Monday Masks : Sasatinnie Aloe & Olive Deep Moist Silky Mask

Seriously wonder why I continue to use Sasatinnie masks when I'm really NOT having a good time at all. -__- I guess I keep thinking, "Maybe the next one will be better", and also, I hate wasting a mask, so might as well just use it! And at the moment, I'm trying to use up the whole set that I got and get it over with so I can go back to indulging in the high quality masks. One mask costs RM4.90 ORIGINAL price. I think I mentioned I got in on 50% off? Anyway, without further ado, here's my take on the Aloe & Olive Deep Moisturising Silky Mask. :)

This mask is suitable to be used by all skin types, especially for dull, dehydrated and tired skin that wants enhance moisturisation and nourishment. I don't really have much complaints about my skin nowadays, but who doesn't want to sparkle up their complexion? And I suppose staring at a computer all the time at work would make my skin dull and tired looking right? Sasatinnie claims to help you combat these complaints with magical organic aloe vera and olive extracts, plus further enhances things with hyaluronic acid. WebMD.com says : "There is also a lot of interest in using hyaluronic acid to prevent the effects of aging. In fact, hyaluronic acid has been promoted as a "fountain of youth." However, there is no evidence to support the claim that taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin can prevent changes associated with aging." Most of the time though, beauty companies use hyaluronic acid for its moisturising properties, so take the anti-aging bit with some salt. ;)

Aloe extracts will calm and soothe skin, while olive provides intensive moisture and improves skin radiance. The mask will provide you up to 24 hours of complete moisturisation. I don't know why I'm so batty to have mis-read it as ONE WEEK worth of complete moisturisation, so I was totally bummed when I still have to depend on my normal face moisturisers. :P

I would say that for a one-off use, yes, my skin felt SLIGHTLY better and more moisturised after the 20 minutes were up, but there was that HORRIBLE scent which I mentioned about in the last Sasatinnie mask I used still present here. It really makes me wonder if they just use the same thing and package it differently. -___- It smells like something from an industrial factory, very metallic smelling and sniffing it too long gives me a headache. So it was NOT an enjoyable nor relaxing experience for me at all.

Fit of the mask still has some ways to go... too many "tight gaps" here and there. Probably the only mask where I am 100% going to rinse off all the residue instead of massaging it deeper into my skin. I do NOT want a trace of that smelly liquid left on my visage! Grrr!

I guess you know it's not going to be a repurchase for me! And guess what? I still have one more mask left in my drawer from Sasatinnie.... *fainted* Since when did a weekly indulgence make one so apprehensive?

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Lipstick Sundays : Nivea Fruity Shine in Pink Grapefruit

Wow, can't believe I haven't blogged about one of my fave lip tints ever - the Nivea Fruity Shine in Pink Grapefruit! Well, actually I've blogged about the Cherry Fruity Shine a year back. Interesting to review my last post and find out that I only have half of the stick left (compared to what was photographed, not based on original size)! I actually carry both Fruity Shines with me in my handbag, and both colors are so usable that it doesn't matter what I'm wearing - when my lips feel dry, either one is suitable to be used!

You can see how "loved" it is by how much of the letters on the packaging have been scraped off... probably thanks to being carried around in my handbag, with keys and coins and what not.... 

Like the Cherry Fruity Shine, this also has a fruity scent that is absolutely delicious smelling. Not a sharp citrus, but a sweet fruity type of smell. Not super fake, so scent-wise, I like it more than the Cherry already. It is a very moisturising type of lip tint that gives great color and shine as well, thanks to all the micro glitter.

The color is a very sweet pink, and for a 4.8g tube, it is really value for money. Mainly because I feel that I don't have to "touch up" my lip tint very often when I wear this. After taking photographs for this blog, I ate some cereal before going to church. I noticed that it didn't leave a lipstick mark on my cup, so I thought that I had already "ate" my lippie. WITHOUT topping up my lipstick, I went to church, blabla.. then when I ate lunch and wiped my mouth after lunch... was so surprised to see so much lipstick coming out onto the tissue! I don't know what to say man... maybe I was just super careful during my cereal breakfast? Anyway, I was impressed. :) And if you're wondering why I didn't top up my lipstick after eating... well, I didn't feel that my lips were dry. I'm really a lazy person... by the time I feel that my lips are dry enough to warrant a top up, it's usually in really horrid condition! -___-"

Close up!

 

I mentioned in my last blog entry that there is ONE more  flavor in the Fruity Shine range, and it's Pomegranate, in a reddish-brown type of color. So tempted to get it!! But you can see that I have still a lot of Pink Grapefruit left, and Cherry still hasn't finished after a year! I suppose I should really SPAM on my liptint next time! Anyway, I rarely see the Pomegranate one being sold in drugstores in Malaysia... 

One tube costs about RM5-RM6? Super worth it in my books! Nice scent, nice color, nice moisturising effect... what more can you ask for?

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Vanity Trove Is Getting Personal!

Remember when I reviewed all the lovely beauty boxes from Vanity Trove? Well, I really did enjoy getting the surprise every month at my doorstep, and I believe that one of the main things (in fact, probably the only thing?) that I had a complain about was that I occasionally got products that was not suitable for me. Like, in my first trove, I got a shampoo set for colored hair, when my hair is totally not colored (will probably change this at the end of the year. There are reasons why I can't dye my hair now). I believe it's not only me who encounters issues like this, but others have mentioned it too. Vanity Trove always strives to improve themselves, so they really took the comments and have taken steps to get us PERSONALIZED troves every month. First thought? Wow. Second? How?

Well, first of all you have to ensure that your account with Vanity Trove has the beauty profile properly filled in. In this beauty profile, they ask you 14 very simple questions about yourself. It won't even take a minute to do it. ;) Or maybe I just know myself too well, haha. Seriously, you don't have to mull over things for too long. :P

After answering the questions, you will be lead to a page with a list of products recommended for you. You get to choose what you would like to try out! This totally eliminate the "unwanted" trial samples from getting sent to you. Remember, this is a PERSONALIZED trove. I can think of so many gals who would totally love this. So many people say they hate perfume samples, but I love them! With personalized troves, those who hate them will just choose something else - more haircare or skincare samples, perhaps? While those who love them (like me!) would probably click for more! For me, I know I would fill up my trove with more makeup and perfume samples! And really weird things that I've always wanted to try but am not sure how to use...

After choosing your personalized beauty trove, you will be sent the box within a week. Awesome or what? I've never had problems with the delivery service used by VT, so rest assured that the package will arrive at your place in good condition.

If the product that you want to try out is not in the list of recommended products for your selection, VT has a way for you to "unlock" new products as well. Add the product to your wishlist (on VT), like the brand & the product as well. You will be able to pick these samples from your recommended list when they are released. :) 



Lastly, things are also getting more interactive and VT subscribers are encouraged to write reviews about their beauty box experiences and about the products delivered in each trove. This helps VT to help US ensure we continue having good experiences with the brand.

To find out more, hop on over to Vanity Trove and start your new experience with personalised beauty boxes. :)

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Benefit Haul!

So I mentioned in a previous entry that I bought some stuff from Benefit, and I finally managed to collect the package! Think there's some confusion with the concierge at the condo where I'm staying cos apparently it arrived at end June, but they only gave me the package on the 9th of July! I was just about to call up Benefit and complain because they used to have very prompt delivery service - last time, it arrived way before the expected delivery date.

Anyway, this is what I got this round! Can't believe my last purchase was 2 years back... well, that's good. Means I don't overspend that much! In fact, I didn't do a lot of haul posts this year simply because I'm just using up stuff from my stockpile. ^^ Not been over-purchasing. What a good girl. :)

The packaging definitely not as nice s before. Box was super squashed and no "airpak" bag like last time. Luckily, none of my products were damaged in any way. :) At least this time they included a mini brochure / pamphlet, as well as 2 free samples. Actually, anyone can get free samples, when you checkout, you are given a choice of 2 out of 4 samples to get free. It changes occasionally, right now they are giving out samples for Fine-One-One, Fakeup Light, Fakeup Medium and Stay Flawless. I'm absolutely sure that they used to give out samples of Hoola blusher instead of Fine-One-One, coz I would've chosen Fine-One-One for sure! It's on my next "to buy" list now. =__="

Without further ado, this is what I bought:

I will do a more thorough review when I've used the products, but general description for the items (top L-R, bottom L-R):

1) Hello Flawless - Custom powder cover-up for face, in new packaging! Get that flawless finish with this silky, buildable powder that lets you customize your look just the way you want it. For a sheer, natural finish, sweep on with brush. For spot cover-up, apply with sponge. 7g only,  perfect size to bring around with you.

2) Some Kind Of Gorgeous - "Fake It, Don't Cake It" with Benefit's shortcut to gorgeous. The cream-to-powder formula means silky, even perfection for your complexion. So translucent, it's THE finish for fair complexion tones, an instant "beauty boost" any time of day!

Yes, I bought ANOTHER "foundation" because I couldn't decide between Hello Flawless and this one. I like the idea of "light coverage" because I seriously don't think I need heavy duty coverage, plus really heavy foundations that I've used before makes things worse. I'm still on the lookout for something to replace my beloved Everyday Minerals... This one is 9.5g and cheaper than Hello Flawless by USD$4. =D

3) Fake Up (free sample) - It's a hydrating concealer with lasting hydrating to diffuse fine lines and conceal dark circles. Seems to be specific for use under eyes... It's only a 0.06g sample. I doubt I would actually use it because I don't bother to use my Erase Paste either... *sacre bleu!*

4) Away We Glow set - You can only get this from the "LAST CHANCE" section of their website coz I think they're not going to make it anymore? I got it because there's a lot of their "best sellers" in this box and I love the idea of just carting this set around when I'm travelling. This set consists of :

• CORALista a “rio” pleasure face powder with brush, 3.0 g (Yay! Another blusher from Benefit that I wanna try!)
• high beam cool, luminescent complexion enhancer, 2.5 mL (Yay! I wanna try this!)
• sun beam warm, golden bronze complexion highlighter, 2.5 mL (Yay! I wanna try this!)
• BADgal lash mascara, 4.0 g  (Yay! I wanna try this!)
• ultra shines life on the A list lip shine, 5.0 mL (Boo, bought wrongly!)
• fluff shadow/hard angle brush
• shimmering 5-color eyeshadow palette (Yay! More eyeshadows! There's Passion Pearl, Peachy Sheen, Terracotta Satin, Steamy Copper and Deep Bronze. Very nice, earthy colors, suitable for even work, not really "glitzy" stuff.)

5) Thrrrob - Get the "turned-on" flush you've been looking for with this heart-throbbing pink powder. Brush across cheekbones, forehead and chin and let the excitement begin! One of my "to buy" blushers from Benefit! *squee* Will become my go-to blusher if it's really good because I am starting to think that Dandelion is just not doing it for me (maybe I'm not that fair to pull it off) and I want something more obvious. Now to get my hands on Bella Bamba, Sugarbomb and Hervana... *greedy*

6) Stay Flawless (free sample) - 15-hour primer for FOUNDATION. I suppose can be used together with the Hello Flawless! :D

Here's how it looks like on the inside...

Cannot wait to use! Just that I'm still a bit iffy about wearing foundation to work BECAUSE I PARK SO FAR AWAY FROM THE OFFICE! I'm not kidding when I say that my boss has asked me before WHY AM I SWEATING PROFUSELY when I arrive. It's because it's like freaking "journey to the west" from the carpark to my cubicle. I always buy foundations because I wanna complete my "OL Look" (wtf), but if it's going to mean that I have streaks of brown liquid going down the sides of my face, I rather not?

If this fails, my only other choices are to go to work super early so I can get parking nearer to the office (me, and those who know me, laugh at the idea) OR I pay for basement parking (super reluctant ok, it's going to be 3x the cost of parking outside). Haihhhh.... 

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Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion

Previously mentioned that I couldn't believe that I haven't reviewed the Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel yet, so here I am to do it justice. :) I really do bring along my Wisteria bath & shower gel + moisturiser set on ALMOST every holiday that I go to... and during my last staycation, the shower gel finally bade me farewell. I've used it so often that the scent of Wisteria will always remind me of holidays...

In the bottle, the bath & shower gel is the prettiest, pale lavender color.  However, when it's poured out, the light purple color cannot really be seen. It just looks like pale, see-through liquid.

You don't need to use a lot --- just that small amount on my palm is enough to have you smelling like the wisteria flower for AGES. The entire shower will be filled with the scent, enough to make you feel giddy. Initial thoughts about this scent is that it is a really "old lady floral" type of smell. The kind of smell that your mother and grandmother will like. However, it really grew on me (not because I'm getting older too.... -___-) and I started appreciating the overt floral scent as well. Maybe (as I've mentioned) it's because I keep associating this floral scent to being on holiday! It really makes you feel very girly and feminine!

There's no super squeaky clean feeling after using this, nor a very moisturised feeling. I believe his bath & shower gel is purely for perfume "layering", so if you love this scent - go all the way! Get the moisturiser and perfume from Crabtree & Evelyn as well! For me, I can say that with just the shower gel & moisturiser, it's enough to last you at least a few hours!

I haven't finished using the Body Lotion, have about 40% left. It is a lovely moisturiser - only need to use a bit (just a dollop per limb) and you get this nicely moisturised feeling, with no oily residue. It sinks in fast to the skin and only leaves you with the lingering floral scent.

Quite a nice travel set all-in-all, and my only complaint would probably be the packaging. It's a screw top bottle and you directly pour out the contents. It's very hard to control how much comes out (especially with the shower gel!). The size really is perfect for travelling though! Might consider this for a repurchase because I've grown to like the smell so much, but I do have other unused things from Crabtree & Evelyn that I would like to finish first.

Sorry my dears, I don't remember how much this set costs, or even how I got it! I think it was a gift, so I am not sure how much it would cost outside.. ^^

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Monday Masks : Daily Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Collagen Mask

Used this to pamper myself on my mini-staycation during the weekend. Decided not to bring along my cheapo mask, but this Daily Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Collagen Mask that I got from SOPS in Publika. I bought it erm... when the shop first opened. My husband saw all these masks on display and knowing that I like 'em, he encouraged me to buy it... even though "with promotion" it ended up being RM7+++. I forgot the exact price but I was feeling very wtf-ish about purchasing it especially since my personal cap is at RM5 per mask. I know, stingy, but this is DRUGSTORE beauty after all.

Ok, I guess I can live with RM7+++ per mask. They also have an argan oil hair care product there that is super good... almost RM90, and I'm STILL contemplating over whether I should get it or not. I have other haircare products to use!

Anyway, this Strawberry Yogurt Collagen Mask is suitable for all skin types, is a sheet-mask type (with no backing, so it was very hard to unfold - nearly tore the thing!) with 25ml of essence goodness inside. More than enough for you to rub all over your neck and wherever else you feel suitable! I also think the packaging is pretty cute, don't you think so?

This mask is supposed to help you get soft and moist skin. The yogurt yeast helps to remove keratin smoothly, while strawberry extracts helps to provide soft and smooth skin. After cleansing your face as usual, just leave this on for 10-20 minutes to allow skin to soak in all the goodness.

The fit of the mask is quite good! It is very WIDE but short, so there was more than enough to wrap around my face. The "hard to fit parts" was just that it didn't cover all of my forehead and the flap for the nose is just not long enough. Other than that, because it is very WIDE, there is no "tightness" and gaps.

I found a few online recipes for YEAST masks, and it seems that yeast is pretty efficient at healing the skin, especially from acne. There were also lots of online recipes for yogurt masks and it's the lactic acid in yogurt that helps smooth and exfoliate skin. Make sure to use a thick kind with active cultures for the ultimate beauty benefits. Yes, this Daily Fresh mask really smells like strawberry yogurt. Should I just buy the yogurt next time and get double benefit of good skin and eating it after I've done applying it topically to my skin? ^^

I've also mentioned before in previous entries that strawberry oil / extract is frequently used in beauty products to moisturise the skin. High in vitamin A&C and anti-oxidants, strawberry oil also contains anti-bacterial properties that makes it beneficial for taming irritated skin.

After the 20+ minutes were up, I definitely felt that my skin was softer and more moisturised! Definitely good quality stuff... in fact, 2 days after using it, my skin still feels nice and soft! Oh, and the essence in this Daily Fresh mask is a bit sticky / slimy to touch. Some masks feel like it's just soaked with water... this is definitely not as "diluted".  Really enjoyed my first trial run with Daily Fresh. I have two more masks from them, and if the standard keeps up, a repurchase is in the future!

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Lipstick Sundays : Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Natural

Whee~! I just came back from a lovely anniversary celebration with my husband, and it was erm... 75% sponsored from the hotel where we held our wedding! They gave us vouchers for an overnight stay as well as dinner at one of their restaurants. We probably wouldn't have to spend a single sen, but we really indulged ourselves at the restaurant, so that we had to pay the difference. -__-" At first, my husband felt silly about "staying over" at the place where we had our wedding (it's a mere 30-40km away from where we stay ... it's really not going out of town at all!), but I insisted. First of all, never say no to freebies. Secondly, it was going to expire soon and it's not like we had out-of-town friends asking for free accomodation.

Plus, even going for a staycation in the city makes you feel like you've really been on a holiday. I really enjoyed myself and it was fun just catching up on some zzz's and pampering my skin and trying out new products at the hotel, hehe. Yes, tried more samples so that I can blog about it here! =) And which girl doesn't like to dress up a little for a fine dining experience?

Since I didn't want to lug my whole make-up case for a 1 night stay away (my husband was already mocking me for bringing my HUGE VS carry-all - though I had my last laugh --- he really underpacked!), I decided to make full use of my Mary Kay samples. For dinner at The Club, I decided to go a little heavier on the eye make-up and a little lighter on the lips. I was a little dismayed when I saw that the sample the Mary Kay consultant had given me was called "Natural". As per my last entry on nude lippies, I really hate how "dead" they make me look. The beige-like color in the casing wasn't making me any happier.

If I was stingy, this small pot would probably last me two uses. Since I don't want to carry a half-opened lippie sample around, I spammed the entire thing onto my lips. It looks even more of a light beige in real life... and it smells like toffee! Very sweet and inviting, but not too artificial and sickening. I quite liked the smell! Another reason I was spamming all the lippy on was because I was afraid that if I used too little... it would look just awful. In the yellow lighting in the hotel room, after I was done, it looked like I hadn't done anything to my lips at all, just that it looks not-as-dry. And believe me, I had super dry lips at the hotel. After dinner that night, I was using a lip scrub, and after 45 minutes of scrubbing, I still couldn't get rid of all the dead skin wtf.

Anyway, I was pleased that it at least covered up the dryness though it looked more like a creamy, matte type of lipstick. Holy heck, I was pleasantly surprised with the results under white light!

I just love how the "natural" look is done with this Mary Kay lipstick! It really does look natural, but glossy and somewhat healthy. There's no shine in the lippy, so I guess just have to use a lot to make it look nicer. I'm sure if from a tube, one simple swipe wouldn't do the trick. It kinda looks beige, and also like the lightest pink ever. Yet, still suits my skin tone and doesn't make me look like I've lost blood flow to my lips. Love it! Once again, the Mary Kay consultant really aced it when choosing a color for me. :)

Close-ups of the lippy: 

Had to do some light PS cos really up-close, can see a bit of dry lips. Still adore how creamy this lipstick is and feels very comfortable. I can't really judge how long-lasting it is because I had to sit through a 90 minute meal which consisted of almost non-stop eating... by the time I got back to the hotel, it was obvious that I've donated my lipstick to the dining ware and to my own stomach. I'm sure if I was just sitting quietly at the office, it would've lasted a few hours, surely?

Mary Kay says that :
"This long-wearing, stay-true formula glides on easily with a lightweight, creamy texture for rich color impact that lasts. Plus, it won’t feather or bleed.

• Vitamin E and a vitamin C derivative help defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals.
• Provides instant moisture.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy.
• Fragrance-free."

If you're interested, you can purchase a tube online for USD$15. That should be around RM50. For myself, I am really keen to check out other colors or maybe even buy this color. I think I will check out Mary Kay soon since it's so near my office any way. There's quite a few products from them that I like!

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