Skin Naturals 2 in 1 Express Eye Makeup Remover ($7.95)
Launched last month, apparently. The packaging reminds me a lot of their Micellar Cleansing Water! This is a dual-phase eye make up remover though, with 30% oil and 70% water. Works to remove intense, long-wearing, waterproof eye makeup. Lightweight, and doesn't leave an oily film.

NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age
Three new products in this range~ Includes a day cream SPF15 ($27.99), an eye cream ($27.99) and a night cream ($27.99).

PALMER'S Illuminating Brightening Eye Serum ($14.99)
Firms and moisturisers the delicate skin around the eys. Works to hydrate, lift and illuminate the skin, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. I've used something like this before, and wasn't too impressed. So I'd pass.

Think I've included most items!

What are you eye-ing?!

Don't think there's much for me this month. The Apocalips Matte looks nice, but for the upcoming Autumn, I'm thinking to give dark lippies a go, so currently, not looking to add anymore to the stash!

Current Skincare Routine: FEB 2015

You may not know this, but as a blogger.. I actually have [close to] zero fixed skincare products!

I surely do have a routine (and that is cleanse - exfoliate - moisturise), but when it comes down to having repurchased products stickin' around, then there's only one, and that is St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water too, I guess, but even then, I still rotate my make-up removing products around a lot, so St Ives Apricot Scrub is the only product that I've religiously use.


Anyways, a slight peek at my current skincare routine today. I'll make this short n sweet!


① MAKE-UP REMOVER: Face Of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover* ($8.95)
I'm in midst of trying to finish this off. It is a gentle make-up remover, but I'm no longer a fan of these dual-phase (oil/water) products on my skin. However, I do prefer them for removing stubborn eye make-up!

② MAKE-UP REMOVER: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water ($11.95)
My favourite make-up remover for the skin! I've reviewed it here.

③  CLEANSER: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub* ($14.99)
Haha, yea! I use this "pore scrub" as my daily cleanser -- morning and night. It's listed as a "pore scrub" that'll gently scrub away impurities, and that's totally spot on! It's extremely gentle. So gentle that it works better [for me] as a daily cleanser more than anything.

It's [supposedly] suitable for acne-prone skin, which I don't have [anymore], but still works well at cleansing. Really like the scent of this one. Don't think I'd repurchase it though.


④ DAY MOISTURISER: Palmer's Daily Facial Lotion SPF15* ($12.99)
Only started this recently, after finishing Biore Nourish Moisture Lotion* (which I did enjoy using). Initially, I switched to Neutrogena's Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser, but it was way too thick. I wasn't used to such a thick consistency, so I immediately switched to Palmer's.

This one is creamier than my previous lotion, but still bearable. Will probably be good for the upcoming cooler seasons.


⑤ EXFOLIATOR: St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($9.99)
The only staple product of my skincare routine. It's sooo scrubby, but feels SO good after. Instant soft and smooth skin. Mmmhm!

⑥ NIGHT MOISTURISER: Biore Overnight Moisturiser
I've purchased this for less than $3 at Priceline. It's a night-moisturiser with a very thick consistency. It even feels thick on the skin, but in a good, and bearable way. Very moisturising, but too bad, it's discontinued.

⑦ SLEEPING MASK: The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask
This is amazing. I only use it occasionally, but it makes SUCH a big difference to my skin in the morning. It's the last product of my late routine, after moisturisers and eye creams and all. My skin feels extremely supple every morning after! Love, love this!

⑧ EYE CREAM: Indeed Laboratories Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue* ($34.99)
Only started this recently after digging it out from the stash. Haven't used eye cream in yonks! This one is alright so far. I'm not too sure what to look for in an eye-cream. Not yet anyways, so I'm currently happy with this, as it has a creamy and lightweight formula.

⑨ FACIAL MASK: Lush Brazened Honey Mask ($16.95)
I'm not a big fan of this mask. Just using it up. I've received it from a friend as a Christmas present! Although I don't mind the formula, the scent isn't really for me. It bugs me sooo much. Even my mum complains about it. When I walk around home with this on, she'll be complaining about the scent. It's just.. really weird!

Yeap. The products are about to switch up soon, again. I'm almost done with my LUSH mask, and the night-time moisturiser.

Glad that I won't need to look at any replacements since my skincare stash is sooooo full!

When it changes, I'll make sure to update!


Hope everyone [who celebrates] has had a wonderful Lunar New Years!

祝大家新年快乐！身体健康，万事如意，工作顺利，学习进步！

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Since my previous round up post of micellar waters received much likes, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water ($11.99/400mL) in this post!

I know Bioderma was the trend-setter for micellar waters, but unfortunately, its price tag is way out of my budget range... Reason why I have settled for Garnier's version.

Neat n' nifty dispensing hole

$11.99 for a bottle of 400mL is really not a bad buy! Even if you're a bit of a heavy-handed user, just go ahead, and use it like water (pun alert)! Sometimes, you'd even catch these on a 20%~30% off sale at Priceline, so it runs to be even cheaper.

When micellar waters first hit the market, I was like... NOOOOOOOO WAY. How can something of a water-like consistency remove make-up so well?

Well, it does remove make-up! And it removes it pretty well! Trialed and tested by yours truly.

The first time I used it, I actually couldn't understand what the hype was about. But then it slowly grew on me. Before this, I was using a foaming make-up remover, or an oil-based one..? I forgot which, but either way, those two -- one [sometimes] left my skin a tad dry, and the other always left my skin oily. This is perfect.

Cleanses thoroughly and leaves my skin feeling balanced and refreshed. There'd still be little make-up residue left, but it doesn't bother me too much as I always cleanse after. With the water-like consistency, I also [really] like that it doesn't drag my skin!

As for eye make-up, although it doesn't sting/irritate, it doesn't seem to remove my mascara that well (I use Benefit They're Real & Australis Lash Length Extensions). I also prefer oil-based make-up removers (with a Q-tip) for the eye area, much more gentle.

LASTLY, because it's a water-like consistency, it can also be super travel-friendly if you transfer some into a small bottle. Easy and mess-free. Put it in a bottle with a spritz, then you'll have a SPRAY-ON MAKE-UP REMOVER. WOOHOOOOOO.

Definitely a repurchase for me, this one. Give it a go if you haven't tried it yet!