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Wednesday, November 23, 2011
*my beauty secrets*

Here are some of the cleansing and skin care products that I use:
 From the left: 1. Biore Cleansing Gel (make up remover) - this is especially easy and quick to remove make up for lazy people as it acts like a facial wash, no cotton pad required. In fact, it cleans off make up effectively (based on my naked eye judgement). haha.

2. Garnier Gentle Clarifying Foam (Light) - i used to use this as my daily facial wash because it is cheap and long term usage really helps to lighten your skin tone and brighten up your skin, giving you a much radiant look. *bling* I'm not sure about the rest, but it definitely works on me as I really used to be a dark skin toned gal but no longer now!

3. Brightening Rice Water Cleaning Foam (from THE FACESHOP) - ok, i didn't ditch garnier product for this because garnier wasn't good. I switched to using this as my daily facial wash because i've real oily skin issue and that aforementioned garnier product isn't effective in combating that problem. This rice water cleaninsing foam not just helps in sebum control (sebum is the one responsible for the outbreak of pimples!) but also the brightening of the skin! （一石二鸟之计！）:D

4. My Beauty Dairy （我的美丽日记）- I haven't tried using this facial mask yet. But i've decided to give it a try because I've heard that it doesn't leave a sticky feel after u apply it. There are many different types of maks under this taiwan brand. It depends on what you want to work on for your skin. 1 box 10 mask sheet. I've chose to buy type Q10 which helps to improve the 弹力of your skin, make your skin firm and less saggy. lol. Actually, a lot of gals don't know that we should start combat aging skin once we hit 20! I think 1 week do 2 times will do?


5. Pore Minimizer_Controlling Tone with Powder (from THE FACESHOP), 6. Pore Minimizer_Controlling Emulsion (from THE FACESHOP) - Both products ($28.90 each) are effective in sebum control and hence preventing the outbreak of acne. As we all know, toner is essential as it helps tighten our pores after we wash our face, thus it prevents dirt from clogging our pores and hence preventing the growth of pimples. (If u are just as lazy as me, just use hands to tap the toner into your skin will do, dun need to use cotton pad though it would be cleaner. haha.)

7. Pore Minimizer_Controlling Clay Mask (from THE FACESHOP) - this was a free gift, haven't used it so ain't too sure about it's effects. But it says that it is a deep cleansing mask with clay and patent pore shrinking complex absorbs impurities and excess sebum to contol and clear pores.

P.S: Actually I'm still new to skin care products..haha. Only realised the importance of taking care of my skin until recently, so i'm not sure about how effective these products are, but I'll blog about them again. (:

                                                                The Grooming Process~!:

Let's start with the nails first! So here are my collection of nail colours. I usually prefer colours near to nude because they are more neutral and compatible for any events and easier for guys to accept. haha. However, I do try loud and fun colours at times, for instance the current trend of orange and the flirtatious purple.

The first 2 bottles from the left are "Sally Hansen" brand nail polish, erm.. i thought they are supposed to be good, but honestly, they curdle easily, giving you a hard time applying it on your nails.

The rest of the bottles are from "Etude House". I've to say, Etude House has pretty good nail polish, easy to apply and control. They are also cheap too, $6.90 per bottle which can last u for a pretty long time. Their nail polish remover are also cheap, it leaves your nails with a sweet scented smell. The 3 bottles at the right are a series together (ALOHA series). You've to match 3 colours together for a cocktail effect on your nails. (Don't worry, there're instructions at the back of the box. haha.)

Most importantly, buy a top coast and base coat for fuller and richer effect. I mean perfect nails. haha.

However, if you're too lazy and find the process too troublesome, you can head on to Citi Bella nail salon to get your express manicure done. It's only cost $6 to get your 10 nails done, inclusive of bathing and trimming services as well. Their workmanship are pretty good too. (:  

                                                        Smelling fresh & looking good!
1. Liese Hairspray Cocktail - haha, it's not for u to drink, this is suppose to help tame your frizzy hair when u have a bad hair day. It is also effective in getting tangled hairs easier to comb. It also leave your hair with a fragrant scent. However, the taming of the frizzy hair part doesn't last long... that's 1 down side.

2. Japanese Cherry Blossom Perfume (from The Body Shop) - The scent is awesome! It's mild and not over-powering. (:

ALLURING EYES!

Now let's move on to the EYES! I wear maxi eye contact lens (monthly) for a bigger dilation of my pupils. It really helps to perk up your entire look. I usually wear the winsome brown version because it looks more natural. However, I found the gleaming green equally attarctive as well (there's one picture of me wearing that below). It is cheap, easy to wear and remove.

This is acuvue version of maxi eye contact lens (1 Day Acuvue Define) - Natural Shine. I stopped using it because firstly it's super expensive. Secondly, it does not suit everyone, it is more suitable for people with convex eyes. For me, my eyes surface are less convex, more flat, hence the lens kept slipping downwards, they couldn't stay in place, thus causing irritation. And their dilation effect isn't as big as Freshkon ones. Although acuvue has an extra layer to moisturize and protect your eyes from coming in contact with the colour pigment, the many layers makes it difficult for one to remove especially.

THE SECRET TO INSTANT BEAUTY - MAKE-UP!

Make up has this magical effect in making one look wayyyy much better! (That's only if u've master the techniques, otherwise....lol.)

Here are comestics products that I use:

Step 1: Apply Foundation Base. I bought mine from THE FACESHOP. I bought the green base one because green foundation base helps to reduce redness if you have acne scars. There are also many different colours, like purple, etc. I can't rmb what's the function of each colour but u should buy one that suits your condition. Approach the sales assistant for help!

Step 2: Apply Concealer.

Initially, I used Za Concealer. Though they could really cover your flaws perfectly but they feel heavy on your skin. Not good for skin in the long run.

So I switched to using THE FACESHOP Dual Concealer. It has both a stick concealer and liquid concealer in one product. They really feel super light on your skin, letting your skin breathe better. I use stick concealer to cover flaws on my face like acne scars. I use liquid concealer for under the eye area like dark eye circle. You can also buy a seprate stick concealer from THE FACESHOP if it runs out. However, their liquid concealer are not effective in covering dark eye circle.

So I switched to using Loreal True Match Concealer for my dark eye circles. I usually apply 2 layers to cover them. This brand is more effective in concealing my dark eye circles.


STEP 3: the super important role - FOUNDATION!

I only support and use Loreal products for FOUNDATION, because they are expertise in coming out foundation that suits asian skin tone. They give a much perfect finish look than any other off the shelves brand, as in a flawless look as if u ain't putting on any make up.

I used to use Loreal true match powder foundation. But it only gives u a matt look, and sometimes they look cakey when it curdles with the oil on your skin (esp for people with oily skin). The perfect finish it gives u does not last long for the day. 

So I switched to using Loreal White Perfect Pearl. It has SPF 17++ and it also contains whitening foundation essence. The primary reason for why i'm currently using this is beacuse it has the "pearl" contents that gives u a glowy and radiant complexion unlike the powder form. So there isn't a need for you to apply any highlighter product. The brush is an additional benefit. However I don't use it, i prefer to even it out with my fingers as it is much easier to control. P.S: For oily skin user, there's 1 down side, although it gives u a glowy look, but your oily skin might make it even more shiny in a bad way...

BB cream are also good but only good for people who has no flaws on their skin. They do feel super duper light on the skin but they does not help in coverage at all as they are too light. At most they only help in brightening up your skin. Of course, they are more healthy for the skin than any other foundation products.

Step 4: Eye Shawdow
I ain't an expert in eye shadow yet. But I do take note of what colours are in the trend now. I usually follow korean natural look make up trend because it's more suitable for schooling day look. So i choose colours like peach, pink, brown and white.
Application: 1. The darkest colour (brown) are applied at the eyelid (if u have double eyeline, apply at the eyelid area that is near to your eye, not exceeding your double eyeline.)
2. Apply the next warmest colour (e.g. light brown) at your double eyeline to accentuate it.
3. Apply the thrid colour (often the peach or light pink for me) at eyelid area above your double eyeline. Brush it across the area where u can feel your eyeball. This colour gives your eye a healthy look.
4. Apply white colour eyeshadow at your brow bone and somewhere at the upper circumference of the pink area. White eyeshadow are used for highlighting purposes for a better definition of your eyes. More contrasting effect. (If you dun wanna a full make up look, u can skip this step.)


Sometimes I use this (stick eyeshadow) for step 3. Cos it easy to apply, just glide it along the area desired. It also gives a mild glittery effect for a more 3D look of your eye. (From The Faceshop)

If you realise, in each eyeshadow casing, they only give u 1 brush with 2 side for 4 colours!? Obviously, that's not enough and it's also not advisable to mix colours with the same brush cos it might lead to an undesirable effect. That's why u need to have a ready supply of cotton buds for step 3 & 4. (: Cotton buds can also help you when u need to remedy somewhere that went wrong (e.g. even out the colour when it's too dark).

Step 5: Eyeliner

After applying the eyeshadow, I use Za brown eye liner (middle one) to draw the eyeline of my eyes. I use this cause it's easier to control, not prone to smudging.

However, I use Maybelline gel eyeliner (right one plus bottle) for a winged eye effect. I usually draw winged eye because it helps to elongate the length of your eyes especially if u have small and droopy eyes. I use gel eyeliner for this because, winged eye needs more flexibility in applying and the brush could give it unlike the stick eyeliner. However, if your double eyeline is thick enough (the gap between your eyeline and the double eyeline), that means not near to 内双 kind of eyes, u can use the gel eyeliner all the way. But for me, I can't cos the my gap is pretty thin.

I also use KATE White Eyeliner (left one) on the inner corners of my eyes to make my eyes look more define. But if u do not want a lot of attention, or look too over, u can even it out with a cotton bud.

Step 6: Mascara

Before u apply mascara, u should curl your eye lashes first with an eye curler. (watch youtube video for how to curl)
Honestly, Maybelline has the BEST MASCARA. Initially, I used Maybelline Volume Express Mascara, it really gives u an increase in the density and volume of your peepers (eyelash)! Makes your eyes more defined and attractive. However, I've switched to using Maybelline THE MAGNUM VOLUME EXPRESS (their latest product) because it has less clump issue as compared to the first one, and besides giving volume and density, it also helps to make your eyelash longer. The special curl shape helps to curl your eyelash at an approriate angle, giving u a well spred out fan-like natural eyelash! :D

When applying, brush your eyelashes against a hard surface (e.g any unwanted name card) so that u wouldn't smudge your eyelid with mascara while u r applying it.

Sometimes I do wear  fake eye lash if i want a more dramatic or stronger look. I prefer to use CANMAKE eyelash because it's looks more natural. As u can see from the picture, the top one looks fake while the bottom one looks lighter. They are many different types of eyelash under CANMAKE, it depends on how dense u want your eyelashes to be. Most importantly, u also need to have a good eyelash glue that helps to keep your falsies in place as you wouldn't want to worry if your falsies would fell out half way through your date..lol. I would recommend DUO eyelash adhesive (Clear white).

Step 7: Eyebrows

It is important to define your eyebrow because it really look weird when your eyes are more define than your brows. If u have thick eyebrow, I'll suggest you have it trim first...

I used to use Za Eyebrows liner but then the stick-like liner has no flexibility and the lines are too define, giving u a fake eyebrow look. That's why i switched to using Sponge Eyebrow from THE FACESHOP beacause the tip like structure gives a better control (easy to apply), powder eyebrow also gives a more natural eyebrow look. However, I would use cotton buds to even out the tone because sometimes appling too much might make your eyebrows look too harsh, and hence it makes one look fierce. lol.

I apply it in a straight line way, because straight eyebrows are from korean trend, it makes one look innocent unlike those arched brows which makes one look older (if u screw up) or someone who has 心计...haha. Arched brow are also difficult to master.

Step 8: Blusher

Blusher are very important in completing the look, u wouldn't want to look too pale with all the foundation and concealer piling up on your face. Blusher helps to give you a healthy look.

Initially, I used the cheek liquid stain from The Body Shop (top), it gives u a red natural blush. This suits peeps with whiter skin tone best, giving them a sweet look. However, for darker skin tone peeps like me, I choose to use coral (orange) colour based blusher because it gives us a more sporty and bronzed look. So I switched to the coral powder blusher from The Body Shop (right) (it comes with a mirror which is not of much use..haha), but i ditched using it because there are too much glitters in this product. It makes one look obvious that they are wearing make up esp when u wanna achieve a natural make up look. So right now, I'm using a cream based cheek stain blusher from Etude House (left), I choose a colour between watermelon and coral becos i wanna achieve both a sporty and sweet look. This colour is also in the trend now. Besides, cream based blusher are easier to control and apply on unlike liquid and powder form. But liquid stain still gives the most natural look. 

Step 9: Highlighter

If you are already using a foundation that has a highlighting effect then there is no need for you to use a highlighter. If you're not, then it's advisable you end your make up with a highlighter. Highlighter helps to give your matt face a more 3D look, like those photo shoot effect. Basically, u light the areas that u want to define with a highlighter. I usually apply highlighter on my T zone to make my nose look sharper and my cheek bone for a slimer and model-like look. I don't apply a lot of highlighter because too much would make your face look oily. So a little will do. Cost saving as well. haha.

I've tried two highlighter products before. Both are equally good. The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter (left) and the Nymph Aura Volumer from THE FACESHOP (right). I've used that body shop small tube for like 2 years and I still haven't finish using it...  The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter gives a pinkish and glittery effect while the Nymph Aura Volumer just gives u a shiny effect.

Step 10: Lipstick/ Lip Gloss/ Lip Stain/ Lip Balm

Ok, for this step, i usually skip. Firstly, I haven't found a colour that suit me (a wrong colour can make your whole face look worng! lol). Secondly, i dun like a sticky feel on my lips, esp when i know i m gonna eat when i m out.

I did bought a few lip stick (like the above one) but it didn't go well on me. The tangerine colour is the hottest korean trend now, so u can give it a try if it match you. Lip balm helps to moisturise your lips, suitable for people with dry lips. Generally lip products are suppose to give u more fuller lips.

But then again, lip stick/ gloss/ stain products works effectively on some people (esp those whiter skin tone peeps). For this step i can't give much details as I'm not too sure about lip products.

When you're out with make up!

Bring a oil blotter with you. Esp if u have oily skin, blot it so that your face won't look too oily. However, blotting is not good for skin. Only blot it if u have to.

Last but not least, u need to have a big enough make up pouch to store your make up.

Tips from Tina~!:

 1. Go to youtube for make up tutorial to have an idea of how you could utilise these make up products for optimal effect.
2. Most of my aformentioned products could be purchased from Watson & THE FACESHOP.
3. If u wanna try out make up products, u can head on to ION ORCHARD SEPHORA store. There are different brand of counters there for you to try out. Free and easy. Most importantly, no pesky sales assistant to "harass" u! lol. 
4. 1 important tip in applying make up: Always apply in upward motion, it helps to give your skin a lifted look and not saggy look, hence looking younger! But it clogs your pores easily, so at the end of the day u have to make sure your make up is cleanly cleared off your face. Repair/Take care of your skin with skin-care products. 
5: I usually use my hands to apply make up other than eyeshadow. That explains for why u dun see any brush introduced. However, if u want to be more professional and hygienic, u can go ahead with the brushes. But do take note, there are different brushes for diff parts of the face.
6. I know you might be thinking it cost a bomb to buy all of the aforementioned products. But for make up, u can start off with a concealer, foundation and blusher first if u are tight on budget. The rest can wait... haha.

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Here are some of my best make up looks over the years:


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This is really random. While i was flipping through my album for my make up looks, i found a few cam whore photos of me while i was doing relief teaching.. haha. I think i look a bit different from then (18 years old), i tink i m aging.. lol.


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