Confessions Of A Late Bloomer: January 2013

, by Unknown

Bellabox Singapore: January 2013 (CNY Themed Box)

Hello everyone! I wish all of us a very delightful Monday! My weekend was great, if you’d ask me. My husband and I went out last Saturday to see a movie and we really had so much fun. Then yesterday, we just stayed at home, he played Dota 2 while I read a book. It was a very peaceful and relaxing day. How about you guys? I hope your weekend was just as great!

***

Alright! Today’s blogpost is about my January Bellabox. I got mine on January 18^th and I’m excited to share with you what I got!

The theme of this month’s box is all about the upcoming CHINESE NEW YEAR. And for those of you who don’t have any idea what Chinese New Year is all about, it is a festivity of spring and renewal. It also signifies a new beginning and most Chinese believe it is essential to start the New Year off on a good note.

So here are the items I got from this month’s bellabox! Please note that these descriptions are exactly how they are written on the card that this box came with.

SKINMISO – PORE BEAUTY NOSE PACK (10pcs per box / S$27.90)

Hailing from Korea, the Skinmiso Nose Pore Beauty Nose pack will help you get rid of blackheads and whiteheads in the comfort of your own home. This 3-step system allows you to remove blackheads and whiteheads painlessly and effectively.

My Reaction: I’m super excited to try this simply because I haven’t tried any pore strips in the past. I’ll surely make a review of this product after my experience with it.

SLEEK MAKEUP – HIGH SHINE LIP GLOSS (7ml / S$15.90)

The Sleek Makeup High Shine Lip gloss is bursting with color. With its high-shine and non-sticky formula, it’s perfect for wear alone or over matte lipsticks for an extra touch of shimmer.

My Reaction: I don’t agree with what this product claims. It’s too sticky in my opinion and the color I got is a very faint baby pink color so how can it be bursting with color? Anyhoo, I’m still gonna try it out because I like the packaging and the fact that it’s small. In fact, it looks like a key-chain to me.

MACADAMIA NATURAL OIL - HEALING OIL TREATMENT (30ml / S$28.00)

The Macadamia Natural Oil - Healing Oil Treatment provides intense nourishment for tangle and frizz free hair. The results are ultra-smooth hair that is shiny and manageable. After use, drying time is significantly reduced and the life of the colored hair extended.

My Reaction: This is what excites me the most! I've been waiting for so long to try this product and I'm so glad that bellabox decided to send me a sample this time. I'll make a full-on review after probably a week of trying this out.

SKINFOOD - WATERY BERRY TONER AND EMULSION
(Toner: 160ml / S$41.90 ; Emulsion: 160ml / S$41.90)

The Watery Berry Toner and Emulsion contains Cloudberry and Lingonberry extracts that are excellent antioxidants. Along with Hyaluronic Acid, they work to penetrate deep within the skin to moisturize with a lightweight finish.

My Reaction: The full-sized price really shocked me there. I have never tried a product as costly as this. This better be an excellent skincare essential or else that S$41.90 will just be a waste of money. I can't wait to try these two out to see if it's worth all that money should I invest in it.

SKINFOOD SAMPLES! ^_^

SENTEURS D'ORIENT - ALMOND EXFOLIANT SOAP (110g / S$15.80)

The Almond Exfoliant Soap contains oat grain and wheat germ which gently exfoliates the skin while healing and massaging the skin's surface to remove impurities. Pure almond essential oil has been added to restore softness to the skin after exfoliation. Moisturizing and antioxidant. It is also rich in protein, vitamin E and provides moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

My Reaction: First, I didn't even guess that it's a soap. It looked more like an ornament to me. Second, the scent is too strong. I just really hope that it wouldn't smell that strong when I use it in the shower.

And here's my unboxing video. Enjoy!

Song at the end: There's Never You & Me (by: thelatebloomer11)
For more info about BellaBox, you can visit:
http://bellabox.sg/ (If you're in Singapore)
http://bellabox.com.au/ (If you're in Australia)

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Bellabox. I pay for this monthly subscription. All opinions are mine.

No comments

, by Unknown

BB cushion

REVIEW: KIEHL’S UTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM

PRODUCT: KIEHL’S UTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM

PRICE: I heard it costs somewhere between S$45-50

STORE: KIEHL'S

LOCATION: http://www.kiehlstimes.com/store_locator.php

PRODUCT CLAIMS: It is an oil-free, non-greasy and swiftly absorbed hydrating gel cream that will evidently diminish the presence of oil resulting to a more balanced skin. It does that by working with skin’s natural lipids to obviously lessen excess oil on skin’s surface. Its unique texture is rapidly absorbed by the skin leaving a dry feel. Some of its key ingredients that help with retaining moisture to skin and shielding it from the dry atmosphere are Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine, and Cucumber Fruit Extract.

JUDGMENT: A taste of this sample’s goodness already converted me into a total Kiehl’s believer!

OVERALL RATING: 4/5 hearts! (Because of its price...)

I got this sample from my fairy godmother, the wickermoss, and tried it right away. This is my first time to ever use a Kiehl’s product so I have no idea what to expect. I only know that the brand is known worldwide for its products' no fuzz and forthright packaging, unconventional marketing technique and its bizarrely large male followers.

When I first opened it and squeezed out a pea-sized amount of product, I got a little taken aback by its color and texture. Well, it’s color-free actually. It’s not how the usual gel cream, that I was accustomed to, appeared to be. Moreover, it's a little bit liquidy in my opinion. When I applied it to my face, I instantly felt a cooling and soothing sensation. And I was amazed by how quickly my skin absorbed it. It’s neither sticky nor greasy in my assessment. It felt smooth on my skin and it’s indeed very hydrating.

I only use it in the morning and I notice that it can visibly help in controlling the oil production in my face the whole day which for me is simply amazing. I am not sure if it’s odorless because there’s this weird faint scent that I can smell every time it gets absorbed into my skin. I don’t know exactly what it is but still, this product rocks!

I have yet to go to their store to purchase a full-sized version of this wonder product but in the meantime I’ll squeeze out all the content of this little sachet of goodness, up to its last drop!

No comments

, by Unknown

Brand: Kiehl's

The Wickermoss Strikes Again!

My fairy godmother surprised me again! I have mentioned about her in this blogpost but for any of you who’d like to know her better, just visit the wickermoss site and you’ll not only learn more about her, you’ll also fall in love with her personality and wit!

***

It was one Wednesday afternoon when I heard three loud knocks on the door. When I checked who it was, an auntie with a package stunned me. There’s no mistaking that the package was for me because a beautifully hand-written “ms. becca” together with my complete address was on it. I immediately signed the form as the auntie was also in a hurry and happily took the package from her. I knew right away that it’s from my fairy godmother, even if there’s no return address on it, as she’s the only one I can think of who, out of the blue, will send me something simply because she's sweet and generous. Nevertheless, I still sent her an SMS just to be sure if my guess was correct. And I was right!

SURPRISE! SURPRISE!

I excitedly tore open the package and the first thing I saw was this cute envelope with a little letter for me and a sample of Kiehl’s moisturizer, hahaha. She really knows me. I almost teared up out of happiness when I read her letter. It’s been a while since I got a letter from a friend. I have a bestfriend in the Philippines, her name is Sky. When we’re younger (college days) we used to write each other every week and exchange letters every Sunday at the church. I miss that. I miss her…

Weeee!!!!

I smell a new review coming up...

Going back to the package: she got me this sexy top and I was really giggling while closely examining it. She really has good taste and knows how to make me laugh.

Sexy and Flirty - RAWR!

It’s like she’s known me for years. She’s unbelievable! But the best thing about this package is this:

Isn't this the loveliest little thing?

I love angels! I used to collect small angel figurines when I was younger, and now that I thought about it, where did that collection go? Huh! I totally have no idea.

I am very thankful that I get to meet and know a person like her. She’s incredible. I admire her personality, her talent and her beauty. I don’t get the chance of meeting a lot of people every day and I just feel so blessed to have been given this privilege to not only know about her existence but also to have her as my dear friend. So, to my fairy godmother, THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU. J

No comments

, by Unknown

BellaBox

MAKE UP FOR EVER Exclusive Workshop

There were a lot of events in 2012 that I missed to blog about. Well, you know! Maybe, that’s why I’m called thelatebloomer, eh? Anyway, this entry is about a certain event in December 2012 that I totally missed to share with you – the super fab MUFE Workshop!

***

I only started with makeup at the start of 2011. I was 27 at that time. With that being said, I obviously have never attended any makeup workshop or any training whatsoever, so when a good friend told me about the Get Glam with the Pros! MAKE UP FOR EVER Exclusive Workshop for bellabox members, I instantly got overjoyed about it. Finally, a workshop! I attended the workshop together with my friend, Chona who is another beauty enthusiast.

A few minutes before the workshop started...

The workshop mainly focused on the use of their Holodiam 2012 collection to add that extra drama and glitter to an ordinary night makeup. The collection includes four shades of Holodiam powders and the Holodiam False Eyelashes - Eyes Set Like Jewels.

Every pot of Holodiam Powder is packed with a gleaming spectral of shimmering colors to instantly transform a simple smokey eyes into a dramatic eye look. It can turn a typical eye makeup to a glowing work of wonders. It can also be used to accentuate the cheekbones. We were taught in the workshop how to apply it using either a brush or our clean fingertips.

The model...

The workshop was held at the new MAKE UP FOR EVER new Academy & Pro Loft at 36 Armenian Street by National Trainer, Liza Haron. It is a 2-floor make up school and retail shop space with over 1,600 make up products being sold.

Me, Ms Liza Haron, Chona

Our teacher, Ms Liza Haron, the head of the Academy has 18 years of experience under her belt. She’s been with Make Up For Ever since 2002 and has been certified at MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy in Paris. The beautiful host at the workshop was Ms Sabrina who happens to be half-Filipina. If I may just add, she’s very pretty.

Chona, Ms Sabrine, Me! ^_^

After the training session on the second floor, we all went down to their retail shop to check on all their products. I was overwhelmed by all the different colors and glitters around me.

I tried one of the Aqua Rouge Liquid Lip Colors and BAM! ^_^

The workshop, by the way, was exclusive to bellabox members. We only had to pay S$30 to secure a seat. It's all worth it because I really had so much fun and I absolutely learned a few tips and tricks. Furthermore, the S$30 we paid for our seat was redeemable against MAKE UP FOR EVER products on the day of the workshop. So here's what I got for myself:

Aqua Rouge Liquid Lip Color in 02 - Rosewood

There was also a door gift worth S$30 which was handed to us the moment we stepped inside their shop. And oh! Their staff are all so friendly and very accommodating.

I've been using the UV PRIME since I got it and I love it!!!!

They also offer short courses which are really good for those aspiring makeup artists who would like to get some formal training and certification before applying for a position at let's say, Sephora or MAC. For more inquiries, you can drop by at their shop or call them. Here's their contact info:

MAKE UP FOR EVER The Academy & Pro Loft
36 & 38 Armenian Street
#01-06/#02-06
Singapore 179435
Tel: +65 6333 0678

No comments

, by Unknown

Makeup Tutorial

My Go-To Makeup Look Using Stila "In the Light" Eye Shadow Palette

No comments

, by Unknown

LIFE

A Friday Update!

No comments

, by Unknown

Brand: LUSH

REVIEW: LUSH AQUA MIRABILIS (An Unexpected Treatment to Kerastosis Pilaris)

Every time I watch what’s in my shower videos on YouTube I always come across lush products, and I always hear about Aqua Mirabilis – that it’s such a wonderful, effective exfoliating and moisturizing bar. And every time too, I feel like going to the lush store and actually buying it, only I never really did. Until I went to Kinokuniya on January 8th, the official release date of A Memory of Light, to purchase the book my husband was so dying to have. And because I was alone, I just was not able to resist taking a detour to Wisma where the lush store nestles. And there I was, having my very first lush purchase, and what did I buy? Surprise, surprise!

Product: LUSH Aqua Mirabilis

Price: 20 SGD

Store: LUSH
Location: Unit # B1-13, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877

Product Claims: It will let your skin experience that submerged shower massage. Its ground almond shells, blend of cocoa and almond butters are what’s going to give your skin that extraordinary treatment by stimulating your uneven bits and chafing away dead skin cells leaving your skin clear, moisturized but not greasy, soft and definitely smooth.

Judgment: I am a complete believer of what this product claims because that’s exactly what this bar amazingly did for me. I just really wish it can last longer than two weeks because I really love it!

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 hearts (due to its price and its very short life span)

I have only used it for a good one week and I have already consumed like two-thirds of it. Man! How I wish it could have been a tad bigger so that maybe it can last a little bit longer.

The first time I used it, I was surprised by how milky and a little bit sandy it was (both at the same time). Wow! I was not used to being exfoliated and moisturized at the same time and there I was having the time of my life! My first bath experience using it can be described in three syllables: Ah-Ma-Zing!

I like how it feels on my skin while I’m still inside and even outside the shower. The saleslady was not lying. It really is very moisturizing that I absolutely don’t need to put on any lotion afterwards. While in the shower, I can smell peanut butter and almonds and oh, it smells so yummy – I almost want to eat it!

The feel on my skin after taking a bath is just really great. My skin feels smooth and supple and moisturized and healthy! I also observed that in just one week of using it, my KP (Kerastosis Pilaris aka chicken skin) has unexpectedly vanished. I was like, “where did they go?” I only had it on some parts of my upper arms but after using this bar, those white bumps became utterly invisible. It is super awesome! Nobody told me that it can help treat the areas of the skin suffering from KP, but it did that to me. I’m totally repurchasing this!

The Downsides? First, let’s be honest here, it’s a little bit pricey. Second, it’s leaving some bits and brown residue on our bathroom floor tiles, which only means one thing: I have to clean the bathroom floor every day. That’s something I didn't have to do before I bought this exfoliating bar. Argh! And third, my husband said the scent it leaves on my skin actually smells (in his opinion) like candles instead of peanut butter, and I was like, “What?!!”